Is it October yet? Rob and Stacy's Excellent Adventures!

[Stacybaeasm]

:wave2: Oh the excitement of planning a trip to Disney. I love every second of it. And I drive everyone around me nuts with my constant "Guess what? For my Disney vacation..." Sometimes, I even want to slap myself a little. Then I remember that I am going to Disney and start dancing again.:banana: Anyway, this year's Disney vacation is a LONG way off - 7 months and 7 days to be precise. And even I know that if I keep talking about it to people around me by July, they may want to kill me. So, I'm starting this pretrip report. I can share my excitement about the trip with people who love Disney as much as I do. And please, for the love of Disney, let this be enough for me so people around me don't start planning ways to kill me BEFORE the trip. If they kill me after, fine.:rotfl2:

So, on to the important things like who is going on this trip? I mean, why would you spend the next 7 months following a trip report if you don't know the players involved, right? So, the illustrious (or motely) cast of characters:

Me: Disney princess through and throughprincess: I am a 37 year old who loves all things Disney and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I developed a huge addiction to Walt Disney World during the 3 years I lived in Florida. Annual passes are wonderful things folks. Moving away hurt my soul a little but now I live for these annual vacations. Last year, I went solo and loved it. This year, however I am being joined by

Rob: A true Disney character if there ever was one. He's a good friend of mine from way way back (I believe he was 15 when we first met. I was much older but that's a story for another time.) He is the perfect person to go to Disney with. He loves it all - rides, shows, parades, characters, oh and the food (also a story for another time.) He is still living in Florida. Last year, he joined me for a couple of days on my solo adventure. This year, he is going to join me for MOST of the trip. I can't wait. And lucky for both of us, his girlfriend (HI Christine :wave2: ) tolerates his trips with me. She would join us if she could but she is in graduate school so no trip for her!

And that's it. The whole cast. Of course, Rob and I might be enough characters all on our own. Now, there may be some special guest appearances during the trip, but that is all still up in the air. Much like most of the planning at this point. I hope this little blurb is enough to interest you in coming along for the LONG wait until October. I will be dancing with joy everytime good news comes along :dance3: So come on aboard and make the wait seem shorter.

Up next: Where should we stay?

Updates:
We interrupt this pretrip report...next post.
All I want is a room somewhere...Post 16, page 2
Food, Glorious Food...Post 21, page 2
What park should we play in today?...Post 30, page 2
My beautiful new bag...Post 35, page 3.
And guest starring...Post 37, page 3
Also starring... Post 38, page 3
General musings...Post 61, page 5
A girl has got to shop...Post 62, page 5.
Disney dreaming...Post 68, page 5.
Obsessing over food...Post 74, Page 5.
Goodbye Space Mountain...Post 80, page 6.
Costumes?? Maybe??...Post 84, page 6
Check two more things off the list...Post 86, page 6

[Stacybaeasm]

to celebrate the release of MNSSHP dates! :banana: :banana: :dance3: :yay: :dance3: :banana: :banana: I haven't stopped dancing since I read it. Now, I KNOW that dates can still change and possibly be cancelled:sad2: but I can celebrate right now. There are THREE parties scheduled for the vacation. Right now, we are planning to go to the party on Oct. 12 (Columbus Day). We went to that party last year and had a blast!!!! Plus, if we go on this day, we MIGHT get a guest start to go with us. (Hint, hint Lisa!! :rolleyes1 )

Now, the decision, do I want to go twice? Rob has to go back to work for Thursday and Friday and there is a party scheduled for Thursday night. I can't decide right now. Part of me LOVES the party and thinks it would be a great thing to experience solo as well as with Rob. Another part wonders if 2 in a week will be too much and spoil some of the magic. Thoughts???

[wdwmom0f3]

Hi!!

We are also going in Oct and I was thinking about starting a pretrip report myself. :lmao: I have never done one before, but I really need something to do to keep me busy. We will be there Oct 10-18th. :goodvibes

I noticed that you have found the dates for MNSSHP, do you have the link? I was just looking for them, this morning with out any luck. :confused:

[Stacybaeasm]

Start a pre trip. It is keeping me from climbing the walls, although it hasn't accomplished it's goal of pestering my friends. Now, instead of talking to them about everything, I keep pestering them to read and post to this report.:rotfl2: I am going to get smacked, but good.

The dates I found were right here on the Dis. On the first page, in the little newsfeed box at the top, MNSHHP dates and MVMCP dates were announced. Let me see if I can find the link and I will post back.

Found it! Here is the link http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm

Of course, if I had actually paid attention to your dates, I could have been more helpful. WE are going to be there at the SAME TIME!!! There are parties on Oct. 12, 13, and 15 while we are there.

[Vanetta]

The Disney Duo strikes again! :hippie:

[shordiebecka]

sounds fun!!!! Can't wait to read more, like where you decide to stay!

[Stacybaeasm]

The Disney Duo strikes again! :hippie:

You know it!!! 8 days of us getting our Disney mellow on. It would be great if you and Amber can join us although I'm not sure Mickey and the gang are quite ready for that!

sounds fun!!!! Can't wait to read more, like where you decide to stay!

Welcome! I know. I can't wait either. I'll probably post tomorrow about our choices and such. I'd post it all now if I could, but then, what would I do for 7 more months. October is so far away!

[DrDeb]

We'll be there too for my DD's 22nd. Bday maybe i'll see you;)

[Stacybaeasm]

We'll be there too for my DD's 22nd. Bday maybe i'll see you;)

The more the merrier. In all my time, I've never gotten to have a Dismeet. I had one planned last trip (:wave2: Iluvcrush) but it never worked out.

Astabulah Ohio huh? I used to drive by there frequently when I made my cross country trips from Minnesota out to NY for theatre gigs. I always cracked myself up by trying to say the name so many different ways that I couldn't remember how to pronounce it correctly. (Dear Stacy, sometimes you shouldn't tell stories about how you amuse yourself on roadtrips.:sad2: )

[wdwmom0f3]

Thanks for the link!! :thumbsup2

[sarab1975]

Now, the decision, do I want to go twice? Rob has to go back to work for Thursday and Friday and there is a party scheduled for Thursday night. I can't decide right now. Part of me LOVES the party and thinks it would be a great thing to experience solo as well as with Rob. Another part wonders if 2 in a week will be too much and spoil some of the magic. Thoughts???

Stacy! Who are you?!? Are you honestly telling me that one going once when twice is an option is a decision that you're willing to make? I don't believe you for a second! pirate: (See... I even dressed up like a pirate for the conversation!)

[robwthomas]

The whole gang is here. Cindy, welcome. Sarah, always a pleasure. I am so excited for this thing. I may have to go next weekend just to warn WDW of this impending excitement. Oh the joys of living in Florida!

So, bottom line. We're eating at how many sit-down restaurants? Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, 50's Prime-Time, Eating Nemo... Is that one a restaurant?

[Kmango]

I've never been to MNSSHP, can I come?

[Stacybaeasm]

The whole gang is here. Cindy, welcome. Sarah, always a pleasure. I am so excited for this thing. I may have to go next weekend just to warn WDW of this impending excitement. Oh the joys of living in Florida!

So, bottom line. We're eating at how many sit-down restaurants? Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, 50's Prime-Time, Eating Nemo... Is that one a restaurant?

:sad2: No Rob. Eating Nemo is NOT a restaurant. Of course, neither is "eating a turkey leg AND a foot long chili dog" but that doesn't stop you!

