Let's get to know each other....

[momoftwins]

My name is Pam and I live in southern Massachusetts. I am a SAHM and as my name implies, I have two wonderful kids. They (DS and DD) just turned 6 in April. Like most of you, I never went to Disney as a kid - you know large family - food first.

We have been three times since the kids were born. We just took them this past April. Each time we go it is so much fun! My DH and I just celebrated our 10 yr anniversary at Disneyworld. We did not get to go to any fancy restaurants there, but we has a blast anyway with the kids. A great way to spend our day!

I still do Searchcactus, Blink, MyPoints, Milesource, and Netflip - though this one may be going. I also do some of the survey programs. This board is always so helpful and informative. It takes some of the aggravation out of some of these reward programs.

I am keeping my eyes open for some deals for later this year. Maybe with another Southwest Friends Fly Free promotion ... who knows, maybe I can talk my DH into another trip!!

Have a wonderful day!

 

[Maleficent2]

Mal

 

[WDWMom]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Sue and have been lurking here on this board for about a year. I am a SAHM like most of you. My DH is Mike and we have three children. Keli 11, Kyle 7 and Alec 5.

We have been visiting WDW since Feb. 1994 and have made 13 trips. Two without the kids. DH just bought plane tickets for us to go back in Nov.

We live in Zeeland, MI. It is about 8 miles from Lake MI. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and do not miss city life. If any of you are looking for a great place to raise a family Zeeland is the place. We have great schools and a very close community.

The rewards I do are Milesource, Mypoints, Disney Awards, Memolink and Creation Rewards. I do not get to do everyone everyday but I try. I have probably cashed out $150 in the past year.

It's been fun learning about everyone. It would be great to get to know everyone in person and put faces with names.

Sue

 

[formerCPer]

Well, since it looks like I'll be hanging around for awhile, I guess I'll throw my Mickey ears into the ring.

So, hello everybody! My name is Brian and I'm from Oklahoma (feel free to sing the song at this time). As such I'd like to extend a big howdy nod to the other fellas here. Hi, boys! And, ladies, I very much enjoy your company as well

As my name and sig show, I'm a former CPer at the MK. I was a "custodial host" and absolutely loved it. Best semester of my extended college career. The highlight of my days as a CM was being asked to help escort the King of Pop himself around Fantasyland during a surprise weeknight visit. If anyone cares, I have a fuzzy picture someone gave me somewhere that I'll try to find and post. Anyway, that was 1993 and it was my first and only trip ever to any Disney property. Good thing it was 120 days long!

Thanks to our vibrant economy I've recently become a stay-at-home Dad. That may change in the near future, but I sure do like it for now. My DW of five years and I have two wonderful blond-haired All-American girls, ages 10 (adopted step-daughter) and 2.

We're a really tight family and do lots of stuff together. My DW and I are both University of Oklahoma grads and love our Sooners. We actually drove the entire family to Miami for the Orange Bowl in 2000 and purposely avoided WDW. She's never been, nor have our children. The girls felt like they wanted their first encounter with Mickey to be more magical than a whirlwind one-day visit. It about killed me, but I abided by their wishes.

Anyway, I found the boards here about a month ago after my DW insisted we finally book a trip. Ok, twist my arm! The fact that her co-worker returned from a recent DCL and just raved about it only steeled her resolve. So, off we go in May 2003.

A have-to-research-everything sort of person, I've really enjoyed learning things here on the boards and have already put to use many of them.

I look forward to 11 more months of conversation, learning and earning as prepare for the big trip to the ears.

Have a great day!

 

[disneycub]

Hi everyone!

My name is Steve, and I live in a little bungalow in Denver, Colorado, with my black lab, Bandit. Both of us are single.

I've been on the DIS for a couple of years now, but just recently discovered the Rewards Board a few weeks ago. You've all been very helpful, and it's appreciated very much.

I'm headed to the World November 29th through December 14th of this year, to attend DISCON II and to de-compress. I was at the World 5 or 6 times last year, and my employer decided that 1 long vacation was far better than a vacation every other month. Go figure!

