Trip Report One enormous BirthdayversaryPalooza! aka 2 Broke Guys & a dog & Irma COMPLETED

We've been using the "2 Broke Guys" moniker for so long now, we've outlasted the TV show "2 Broke Girls" on which it was based. (Canceled!)

The idea was a year+ of saving Disney Chase Visa points to see if we could go to Victoria & Albert's for our 10 year wedding anniversary completely on their dime - and keeping a running total including additions and withdrawals (for little WDW trips along the way) much like they did at the end of every episode of that TV show - like this:

$1,678.91

And that figure is actually what we have left to spend on our trip - about double what we would need for our V&A dinner! Not to mention: points paid for our 2 AP's, some of our lodging for this trip, and many mini-trips along the way. All that meandering, planning, brainstorming and trip reporting is on this thread:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...table-of-contents.909657/page-43#post-7874545

But that can take awhile. I'll give a little background in another post. Shout out to @dizfan917 for accidentally naming this thread in a post on that one, and to @Tuvalu for inspiring the "mother thread" with links to other thread(s) format.

Also to all those who have been following all this time! As those folks know, I go back and forth between posting with my phone and my laptop, and I'm more comfortable on the laptop. I'm using the phone now, whilst not asleep in Orlando, and anxious to get this first post out of the way before I do something to accidentally make it go poof! I will tag the others in a separate post.

Can't believe we're finally here!!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Regarding the keepsake box: originally, I thought I would put pictures from this trip into there.

I also saved the last two pages of the photo album for pictures from this trip.

We didn't take a ton of pictures on this trip. You've seen almost all of them LOL.

We kept forgetting to ask someone to take our picture, even when we had dinner with our friends. We're not millennials LOL. (No offense!)

We did do a few photopass pictures that you haven't seen yet; I have to decide which are worth buying. I know there's one from my birthday that was good, there may be another surprise one in there from a ride or something.

But those will mostly fit into the back of the photo album, and I think at least one will be framed.

So the keepsake box will be just that. It will hold all the trinkets and souvenirs and memories of this grand trip. It's surprisingly full:

View attachment 232551

Included: our anniversary pins, our KTTK badges and pins, our Food & Wine memorabilia, our cards to each other, our cards from Disney, the maps to our rooms given to us at check-in, menus including the Victoria & Albert's menu (we did it wooooo hoo!) and two of our personalized magic bands with the date on them. Plus a few other odds and ends. (I have to find that Mickey sticker that was on my shirt!)

Plus we have this wonderful trip report to memorialize everything. I'm grateful to this forum for that, and may just upgrade my membership as a token of thanks.

I have to leave notes for Brian with passwords so if anything ever happened to me, he could read these. I think they'd be comforting. When I read them, I remember things I had forgotten. Maybe I should document more of life lol.

Thanks so much to all of you who read this, stuck with me, made such helpful suggestions - and I have to mention showed us respect as a married couple.

It didn't feel like it was over until just now, now that the trip report is done. Until a few moments ago, I was still there.

And it's worse because we don't plan to go back soon. (I mean, you never know, but...lol.) We have to get used to Brian's new schedule (he won't get a proper vacation until after a year - which will be just after our anniversary lol. He's doing fantastic at the new job, though, still in training but impressing the top brass. My Mr. Handsome, of course he is.)

I'm tentatively planning on a short trip next Christmas-ish without park tickets, just a Christmas party and some resort stuff.

My friend D, who was there with us for a couple of days in the pre-TR is going in January and asked me to visit - but that would be another non-park thing. Maybe DS and karaoke at the Swolphin.

But we are shooting for a cruise in 2019. I have a lot of research to do on that. And a lot of Chase Disney points to save up...

How soon should we start that pre-TR?

Currently, we're at:

$172.00

But more points get awarded in a couple of days!

Thanks again, all. Very much.

View attachment 232558
View attachment 232557

And, cheers.

View attachment 232559

I enjoyed following along very very much!! I will be there at the end of November next year, maybe i'll see you!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I enjoyed following along very very much!! I will be there at the end of November next year, maybe i'll see you!

Thank you! You never know, but we would typically go in the first week of December for Brian's birthday. Plus, at the end of November, we have that whole Black Friday scenario at the store so I need to be there for that.

 

[bee]

This has been one of my favorite trip reports ever. Congrats on a beautiful celebration and, more importantly, on the marriage you're celebrating.

I'm so glad Kylie is okay, and that your house and store are okay. Congrats to Brian on impressing at the new job already!

