I like to change my PTR titles to get people to read it. HAHA. Yes, its late...

[hurleysweety]

Hi! Welcome to my PTR!​

Table of Contents ​

​

(for those who want to skip ahead...)

Wait...we're going to Disney?
4 ADRs to Ohana, and many more nights of dining plans await
Gripe, gripe, complain and repeat...Dining Plans
A WHOLE year of trips
Saving $$$ in every way!
100 Days to go!
Its a bird, its a plane, its an ITINERARY!
Our ADRs are DONE!
I didn't fall off the face of the earth!
Final Dining Plans - I promise!
All my questions - Please read this one!
​

Its a trip of firsts:
- First stay on WDW property
- First split stay on WDW property (OKW and POR)
- First WDW vacation with in-laws
- First stay with the DDP (most likely)
- First trip to WDW as an OCD planner

And the trip of seconds
-It'll be DH and my second trip to WDW together
-We'll be spending two days by ourselves for our 2nd anniversary
-Second time renting a car (we like freedom)
-Second annual trip with the in-laws (went to DLR last year)


Introductions...ME! I'm a 23 yr old (although by looks I could probably pass for a high school student) self-declared obsessive Disney planner. I'm the one who when out with a group of friends, or complete strangers, will, without warning, babble on about WDW if given any sort of related subject - such as "Hello" or "How are you?" :rofl: If I'm not planning a current vacation, I'm talking about the last one, editing photos, posting food porn, and reminding DH of how much fun it was. OK - that might be an exaggeration. I actually DO other things with my time - shocking, I know. I'm a graphic designer and absolutely LOVE IT! Someday I would love to design for Disney!! I'm constantly learning, which is another passion of mine, as well as youth ministry. I love kids, but we don't have any yet. Probably another 3 years?

DH is my best friend (all the ladies, "aawwww") and my partner in Disney obsession. When we have bad days, we talk about being in Disney. When we're at other events, theme parks (gasp! I know), vacations rolleyes1) we always wonder why we didn't go to Disney. It wasn't always this way. He's 25 (well 26 at trip time), which makes the whole rental car thing easier this year! DH is the spring training manager for the Milwaukee Brewers (he loves baseball and I love him) and also works for my parents (its a good relationship though, we all get along) at their insurance agency. He's a sport guy who loves to read, have fun, eat good non-foofy food, workout, and ride anything I can talk him into. DH does youth ministry with me, and anyone else out there who is involved with youth knows how cool it is to do it together.

DH and I on the balcony at the Grand Californian (our favorite hotel ever) before our first year anniversary dinner at Storytellers (our favorite dinner buffet ever, and the only Disney one we've ever done, ).

I didn't LOVE Disney until our Honeymoon. DH and I had the time of our lives there in May 2008. My parents are Disney every 8-10 year people, so I didn't have much influence growing up. DH's parents just love vacation and the fact that we love Disney - so they've now become part of the obsession. They went with us last year to Disneyland, and this year, they're coming with us to Disney World!

DMIL is very easy to get along with. She is sweet and caring and takes my word for it on all things Disney. On our DLR trip, DH warned me that she probably would want to spend a lot of time napping, relaxing, etc and not so much time on the rides. But he was wrong! She was a tropper going anywhere I suggested, even getting on Indy with us! DH couldn't believe it. Probably not her favorite ride - she is more of an Aladdin show or pirate's type lover. I'm looking forward to taking her to Philharmagic as she knows all the Disney cartoons/movies better than anyone I know. She is a preschool teacher and has about 30 kids in a small room everyday and therefore is my kid-taming hero.

DFIL is just a fun guy. He just loves being with his family and far away from the demands of work, who isnt?! He had some horrible emergency hospital visits back in January-Feb 09 due to blood clots and problems with his knee. He'd only been using partial capacity of his lung for awhile and the doctors were basically shocked that he was alive. Because of this, walking through the world will always be a concern for this trip. He works out to try and lose some excess weight, and hopefully WDW walking will give him the motivation he needs. He was fine at DLR with a guest assistance pass, but due to what I assume to be, some other people's abuse, we weren't always treated kindly which irritated me so much. DFIL is such a nice guy though he would never say anything about it.

Here is the only picture I have of them from DLR on this computer - I'll update with a better one later:

Two years ago at this time I had just graduated college with my bachelor's, started a new job, and was planning a wedding. I was also planning our honeymoon to WDW for June 1st - 6th! I realized quickly how little I knew! And now 2 years later, I still have so much to learn. We've had APs for Disneyland last year (we have them til May 7) and been on four trips, around 24 days total, and I've turned into an OCD planner. Yes, we all need help.

Thanks for reading!

Coming Up Next: When are we going? Where are we staying? How will we get there? Decisions. Decisions...

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[hurleysweety]

So how did this trip come about?

Well about 2 months ago we talked about the possibility of going. We also talked about it with DFIL and MIL when they came down to AZ for Christmas. (They live in Colorado). They just love hanging out with us and they always talk about wanting to go back to WDW with us someday since we had so much fun on our honeymoon.

