Getting "Merry" with the Maguire's - PTR **UPDATED 14/11** Post #47

[Pinky166]

This is my first pre trip report so please be gentle with me! :goodvibes


Cast:

Me = Claire (33), massive Disney fan, chief planner...(a little on the OCD side ;) ), obsessive shopper, addicted to scrapbooking and very impulsive which doesn’t bode well for our credit cards!

Hubby = Lee (34), not a massive Disney fan but still enjoys it, adrenaline junkie, easy going and the sensible half of our partnership!


Our Disney History:

This will be our 5th trip to The World, our first being in Sept 2000 where we stay offsite at the Sheraton on I Drive. It was my first trip abroad and first ever flight. :eek: We loved every second of it and I came home knowing we would return asap. I was well and truly bitten by the travel bug and of course the Disney bug! :cloud9:

The next year we got married in the Bahamas so we planned a return trip for the following year (Sept 2002). We spent 10 nights at Sheraton Lakeside Resort in Kissimmee then on to New York!

We returned again in Sept 2003 and stayed onsite at Animal Kingdom Lodge for 7 nights then we flew on to Cancun, Mexico.

Finally I had to wait until September 2006 before we made our next trip, we travelled a lot in the three year gap but hubby needed a break from the Mouse! :eek: We stayed at Universals Portofino Bay Resort for 14 nights. :)

So now we are up to date, it’s on to our upcoming trip….. in 5 weeks time!


When and Where:

Our adventure begins on the 1st December with our overnight stay at the Sofitel (booked on recommendations from fellow DISers http://bestsmileys.com/thumbs/3.gif). We intend to get there late afternoon and do Twilight check in, then get some dinner at the hotel or in the airport.

We will spend the first week of our holiday at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel. We are really looking forward to staying here as we have read so many good reviews. :banana:

For the second week we will be staying at Wilderness Lodge, again we have never been here and I am so excited I can’t wait to see the lobby and Christmas tree. :santa: I am a total Christmas nut and can not wait to see all the Christmas Decorations in parks and at the resorts.

Then for the last three nights we will be staying at the Yacht Club – again we have not been here either. :thumbsup2

To be honest other than our 7 night stay at AKL five years ago…we have never been to any other Disney resort not even just to eat! Shocking I know...but we have never really planned our trips before. :sad2: So thanks to the DISboards :disrocks: we have so many new things to experience this trip. :cheer2:

I'm ashamed to admit that I didn’t even know about the DDP on our previous trips (which we will be trying out for the 7 nights we are at the Wilderness Lodge), previously we have just eaten at CS or just as walk in’s where possible, so as you can imagine we have lots of exciting new restaurants to try out.

We will also be hiring a car for the first time, I hope that I feel confident driving over there……I should be ok but am a little nervous that I will forget and drive down the wrong side of the road! :lmao: If we survive my driving then we plan to do a road trip at some point in the future.

I should warn you all that we will be taking hundreds of photos! In June we managed to take 1500+ in 4 nights at DLRP! :rotfl2: However I doubt there will be many, if any, of me as I hate having my picture taken!

Coming up soon…..our ADR’s & daily plans (which of course will change when we get there ::yes::).

[saratogagirl]

great start Claire, the Winderness Lodge is beautiful at Christmas, stunning! You are going to have such a great time, I so hope that we get to see you there x

[suzycute]

Sounds like you have a fantastic trip in the making! :thumbsup2

[jjk]

Claire youre plans sound wonderful, I love WDW at Christmas really looking forward to reading all about it( we are hoping to get back for christmas next year ):thumbsup2

[irongirlof12]

sounds fab. disney at Xmas to wonderful. :santa:

[Claire L]

Sounds like a great trip you have planned. WL looks stunning with Christmas decorations :)

Claire ;)

[wickesy]

Welcome to the world of trip report writing Claire. Sounds like you have a great trip planned already and I look forward to hearing more about it.

