The Little Trip That Could-- PartI: Pre-PTR for our Upcoming Holiday Adventure! About This Page:

[PrincessSharon]

Congrats!

[jhoshowski]

Congratulations on being officially booked!!

[SouthernBelle]

Mel,

Just caught up with your TR, what a great start to a great trip, congrats on being booked WAHOOO that is a wonderful feeling....

Hurry back with more updates, I am waiting patietly

[tinkz]

Congrats on booking. When you put that deposit down, it really gives you something to look forward to. When we book our trip for Sept we had 300+ days. Now we are down to 189 days. Next week we can make our ADR's which is really exciting. Sometimes it just feels like when your waiting for your trip that time doesn't more fast enough. Can't wait to hear more plans.

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Congrats

Thanks!

Originally Posted by mcc0313

So sorry about Liam... glad he is feeling better though
Loved your birthday decorations...Happy Birthday to you both!!!
The cake was amazing...you mother is truly talented.
Loved the toaster and waffle maker....every house needs the Disney touch. I love the idea of waking up and having some Mickey toast to start me day....(which would go perfect with a Mickey coffee maker....see hints for Christmas....lol)

So happy on putting down the deposit today....it's Official "YOU ARE HEADING BACK TO DISNEY....YEAH"

I really did have a great bday! Just wish I didn't have to spend so much money this weekend, although I am so happy Liam is fine.

Originally Posted by KandJluvdisney

yeah
congrats
I am so so happy for you
you are sp going to have to let us know all your plans - caus I know you have some already girl
hurry on back

I have a little list in my head of all the questions I need to ask but I have to sit and have the time to make a really update--- soon soon soon!

Originally Posted by amandal

Isn't it a great feeling????? Hope you are back soon with some more details and maybe even some ADR ideas or an itinerary!! Also, does Rob know? Or are you just gonna work it in ala Parenthood (the movie) "We're going to Disney for Thanksgiving - Pass the Potatoes." Let us know how everything works out.

I am going to try and orgainze my thoughts later so you better be back on tonight to help me! lol! I am just waiting until Rob feels like he is back on his feet. He hasn't gotten paid yet becasue they hold the checks at his new job for 3 weeks! Once we get over the double big ticket money spent this last week (we bought a treadmill about 3 days before we shelled out that $500 to take Liam to the animal hospital) and he is feeling financially secure I am going to break it to Rob, and my mom (I planted a seed with her the other day so it will all go over well).

Originally Posted by scdisneyfan

YAY! Congrats! I know we just booked a few weeks ago. I was so nervous and still will feel that way until its fully paid for. We bought our plane tickets too so i feel its much more offical. Glad to hear liam is back to normal*L* Well if he is anything like my dog was it will only last until the next bath hahaha.....
Yeah i'd love to have that coupon for the crocs....just pm me with it when you get time.
My best friend is a teacher and i know that time comes sparingly well until snow days start hitting then she has all the time in the world*L*

I know how you feel but we are waiting on the Jet Blue flight schedule (due out next month) before we find out if we are going to fly in Tues night or Weds morning. I can't wait to have our flights booked and be getting ready to pay my balance!!!!!

Originally Posted by Kenny

YAY!! You're Booked!!!!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Congrats!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by jhoshowski

Congratulations on being officially booked!!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by SouthernBelle

Mel,

Just caught up with your TR, what a great start to a great trip, congrats on being booked WAHOOO that is a wonderful feeling....

Hurry back with more updates, I am waiting patietly

Thanks! I am going to come back soon (hopefully tonight)!

Originally Posted by tinkz

Congrats on booking. When you put that deposit down, it really gives you something to look forward to. When we book our trip for Sept we had 300+ days. Now we are down to 189 days. Next week we can make our ADR's which is really exciting. Sometimes it just feels like when your waiting for your trip that time doesn't more fast enough. Can't wait to hear more plans.

Wow, you really are moving along! You guys go the same time every year right- September? I can't wait until I am approaching my 180 days!!!

[MyRapunzal]

Oh and to all who might be able to use it...

There are two coupon codes that currently seem to work for Free Shipping from Crocs.com
I have used the first one 3 times (I had to do an exchange) and a girl I work with gave me the second one! Enjoy!

crocsavp08
yoga08

[tammyd_rn]

Mel, glad that Liam is feeling better even if he did give you the cold shoulder.

Your mom did a great job with the Ratouille cake. How fun to have an adult Disney birthday party.

Yeah, a deposit made. I love Amandal idea about dropping the bomb. "Oh yeah we are going to Disney tomorrow, please pass the potatoes". I would love to drop that bomb on my MIL.

[DyanKJ130]

Originally Posted by MyRapunzal

I have to say-- mickey toaster is not so good for frozen waffles-- but I will eat half toasted waffles for a very long time to hear that cute little song every morning!

I have to admit we rarely use it. (We find the toaster oven suits our needs better than a toaster....my mom knew that when she purchased the toaster to begin with )I think the last time I used it was to toast the bread for the stuffing over Thanksgiving. to hear it's not toasting the waffles all the way through.

