Surprise, Honey! You're Taking Me to WDW! (6/10) Coming Soon, to a DISboard Near You!

[eandesmom]

love the resort choice!!!!!!!!!

 

[mousescrapper]

I am so here for the secret fun....

I have taken my oath (although I was so excited...I messed up my hands)

WLV sounds so nice...and in Oct. really, really, hopes this works for you with Ed or anyway it can.

J~

 

[mrsksomeday]

YAY!! I love that you are staying there again. I can't wait to go to WL.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Love the pics of WL... That is where my hubby and I are staying in Nov/Dec...

Of course MrsK and Bill will be there the same time too...

 

[scottny]

WL does seem more romantic although walking from the F&W festival a little crooked could be too.

I chose WL for our October trip and then changed to CBR and now changed again but I am not revealing the resort now till I get back. I change way too much.

 

[praisehisname]

Great resort choice!

 

[michellem1118]

Yay for VWL! I'm so excited to be staying there in June (and in July, LOL), and I agree it's a better option than SSR. We like SSR, but it's definitely not at the top of our list when it comes to making DVC ressies.

But... personally... I probably would've kept the waitlist at either BCV or BWV (or both, since you can have two waitlists at a time), just for the convenience to F&W at Epcot. We were definitely spoiled by BCV's Epcot access on the spring break trip!

 

[jordanyosh]

Chapter One:

May 2, 2010


Hello, and to my little conspiracy. Okay, okay... so it’s actually a pretty BIG conspiracy!
I promise to share all the plotting and planning with you but if you wish to continue reading any further, you must swear an oath of secrecy...


First, place your left hand on your Planning Binder (or PassPorter, or Unofficial Guide, etc.) Now, please raise your right hand and promise that you will, to the best of your ability, endeavor to keep the details of this surprise trip a secret from the OP’s husband.

Here is The Husband:

And here is the OP (wearing the pink shirt):

I’m Kathy.

You may know me from past trip reports... I usually refer to them as the “Adventures in Autism” series. That’s because Billy, our autistic DS(12), makes every day an adventure... especially when we visit WDW! Our DD(14) is Tricia… or “Trish” as she now wants to be called. They are not part of the Cast for this covert trip plan, but I will certainly be referring to them throughout the report.

Tricia and Billy:

My DH is Ed.

Although he deserves 100% the credit for introducing me to The Magic, he has not fallen as completely head over heels for Walt Disney World as I have. To him, it’s a great place to go on vacation. To me, it has practically become an obsession!


Case in point: We were sitting on the couch the other day and something about theme park enthusiasts and Universal Studios came on the television. I sighed and told Ed how much I missed Walt Disney World. His response? “You were just there in November!”


“Yes, but we’re not going this November!” I replied, pitifully. “We won’t be going back for over a year!” He rolled his eyes as I continued, “I really hate not having a trip to plan!” He just shook his head. Ah well, it’s much more than that, really. It may be difficult for him to understand, but I’m guessing it will be easier for you.


I’ve been feeling rather blue lately and have developed a vague sort of emptiness inside. It’s a longing... dare I say a need... to return to my Happy Place, even if only for a brief visit. I need something to tide me over, if you will, until our big family vacation that is tentatively planned for June of 2011. Notice that I said “tentatively.” That’s been a big part of why I’ve been feeling so blue lately.

Since we became Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members in 2005, I have become quite spoiled… I’ve come to expect a trip to WDW every year. I’m often reminded of the opening scene in the movie, A Chistmas Story. Humorist Jean Shepherd reminisces about Christmas as “the center of the kid year”... the event around which all other events revolved.


In essence, that’s how I’ve come to view our annual family vacation to Walt Disney World… as the center of my year. The months leading up to it were spent planning and preparing for it and the months immediately after were spent recounting our adventures through trip reports. Then it would be time to start planning the next trip.

We were blessed and life was good.

Life has a habit of changing, however, and that change is not always for the good. Without getting too caught up in all the details, let me just say that things have been tight for us financially for the past couple of years. Several variables in our lives have joined together to form a “perfect storm” of additional and unforeseen expenses. By rights I should have cancelled our November, 2009 trip, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. We were pretty much sucking wind financially for a couple of months after that and Ed declared that we would have to forgo our vacation this November so we could get a chance to catch our breath. We would probably not be returning until 2011. I understood, but was heartbroken.


As the reality of our financial situation set in, I became somewhat depressed. Just before our last trip I had announced that I planned to write a book about our WDW adventures, which grew to include the adventures of other DIS families with kids on the autistic spectrum. I had been very excited about the project and had wild dreams of traveling down to Orlando with some of the families to really get close to my subjects.

Then came reality: No Money = No Travel = No Book.

I have yet to write a single word.

