Honey, I Shrunk the Checkbook, Really final, some Feb shots, 7-27, pg82. - The DIS Discussion Forums

nebo · 01-02-2008, 03:13 PM

Hugh Hefner, Ray Kroc. (McDonald's)

Two American institutions.

Know what they have in common?

They are both from Chicago, which is where I am from.
I and Smidgy, my wife, aka Diane.
Sorry, Smidgy and I.

Some day I hope to be institutionalized as well.

hmm.....

Oh, by the way, there was another fellow that also came from here.

Walter Elias Disney

Oct. 1st, Port Orleans, Riverside:
"Honey, I'm not sure you're gonna like this", I said while gazing at the Muddy Rivers sign over the pool bar.

"Just don't say, you've b"

"I've been thinking"

"AIEEEEEE!" she screamed. "NO, NO, NO, we can't come back in December, we just can't".
"Besides, we've been here three times already this year". "You're nuts!"

Unfortunately, this WAS going as planned. Time to get my A game on the court, choke up on the bat, find the open receiver if you will.

"But we HAVE to! It's already booked!. And we never came once between 94 and 02. And we never came once in 04, besides, we already made the downpayment of 200." "Plus, gas prices will be lower, and we have the room at ASMusic for 48 a night!" "You can barely get a Motel 6 for that price, much less a Disney resort."

I was firing.

I was also out of breath.

And she was faltering.

"But it doesn't matter", she had regrouped on me, "We can get the downpayment back since we haven't paid the balance yet."
"Besides, we only booked it in case we didn't go on the trip when your company closed."

She was right, we knew where I worked that my company would go out of business by december, but when it closed on september 1st, I was a tad unhappy, got a room at Pop for AAA rate, and then got 3 nights at the Dolphin for 125 a night.

And we went.

This "argument" is taking place on the last day of our free dining trip at Riverside. Our bags are packed, and sitting with Magical Depress, and we are having a cocktail waiting for the bus to arrive.

It happens like this:
When the new codes for free dining or room onlys come out, we are all over them like paparazzi on Britney. In April, Diane was up at six in the morning booking the free dining, and in August I nailed the 48 a night at ASMusic for the second week in December.

Just in case.

You know what? It's a lot easier to book a Disney vacation than it is to cancel one.

Trust me, I know.
Oh boy, do I know.

In August, the little bar where Smidgy worked for over ten years, changed owners, who brought in their own people. She was out. Then the bank called in the loan on the place where I worked for 27 years, and I was out.

Now, my reasoning is since we're both out of jobs, and if we start new ones right away there won't be any vacation time, why not go when we have the chance?

This was of course, painstakingly explained to her again, my eyes still not leaving the Muddy Rivers sign.

"At 48 a night, that comes to about 1500 a month, that's a lot of people's mortgage! That's how cheap it is. And with the refillable mugs, all the cofee, tea and pop we can drink"

She was slipping again.

"But I still have some housecleaning customers I don't want to lose, and,,,"

"Plus our "home" would come with 2 pools." She reeled back against the ropes, and tried to get back in the fight.

"But,,"

"And a maid!" I almost have her now.

As she tried to get off the mat, with the ref counting her out, I gave her the knockout blows:

"Osbourne Lights, Candlelight Processional, DISNEY WORLD DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL THEIR GLORIOUS DECORATIONS!"

She threw in the towel.

Game, Set, Match!

GOT HER!

Hi, my name is Steve, aka Nebo, a dumb nickname I've had since a teenager, and I will be your host on this trip for the holidays.
We are early fifties empty nesters, and true Disney holics.

This report will focus on what it's like to be at Disney for the holiday season, with photos mostly geared towards the decorations.
This was a very special trip also for us. Of all the times we've been to Disney, we have never been here for the holidays.
Plus, we realize it may be a very long time till we are able to return.

A thing about our itinerary though.

And me.

I am famous for tinkering with a trip, I just can't help it.

The phrase "I've been thinking", brings much anguish and trepidation to Diane.

While it is true that we booked 8 nights at ASMusic for 48 a night, it didn't stay that way. The original plan was to go as cheap as possible, and believe me, I know cheap.