After I got back from a wedding in Montana (on New Years!), I started the number crunching...what if we did a deluxe? What about value? What about dining plan? Airfare? Wait...its cheaper to stay in a villa? Lets to BCV!!!! So DH set me a budget and I basically laid it all out in excel what our budget would get us and after three days of all our talk we realized...this might not be the best time for a trip. Afterall, we're trying to save up for a house (we're in a house kinda now...its just a triplex so it doesn't have that "house" feel). I *thought* he would have told his parents shortly after, but noooo, he didn't.

So backup here, DFIL&MIL have a timeshare through Worldmark and last time they upgraded they also got the option for RCI points or something (not sure how it all works since I've never wanted to pry!). Well before crunching numbers I did mention to DH that he should ask them if they can transfer any points to stay onsite at WDW. Hopefully at BCV?! But probably not, DH immedietly said that there was no way, and if there was, it wouldn't be worth it. But I guess he asked anyway because...

About 2 weeks ago we were coming home from the gym - DH was on the phone with his dad who was apparently, from what I could tell, on the Disney website looking at prices. I was hearing pretty insane prices thrown out for a 2 bedroom villa, etc. DH wasn't saying much, and I was totally distracted by other thoughts so when he got off the phone our conversation went like this,

DH: Uh, so did you hear any of that?
Me: No...(and I wasn't lying, I really couldn't hear!)
DH: My dad found this one deal, 2 bedroom, blah blah...$$$$$$$
Me: That's not a deal at all...
DH: I know. So he called RCI to see about point transfers and could get a 1 bedroom for OKW so he booked it--
Me: Wait...what?
DH: Guess we're going to Disneyworld.
Me: WHAT?
DH: Blank stare at me like, *how do you not get this?*
Me: Wow...I'M SO EXCITED TO PLAN OUR TRIP!
DH: Is OKW any good?
Me: Its the only resort I know nothing about! AHhh!!!

And so the journey begins!

 

[MainStMandy]

Welcome!!! Your plans sounds great! You are your dh are too cute! Congratulations on your upciming anniversary!

 

[hurleysweety]

So I've gone a little nuts - yes, I've gone overboard.

We currently have four different ADRs for Ohana. Yup, four.

Mostly because I am not very good at scheduling entertainment, park days, and ADRs for 9 days. Its hard!! But I'm sure you know that if you're reading this. You would think one would just wait until you had at least a couple days picked out, or a time. But no, I want to eat at Ohana and then watch the fireworks from the beach. Afterall, its my trip and I'll obsess if I want to! (That really should be my title...maybe I'll change it). We have reservations for:

21 Saturday - 7:15
21 Saturday - 8:15 (Not sure what time will work best for this day)
22 Sunday - 5:20
23 Monday -8:15

And you won't believe it...the one I want that would work best is either Sunday or Tuesday at 7:00PM--oh yeah, we don't have that one. Been checking every day for a week now.

 

[hurleysweety]

Welcome!!! Your plans sounds great! You are your dh are too cute! Congratulations on your upciming anniversary!

Thank you! Best thing about having a honeymoon at WDW, you can use it as an "excuse" to go back (as if we all really need another reason!).

 

[hurleysweety]

Wow...I've spent so much time on these darn dining plans.

First of all...we can't decide if we should do the DPP or not, so every day I change my mind. Mostly - because I know I can change my mind any day up to about 48 hrs before our trip, when we have to notify Disney that we want to add the plan.

That's where it gets tricky. You see we're staying on RCI points, borrowed from Worldmark. And apparently, through other threads on here, I've found out that we need a Disney confirmation number and then we can call and get it added on to our reservation, as long as it is 48 hours in advance. However, RCI has told my inlaws that this is not true. So I asked them to get the Disney reservation number. They said they don't have a confirmation number yet - of any kind...WHAT? I keep pressing the matter and people get annoyed. So I just sit here, wait and be patient.

DH just told me he'll call on behalf of his parents and try his best to get the dining plan added. We'll see how it all goes.

Either way...still need that Ohana reservation!

 

[disneylovin24]

 

[MainStMandy]

Wow that's tricky! How can someone not have a reservation number? Sorry you are frustrated!!

We love the DP and can't imagine going without it. I know people have mixed feelings but we love to have everything planned out and mostly payed for. Hope you get that number soon!

 

[MHTeacher]

Congrats on your trip-in-planning and your upcoming anniversary.

I'm a little confused though, your sig line says WDW May 23-30, but you have an ADR for 'Ohana on the 21st? What did I miss?

 

[hurleysweety]

Wow that's tricky! How can someone not have a reservation number? Sorry you are frustrated!!

We love the DP and can't imagine going without it. I know people have mixed feelings but we love to have everything planned out and mostly payed for. Hope you get that number soon!

I know --- I guess since it is an RCI exchange, they are waiting to get it in the mail?? I don't know how much longer I can stand to wait. Its driving me nuts - and therefore I'm driving everyone else nuts.

And glad to hear another supporter for the DDP. DH and I mostly want to to do it for the convenience. And we hope to save a few $$ here and there!

Congrats on your trip-in-planning and your upcoming anniversary.

I'm a little confused though, your sig line says WDW May 23-30, but you have an ADR for 'Ohana on the 21st? What did I miss?