I am an AVS fan like lisalynn and am in mourning that we didn't quite make it to the Stanley Cup finals....

NEXT.......

 

[jjsmom]

Hi! My name is Shelly, I live on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore. I am absolutely, positively obsessed with all things Disney!!

I'm a 34 yr old SAHM to a lovely, smart, Disney obsessed 10 1/2 yr old and wife to a very patient, loving husband. I love being "at home" but I do take on part time odd jobs like cleaning and waitressing to support my Disney habit. I make a hobby out of "tightwadding" at home just for the privilege of going to WDW! My family, friends, and neighbors think I'm crazy. When I say I'm going to WDW (again) they just laugh, shake their heads, and roll their eyes.

I've been lurking these boards on and off for 2 years. We've saved lots of $$$ due to the tips and budget board, Mousesavers, and MYpoints. I'm currently checking into Milesource, Disney rewards, and Connections to save even more.

Mercifully, I do have other interests. Our area has a wealth of recreational activities like beach, boating, fishing. We are currently in the process of remodeling a recently purchased home(putting a major dent in our Disney funds). In the midst of all the chaos and financial strain I still hear WDW calling my name! Shouldn't I see a doctor when I hear voices calling? LOL.

Nice to meet all of you!

 

[jeleebeene]

I have been a lurker on these boards for almost a year now, though I love to post, I am not much of a poster, as I am not a Disney expert, but I am getting there!

My real name is Krista, and I am a native from Indiana, but now live in beautiful Tennessee with my DH. No children yet, but hopefully we will be blessed soon.

My very first trip to Disney World was the summer of 1995. I know, I must have had a boring childhood for not going sooner, but we just didn't have the money when I was a child. I went with my aunt/uncle and my cousins, and we had a blast! We stayed offsite, but I didn't care at the time, cause I was there!
My DH and I stayed at ASSP on our honeymoon in 1997 and thought we were in heaven, even if we were staying in the Value Resorts area. Some of our best memories were here.

Our last trip was with our family - all 14 of us. Man, it was crazy. We went in August of 2000, during the Millennium Celebration, and this trip was the longest in which it was totally Disney. We had so much fun, for the most part, and I almost cried when we had to leave. It is just such a magical place.

This year, we are going the end of July, and we invited my younger brother along. We were going to go last year, as a last trip for a few years as we wanted to start a family, but a surprise car problem arose, and we had to use our vacation money. This year, things are looking ALOT better, and we are very excited to be getting away. After this trip, this WILL be the last one for a few years, and then we will take our kids there, and I am sure it will be even more magical then.

I have learned SO much on these boards, and I credit everyone who has posted on here with their wonderful ideas. I never would have known about Beaver Tails or Dole Whips or Mickey Bars - I never saw a ONE of these while I was there, but then again, I was fascinated with shopping and seeing the sites
I am planning on taking more time to enjoy the parks instead of playing commando.

I plan on being on here everyday from now until our trip, so hope I get to know everyone better!!

 

[Pig Pen]

Hi.

I am new to the rewards programs and just recently cashed out for a 10$ certificate on mypoints (my first). I am anxiously awaiting its arrival (sounds like I'm giving birth or something).

I am married (26 years), have two grown children ages 25 and 22, and work full-time for a government agency.

My first trip to WDW was during high school on a date with my DH (we lived in FL at the time). It was very magical for me, probably because I was in love, and the magic has lasted.

Since then we have tried to go as frequently as possible - which got much harder after we moved to Vermont. Now that the "kids" are out of the house, we find it hard to explain to people why we still go to WDW on vacation! DH acts like I'm the Disney nut, but he's as gung-ho as I am! At first I tried to hide my addiction, but now I am out in the open and am surprised at how many other people I know admit to being Disney addicts too.

The only bad thing about these boards is that I have a slightly obsessive-compulsive personality and I cannot rest until I go thru all the blinks, epolls, disneyawards, mypoints, etc., etc.!!

 

[dtuleya]

Ok, my turn next.....

My name is Denise and I was a SAHM for 10 years but just went back to work full-time October '01. I have a wonderful hubby, John, whom I've been married to for 13 years. We have two sons, Andrew (13) and Grant (8). I am also a "mom" to a very hairy, 120 lb., 1-1/2 year old Black Lab named Murphy. He thinks he's a lap dog, but I don't have the heart to tell him he's the size of a moose!

I am very involved in the PTO and volunteered 3-4 days a week at my youngest son's school. DH finally said, "Since you are there so much, you might as well get paid", so I mentioned to the Principal I was interested in a job. Within 3 weeks I was working full-time at my son's school in the health room and I love it!

I started planning our very first trip to WDW (WL, Thanksgiving 2002) in January and a co-worker mentioned these boards. It was love at first post! DH did not understand my addiction to planning our trip, but when I relayed all the valuable information I had learned here, he was very impressed. WL, here we come!

I love planning inexpensive, short trips and am addicted to Priceline.com. I am the queen of the $45/night hotel room. My motto is, "I refuse to pay Rack Rates!" We will be heading to Niagara in less than two weeks and I would like to say a big "Thank You" for all the help I have received from our Canadian friends on the boards.

I started doing Blink and Mypoints in January and am proud to say I have cashed out for a total of $90 in webbies. Thanks Mal and Beanie and all the others from the Rewards Board for all your help!

 

[connie254]

I am a divorced mother to a very active autistic 11 year old son. I have always loved Disney but went into overdrive when he came along. We've been there four times so far, and he does pretty well. Someone at work insisted we go down together because she couldn't believe I could be comfortable doing it by myself. Simple, he goes, I follow, only stopping if he goes in the wrong direction. I have very distinct memories from the World. Like the time he went to get Grumpy's autograph, Grumpy went into his hand-on-hip-very impatient stance with the kids. Tony went up and gave him a hug. Or when he couldn't talk the first time we were there, when he got excited he would jump in place. Well, he got excited at seeing Tigger and Tigger started bouncing. There they were -two bouncing fanatics. When Director Mickey allowed my son to lead him to the director's chair, and told Mickey's human helper that it was okay. And people don't understand why I go.

 

[Maleficent2]

Mal

 

[Hadjii]

Hi,
My name is Nancy. I'm from a small community in New England and have been on the boards since 2000 but somehow missed this great one. I'm 39 and have a great son (Jason) whom I adore.
We've been going to WDW for about 10yrs now and just am crazy about it. I've loved the people I've met there and on the boards (the lime green ribbon always helps you meet other DIS'ers). Something special about Disney fans I think. Well, looking forward to jumping right in. - Nancy

 

[gravymom]

Hi, I am Amy, a SAHM to three wonderful kids (four if you count my husband). The kids are DD 4, DS 2 and DD 10 mos (who was accidently born at home on the kitchen floor - thanks honey for catching her!!!) My hubby, the catcher, is the disney freak in the family but is slowly infecting all of us. We live in metro Atlanta, so we get to go about twice a year, budget allowing. I am trying to earn points with the rewards programs but it is slow going. Oh well, it has been fun meeting people here!

 

[twoksmom]

Hi guys,My name is April. I'm a SAHM of 2 dds ( 6 and 2 ) and 1 dog and 5 hamsters and 1 overworked dh.Bless his heart.I worked up until I had my last daughter and went on maternity leave and didn't go back.This will be our first trip to disney .I wanted to go for my honeymoon but we didn't have the money.I am so excited that I can't sit still.10 more days!! Yahoo!! Great to get to know you guys! April

 

[LoriZH]

Hi I am Lori, I live in Plymouth Mass (America's Hometown) and LOVE it here! I have a 9 year old daughter named Paige, 5 year old twin boys name Christian and Ethan and I am raising my sister's daughter Kimberly who is a 14 year old teenager YIKES! tee hee....