[scdisneyfan]

Thanks for the coupon! Never had crocs so this should be interesting hmmmm....so i meant to ask you did you see beauty and beast on broadway???? it seems like i remember you saying that somehwere....i am dying for them to bring that a bit closer to me!
Yeah i was thinking last night how to move money/savings around and pay this trip off. I was thinking with Bush's stimulus check i will definitely have it all paid off. Good luck on those plane tickets. I know when we saw them at 175 a piece we jumped on them.

[BelmontBelle]

Congrats on booking your trip, it's such a great feeling to have it be official!

Your party looked great, I love the picture of the three guys with their chef hats on what good sports! The cake was awesome, I wish I could decorate a cake like that! Great presents too, lucky girl!

I'm glad Liam is doing better.

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by tammyd_rn

Mel, glad that Liam is feeling better even if he did give you the cold shoulder.

Your mom did a great job with the Ratouille cake. How fun to have an adult Disney birthday party.

Yeah, a deposit made. I love Amandal idea about dropping the bomb. "Oh yeah we are going to Disney tomorrow, please pass the potatoes". I would love to drop that bomb on my MIL.

LOL! Rob does know that I want to go AND that I plan to go... but the less harassing the better, especially when he is feeling a financial crunch. I drop hints often that I want to go back soon and Thankgiving and all, he just isn't ready for it to be official yet!

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

I have to admit we rarely use it. (We find the toaster oven suits our needs better than a toaster....my mom knew that when she purchased the toaster to begin with )I think the last time I used it was to toast the bread for the stuffing over Thanksgiving. to hear it's not toasting the waffles all the way through.

LOL... I love Toaster Ovens! They are so much more practical... however we don't have the counter space for both so its always a Mickey Mornin here!

Originally Posted by scdisneyfan

Thanks for the coupon! Never had crocs so this should be interesting hmmmm....so i meant to ask you did you see beauty and beast on broadway???? it seems like i remember you saying that somehwere....i am dying for them to bring that a bit closer to me!
Yeah i was thinking last night how to move money/savings around and pay this trip off. I was thinking with Bush's stimulus check i will definitely have it all paid off. Good luck on those plane tickets. I know when we saw them at 175 a piece we jumped on them.

I did see B&tB on Broadway-- last summer before it went off. I forced Rob to go with me, he had no choice! haha! But we both loved it. Its actually coming to a dinner theatre nearby soon and I want to try and convince him to take me back! I am sure it will come your way soon!
I am def alotting my $600 towards Disney... especially since it seems up in the air as to when we will get it-- the news said early summer... the other teachers I work with say the range is July-September based on the last 2 digits of your SSN. Either way mine is paying for half our trip! lol!

Originally Posted by BelmontBelle

Congrats on booking your trip, it's such a great feeling to have it be official!

Your party looked great, I love the picture of the three guys with their chef hats on what good sports! The cake was awesome, I wish I could decorate a cake like that! Great presents too, lucky girl!

I'm glad Liam is doing better.

Thanks! I am so happy Liam is doing good too! We are a bit goofy every now and again!

[MyRapunzal]

Okay, so we are booked with official deposit and I finally feel like my plans are moving along! Yay!

My 180 day out date is May 29th.

Sure that seems far away... but is it? Thats like only a little more than 2 months away.... and I have a bunch of questions to sort out before I pick my ADRs and my Tour. So, that's where the lot of you come in! Help!!!

1. Holiday Happenings
Now, it looks like due to the busy weekend their will be no MCMCP, which I am fine with and the Candlelight Proc won't have started yet. Are there any other park holiday happenings I should be aware of? Will Osborne Lights be open yet? Suzy (my TA) says that everything will be decorated by then and I loved the decor when we went in January but do any of the parks feature anything we should be sure to check out?

2. ADRs
We will be in Disney for 5-6 days. I have a few places picked out so far. Our last night I want to go to 1900 Park Fare for the Cinderella dinner there (can't wait to meet Prince Charming and the evil steppies) and either before or after our ADR time I am going to schedule the GF photographer session. I also want to book Hollywood Brown Derby with the FDP, and I will probably pay OOP so I can do a breakfast one morning. I realllly want to try OHanas. What do you think? I also want to try France and I think Rob wants to return to Canada. Any input? I could live without Le Cellier but I love World Showcase and we have been pretty much everywhere else. Any reviews or tips?

3. Tours
I mentioned this earlier and got a little input. Anyone ever been on the Epcot World Showcase Segway tour? I really want to try this but think Rob would be hesitant. Anyone been with hubby? I need something to convince him. Or a suggestion for another tour. I budgeted in either tickets to MVMCP or a Tour so I would like to take advantage. I dont want to do anything over like 3 hours.

4. Calendars
Will the November calendars be released soon? How far in advance does Disney release their park calendars? And does anyone know how far in advance Jet Blue releases their flight schedules? I spent my early airfare fund at the animal hospital and so I have to wait until I get paid. Gina (thanks girl) found a really great departure flight and I am going to jump on it if I can but I might have a free round trip flight from Jet Blue by then.

