The "Unexpected Excuse for a Holiday Trip" Trip - Thread 1 About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

The “Unexpected Excuse for a Holiday Trip” Trip

This is Thread 1 of this trip report. If you'd like to continue along, here's the link to Thread 2 click here for Thread 2

Cast of Characters:

Marnie, age 36, 12th trip, your narrator and trip organizer
DH Matt, age 39, 6th trip with me, trip originator
DD Alexa, age 6 and a half, 5th trip, seasoned WDW veteran
DS Colin, age 3 (almost 4), 5th trip, seasoned WDW veteran

Background:

I had started planning (hoping, praying, you name it, you know you’ve all been there [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) for a December trip back in May and June of this year (right on the heels of our return from Disney in April). For hahas, I reserved a car at National (I just couldn’t believe the rate) and a room offsite for our first night at the Hampton Inn Maingate West. I wasn’t sure which week we’d be going (leaving December 2nd or December 9th) so I reserved both, knowing it wasn’t costing me anything just to have ressies and better safe than sorry. I floated the idea to DH now and then, not pushing it, but just bringing it up in conversation. Little did I know the rug was going to be pulled out from under me [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img]

It came to August, and I was watching fares on Southwest. They were okay, but not the cheaper fares that we had paid last year at this time. Rats, I didn’t have the push for the cheap trip to entice DH [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] And then it happened……… (insert Twilight Zone music here ) I was emailing Cheryl (chezp) one morning from work that we all had gotten a message (the entire campus) to show up in a building for a mandatory meeting that morning. I joked with her that I probably wouldn’t have a job after this one. Little did I know the truth to my words [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] We had our meeting, where they announced they were closing our campus here in CT and moving everyone to South Carolina (should you choose to go). For me, the decision was a no brainer, and I wouldn’t be relocating. I’d go back to my other full time job, being a Mom [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Of course, that one wouldn’t pay as well as my other full time job (in dollars, anyway) [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Actually it was a weight lifted off my shoulders, as I had been debating quitting work anyways with the kids schedules and all, and now I could stick it out for a few months and walk away with a very nice severance [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] While everyone else in the office was glum and bitter (understandably), I was quite chipper and beaming (I think they were ready to hit me [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] )! It was (and still is) a stressful time. Okay, now I really couldn’t push DH into going to Disney in December, since I would be losing my job next year, and would that really be fiscally responsible [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img] We already have the big August Extravaganza planned for next summer for our 10th Anniversary (and Matt’s big 4-0) and that was more important! Oh well, it would have been nice to see the decorations again, maybe some other year!

It seems I didn’t have to push DH at all, as he was the one who did all the pushing this time around [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] Remember, he’s a Disney closetaholic! Shhhhh. Two nights a week I go back to work when DH gets home to make up my hours. One evening in late September, I got home (for the second time) and DH said “I think we should go to Disney in December, we really need a vacation”. I just about fell over [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] I couldn’t believe those wonderful words were coming out of his mouth (I did a nice job converting him, didn’t I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] )! I hadn’t even been pushing him or anything, he did it all on his own [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] His job had been stressful lately, and we all know what was happening at my job, so what better excuse to use for a vacation! Well, it took me no time at all to start the planning, since it had already started. (See, it pays to be prepared for everything [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] ). Less than 18 hours later, I had booked the plane tickets, and reserved a room at AKL (pool view this time to save money - it was a sacrifice, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do)! We were still early enough to get in on the Best Rate packages as we were about 70 days out, so more money saved there! I then casually mentioned to him that I had already bought AP vouchers this summer, hoping we’d be able to use them earlier than our August 2006 trip. There’s a big chunk of the trip paid for already! It also helps to control the money in the house, to pay for these little “surprises” without him knowing about it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

With the rooms set, the plane and park tickets bought, and rental car reserved, there was only one thing left to do, and that was to pick our ADRs. Of course, there was no way now that I was going to get in at CRT. I had wanted to try the new lunch (we did the new lunch at PSB in April) but it was booked solid. DRAT. I’ve called back a few times for cancellations, but no dice! I was able to snag a table at PSB for breakfast, so I was quite happy with that. At least Alexa would get some use out of the Princess Aurora outfit my Mom had bought her for Halloween (she had to be Pink Power Ranger)! I added 1900 Park Fare for breakfast as well, so that I could see the Gingerbread house in the GF that I missed last year (because we waited until the last day) and we’ve yet to eat breakfast here! I just watched the holiday special on Food Network [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] , and DD is aiming for one of those mini gingerbread houses! We’ll see [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] We decided to keep it on the cheap this time around, and just wait for Fantasmic instead of doing the FDP. You’ll have to stay tuned to see how that decision panned out (it wasn’t mine – remember I’m just happy to be going). And the same for the Candlelight Processional! I’ve reserved 50’s Prime Time Café for dinner, as I think we’d have a good time in here (keep your fingers crossed). The menu looks good anyway! And last but not least, I was able to get LTT for our MVMCP night again. I really enjoyed the food here last year before the party, and I’m sure this year will not disappoint. Another bonus is that our DDE card is still good, and it’s already paid for itself during the last trip, so there’s more savings! I’ve debated trying Jiko, but I think I’ll wait to spring that on DH when we get there and see how things go!

I’ve been remiss in packing for this trip, as I just brought out the suitcases this weekend. We put all our pins on the lanyards on Sunday, I’ve already made and stuffed the Mousekeeping envelopes, and got quarters for the laundry. The lightsticks from Walmart have been purchased, and the kids want to bring back their light up toy they got in April (hopefully to prevent another purchase this time around). And I’ve got the all important Minnie Mouse Santa Hat! We’ve learned our lesson from last year’s cold trip to sunny Florida, and will be bringing the hats and mittens this time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Right now the 10 day forecast isn’t looking too bad, most highs in the upper 60s and lows in the 40s, which is better than last year when they were having freeze warnings left and right during our trip [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] And it’s supposed to be a balmy 20 degrees when we leave CT, so heck, even 40 sounds better that that [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

DH tried to throw a wrench into the plans yesterday, asking if we were going to US for a day [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Ah, you can’t throw that one in there with less than a week to go, I’ve already got all the plans done! Does anyone else’s non-planner spouse do this to them as well? Geez! He said we have to go for a day in August. Fine, I’ll fit it in then!

Other than picking up a few last minute items, I think we’re all set. The kids are more than excited this time around. Colin’s been telling everyone in daycare he only has 8 days, then 6 days, etc. until he goes. His teacher didn’t know we were going (I had told the director) and she had to ask if he was talking for real or just pretending [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] At least I know he’s excited [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Alexa is as well. However she’s been coughing for a few weeks now, so she may require a trip to the Dr. before we leave to make sure she’s okay. I don’t really want to be sitting at the clinic in Orlando when I could be riding Soarin’ (or sipping hot chocolate by the pool)!

I guess that’s it! I’m hoping the crowds will be as low as last year, although I think last year’s cold contributed to keeping the locals away during the week! We might not be so lucky this year. We’ll see when we get there! Stay tuned for the results!