Don't worry, after a few minutes of driving you'll relax into it and wonder what you were worried about. :goodvibes

[Mrs Hobbes]

What a great start Claire Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your plans :goodvibes

[Snowy-girls]

YAY Claire's pre trippie :cool1: .Sounds great Claire-so looking forward to your trippie when you return as well.
(note to self----try and pre warn Florida that Claire will be driving over there :lmao: ).x.

[Pinky166]

YAY Claire's pre trippie :cool1: .Sounds great Claire-so looking forward to your trippie when you return as well.
(note to self----try and pre warn Florida that Claire will be driving over there :lmao: ).x.


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: Thats good.....if you clear the streets then I can drive where I like!

[KayleeUK]

Great start :)

[jockey]

Great start :)

[Snowy-girls]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: Thats good.....if you clear the streets then I can drive where I like!

:lmao: .x.

[The Fetherstons]

Your plans sound excellent Claire, you will love the DDP, I would love to go for Christmas one year, looking forward to reading more:banana: :thumbsup2 :banana:

Im sure you will be fine driving, Craig is trying it for the first time next year:scared1:

[SusanEllen]

Dear Claire,
You're off to a great start with your trip report. I'm so pleased that you're going to be staying for a time at my Wilderness Lodge. Always happy to share that beautiful, special place with appreciative people. I know you've done hours of research so you don't need tips from me, but I have one anyway just in case you haven't come across this bit of information about WL--There's a fireplace on the third floor mezzanine overlooking the lobby with cushy couches and a nice little writing table, a perfect place for a few quiet moments to read through your TR notes or write postcards home or watch the busy lobby from a distance. Just opposite that spot (on the other end of the lobby) there is the balcony that overlooks the pools and Bay Lake. That balcony has been for some time (unless there's been some recent change) the number two spot for WDW weddings, second only to the wedding pavillion at the Grand Floridian. I've seen several there through the years and can only imagine that at Christmas time there will be more than usual.

Claire, you've been so kind to comment on my first TR and offer encouragement. I'm looking forward to returning the favor. Remember that even if everything doesn't go to plan, it's all still an adventure.

Best wishes,
Susan

[natalielongstaff]

Great start Claire, im looking forward to hearing about your ADR's :)

[Pinky166]

Thank you all for your lovely comments. 5 weeks today and we will be heading to the airport for our overnight stay! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Don't worry, after a few minutes of driving you'll relax into it and wonder what you were worried about. :goodvibes

I am sure I will be fine.....I've got my TomTom to help me too, thanks to your advice. :thumbsup2

Im sure you will be fine driving, Craig is trying it for the first time next year:scared1:

I'll let you know how I get on Kerry but I am sure Craig will be fine. :goodvibes


Dear Claire,
You're off to a great start with your trip report. I'm so pleased that you're going to be staying for a time at my Wilderness Lodge. Always happy to share that beautiful, special place with appreciative people. I know you've done hours of research so you don't need tips from me, but I have one anyway just in case you haven't come across this bit of information about WL--There's a fireplace on the third floor mezzanine overlooking the lobby with cushy couches and a nice little writing table, a perfect place for a few quiet moments to read through your TR notes or write postcards home or watch the busy lobby from a distance. Just opposite that spot (on the other end of the lobby) there is the balcony that overlooks the pools and Bay Lake. That balcony has been for some time (unless there's been some recent change) the number two spot for WDW weddings, second only to the wedding pavillion at the Grand Floridian. I've seen several there through the years and can only imagine that at Christmas time there will be more than usual.

Claire, you've been so kind to comment on my first TR and offer encouragement. I'm looking forward to returning the favor. Remember that even if everything doesn't go to plan, it's all still an adventure.

Best wishes,
Susan

Thank you for allowing me to stay at your Wilderness Lodge Susan. ;) Next time can you reduce the rate for me! :lmao: Thank you also for the tips about the areas on the third floor. It sounds like a wonderful place to sit and read or as you say write my notes!

I need to finish reading your wonderful TR - I am a bit behind on some of them, there seems to have been lots recently and I have not had as much time as I would like on here as I have a poorly puppy to look after.

Thanks for your encouragement. :hug:

[raph_b]

Sounds like a birlliant trip Claire :)

I hope you have a wicked time out there.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your ADRS.........

[Pinky166]

Thank you all for your kind comments. :hug:

So here are the ADR's I have made: (all of which we have never been to before)

Breakfast =
Crystal Palace
Cinderella's Royal Table

Lunch =
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Le Cellier

Dinner =
Narcoosee's (timed to watch Wishes. :cool1: )
Rose & Crown
Raglan Road
Yachtsmen Steak House

We have also got a reservation for Dine with Shamu at Seaworld (we have done this once before). :banana:


Other places we want to try and fit in: (again all of these are new to us!)

Tony Roma's = Thanks to Craig's TR :thumbsup2 (Raph_b)
Mythos (IOA)
Earl of Sandwich
T- Rex
Beaches & Cream
Friendly's = Thanks to Theresa's TR :goodvibes (Latte lover)


Coming up soon - Our itinerary. :)

[Snowy-girls]

Hi Ya Hun,
Claire please,please,please give me the gossip on Cindy's brekkie(as you know i have booked this for Dd7's 8th birthday).Some pics would be great as well :thumbsup2 .
Also would love the goss on T-Rex,especially the Build-A-Dino :thumbsup2 .

You will not be dissapointed with Tony Roma's-this place is a haven for rib lover's.Make sure you 'go' hungry-not peckish,but hungry :thumbsup2 .I always buy a selection box of there sauces to bring home.Monday night's-i believe are still an all you can eat night for a set price :thumbsup2 .

Earl Of Sandwich-i recommend the Full Montagu.

We can't wait to try Friendly's either next year-so many people on the Dis have been+the food looks sooooooo good.x.

[Claire L]

Oh sounds good :)

Can't wait to see your itinerary :banana:

Claire ;)

[Pinky166]

Hi Ya Hun,
Claire please,please,please give me the gossip on Cindy's brekkie(as you know i have booked this for Dd7's 8th birthday).Some pics would be great as well :thumbsup2 .
Also would love the goss on T-Rex,especially the Build-A-Dino :thumbsup2 .

You will not be dissapointed with Tony Roma's-this place is a haven for rib lover's.Make sure you 'go' hungry-not peckish,but hungry :thumbsup2 .I always buy a selection box of there sauces to bring home.Monday night's-i believe are still an all you can eat night for a set price :thumbsup2 .

Earl Of Sandwich-i recommend the Full Montagu.

We can't wait to try Friendly's either next year-so many people on the Dis have been+the food looks sooooooo good.x.

I will definately give you the low down of Cinderella's Breakfast. Hopefully we will be able to get in T Rex as it's walk up only. I will take plenty of pics of everything so no worries on that part! :teeth:

Hubby loves ribs so we will try our best to fit in Tony Roma's. Where is it on I Drive? I need to look it up.

[Pinky166]

I am so excited!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

4 weeks today and we will be dropping the dogs off at my parents and on our way to the Sofitel!!!!! WOO HOO!!!

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[Claire L]

I am so excited!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

4 weeks today and we will be dropping the dogs off at my parents and on our way to the Sofitel!!!!! WOO HOO!!!

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

4 weeks at this time we should be taking off :)

Claire ;)

[Pinky166]

4 weeks at this time we should be taking off :)

Claire ;)

It's so exciting isn't it Claire! I can NOT wait!!!

Are you going to the Podcast party on the 13th? If so we would love to meet you and Nathan there.

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas5/7.gif

[Claire L]

It's so exciting isn't it Claire! I can NOT wait!!!

Are you going to the Podcast party on the 13th? If so we would love to meet you and Nathan there.

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas5/7.gif

No we fly home on the 12th :( We are at the party on the 9th with Maz and others from the various Disney forums!