I slipped ever deeper into my Disney Deprivation Depression. I had no energy. I let my housework go. I let myself go and added ten more pounds to my already ample frame. I found it hard to write. (Here it is, May, and I’m still trying to finish our Halloween trip report!)


I tried to find a full-time job in my field (dermatology nursing) but have had no luck. Doctors would rather use cheaper labor. Meanwhile, Ed has taken on as much extra work as he possibly can. Between that and him going back to school part-time, I rarely see him anymore. Spring is here and I’m in the doldrums.

Something had to be done!

I started toying with the idea of a quick solo trip to perk myself up. Disney’s offering a lot of discounts lately… perhaps just a few nights at Pop Century and couple of days basking in the magic of the parks would help lift my spirits. But, between Ed and the kids’ packed schedules, there just didn’t seem to be a convenient time for me to take off for a few days. And, of course, there was the obvious guilt-factor... so many other things we could spend the money on, etc.


I took the bull by the horns and declared that we would not be waiting until December, 2011, to take our family vacation... we would move it up six months and go in June. That did make me feel better. Somewhat. June of 2011 is still over a year away and I really, really need my Disney fix!


Slowly and surely, the seeds of my plan were sown. Looking ahead on the 2010 calendar I saw that my birthday this year falls on a Friday… a built-in three-day celebration weekend! Just “for fun,” I started looking at airfares, resorts, park hours, etc. I began planning an “imaginary” couple’s trip for Ed and me. I considered options for child-care, park tickets, and ADRs. I gradually dreamed up an entire romantic weekend trip. Surprisingly, just creating the fantasy made me feel a little better.


Over the next few weeks I began squirreling away a little money wherever I could. I increased my vacation club deduction in my paycheck. I was happy when the doctor increased my hours half a day per week. (Every little bit helps.) I bagged the plans we had made for a Memorial Day Weekend Bed & Breakfast trip with the kids... more precious dollars that could be put toward Disney instead


Two weeks ago, I finally took the plunge... I made a DVC reservation for September 30th – October 3rd... the first weekend of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and My Birthday! It was easy enough... it wasn’t as though I needed to put any money down and I can cancel up to a week before check-in without any penalty.


Who knows how this will turn out? Perhaps I’ll change my mind and wind up canceling... perhaps I’ll have to go solo... perhaps, if all goes well, Ed and I will be able to enjoy a much-deserved weekend getaway... I really can’t say for sure! Eventually, I’ll have to let him in on my plans but not just yet.

For now, let’s just keep it our little secret! That’s why I’m not posting a link to this PTR in my signature… Ed sometimes pops in to read my current trip report.



Next Up: DVC Resorts and Waitlists... where will we rest our heads?


Kathy

I'm back!!!! and I'm in....

 

[mrsksomeday]

I'm back!!!! and I'm in....

So happy to see you Jordan .

 

[KathyRN137]

Wilderness Lodge sounds perfect!! We visited briefly last year when we went to WCC for dinner & I thought it was amazing. Great choice!

Thanks, Amy! Can't wait to read all about your trip!

Wow! A secret trip! Thanks for including me. I've been pre-planning a couples only WDW trip for me and DH as well. I KNOW were going to take it. The qestion is when. DH thinks our tenth anniversary would be the best time. I think our tenth anniversary is over TWO years away. I've been trying to come up with a way to "surprise" DH with a closer trip so this is right up my alley. Can't wait to hear more.

I love that term... pre-planning! It makes it sound so much more legit!

A wedding anniversary is a great excuse for a getaway trip, especially a tenth! But, there are also Birthdays, Father's Days, Mother's Days, Groundhog Days...

You were right, I do love your choice of VWL!!!

That is definitely my "happy place." You and Ed will have a wonderful weekend there .

I think the Lodge is so cozy and romantic... funny, since it's really so grand!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Yay! Sounds like a fun trip in the works. I really wanted to go back to Disney this year, but with finding out we are expecting it's been postponed till next year. Every so often I wonder if I could make a trip work. Oh well I will have to live through your fun.

Congratulations! What you will need to do is turn that baby into a Disney Baby! : :MinnieMo Then you'll have another reason to visit the World!

love the resort choice!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Cynthia!

I am so here for the secret fun....

I have taken my oath (although I was so excited...I messed up my hands)

WLV sounds so nice...and in Oct. really, really, hopes this works for you with Ed or anyway it can.

J~

Love the Binder Picture, Julie!!

I guess I will need to start a mini-binder for this trip!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

YAY!! I love that you are staying there again. I can't wait to go to WL.

I am not copying you, Tracy!! Really!!

I'm thinking of booking the "Wonders of the Lodge" walking tour... it looks great and we didn't get to do it when we were there with the kids.

Love the pics of WL... That is where my hubby and I are staying in Nov/Dec...

Of course MrsK and Bill will be there the same time too...

Love it! I can't remember if you have ever stayed there before... I have to go back to your report and refresh my memory.