I've never been to MNSSHP, can I come?
Of course you can come to MNSSHP with us!!!

[Stacybaeasm]

Stacy! Who are you?!? Are you honestly telling me that one going once when twice is an option is a decision that you're willing to make? I don't believe you for a second! pirate: (See... I even dressed up like a pirate for the conversation!)[/QUOTE]

You always get me in trouble. Remember my first vacation? I was happy at DTD and then you say "Why aren't you going to Fantasmic tonight?" Flash forward to me frantically trying to get several buses over to DHS so I could see it. Now you think I should go to the party twice. Wait, you know me better than almost anyone. Maybe I really should go twice.:rolleyes1

Oh, and nice pirate costume. I have one very similar to that. I think you gave it to me for my birthday.

[Stacybaeasm]

Where to stay for my vacation? This is always the first decision I make, well, after picking the date that it. It took me a long time to get to this point this year, and still it is 7 full months away. Why are you so obsessed with planning so early you ask? Well you see, it went like this.

First they announce the 4/3 deal and I get all kinds of excited and start dreaming about a Disney get away in March or maybe April for my birthday. I spend a lot of time pricing different resorts and dreaming about the trip. Then, my stupid inner Jimminy Cricket speaks up and reminds me that we are in the middle of a recession and I work in theatre - never the most stable of professions to begin with. I pretend to be a grown up, put my dreams of a birthday getaway in a dark closet in my mind, and slam the door.

About a week later, I get the all powerful pin code in an email. A pin code??!! :woohoo: I have always wanted one and I finally got one. So, I do what any sane and logical Disney obsessed person would do, I start my research for this trip. Has the recession gotten better? Nope. Have my finances changed? Nope. But I got a pin code! So, I spent a few days planning and dreaming and scheming until that stupid, bad, utterly too practical inner Jimminy Cricket speaks up again (maybe I should have locked HIM in the closet in my mind instead of my vacation plans.) Could I truly afford this vacation? Yes BUT it meant I couldn't afford to go in October. And I know I'll need to go in October after the season. Plus, I love me some MNSSHP. So, I shoved a second vacation in the closet (it's geting crowded in there) and triple locked the door.

Now I was depressed and missing Disney a lot. So I did what any sane, reasonable, logical Disney obsessed person would do, I started planning my October vacation really early, just to keep the magic alive! And that brings us full circle back to where to stay.

My first choice was Port Orleans French Quarter. That's where I stayed last year and LOVED it. I started pricing and trying different things. What if I added a day to last year's vacation? What if I added park tickets? What if I added the quick service meal plan? And finally, I came up with a firm quote for Oct. 10-18th, room only. I immediately emailed Rob to share my excitement. Rob, being a sane, logical, Disney obsessed person like myself, immediately said "I want to come too!" Ok, come on. The lovely thing about Disney is that 2 adults in a room cost the same as 1 adult. So Rob starts looking at dates and realizes that he can be there for most of the vacation. And we are off and running. Port Orleans French Quarter here we come!!!!

But wait, do you really think it is going to be that easy? Nope. New exciting news is delievered by Rob. Katie, a good friend of both of us, has some DVC points she is willing to rent to us. See, Katie and her family are super Disney obsessed and own like 647 different DVC's. Ok, maybe not THAT many, but still... they have enough points left over to rent to someone. And now the new dreaming, scheming, and planning begins. I have wanted to stay DVC for some time. I keep thinking about buying in, but stupid inner Jimminy Cricket won't let me.:snooty: So, maybe if I stay there for a vacation or two, even my innner common sense will see the light and let me buy in.

So, back to the research I go and start looking at all the DVC resorts to see what is really out there. After much thought, I come up with a list in order of preference: 1) Wilderness Lodge, 2) Animal Kingdom 3)Old Key West 4)Saratoga Springs. I didn't let myself even consider Beach or Yacht Club or Boardwalk because the vacation dates are during Food and Wine Festival at Epcot so there is no way we are getting in to an Epcot resort. I email Rob with the list and he emails me back with his 1)Wilderness 2)Old Key West 3) Saratoga Springs 4)Animal Kingdom. We reach a decision that we will ask Katie to try to book us into Wilderness Lodge first, then Old Key West, and if it all fails, SAratoga Springs (which is the home resort for these points.)

Then Rob starts thinking and we start talking money. We realize that it will be cheaper all around to do OKW. AFter a little bit of thought (ok, not really all that much) we decide to just go for OKW, save some dough, and live it up! But now we wait. Because we are asking to be booked away from the home resort, Katie can only book us 7 months out. We are now in a holding pattern until March 10. But the plans continue and Rob and I just go on like we are already booked at OKW. If that changes, fine, we'll just make new plans. AFter all, we have a long time until we go anyway.

Up next: Someone better feed Rob

[Stacybaeasm]

I don't know if I am super sensitive to Disney right now because of all the dreaming or if Disney is truly everywhere, but I can't get away from the Mouse. First, there are all the commercials for Disney and the Year of Celebrations (and how come Balloons never pop out and fireworks go off when I go grocery shopping?). Last night, I was watching Ace of Cakes on the Food Network and Disney was running a short feature right before commercials where they filmed one of the park photographers around while he shot photos of families (and I cried at their reunion stories.) Tonight, the Food Network Challange was Pixar Cakes based on the movies/rides in Disney. And then, previews for the new Food NEtwork Challange is another Disney challange. Come on Disney. I'm booking already. I promise!!

[robwthomas]

I'm breaking in my Mickey Mouse Crocs. They are surprisingly comfortable. It's strange how adding mouse ears to crocs can make them more comfortable. I have do decide... lanyard with pins or super convenient Mickey Mouse belt clip card holder.

And, by the way, I'm sure there's a hundred people on here that eat turkey legs and foot-long chili dogs and beers and cotton candy while watching Fantasmic. :laundy: Is this little head putting up laundry?

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm breaking in my Mickey Mouse Crocs. They are surprisingly comfortable. It's strange how adding mouse ears to crocs can make them more comfortable. I have do decide... lanyard with pins or super convenient Mickey Mouse belt clip card holder.

And, by the way, I'm sure there's a hundred people on here that eat turkey legs and foot-long chili dogs and beers and cotton candy while watching Fantasmic. :laundy: Is this little head putting up laundry?

Ahh Mickey Crocs. I may have to get a pair this year. At least they would be slightly more fashionable than my current pair. As for lanyard vs. belt clip holder - I don't have either. Remember my lanyard broke last year??? You could get me a belt clip card holder when you work out your AP next weekend though. Just a thought. I mean, my birthday IS next month and all. I'm thinking of getting a monogrammed messenger bag from disneyshopping.com for my birthday and I'll put my pins on that. I think. Maybe??

And by the way, I'm equally as sure that there is NO ONE on here who eats a turkey leg, foot long chili dog, a beer, some cotton candy , some of my nachos and some of my popcorn all in the hour while waiting for Fantasmic. Lurkers - prove me wrong!!!

[Stacybaeasm]

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr185/Stacybaeasm/100_00091.jpg

Here's Rob and I on day one of last year's vacation. I was going through the old pictures and reminising today.

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr185/Stacybaeasm/100_0012.jpg

And of course, Rob with his Dole Whip. YUM! I can't wait to have another of those. Hey, did you hear they got rid of French Toast Loaf? I am so sad. That was on the list of things to be eaten this year. Now what do I put in it's place?

