The Great Whatever, Whenever Adventure: PTR Updated 6/15 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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The Great Whatever, Whenever Adventure: PTR Updated 6/15
Hello all...
I must say I am very excited to be writing a pretrip report, although I had to consider where exactly this report belonged- because although I will be visiting the Happiest Place on Earth, there's more to this adventure of mine. But as I plan to spend some time with the Big Cheese and his assorted gaggle of cohorts, surely the report can call this forum home.
I've been writing trip reports for awhile now, but if you haven't read anything I've penned and would like to get to know me a tad better- here are some links to past craziness and choas that is Austin Family traveling.
Those are just a few of them, I'm sure older ones are probably still out there. But it gives you an idea of my previous experience with Disney- with the family, with friends, etc. So enjoy, laugh and gawk or gasp should you see fit- it's all good with me.
This leads me to this brand new report and for the first installment, may I introduce you to the cast of characters.. the ones I would expect you to see the most of anyway.. other good folks may be appearing as well and I just don't know the plan yet.
Maureen, (Me), age 36 (I've got a month or so left on that so I'm milking that for every second I can).
Carrie, (BFF), age 34, former fellow co-worker, Disney Fanatic.
Jenn (BFF), not sure, Carrie's partner. Jenn works for Disney and has been doing so for 13 years- also a Disney Fanatic- which all things considered, is mighty nice.
Erin (BFF), age 25, former fellow co-worker, travel partner, etc. Erin is a PA native who has been enlightened to the ways of Disney recently.
Aida, (BFF), age 27, also former fellow co-worker and is currently working in Disney Entertainment as a production assistant. How cool is that??
Vanessa (BFF), age 25, former fellow co-worker and another one Carrie, Jenn and I introduced to the ways of the World. I'm thinking she hasn't looked back since.
A little background on our crazy group... we all met last year, when I was still living in Florida. Each one of us was hired to teach at a brand new elementary school and we met the first day of pre-planning. Erin, Aida and Vanessa taught 1st grade - Carrie and I taught Kindergarten. Somehow, we ended up going to lunch that first day and I just knew right then and there that these were some fabulous people.
Carrie and I essentially became teaching partners- we paired our classes together to do special projects, we co-taught on occasion, our teaching styles were so similar, it was just incredible. Within a few weeks, Carrie invited me out to Disney with she and her partner Jenn and I loved Jenn's quick wit as much as Carrie's. Jenn is lucky enough to work for Disney- rather, Disney is lucky to have Jenn working for them- she's really dedicated to her job and Walt's vision.
Carrie's, Aida's, Erin's, Vannessa's and my classrooms were in the same hallway so we got to see each other and crack jokes several times a day- which on some days, saved us from banging our heads against the wall. We began to hang out on occasion on the weekends- pool parties and some Disney excursions.
These are some free spirited girls. One would get what would be classified as a crazy idea and somehow it would come to pass. Case in point: someone said, "We should go to the Big Apple." Next thing I know, Erin, Aida and I were on a plane to NYC! And it was one of the best trips. EVER. So you know you have good friends if you can travel with them, have fun and come back not wanting to kill each other.
Here are a few photos..
Erin and I in Times Square on the NYC Trip
Aida and I waiting on a train on the subway in NYC
Jenn with Connor when he was about 4 months old..
Vanessa with her FIRST turkey leg at MK
This is Carrie and I at school on our first Professional Development Day. We make our own fun, as you can see.
That's as short and sweet as I can put our story together really. In the next installment, I'll get to the point.. of the trip report and the trip in general.
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Pre Trip Part 2: The Why, the When, the How, The Whatever, The Whenever..
When we moved from Florida last year and I had to say goodbye to all these cool chickies, I had the full intent of returning for a few days over Spring Break. That unfortunately, didn't come to pass as I was soo exhausted and funds were tighter than I would have liked. It was disappointing to say the least, but I promised Carrie that I would try again for summer.
Fast forward to March and my tax refund- I had way more taken out than I should have so we got more than we expected. By this time, I was in the middle of stress-a-pa-looza- getting my 4th grade class ready for state testing for starters.
I decided then and there that I needed something to look forward to and luckily, my angel DH agreed and sympathized- encouraging me to take a few days and go do what I wanted to do. That being of course, hanging out with my buddies. He rocks indeed.