If you or Tracy have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Will you be making an ADR at Artist Point? That place is fabulous!

WL does seem more romantic although walking from the F&W festival a little crooked could be too.

I chose WL for our October trip and then changed to CBR and now changed again but I am not revealing the resort now till I get back. I change way too much.

I am just shaking my head and laughing, Scott! You are the undisputed King of resort changes!


Kathy

 

[mrsksomeday]

I am not copying you, Tracy!! Really!!

I'm thinking of booking the "Wonders of the Lodge" walking tour... it looks great and we didn't get to do it when we were there with the kids.

Kathy

I wish you were copying us and going in December . You will have such a great birthday. We were thinking about taking that tour too, we will see if we can fit it in.

Bill and I have been bouncing back and forth about doing Artist Point, what did you eat there?

 

[KathyRN137]

Great resort choice!

Thanks! Although not my first choice, I'm actually quite happy now!

Yay for VWL! I'm so excited to be staying there in June (and in July, LOL), and I agree it's a better option than SSR. We like SSR, but it's definitely not at the top of our list when it comes to making DVC ressies.

But... personally... I probably would've kept the waitlist at either BCV or BWV (or both, since you can have two waitlists at a time), just for the convenience to F&W at Epcot. We were definitely spoiled by BCV's Epcot access on the spring break trip!

Well, I'm looking at it this way... the first weekend of the festival is going to be really crowded. We may pop in for a bit, but with only 2 1/2 days to spend, we won't be in the WS all that much. (Certainly not as much as if we were there for a week.) If this was more than a weekend trip I would certainly have kept the waitlist!

I'm back!!!! and I'm in....

Oh, Jordy!! I'm so glad to see that you are back!!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

I wish you were copying us and going in December . You will have such a great birthday. We were thinking about taking that tour too, we will see if we can fit it in.

Bill and I have been bouncing back and forth about doing Artist Point, what did you eat there?

I DID look at December, actually, so that we could meet up with you guys! But a weekend trip is so much easier because of the childcare situation and neither weekend around your trip could work for us.

When we ate at Artist Point I had a yummy grilled pork chop. The waiter talked me into it and I took his advice, even though I don't usually order pork. I was so glad that I did!

I'll have to look up my 2007 report to remember what Ed had!


Kathy

 

[MRYPPNS]

Kathy any chance on going mid-week the following week? I know it wouldn't be your birthday but less crowds for food and wine and the kids will be in school so whoever is looking after them only has to do so following their normal schedule. Plus air fare is cheaper. Just a thought.

 

[kayrosek]

A wedding anniversary is a great excuse for a getaway trip, especially a tenth! But, there are also Birthdays, Father's Days, Mother's Days, Groundhog Days...






Kathy

Wednesdays, Fridays...

 

[IluvXU]

I am late.. I just saw the PM... 4 pages to go through then... yikes!


I am all about a couples trip to WDW... heck any short trip sans kids sounds great...

and I am truly jealous... that would be my birthday weekend too!

Love the WL too!

 

[KathyRN137]

Kathy any chance on going mid-week the following week? I know it wouldn't be your birthday but less crowds for food and wine and the kids will be in school so whoever is looking after them only has to do so following their normal schedule. Plus air fare is cheaper. Just a thought.

Heidi, a midweek trip would be better in so many ways... fewer crowds, lower airfare, fewer points needed for the resort, etc, etc.

The problem is pure and simple: Childcare.

The only person I have to watch the kids for that extended period of time would be my sister (Catie's mom.) Aunt Rae is just too fragile now and my other sisters have multiple little ones, much younger than ours. Plus, they all live over an hour away.

Tricia is easy, but Billy... well... that's a whole 'nuther story!

Its hard for Billy to be away from his own environment, plus his computer, his TV, his DVDs, his music, etc. He gets really wound up and hyper and can be difficult to manage if you're not used to it. (Its a little better when he's at WDW because he's got huge distractions there!) I love my parents dearly, but they cannot handle Billy at all! And, they're not exactly spring chickens anymore.

Ideally, whoever watches Tricia and Billy needs to stay at our house and that's kind of impossible mid-week because everybody's kids have school, etc. Even the weekends can be really tough for the sisters with little kids. Catie, on the other hand, is older and it's like an extended slumber party if she and my sister come over for the weekend! (She's an only child.)

So, you see, we're kind of locked into doing this on the weekend, if at all!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Wednesdays, Fridays...

You got it!

I am late.. I just saw the PM... 4 pages to go through then... yikes!

I am all about a couples trip to WDW... heck any short trip sans kids sounds great...

and I am truly jealous... that would be my birthday weekend too!

Love the WL too!

Hi Laura!

A couples trip is so therapeutic, isn't it? I cannot believe that its been so long since Ed and I last went away.

Heck, I can't even remember the last time we went out for dinner alone!

Glad you're here!


Kathy