Claire ;)

[Pinky166]

No we fly home on the 12th :( We are at the party on the 9th with Maz and others from the various Disney forums!

Claire ;)

Such a shame you won't be there. :guilty:

[Pinky166]

Ok so here goes my 15 months of planning!!! :lmao:

This is the first week of our itinerary, the rest to follow soon.

Tues 2nd Dec =
Fly from Gatwick to MCO, with Virgin PE. Hopefully we will arrive on time!
Pick up our hire car and drive to HRH! :eek: Check in, unpack and have a look around the resort. Get some dinner at either the hotel or at CityWalk, then try to stay awake as long as possible to help with the time difference! We usually fail miserably at this! :lmao:

Weds 3rd Dec =
We plan to go to Islands of Adventure today and probably pop into Universal Studios too.

Thurs 4th Dec =
Seaworld today. I have booked to do the Predators tour and we have Dine with Shamu in the evening! :banana:

Fri 5th Dec =
Hopefully a spot of shopping this morning at either the Florida Mall or Prime Outlets. Followed by Universal Studios for a few hours then we have tickets to see Blue Man Group tonight.

Sat 6th Dec =
Will probably go back to SeaWorld today – I love it there!

Sun 7th Dec =
Busch Gardens day!!!

Mon 8th Dec =
Mall @ Millenia time!! Time to get the credit card out again dearest hubby! Have nothing else planned. We will choose what park we want to go back to or weather depending we may pop to Aquatica.

Tues 9th Dec =
Say goodbye to HRH this morning and hello to the Wilderness Lodge – I am sooooo excited about staying here! We will check in early morning so I doubt our room will be ready. So the plan is to store the luggage, have a look around the hotel and go to Downtown Disney for some lunch. Tonight we have an ADR for Narcoosee’s.

The rest will follow soon. :)

[CustardTart]

Oooh Claire! How have I missed this pre-trippie??????? Where to start??? Well, Wilderness Lodge is a gorgeous resort! :cloud9: We stayed there for the first time in May but Samuel and I visited to eat at Whispering Canyon Cafe last Christmas - and the lobby looked bee-ootiful!!!

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW2007/IMGP1376.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW2007/IMGP1380-1.jpg

View to MK from the boat dock...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202008/IMG_0879.jpg

The dock at dusk...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202008/IMG_0926.jpg

Have a magical, wonderful time... Kxxx :hug:

[The Fetherstons]

Claire it all sounds fab, you lucky thing:banana: :banana:

Your Itinary and ADRS are great, you are eating at some of our fave places, Narcoosees is fab we had a window seat, and WCC was so funny, Raglan Road has nice food too so you have some good choices.:thumbsup2

I can recommend Tepan Edo that was delicious and entertaining if you have any spare time in you schedule:rotfl:

[Pinky166]

Thanks for sharing your photos Karen!! They made me go "oooohhhhhh" - Hubby just looked at me as if I'm mad! :rotfl2:


I can recommend Tepan Edo that was delicious and entertaining if you have any spare time in you schedule:rotfl:

Thanks Kerry - I have a list of "if we have time" so I will add it to that or to next years list! :thumbsup2

[CustardTart]

We will also be hiring a car for the first time, I hope that I feel confident driving over there……I should be ok but am a little nervous that I will forget and drive down the wrong side of the road...

You'll be fine, Claire! :goodvibes :hug: :goodvibes After many trips to the US and always leaving the driving up to DH, I finally booked a car for myself in October 2007 when I went with DD Sophie. It was great and now I wouldn't be without one! IMO, the traffic is s-l-o-w over there and it's hard to go wrong TBH. My advice would be to get a fairly large, high-up vehicle (people carrier, 4x4) as visibility is better and to buy this (http://www.orlandomaps.co.uk/?gclid=COftudaj25YCFSAbEAodyiMA2g) map - if you haven't already. Apart from all the clearly labelled restaurants/malls/attractions, the layout seemed to make the geography of Orlando much clearer to me in my head which in turn made navigation/driving easier... :thumbsup2

[SusanEllen]

It gets more real every day now, doesn't it? And yet unreal!

