5/29 - 6/8/02 Comfort Inn LBV Master Matt's Disney Adventure (and his mom went too!) About This Page:

[Ursunique2001]

Cast Members:
Ursula- 32 year old soon to be new college graduate on 5/5/02(Accounting and Finance associate degrees), mother, provider, and financier (with Gods help) of this great Disney Adventure!
Master Matthew - 9 year old celebrating his birthday at Disney which is actually in October but oh well..... My little sweetheart who almost didn’t make it on this trip.

Reason for this trip: To celebrate Matthew's birthday, to celebrate my graduation and just because we loved Disney so much that we had to do it again.

3 months (or 91 days, 17 hours, 6 minutes and 39 seconds but whose counting) to go........It
seems like I should be doing something so here goes.

Okay so far I’ve made my PS’s for Breakfast at Donald’s Breakfasaurus and 1900 Parkfare Restaurant; Lunch at Corel Reef in EPCOT; and Dinner at Chef Mickey’s (CR), and 1900 Parkfare Restaurant. I still have to make PS’s for dinner at Crystal Palace (MK) and breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table (MK). Right now I have specific days for specific parks and meals but this is subject to change depending on whether I am able to secure a PS for the coveted CRT on the day that I want it. I have checked my flights and for the most part they are still very close to the original times. I booked them in September 2001, I know this is quite early but I had a discount coupon from Student Advantage and I just couldn’t beat the price of $147.81 for each round-trip, non-stop ticket. My flights were originally departing 6:20 a.m. from PHL on May 29th and returning flight was departing at 9:15 p.m. from MCO. Now I am leaving PHL 10 minutes earlier and leaving MCO 15 minutes later. Not bad so far, but I know between now and then they are still subject to change.

I am bubbling with anticipation. I just can’t wait to get back to Disney. Nobody seems to understand. What is wrong with them, don’t they know we are about to go to the happiest place on earth. Oh well, maybe someday they’ll understand. I am trying to curve my spending by not buying too much right now (fat chance!). Today is the day that I begin to start my packing for my son and me. I have waited as long as I could, but I am not a last minute person and like to have all my ducks in a row. Besides I just feel like I should be doing something.

Matthew is still on notice that he may not make it to Disney if he doesn’t straighten up and fly right. (sounds authoritative doesn’t it!) Because of a few scrapes that he got into at school he now has to work towards getting to Disney. That means he has to keep his areas clean, do his schoolwork, and to a reasonable degree stay out of trouble. Hey, I should have started this in September when school started. Oh well better late than never. Now just between you and me, he really is closer to going to Disney than not, but that’s just our little secret. (Shhh, don’t tell him). Going shopping during my lunch for a few odds and ends, mainly clothes for Matthew. Tonight is also the night to try on our summer clothes from last year and to re-wash everything that is going to be packed so it will be fresh. Well until .......... think happy thoughts!

[ 10-28-2002, 11:19 AM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[Ursunique2001]

Cast Members:
Ursula- 32 year old new college graduate (Accounting and Finance associate degrees), mother,
provider, and financier (with Gods help) of this great Disney Adventure!
Master Matthew - 9 year old celebrating his birthday at Disney which is actually in October but oh well..... My little sweetheart who almost didn’t make it on this trip.

Reason for this trip: To celebrate Matthew's birthday, to celebrate my graduation and just because we loved Disney so much that we had to do it again.

1 month (or 30 days, 15 hours, 25 minutes and 11 seconds but whose counting) to go........It
seems like I should be doing something so here goes.

Okay let’s see what has changed since 60 days ago..... Matthew has tried on all his summer
clothing from last year and surprisingly he can fit just about everything. I’ve started to pack our stuff. Checking that list and checking it twice so to speak. I purchased my film, a few waterproof cameras for the water parks and a couple disposable camera’s for Matthew to use from Walmart. Now I just have to find the lead lined bag for the film Oh, I can’t forget the batteries. Decided to give Pirates Adventure Cruise a try and let Matthew go. This is about the hardest thing I am going to do so far... it is so hard to let him go by himself. But he’s getting older and I have to start allowing him to do things by himself. Really it is not him that I don’t trust, it’s the other people, but this is Disney so I am letting him go. Working on meeting up with Michnash (Michelle) during our trip. Hopefully we’ll be able to link up. It would be nice to meet some fellow passporters and put faces with names. Plus our sons are around the same age, so I am sure they would get along great. Changed hotels too, decided to stay at Travelodge Suites where we stayed last trip. The hotel was clean and the upkeep was nice. Originally we were staying at Days Inn Suites, mainly because of the two room suites w/ two TV sets and a full kitchen. But my mom made me really evaluate this. I mean how much TV do we really plan to watch. Well if it’s like our last trip, it won’t be much. Plus we are saving about $169 by staying at Travelodge.... and they have a hot tub.