[Stacybaeasm]

I had a dream about park food last night so I am in the mood to think about all things Disney dining today. MMMM...I could go for just about any Disney snack right now. Why am I always so hungry on Monday mornings??

Ok, the first decision that had to be made was dining plan or no dining plan. I discarded the idea of the DDP right away because Rob and I never eat that much table service. Those of you who plan all those ADR's and get on the phone for hours at a time witb Disney Dining, I bow to you :worship: . I don't think I have that kind of energy. Plus, we somehow never got hooked on sitting down for long periods of time. I think it comes from our commando park days back when we both lived in Florida.

You see, we were all AP holders back then, Rob, Christine (the girlfriend who I usually refer to as Xtine Warrior Princess) and I. We would decide kind of mid week to make a trip to Disney on Monday (theatre day off). We would leave my house at 6:30 am to make the drive from Sarasota to Disney. A quick stop at McDonalds and off we would go. Rob would ride shotgun and be in charge of Disney music. Xtine would sleep in the back seat. Here's the funny thing, she fell asleep the second she finished eating (sometimes while chewing that last bite of food :lmao: ) She would sleep the entire way there which is a miracle because Rob and I were SCREAMING Disney songs at the top of our lungs and making fun of all the cars in rush hour on their way to work. Xtine had some kind of magic internal alarm clock and would wake up as we took the exit off I-4 to the park. She would put her contacts in, get her stuff together, and off we went. We usually hit 3 parks in one day (AK, MK, and DHS). We almost always skipped Epcot. Anyway, we NEVER slowed down for any kind of table service. We would snack on the run and maybe eat lunch at a counter service. Dinner was always eaten while waiting for whichever evening show we were seeing. Then, we would stop at the candy shop on the way out to by snacks for the drive home. Xtine would be asleep before we even left the parking lot and Rob and I would eat bad things and discuss the day on the drive home. We usually arrived back in Sarasota about 2:00am. Yep, hard core commando. But that's not what this vacation is about, right Rob??

Ok back to the now. So, no DDP. What about the new Quick Service? I thought about it, Rob and I talked about it, and in the end, we decided against it. Even that plan, as flexible as it is, doesn't really work with the way we eat at Disney. So, no dining plan. Where do we eat?

We know we are going to do a breakfast at Crystal Palace. I have never done a character meal before so it is on the list of must do's. Rob and I went back and forth between CP and Chef Mickey's. In the end, the idea of being in the MK really early, with very few people around, swayed us to the CP. So, one ADR to make so far.

We are also tossing around the thought of 50's Primetime and/or Sci-Fi. I have eaten at both and :love: them both. However, I have had really good luck with morning walk ups for each of these. I usually stop by the little dining window by the tip board sometime during the morning in DHS and see what they have available. Since we will probably visit DHS a couple of times, we should manage to do one or both of these so no ADR there.

The rest of what I llike to refer to as "feed the Rob" times will probably be counter service and snacks. Here is the list of what I am dreaming about at this point:
Flame Tree BBQ for lunch - (pulled beef sandwich and a corn muffin for Rob)
Casey's (corn dog nuggets and some fries with cheese)
Cosmic Rays (burger and fries with several pounds of sauteed mushrooms for Rob even though they do bad things to his digestive track :headache: )
Dole Whip!!!
Tollhouse icecream cookie sandwich
Funnel cake
Nachos at Fantasmic
Cotton Candy
FUDGE!!!!!!!
Turkey leg (for Rob. You couldn't pay me to eat one of these)
Chili Dog (again, for Rob. AND at the same time as the turkey leg. :scared1: )
Popcorn popcorn::

And then, of course, there are the drinks that I need to try at Epcot:
Grand Mariner Slushie
Grey Goose Slushie
Welsh Dragon
Tangerine Daquiri

Ok, now that I am drooling on my desk, I guess I should get to work. I'm sure Rob will chime in sooner or later with his thoughts about food (and believe me, he has thoughts. The boy can EAT!)

Oh and hey lurkers? Come on in and join the fun. I don't bite and Rob is generally muzzled. I'd love to hear from some of you so it isn't just me talking to myself! :grouphug:

[thegreggersmom]

Whew! I had to re-register (since I somehow registered myself as a minor last time and that, FYI, makes posting very difficult!) but I am now here and on the edge of my seat...

What, no Mickey bars on the menu?!

[Stacybaeasm]

Whew! I had to re-register (since I somehow registered myself as a minor last time and that, FYI, makes posting very difficult!) but I am now here and on the edge of my seat...

What, no Mickey bars on the menu?!

Registered yourself as a minor - hmm...accident or wishful thinking? :rotfl2:

MICKEY BARS!! I can't believe I forgot Mickey Bars. Monday mornings make my brain not function. Of course I will eat a mickey bar. Probably right after I eat nachos in Mexico. Love them, but they make my ulcers do bad things.
A Mickey Bar helps that all settle right down!

[Stacybaeasm]

I just realized that tomorrow is the first day Katie can try to book us!!:cool1: :yay: :dance3: :banana: :cheer2: Keep your fingers crossed!

[AngVT]

Sounds like you're having a lot of fun planning!!! My daughter and I are going to enjoy a vacation to WDW the end of Oct. Hey, when you're there, can you have a drink for me (on the 17th)... my birthday (40 ~ EEEEEKKKKK!!!!:scared1: :scared1: ) DD and I will arrive on the 23rd, to take advantage of 2 MNSSHP's (one being on the 31st), and the F&W festival...mmmm!!!!

Have you thought of Tusker house (character breakfast?) for a table service? You get there at 8am, and enjoy a meal & Characters, and make it outside for rope drop! (and it's inexpensive!)... my son and I loved it!!! We got FP's to KS and took a leisurely walk to EE for a few rides (5 before the crowds arrived)... It's a great meal, buffet with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy.

DD and I are looking forward to Disney, cuz I LOVE everything Disney! (she is embarassed by me sometimes... skipping down Main St. :lmao: )

I'm excited to hear about your plans!

[robwthomas]

I don't bite and Rob is generally muzzled. :

Not true on one account. I'll let you guess, but I'll give you a hint. I have scars in the shape of Stacy's mouth.



What, no Mickey bars on the menu?!

I prefer the chocolate covered banana's at DHS. :banana: I never pass them up. Against my religion.

DD and I are looking forward to Disney, cuz I LOVE everything Disney! (she is embarassed by me sometimes... skipping down Main St. :lmao: )

You tell DD that nothing beats skipping down Main St.! Every single song is surprisingly skippable... is that a word?



As far as food goes, I've never met a counter service I haven't liked. EXCEPT the lands pavilion in Epcot. Everything costs as much as a buick and tastes like it's made of hay... I will be hitting up the Food and Wine Festival. I'll clean the place out.

:grouphug: Look how the little heads love each other.

[Stacybaeasm]

AngVT - Welcome!!!!! It's nice to have someone join the madness that is and will continue to be this trip report. You tell your DD not to be embarassed about ANYTHING at Disney. First, it's Disney so acting like a kid is required. Secondly, you don't know anyone else there and will probably never see them again so it doesn't matter!! I always stop dead and cry while looking at the castle for the first time every trip. And then I get really silly and just have a good time.

Rob, let's talk about your recent fascination with the smilies. I look forward to which one you will pick next.

Oh, and Katie just called to get my address to book the trip. She is, as I type this, on the phone with DVC member services booking our vacation!!!!! :banana: :cool1: :yay: :dance3: :cheer2: :woohoo: I can't wait!!!!

