The year of 2004 was one of Disney deprivation for our family. My wife and I decided to go to WDW for 2 weeks by ourselves during March, 2004. We traveled to WDW and checked into the AKL and had great plans to enjoy all that WDW had to offer. Then, the phone rang and we were advised of a serious family matter back home that required our immediate return. We packed up on the spot and left for home.
After getting the family crisis under control, we rescheduled our trip for July, 2004. Not the best time IMO to go but we thought we'd give it a go. Unfortunately an emergency hospital admission for a family member put that plan on hold....again. So, once we got that problem under control we made reservations for a 3rd time starting on September 15, 2004. Hurricane Ivan decided to roll over us and take off half my roof, so we once again cancelled our WDW trip.
Well, four months after Ivan, we finally have a roof back on the house. We've been working every day (and night) to repair the damage (roof, fence, tree removal, landscaping, remove and replace insulation & ceilings & sheetrock & carpet as required). It's been a lot of work and it's costing a lot of money (insurance helps but it doesn't cover everything). For example because we replaced the shingles during the winter months, the temperatures have not been high enough to properly seal the shingles on the roof. Also, since our house is situated in a high wind area, we wanted to make sure that the roof could withstand a high wind load. The only way to accomplish this is to seal the shingles by hand. Using a caulking gun with plastic roofing cement, I had to put 2 dabs of cement (about the size of a quarter) under each shingle! It ain't fun. Also, I'm not done yet. At the rate I'm going it will take another 4 weeks!
Anyway, I decided it's time for a Giant Turkey Leg! We booked the AKL for the second week in February. So, barring a natural disaster, family medical problem or a family legal problem.....we're going to WDW! :wave:
