2012 Family Vacation Pre-Trip Report

Good Evening!! I know I have posted some about our next family vacation but I am ready now to start the pre-trip report.

***First, I have to ask if you know my daughter PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not share the surprises that I will be talking about***

***Second, Jamie if you have made it to this report -- LEAVE NOW!!***

Now we can begin. Let's get started with the Who??

It will be my family which consist of me, my wonderful hubby, Allen and our terrific daughter Jamie. Here's a picture of us from December 2011.

Next, will be my oldest brother, Gerald, his wonderful wife, Pat and their son, Brandon. Here's a picture of them from October 2011 when we were at Zoo Boo.

When?? October 2012

Where?? This is where the fun begins. This will be our most jam packed trip ever and our first trip to really travel with my brother's family unless you count weekend trips at the lake. We are all very excited.

Our trip will start on a Saturday. We will leave our house and drive to Valdosta, GA which is our normal stopping place when heading to Orlando or should I say Disney World. If you read my other post then you know this is a Universal Trip.

And we are staying at the Loew's Royal Pacific hotel.

Well...I have a few surprises for you and Jamie. Yep, that's right we are surprising Jamie on this trip. On the drive down during one of our stops, we will be giving Jamie this.

You see, this is a Walt Disney World Churros Shirt and Jamie's surprise is we are going to Disney World after Universal and my brother's family is joining us!!! She is going to be so excited!! She has been talking about how she misses Disney and she can't believe we will be that close and we can't go. I know we are evil parents keeping this from her but I can't help it. I love to surprise her. Jamie loves Churros and she talks about getting them when we go to Disney so when I saw this new shirt I just had to get it. I called Disney Merchandising and ordered it. It will be the best way ever to tell her. My brother and his family will go to Legoland then meet us at Disney. Jamie thinks we are parting ways after Valdosta. Sneaky we are.

So our trip plan is the following:

Saturday -- Leave home and drive to Valdosta, Ga. My brother's family may be following us down as well. We are all staying at the same hotel and plan to have dinner this night then swim at the hotel.

Sunday -- We will be getting up early so we can all get on the road to head to our parks. My brother and his family will be heading to Legoland.

We will go to Universal Studios as soon as we check in. Since we are onsite guest we get their version of the fastpass called Universal Express which allows us to go to the front of the line for participating rides. Unlike fastpass, it can be used over and over without a time limit. I am anxious to see how this works compared to Disney's Fastpass. I keep telling myself that I am not going to compare the two parks because they are different. This evening we want to hit Citywalk (sorta like  Downtown Disney area) to play the 2 new mini golf courses. They look really cool. We have the park to park tickets so if we finish Universal Studios then we can go over to Islands of Adventure.

Monday -- My brother's family will get up and head over to Disney. They will check in the resort and maybe go to the pool or one of the waterparks. We will go to early entrance to Harry Potter and finish up any other rides that we want to then head to Disney. I hope to get to Disney by lunch time. It just depends on how much we get done the day before. Ready to know what Disney Resort we are staying at????

You got it Port Orleans Riverside in the preferred rooms which are being refurbed.
Monday evening we are planning on going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!!!

I can't wait and neither can Allen. It's our favorite time to go. Now the dates haven't been released yet so this may change a few things when they release the dates of the party.

Tuesday -- Animal Kingdom 9-5 then we plan on hitting Magic Kingdom for the evening and fireworks. As I mentioned this trip is jam packed and we only have a short time to go due to several things so I am really packing this trip full. I know we won't see everything but I want to fit in a bunch so Brandon's first trip to Disney World will be magical!!!

Wednesday -- Hollywood Studios then evening EMH at Epcot til midnight.

Thursday -- We will all check out of Port Orleans Riverside, put our luggage in the cars then head to Magic Kingdom or Epcot or both depending on what we want to repeat. Then after our day in the park. We will be heading back to Valdosta for the night.

Friday -- drive home our wonderful vacation will be over. :-(

Now we got very lucky as I got a PIN CODE in the mail. Oh Yeah!! It was for FREE Park Hoppers and Waterpark & more. Now we were not planning on buying these but they will make it easier to fit in everything. We most likely will not have time for the waterparks but it is nice to have. We also are doing the quick service dining plan since this is a short trip, I do not want to spend alot of time on table service meals.

I think that is all the news that I have for now. I am waiting on those MNSHP dates to be released so I can buy our tickets and finalize that portion of the trip.

Thanks for dropping by!!

Travel Party

Good Evening!!

I am a week late doing this post. I had all intention of posting this last weekend. Well, life got in the way and I am finally getting it done TONIGHT!! :-)

I just wanted to share some great photos of the travel party that I did last Saturday afternoon. It was wonderful and I think everyone had a great time.

Here is the wonderful host, Rosy, who welcomed me in her home to do the party.

Here are a couple of shots of the attendees.

Here is a close up of the presentation board and all the fliers.