[wdwmom0f3]

Hi!! Have you booked your room yet? Oh, I just saw where she was on the phone doing that. IDK, but it seems so official once the room is booked and the dates are set in stone. I am getting so excited as each day passes. :rotfl2:

We are 7 months away now!!:cool1:

[Stacybaeasm]

WE ARE BOOKED!!!! Katie, the super wonderful DVC dreamgal princess: , booked the first 7 nights of our vacation for us today. Poor thing has to call back tomorrow to add the last day. I don't understand how DVC works and why she has to make 2 phone calls, but I don't have to know. All I know is Rob and I are all set for a stay at Old Key West from Oct. 10-17. Once we add the 18th, we are really and truly going to Disney in 7 months!!!! Big hugs to Katie :grouphug: We're going to Disney!:dance3: :cool1: :banana: :yay: :woohoo: :cheer2: :banana: :dance3: :banana:

[Stacybaeasm]

Ok, now that the hotel is booked (Yay Katie!!:worship: ) it's time to start thinking about what we are going to do each day. Of course, it's hard to plan this far out because the park hours aren't out yet, but will that stop me? Nope. Itineraries are meant to be changed anyway. Plus, Rob needs to chime in with what HE wants to do too. So, let's give our trip a basic outline that can and will change many, many, many times!

Saturday, oct. 10 - Arrival day. The flight I am looking at will land at MCO about 11:30am. Hop on ME and hopefully get to OKW between 1:00 and 2:00. Meet Rob. (Rob, this means you need to leave SArasota around 11:00am. Can you handle that?) Get checked in and explore. Then, decision time. Park or DTD? If we go to a park, it HAS to be MK. There is NO WAY to start a vacation at any other park. So, if MK - head in, stop at Casey's for late lunch, then off to to ride rides, have snacks, and see Wishes (and Spectro if it's running). If DTD - I was thinking T-Rex for a late lunch, then some shopping, and then pick up Earl of Sandwich to take back for late dinner.

Sunday, Oct. 11 - Should we try for CP ressies this day? If so, early into MK for that then probably hop out to Magic Animals, oh sorry, Animal Kingdom. I forget not everyone speaks Rob. I really want to do the walking trails this year, having never done them. Really late lunch at Flame Tree then over to DHS for Fantasmic (if showing that night).

Monday, Oct 12 - We have MNSSHP this night so we will probably sleep a little late?? Maybe?? We didn't last year so maybe not. Maybe today should be a try Epcot day? I really, really don't get Epcot so Rob is going to try to get me to love it. However, that's a lot of walking, followed by the party so maybe not Epcot. Hmmm, this is really hard to figure out this far out. Maybe its a DHS day with a late lunch at 50's Prime Time so we don't need to eat again until snack at the party. MNSSHP is definate for this night.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 - Epcot today? Maybe this is the best plan. We can sleep a little late and then head to Epcot and spend the day (if Rob can keep me entertained here for that long.) Food and Wine is happening so that should be good. AND since it is another MNSSHP at MK that night, unless there is a Fantasmic, we can stay for Illuminations.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 - at this point, we "should" have hit each park once already. Now is when we really need to start using EMH and decide what we need to do again. Probably, we have concentrated on rides up to this point so now we can think about shows, ride repeats, and character meet and greets. I want to do the Fairies and the Princesses in Toon Town and I also want to explore the characters at Magic Animals. Plus, whoever else we happen to see out and about. I have never gotten a picture with STepmother, Drucilla, and Anastacia either so that's a goal.

Thursday,, Oct. 15 - this MAY be a solo day for me if Rob is a good boy and goes back to work.

Friday, Oct 16 - This also MAY be a solo day for me. Rob, are you seriously going back for 2 days???

Saturday, oct 17 - Last day in the parks. We need to finish everything, get the shopping done, and see whatever we haven't seen yet. Last year, I got to do Wishes 3 times and Fantasmic 3 times. I'm hoping for similar this year. Plus, all the parades and stuff.

Sunday, Oct 18 - Time to head home. :mad: My proposed flight leaves at 2:40 so ME would pick me up around 11:30 or so. At least Rob will be conscious this year when I leave. Last year, ME picked me up at like 5:00am. Rob wouldn't wake up enough to say goodbye. THEN he texted me at like 11:00am and yelled at me for not waking him up to say goodbye. Umm...I did everything except dump water on his head, up to and including jumping on the bed.

Ok, clearly I can't make any kind of plan until closer to the trip. I wish park hours came out sooner! Rob, thoughts, questions, emotional disturbances???

[Kmango]

Bear in mind that DVC check-in time is after 4pm. Now, if your room is ready before then, they'll give you access early, but they may not be able to. So just factor that into your arrival plans.

ALSO. Olivias. Breakfast. Delicious. I realize you're extremely opposed to sit-down, non-character dining, but I'm telling you, the sweet potato hash was clearly concocted by some sort of higher life-form.

ALSO. If you want, I can put in some sort of room request -- water view, top floor (but there aren't elevators!), ground floor, general area requests, etc. The one request I can't make is near Hospitality House, because that's its own booking category. But other than that, let me know and I'll add it to your reservation.

I'm usually off on Mondays, and we'll be on short hours Sunday, so maybe I'll come over Sunday night or Monday morning, do MNSSHP on Monday night, and then head back on Tuesday.

[Stacybaeasm]

Right, right, I forget that DVC check in time is later. That's ok. We'll swing by and do paperwork and stuff. If our room is ready early, great! We'll go up, unpack, and head out. If not, we'll explore a little bit and make a plan. I can always leave my carry on with bell services or in Rob's car and we can head out to a park or whatever.

And Olivia's. Thank you for the reminder. Almost every review I've seen on OKW has mentioned the restaurant. I know that I will have breakfast there the day I fly back but we may also discover it for other meals. Oh I can't wait!

I had a dream last night that I was in Disney. Rob showed up and was sick as a dog with a cold. And he blamed you for it. Weird huh? I guess my brain is just working weirdly right now.

Ok, I am off to be the receptionist at the theatre today. Ours is out sick so I get to answer phones! Oh, and I get to surf the disney sites for work purposes. My bosses are taking their godchild to the World next month and have me doing their ADR's, park hour research, etc. Yep, getting paid to do what I like to do! Sometimes, I love my job.

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm usually off on Mondays, and we'll be on short hours Sunday, so maybe I'll come over Sunday night or Monday morning, do MNSSHP on Monday night, and then head back on Tuesday.


Come on over!!!! The more the merrier! And the party is soooo much fun. but how are you on shortened hours? Isn't the season open at that point? it seems to me there should be 2 shows that day and if I remember, Sundays were the hard days to get through at the box office. Of course, what day isn't? Well, it doesn't matter. I would love it if you were at the party (and spent the day Monday) with us and so would Rob!

[Kmango]

Actually, I can also check you in online, so all you have to do is will-call your room keys when you get there.

The season's opening later -- way later -- next year, so we'll still be on shorter hours.

[Stacybaeasm]

Actually, I can also check you in online, so all you have to do is will-call your room keys when you get there.

The season's opening later -- way later -- next year, so we'll still be on shorter hours.

Clearly we have things we need to discuss. Probably not on this forum though. Send me the details on facebook!

BUT that means you can come to Disney :banana:

[Stacybaeasm]

October is so, so, so far away. At the rate I'm going, I'm never going to make it to the trip. I keep trying to get "just one more thing" done for it. Pretty soon, I'll pack my suitcases and leave them sitting by the front door for months!:lmao: Plus, it doesn't help that everytime I turn around right now, there's something about Disney on TV.

