The Culmination of It All - Tom & Sarah's WDW HONEYMOON Pre-Trip Report

It really has been a long time in the making. It has been roughly two and a half years since I first reported our Engagement during Christmas Wishes! on the Beach of the Polynesian. During that time, we have taken four additional trips to WDW in August 2008,
November/December 2008, August 2009 and October 2009.

For those unfamiliar with us, here are the characters to the Story. I'm Tom, the male. Sarah, female, is my beautiful fiancee.


The planning began almost immediately after we returned from that engagement trip with the first inquiry being a substantial one: Walt Disney World wedding? This question was one that we really struggled with. If we did a Disney wedding, that would effectively preclude many family members from attending, either as they wouldn't or couldn't fly, or that it would be too expensive for them to attend. Conversely, the wedding is about us, and Walt Disney World is definitely the location that best represents us. Me being the selfish one, I was slightly leaning towards the WDW option, while Sarah was leaning towards the other option, a wedding at our college, which is also conveniently halfway between Indianapolis, Sarah's hometown, and Plainwell (Michigan), my hometown. When we went on the August 2008 trip, we met with a Disney Fairytale Wedding planner, which sealed the deal. Although there are options priced for all budgets, the value for our money we could get in Valparaiso far exceeded Disney's comparable offering. Thus a Valparaiso wedding it would be.

The only other planning detail to which I can speak is the photographer, as that was my main task. My requirement here was that we find someone better than me. While that might sound arrogant, there are a surprising number of terrible wedding photographers out there. It seems these days anyone who buys a DSLR immediately fancies themselves as a professional. That is not the case. (Let this be a word of caution to any of you about to get married...make sure you do your homework and get an actual wedding photographer, not some cheap-o fly-by-night hack). It took a little while, but I ultimately found a great guy, who also happens to be a stunning photographer. Certainly miles above my ability, so I have no worries there.

If you have other questions about the planning details (I know that stuff might appeal to girls, and I suppose is a proper subject for a pre-trip report!), pose them here, and maybe Sarah will stop out of the shadows of lurkerdom, and post to answer them. Anything else you want to find out about the wedding can be found at our Wedding Website, AyresBricker.com.

Okay, enough actual wedding details--after all, this is a pre-trip report! Let's get discussing that minor detail that seems to follow the wedding...THE HONEYMOON!

Since we couldn't do a WDW wedding, we decided we had to do a WDW honeymoon! We started planning this at around the same time wedding planning began, with the fitting resort destination being the Polynesian. After all, it was where we got engaged, and our "dream" resort. Then we saw the price tag. Unfortunately, being a student doesn't pay as well as it might seem, so that was difficult to stomach.

Still, it would be our honeymoon, and we thought we deserved a little luxury. I started tossing around ideas, and one that I kept coming back to was Disney Vacation Club. We had already done several DVC tours (mostly for the free swag) both in WDW and at the Doorway to Dreams store in Chicago, and were subscribed to several resale emails, so much of the homework there was already done. I began pricing it out, and for only about $1,000 more than it would cost to stay at the Poly (assuming a reasonable discount on the Poly for our stay) we could buy a DVC contract that, if we banked all of our 2009 points and borrowed all of our 2011 points, would be enough to stay at Beach Club, BoardWalk, or Bay Lake Tower (three other "dream" resorts) for the duration of our stay. Even though the contract would cost $1,000 more, it was much more palatable given that it would have a great amount of residual value after our honeymoon. So we did it. It cost a substantial amount of the money we make with our summer jobs, and since we've made a lot of sacrifices during this school year and have been on a tighter budget, but we are both pretty happy about that decision.

With DVC, as you may know, you may book your non-home resort 7 months in advance. This meant that early one morning last December, we both got up and made the call to DVC at exactly 9 a.m. to book BoardWalk (first choice), Beach Club (second choice), or BLT (third choice). Sarah got through first. I watched with much eagerness. I saw her eyes light up. They BoardWalk! Woo hoo, 7 days at BoardWalk!!!

Our excitement at that point probably couldn't be much higher. Until a couple of days later, when Sarah convinced me that we should stay 10 days. I was reluctant about this at first, as I will be taking the Bar Exam in July, and I should be studying for long portions of the day everyday from May until July. Taking seven days off already has me a little nervous. But like I said above, it's our honeymoon--what the heck...and it's Disney! I can always retake the Bar! :ROFLOL:

Unfortunately, we did not have enough points to book the additional days at BoardWalk, nor was there any availability even if we did, so Sarah booked the additional three days at Old Key West. Not too shabby!!!

Around that same time, which was my finals time for the Fall semester, Sarah undertook the massive task of making our Advance Dining Reservations. Massive task is not an understatement. Since the park hours were not yet posted, Sarah made many reservations, most of which will be canceled when we get closer to the date of the actual honeymoon. Below are the ADRs we have currently. The ADR in italics is one we likely will use, bold is ones we'll definitely use, and regular font are ones likely to be canceled.

