UPDATED see post 13!! Inspired by Athenna-Should we plan a Mouseowner's Gathering

[idratherbeinwdw]

Athenna mentioned in the Grand Gathering post that she was holding off on 2007 ressies to see if there would be a GG sometime that year.

First I want to clarify, that although it's been called "official" the GG for May of this year for the most part was an afterthought. A bunch of us already had ressies for the first week of May, and we contacted one another to see if we could hook up on certain days. I am only mentioning this because I don't want anyone to think we made an Official gathering without asking who could make it beforehand. It just worked out that way.

So for next year should we try to accomodate a bunch of of us and make it a true Official Mouseowner's meet? I am posting this to check interest for one, and to check dates as well.

I know lots of us have our plans worked out until 2008 and beyond (me included!) but I can be a little flexible. Here are my tentative plans for 2007:
Last week of January
First week of May
First week of October

Of course I don't expect you all to work around my schedule, and, except for the last week of January, I can change my dates somewhat. So what have others planned? Maybe if we see some sort of pattern to one part of the year we can rearrange for a bunch of us to be in The World together? :birhdaypa :cheerlead :sunny:

[kathyseb]

I want to post just so I can see my countdown calendar!!!!

We have our plans for 2007.

Last week in April

Last week in November

And we will be there two weeks in October (are switching to October from our normal September two week trip). It will revolve around Columbus Day. So either the first two weeks or the second and third week.

[PoohsPal]

Well, I know the marathoners will be there at least Jan 5 to 7, I'll be ther to the 12th. That will be my only 07 trip, though.

[AmyBeth68]

I'm with Carrie, the only 07 plans we have currently are for the marathon. I think there is a good bunch of us possible for that same week.

I don't have tons of points left for the rest of 07 but we definitely could get there another time, even if for a shorter trip. I'll hold off and wait to see if anything develops. I'm pretty open though!

[Rozzie]

I know for sure I couldn't make it in October. Hurricane season. Note the ball and chain, padlocked that connects us to our obligations here. (Hospital and restaurant)

I could do May, and Jan. Flexible with dates, except I am discovering the first couple of days in Jan is a black out date for nurses. (this is why Carrie I have not been able to committ to Marathon)

so anytime in May, 2nd week in Jan and on, for Roz. We allready have planned to come in May, and 3rd week in Jan for trips in 07. we'll do F &W in November 07.


this posts confuses even me. sorry.

[PoohsPal]

I am discovering the first couple of days in Jan is a black out date for nurses. (this is why Carrie I have not been able to committ to Marathon)
Oh come on Rozzie! You can do better than that. ;) OK, I'll lay off. :(

[Rozzie]

Oh come on Rozzie! You can do better than that. ;) OK, I'll lay off. :(

maybe I could quit my job, and be a full time housewife!!!;)

seriously, no need to plan the GG around my issues. I would so love to come to one though. I would even consider a short solo weekender.....:hyper:

[Colorado Belle]

I'm famous for my last minute trips, tho Mar managed to get me on board for the May trip, and I actually booked the first week in October, 2006 too.

I like the idea of planning a Grand Gathering of Mouseowners. I'd suggest taht for the first one, we might try to connect it with MOUSEFEST which already has a lot of individual 'groups' meeting up )I went last year and it was a lot of fun and a lot of really incredibly nice people.

I believe that they generally plan tit for he first week in December, but I could be way wrong. I think it would be fun to have a booth at their main day 'convention' and think it would be well received! Not that we have anything to sell really.....but just fun to be there with ''all things Disney". Last year, the original Tinkerbell even showed up! Mousefest was essentially a gathering where people hosted little
events (like author Steve B who wrote "Hidden Mickeys" and hosted several 'meets where we walked around looking for Hidden Mickeys , or Tagrel's: 'let's get together at the Rose Gardena and watch Wishes on Friday ...and 200 people showed up!or 'lets take over the Kona restaurant and meet for breakfast)'. There were some parties, and some Xmas gift exchanges under the big tree at WL, and a Wishes cruise (we filled 4 boatrs!)....almost too many things to do them all. I think it would be a great way to promote our mouseowners community!

A side note: at Muosefest, the DISfunctional board refused to participate as a formal host group, but had their own DISmeet at Jellys. I attended and was DISmayed to find myself shaking the extended hand of none other than the DWARF. UGH!

A happier side note: As for our little May Grand Gathering....it was, as Mar said, just a goup of us who ended up being in the world at the same time. Jiggerj said "gee, we almost have enough people to do a grand gathering" and the idea was born. We are all really excited to do something new and fun, especially with newfound friends here on the board! I think it is open for anyone to join in up to about 4 days before May 1...so please think about coming!