Oh you caught me! I need to change our dates. I was so excited to add that to my sig that I forgot to put in the right dates. Its the 21-30. And while I can get the perfect time on the 21, I don't know if we can make our reservation by then - our plane gets into MCO at 4.

Welcome!

 

[hurleysweety]

Okay, so if you want to know more about me and my DH, and also our trip with my In-Laws to DLR last May, check out my super thread on the Disneyland boards: "A WHOLE year of trips!"

I know, its quite large. I also know that not ONE trip report is finished (still trying to get the last one done, it was only a 2 day trip!!!). So hopefully between all my planning for WDW, and my frustrations from lack of experience, I will return back to DLR where I feel much more at ease and finish that darn report!

 

[MHTeacher]

Oh you caught me! I need to change our dates. I was so excited to add that to my sig that I forgot to put in the right dates. Its the 21-30. And while I can get the perfect time on the 21, I don't know if we can make our reservation by then - our plane gets into MCO at 4.

Ahhh---that makes sense to me. Sorry, wasn't trying to be nit-picky

I would be a little nervous about making a 7:15 ressie for 'Ohana if my plane was scheduled to land at 4. The 8:15 MIGHT be do-able. Are you using Magical Express?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Whoa, that is crazy your DH is the spring training manager for the Brewers! We are all big Brewers fans in my family. We went to spring training in AZ in 2008 and had a blast!

Your plans look great so far, can't wait for more.

 

[hurleysweety]

Ahhh---that makes sense to me. Sorry, wasn't trying to be nit-picky

I would be a little nervous about making a 7:15 ressie for 'Ohana if my plane was scheduled to land at 4. The 8:15 MIGHT be do-able. Are you using Magical Express?

No worries! I kept meaning to correct it anyway!

And we are renting a car...although due to some trip changes, Ohana will be out of the question for Friday night. I'll write about that next!

Whoa, that is crazy your DH is the spring training manager for the Brewers! We are all big Brewers fans in my family. We went to spring training in AZ in 2008 and had a blast!

Your plans look great so far, can't wait for more.

Thanks! We love the Brewers too (and as DH will sometimes add, because they write the checks, haha)! If you come down again for Spring Training, let me know!!

 

[hurleysweety]

You'll never guess what has happened since I last posted...I scored. Seriously.

I am now the proud bargain recipient of $40 in SW credits plus both our flights are NONSTOP! (Saving us a good 5+ hours total!)

Also, I upgraded our rental car to a standard and am paying $16 less.(Thanks to some awesome DISboarders who shared the

And finally, we have dinner reservations at Le Cellier for the time and date I wanted, first try!

Sad news, still no luck with Ohana. I'm surprised I haven't started dreaming about the online dining reservation system...

 

[hurleysweety]

100 Days til our first stay on-site at WDW! I feel like we need to do something to celebrate tonight. DH and I are ready to go now! But thank goodness its not now, I still don't have an itinerary planned...

 

[dizneyrules]

Sounds like fun! Can't wait to hear all the details!

 

[hurleysweety]

YES! I feel like someone has just nominated me for an OSCAR! Or better yet, I've just won gold at the Olympics (shoutout to Vancouver!). I've actually completed our first version of our itinerary. I say first because its dependent on many different things.

ONE. That we can actually get the DDP.
TWO. That in the 99 days remaining I can snag an ADR for Ohana on Tues.
THREE. That I don't overplan...and lurk through the disboards and rethink everything.

So without any further ado...

Friday - Arrival | Dinner@1900PF
Sat. 5/22 - MK | Break | Epcot/Illum
Sun 5/23 - Epcot | Break | MK/Spectro
Mon 5/24 - Sleep In/Boma/DHS | Early Break | DHS/Shows
Tues 5/25 - AK | Late Break | Ohana/Wis!
Weds 5/26 - MK | Break | DHS/Fantas!
Thurs 5/27 - DHS | Late Break | MK
Friday 5/28 - Transfer Hotels/MK | Break | Anniversary
Sat 5/29 - Epcot | Break | Epcot
Sun 5/30 - MK | Leave

And as I write this...I already see myself making changes. Oh vey. Yet, as many shall come to admit at some point. We really doing enjoy all these for all the we'll have later. If only we all received for as much effort we put towards it!

 

[hurleysweety]

We have our ADRs! Holy moly...it only took 3 weeks to get it down. I stink at making decisions - and since its entirely up to me, I am known to put unusual amounts of pressure upon myself for everyone's hunger happiness.

So...without further ado, here are our ADRs for our trip! We WILL have the dining plan for the 7 nights with the in-laws. The extra two nights will be OOP and whatever we feel like (including a lovely trip to the Kona sushi bar for our anniversary!).

Breakfast:
Boma

Lunch:
Coral Reef

Dinner:
Ohana (its a little early, 5 PM, for 9 PM fireworks...so I'll keep checking to get it later )
Le Cellier
The Wave
Teppan Edo
Liberty Tree Tavern

 

[emilita423]

great planning so far!! my fiance and I will be there in May and I am just as excited!! Have fun planning!!