I emailed Carrie to see what dates worked for her and we came up with June 17-21. Originally, we tried to keep my arrival secret and she had planned a BBQ where I could suprise the gang- but she called one night and told me she thought we had better spill the beans. Many of the girls were discussing vacation plans and she was afraid if we didn't speak up- lots of folks would not be around when I was down there.
So, with everyone in the know it was time to not plan. Yes, you read it right. Hence the title of this report: The Whatever, Whenever Adventure. I am so accustomed to uber planning when it comes to vacations but this time it just wasn't something I wasn't keen to do. It's not necessarily the style of those I am seeing as well- so really, what's the point? Basically, the mantra of this journey is: "I'm up for whatever, whenever." It's a complete departure from my normal style I assure you.
My airfare was of course, it's usually ridiculous amount coming from Northwest Arkansas. We have a regional airport here but I am within 2 hours driving distance from bigger markets such as Little Rock and Tulsa. However, the difference in price was about $30 and that wasn't worth 2 hours of driving to me- so I chose to stick with our regional airport. Our choices are limited: Delta or American. I avoid American when I can because I absolutely do not care to fly west (connecting in Dallas) to then turn around and go southeast. I'm not the most comfortable flyer so the more direct route, the better. With Delta, I will be connecting in Memphis and then on to Orlando.
My chosen resort for this trip is off property: Jenn and Carrie's place. You know that saying about staying on site gets you closer to the magic? Weelll, on site is best but Jenn and Carrie's is about the next best thing. They've got Disneyana galore including the most impressive collection of Vinylmation ever. Carrie and Jenn tuned into Vinylmation as soon as it started up and at times, their collection gives me the heeby jeebies. All those little guys staring at me. It's not how they look I guess, it's really that there are so many of them.
Aside from that, Carrie and Jenn also have the typical Florida home, relaxed and comfortable with the pool ready and waiting. The house is in Davenport- about 10 minutes from where we used to live and even better- about 6 miles from Disney. I'll be taking up residence in the guest room with my own bathroom.
Transportation will be provided through Carrie and Jenn for the most part I am sure and anyone else who hangs with us- I was very fortunate not to have to rent a car.
Even with this new attitude and approach, there is still some sort of framework of course and here's how that looks to be shaping up:
Thursday, June 17, 2010:
6:20 am flight from Fort Smith, connect through Memphis and arrive in Orlando at 12:00 pm Orlando time.
Other than this, no plans whatsoever- or none that I have been made aware of.. maybe head to Downtown Disney so I can get the souvenirs for the fam back home shopping done and taken care of.
Friday, June 18, 2010:
Loosely discussed was pool time during the day. Then possibly heading over to the MK late afternoon early evening- and staying as long as we can to take advantage of lowering evening temperatures.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
I did make on ADR and that was for breakfast at Cape May Cafe at 9:50 for Jenn, Carrie and I. Figuring this was the best way to thank Carrie and Jenn for their hospitality- this gives me the added bonus of seeing Minnie in beach gear. For some reason, I think she really pulls it off and I love the theming there too.
After breakfast, hoping to have everyone meet up and tour EPCOT.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
More pool time at the house and friend type bonding. Possibly meeting up with our friend Desiree, who just welcomed her first baby, Della Grace back in April. I will definitely get pictures of the devine Miss Della. She has fabulous baby hair.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Oddly enough, I have to log on to Carrie's laptop to book ADR's for our whole family December trip in the morning before heading back to the airport around 11:00 am for my 12:40 flight home. Should arrive back in Fort Smith by 3:30.
As I write this, I have 12 days to go so I will pop back in and out to add any other plans we add. I am looking around for some new duds to wear and contemplating my ability to pull off not checking a bag. Chances of this are slim, but it is possible.
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It was disappointing to say the least, but I promised Carrie that I would try again for summer.
Yes, you read it right. Hence the title of this report: The Whatever, Whenever Adventure. 
I am so accustomed to uber planning when it comes to vacations but this time it just wasn't something I wasn't keen to do. It's not necessarily the style of those I am seeing as well- so really, what's the point? Basically, the mantra of this journey is: "I'm up for whatever, whenever." It's a complete departure from my normal style I assure you. 
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