There seems to be a few of us going in early October, after Thanksgiving/first week of December, 2006, and then Marathon week in 2007.

[Rozzie]

A side note: at Muosefest, the DISfunctional board refused to participate as a formal host group, but had their own DISmeet at Jellys. I attended and was DISmayed to find myself shaking the extended hand of none other than the DWARF. UGH!

.

:faint: of all people CB!

[athenna]

Wow, cool, I inspired a thread!:laughing:

Mar' I hope I didn't come off as pressuring anyone to putting together an '07 meet. I didn't mean to, I was just so bummed I can't meet you all down there in May.
But if we do have one in '07, honestly, I haven't even given a thought to vacation plans next year, with the move approaching, I haven't thought beyond that. So I would be fine w/whenever it is.:thumbsup:

[jiggerj]

Wow, cool, I inspired a thread!:laughing:

Mar' I hope I didn't come off as pressuring anyone to putting together an '07 meet. I didn't mean to, I was just so bummed I can't meet you all down there in May.
But if we do have one in '07, honestly, I haven't even given a thought to vacation plans next year, with the move approaching, I haven't thought beyond that. So I would be fine w/whenever it is.:thumbsup:

Athenna- You have been doing alot of inspiring around here lately! :) :) Thats because you are just awsome! :) :)

I am bummed too that you cant make it in May- I dont feel that you are pressuring a "07 meet just inspiring one to be put together! :)

As for me right now my '07 plans are the last week of Jan for chip126's 40th and then I am open for whatever works for all- Cant wait!!!! :jumpingbe

[RweTHEREyet]

I have never been able to make plans that far in advance, but if you guys make some plans and it works out for us to join in later, I think it would be a blast.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Colorado Belle's idea of doing our Mouseowner's Gathering to coincide with Mousefest in 2007 seemed like a good one. So we discussed it in the Chat room last night, and at least 7 people said they could make it then. Those saying most likely or definitely yes were: Nono, colorado Belle, rozzie, DSNYFN, rash, me, matsygranma. There were other people there too, if I left any names out I am sorry, my brain is a little fried on Friday nights.

With so many folks available then I think it's going to be a go for that week. It's a long way away, but we figured this way everyone would have time to plan (and convince spouses LOL) and still be able to make the 11 month window to guarantee they'll get first choice of bookings.

So start thinking about a big bash the first week of December 2007, I'll keep you all updated as things progress! :howudoin: :tongue:

[athenna]

Colorado Belle's idea of doing our Mouseowner's Gathering to coincide with Mousefest in 2007 seemed like a good one. So we discussed it in the Chat room last night, and at least 7 people said they could make it then. Those saying most likely or definitely yes were: Nono, colorado Belle, rozzie, DSNYFN, rash, me, matsygranma. There were other people there too, if I left any names out I am sorry, my brain is a little fried on Friday nights.

With so many folks available then I think it's going to be a go for that week. It's a long way away, but we figured this way everyone would have time to plan (and convince spouses LOL) and still be able to make the 11 month window to guarantee they'll get first choice of bookings.

So start thinking about a big bash the first week of December 2007, I'll keep you all updated as things progress! :howudoin: :tongue:

I'm there!

[jiggerj]

Colorado Belle's idea of doing our Mouseowner's Gathering to coincide with Mousefest in 2007 seemed like a good one. So we discussed it in the Chat room last night, and at least 7 people said they could make it then. Those saying most likely or definitely yes were: Nono, colorado Belle, rozzie, DSNYFN, rash, me, matsygranma. There were other people there too, if I left any names out I am sorry, my brain is a little fried on Friday nights.

With so many folks available then I think it's going to be a go for that week. It's a long way away, but we figured this way everyone would have time to plan (and convince spouses LOL) and still be able to make the 11 month window to guarantee they'll get first choice of bookings.

So start thinking about a big bash the first week of December 2007, I'll keep you all updated as things progress! :howudoin: :tongue:

I'm in too! :jumpingbe

[idratherbeinwdw]

WOW too cool Athenna and JiggerJ! Two more yesses already! Yippppeeee! :hyper: :bouncingc :dust :cheerlead

[Rozzie]

:cheerlead hooray! This is going to be great finally meeting all my friends!! Can't wait!!

[Deep-Thots]

Hmmm..... Either F & W or early Dec. Can't do both (not enough vacation). Oooh, that's a tough call. Rat farts. :worried:

[Stimpy]

Sounds like fun.