Sunday June 13, 2010:
Dinner - Kouzzina
Dinner - Garden Grill
Dinner - Kona Cafe
Dinner - 'Ohana

Monday June 14, 2010:
Lunch - Sci Fi Diner
Dinner - Sanaa
Dinner - Coral Reef
Dinner - Yak & Yeti

Tuesday June 15, 2010:
Dinner - Yak & Yeti
Dinner - Le Cellier
Dinner - Biergarten
Dinner - Coral Reef
Dinner - Sci Fi Diner

Wednesday June 16, 2010:
Breakfast - Cape May Cafe

Thursday June 17, 2010:
Dinner - Le Cellier
Dinner - 'Ohana
Dinner - Kona Cafe

Friday June 18, 2010:
Breakfast - Crystal Palace
Dinner - Victoria & Albert's

Saturday June 19, 2010:
Lunch - Beaches and Cream
Dinner - California Grill

Sunday June 20, 2010:
Dinner - Kona Cafe
Dinner - The Wave
Dinner - 'Ohana

Monday June 21, 2010:
Dinner - Sci Fi Diner
Dinner - Coral Reef Cafe
Dinner - Yak & Yeti

Tuesday June 22, 2010:
Dinner - Le Cellier
Dinner - 'Ohana

Wednesday June 23, 2010:
Breakfast - Crystal Palace

In the original post, I also had our tentative touring plan, but I think I will hold off on reposting that (it's almost bed time!) until a later date when I can be a little more thorough with it. Plus, I want to give you something to look forward to! We have been planning on a daily basis, so I will keep updating as more details are decided upon. Until then, thanks for reading and giving me something to do as I count down the 73 agonizing days (well, 72 agonizing days since the day before should be pretty fun!!!) until the Honeymoon!

 

[Blueliner]

As of today, I am done with the bar exam! I have a four day weekend during which I will be devoting considerable time to the trip report; can't wait to get it posted. Thanks for being patient!

Congratulations on making it through the bar exam. I am 11 years removed from taking it (down here in Alabama), but I still remember it vividly. I remember feeling relieved and physically and mentally exhausted as I left the testing area on the final day. Hopefully, you felt pretty good about it as you left.

I look forward to the report!

 

[adamneely]

Thanks for the words on length, everyone!

Hilarious as always, John. More of what I had in mind was points of the TR where I'd interject a little commentary with which not everyone might agree. For instance, there was one thing I kept seeing during the trip that really boiled my blood. However, I think if I wrote about it, I'd alienate some people or end up with a lot of private messages lambasting my opinions. I gave my thoughts on ECV-trends two years ago in one of these, and that's exactly what happened. I do enough 'debating' at work...not really interested in doing it here.

I think that in every TR people should share what they really liked, and what they really didn't like. That's why we read them. If you saw a trend over your trip that was infuriating (and i think from your hints I have an idea what it is) than you should talk about it. If you want, make it so that people who dont want to read it know how far to skip ahead, using a warning or something telling people to skip that paragraph. That could let the people who don't care, or the people who want to hear what you didn't like read it. And the people who's feelings could get hurt by a trip report about Disney World can skip it. Sounds like a win for everyone.

 

[DiPSU224]

I think that in every TR people should share what they really liked, and what they really didn't like. That's why we read them. If you saw a trend over your trip that was infuriating (and i think from your hints I have an idea what it is) than you should talk about it. If you want, make it so that people who dont want to read it know how far to skip ahead, using a warning or something telling people to skip that paragraph. That could let the people who don't care, or the people who want to hear what you didn't like read it. And the people who's feelings could get hurt by a trip report about Disney World can skip it. Sounds like a win for everyone.

Agreed! Just let others know when they can skip ahead if they don't agree or want to read your opinions.

Part of a writing a trip report is to tell how you felt while there. We're all allowed to our opinions. You don't need to debate anyone. If they don't like what you're going to write, they can skip your TR.

Are you or Sarah going through wedding withdrawal yet?

 

[blackthidot]

Thanks for the words on length, everyone!

Hilarious as always, John. More of what I had in mind was points of the TR where I'd interject a little commentary with which not everyone might agree. For instance, there was one thing I kept seeing during the trip that really boiled my blood. However, I think if I wrote about it, I'd alienate some people or end up with a lot of private messages lambasting my opinions. I gave my thoughts on ECV-trends two years ago in one of these, and that's exactly what happened. I do enough 'debating' at work...not really interested in doing it here.

Yeah I did a section on ECV abuse as well but when I did it it was well received. But I mostly talked about how there is blatant abuse of the system.

 

[mouselvrmom]

Thanks for the words on length, everyone!

Hilarious as always, John. More of what I had in mind was points of the TR where I'd interject a little commentary with which not everyone might agree. For instance, there was one thing I kept seeing during the trip that really boiled my blood. However, I think if I wrote about it, I'd alienate some people or end up with a lot of private messages lambasting my opinions. I gave my thoughts on ECV-trends two years ago in one of these, and that's exactly what happened. I do enough 'debating' at work...not really interested in doing it here.

Ooh, now I'm intrigued about these thoughts! :lol: You must share them. It's not fair to hint about them and then leave us hanging!

