Pre-Trip Booked yesterday - only 33 days to wait

Hi there

I had to do my first pre trip just to share the news that I am going to Disney and as the title suggests I have to wait just 33 days!

The countdown that was at 274 days is still there but this one has jumped in front!

So how did this happen? Good question!

So my news years resolution was to go for a walk during my lunch hour for any days I worked at home - I never take a lunch hour so this in itself would be a challenge and I’m still trying to get rid of the weight I gain while in Disney in November so walking seemed a good option to clear my head and get some exercise.

So I asked Chris if he fancied a walk and yes he did so off we go..........

The holiday year at work starts on 1st April and runs to the end of March and I still had days to take but where to go?

So the conversation goes

Chris (will be C for future parts of the conversation) - so what do you fancy doing?
Me “I don’t really want to get on a plane I’ll be happy with a log cabin near a forest so we can do some walks”
C - “I fancy some sun”
Me “so what are your thought?”
C - “Mexico, Caribbean, Canaries”
Me- “we’ll lets see how much they are but that’s getting in a plane and I fancy just getting in a car and going somewhere”
C - “we could always go to Disney!”

Well right there and then I knew why I had married this man! His love of Disney has grown over the years - he’ll never be at my level but trust me he is getting there! Had he really just suggested WDW?

With a massive grin on my face I looked back at him and said

“We only went in November, we’re already booked for Nov 2018 I think it will be too expensive - are you serious? I didn’t wait for the reply - I tell you after that conversation the whole walk sped up so we could get home and check out prices.


Once home prices were checked - nothing seemed reasonable, Mexico was checked along with loads of other things

A day or 2 went by nothing sorted, no decision made, still discussing options - Then one night I was watching TV and a voice out of the study says

“How about Disney for £1400 each

My reply - do we have to walk there? What does that include? Bet those flights aren’t direct.

C- “hotel, direct flight and park tickets - it’s not Riverside though - is All star sports


- those of you who have read my TR in the last will know I’ve been to Disney 21 times (all Nov trips except in May 1998) and always at Riverside but this would mean I could go to Disney again albeit not in my beloved Riverside.

I did hesitate at this point and I turned to my WDW friends and posted in the trip planning forum around crowd levels for March and they told me what I already knew - that I wanted to go! Bite the bullet, ignore the crowds, better a busy day in Disney than anywhere else!
Did I need them to tell me. Probably not but as we couldn’t make the decision I knew my friends would - thank you.

So fast forward to last night - checked the price again - moved it forward a week and the price was cheaper - so booked it
total £2620 for a direct flight with Virgin, 14 day lark ticket and 10 night in All Star Sports. RESULT

November we have 14 nights hotel and park tickets at POR for £3458 and I don’t have a flight yet! Which will probably add another £1000

i am treating this whole trip as a bonus - we haven’t got our ticket reference number yet to do any fast passes so let’s see what happens - I’m hoping as we’re 33 days out at least the offsite guests won’t have booked anything yet

I can’t believe that I am going again - is this a dream?
In just 33 days I’ll be back home! We leave on 12th March!

You just got to love this man!
He is my Prince Charming

I had 2 things that I’d like to see and do in Disney

One was flower and garden - I love gardening and can’t wait to see everything
And the second is a not so scary Halloween party -

So if any of you have any tips for March, things to do, weather then please let me know

I am literally beyond excited and had to share with those who’ll understand.

 

[Longers]

Just spotted your message and was about to say that there is a section for non US citizens but you've found it. Enjoy the time without a car! Getting close for you now am so jealous especially as it's been so cold & snowy here in the West of England. but it's now 10 degrees warmer than it was on Friday and back to work tomorrorw after an extended weekend. Keep a count on BTMR!!

I know this weather has been awful - thankfully all our snow has now gone but it’s certainly been bad all over the UK. The car had 6 degrees this morning which is the best it’s been for well over a week.