We'll miss it though :( We're planning on Disney Cruise in Nov 2007 (if the darn rates/schedule ever comes out LOL) We can't take DS out of school that much.

Put us down for 2008! :thumbsup:

[Rozzie]

Hmmm..... Either F & W or early Dec. Can't do both (not enough vacation). Oooh, that's a tough call. Rat farts. :worried:

Kim, we can create our own MO version of F&W at BWV! :beer: :beer:

best of both worlds! :thumbsup:

[jiggerj]

ooohhh! Im getting excited! I ran to look at the points chart for the first week of Dec '07. The First Sunday is on the 2nd! :kickingco

argghhh! Now I want to add on soooooo bad! :) :) :) LOL!!

[RweTHEREyet]

Sounds like something we are going to have to consider. I love that time of year and we have never been to Mousefest. Where would I get more information on what Mousefest is about?

[DSNY FN]

Ok well after talking to everyone about it last night I put an elaborate plan in motion on how to get DW to say yes to this early Dec trip as we are going in Jan 08 for the marathon. So I get the plan hatched last night at work after chat and go out today shopping getting all teh necessary ingredients for teh question period at home tonight. I get the spa gift certificate I get the new camera accessories she wanted and even got chineese food for dinner. So at dinner I ask if it would be possible and low and behold I get a yes but it has to be adults only no kids I think did I just hear that correctly she said yes no bribes other than dinner LOL and no kids joining us now the kids were none to impressed but you can bet Daddy sure is LOL. So to put and end to this long story you can count Lisa and I in providing I make arrangements to get somone to watch the kids for the week LOL. So just a quick question should I take back the spa gift certificate and the camera accessories since they weren't even needed LOL.

[Stimpy]

Ok well after talking to everyone about it last night I put an elaborate plan in motion on how to get DW to say yes to this early Dec trip as we are going in Jan 08 for the marathon. So I get the plan hatched last night at work after chat and go out today shopping getting all teh necessary ingredients for teh question period at home tonight. I get the spa gift certificate I get the new camera accessories she wanted and even got chineese food for dinner. So at dinner I ask if it would be possible and low and behold I get a yes but it has to be adults only no kids I think did I just hear that correctly she said yes no bribes other than dinner LOL and no kids joining us now the kids were none to impressed but you can bet Daddy sure is LOL. So to put and end to this long story you can count Lisa and I in providing I make arrangements to get somone to watch the kids for the week LOL. So just a quick question should I take back the spa gift certificate and the camera accessories since they weren't even needed LOL.

Naw...you can send the spa gift certificate to me ;) I like your way of thinking...can you pass a few hints on to my DH? :shhh:

[nono]

Use the spa certificate for yourself -- pony up on the camera accessories, 'cause that is one cool lady you married! :beatinghe

[DSNY FN]

Naw...you can send the spa gift certificate to me ;) I like your way of thinking...can you pass a few hints on to my DH? :shhh:


I can sure try stimpy no guarantees though LOL.

[DSNY FN]

Use the spa certificate for yourself -- pony up on the camera accessories, 'cause that is one cool lady you married! :beatinghe

Ya she allready has teh camera accessories. She got a new camera bag and some cool lense accessories and filters etc. She is also getting a new lense for the D70.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Sounds like something we are going to have to consider. I love that time of year and we have never been to Mousefest. Where would I get more information on what Mousefest is about?

http://www.mousefest.org/

The 2006 dates are out, but not the 2007 ones yet. Usually it's the first or second week of December. The 2006 land dates (there are cruise dates too) for Mousefest are 12/7-12/12, which is a Thursday to Tuesday. I know most of us don't like to use weekend points, so depending on the dates for 2007 we may not be able to totally intersect with Mousefest. But hopefully the dates will be announced by January of 2007 so we can decide if the first or second week of December that year makes the most sense and book our 11 month windows accordingly.

[ripleysmom]

I could be in for that time of year I just need to check on some things first.

[AmyBeth68]

:scratchch You know....my DH and I always do an early December "get away without the kids long weekend". It's kind of a b'day thing for me and a decompress before the holidays fun long weekend! Sooooo...I don't see why it couldn't be in WDW in 2007 :clappingh . You do know that we will NOT be allowed to say a single WORD to my kids or they will NEVER speak to us again. Other than that....I think this evil plan could work. Bwaaaahaaaaaaaaaaa:goodnevil .

And I'm serious....none of you are allowed to mention a single word of this to my kids! :tsktsk:

[PoohsPal]

All teh stars are going to have to align for this one, but I did set teh ball rolling last night, unbeknownst to me.