 

[marlaine8]

I, for one, will read as much as you write! I just loved your pre-TR!
I love the way you write, very detailed!
(By the way, we live in Hobart. You're my neighbor!)

 

[meganw1985]

*impatiently waits for trip report* :lookaroun

 

[harveyt0206]

Thanks for the words on length, everyone!

Hilarious as always, John. More of what I had in mind was points of the TR where I'd interject a little commentary with which not everyone might agree. For instance, there was one thing I kept seeing during the trip that really boiled my blood. However, I think if I wrote about it, I'd alienate some people or end up with a lot of private messages lambasting my opinions. I gave my thoughts on ECV-trends two years ago in one of these, and that's exactly what happened. I do enough 'debating' at work...not really interested in doing it here.

First - if someone doesn't share your opinions/views, then I would hope that they would have the courtesy of saving their comments for another thread and not try to hijack your trip report. But I understand your concern on this topic. I often find myself limiting my opinions for a similar reason. But, in this particular instance I vote for you discussing whatever you feel is pertinent to the trip and your/Sarah's enjoyment of the trip.

If you write it, I will read it. Nuff said.

 

[blackthidot]

Yeah dude write that stuff....I got your back son!

 

[erstwo]

Okay, seriously. We haven't started this thing yet? 18,000,000,000 views and we're still left with no actual report? Obviously, we're hanging on every word (whether we agree with it or not

Come on already! If not for us, the people who have posted 190 times, then for the "100 per poster" lurkers - who don't post but- who are also DYING to read!!!!

 

[WDWFigment]

In case you're wondering why nothing of substance has been posted yet, it's because I will be posting the trip report in total when I finish it (rather than in segments). I'm onto the second day now, and hopefully will knock out a good portion today. My goal for completion at this point is August 12th.

Wedding pictures probably will be posted at a later date, as I doubt we will get those back by then.

 

[Missymoe4]

In case you're wondering why nothing of substance has been posted yet, it's because I will be posting the trip report in total when I finish it (rather than in segments). I'm onto the second day now, and hopefully will knock out a good portion today. My goal for completion at this point is August 12th.

Wedding pictures probably will be posted at a later date, as I doubt we will get those back by then.

What a date to choose! I was hoping for some good pre/post-trip reading, but seeing as how I'll be in Disney then...

I'll patiently wait....

 

[happymom52003]

AHHHH! You're killin us here! I bet this trip report will break all records for number of views. Can't wait to read it! And I really can't wait to see the wedding pictures....I can only imagine how gorgeous Sarah looked!

 

[emh1960]

In case you're wondering why nothing of substance has been posted yet, it's because I will be posting the trip report in total when I finish it (rather than in segments). I'm onto the second day now, and hopefully will knock out a good portion today. My goal for completion at this point is August 12th.

Wedding pictures probably will be posted at a later date, as I doubt we will get those back by then.

I LOVE how you post your reports in one fell swoop, instead of keeping us hanging day to day. I hope the site does not crash when you first post because of the amount of users reading at one time!

 

[KnK]

Tom, maybe you can put the 'big to to' post as a new thread. I can't believe how impatient I've become waiting for it.

Thanks for all the hard work you are putting into it.

 

[MillerPoppins]

Man I came back here today cause I thought, "It's after July 29th, it should be up by now". Ehh...

You guys gotta feel good that this many people are anxiously awaiting this report!

 

[CarlFredricksen]

Geez who would have thought the demand for this thing would be so high??? Create a site that is $3 for a username and post the TR on there. Seems like you could pay off your law school loans

 

[WDWFigment]

Things are slowly but surely progressing. I am done with day two and am almost half done with organizing and deleting the pictures (which is really quite an accomplishment given that I have to go through, look at each RAW file, compare it to others from the same "burst" and delete all but one). My goal for this evening is to write day 3 and get some photos edited.

Tom, maybe you can put the 'big to to' post as a new thread. I can't believe how impatient I've become waiting for it.

Thanks for all the hard work you are putting into it.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'big to to.' As in the actual TR itself? I will. The TR will definitely be its own thread, not a continuation of this one.

Geez who would have thought the demand for this thing would be so high??? Create a site that is $3 for a username and post the TR on there. Seems like you could pay off your law school loans

Something tells me that interest would drop off precipitously and I would generate a lot of ill will in the process. Although, there is this new lens I have been wanting. Hmmm.... :animwink:

 

[KnK]

Things are slowly but surely progressing. I am done with day two and am almost half done with organizing and deleting the pictures (which is really quite an accomplishment given that I have to go through, look at each RAW file, compare it to others from the same "burst" and delete all but one). My goal for this evening is to write day 3 and get some photos edited.



I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'big to to.' As in the actual TR itself? I will. The TR will definitely be its own thread, not a continuation of this one.



Something tells me that interest would drop off precipitously and I would generate a lot of ill will in the process. Although, there is this new lens I have been wanting. Hmmm.... :animwink:

Should have said the 'Big To Do'.....typing too fast with anticipation. Basically thought a new thread with just the big trip report in it. Just really really excited to read it all.

 

[blackthidot]

Anyone remember what Rick James said and did to Eddie Murphy's couch? That is how I feel about this trip report.