Recently I decided I needed a new bag for the trip. I started doing some research here on the Dis and found a couple of bags I was interested in getting. Then I wandered into disneyshopping.com and fell in love with the small messenger bag that could be personalized. I decided to get it for myself for my birthday next month. Ok, I am really not good at delayed gratification. I went back to disney shopping to get my niece a birthday present. Ahh...my darling niece - she is going to be seven but she thinks she is a teenager. For Christmas, she asked me for a cell phone and an ipod. Really, at 7??? I guess she is outgrowing the princesses for now. So, I caved and got her some Hannah Montana stuff. Of course, while I was there, I took a peek at my bag. I finally read some of the descriptions and noticed that it said it could take up to 10 days for the monogramming and then up to 10 more days for delivery. That was cutting it close to my birthday (if you apply fuzzy Disney math and only count business days) so I ordered the bag. And of course, it was here in 4 days! I'm so excited. Here are some pictures.

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr185/Stacybaeasm/100_0126.jpg
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr185/Stacybaeasm/100_0127.jpg
This is a close up of the monogram. You can choose from a variety of characters, fonts, and colors. I got my favorite princess Belle. My niece my be too "growed up" for princesses, but her aunt clearly isn't!

I love this bag. I was a little worried when they described it as "small" messenger bag, thinking it wouldn't be big enough. How wrong I was! This bag is huge!!! It's got a front zippered pocket big enough for my camera and wallet (easy access), a side mesh pocket for water (or in my case Diet Coke) bottle, an inside area for pens, pencils, cell phone, etc, AND a HUGE inside pocket that can hold all my other misc. stuff. Oh, and Rob's stuff too. Somehow, I end up carrying things for him. Oh well, fair trade off I guess.

Let's see then. Checklist for vacation:
Hotel booked - check
Fl,ights picked - check
Flights booked - not quite. I'm waiting to see if the price comes down a bit.
Preliminary Itinerary - check. Just waiting on park hours now.
ADR's picked - check. Just waiting on 90 days. And THAT's not until the middle of July.
Bag for parks - check

What do I do for the next few months to kill time???

[Stacybaeasm]

Lisa!! princess: A fellow Disney princess, co-worker, and good friend. Lisa is the musical director for the theatre I work for. Thanks to a lot of time together in the booth and the fact that our offices are right across from each other, we have discovered a mutual love fest of all things Disney. She shares in my trip planning excitement (or pretends to because she can't avoid having to listen to me) and I share in her excitement when she goes. She was feeling a little down because she didn't think she was going to get to WDW this year. However, thanks to a little Disney magic...

She is joining us for part of the vacation!!! She isn't sure for how long, but it looks like she will go down a day early to "take pictures" and then stay until Tuesday so she can go to the party. :woohoo:

So, right now we have Rob and I for 8 days, Lisa joining for 3 or 4 days AND MNSSHP, and Katie joining for a day or two AND MNSSHP!!! Party in the parks my friends. Who else wants to join???

Oh, and by the way Lisa, it is now in print and on the Dis, you can't back out now!

[Stacybaeasm]

Cindy and Amber!!! Wow. This trip has gone from a solo adventure in it's very early pre-planning days to a cast of thousands (or 10's I don't do math.:teacher: )

Cindy and Amber are a mother/daughter team from way back in my past, even further back than Rob. Cindy was the department secretary for the theatre back when I was in undergrad. We quickly hit it off and became fast friends. Amber was only 8 years old back then and she became my little sister. Everything she knows, she learned from me (or her mom or some combination there of.) I almost never get to see them anymore because I rarely go home and they are too busy traveling to Ireland to come to me.

Anyway, I got a message from Amber today confirming the dates because they are joining us. :cheer2: :banana: They will be staying off-site :snooty: and also trying to do Sea World and Universal. It will be great fun! And now, more planning must happen to make sure everyone gets what they want out of their vacations.

Oh, and just in case there was any confusion - THEY will be doing Sea World and Universal. I princess: will be staying at Disney the entire time. Yep, Disney snob that I am, I won't leave the property once I get there. But, we'll still have lots of time for adventures together. I am quite sure the Mouse is not ready for this gang to arrive.

[robwthomas]

Sorry, I've been elusive.

In response to STACY:

I can and will leave Sarasota at 11AM. I'll probably leave at 10AM because I'll be so excited and I'll need McDonalds breakfast.

I want MK the first day! We need to start it off right, none of that DTD stuff. They don't even have fireworks or Space Mountain.

I agree that we shouldn't do Epcot before MNSSHP. If Epcot manages to marsh your disney mellow, which it won't because I'll be with you, I don't want it effecting MNSSHP. Have you thought of a costume, yet?

We will have fun at Epcot. Remember, there's a country called Norway and the pavillion is like Little Minnesota. It'll remind you of home. Plus... Soarin... I'm just saying.

PS: The same rules apply to having too much fun at disney as do when having too much fun drinking. If I don't remember it, it didn't happen. So, even though you did, in my book you never said goodbye!


Response to KATIE:

YES! You need to come! It is imparative that you come! We will have so much fun! Start thinking of a costume.


Response to AMBER and CINDY coming. NO WAY! I can't wait! This blows my mind!

Response to LISA coming... Lisa, I have no clue who you are... but, HECK YES! This will be the best vacation you've ever had!

:hippie: Is this hippie doing a butterfly mating ritual?!

[Stacybaeasm]

Rob - even MK doesn't have Space Mountain while we are there. It is closed for refurbishment, remember???? And it needs it. Remember last year when we rode it the first night? I'm still trying to get my liver back to the correct place.

Maybe Monday is Magic Animals in the morning. That's what we did last year and it worked well. Plus, we had that delicious lunch at Flame Tree that kept us until the party. Speaking of, David is almost done in the Nemo show. Yesterday he said he only had 4 shows left as Marlin. Poor Nemo. He will have a new dad looking for him.

So, now we need to coordinate arrivals and where we will meet up on Saturday, get tickets for MNSSHP, and figure out where and when we want ADR's. Now that our party is bigger than 2, I don't know that we can count on walkups for 50's prime time or Sci Fi. So people, start discussing!

[robwthomas]

Rob - even MK doesn't have Space Mountain while we are there. It is closed for refurbishment, remember???? And it needs it. Remember last year when we rode it the first night? I'm still trying to get my liver back to the correct place.

Wait... what?!

I did not get a call from John Pepper or Jay Rasulo asking if it would be OK to CLOSE SPACE MOUNTAIN WHEN THEY MUST KNOW IT FALLS ON MY VACATION DATES!!!! :sad2: Would that be the right face to use in this situation?

[sarab1975]

I am quite sure the Mouse is not ready for this gang to arrive.

The Mouse has absolutely no idea what's in store!:banana: :banana: :banana:

I want to go just for the fun of watching as you all take over the parks!

[Stacybaeasm]

Wait... what?!

I did not get a call from John Pepper or Jay Rasulo asking if it would be OK to CLOSE SPACE MOUNTAIN WHEN THEY MUST KNOW IT FALLS ON MY VACATION DATES!!!! :sad2: Would that be the right face to use in this situation?
Rob, we discussed this AT LENGTH a while ago. Space Mountain closes next month and doesn't reopen until "late 2009" which I'm pretty sure means "not for Rob and Stacy's (and Amber and Cindy's) vacation. The TTA was also closing for a while. It MIGHT reopen in time for us, but no promises. I'm sad too, but we still have Space and Thunder Mountain, RnR, TOT, and EVerest. We'll be fine. Plus you are going with the girls to Universal so you can do those coasters. Hang in there, we'll make it. :cutie:

I am quite sure the Mouse is not ready for this gang to arrive.