Don't remember your mentioning the Electrical Water Pageant. Anywhere on the Wilderness Lodge beach will give you a great view of this precious bit of old time Disney.

Hope your ailiing puppy is all better now.

[Snowy-girls]

You're first week sounds great Claire,i also love Seaworld+UNI+IOA.
Tony Romas is the South end of I Drive towards the Convention Centre-number 8560 I Drive.x.

[saratogagirl]

great idea to get Claire in the mood Karen xx Here are two more for you Claire

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/204.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/208.jpg

[Claire L]

How about these?

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/519/Yachtclubchristmastree.JPG

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/519/Yachtclubtrain.JPG

Claire ;)

[saratogagirl]

this is great, lets really get her excited ...

[Claire L]

this is great, lets really get her excited ...

I'm getting excited too :banana: :cool1: :cheer2:

Claire ;)

[saratogagirl]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/255.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/243.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/P1000279.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/P1000248.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/ian8213/P1000093.jpg

[Claire L]

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/517/Osbornelights2.JPG

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/517/Osbornelights.JPG

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/517/MGM_tree_2.JPG

:teeth:

Claire ;)

[saratogagirl]

I'm getting excited too :banana: :cool1: :cheer2:

Claire ;)

me too :banana:

[Claire L]

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/516/AKchristmastree.JPG

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/515/Epcot_Germany_railway_Christmas.JPG

http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/515/Epcot_tree.JPG

Claire ;)

[Pinky166]

Thank you both so much for the great pictures....:worship: :worship: :worship:

Just what I needed on this dull and miserable morning!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited now!


:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Pinky166]

You'll be fine, Claire! :goodvibes :hug: :goodvibes After many trips to the US and always leaving the driving up to DH, I finally booked a car for myself in October 2007 when I went with DD Sophie. It was great and now I wouldn't be without one! IMO, the traffic is s-l-o-w over there and it's hard to go wrong TBH. My advice would be to get a fairly large, high-up vehicle (people carrier, 4x4) as visibility is better and to buy this (http://www.orlandomaps.co.uk/?gclid=COftudaj25YCFSAbEAodyiMA2g) map - if you haven't already. Apart from all the clearly labelled restaurants/malls/attractions, the layout seemed to make the geography of Orlando much clearer to me in my head which in turn made navigation/driving easier... :thumbsup2

Thanks for the info Karen. :hug:

I have got one of those maps. :thumbsup2 I also bought a TomTom and USA maps in the hope I won't get lost! :rotfl2:


You're first week sounds great Claire,i also love Seaworld+UNI+IOA.
Tony Romas is the South end of I Drive towards the Convention Centre-number 8560 I Drive.x.

Thanks Michelle that saved me looking it up. :thumbsup2

It gets more real every day now, doesn't it? And yet unreal!

Don't remember your mentioning the Electrical Water Pageant. Anywhere on the Wilderness Lodge beach will give you a great view of this precious bit of old time Disney.

Hope your ailiing puppy is all better now.

It certainly does Susan. I can't wait!!!

I do have plans to view the Electrical Water Pageant, I have checked and believe it goes past the WL at 9.35pm. :thumbsup2

My puppy is a little better thank you for asking Susan....here is a pic of Bailey feeling rather sorry for herself. :rolleyes:

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk318/pinky166_photos/Bailey/P1030144-1.jpg

[Snowy-girls]

(great pics ladies).
Bailey looks soooooo cute.x.

[Pinky166]

I am sooooo excited!

THREE weeks today and we will be on our way to the Sofitel!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Pinky166]

Finally here is the rest of our itinerary:


Weds 10th Dec =
Off to Kennedy Space Center today. We haven’t been before, hubby is looking forward to this!

Thurs 11th Dec =
Epcot all day today with dinner at the Rose & Crown.

Fri 12th Dec =
Breakfast at Crystal Palace this morning and remain in the Magic Kingdom for the day.

