day 6



An explosion of Princess and Mouse.

Let the packing begin...

I started planning this trip over a year ago, and have been gathering stuff ever since.  If it is Disney and on clearance I am probably gonna buy it and stash it in my guest bedroom closet.  Some of this stuff I forgot I had and it was like Christmas for me as I opened each bag to reveal the contents inside.  I am on a fixed and pretty tight budget so shopping in the parks is out of the question.  We don't even go into the stores.  One of the things I like best about Disney World is with very few exceptions, everything is included.  Every show, every ride, every parade, is paid for with admission.  You can spend all day in the park and not spend a dime.  I pay for my airfare, room, park tickets, and dining ahead of time, so there are no surprises.  I don't like surprises that cost me money.  We are splurging a bit on some fun experiences and I'm sure I will get myself an adult beverage or six  but I'm lucky enough to have a gift card for that and it's all been planned to within a dollar (on a handy dandy spreadsheet). 

I don't know if it comes from growing up poor, or is just my personality type, but not being in control of everything of my money stresses me out.  Like "WHERE THE HELL IS THE PAPER BAG I'M HYPERVENTILATING HERE!!" stressed out.  I also have to feel like I am getting a crazy good deal on anything I buy.  I research EVERYTHING, and always read the fine print.  Because I don't want to embarrass myself, or my kid, in Disney World, I plan it all out ahead of time.  That way, I can relax, and not have a panic attack, while on vacation...not in the park anyway, if it happens in my room I will just have a glass of wine and try to remember to breathe.

Note to self: must make room in the suitcase space plan for the box of wine...