The Mouse has absolutely no idea what's in store!:banana: :banana: :banana:

I want to go just for the fun of watching as you all take over the parks!

I wish you could come with us but you keep saying blah blah blah Gala. Remember?

[Kmango]

Wait... what?!

I did not get a call from John Pepper or Jay Rasulo asking if it would be OK to CLOSE SPACE MOUNTAIN WHEN THEY MUST KNOW IT FALLS ON MY VACATION DATES!!!! :sad2: Would that be the right face to use in this situation?

Rob -- It closes April 19th. Any chance of you taking a Monday or Friday off (comp day!) before then and you and I saying farewell to Space Mountain properly? I think this should happen.

[robwthomas]

Rob -- It closes April 19th. Any chance of you taking a Monday or Friday off (comp day!) before then and you and I saying farewell to Space Mountain properly? I think this should happen.

I think we'll have to. You know, pay our respects and all. Although, shouldn't you be working more weekdays? How else can you know who get a hold of you when he needs you!?

[Kmango]

I think we'll have to. You know, pay our respects and all. Although, shouldn't you be working more weekdays? How else can you know who get a hold of you when he needs you!?

Yes, I'm not very considerate of his needs. How about the 17th? Surely they owe you for the last TWO Saturdays. I'd say the 11th, because I could take that Saturday off, but because it's Easter weekend the parks will be PACKED and the DVC points are way high.

(Sorry Stacy, to tantalize you with our nearness to Disney...)

[thegreggersmom]

Um, Stacy, on the food front I am wondering if you can go to Ghiradelli's in DD and have one of those giant ice cream cones for me? I know it's asking a lot...

[Stacybaeasm]

Um, Stacy, on the food front I am wondering if you can go to Ghiradelli's in DD and have one of those giant ice cream cones for me? I know it's asking a lot...

MMMMM...ice cream. I think I drooled on my desk a little thinking about it. Yes, I will eat an ice cream cone for you, dipped in chocolate, right after my Earl of Sandwich. Seriously, is it October yet?

[thegreggersmom]

Thanks for obliging me. You're a peach!

[robwthomas]

Thanks for obliging me. You're a peach!

Just in case, I'll do it too...

[Stacybaeasm]

Just in case, I'll do it too...

See, that's what a great guy Rob is. He will go to bat for you and FORCE himself to eat an ice cream cone. You know, he doesn't really like food so that's a big sacrifice for him.

[thegreggersmom]

wow, I think I'm getting emotional over here...

Rob, just for you, I am sending the far-too-underutilized tiny head playing a violin................:charac2:

[robwthomas]

Rob, just for you, I am sending the far-too-underutilized tiny head playing a violin................:charac2:

I didn't even know they had one of those! These little head dudes are amazing!:moped: Mine has a moped!

[Stacybaeasm]

I didn't even know they had one of those! These little head dudes are amazing!:moped: Mine has a moped!

Remember when you were going to get a Vespa? That little head could have been you!:rotfl:

[Kmango]

I have a fantastic dress that really needs to be accessorized with oversized sunglasses and a Vespa.

[thegreggersmom]

Truly, the Little Heads should be an inspiration to us all. The things they are able to do without any consistent anatomy other than a head is just amazing. And, for the most part, they are usually in an upbeat mood.:lmao::goodvibes:);):rotfl::cutie::lovestruc: laughing::love::santa::woohoo::yay::upsidedow:flow er3::joker::p

This one clearly, however, has a stick (that we can't see) up his a$$ (which we also can't see).:mic:

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

So glad to have found this TR. It's nice to know there is someone out there who is going completely stir crazy awaiting their trip in the soooooo verrrrrry farrrrrrr away October. I too am seeing Disney everywhere. They always play those commercials and TLC has been showing clips of disney parks and such like crazy during their shows lately. I think they are trying to drive me crazy. I'm soooo excited about this trip it's ridiculous and I hope you don't mind me waiting with you....maybe it will make time go a little bit faster if I talk to someone who is going at the same time.

[thegreggersmom]

Hi Dylan/Blake/Cole's mom! I read your report a while back for Cole's first trip -- your boys are all adorable. I work with Stacy (of Stacy and Rob fame) and frequently remind her, as I will you, that it could be worse. I won't be going again until 2010. Now THAT makes October seem better, doesn't it?;)

I am also a big TLC watcher and feel like everywhere I turn SOMEONE is planning a Disney trip this year. Maybe the parks will be empty in 2010?:laughing:

[Stacybaeasm]

So glad to have found this TR. It's nice to know there is someone out there who is going completely stir crazy awaiting their trip in the soooooo verrrrrry farrrrrrr away October. I too am seeing Disney everywhere. They always play those commercials and TLC has been showing clips of disney parks and such like crazy during their shows lately. I think they are trying to drive me crazy. I'm soooo excited about this trip it's ridiculous and I hope you don't mind me waiting with you....maybe it will make time go a little bit faster if I talk to someone who is going at the same time.

Welcome, Welcome to the madness! You are more than welcome to wait with us if you can stand the craziness. If you think it's wild and crazy now, it's going to get worse, trust me. That being said, the more the merrier!! I know what you mean about Disney. Everytime I turn around these days. I don't know if its always there and I'm just noticing it more now because I really want to be there or if the fates have just decided I need to be tortured a little.

How are you plans coming along for your trip? Where are you staying? Are you doing MNSSHP? Share the details new friend!

Oh, and a note to Rob and thegreggorsmom - I'm begining to think you two are dating behind my back. (Oh, and Rob's real girlfriend Xtine's back). I'm watching, always watching.

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

Plans are going good. I'm 98% sure we are staying at Windsor Hills, it is so hard to make a decision on which condo/townhouse to stay at. I have to decide soon though and then my mind will be more at ease. Yes, we plan to do MNSSHP for the first time. This trip holds MANY firsts for us, come check out my pretrippie if you'd like.

[Stacybaeasm]

I am really in a Disney frame of mind today. Some of it has to do with the fact that it's spring but we may be bracing for snow (I just heard a blip on the TV last night. At some point in my adult life, I will learn to watch the weather, I promise!) Some of it has to do with the fact that I spend WAY too much time on these boards. And I think some of it has to do with the fact that it's Friday. Unfortunately, there just isn't a lot of planning I can do at this point. I need park hours to get things going, I really, really do.

I do want to ask the folks out there about their thoughts on the photopass CD. I didn't do it last year because I just didn't think that I would have enough pictures on a solo trip to warrant it. This year, because there are 4 of us there most of the time PLUS several others who may come and go, it just might be worth the money. What do you think?

I've also been dreaming about which parks to visit when. Without knowing the park hours and EMH, here is what I think might happen. Of course, I haven't bothered to consult any of the rest of the gang. Maybe they will read this and add their thoughts.

SAturday, Oct. 10 - go to MK after arrival. I just have to. I'm hoping we can be at the park by 3:00 or so and maybe they will have late hours (It's a Saturday) OR evening EMH. Dinner at Casey's so no ADR's.

Sunday, Oct 11 - DHS all day. Get an ADR for Sci Fi for lunch. Maybe FAntasmic?? Who knows.