You know, drive down, bring the big cooler, sandwiches in the room, corners cut at all costs.

Literally.

But, again, I had to tinker.

I added a night, room only, so we wouldn't have to hit Chicago on a friday on the return trip.

Then one day I got curious, called central reservations and inquired about AAA rates for French Quarter but only got ten bucks off the 150 rack rate.

So I hung up and tried again.

This cast member, bless his heart, could get me a FQ room for 115 a night!

It took a bit of work, but he was able to cancel 3 nights off the ASMu package, and turn them into room onlys at FQ.

Then I cancelled the "added" room only night at Music, and put one more at FQ. A week later I did it again with the package.

So, the package is shrinking, and the French Quarter is growing.

(hmm, that probably didn't come out right)

This is why Diane prefers to fly, the dates get locked in, and I have very little to be able to tinker with.

But wait, there's more!

You can only buy the Dining Plan with a package, and for the entire length of stay of the package.
8 nights was out of the question, but since the package part of the trip is down to 5?

She hadn't thought of this, and I had to open my big mouth.
Within two hours, she was on the phone making dinner ressies.

So here's what we ended up with:

Leave very early tuesday the 4th, drive as far as we can and get a room.
Wednsday on to Kissimee, another room and check in thursday morning bright and early at ASMusic.

5 nights Music, with the dining plan.
4 nights French Quarter, on the starving plan.

More on our plans later.

A word about myself and this report. I almost blended this into my last report, then thought maybe it should start fresh, a lot of folks don't like to join a report that started 6 months ago.

So those of you who are wondering what it's like there in the holiday season, or those who wonder what it's like when you are older, and not having to drag the stroller on the bus, I think you will find this a fun and informative read.

Ok, fun, anyway.

Once again, you are all welcome to come along, and as we say here in the Chicago area, post early and post often.
The Santa Fe is pulling out at 2:30 in the morning, don't make me have to honk the horn for you! .......steve

(hmm, that 5 nights and 4 nights isn't symetrical, maybe when we get to FQ I'll ask and see if we can add a night, you know, just in case they actually still have a room open. nah, that'l never happen, better not even bring it up.)

Piglets Mommy · 01-02-2008, 04:07 PM

Wow Nebo! I can't believe I'm the first one here!!! I'm hooked already! I can't wait to read more! There is nothing better than Disney at Christmas time, and I'm sure it will be even better Nebostyle!

winkers · 01-02-2008, 04:10 PM

Aha! I found you! Now I have to go back and read!

winkers · 01-02-2008, 04:12 PM

woops

winkers · 01-02-2008, 04:13 PM

I found the first typo, what do I win????

winkers · 01-02-2008, 04:25 PM

No, I am not trying to shamelessly up my post count! My freakin computer is going crazy!..............Now that's out of my system

Who is Ray Kroc?

GreatLakes5 · 01-02-2008, 04:33 PM

You had me at the founder of Mc Donald's.....throw in a Chicago Dog for Portillo's & I'm in for the duration.....

jcc0621 · 01-02-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebo

Ray Kroc.

Who

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebo

Some day I hope to be institutionalized as well.

Ain't touching that with a 10 foot pole

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebo

"I've been thinking"

Ususally when I say this Jim pulls out his wallet

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebo

Now, my reasoning is since we're both out of jobs, and if we start new ones right away there won't be any vacation time, why not go when we have the chance?

Sounds reasonale to me

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebo

I am famous for tinkering with a trip, I just can't help it.

I think this is an illness we all suffer from

I found the TR, even though you didn't put a link in your old one. You were trying to avoid me weren't ya! What, do you think I am stalker or something

Seriously, looking forward to hearing about DIsney at Christmas!

Disney 4-ever · 01-02-2008, 05:48 PM

Whew, made it.

Thank God you gave us the tip on finding your new report.

I am so excited.

Goofyfan1 · 01-02-2008, 06:42 PM

I found it

And am on board for the ride

Heluvsme · 01-02-2008, 06:51 PM

Oh good!! I love your reports!

lovebuzzandwoody · 01-02-2008, 06:58 PM

I am here Oh, Fearless Leader!

lexmelinda · 01-02-2008, 07:29 PM

WHAT?????

