A Magical Summer Sojourn to WDW Last Pre Trip Installment Update 6/26 About This Page:

[statelady01]

Pre Trip Part 2: Plan, plan and plan some more.

The first issue was the air. Two hurdles that seemed as high as Expedition Everest. We needed a longer advance purchase window to hopefully, make the fares lower if we had to cover the difference- so that meant pushing the trip back two weeks. Okay, we can live with this. Hark who goes there? Astronomical amounts of money to arrive in Orlando, that’s who! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img] Seriously, even with the extra time for an advance purchase, flights to MCO were so high I would encompass the debt of a small nation to pay for the difference. Okay, maybe not quite that high but let me tell you it wasn’t just a few Disney Dollars.

Remembering ye golden rule of airfare pricing- one should always check alternate airports- I did just that. And true to form, just like last year when Kevan and I went for a long weekend, Tampa turns out to be a much cheaper alternate. Problem solved. Airfare switched even and WDW here we come!! This of course, means rental car land but I was actually delighted about this- it would be good to have our own wheels. I contemplated the convertible but after renting one last summer I began to recall how we baked in that vehicle thanks to the black interior. Eh, no thanks- it will be plenty hot enough. So I get a mid size through Alamo. Besides, didn’t really want to tote kids around in the convertible anyway- possible squish issues. (Have you seen the backseats? Hope you like your neighbors and have short legs!)

Okay, knowing what I know about how those resorts are filling up for June, I decide to go ahead and get something booked even though we aren’t sure ultimately where we want to stay. We considered whatever I could find available- quite a few deluxes and POR.

This was a really hard choice. I was just back from the Beach Club so I preferred to go elsewhere. Honestly, you wouldn’t think it would be so hard to choose but it was! I wanted more time to think about it and look at our $$. We got a room only reservation at Port Orleans Riverside in the meantime – if we ended up there, I would be totally delighted. I just wanted somewhere different, even if that meant departing from our beloved Polynesian.

It was at this point we were about ready to bust into the boys’ room and tell them the plans had changed. Just as we got to the door, I stopped and told Kevan, “let’s wait and surprise them.” And how RUDE, the man just started snickering. Snicker, snicker. Then he says, “Yeah right. Sure just like October last year.” Okay, okay, secrets are not my strong suit. ( I spilled the beans on a trip to Target about 2 days after we made our reservations, but I digress). This time I would have to wait less than a month- surely I can do this! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img] Here I write this pre trip installment at 4 days out and the secret is more than safe, it’s in the vault. (Seinfeld reference for my fellow Seinfeld fans- you know who you are!).

The first few days after I got most of the arrangements taken care of, I spent working out dining details. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] I learned one lesson last summer when Kevan and I spent that long weekend in July at Disney: Heat doesn’t agree with eat. In fact, we ate very little and drank tons of water instead. So I didn’t want to overplan but then again, I didn’t want to be out of luck either should we decide to want to eat alot. The pickins were slim my friends but somehow, I still managed to snag some good ADR’s: Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree, Sci Fi and Garden Grill to name a few. Also got a Chef Mickey’s ADR that’s so late we might as well napkin twirl in bed but we’ll give it a try anyway if we are so inclined. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

Coming Up Next: Just a few more changes.... and one last installment of the pre trip report!

[lauren-roxy]

Awesome places to eat Maureen!! Glad the secret is still safe!! Sorry we will miss you by a few weeks.

[DawnDenise]

Just getting caught up on your pre-trip. Gotta [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] a man that will suggest going to WDW on his own!! Good luck keeping the secret these last days! I know you can do it!

Good ADRs...have some of my favorites!!

[chezp]

I'm glad to hear the secret's still safe and hopefully it'll remain that way for a couple days more. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I'm sure it's going to be a great trip and I can't wait to hear the kids' reaction when you tell them. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[Jillybean]

Yeah! The secret is still safe! That is one of the best parts -- seeing their reaction! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Your ADRs sound wonderful!

Jill

[buzzspal2]

Great start Mo [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Maybe we will run inro each other. I got a late date with chef Mickey too, Next Saturday at 8PM.

[MAria R]

Great start and it is almost time. Hope you guys have a blast!!!

[LisaJ]

"It's in the vault". Yeah, right! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

Glad the airline ticket costs worked out!

[DrDolphin]

Good luck keeping the secret - the ADRs sound fantastic!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update Maureen! Glad you've kept the secret [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

I agree with you, heat means "no eat" for us as well [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

More please [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Tara O'Hara]

Great update, Maureen!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Being a newly born convertible freak, of course I had to skim over that part [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img], but other than that your plans sound fabulous and your dining choices are making me hungry! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/hungry.gif[/img]

[POOH]

Glad to hear the secret is still in the vault. Can't wait to hear how you tell them.

[luvnwdwgal]

Way to go with keeping the secret.....it is still a secret....right? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Have a wonderful trip!!! Looking forward to reading all about it! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[poohsgirl]

[ QUOTE ]
Heat doesn’t agree with eat.

[/ QUOTE ]
<font color="purple"> Hmmm...I wonder if that'll hold true when Matt sees his first opportunity for a Mickey Bar this trip![img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] </font>

[statelady01]

Pre Trip Part III

About two weeks later we had a little more money in the bank and found a good deal at the Wilderness Lodge. We debated that one a bit – especially since it was quite a bit more. Eh, let’s go for it. Good proximity to MK and we knew this would be a big help with only three days in the parks. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Cancelled POR; WL here we come. Kevan has never stayed there and I only have spent one night here so this is going to be a treat for both of us.

That was good for awhile and then this past Saturday (in between times I was thinking about a really close friend of mine marrying her Prince that day), we begin rethinking not staying at the Polynesian.[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img] Going back down to one room would be pretty cost saving, even with a change fee. Then we began thinking about the possibility of maybe getting to see one of the newly refurbished rooms. Hmm. Okay, so I wanted to try something different. I can do this- I’ll just request a different building this time. There. Poof. Something different! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] One quick call to CRO and now, the last change has officially been made!! And my DH, who started this whole thing anyway, is truly one happy camper. The Polynesian has, and always will be his vision of paradise. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] (Until one day when I can take him to Fiji for real- whenever that will be!) So now I have happy visions of Boutiki, Trader Jacks and the marvelous evening strolls among the tiki torches listening to the drums of the South Seas. Who am I kidding- it’s my paradise and happy place too!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img]

One other side note- thanks to professional development workshops (jeesh, did I tell you guys I am officially a kindergarten teacher now?) I have to attend mid July, my plans for celebrating my birthday at ‘OHana with my Twinkie and fellow Stitch lover Melissa (mestitch) had to be cancelled. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Not only that, I also had to cancel plans to celebrate Lynn’s 40th with her crew and Angie- I can’t tell you guys how sorry I am that I won’t be able to join you [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] but I’ll grab some pixie dust while we are there and send it your way- hope your trips are magical and I’ll be thinking about all of you guys when you make your way there soon after us.

I am very close to my 33rd birthday, so Kevan told me to pick one meal in which to celebrate it. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] Well, it won’t exactly be the same as my original plan as mentioned above, but breakfast with Stitch and the men in my life should make for some fun memories and potentially embarrassing photo opportunities. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/help.gif[/img]

Okay, so now all that remains is ticket buying which will be done at some point before we leave. Oh and the matter of breaking the news to these boys they are not headed to see Lincoln in stone but rather, Lincoln in audio-animatronic. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/whistling2.gif[/img]

Thanks Passporters, for voting and helping us decide on just how to surprise this amazing adventure on the smaller members of our touring group. The votes went for the flight attendant hand them a card scenario if that is a possibility. Eileen (caldercup) was an absolute gem and made us some lovely and clever cards in which to tuck those Disney Dollars in.

However, we have come up with yet another scenario that we think really takes the cake. It involves some acting on our parts (HS drama member here so this is right up my alley) and it keeps the kids ala clueless until after our arrival in Tampa. We weren’t sure we wanted it that way, but after a lot of thinking- we think it will be a little more fun. And I’ll keep it a surprise for you too- that way I can make sure you come back to this trip report when we get back. (gotta do that somehow) We are bringing our laptop with us so if I can, I’ll post live updates and a few pictures/mpegs of the surprised looks and hopefully, screams of joy from our kiddos.

Heavenly days, have I said enough for a pre trip report? I do believe I have. So with this massive and ridiculously detailed pre trip report done, here’s a final introduction to our crazy cast of characters:

Kevan Dad. Pirate adoring and roller coaster loving patriarch. Repeating positive affirmation chant of “ POTC could possibly be open, POTC could possibly be open” daily.

Maureen Mom, trip report author and the only female in this traveling bunch. May the force be with me. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/help.gif[/img]

Kevin Oldest DS. Kevin has Asperger’s so Disney is a bit of a challenge for him with regard to crowds. The GAC is always an option although I hope we can do okay without it. He makes the best air travel partner because he and I both get jittery enough we talk each other’s ears off.

Matthew Youngest DS. Mickey Bar fanatic. Still in the non roller coaster ride phase and a junior Disney freak, which makes him for sure genetically related to his parents. (there wasn’t any doubt about that though, that was mentioned purely for effect)

Aaron DBIL. Odd notion having a BIL who is 12, but that’s the way it worked out. Loves the roller coasters and is approaching WDW fanatic status- much to the dismay of Kevan’s mother. Insert evil laugh here.

Our wonderful daughters Emily and Katie are spending a long weekend with Nana (MIL) and will be treated to many cool things such trips out to eat every night, raiding Michael’s for all sorts of crafts to make and possibly a side trip to the Tulsa Zoo. Although I must say I will miss them- a lot. I’ve already warned Kevan not to say a word about $$ [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img] when we hit Once Upon A Toy- I’m bringing them back something good.

So there you have it, something just short of our life story and maybe a little overkill on a pre trip report but now you know the ins and outs of our next adventure. Hopefully, we won’t melt too much in the heat (although 10 or 15 pounds off would be fine- I have really packed on some weight this summer [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]) and be able to make the most of every second we have.

Trip report adjourned. For now, that is!!