Remember if you are in the Shelby County, Tipton County or North MS area and want to host a travel party for your friends and family contact me for more information.

It's a great way to learn more about Disney and the current specials. I can even bring my laptop if you have wifi to price out vacations.

Update and Recipes

Hello!! Sorry it's been a while since I have done a true update. It's been busy at work and home.

Jamie is in my niece's wedding which is in August. They picked out dresses and it has been ordered. Plus she is also going to be in a friend's Quinceañera so she went this weekend to look at dresses for that.  I will post pictures once they come in.

We also have a new fur baby. Lillian showed up on our back porch. My hubby built her a nice little house but she decided she likes the inside better. We took her to the vet and she has been spayed and we got all her shots. Here she is on top of her little house.

Our other 2 kitties (Sammie & Biscuit) are a little unsure right now but I now they will become close friends or at least tolerate each other.

As you may have seen on my last post, I did a travel presentation at Applegarth Books on Saturday. Here is a picture of my table all set up.

I also bought me a new note bag for my travel business work. I love it!! Can you guess what it has on it????



Were you right?? I love Mickey Mouse!!

Next thing I want to touch on is some recipes. I have been asked lately about recipes for some dinners that I have posted on Facebook so I thought I would share them on here.

This is what I call ham, egg, & cheese quiches. They are super easy and my daughter loves them.

Ingredients:

1 can of flaky can biscuits

3-4 slices of ham chopped

2 eggs

1 handfull of shredded cheese

1/2 onion chopped

Preheat oven as directed on biscuit can. Spray mini muffin pan.

Separate each biscuit into 2 pieces and press down in muffin pan.

Mix all ingredients together. Scoop one spoonful into each biscuit in muffin pan.

Bake as directed. They are so good hot and they make good left overs for quick breakfast.

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:
1 roll of sausage (I use mild)
1 cans of crescent rolls
1 block of cream cheese

Preheat oven as directed on crescent rolls. Spray casserole dish.

Open one can of crescent rolls and unroll dough and put in dish. Make sure all dough is together.

Brown sausage until done and drain. Then put entire block of cream cheese in pan and mix together. Once blended put on top of dough in dish.

Open second can of crescent roll and unroll. Put this on top of sausage mixture.

Bake as directed on can. I usually have to leave mine in about 5 minutes longer until nicely browned.

Veggie Chili Mac

Ingredients:
Elbow Macaroni
1 can diced tomato
1 can of kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce
1 can of corn
1 onion chopped
Chili powder
Pepper

Boil macaroni as directions indicate.

Saute onion in a little bit of oil until done. Mix all other ingredients and let simmer. Add seasonings as you like. Once macaroni is done then drain and mix in pot. Let everything simmer 30 minutes.

Top with cheese.

Red Beans & Rice

Ingredients:

1 can of red beans

1 package of boil in bag rice

1 package of sausage

1 can of diced tomato

Cajun Seasoning

Boil rice as directed.

Cook sausage until browned then add beans, tomato and seasonings. Once rice is done, drain it and add. Mix together and see if need more seasonings. Let simmer together about 20 minutes.

Chicken with peppers, onions, mushrooms and penne.

Ingredients:

6 chicken breast tenders (skinless & boneless) cut up in bite size pieces

1 can of mushrooms

1 med onion chopped

1 green pepper cut in slices

4 hand fulls of penne pasta (cooked and drained)

1 can of spaghetti sauce

fresh parm cheese.

Cook onion, mushrooms, peppers and chicken in a little bit of oil. While that is cooking, cook your pasta per the box. Once chicken is done and all veggies are tender to your liking then pour in spaghetti sauce and let simmer. Once pasta is done, drain it well then mix in sauce. Stir well then top with cheese.

These next two I put together because I kinda make them the same. The top is black eye peas and the bottom is lentils.

Black eye peas must be soaked or follow the quick method. Lentils do not have to be soaked.

Once they are washed and soaked (or not depending on which one you use) then I add about the same ingredients and they are so easy.

I usually put in a can of diced tomato, 1 onion chopped thick, carrots chopped thick, celery chopped thick and Cajun seasonings. Then in the lentils I also add mushrooms. I have added bell peppers too. They are really good with all kinds of veggies added. Experiment with them. After you add everything then let them simmer for a couple hours.

That's all I have right now. I sure hoped you enjoyed all the updates.

Thanks for dropping by!!

Come See My Travel Presentation

Presenter: Reena Neville, Independent Travel Agent of DCTV

Email: Reena@dreamcometruevacations.com

Phone: 1-888-MICKEY8 (1-888-642-5398) ext 706

You can learn:

ü All the Disney vacation options

ü Current Specials

ü Why you should use a Travel Agent who specializes in Disney

When: Saturday, April 7, 2012 @ 10:30am

Where: Applegarth Books @ 8507 Hwy 51 N Suite 103, Millington, TN

**Please note that I can also book and plan other vacation destinations as well. Such as Universal Studios; Atlantis – Paradise Island, Bahamas; Mexico; Gatlinburg; and Orange Beach, AL just to name a few.

Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas Special Offers

Book by April 10th

From $199 per night

       --Plus--

Up to $400 airfare credit when you stay 6 nights

         --or--

Up to $250 airfare credit when you stay 4 nights

         --and--

Travel between 4/15/12 to 6/13/12 and get $600 of FREE Atlantis Experiences

For Travel 6/14/12 to 12/24/12

Save over 60%

Contact me at Reena@dreamcometruevacations.com or

1-888-642-5398 ext 706 for pricing and more information!!

Terms and Conditions

1.Book by 4/10/12. Rate listed is per night, double occupancy, for travel 4/15/12 thru 12/24/12 in the Beach Tower Terrace standard room. Two night minimum stay required. Other rooms and dates available at higher rates. Add up to $74 per night for mandatory taxes, levies, fees, service charges and gratuities. Subject to availability, change, and cancelation without notice. Not combinable with any other offer not listed at time of offer. Not applicable to groups.

2. $400 air credit requires a 6 night minimum stay. $250 air credit requires a 4 night minimum stay.
Airfare credits are valid one per room and two bedroom suites are considered one room for the purposes of this promotion. Double occupancy required. Airfare must be booked now thru 4/10/12 for round-trip travel 4/15/12 through 10/31/12. New bookings only. Air must be booked and paid at time of hotel booking. Air must be booked on our atlantis.com reservation or on a reservation booked via our office. Cancellation of hotel will result in cancellation of all associated airline tickets and no refunds or credit for cancelled airfare will be provided. All passengers must be booked on the same passenger name record for the same flight and itinerary and cannot include stopovers. Applies to airfares on scheduled service out of US and Canada gateways only. Any airline change fees or rate increases after ticketing on any tickets are the responsibility of the passengers. This offer is subject to availability, may be changed or cancelled at any time and may not be combined with any other air credits. Not applicable to groups.

3.Atlantis Experience Pass must be booked by 4/10/12 for travel beginning and ending within 4/15/12 through 6/13/12 and includes: One Complimentary Shallow Water Dolphin Interaction, One round of golf at the championship Ocean Club Golf Course, Two margaritas at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, One pre-dinner selection of sushi and sake at Nobu for two, Two cocktails at Seafire, One family session at Crush for up to four guests, and one $30 Mandara Spa credit. Valid for new bookings only and a 2 night minimum stay is required.
A printed voucher must be presented upon check-in in order to receive the above inclusions. Dolphin interactions are valid one per room per stay and may not be booked prior to arrival at the resort. Round of Golf is valid for one person. Guest may book golf tee time through Guest Services upon arrival at the resort; it may not be scheduled in advance of arrival. Round of Golf not valid 5/25/12-5/27/12 and is not applicable for play prior to noon on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost of rental clubs are additional.

Sushi and Sake Mini Tasting at Nobu is valid for two guests and includes a 12” x 12” plate with 6 pieces sushi and 2 shots of sake. Mandara Spa credit is valid for Signature Services only. CRUSH Family session will accommodate up to 4 family members. Guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Family sessions are offered 5pm to 8pm daily; no reservations required. Food & beverage components include tax & gratuities and advance reservations are not necessary. For purposes of this offer, a 2 bedroom suite is considered one room. No credits will be provided for unused components. The Atlantis Experience Pass has no cash value.
Passes are non-transferable and expire upon check-out. A maximum of one Atlantis Experience card will be issued per room and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. All inclusions listed are subject to availability.

New Disney Special Offer

Disney World just released a new special for this summer!! YAY!! Check it out below and all the current special offers.

 

Contact me at Reena@dreamcometruevacations.com or 1-888-MICKEY8 ext 706 for more information and pricing on your trip. Remember my services are at no additional cost to you and I can handle it all for you!! I take the stress out of planning a vacation!!

 

Walt Disney World Summer Offer

You can beat the heat this summer by staying at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and saving up to 25%* for stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 14, 2012. Great rates allow you to stay in select Disney Value Resorts, Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.

Offer Details:

For stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 14, 2012:

• Save 15% at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Save 20% at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Coronado Spring Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Disney's Fort Wildness Resort & Campground Cabins
• Save 25% at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney's BoardWalk, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard views only), Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney's Old Key West Resort.

Booking and Travel Window:

• Book April 2 – June 14, 2012, for stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 14, 2012

Free Dining Plan Offer at the Walt Disney World Resort

Now through May 18, 2012, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Base Package Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort for arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29 and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!*
Or, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Base Package Disney Value Resorts for arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29 and get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan.
Booking Window:
March 5 – May 18, 2012
Travel Window:
For arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29, 2012

I look forward to working with you and your family making all your vacation dreams come true!!
Don't wait contact me today so I can get started!!!