Finished working on Matthew’s autograph book. Okay most of you know that I decided to include character pictures on the pages with their autographs. Well this is what we decided to
do:
1. Brought a book for Brentanos (I think that’s how you spell it) book store that looks more like a small journal without lines. It has a heavy clear plastic cover with a rubber band closure to keep it shut when not in use. Each page is tabbed and the paper is quite heavy.
2. Printed characters pictures on address labels. Used clear 2" x 4" address labels and was able to print two characters per label. Will also purchase some stickers from park gift shops once we arrive.
3. Each night when we return to the hotel, Matthew can match the picture with the signature while I update my notes for the day. (Well that’s the plan, anyway)

Oh, I got to be the first autograph in Matthew’s book since I’m a star in my own right. Maybe you’ve seen me in “The Little Mermaid” in my staring role as Ursula the sea witch. I just
couldn’t resist.

Did I mention that we got our PS’s for CRT thanks to one of Howie’s Angels. I am sure that I could have gotten it at least one of the days that we will be in Disney, but I really wanted a specific date. We also have PS’s for CRT for the last day (6/8/02) and I hope to be able to share my PS with Michnash (Michelle) and her son. If that plan does not come through then I will either go, or just cancel and give another family a chance to dine at CRT. I would love to end our trip in the castle, and unfortunately I have not been able to get a seating for just two on this date. But if Michelle and I are able to link up then it will be great. Oh I also made our PS for Crystal Palace, too. I think I am getting a little more excited now. Right now I am trying to make sure that I have enough money to cover everything. I think I have spend our disney $$ at least 3 times now, but I know it will work out just fine. I know the month of May is going to move really fast especially since I have a few days off here and there. Let’s see we have 5/9 which is a Catholic Holiday, 5/22 which is a retreat day, and 5/27 which is Memorial day(I think, I always get memorial day and labor day mixed up). So I know I just have to try to keep up with everything.

So far this is our schedule. We’ll see how far we deviated once we return.

5/29- departure 6:10 am USAir flight 1715, Arrive at Disney and pick up rental from National Car Rental, Check into Travelodge Suites, Shopping at Walmart, Dinner at Hoop De Doo Revue,R & R as we get ready for first full day of Disney.

5/30- Park: MK; PS for CRT; plan to stay for 3 pm parade; R & R and then return to EPCOT. Lunch and dinner are open.

5/31- Park: Universal Studios: made sure we scheduled this early in our trip since last year we were too, too tired to see much of anything. Scheduled PS for Chef Mickey’s for dinner. Will
probably do it this day since I don’t think we are going to make it on the other date that I planned it.

6/1- Water park day: Typhoon Lagoon; will stay clear of MK because it is a Saturday and along
with the expected crowd their will be extra people participating in a planned event. Dinner at Crystal Palace @ MK. I figure the crowd should dwindle down some, (well it did last year). Plan to see Spectromagic and Fantasy in the Sky that evening.

6/2- Park: EPCOT; early lunch at Coral Reef; R & R; evening at MGM. Plan to see Disney Stars
Parade and Fantasmic (maybe) at MGM.

6/3- Park: MGM; early lunch @ Sci fi Dine in; R & R; return to MGM for dinner at 50's prime time. Maybe return to MK after dinner.

6/4- Water park day: Blizzard Beach; R & R; Dinner @ 1900 Park fare.

6/5- Park: AK; ps for Donald’s breakfasaurus. Stay till around 1 pm then R & R; return to AK
for Jammin Jungle Parade; then either stay here or go to MGM or MK for evening.

6/6- Matthew has PS for Pirate Adventure Cruise. Then plan to go to Typhoon Lagoon around 2 pm til closing. Scheduled PS for Chef Mickey’s this day but if we go to water park then we will not be able to go. More than likely we will use PS that is earlier in our trip.

6/7- Park: AK; first breakfast at 1900 park fare and then to AK; R & R; evening @ MK

6/8- Plans are very generic. Have PS for CRT( not sure if I will use it or cancel it). Will
probably wing it on Matthew’s que. What does he want to see before we leave? Probably everything. Check out of hotel in morning and just carry luggage in trunk of car; leave to go to
airport around 7. Flight scheduled to leave 9;15 pm.

Our plan is to eat a late breakfast/early lunch and snacks and dinner to save $$. This should
work since we are used to eating breakfast around 11 am most days anyway.