I'm not done with the other one.....dangit!

I'm behindish.....I'm sorry!

But I'm in for this one too!

tiggerwannabe · 01-02-2008, 07:49 PM

Present and accounted for...

lgcountry · 01-02-2008, 10:24 PM

I'm here, wouldn't miss it for the World.

Oh wait, I will miss part of it, we leave for the World on the 11th.

Oh well, it's only a 5 day trip for us this time, and I can and will catch up again.

Yippee! A new Nebo TR and and a trip. What a combo.

01-02-2008, 03:13 PM	#1
nebo sharkbait Uh oh, this conversation isn't going as planned All of you are welcome to come along Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: near Chicago, Il Posts: 2,469	Honey, I Shrunk the Checkbook, Really final, some Feb shots, 7-27, pg82. Hugh Hefner, Ray Kroc. (McDonald's) Two American institutions. Know what they have in common? They are both from Chicago, which is where I am from. I and Smidgy, my wife, aka Diane. Sorry, Smidgy and I. Some day I hope to be institutionalized as well. hmm..... Oh, by the way, there was another fellow that also came from here. Walter Elias Disney Oct. 1st, Port Orleans, Riverside: "Honey, I'm not sure you're gonna like this", I said while gazing at the Muddy Rivers sign over the pool bar. "Just don't say, you've b" "I've been thinking" "AIEEEEEE!" she screamed. "NO, NO, NO, we can't come back in December, we just can't". "Besides, we've been here three times already this year". "You're nuts!" Unfortunately, this WAS going as planned. Time to get my A game on the court, choke up on the bat, find the open receiver if you will. "But we HAVE to! It's already booked!. And we never came once between 94 and 02. And we never came once in 04, besides, we already made the downpayment of 200." "Plus, gas prices will be lower, and we have the room at ASMusic for 48 a night!" "You can barely get a Motel 6 for that price, much less a Disney resort." I was firing. I was also out of breath. And she was faltering. "But it doesn't matter", she had regrouped on me, "We can get the downpayment back since we haven't paid the balance yet." "Besides, we only booked it in case we didn't go on the trip when your company closed." She was right, we knew where I worked that my company would go out of business by december, but when it closed on september 1st, I was a tad unhappy, got a room at Pop for AAA rate, and then got 3 nights at the Dolphin for 125 a night. And we went. This "argument" is taking place on the last day of our free dining trip at Riverside. Our bags are packed, and sitting with Magical Depress, and we are having a cocktail waiting for the bus to arrive. It happens like this: When the new codes for free dining or room onlys come out, we are all over them like paparazzi on Britney. In April, Diane was up at six in the morning booking the free dining, and in August I nailed the 48 a night at ASMusic for the second week in December. Just in case. You know what? It's a lot easier to book a Disney vacation than it is to cancel one. Trust me, I know. Oh boy, do I know. In August, the little bar where Smidgy worked for over ten years, changed owners, who brought in their own people. She was out. Then the bank called in the loan on the place where I worked for 27 years, and I was out. Now, my reasoning is since we're both out of jobs, and if we start new ones right away there won't be any vacation time, why not go when we have the chance? This was of course, painstakingly explained to her again, my eyes still not leaving the Muddy Rivers sign. "At 48 a night, that comes to about 1500 a month, that's a lot of people's mortgage! That's how cheap it is. And with the refillable mugs, all the cofee, tea and pop we can drink" She was slipping again. "But I still have some housecleaning customers I don't want to lose, and,,," "Plus our "home" would come with 2 pools." She reeled back against the ropes, and tried to get back in the fight. "But,," "And a maid!" I almost have her now. As she tried to get off the mat, with the ref counting her out, I gave her the knockout blows: "Osbourne Lights, Candlelight