I must be crazy! - An October-November 2016 Solo PTR - Update 10/9 2 Weeks to Go - That's a Wrap

[LadyD]

18 Weeks to Go

I have one last thing to say on recent events before I get back into the lighthearted trip planning portion of this PTR. First, if you haven’t watched it yet I strongly encourage you to watch this week’s edition of the Dis Unplugged – although you will need an entire box of tissues to get through it.

I wanted to do something and being so far away there are few options so I have chosen to show my support through purchasing something from desginersunitedagainsthate.com – 100% of profits are donated towards victims and their families.

I’ve ordered this awesome Tiki room inspired print to hang above my bar at home.

View attachment 176244

In terms of trip planning this week I booked one of the final three flights I need. I’ve booked my flight from Disneyland to Las Vegas. I’ll be flying out of Santa Ana which will be a new experience but it seems so much more convenient and quicker than trying to have to cut though LA traffic to get to LAX.

I'm doing some research into what hotel I might want to stay at this time - it's my third trip so I know the areas I like and what amenities I will use but the one good thing about Vegas is the rooms actually tend to get cheaper the closer you get to travel so I'm hoping to pick up a bargain by waiting.

I’m still looking for cheap flights from Miami to Orlando but haven’t seen anything great yet (even looking at flying out of FLL is still a little more than I’d like to pay at this stage).

And other than that not much has happened trip-wise this past few weeks. Work has been extremely busy plus I was out of the office for two days at conference which has meant I’ve been playing catch up.

On the plus side the election here is only 2 weeks away so hopefully I’ll know what my future looks like soon enough (the joys of working for the government!)​

That print is absolutely fantastic. What happened is an absolute tragedy that breaks my heart and terrifies me, but seeing people rally together and support the community in this terrible time is beautiful.

John Wayne is an exponentially easier airport to access and use. It's so much better than LAX. I always fly out of Santa Ana when I can, or San Diego. LAX is an absolute nightmare of an airport, but sometimes the flight prices are just too darn good to pass up.

I hope the prices for the Vegas hotel room and the Miami to Orlando flight drop for you. Playing the waiting game like that is always so nerve wracking for me.

Glad to hear things should calm down soon for you at work!! Hopefully the election ends in a way that is favorable for you!

 

[pkondz]

I like that print too.
I'm hoping/praying for no more drama out of Orlando.
They say bad things come in threes.... I hope they're right about that.

but the one good thing about Vegas is the rooms actually tend to get cheaper the closer you get to travel so I'm hoping to pick up a bargain by waiting.

Did not know that.... good to know.

And other than that not much has happened trip-wise this past few weeks.

I think enough has happened, thankyouverymuch.

On the plus side the election here is only 2 weeks away so hopefully I’ll know what my future looks like soon enough (the joys of working for the government!)

So what happens to you if Labor wins?
I see from polls that it's too close to predict right now. What a difference from 5 months ago!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

That print is absolutely fantastic. What happened is an absolute tragedy that breaks my heart and terrifies me, but seeing people rally together and support the community in this terrible time is beautiful.

The response from the Orlando community has been incredible - I've been watching it unfold via twitter and Instagram and love that tolerance and love is the message that has been coming through!

John Wayne is an exponentially easier airport to access and use. It's so much better than LAX. I always fly out of Santa Ana when I can, or San Diego. LAX is an absolute nightmare of an airport, but sometimes the flight prices are just too darn good to pass up.

Glad to hear that Santa Ana is a decent airport - I'll be going straight from Disneyland though so I plan to spend as little time there as possible (more park time!)

I hope the prices for the Vegas hotel room and the Miami to Orlando flight drop for you. Playing the waiting game like that is always so nerve wracking for me.

My rule is that I will pay when it is a price I am comfortable with, even if it is not the cheapest possible option - and if it happens to drop after that oh well.

Glad to hear things should calm down soon for you at work!! Hopefully the election ends in a way that is favorable for you!

I'm lucky in that I have job security - I would just like to know what policy direction my work will be taking as it could be quite different depending on which party is elected.

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

I like that print too.
I'm hoping/praying for no more drama out of Orlando.
They say bad things come in threes.... I hope they're right about that.