[ 04-30-2002, 11:41 AM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[iloverags2]

Wow! Lots of pre-planning. You are one organized person! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I always wing it at the last minute. LOL

Noticed you received an A.S. in Accounting. Congrats! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I am starting work towards the same thing in 2 weeks. Will be finished next May. Looking forward to that.

[tikibird]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned!

I know what you mean about letting go with your son; I had the same feelings when my boys were his age.

I am particularly excited that you have designated time for trip report writing! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Have a wonderful, magical trip!

[Ursunique2001]

I must admit, I really love the planning.

Although I make plans, I really make it a point to not be stuck on details. Our last trip we missed PS's(because they were not character meals), and we changed destinations; so I am not really stuck on the schedule, but it is a good basis.

[Mauimouse]

I'm the same way, I love to plan out what we will do for the day.

I really like your idea for the autograph book, that was really cute. Hope that you get tons of autographs.

Have a great & Magical trip. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[Brant]

I'm enjoying the planning stages of your trip, looking forward to the actual trip report!!!

-Jose Carioca

[rescuesk]

You are so organized...it's great! You will have a wonderful trip! And a slightly early congratulations on your upcoming graduation. You go girl! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Sue

[Ears Only]

Isn't the anticipation half the fun? I sometimes think that I enjoy the planning more than the trip itself. (not really but close).

Can't wait to read about the trip!!!

[Versafox]

Reading about your trip plans makes me feel that I'm not too crazy for planning our trip in November, 2002!!!

So far we've got hotels (we're splitting resorts) and based on where we'll be staying on which nights, I've got some possible touring plans floating around on random scraps of paper tucked in to our Passporter. Give me another month and I'll probably have the whole schedule worked out!

Hope you have a wonderful time and I'm looking forward to reading your trip report!

[Ursunique2001]

Just a note: I will for the rest of this trip report refer to Matthew’s father as “Wick.” My son is not a Jr. but he and his father both share the same first name. People ask me all the time does this confuse me and I tell them no because I never call his father by his first name. But so that it will be easy for you to follow, my son is Matthew and his father is Wick.

Cast Members:
Ursula- 32 year old new college graduate Accounting and Finance associate degrees), mother,
provider, and financier (with Gods help) of this great Disney Adventure!
Master Matthew - 9 year old celebrating his birthday at Disney which is actually in October butoh well..... My little sweetheart who almost didn’t make it on this trip.

Reason for this trip: To celebrate Matthew's birthday, to celebrate my graduation and just because we loved Disney so much that we had to do it again.

We’re really going!, We’re really going!, We’re really going!.

Okay so I am just a tad bit excited. [img]graemlins/dizzy.gif[/img]

Have some last minute stuff to take care of this evening. Mainly check over our packing list again to make sure we have everything. You would not believe how much 1 adult and 1 child can pack for just 1 trip. My luggage set from Target really came in handy. 29", 25", and 20" will be used plus Matthew’s rolling duffel bag. Oh and we both have carry on bags. Matthew has his backpack and I have a duffel bag(that I brought for last years trip). This is how I divided up the luggage. I get the 29" and Matthew is using the 25" and his rolling duffel bag. The 20" will be used for stuff purchased in the “World.” Hey I think this just might work.

My sweetheart (and maybe soon to be husband..... shhh don’t tell him yet, it's a secret) [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] , Wick, will drive us to the airport. Hopefully we will do better than we did last year. For those who did not read my May 2001 report, we had a little problem finding the right drop off point. He ended up dropping me off in the pick-up section after we circled the airport at least 2 or 3 times. Right now our flight is set for 6:10 am, so I plan to be to the airport by 4:30 am. It won’t be hard to do since I probably won’t sleep a wink anyway.

Things that have changed in the last 21 days.........

CHANGED OUR HOTEL AGAIN, I PROMISE THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME. Matthew really wanted to stay at a different hotel. Not that there was anything wrong with Travelodge, it’s just something about staying somewhere new. So I searched around and found a site called www.orlandoinfo.com and got a great rate at another hotel. My biggest problem was finding a hotel that offered a microwave and fridge in the room for around the same price. Well I really lucked out. Found the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista for $39 per night. The plus is they have a restaurant and kids eat free, so that should really save us some money. And the taxes are 1% lower (not a lot of money, but every little bit helps). I think we will end up spending about $30 -$40 less at this hotel which amounts to one night stay. Matthew still does not know where we are staying, I figured he’ll love anywhere we go as long as it has a pool and is clean and comfortable.

I think Michnash(Michelle) and I may actually meet up at least once during our trip. Really
looking forward to meeting another passporters friend.