 

[susan lees]

Regarding the keepsake box: originally, I thought I would put pictures from this trip into there.

I also saved the last two pages of the photo album for pictures from this trip.

We didn't take a ton of pictures on this trip. You've seen almost all of them LOL.

We kept forgetting to ask someone to take our picture, even when we had dinner with our friends. We're not millennials LOL. (No offense!)

We did do a few photopass pictures that you haven't seen yet; I have to decide which are worth buying. I know there's one from my birthday that was good, there may be another surprise one in there from a ride or something.

But those will mostly fit into the back of the photo album, and I think at least one will be framed.

So the keepsake box will be just that. It will hold all the trinkets and souvenirs and memories of this grand trip. It's surprisingly full:

View attachment 232551

Included: our anniversary pins, our KTTK badges and pins, our Food & Wine memorabilia, our cards to each other, our cards from Disney, the maps to our rooms given to us at check-in, menus including the Victoria & Albert's menu (we did it wooooo hoo!) and two of our personalized magic bands with the date on them. Plus a few other odds and ends. (I have to find that Mickey sticker that was on my shirt!)

Plus we have this wonderful trip report to memorialize everything. I'm grateful to this forum for that, and may just upgrade my membership as a token of thanks.

I have to leave notes for Brian with passwords so if anything ever happened to me, he could read these. I think they'd be comforting. When I read them, I remember things I had forgotten. Maybe I should document more of life lol.

Thanks so much to all of you who read this, stuck with me, made such helpful suggestions - and I have to mention showed us respect as a married couple.

It didn't feel like it was over until just now, now that the trip report is done. Until a few moments ago, I was still there.

And it's worse because we don't plan to go back soon. (I mean, you never know, but...lol.) We have to get used to Brian's new schedule (he won't get a proper vacation until after a year - which will be just after our anniversary lol. He's doing fantastic at the new job, though, still in training but impressing the top brass. My Mr. Handsome, of course he is.)

I'm tentatively planning on a short trip next Christmas-ish without park tickets, just a Christmas party and some resort stuff.

My friend D, who was there with us for a couple of days in the pre-TR is going in January and asked me to visit - but that would be another non-park thing. Maybe DS and karaoke at the Swolphin.

But we are shooting for a cruise in 2019. I have a lot of research to do on that. And a lot of Chase Disney points to save up...

How soon should we start that pre-TR?

Currently, we're at:

$172.00

But more points get awarded in a couple of days!

Thanks again, all. Very much.

View attachment 232558
View attachment 232557

And, cheers.

View attachment 232559

We're back over next November. It seems such a long way away and started a tentative Disney fund. We're at about $260. We might do a Xmas party but will depend on funding and we've got POFQ booked and deposit paid.
I'll be following your pre trip report for next year but thoroughly enjoyed this report. So glad to see Kylie is better.

 

[DisneyGigi]

I so enjoyed this report. Happy belated birthday and anniversary! So glad the puppy is okay, I stress so hard when we go on vacation, about our pets, even though my mom checks in on them. The storm, and traffic was so bad, but we at least did not live where there would be any damage. Gas and water was still near impossible to get for a couple of days, and for no reason. Glad you had little damage, and that you were able to have such a good trip! Love the ties btw, thanks for sharing such a great report.

 

[Tiggerish]

Regarding the keepsake box: originally, I thought I would put pictures from this trip into there.

I also saved the last two pages of the photo album for pictures from this trip.

We didn't take a ton of pictures on this trip. You've seen almost all of them LOL.

We kept forgetting to ask someone to take our picture, even when we had dinner with our friends. We're not millennials LOL. (No offense!)

We did do a few photopass pictures that you haven't seen yet; I have to decide which are worth buying. I know there's one from my birthday that was good, there may be another surprise one in there from a ride or something.

But those will mostly fit into the back of the photo album, and I think at least one will be framed.

So the keepsake box will be just that. It will hold all the trinkets and souvenirs and memories of this grand trip. It's surprisingly full:

View attachment 232551

Included: our anniversary pins, our KTTK badges and pins, our Food & Wine memorabilia, our cards to each other, our cards from Disney, the maps to our rooms given to us at check-in, menus including the Victoria & Albert's menu (we did it wooooo hoo!) and two of our personalized magic bands with the date on them. Plus a few other odds and ends. (I have to find that Mickey sticker that was on my shirt!)

Plus we have this wonderful trip report to memorialize everything. I'm grateful to this forum for that, and may just upgrade my membership as a token of thanks.