MOnday, Oct 12 - Magic Animals in the morning with late lunch at Flame Tree. Then on to MNSSHP at 4:00!

Tuesday, Oct. 13 - As hard as it is for me to say it, Epcot. All day. Please Rob, teach me to like this park! I know of at least 2 drinks that may help.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 - Crystal Palace breakfast!!! Then stay in MK the rest of the day, catch the parade (which I haven't seen yet) and also hit the Fairies and the Princess meet and greets.

Thursday, Oct 15 - BAck to DHS for Prime Time lunch ADR. Hopefully Fantasmic.

Friday, oct 16 - ?????

Saturday, Oct 17 - ??????

Sunday, Oct 18 - Departure day. I really want to have Breakfast at Olivia's before I catch ME.

So, what do you think? The problem with this plan is that I haven't really left good days for the rest of the crew to hit Sea World and Universal. I guess I will have to wait for feedback from them before I move stuff around so I know what days they want to visit the other parks. And of course, once hours come out, this could COMPLETLY change.

So now I guess I can wish for July to get here so I can have hours and make ADR's and then keep wishing for October so I can live the dream once again.

[Stacybaeasm]

I was dreaming about souvenirs last night. Weird, right? I mean, a dream about Disney and it's not about rides or shows or parades or characters, but about shopping and the things I can buy. Anyway, it provided me with plenty to think about in the shower this morning and I thought I would share.

One of the things I really want to get this trip is a set of ears. In all my trips, I have never gotten a pair. I always used to think, "When will I ever wear these again?" Now I realize every single trip to Disney is an opportunity to wear them! So now I am really excited about the ears. I think I want pink, princess ears, but I will definately have to do some research. Sometime on the first day, either on the way INTO MK or on the way home, I'm buying a pair and wearing them for the rest of the trip.

I also know that I will have to get at least 1 new pin for the collection as well as the 2009 MNSSHP pin. I'm glad I bought the messenger bag to put them on. Wearing all my pins on my lanyard was starting to get really heavy. Speaking of, I need a new lanyard or that fun clippy thing Rob has. Something to wear that I can put my ticket and fast passes in because I hate going into my bag to find them.

Now, I need ideas. I share an office suite with 2 other Disney fanatics and I'd like to get something to hang on our doors that I can personalize for us. Any thoughts on what or where I can find something like this?

Ok, I guess that's enough rambling for today. I hope everyone has a good week. Oh, and Minnesota peeps? My thoughts are with you as you brace for yet another winter storm. One of my highschool friends said something like 15 inches of snow!:scared1:

[thegreggersmom]

Ummm...hello! What am I, chopped mouse liver? Just because I don't share your fancy schmancy office suite means I don't get included in the decorating plans? Hmmph.

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

I was dreaming about souvenirs last night. Weird, right? I mean, a dream about Disney and it's not about rides or shows or parades or characters, but about shopping and the things I can buy. Anyway, it provided me with plenty to think about in the shower this morning and I thought I would share.

One of the things I really want to get this trip is a set of ears. In all my trips, I have never gotten a pair. I always used to think, "When will I ever wear these again?" Now I realize every single trip to Disney is an opportunity to wear them! So now I am really excited about the ears. I think I want pink, princess ears, but I will definately have to do some research. Sometime on the first day, either on the way INTO MK or on the way home, I'm buying a pair and wearing them for the rest of the trip.

I also know that I will have to get at least 1 new pin for the collection as well as the 2009 MNSSHP pin. I'm glad I bought the messenger bag to put them on. Wearing all my pins on my lanyard was starting to get really heavy. Speaking of, I need a new lanyard or that fun clippy thing Rob has. Something to wear that I can put my ticket and fast passes in because I hate going into my bag to find them.

Now, I need ideas. I share an office suite with 2 other Disney fanatics and I'd like to get something to hang on our doors that I can personalize for us. Any thoughts on what or where I can find something like this?

Ok, I guess that's enough rambling for today. I hope everyone has a good week. Oh, and Minnesota peeps? My thoughts are with you as you brace for yet another winter storm. One of my highschool friends said something like 15 inches of snow!:scared1:



Definately try the Creative DISigns section here on the dis. There are AMAZINGLY talented people there that create personalized things for everyone free of charge. Be warned...it's very addictive,lol

[robwthomas]

So, about the schedule.

We have to go to MK on the first day. It’s the ONLY way to start a vacation! I’ll need corndog nuggets by then… real bad…

Sunday looks great, also. I’ll need me some BBQ ribs from Sci-fi. I’ll also need me some Toy Story, foot-long chili dogs, turkey legs, beer, cotton candy and FANTASMIC!

You’ll learn to love Epcot. We can soar over California and Journey into our imaginations with figment. We can eat Nemo and see manatees. We can go to mars (don’t worry, I won’t make you do the throw up one) and drink our way around the world. Then, there’s my all time favorite Epcot ride. Maelstrom in NORWAY!!! It reminds me of our people…

A full day in MK will be in order by Wednesday. It might be my last day before going back to work and it might not…

I have a feeling Saturday will need to end with Wishes… It’ll be a sad ending. I’ll join you for breakfast before heading back good old FST.

You know, Stacy, you should probably get a pair of Mickey Crocs so we can match!

[Stacybaeasm]

First, I think matching crocs are a great idea. I'll work on it!

Second, I just don't think we have time in the schedule for you to go back to work on Thursday and Friday.:lmao: I KNOW they owe you a ton of comp time and you should take it. Since Fantasmic isn't showing every night, and since I can't figure out how to fit in Prime Time Cafe when you are "scheduled" to be with us, I just feel it is in everyone's best interest for you to not go to work until I leave the state.

I guess we wait until hours get posted right now. The way it stands, we only need 3 ADR's - Sci Fi on Sunday, CP on Wednesday, and sometime for Prime Time. Is there any where else you want to eat?

What else can I plan before July? I"m going crazy here! I need to do something with Disney!

Oh, that reminds me, Lisa (one of my suite mates) and I have decided to throw a cocktail hour for the office in our suite sometime before we go into rehearsals. We are thinking the theme should be drinking around Disney. We want to do 4 signature cocktails - one for each park. So people, what should the cocktails be?

[Amber_Lynn]

After many facebook messages guilting me into using the DIS I have finally joined (it wasn't terribly easy either) and am now posting. :)

In response to your many pages of talking *almost* entirely to yourself I say this:

-I think we should go with the photo pass thingy...
-I think I'm going to bring a rain jacket to protect me from Rob's eating...I too have seen him in action.:eek:
-I think you should venture outside of your disney comfort zone and come to a dinner show with mom and I one of the two nights you don't have somthing already booked. Mideival times would be fun with all of us!princess:

Have I mentioned how excited I am to eat my way through Disney?! It sounds like the 4th of july all week long. I don't know if I have enough money budgeted for this trip!
:scratchin

and this is for Rob: pirate:

that is all. :woohoo:

[Stacybaeasm]

I had a weird dream about a Disney visit last night. I'm not sure why. My last thoughts before bed were not of Disney because I had been watching Ghost Hunters with Rob via text message. Anyway, I thought I would share my very bizarre Disney dream with anyone who might still be reading this report.

