You have GOT to be kidding me!! The Live Version

[Hsminnie]

The entire cast (introduced here however some to figure more prominently in future installments)

Me 40, Disney nut like you all, currently in a haze of pixie dust
DH 45, comes along for the ride as long as he can see his children happy
TP1 Teen Princess!! 15 going on....well, you know. She's either playing happily with her sisters or holed up in her room on the evil cell phone
TP2 13 going on 11, but definitely developing the TP 'tude. She's actually part Tigger
KP 7, fabulous and knows it. Surprisingly unemcumbered by the 'big head' though.
BF1 15, best friend to TP1
BF2 16, other best friend to TP1





Where to begin? Yeah, yeah, at the beginning.

Phase 1:

TP1 was turning 16 in a few months. DH and I discussed a brew haha, several gift options and a car. We nixed the car and presented her with a humongous party or a trip of her choice for she, a parent and 2 friends. She chose a few options and then we discovered that had she believed it was a choice (read 'affordable') she would have immediately picked WDW. That's my girl!! We let her know it WAS a choice and plans began. Of course, I would have to be the parent. It was a sacrifice to give up my time to go to WDW but honestly, won't we do ANYTHING for our kids?

TP1 turns 16 on July 10th. We had to do some shuffling because we were flying on airline miles so we actually leave that day and will return July 15th. BF1, BF2 and I will be telling everyone who will listen it is her birthday all day. Should be fun! Our flight is at 6:40am so we have to do something to stay awake. Another kicker is, both BFs are Disney virgins!!! Megan and I get to show them everything for the first time! We have WAY too much planned!!! I am definitely taking the camcorder.

So, sometime in March I contacted a TA (can I say her name and agency?) and she is now my favorite person ever. Plus, she's inspired me to pursue a career as a Disney TA. Anyhow, she hooked us up with an AllStar Music room (Megan's choice) preferred building so we don't have to hike in that heat. Bleck. We haven't stayed in an AllStar before, so this should be fun. We did do Pop Century 2 years ago, so I imagine it will be similar.

Of course, I ordered my passporter and waited impatiently for it to arrive. Something all of those blank lines neatly filled in, in pencil, is comforting. I don't need the book part but it comes together so it's all good.


Phase 2 but not really because it died

Because I am such a fabulous mother I felt sorry for TP2 and KP and needed to provide them a Disney fix. After working on DH for much less time than it used to take (they all come over in the end ) we decided to take the whole family in December. Yes, we pull our kids from school for family vacations. You do your thing, I'll do mine

I planned and emailed and we worked flights and then DH went and did IT. He started adding. Somehow his brain didn't process cost when I originally asked about the trip. He caught up. Trip cancelled. But he's right. I hate that

 

[Hsminnie]

I'm backtracking to Phase 1. I do not seem to have the flow down yet.

Before the December trip died I felt the need to order a deluxe Passporter. I mean, why keep buying all these books when I could get ONE book and then refills. Plus, the aforementioned December trip meant that I would not have had enough pages in the original Passporter to plan both vacations. That is NOT cool. Deluxe Passporter ensued.

Ok, totally unnecessary deluxe Passporter in hand, I began to to plan. Sadly, TP1 is not fully indoctrinated and could care less about the planning with a few exceptions. (I know, I've failed her) She really wanted ASMusic (piano pool) and she has a cocktail dress she didn't get to wear to homecoming so she wanted a fancy meal. I admit, I tried to do Victoria and Albert's. What a thrill! Menus with names and fancy food we couldn't pronounce! But V&A's x 4 = OUCH!! So I gave the TA a list and she got Jiko's for us. All the reviews are amazing so here we go!!

We have to go to the Crystal Palace. It is a family tradition even she insists on. Teen tude and all she let's loose at WDW. People keep saying "3 TEENAGERS????!!!!! Are you INSANE???" But this group will be a blast. They will ride rides but they will wander shops, stand in line for character pics and take afternoon swim/naps too. Plus, MK will be open until 2am twice while we are there and it will be nice to have kids old enough to go. (TP1, TP2 and I went last year until 12am but that was all TP2 could take.)

Ok, the plan. This will look like too much dining, but I have purposefully overbooked. And yes, I do call and cancel my AR when I know we won't use it so they aren't turning folks away, I promise.