Processional, DISNEY WORLD DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL THEIR GLORIOUS DECORATIONS!" She threw in the towel. Game, Set, Match! GOT HER! Hi, my name is Steve, aka Nebo, a dumb nickname I've had since a teenager, and I will be your host on this trip for the holidays. We are early fifties empty nesters, and true Disney holics. This report will focus on what it's like to be at Disney for the holiday season, with photos mostly geared towards the decorations. This was a very special trip also for us. Of all the times we've been to Disney, we have never been here for the holidays. Plus, we realize it may be a very long time till we are able to return. A thing about our itinerary though. And me. I am famous for tinkering with a trip, I just can't help it. The phrase "I've been thinking", brings much anguish and trepidation to Diane. While it is true that we booked 8 nights at ASMusic for 48 a night, it didn't stay that way. The original plan was to go as cheap as possible, and believe me, I know cheap. You know, drive down, bring the big cooler, sandwiches in the room, corners cut at all costs. Literally. But, again, I had to tinker. I added a night, room only, so we wouldn't have to hit Chicago on a friday on the return trip. Then one day I got curious, called central reservations and inquired about AAA rates for French Quarter but only got ten bucks off the 150 rack rate. So I hung up and tried again. This cast member, bless his heart, could get me a FQ room for 115 a night! It took a bit of work, but he was able to cancel 3 nights off the ASMu package, and turn them into room onlys at FQ. Then I cancelled the "added" room only night at Music, and put one more at FQ. A week later I did it again with the package. So, the package is shrinking, and the French Quarter is growing. (hmm, that probably didn't come out right) This is why Diane prefers to fly, the dates get locked in, and I have very little to be able to tinker with. But wait, there's more! You can only buy the Dining Plan with a package, and for the entire length of stay of the package. 8 nights was out of the question, but since the package part of the trip is down to 5? She hadn't thought of this, and I had to open my big mouth. Within two hours, she was on the phone making dinner ressies. So here's what we ended up with: Leave very early tuesday the 4th, drive as far as we can and get a room. Wednsday on to Kissimee, another room and check in thursday morning bright and early at ASMusic. 5 nights Music, with the dining plan. 4 nights French Quarter, on the starving plan. More on our plans later. A word about myself and this report. I almost blended this into my last report, then thought maybe it should start fresh, a lot of folks don't like to join a report that started 6 months ago. So those of you who are wondering what it's like there in the holiday season, or those who wonder what it's like when you are older, and not having to drag the stroller on the bus, I think you will find this a fun and informative read. Ok, fun, anyway. Once again, you are all welcome to come along, and as we say here in the Chicago area, post early and post often. The Santa Fe is pulling out at 2:30 in the morning, don't make me have to honk the horn for you! .......steve (hmm, that 5 nights and 4 nights isn't symetrical, maybe when we get to FQ I'll ask and see if we can add a night, you know, just in case they actually still have a room open. nah, that'l never happen, better not even bring it up.) __________________ Ok, who turned up the gravity?: Orlando Smackdown, Disney Vs. Universal! Coronado, Springs Eternal, & SATAN'S HAMMER! pg.74 P.O.T.C. On Stranger Rides.............. Dining Reviews That You Can't Use From Oil Wells to Jingle Bells Smidgy and the Grump Honey, I Shrunk the Checkbook Still Feeding Nebo Guess Who's Coming to Free Dinner! If it's Tuesday, This Must be Epcot Be who you are, and say what you feel. Because those that mind, don't matter, and those that matter, don't mind. Dr. Suess Last edited by nebo; 07-27-2008 at 05:34 PM.