Can’t believe in just over a week I’ll be getting some sunshine!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I'll send you my text number so you can contact me when there. It would be awesome if all of us could meet at Epcot. Only 6 more days and I'm somewhat panicking at all of the things I have to get done before Friday night. Seriously, we have so much laundry because all of our spring clothes have that packed up smell. Good thing I don't mind doing laundry LOL. Cleaning the house and changing the bedding for our house sitter. And, on top of everything else, I now have an interview Friday morning before we leave LOL. Concentrating on the interview is going to be so difficult for me with the excitement of leaving Saturday morning.

I packed yesterday, just a couple odds and ends to throw in but I will probably do that today. Good luck on your interview! Maybe since you will be so excited to go on your trip you will be extra positive and that will shine through to the interviewers!

 

[LeighM]

We don’t travel with any phones (mine is ancient anyways!)
I’ll probably check via wi fi in the evenings and I could try to take my iPod for during the day on our Easter egg hunt day so I can contact you as that looks like the best option.... ?

I have sorted out clothes this weekend but it still doesn’t feel real -
Good luck with the interview

The only reason I have my phone is because the phone camera is actually better than my old point and shoot. Only time I use it is to check FP, ADR times, look at Memory Maker pictures, and use the camera. I try to avoid the outside world as much as possible. If it doesn't involve Disney then I don't want to know about it LOL. On the other hand, my husband always has to be available for work and has to bring his work computer with him in case there are any issues. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen! I will be quite mad if it happens on our vacation since almost every day back home is affected by a "work emergency."

 

[LeighM]

I packed yesterday, just a couple odds and ends to throw in but I will probably do that today. Good luck on your interview! Maybe since you will be so excited to go on your trip you will be extra positive and that will shine through to the interviewers!

Once I get the clothes done, I'll start packing today. I'm a major organizer, so I'm going to start labeling my baggies for carry on liquids, checked liquids, medicine, and one for electronic charging cords. I can never seem to find travel sized saline for my contacts so I always have to put my contact cleaning bottles in my checked bag and hope it doesn't get lost!! I wish I could be one of those people that could travel light!! We just started flying down in 2016 and I miss the packing convenience of driving

 

[Longers]

The only reason I have my phone is because the phone camera is actually better than my old point and shoot. Only time I use it is to check FP, ADR times, look at Memory Maker pictures, and use the camera. I try to avoid the outside world as much as possible. If it doesn't involve Disney then I don't want to know about it LOL. On the other hand, my husband always has to be available for work and has to bring his work computer with him in case there are any issues. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen! I will be quite mad if it happens on our vacation since almost every day back home is affected by a "work emergency."

I have such an old phone and an text only contract anyway my nephews laugh and say I do need a phone I can at least what’s app on. And I agree I try to stay firmly in the bubble while I’m there.

I do hope your trip isn’t interrupted by work.

I can take my iPod to check occasionally on 16th if we think we can make that work. I think we will probably be heading out of Hs around 12 to go to Epcot anyway?

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Once I get the clothes done, I'll start packing today. I'm a major organizer, so I'm going to start labeling my baggies for carry on liquids, checked liquids, medicine, and one for electronic charging cords. I can never seem to find travel sized saline for my contacts so I always have to put my contact cleaning bottles in my checked bag and hope it doesn't get lost!! I wish I could be one of those people that could travel light!! We just started flying down in 2016 and I miss the packing convenience of driving

I used to over pack so much but I have gotten so much better at packing over the years. We are also flying Spirit down there and they have a 40 pound limit on the checked bag and we aren't paying extra for a carry on so I need to pack light. I always pack a little laundry detergent so if I need to do a quick wash I can. I also keep my toiletries bag packed and stocked and ready to go. It would be more convenient to drive but I like to get down there as quick as possible!

 

[blreinsel]

my dates are 18-23

That’s one of the reasons I’m coming back so soon!

Not sure if any of my plans will fit in with yours if they do let me know!