7-10

Arrive MCO at 12:39
ASMusic - in room ~3 hopefully
Lunch at Intermission
Either pass out (we have to get up at 4am to travel and no way any of us sleep the night before) OR go to Downtown Disney
Dinner at DD or Intermission

7-11

Wake up whenever (that should probably be the TR title )
Grab something small at Intermission or skip it if we get up late
Head to MK
Early lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
Head back to room to dress @ 3pm
Leave for Jiko 4:30pm
Jiko AR 5:35pm (Do you think 1 hour is enough to get from ASMusic to TTC to AKL?)
Change - then back to MK
Snacks @ MK if necessary

7-12

Wake up whenever (not TOO whenever)
Chef Mickey's for late breakfast
DHS or DD
Tea at the Garden View Lounge 3:40pm
DHS
late dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe
DHS

7-13

Up by 8
Head to MK 9:30am
Crystal Palace 10:30am (it's the perfect time because you can get breakfast AND lunch on the buffets yummmm
EPCOT
Snack and shop around WS for lunch (IF we are even hungry)
Back to MK 7:30pm
Plaza Restaurant 8:30 (hoping for a terrace table to see Wishes. Anyone do this?)
Hang out at MK

7-14

Wake up whenever
Head to AK
Early lunch at Rainforest Cafe
Play at AK
Back to hotel to swim (it is HOT in the AK!!!!)
Late dinner in Tusker House
Close AK

7-15

Wake up by 9am
Finish packing and take suitcases to front desk to store
Intermission for breakfast/lunch
DD or just hang out
ME to airport at 2pm

Well?

 

[Hsminnie]

At the risk of appearing sadly uninteresting I shall press on

Phase 1 extras:

Since the child is getting the coolest birthday present EVER there won't be much in the way of 'gifts' from the 'Mom, Dad, siblings' crew. I'll let the younger ones get her something small and a card. DH, since they are girls and OWN him will probably tell me to give her something. It's gonna ba a card!

She does have a tiara to wear to Jiko (yes, it's pre-approved) and I will probably do something small ($10 or $20 gift card) for her and BFs when we go to Downtown Disney. Not sure about that yet. She is of course getting the birthday button and TA is/has notified all eateries it is her 16th birthday. I'm unsure about the cake because all the restaurants seem to have such cool desserts.

Now, SOMEONE has to respond to me on this one. Please! Do I try to squeeze a trip to the Adventure Club into this itinerary. If we go to the early show is it truly PG or better rated? It looks like so much fun!! Help me guys.

We will also be having her family party the Monday before we leave. Her grand/greatgrandparents always give $ so she wants to take it on the trip. Well, actually, she wants to use it FOR the trip. Can you believe she wants to spend it at the MALL???? She could shop at DD or WS or MK and she wants the MALL!!!! It's disheartening really.

Thus ends Phase 1. For now. Phase 2 begins to reveal the reason for my title. I still can't believe this is happening. It isn't all that unusual here, but it is for me!!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Hey Christy! Glad you started a report, I'm here!

On the going to Jiko. Instead of ASMu to TTC to AKL I would suggest either:

1. ASMu to AK and then hop a bus to AKL
or
2. Take a cab

Going aaaaalllll the way to TTC and then aaaaaalllll the way to AKL in the opposite direction seems like way too much time to me.

What a great gift for your DD, and to bring friends! You are going to have a blast and she'll always remember this trip I am sure!

Nice ADR choices! It sounds great!

And bummer on December. Don't you hate when DH's do math? That is never a good thing.

And you can name who you use for a TA I believe, I always do!

Allyson

 

[Hsminnie]

Allyson,

Thanks for the reply and the advice! And congrats on the TV! WooHoo!!

Well, I guess it's just you and me here so I will keep at it if for no other reason than the experience

Christy

 

[Disneychix]

I would also suggest going to AK and then hopping on a bus. If she is planning on wearing the cocktail dress I'd rec a cab. It shouldn't be more than $20.

You have a lot planned for such a nice birthday treat! Maybe I'll come and live with you!

Oh, and can we please see pics of the tiara!

 

[Hsminnie]

Phase 2: What, seriously?

I have 3 daughters (duh) and am planning to take each of them on a little 'vacation', as puberty begins, to discuss things. We have very strict rules on dating and I have some resources I bring to try and explain our decision so that even if they do not agree they fully understand where we are coming from. Plus, I have to dispell all the foolishness they hear in school. Anyway, a 'trip' makes it seem special, just 'Mom and Me' time.