We may have family including nice and up to 4 nephews along for teh 07 mrathon trip. I told dh we'd have to do another trip next year to make up for teh lack of commandoing and "us" time with kids along. (Although we bother really would love to see the kids at WDW) I mentioned fall, but maybe Dec. That's really pushing it to have trips a month a prt, though. DH is afraidof losing the magic with trips a year apart.

So, that's a definite maybe! I'll have to see if we can do it with the points we'll have, as we're in point debt up to our eyeballs!

[lllovell]

We are talking Dec 2007 right? I am sooooo there. We went this past December and are going again the first week of Dec 2006 (already booked).

I love this time of year and if you haven't gone before, I would highly recomment it! I was planning on trying to hook up with the moustfest people, but it looks like once again I am going to miss them. (Missed them this past year as well) Drat!

Laura

[athenna]

We are talking Dec 2007 right? I am sooooo there. We went this past December and are going again the first week of Dec 2006 (already booked).

I love this time of year and if you haven't gone before, I would highly recomment it! I was planning on trying to hook up with the moustfest people, but it looks like once again I am going to miss them. (Missed them this past year as well) Drat!

Laura

You mean, I may finally get to meet you??
Hooray!!:jumpingbe

[idratherbeinwdw]

Well this is unbelievably cool, I am so excited! :kickingco Most everyone is able to be there, including the "inspiration" for the thread, Her Highness (since she is married to Prince Charming), Athenna Herself! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_3_2v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZZzebXXX)

Moderators, do you think we can make this a sticky somewhere? It would be great to have a "Mouseowner's official gathering" sticky, where we could not only keep track of who's attending, but suggestions of what we could all do as a group. :jumpingbe

I'm thinking once we get some ideas we can post a poll to see what the most popular events would be. Then we can start to plan things accordingly and come up with an actual schedule of events. 12/07 is a long way off, admittedly, but that's to our advantage in making this work smoothly.:thewave:

It's incredibly great that so many people are saying yes already, my mind is racing thinking of all the possibilities. If anyone has any ideas on how to do this most effeciently please share, thanks! :howudoin: :woohoodan :goodvibes :dust :hyper: :clappingh

[lllovell]

You mean, I may finally get to meet you??
Hooray!!:jumpingbe

lol hopefully before then - but for sure then!!! :doublejum

Laura

[AmyBeth68]

Mar, thanks for helping to organize this and taking the initiative. :doublekis

And although 12/07 is technically a bit far off....for us DVCers who plan a year in advance it makes sense to get this thing rolling early! The more time people have the more likely they will be able to attend.

For us the timing couldn't be better since we've been talking about going back to WDW for the holiday decorations and MVMCP. It's been several years since we've been during this time. And while I'm hoping and planning that I'll be heading back down in Jan. 08 for marathon weekend....I don't see why I couldn't do two shorter trips.

Anyway....Thanks AGAIN!!!! :jumpingbe

[lllovell]

I dont see why this couldn't be stickied since it applies to everyone that would like to attend!

That said, I will certainly leave it to the moderators in this area to sticky. You might want to start a new thread...one titled so everyone will know what its about and the first post to be a good, concise descrition of the plans (that can be updated). You could maybe link this thread as a "this is where the idea came from", but I think starting from scratch might allow it to be more clear for newbies that will want to come and for having that first post set up best!

I realize you can just change things in this one if you choose....so you all decide what might be clearest for everyone - now and in the future.

Laura

[TW1]

was DISmayed to find myself shaking the extended hand of none other than the DWARF. UGH!
I trust you've counted your fingers and still have them all? He didn't decided to move some to another hand because they were innappropriate or cliqueish or something?

[PoohsPal]

Hey Mar'! If you want to give this a new titlte or start a summary thread, I'd be happy to stick a thread for you!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Hey Mar'! If you want to give this a new titlte or start a summary thread, I'd be happy to stick a thread for you!

What do you think makes most sense Carrie? Should I start a new thread or re-title this one? I am leaning towards re-titling since that way new folks can see how many people already are interested/committed, but I am not sure if that's the best solution. Any opinions would be most appreciated. :sunny:

[Deep-Thots]

It's kinda early, so I'd summarize and start a new one. Otherwise, this could be another Nothing Thread (!). Jmo, though.

[PoohsPal]

I would start fresh, maybe post the list of attendess and potential attendees if you have the time. That would be a great first post summary, so people don't have to dig.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Okay I will work on that now, should be ready within the hour. Thanks for suggestions! :tunes: :cheerlead