Yesssssss! I can be flexible, so if the two of you have overlapping plans, let me know and I'll make an appearance.

 

[Longers]

Yesssssss! I can be flexible, so if the two of you have overlapping plans, let me know and I'll make an appearance.

Yes!,,,,,

And our plans do cross - @becca_ said she is in Epcot and HS for morning FP’s on 19th and 20th - not sure on exact timings?

Monday 19th
I am headed to Epcot for FP’s
Last one is Frozen at 1pm - I could stay in Epcot and meet there if that works?

Tuesday 20th
We have HS FP so heading there first thing
Last ones start at 12.50 so we will probably be there until 1.30 and then head over to Epcot at some point or somewhere else so can be flexible.

Let me know if this works

 

[MinnieM123]

I used to over pack so much but I have gotten so much better at packing over the years. We are also flying Spirit down there and they have a 40 pound limit on the checked bag and we aren't paying extra for a carry on so I need to pack light. I always pack a little laundry detergent so if I need to do a quick wash I can. I also keep my toiletries bag packed and stocked and ready to go. It would be more convenient to drive but I like to get down there as quick as possible!

Smart idea about taking a little laundry detergent; and now with the (Tide) pods, those are tiny and won't take up much space at all in your suitcase.

 

[monykalyn]

So I can't sleep so I decided to randomly check the boards and your trip title caught my eye! Now I'm gonna have to go look for your TRs.

I think I’d be dangerous with an AP th

And the reason why title caught my eye- got APs last August (daughter did the Disney college program internship) and since we had at least two trips planned made sense. I actually ended up in Disney August, October, November, December and January. My DD had been back in college/home from internship 55 days when I got a text "I miss Disney". Along with a link to the F&G kiosks menues lol. Well that was 4 days ago-and we leave in 14 days for a last minute trip just us 2, 19 march -22march. DH and other kids staying home. Plus my bday is March 20 so it's first time in 27 years I've spent my birthday at Disney And we are staying at All Star Sports as it was only one available and not outrageous last minute price.

On a side note does anyone know how long baseball games last - looks like there might be something on at world wide sports in March so wondering whether to take a look?

ooh my St Louis Cardinals are playing the 17th at ESPN. Spring training games are so fun!

. I can never seem to find travel sized saline for my contacts

I find mine at Target but limited brands. I need to restock mine as we aren't planning to check bags.

My ears in the avatar broke on way home in January-will have to see if I can fix them- so say "hi" if you see them!

 

[DryerLintFan]

I have such an old phone and an text only contract anyway my nephews laugh and say I do need a phone I can at least what’s app on. And I agree I try to stay firmly in the bubble while I’m there.

I do hope your trip isn’t interrupted by work.

I can take my iPod to check occasionally on 16th if we think we can make that work. I think we will probably be heading out of Hs around 12 to go to Epcot anyway?

Last time i was in Europe i used my iPod like that! It's amazing how much it can do when hooked up to the internet! Pictures, social media, even translation services. It was great!

 

[Longers]

So I can't sleep so I decided to randomly check the boards and your trip title caught my eye! Now I'm gonna have to go look for your TRs.

And the reason why title caught my eye- got APs last August (daughter did the Disney college program internship) and since we had at least two trips planned made sense. I actually ended up in Disney August, October, November, December and January. My DD had been back in college/home from internship 55 days when I got a text "I miss Disney". Along with a link to the F&G kiosks menues lol. Well that was 4 days ago-and we leave in 14 days for a last minute trip just us 2, 19 march -22march. DH and other kids staying home. Plus my bday is March 20 so it's first time in 27 years I've spent my birthday at Disney And we are staying at All Star Sports as it was only one available and not outrageous last minute price.
ooh my St Louis Cardinals are playing the 17th at ESPN. Spring training games are so fun!
I find mine at Target but limited brands. I need to restock mine as we aren't planning to check bags.