I was having this conversation with my mum last week - she just flew out to the States yesterday - and we both agreed that this would in no way deter us from travelling there or any other location where something bad has happened. One bad apple (and a terrible event) shouldn't deter people from visiting that community - in fact I would hope it encourages people to visit more to show their support!

Did not know that.... good to know.

It's really only a Vegas phenomenon - there are so many hotels and if Google is correct over 62,5000 rooms so the odds of them all being full are low - and casino hotels typically offer great last minuteish specials to increase their occupancy levels.

So what happens to you if Labor wins?
I see from polls that it's too close to predict right now. What a difference from 5 months ago!

Nothing happens to me in terms of job security. The only thing that will change is the policy direction they want to take. I work in Indigenous Affairs - the current Liberal government has a focus on economic development and innovation so if they are re-elected I'll continue working on policies that align with that - if Labor get in the policy is more likely to shift towards supporting regional and small businesses and we'd have a blank slate to come up with new policies and programmes.

 

[pkondz]

I was having this conversation with my mum last week - she just flew out to the States yesterday - and we both agreed that this would in no way deter us from travelling there or any other location where something bad has happened. One bad apple (and a terrible event) shouldn't deter people from visiting that community - in fact I would hope it encourages people to visit more to show their support!

Agreed.

It's really only a Vegas phenomenon - there are so many hotels and if Google is correct over 62,5000 rooms so the odds of them all being full are low - and casino hotels typically offer great last minuteish specials to increase their occupancy levels.

Good point.

Nothing happens to me in terms of job security. The only thing that will change is the policy direction they want to take. I work in Indigenous Affairs - the current Liberal government has a focus on economic development and innovation so if they are re-elected I'll continue working on policies that align with that - if Labor get in the policy is more likely to shift towards supporting regional and small businesses and we'd have a blank slate to come up with new policies and programmes.

Oh! So no job security issues. Good. Had me a bit worried there for you.

 

[Volunteer]

I’ll be flying out of Santa Ana which will be a new experience but it seems so much more convenient and quicker than trying to have to cut though LA traffic to get to LAX.

You'll LOVE SNA. It's so much smaller. nicer, and easier to get around than LAX. Plus, IIRC, only about 10 miles from the Disneyland Resort.

I'm sure the prices for MIA-MCO flights will drop soon! Frontier just started flying out of Nashville to Orlando, and I can get a $100 RT fare pretty consistently ($150 if I want a bigger seat) if I play my cards right. Just have to decide on my fall dates now! My Universal pass expires in late September and my Disney AP expires around the first week of November.

I've honestly lost track of where all you're visiting! ha.

 

[hokieinpa]

Lovely and sentiment and tribute after the horrible events last week. I'm checking out that site that you ordered from as well.

I've added quite a few ADRs to my list for October - Tiffins and Skipper Canteen among them! I might just stick to appetizers and desserts but I can't pass up the chance to try new, yummy things!

Good luck training for your half! I'm toying with the idea of doing some kid of runDisney event - 5K or 10K. I looked into the the Jeff Galloway and Couch to 5K programs since I need some help!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

Oh! So no job security issues. Good. Had me a bit worried there for you.

One plus of working for the government is that it is really hard for them to fire you - next to impossible really!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

You'll LOVE SNA. It's so much smaller. nicer, and easier to get around than LAX. Plus, IIRC, only about 10 miles from the Disneyland Resort.

Great to hear more positive feedback about SNA - glad I've chosen it now!

I'm sure the prices for MIA-MCO flights will drop soon! Frontier just started flying out of Nashville to Orlando, and I can get a $100 RT fare pretty consistently ($150 if I want a bigger seat) if I play my cards right. Just have to decide on my fall dates now! My Universal pass expires in late September and my Disney AP expires around the first week of November.

What level UOAP do you have? The one with a HHN ticket? Because if I had that I'd definitely be planning on going in September to take advantage of that!

I've honestly lost track of where all you're visiting! ha.

Now you've given me an idea for next weeks update....

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

I've added quite a few ADRs to my list for October - Tiffins and Skipper Canteen among them! I might just stick to appetizers and desserts but I can't pass up the chance to try new, yummy things!