I have to leave notes for Brian with passwords so if anything ever happened to me, he could read these. I think they'd be comforting. When I read them, I remember things I had forgotten. Maybe I should document more of life lol.

Thanks so much to all of you who read this, stuck with me, made such helpful suggestions - and I have to mention showed us respect as a married couple.

It didn't feel like it was over until just now, now that the trip report is done. Until a few moments ago, I was still there.

And it's worse because we don't plan to go back soon. (I mean, you never know, but...lol.) We have to get used to Brian's new schedule (he won't get a proper vacation until after a year - which will be just after our anniversary lol. He's doing fantastic at the new job, though, still in training but impressing the top brass. My Mr. Handsome, of course he is.)

I'm tentatively planning on a short trip next Christmas-ish without park tickets, just a Christmas party and some resort stuff.

My friend D, who was there with us for a couple of days in the pre-TR is going in January and asked me to visit - but that would be another non-park thing. Maybe DS and karaoke at the Swolphin.

But we are shooting for a cruise in 2019. I have a lot of research to do on that. And a lot of Chase Disney points to save up...

How soon should we start that pre-TR?

Currently, we're at:

$172.00

But more points get awarded in a couple of days!

Thanks again, all. Very much.

View attachment 232558
View attachment 232557

And, cheers.

View attachment 232559

Need a LOVE button for this post.

It really is a nice community that we've become part of here. Who'da thunk virtual people could be such great friends?

 

[JimW]

This might be my favorite trip report ever. You perfectly captured the highs (true love with your soulmate, love of your pet, and Disney magic) as well as the lows (the various uncertainties that came with Irma). We went through the exact same stresses regarding the storm here in St Pete. We, too, woke up the next morning completely shivering - and frankly, confused in our half-asleep daze as to why that was - and amazed as to how we got so lucky.

Kudos to you and your husband on your anniversary. Here's to many, many more years!

 

[Tuvalu]

And now I've turned the last page......

What a story! So much planning and anticipation; then the trip itself with all the highs (and a few lows); and such a beautiful conclusion. I enjoyed reading every word.

Thank you for sharing your heart. Now go play the lottery so you guys can go back ASAP!!

 

[Tuvalu]

BTW ~ you and I just celebrated an anniversary.

One year (and two days) ago, our paths surreptitiously crossed at DHS.

How I wish we'd gotten to spend more time together. Some day!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

This has been one of my favorite trip reports ever. Congrats on a beautiful celebration and, more importantly, on the marriage you're celebrating.

I'm so glad Kylie is okay, and that your house and store are okay. Congrats to Brian on impressing at the new job already!

Thank you so much, @bee , that means a lot. Would love to get together at some point and talk music over veggie dishes (and hear you sing!) but when I go to Jersey, it's typically Union County. Sincerely, much luck with the new apartment.

We're back over next November. It seems such a long way away and started a tentative Disney fund. We're at about $260. We might do a Xmas party but will depend on funding and we've got POFQ booked and deposit paid.
I'll be following your pre trip report for next year but thoroughly enjoyed this report. So glad to see Kylie is better.

$260 is a great start! The Chase Visa card helps me so much, like a savings plan.

Maybe I'll start the new pre-trip after Christmas, when we usually go, but won't be this year. It will be another long one!

I so enjoyed this report. Happy belated birthday and anniversary! So glad the puppy is okay, I stress so hard when we go on vacation, about our pets, even though my mom checks in on them. The storm, and traffic was so bad, but we at least did not live where there would be any damage. Gas and water was still near impossible to get for a couple of days, and for no reason. Glad you had little damage, and that you were able to have such a good trip! Love the ties btw, thanks for sharing such a great report.

Thank you, and yes, I stress about Kylie which is why BFPC is the only place I could have left her overnight, because she was familiar with it. But the guilt! We would have gotten so much more done at the parks, but easily 3 or more hours a day was travel to BFPC and playing with her in the back.

I hope we didn't cause such nervousness that it made her sick.

Glad you are ok as well!

Awesome report!! Glad everything was ok and nothing was damaged in the storm!

Thank you, Shane!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Need a LOVE button for this post.

It really is a nice community that we've become part of here. Who'da thunk virtual people could be such great friends?

It really is (when people aren't picking at you on other threads lol!) Thanks, Tig!

This might be my favorite trip report ever. You perfectly captured the highs (true love with your soulmate, love of your pet, and Disney magic) as well as the lows (the various uncertainties that came with Irma). We went through the exact same stresses regarding the storm here in St Pete. We, too, woke up the next morning completely shivering - and frankly, confused in our half-asleep daze as to why that was - and amazed as to how we got so lucky.