5. Actual Crowds
Everything I read puts crowd levels around that of summer (busy summer, not late Aug summer). Is this accurate? Anyone have the ability to compare like July crowds with Thanksgiving whose been both times? just curious...

6. Temperature/Dress
How cool will it get in November in Orlando? When we went in Jan we had morning temps in the 70s which reached into 80s and during a warm snap 90s. Is this what I should expect? Is November rainy at all?

7. Getting in Shape
Any tips on how to get in shape for our trip? I need to lose wieght so bad and I have dont nothing but gradually gain since college. I really want this to be the year I turn things around. I just love me some carbs and refined sugars! lol! I just got a treadmill and I have been drinking a lot of water but not seeing much results.


In any case, today is Rob's birthday and I have to check the cupcakes I am making him. After dinner we are going to dye Easter eggs (and I gotta see who gets eliminated off of American Idol tonight)... but I will try and get back on here later!

Can't wait to hear everyones thoughts! I am so happy to be in the "beginning" of the planning process! Yay!



Next Up
:::::My Early Itinerary:::::

[DELG8TOR]

Originally Posted by MyRapunzal

I am def alotting my $600 towards Disney... especially since it seems up in the air as to when we will get it-- the news said early summer... the other teachers I work with say the range is July-September based on the last 2 digits of your SSN. Either way mine is paying for half our trip! lol!


Thanks! I am so happy Liam is doing good too! We are a bit goofy every now and again!

This is direct from the IRS site!!!! So depending on how you have your tax refund sent to you will determine how you get your rebate money. You also have to make sure that you file your taxes for this year on time. If not then the rebate money will be delayed!

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits:
Payment will be transmitted:
00 through 20
May 2
21 through 75
May 9
76 through 99
May 16

PAPER CHECK

Last two SSN digits:
Payments will be mailed by:
00 through 09
May 16
10 through 18
May 23
19 through 25
May 30
26 through 38
June 6
39 through 51
June 13
52 through 63
June 20
64 through 75
June 27
76 through 87
July 4
88 through 99
July 11

[DELG8TOR]

Originally Posted by MyRapunzal

1. Holiday Happenings
Now, it looks like due to the busy weekend their will be no MCMCP, which I am fine with and the Candlelight Proc won't have started yet. Are there any other park holiday happenings I should be aware of? Will Osborne Lights be open yet? Suzy (my TA) says that everything will be decorated by then and I loved the decor when we went in January but do any of the parks feature anything we should be sure to check out?
The last 2 times we were in the world was arrival on Black Friday and departure the following Saturday. We were able to go tp MVMCP but I am not sure waht day of the week it was on. You may be right and they do not have it on the first weekend of the season. As far as all the other decorations, Everything should be decked out for the holidays.
2. ADRs
We will be in Disney for 5-6 days. I have a few places picked out so far. Our last night I want to go to 1900 Park Fare for the Cinderella dinner there (can't wait to meet Prince Charming and the evil steppies) and either before or after our ADR time I am going to schedule the GF photographer session.
I would go for the photo session before dinner. just give yourself some extra time. If you opt for after dinner, you may be more relaxed after a few drinks and a full stomach but you should bring some extra clothing just in case there is an accident at the table...

5. Actual Crowds
Everything I read puts crowd levels around that of summer (busy summer, not late Aug summer). Is this accurate? Anyone have the ability to compare like July crowds with Thanksgiving whose been both times? just curious...

I didn't think the crowds were too bad when we went.
6. Temperature/Dress
How cool will it get in November in Orlando? When we went in Jan we had morning temps in the 70s which reached into 80s and during a warm snap 90s. Is this what I should expect? Is November rainy at all?
November temps are the same as what you experienced in Jan for the most part. It all depends on if a front moves through while you are there. The last time we were there we wore shorts and sweatshirts in the morning and then put them back on in the evening. We were fine with that.
7. Getting in Shape
Any tips on how to get in shape for our trip? I need to lose wieght so bad and I have dont nothing but gradually gain since college. I really want this to be the year I turn things around. I just love me some carbs and refined sugars! lol! I just got a treadmill and I have been drinking a lot of water but not seeing much results.
Join the Challenger group here on the boards and start tracking what you eat. I have only been doing this for a few weeks and I have lost 13 pounds so far.... As long as you are mindful of what you are eating and track everything you will do fine. Throw in a little exercise and the pounds will start falling off...

Good luck!

[KandJluvdisney]

mel,

I can only help you with food as we have never been in nov before - or done a tour - Ohana's is awsome and a must do for us every trip - the fruit is super fresh and the juice is delicious - I would give it a shot - I don't think that you will be disappointed - I am actually with rob on trying france - chef's de france sounds just great and we will be trying it on a future trip for sure
as for losing weight - I have lost about 20 pounds just watching what I eat - I eat 3 balanced meals a day and watch my snacks - the 100 calorie pack snacks are my very best friends. I also walk every day during the summer and when it starts getting warmer out I will start walking again - I also cut out coffee from my diet completely -instead I drink one iced tea a day with splenda. I would use the treadmill and just watch what you eat. Oh and I do have a wicked sweet tooth so sometimes it is hard but I want to maintain what I have accomplished
good luck - hope I could help