My kids and I are DISNEY fanatics, we were just there in May and before that last August and before that last November and I miss it already! I said we weren't going again for 2 years but I don't know if I can hold out. The dh is fine not going for a while, he keeps preaching about how the kids need more culture, how much culture do they need, let's see...they've been to Mexico, China, Canada, Italy, Japan (their favorite) and a few other countries in the World Showcase, give me a break! lol

Well, I enjoy these boards sooo much, I found them back in 1999 and have been HOOKED ever since!

 

[Maleficent2]

LoriZH

thanks for the laugh that was cute!

LOL


Mal

 

[Bamabot]

I am a "working to pay our way to Disney" mother of two. I help with the engineering of Grab Life by the Horns Chrysler vehicles in a manufacturing facility in the Heart of Dixie, Alabama. I have always lived in the south. I have been happily married for 17 years and we drive DH crazy with all of our Disney.


I am very fortunate to particapate (for the last 7 years) in a program called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)(the nice version of Battlebots) that my company sponsors local high schools. We bring about 30 students into our plant and show them real world engineering. We build a robot and travel all over the country to regional events in the spring and compete. Proud to say we are the 2002 Lone Star Regional Champion and recipients of the St. Louis Imagery Award.

Guess where the National Championship is????????

Yeap, parking lot of Epcot every April. It is an unbelievable City they build out of tents. It takes Disney about a month to put together. About 20, 000 students show up with their robots, mentors, and parents and away we battle for three days. Great fun even for us old people.

I love this program! We are Team #34 Rocket City Robotics

If interested in FIRST please look at their website for info
http://www.usfirst.org

Anyway, because I go every spring with my "big kids" my own children require a trip also. Sometimes they go with me for the competition, but I work so much during that time I don't get to go to the parks with them only their Dad and them get to see the parks. So we go back. This year they didn't go with me so we will be there in October with my nephew who has never been and my sister. Can't wait that will be a super fun trip. Moms and the kids for 10 days!!!!! We are going for Thanksgiving and back at Christmas. DVC and annual passholders and eleven hour drive. Plus we found round trip airfare with SWA for $74.00 for October.

My hobbies include robots, lego league (robots for elementary children competition), scrapbooking, softball, web designing, and all of my childrens activites.

Thank you for this board and all the wonderful info provided! I love this board.

 

[Dogslider]

My name is Pam. I found the Dis boards a long time ago, but lost alot of my posts in problems that they had. Just started reading and posting again as we plan for our Dec 2003 vacation.

I work outside the home, fulltime (afternoon turn, YUCK!) and inside the home double time. I have 3 sons Bill 20, Jason 19 and the baby Alex 11. I also have an adorable 15 month old grandson Will.

For that reason alone I am really looking forward to our trip that will be over my 40th birthday. Need a reminder that I really am not getting older at all. Hope it works.

Try just about every reward program that comes out no matter how slow of an earner it is, as long as it doesn't drive me totaly nuts. Every little bit helps.

Pam

 

[Kteacher]

Hi everyone ! Hi Mal -I consider you my "rewards angel"!
I am a kindergarten teacher's aide, married with 3 kids DS15, DS12, DD10 . I'm usually on the community board, but I've been known to lurk around the DIS . I found the rewards right after I joined the DIS. During our 2nd trip to WDW I paid for all of our food (5 days family of 5) with what I earned from rewards. The programs aren't as great as they were back then, but I never complain about things I get for free

 

[klmall]

I'm Kathy!

Another lurker but I check this board and several other DIS boards many times each day. I just started rewards in June 01 and managed to save enough to cover some meals for our March 02 trip and today I deposited $85 into my "secret account" for our next trip (time to be determined!). DH is tolerant of my Disney obsession but insists that we also travel to non-Disney places sometimes.....

I'm an ex-teacher, now computer applications writer/trainer for our local school system as well as the mother of a wonderful soon to be driving (eeeks!) 16 year old DS! We spend a lot of time together working in his Scout troop; in fact I drove and canoed with his Venture Crew on the St. Croix River in Maine for 9 days this summer. Quite an experience for this not-so-young-mother!

Love this board and this thread and getting to know a little more about the people here!