Kudos to you and your husband on your anniversary. Here's to many, many more years!

Thank you so much for saying that, and I'm glad you were ok in St. Pete! I used to go there years ago to a now closed place called the Suncoast Resort. Especially Sundays - a pool, bars, tea dance, karaoke at night, food...

And now I've turned the last page......

What a story! So much planning and anticipation; then the trip itself with all the highs (and a few lows); and such a beautiful conclusion. I enjoyed reading every word.

Thank you for sharing your heart. Now go play the lottery so you guys can go back ASAP!!

BTW ~ you and I just celebrated an anniversary.

One year (and two days) ago, our paths surreptitiously crossed at DHS.

How I wish we'd gotten to spend more time together. Some day!

Now you're going to make me cry.

Not really lol.

"I think I'll miss you most of all."

I'm glad you appreciated it (and contributed so much.) Next time we cross paths, we'll have to sit down for a drink, or a bite, or a pic at the purple wall.

We'll start planning the cruise soon, Shirley! And I'm sure there will be mini-trips in the meantime, even without an AP, to confuse people in the pre-TR!

There were still things we didn't get to or just missed: a pic with Chip & Dale with those tees!

More pics in general.

The new Mission Space.

Exploring Pandora at night.

Seeing the show that replaced Wishes!! ( how did we miss that?)

Despite trying not to over plan, we still felt rushed. With animal Kingdom Lodge, I really think we made the most of the lodge including downtime and I felt we explored the lodge thoroughly. I would definitely go back with comparable pricing.

With the exact same number of days, I felt like we were just passing through the grand Floridian. We didn't get a lot of downtime, we didn't get to explore much. And there was this whole weirdness because the last time we were there, which was our only visit, it was completely decked out for Christmas. This felt like being in a completely different place. Part of that was probably staying at Sugarloaf.

We never had that few hours with nothing to do where we could just wander around and see what's what. Would you believe I forgot the Christmas ornament from there, too? Good thing I bought the ones with the Mickey tuxes in advance. I may just wait for a Disney store sale and order a couple more, although it means more to me when we pick them out together at the actual resort.

None of that is a complaint. It worked out the way it worked out, we had a fantastic time. A lot of people are mentioning highs and lows. It's pretty much all highs, and that's how it's going to be remembered. I said to Brian, "Well, we have a great story for our 10 year anniversary trip!" And we do.

It was such a great experience. But I'm never leaving my dog alone that long again. The cruise will have to be three or four days LOL.

 

[JimW]

Thank you so much for saying that, and I'm glad you were ok in St. Pete! I used to go there years ago to a now closed place called the Suncoast Resort. Especially Sundays - a pool, bars, tea dance, karaoke at night, food...

I've only lived in St Pete for just shy of seven years. I don't recall the Suncoast Resort, but a quick Google search indicates that the Suncoast was purchased in its waning years, and was rebuilt as the Flamingo Resort. I work roughly four blocks north of the Flamingo, and I'm happy to say that they're thriving.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Just read your whole trip report star to finish ! I must admit I cried at the photo album! That is such a thoughtful gift! Happy anniversary!!!!!! And happy belated birthday! Glad your trip was still so extremely magical even with Irma lurking around. Kylie is the cutest pup, and that picture of her makes my heart melt. What sweet girl and I'm so glad she is feeling better! Dogs are my weakness. My heart breaks for all the animals affected from these hurricanes!

Dinner at V &A was seemed to be everything I could have imagined! I am glad you had a wonderful celebration! I need to start saving my Chase points and stop spending them on the disney parks app! You've inspired me to save

Happy your home was okay with Irma! I'm from NJ so I can relate with your ambition to get to the Keys to bring in business in as soon as you're able. I went to the shore numerous times in the winter after Sandy hit, just to eat at the restaurants and shop in the boardwalk shops. It's sad to see places that once yielded such happy memories be destroyed. I am thinking of the Keys!

Again, thank you for the wonderful, wonderful report. Disney truly is the most magical place on earth, and it is an honor to be a part of this message board with so many others who feel the same.

 

[littleroo]

Thank you so much for taking us on your amazing journey!! I am so happy for the 3 of you!! Truly, life is beautiful!!