Good plan! I tend to order only apps and desserts when I go out anyway so that's a great way to try new things!

Good luck training for your half! I'm toying with the idea of doing some kid of runDisney event - 5K or 10K. I looked into the the Jeff Galloway and Couch to 5K programs since I need some help!

Thanks. I highly recommend the couch to 5k programme (there are so many different apps out there for it - I used one by Zen Labs Fitness, and am loving the half marathon one by Fitness 22 who also do a 5k version) - it's how I started and really did allow me to build up from not being able to run even 30 seconds to now doing a half marathon just 9 months later. And I'll let you know if the RunDisney events are worth it - they are definitely pricey so I'm expecting a lot from them.

 

[pkondz]

One plus of working for the government is that it is really hard for them to fire you - next to impossible really!

This is a good thing.... and a bad thing.
I know a couple people who desperately need to be fired.

I highly recommend the couch to 5k programme (there are so many different apps out there for it - I used one by Zen Labs Fitness,

<interest piqued>

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

17 Weeks to Go

As @Volunteer mentioned during last week’s comments some of you might have lost track of everywhere I’m going this trip.

​

That’s ok – there is a lot to take in and six whole weeks to cover.

Which is why I’m using this week’s update to do a quick overview of the whole trip and where everything is up to.

Prepare for spreadsheet action!






As you can see most of the trip has been booked apart from a couple of flights and a hotel in Vegas.

And if you’re so inclined I think I’ve just given someone all the tools needed to stalk me…

Or rob me if you happen to be in Australia

Hopefully that clears everything up!​

 

[Volunteer]

What level UOAP do you have? The one with a HHN ticket? Because if I had that I'd definitely be planning on going in September to take advantage of that!

I have the middle tiered pass which does not include the HHN ticket. BUT I've gone to HHN the past two years and if I continue to be a UOAP holder then I'll always plan to take in one night of HHN - it's just so much fun!

Now you've given me an idea for next weeks update....

I'm here to provide guidance and wisdom

Prepare for spreadsheet action!

Spreadsheets ... :nerdlove:

 

[Dentam]

Dang! And you're going straight back to work the day after you get home? I think I'd need a long weekend to recover!

 

[pkondz]

Prepare for spreadsheet action!

Wait! Let me buckle up first...




















okay, go ahead.

And if you’re so inclined I think I’ve just given someone all the tools needed to stalk me…

Ha Ha Ha! Oh, don't worry. I'm sure no one would do that!! Ha Ha Ha!

Or rob me if you happen to be in Australia

Nah, I'll be too busy stalking... er... uh.....

Nevermind.

Hopefully that clears everything up!

Yup! Rash is almost all gone!

Dang! And you're going straight back to work the day after you get home? I think I'd need a long weekend to recover!

I noticed that too... and didn't even twig since I do the same thing!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

I have the middle tiered pass which does not include the HHN ticket. BUT I've gone to HHN the past two years and if I continue to be a UOAP holder then I'll always plan to take in one night of HHN - it's just so much fun!

Good to hear that you enjoy it - I've got a least one night planned for HHN but I'll probably end up doing two just so I can try and experience all the houses!

Spreadsheets ... :nerdlove:

You should see the trip folder on my desktop - I think there are at least 6 different planning spreadsheets going on at the moment!

Dang! And you're going straight back to work the day after you get home? I think I'd need a long weekend to recover!

I think I'll need time to recover too but I'm already taking so much leave - plus what better place to recover than at a desk where someone will be paying to be jetlagged!

 

[Saphire5742]

Wow, that is one epic adventure! Did I mention yet how jealous I am? I'm sure I must have.

 

[Volunteer]

Good to hear that you enjoy it - I've got a least one night planned for HHN but I'll probably end up doing two just so I can try and experience all the houses!

We've bought the express pass since we want to see all the houses, but that probably won't be necessary if you go two nights!

Ok now I'm really excited for this year. I hate wishing summer away ... but I really wish it was fall!

You should see the trip folder on my desktop - I think there are at least 6 different planning spreadsheets going on at the moment!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

I'll catch up on comments later but @pkondz have you seen this?

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2016/...ki-cafe-in-epcots-japan-pavilion/#more-150880