Sat 13th Dec =
I have a surprise arranged for this morning for hubby so am not going to post details of it just incase he comes on and has a look! ;)

This evening we will be attending the private function that has been arranged by the DIS unplugged/Dreams Unlimited team – I am so excited to ride Toy Story Mania but to have unlimited access to it is just amazing!! We will be meeting Jules & Ian (Saratogagirl) too and hopefully a few other UK DISers, we are currently arranging a meet.

Sun 14th Dec =
A relaxing day is planned for today. We may go to a water park or do a little more shopping ::yes:: - that will depend on whether or not I have managed to melt the credit cards already. :teeth:
Tonight is our first ever Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!!! WOO HOO!
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk318/pinky166_photos/Clipart/xmas-mickey.gif

Mon 15th Dec =
Today we plan on going to Animal Kingdom for a while and then have dinner at Raglan Road.

Tues 16th Dec =
We will be having Breakfast with Cinderella at the Castle this morning then after we are checking out of Wilderness Lodge and moving to the Yacht Club! :goodvibes Not much planned yet for the afternoon, but we will be having dinner at the Yachtsmen Steak House.

Weds 17th Dec =
We will be going to Hollywood Studios today.

Thurs 18th Dec
Epcot with lunch at Le Cellier and Illuminations in the evening.

Fri 19th Dec =
Pack & check out today. :sad1: Probably spend some time at DisneyQuest and DTD before heading to the airport. :sad:


I suppose the only good things about coming home will be seeing our doggies (It will be our first time leaving Bailey and I know we miss them both like crazy.....I will be texting my mum every day to see how they are) and it's only a few days until Christmas! :santa:

We also get to plan for our return in September - I have never had a trip already booked to look forward to when I come home from one so hopefully it will help with the PDB! (Post Disney Blues)

[Claire L]

Sounds like a great itinerary :)

Claire ;)

[natalielongstaff]

Sounds great to me :cool1: not long now !

[Snowy-girls]

Great itinery Claire-first ever Mickey's Christmas Party i bet you will love it.
I also miss my cats when were away+speak to my mum who looks after them every day as well.x.

[wideeyes]

your trip sounds fab, great resturant ADRs and WL looks amazing, my DD really wants to stay there so hope to try the villas in the future.

[wilma-bride]

Claire, I can't believe I have missed this pre-trippy up until now. Your plans sound great - I am sooooo jealous that you are going to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. It is absolutely my favourite resort now, after our April trip.

I am also glad that you are going to make time to visit Friendlys - don't forget to try the Oreo Freeze and the Fribble shake

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b261/wilma-bride/IMG_1349a.jpg

[Pinky166]

Oh they look yummy Joh!!! :thumbsup2

I can not wait to stay at Wilderness Lodge, I am so excited I just want to pack & go now! :laughing:

[mark&sue]

Not long now. Have a great time at all those lovely hotels and great restaurants. Don't forget to take the food photos. They are my favourite


susan

[Snowy-girls]

Claire+Lee,i want to wish you a safe journey+a fantastic holiday(i know it's a day early but i am having a full anestetic tomorrow and know i might not be able to get on the laptop).Hope you both have a magical time+i can't wait to hear all about it when you return.Lots of Love Michelle+Family.x.x.x.

[thelittlemermaid83]

I hope you have a magical time hun.

Stay safe and i look forward to reading all about it when i get back :)

[Pinky166]

Thank you all for your messages. I have just finished packing and am now going to try and calm down this evening before bath and bed. I am so excited but always get nervous the night before too? Don't know why...it's not the flight (I love flying)....:confused3 anyway I am sure a large Baileys will help. :thumbsup2

Then tomorrow we will be dropping the dogs at my parents and off to the Sofitel! :cool1:

Catch up with you all soon. :goodvibes


Stay safe and i look forward to reading all about it when i get back :)

:lmao: - I told you Emma the only way your getting back is by swimming the Atlantic! ;)