My ears in the avatar broke on way home in January-will have to see if I can fix them- so say "hi" if you see them!

Best place to come for some night time reading! I hope you got back to sleep eventually!

And wow you get to Disney a lot! I manage each year but this is a bonus for us I can’t quite actually believe at this time next week I’ll be on a plane on my way home.

The reason we go in November is to spend my birthday there it’s cold in the UK for my birthday and Disney is my thing so why not.

Birthdays in Disney are the best!

Have a fab time - we could end up bumping into each other as we are there at the same time

 

[Longers]

Last time i was in Europe i used my iPod like that! It's amazing how much it can do when hooked up to the internet! Pictures, social media, even translation services. It was great!

Exactly! I won’t take it out every day as most days we travel with no bags so things have to fit in pockets but normally 1 day I face time my mum from the park and my friend wants me to face time her from Disney too.

The wi fi is normally not too bad - maybe a little slow sometimes but it’s good enough for what I need in a park.

 

[Gurt]

I can't believe how close you are now, I also thought of you with the weather, where we are in Lancashire we never get snow (all around us does) and we had a few inches so I guessed the rest of the country must have had full on blizzards haha! My work has an office in Kirkcaldy and the guys were texting us pictures walking to work in the snow! At least we have hopefully seen the back of it now and it can warm up a bit.

 

[Longers]

I can't believe how close you are now, I also thought of you with the weather, where we are in Lancashire we never get snow (all around us does) and we had a few inches so I guessed the rest of the country must have had full on blizzards haha! My work has an office in Kirkcaldy and the guys were texting us pictures walking to work in the snow! At least we have hopefully seen the back of it now and it can warm up a bit.

I know nor can I!

And wasn’t it cold? (our US friends will tolerate lower temperatures)
I think everyone had it we only had a couple of inches but I look after colleagues in Norfolk and they were hit pretty bad and my boss lives in Lincoln and was house bound for a few days.

As you say hopefully we have seen the back of it now!

 

[becca_]

Yes!,,,,,

And our plans do cross - @becca_ said she is in Epcot and HS for morning FP’s on 19th and 20th - not sure on exact timings?

Monday 19th
I am headed to Epcot for FP’s
Last one is Frozen at 1pm - I could stay in Epcot and meet there if that works?

Tuesday 20th
We have HS FP so heading there first thing
Last ones start at 12.50 so we will probably be there until 1.30 and then head over to Epcot at some point or somewhere else so can be flexible.

Let me know if this works

My FPs are for 10:35-11:35, 11:40-12:40, and 2:05-3:05 in epcot and in DHS they are for 9:50-10:50, 11:05-12:05, and 12:20-1:20!

 

[blreinsel]

Let's tentatively plan to meet up in Epcot in the early afternoon on Monday the 19th! That should work out well and I'm itching to get back there for more F&G! I'm absolutely obsessed with this festival!

 

[Longers]

Let's tentatively plan to meet up in Epcot in the early afternoon on Monday the 19th! That should work out well and I'm itching to get back there for more F&G! I'm absolutely obsessed with this festival!

Eeekkkkk so excited - Monday 19th PM is on my planner as a tentative meet up!

I can’t wait to see a different season at WDW - and purple lemonade, ice creams and so much more are on my “to do” list!

 

[DisneyJeff]

Let's tentatively plan to meet up in Epcot in the early afternoon on Monday the 19th! That should work out well and I'm itching to get back there for more F&G! I'm absolutely obsessed with this festival!

Ugh.. you're killing me. While you are enjoying your WDWMagic meetup, I will be sitting through some boring seminar sessions only a few short miles away. If anyone's around after 6:00 let me know.

 

[Longers]

Ugh.. you're killing me. While you are enjoying your WDWMagic meetup, I will be sitting through some boring seminar sessions only a few short miles away. If anyone's around after 6:00 let me know.

But just remember after your seminar you have a trip planned to enjoy.
You could always throw a sicky and join us!