01-02-2008, 04:07 PM	#2
Piglets Mommy New Rule: The first person to reply on any thread needs to quote the OP. That way when someone does the delete of nevermind edit we know what was there. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pennsylvania....way too far north of the Mouse! Posts: 7,269	Wow Nebo! I can't believe I'm the first one here!!! I'm hooked already! I can't wait to read more! There is nothing better than Disney at Christmas time, and I'm sure it will be even better Nebostyle! __________________ DH Me DS ,13 DD,9 Last edited by Piglets Mommy; 01-02-2008 at 04:10 PM. Reason: What?!?!? You actually expected me to type in a post and not have a typo????

01-02-2008, 04:10 PM	#3
winkers I was stuck in that position and ... It took 4 strapping young boys to hoist me back on my feet Personally, I'm a popper! I love me some black heads. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: where am I and what am I doing in this basket?? Posts: 9,000	Aha! I found you! Now I have to go back and read! __________________ Chérie I know you love disney, but...isn't this a bit much? Back to where we started from Dancing around the world~one pole at a time~ When worlds collide, a pre trip report As God as my witness, I'll never be sick in DisneyWorld again! Please pass the Prozac a Pre trip report Winkers World***exploits of an OCD disney nut!

01-02-2008, 04:12 PM	#4
winkers I was stuck in that position and ... It took 4 strapping young boys to hoist me back on my feet Personally, I'm a popper! I love me some black heads. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: where am I and what am I doing in this basket?? Posts: 9,000	woops __________________ Chérie I know you love disney, but...isn't this a bit much? Back to where we started from Dancing around the world~one pole at a time~ When worlds collide, a pre trip report As God as my witness, I'll never be sick in DisneyWorld again! Please pass the Prozac a Pre trip report Winkers World**exploits of an OCD disney nut! Last edited by winkers; 01-02-2008 at 04:18 PM. Reason: My computer is going crazy..............*

01-02-2008, 04:13 PM	#5
winkers I was stuck in that position and ... It took 4 strapping young boys to hoist me back on my feet Personally, I'm a popper! I love me some black heads. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: where am I and what am I doing in this basket?? Posts: 9,000	I found the first typo, what do I win???? __________________ Chérie I know you love disney, but...isn't this a bit much? Back to where we started from Dancing around the world~one pole at a time~ When worlds collide, a pre trip report As God as my witness, I'll never be sick in DisneyWorld again! Please pass the Prozac a Pre trip report Winkers World***exploits of an OCD disney nut!

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01-02-2008, 04:25 PM	#6
winkers I was stuck in that position and ... It took 4 strapping young boys to hoist me back on my feet Personally, I'm a popper! I love me some black heads. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: where am I and what am I doing in this basket?? Posts: 9,000	No, I am not trying to shamelessly up my post count! My freakin computer is going crazy!..............Now that's out of my system Who is Ray Kroc? __________________ Chérie I know you love disney, but...isn't this a bit much? Back to where we started from Dancing around the world~one pole at a time~ When worlds collide, a pre trip report As God as my witness, I'll never be sick in DisneyWorld again! Please pass the Prozac a Pre trip report Winkers World***exploits of an OCD disney nut!

01-02-2008, 04:33 PM	#7
GreatLakes5 Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Great Lakes State Posts: 426	You had me at the founder of Mc Donald's.....throw in a Chicago Dog for Portillo's & I'm in for the duration..... __________________ The Great Lakes State....soon to be bankrupt

01-02-2008, 05:48 PM	#9
Disney 4-ever Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 67	Whew, made it. Thank God you gave us the tip on finding your new report. I am so excited. __________________ Connie

01-02-2008, 06:42 PM	#10
Goofyfan1 Every man has to believe in something....... I believe I'll have another beer! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 86	I found it And am on board for the ride __________________ Randy

01-02-2008, 06:51 PM	#11
Heluvsme Working on our 20th trip!! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern Kentucky, USA Posts: 836	Oh good!! I love your reports! __________________ Me DH DD DS

01-02-2008, 06:58 PM	#12
lovebuzzandwoody DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: MI to NC to FL Posts: 4,660	I am here Oh, Fearless Leader! __________________

01-02-2008, 07:29 PM	#13
lexmelinda Has a Seussical googling DD I'll remember from now on Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,329	WHAT????? I'm not done with the other one.....dangit! I'm behindish.....I'm sorry! But I'm in for this one too!

01-02-2008, 07:49 PM	#14
tiggerwannabe Optimistic Realist~ Photographer Extraordinaire~ Disney is my Therapy~ Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the confines of my mind~ Posts: 12,609	Present and accounted for... __________________ °O° Colleen °O° °O°The Key to Happiness is Self Delusion°O°

01-02-2008, 10:24 PM	#15
lgcountry Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Crewe, VA Posts: 192	I'm here, wouldn't miss it for the World. Oh wait, I will miss part of it, we leave for the World on the 11th. Oh well, it's only a 5 day trip for us this time, and I can and will catch up again. Yippee! A new Nebo TR and and a trip. What a combo. __________________

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