 

[monykalyn]

What an awesome TR! So glad you guys came through Irma ok and your house is ok too! And sweet Kylie too of course. I wish I'd taken more pics at our V&A dinner (was for our 10th Anniversary too, although we were 5 months late in celebrating it-just the way timing worked). Back then we didn't have the nifty smart phones with great cameras. The anniversary gift turned out great! You've now inspired me to do something like that for our 25th anniversary next year (hubs also turns 50 same week).
I am heading down to Disney in couple weeks and definitely going to try the margarita in Italy. Your tequila tasting sounded so fun- but I'm going with my MiL and SiL who are light weights. Although my MiL took my oldest (19 at the time- she's about to turn 20) to Puerto Vallarta and on a tequila factory tour-complete with tastings. first time my daughter ever drank-She was pretty funny when she called that night

The picture of you two all dressed up is so nice - that's need to be framed

 

[SarahBella82]

So much heart in this trip report. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I've only lived in St Pete for just shy of seven years. I don't recall the Suncoast Resort, but a quick Google search indicates that the Suncoast was purchased in its waning years, and was rebuilt as the Flamingo Resort. I work roughly four blocks north of the Flamingo, and I'm happy to say that they're thriving.

Yes, that's the place! Haven't seen the new incarnation yet. Have to keep that in mind for a little getaway.

Just read your whole trip report star to finish ! I must admit I cried at the photo album! That is such a thoughtful gift! Happy anniversary!!!!!! And happy belated birthday! Glad your trip was still so extremely magical even with Irma lurking around. Kylie is the cutest pup, and that picture of her makes my heart melt. What sweet girl and I'm so glad she is feeling better! Dogs are my weakness. My heart breaks for all the animals affected from these hurricanes!

Dinner at V &A was seemed to be everything I could have imagined! I am glad you had a wonderful celebration! I need to start saving my Chase points and stop spending them on the disney parks app! You've inspired me to save

Happy your home was okay with Irma! I'm from NJ so I can relate with your ambition to get to the Keys to bring in business in as soon as you're able. I went to the shore numerous times in the winter after Sandy hit, just to eat at the restaurants and shop in the boardwalk shops. It's sad to see places that once yielded such happy memories be destroyed. I am thinking of the Keys!

Again, thank you for the wonderful, wonderful report. Disney truly is the most magical place on earth, and it is an honor to be a part of this message board with so many others who feel the same.

Thank you for all of that! Save up those Chase points! Btw I am originally from Union County, and my love of the Jersey Shore is what made me move to Florida - two weeks a year did not cut it for me!

It's not the same down here - yes, the ocean is warmer and the water is cleaner - but in Fort Lauderdale, there's no atmosphere, just hotels and restaurants across the street (that require shoes! ) No Boardwalk.

But, no snow.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

What an awesome TR! So glad you guys came through Irma ok and your house is ok too! And sweet Kylie too of course. I wish I'd taken more pics at our V&A dinner (was for our 10th Anniversary too, although we were 5 months late in celebrating it-just the way timing worked). Back then we didn't have the nifty smart phones with great cameras. The anniversary gift turned out great! You've now inspired me to do something like that for our 25th anniversary next year (hubs also turns 50 same week).
I am heading down to Disney in couple weeks and definitely going to try the margarita in Italy. Your tequila tasting sounded so fun- but I'm going with my MiL and SiL who are light weights. Although my MiL took my oldest (19 at the time- she's about to turn 20) to Puerto Vallarta and on a tequila factory tour-complete with tastings. first time my daughter ever drank-She was pretty funny when she called that night

The picture of you two all dressed up is so nice - that's need to be framed

Thank you! I love all this inspiration happening lol. I love the sound of that Puerto Vallarta tour!

Side note: went to our fave Mexican restaurant once we got back home. Asked for the Ocho Anejo. No clue. Asked for a good sipping tequila. They brought me the new George Clooney stuff. It basically tastes like Jose Cuervo, but much smoother.

So much heart in this trip report. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you, Sarah! I'm glad it came through.

 

[riverside]

A truly wonderful & extremely entertaining trip report!! I really enjoy your writing style!! This is positively one that I could(& I'm sure I will) read over & over again!!
Sorry everything didn't go exactly as planned but you & Brian sure seem to still have fun & make the best of it!! I'm glad Kylie is better also!! Happy Anniversary & I wish you both many, many more years of happiness!!

 

[Tiggertoo56]

I've just finished readingthe rest of your trip report and really enjoyed it - brilliantly written and from the heart♡. So glad you and Brian made some more wonderful memories and I loved the photo album & keepsake box. It's something you can treasure forever. I hope you both (& Kylie) have many more happy years together & that you manage to save up enough for the cruise.