We finally did our countdown chain. Plan was to do it at least 60 days out, but that just never happened. Finally broke down and did it with 20 days to go. I let Matthew do most of the work, which he loved. It actually would have been finished sooner, but I misplaced the construction paper [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] that I just brought and had to buy another pack.

Matthew received two postcards from the “World,” which he absolutely loved. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] They were sent by two separate people from the breakfast club board. I decided to return to favor and pass it on to others who requested it from me. I have about 16 children on my list, plus my personal list of about 5 children, and will send them out probably the 30th or 31st of May. It really is a good way to spread the magic economically. Also, went and purchased postage stamps. Hopefully I won’t hide them from myself on this trip. Do you know that I did not find the stamps I brought for our May 2001 trip until January 2002 when I happened to go through my carry-on bag again the clean it out. This year everything goes in one central location. Those pockets are great, but it is so easy to misplace small things in them.

June 7th is Wick’s birthday and we will not be home yet so I had to do some serious schmoozing
and promise him that I will make it up to him. Not that he is really into birthdays, but mine is
June 14th and I definitely want him to remember mine. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Oh gosh I almost forgot. GRADUATION. I graduated on May 5th from Community College of
Philadelphia with 2 degrees (Accounting and Finance) and HONORS! The day was great. Weather was great, nice and sunny but not too hot. There were over 1500 students graduating that day! Got my grades in the mail and managed to pull A’s in both classes. That raised my GPA to 3.39!

Purchased the film guard bag. After taxes it was $19 and change. I managed to get 2 disposable
cameras, 2 waterproof disposable camera’s, 15 rolls of 35 mm film (without the plastic cases)
and my camera in this one bag.

Well if anything new comes up, I’ll be sure to share.

Things I need to remember to do on our trip............

Relax
Eat a mickey bar
Relax
Keep receipts to help with trip report
Take good notes
Relax
Eat another mickey bar
Remember to ask Matthew what he liked
Relax
Ask for people to take pictures of us together
Relax
Eat some more mickey bars (I'm starting to see a pattern here!)
Relax
Be flexible and Have fun
And finally RELAX!
[img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[ 05-21-2002, 02:06 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[Ursunique2001]

Cast Members:
Ursula- 32 year old new college graduate (Accounting and Finance associate degrees), mother, provider, and financier (with Gods help) of this great Disney Adventure!
Master Matthew - 9 year old celebrating his birthday at Disney which is actually in October but oh well..... My little sweetheart who almost didn't make it on this trip.

Reason for this trip: To celebrate Matthew's birthday, to celebrate my graduation and just because we loved Disney so much that we had to do it again.

We're really going!, We're really going!, We're really going!.

Okay so I am just a tad bit excited. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Down to the last few hours and would you believe I am still packing. Had to do last minute wash for some unmentionables, thankfully it has been warm here so they dried pretty fast.

This month at work was not too bad. Had one contract budget due in the beginning of May and just my regular obligations for the rest of the month. Had a lot of free time too. Let's see had a training session with one of our city contracting offices on 5/8 so after that I was able to leave. So I actually got off an hour early from work. Had off 5/9 for a Catholic Holiday. 5/22 was retreat day. Spent ½ day at the retreat and then got to go home and relax for the rest of the day. 5/27 was Memorial day, didn't do much of anything. Worked today (5/28) and tomorrow we leave. I got so excited I had to leave early today (only 1 hour) I like months like this.

Just checked our flights and they are okay so far. Will check them before we around 3 am. We will be leaving for the airport by [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] 4 am

Well we are off [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] and it's Disney or bust. Bye everyone.

Things I need to remember to do on our trip............

Relax
eat a Mickey Bar [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]
Relax
Keep receipts to help with trip report
Take good notes
Relax
eat another Mickey Bar [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]
Remember to ask Matthew what he liked
Relax
Ask for people to take pictures of us together
Relax
Eat some more Mickey Bars [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] (okay I am starting to see a pattern)
Be flexible and Have fun
Relax
eat a Dole Whip [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] (okay, I had to break the cycle)
And finally RELAX!
Well we are off....... [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] ........See you in 12 days!

[tikibird]

Whew, I was getting nervous until you added that Dole whip at the end! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Sounds like you are going to have a great time - enjoy, and make sure to take plenty of notes for your trip report! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[maggy_1]

Wow!
What a pre TR can wait to read the TR [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

Chantal [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

[Ursunique2001]

Hello everyone! We're back! Wish we weren't, but we had a great time and I will start to post our trip reports real soon. Had some real magical moments during our trip and will share them all with you soon.

Ursula