TP1 had hers right after her 12th birthday. She is a good girl and chose WDW . TP2 has had hers continually postponed for one reason or another and she is now 2 months past her 13th birthday. Not good. So DH and I decided she needed it NOW. Unfortunately, no WAY will this one pick WDW. She loves it when we get there but could care less when we are not. (Like father like daughter ) We go around and she finally decides on a 3 day Bahama cruise. Of course I immediately think Disney but I also know it is 2x more than the deal I can get on RCCL. (I experienced Carnival one time. It was like a bad Holiday Inn and Denny's. Pass) Then, Disney releases sales. I found a crazy deal that was only $100/person more than RCCL!! C'mon, that's worth it! Right?

So I email Keri. My trusty TA from Mouse Fan Travel. She really is my favorite person. I hope someone is paying her well!

She does some checking and finds me the rate. But I waited too long and lost it. Then she does pretty well again and our dates change. We were going to homeschool TP2 next year but decided she may be going back to Jr. High which means the cruise we chose would cause her to miss the first 3 days. Now, you know I have no problem pulling kids for vacations, but not the first 3 days. So we have to switch.

She checks August for me and things get WAY more expensive. Then, she tells me a Cat 7 is only $400 more. Total. Seriously, I have to, don't I? We've already shot the budget and DH is at this point thrilled he cancelled December

So, we are now scheduled to sail August 7, 2008 on the Disney Wonder. Plus, TP2 is excited about it being Disney. Turns out this is just enough mouse to make her happy!! And to top it all off, we got cabin 7620 which is apparently a Cat 7 which used to be a Cat 6 or something. Having never been on a Disney ship all I know is that the folks on wdwinfo.com who have been in this cabin think it's great for the price.

At this points my summer is looking pretty good!!! I won't post anymore about our plans since it's a cruise. I just needed to give credence to the title. More ahead.

 

[MomofCKJ]

I love your thinkin' in planning these special trips with each child! I told my kids they get a Mom and Me trip when they turn 12. My oldest will be next August (2009). I figure it guarantees me 3 trips to the Mouse in the next few years! LOL! Ulterior motives for sure!

That is great, I bet the cruise will be wonderful!

Allyson

 

[Hsminnie]

Hi DisneyChix, thanks for coming!


How on earth do I add a picture? When I click on the add image icon it just leaves a URL in the post.

 

[DISchick]

This sounds like so much fun...you are making great memories!
Pictures are hard for me, too...there should be instructions in the FAQ somewhere on the DIS.
Can't wait to hear more of your planning. Your adventure(s) awaits!

 

[Hsminnie]

Well guys you will have to be 'picture free' until DH comes back from Denver in 2 1/2 weeks. It all reads like Greek to me!

 

[Hsminnie]

Thanks for posting guys, makes me feel better!

Phase 3: I am SUCH a child!!!

So TPs 1 and 2 are now headed to Disney over the summer. The 7 year old, KP, has not, I repeat NOT, said a word about 'where is my trip'!!!! Not one!! So of course I am having horrible pangs of guilt and begin to see what I can do about it. (I really think I need a Planner's Anonymous group) It dawns on me that Mr. Doesn't Really Care if He Goes is missing out as well. And I certainly shouldn't be going again. Right?

I would have planned for summer but DH is planning gastric bypass surgery for late August. He does NOT want to go to WDW like he is, again, so we try for KP's 8th birthday which is in November. We always celebrate birthdays 'whenever' so them being gone on the day won't matter. It will, however, matter in WDW So I email Keri. (I have decided I am her FAVORITE client. Honestly, she must cry a little when she sees my name in the 'Inbox' )

I should mention that I have had Keri price pretty much every combination of room and view and dining plan known to man for all 3 trips!!! She rocks.

Back to Abby. Once she is told about her trip she goes nuts. She is SO happy she gets to go see Pooh!! We go to the Crystal Palace every trip.....it's a tradition. Then we begin hotel shopping. Can you believe, based on internet pics, this kid rejects everything but the Coronado Springs? After reading about how spread out it is I know DH will not be happy we. Currently Keri is checking AllStars for me. We'll see.

This all takes place in late April. I think. Anyway, I made it about 2 days before jealousy raged in me It's TERRIBLE!!! But, I wanted to go. Selfish? Duh! But there it is. So I shamelessly begin dropping hints. DH is like "ok" but seems sad. Turns out he thought I wanted to go INSTEAD of him! KP would never have tolerated such a thing. She does, however, want me to come along. She just thought it would be too expensive! SCORE!!

I am a great big Disney trip baby and have now weaseled my way into 3 trips in 4 months!! I am ill.

But wait!!!!!!!

 

[Hsminnie]

Phase 4: You have GOT to be kidding me

I decide I want to be Keri. Well, not really, but I want to be a Disney TA. I begin the research and am told, much to my horror, that I need more experience!!! I was so upset. How can I get more experience? We live in OH and airfare for 5 people (we've been using free miles for all the aforementioned trips) is expensive.

Enter DH. Who loves me dispite my illness. He says "Take a different kid each time so it'd be fewer people. For that matter, go by yourself." Which is when I found Allyson's thread and thought "hhmmmm"

THEN he says "But you'll need to stay in ALL the hotels at least once." and I say "Wow. A night in the Grand Floridian? That would be amazing!" and he says "Not one night. You'd need at least two to see how things work."

So you see, you really have got to be kidding me. I am the luckiest girl in the world and I don't even believe in luck!!!

This is long but I had to get it in print to believe it is actually happening. I will post trip reports later even if it's just for me.

 

[MomofCKJ]

That is so cool! A Disney TA sounds like a dream job to me! All the best to you in your quest to become one! Are you a regular TA already and want to focus on Disney? Or is this going to be a completely new career for you?

Allyson

 

[Hsminnie]

Completely new. I know it isn't an overnight venture, but I also know it would be a great fit for me. I love to plan Disney trips, I know a lot about Disney (not nearly everything though ) and I am good with people. It's a new idea, but I am excited to begin. Especially if my current training assignment is to go to WDW more!!!!

 

[cjhinch]

Wow, I wish you had been my Mom when I was a teenager!! And trying to become a Disney TA.....how exciting!! I'm in.....I will be here reading your report!

 

[ForeverDance]

Just dropping in to say loving the report so far and can't wait to hear more.

 

[Hsminnie]

Thanks guys, but now I need some feedback on my plans. Did I mention that BF1 and BF2 are Disney first timers?? SO much pressure!! And only 4 1/2 days fun time to make it happen.

Here is our current list of must sees: (I'll abbreviate)

MK
Jungle Cruise (I am always the only person in the boat who thinks it's funny!! What is wrong with people?? )
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pooh
Peter Pan
Small World
The Mountains
Haunted Mansions
Laugh Floor
Afternoon parade (NEVER seen the whole thing)
Philharmagic
Mouse houses
railroad
Buzz
TTA if the line isn't too long - it's a nice rest
Enchanted Tiki Room
Wishes
Most of the other stuff IF we have time

We will try to save as many of the truly popular rides until later at night since we weill getting to the park so late. We will want pictures in front of the castle and I will want to camcord the sheer wonder of it all for the girls. We WILL NOT be riding Astro (Death Trap) Orbiter as it tried to kill TP1 and I last year. I'll tell you about it sometime.


EPCOT

Preface by saying there is a LOT we haven't done at EPCOT.

Soarin' (But not me. Gives me vertigo. How much does THAT suck?!!)
HISTA
Mission:Space (Not me again. Claustrophobia)
Spaceship Earth
Ellen
Figment (Which is really dumb. But we like it )
The 'dancing fountain'
Illuminations - we always snag a table early at the Mexico counter service. We're at churros about the time it begins

We are going to try to get to other stuff this trip Guess I DO need more experience!!


DHS

We have done almost nothing here so I guess the whole park is a must see!!


AK

ITTBAB
rapids
safari
everest
bird show
lion king
Finding Nemo

We've never been on the walking tours so would like to try that as well. Dinoland is pretty much a pass for us.

This should keep us busy for a few days!!

 

[Hsminnie]

C'mon ya'll, it's getting close. I need info about taking the girls to the Adventurer's Club and feedback on my "What Not to Miss" list.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!

 

[Hsminnie]

Hopefully this will be the last change before we leave next week!!!

I was able to upgrade us to the Wilderness Lodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only time we've been here was 6 years ago on the last night of an exhausting but wonderful trip. All I remember was the nice CM at WCC who took us seriously when we told her we wanted as much peace and quiet for ourselves and the sleeping 2 year old in the stroller as possible. Can't wait to go there rested and ready to party!!!