In the dream, I was at Disney with a female. I don't know who she was, but in my dream, she was clearly a friend. It was her first visit to Disney so I was trying to show her all the stuff. We were in MK and were running out of time before we had to leave. I asked her what was the one thing she really wanted to do that we hadn't gotten to. She said "Ride It's a Small World." In the dream, I think my face did this :scared1: BUT, I was determined she would get what she wanted so we started to head for Small World. They were setting up for a parade so I was trying to take her away from the main route to get there. She, even though she had never been to MK, insisted on leading and kept taking us in the wrong direction. Ok, this is when it gets weird because my subconscious brain morphed the park. She led us to a bridge that crosses a small river. Once you cross that bridge, you are in Epcot. :eek:Yep, I have now redesigned Disney. They can thank me later. Anyway, I finally asked the person if they could please let me lead since I knew where we were going. We had to go through a turnstyle to re-enter the MK. As we were walking toward SMall World again, we came across this large open area that had a ton of characters waiting for meet and greets. Since the parade was going on, no one was there so we played with characters. And the groupings made no sense. Tigger was hanging with the Queen of Hearts. Belle and Peter Pan were having a discussion about something. Another whole group was wrestling. It was weird but I wanted to stop and have pictures taken with all of them. Just as we finished and were headed again toward Small World, I realized we were out of time and we had to leave. As I turned to my friend to apologize, I woke up. :rolleyes1

Weird, right? Oh well, even a messed up dream about Disney is better than nothing. Maybe the days will start to go faster toward October.

[thegreggersmom]

I am still reading and am intrigued by the concept of Disney characters wrestling. I think you're on to something here. What's that show where the washed up tv stars box (you know, like Danny Bonaduce vs Barry Williams)?

Anyway, we could start with "like" characters (animals, princesses, toys, etc.) wrestling each other and the winners move up to the next round. I see a structure similar to the NCAA basketball playoffs. Wow, think of the possibilities for the final match up!! It could be mouse vs car, princess vs fish, and on and on!!

[robwthomas]

I'd watch it...

[thegreggersmom]

Ah, but would you PAY to watch it? Those Disney characters are used to making some serious coin just for standing around and looking cute. They're not going to get all hot and sweaty for free. Well, Dopey and Dory the Fish might, but the rest are way too savvy.

[Stacybaeasm]

Let's see, stand in the Florida sun and humidty and have kids of all ages hug me OR work off some agression in an airconditioned environment? I bet we could get them to do it for pretty cheap actually.

[thegreggersmom]

As evidenced in a certain You Tube video, Pluto certainly has some pent up aggression. For the safety of all future MK guests we should probably have him compete in one of the early matches.

pluto:

I think that's a human bone in his mouth.

[Stacybaeasm]

Ok, I need to make myself 2 promises (both of which I know I will break before I can even post this!) 1)Stop reading so many trip reports and 2)stop obsessing over Disney food. Maybe I'm hungry (no breakfast today), maybe I'm just missing Disney, but I keep reading the Restaurant thread and people's trip reports and adding to the places I want to eat when I am at Disney.

My latest obsession is T-Rex. I'm not usually a HUGE theme-restaurant fan. I've eaten at Rainforest twice and feel I can let it go. However, the pictures I keep seeing of it and the descriptions of the food make me want to get there and get there now! I'm going to have to make it a point to stay in DTD long enough to eat there this trip.

See, but now I am obsessing about how to fit it in. I mean, now there are 2 DTD places I want to eat and that means time away from the parks, and I just don't know. Ok, let me think about this some more.

Places that I MUST eat (only concentrating on meals here):
T-Rex (dinner?)
Earl of Sandwich (Lunch or dinner)
Casey's (this is a first day must do)
Flame Tree (Lunch)
Cosmic Rays (lunch or dinner)
Crystal Palace (Breakfast!)
50's Prime Time (lunch)
Sci-Fi (lunch)
Main Street Bakery (Breakfast)
Olivia's (Breakfast)
Fantasmic concession stand (I know, not really a restaurant, but I LOVE to get nachos and popcorn for dinner the night we see Fantasmic)

Ok, it's not as bad as I thought. I really thought I had too many places to eat but I need 16 lunches and dinners so I still have room for more snacks and things. I feel better now. Unless...Rob? Are there any places you want to add that aren't on this list?

[thegreggersmom]

I guess the Ghiradelli cone you are having on my behalf does not count as a meal? Anywhere else in the world (note the small "w") it would, I suppose, but at the World it really is just a light snack.

[Stacybaeasm]

I guess the Ghiradelli cone you are having on my behalf does not count as a meal? Anywhere else in the world (note the small "w") it would, I suppose, but at the World it really is just a light snack.

That is correct. I'm counting that as dessert, perhaps after Earl of Sandwich dinner and some shopping. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. I'll even get a picture of Rob and I eating the ice cream and making "yummy" faces!

[robwthomas]

Guess who's going to say his goodbye's to Space Mountain this Friday!!! Katie Kring and I are taking a mini-vacation!:yay:

[Stacybaeasm]

First, Happy Easter a little late to all who celebrate it! I missed Passover and I'm not sure you say "Happy Passover" anyway. And to everyone else - Happy Spring!

I walked into my office today to find it decorated with all kinds of Disney princess stuff. It's my birthday and the musical director came in yesterday (On Easter!) to decorate so I would be suprised this morning! There is a lovely birthday princess hat, a disney princess pinyata, a birthday banner, and a wonderful set of disney princess magnets. I'm a very lucky girl to have wonderful friends.

Rob and Katie, have a great time saying goodbye to Space Mountain. Please eat a dole whip and then ride once for me!

[robwthomas]

Please eat a dole whip and then ride once for me!

I'll definitely eat a dole whip and rice once for you, but not necessarily in that order! :sick:

Shhhhh... don't tell her, but I'm going to try to get Katie to eat at T-Rex tonight to scout it out for us! :woohoo:

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm a bit sad today knowing that Space Mountain has closed for refurbishment AND that it isn't scheduled to be open again for my October vacation. I love that ride.:love: It is one of the first Disney rides that I have memories of. The summer between my 3rd and 4th grade year of elementary school, my grandparents invited me down to Bradenton to spend the summer. My aunt (she is the famous "aunt" in my last trip report) also lived there. The aunt took me to Disney at the start of my trip down. Since she loved thrill rides (and my mom and brother didn't), I was elected to go on the rides with her. I remember getting into Space Mountain and sitting on the floor in front of her. I think, if memory serves, this is how the "old" old cars were - you sat 2 in a section, one on the seat and one between the legs of that person. We took off and I was having a great time until...they turned the lights on!!!!:scared1: The car on the other track got stuck and we finished the ride in the light.

My other favorite memories of that ride all revolve around riding it with Rob. He is HYSTERICAL on this ride just screaming and laughing and yelling because it's fun and he's a big kid at heart at Disney. He and Katie went to Disney this past Friday to say goodbye by riding space mountain several times (along with doing just about everything at every other park too!) I got texts and picture updates all day so I felt like I was there. The best part came toward the end of the night though. Rob sent me a text saying he was going to call me in a few minutes. Sure enough, my phone rang about 5 minutes later. He proceeded to take the final ride on Space Mountain with the phone turned on so I could share in the ride!!! Now, before people get upset and think he was talking to me the entire time and spoiling the ride for others, all he did was hold the phone while he enjoyed the ride like every other time, screaming and laughing and yelling. I closed my eyes on my sofa and imagined the ride along with him! He hung up as soon as they were done because they were running to catch Wishes.

So - thanks Rob for sharing that last ride on Space Mountain with me. It was ALMOST as good as being there. And goodbye for now Space Mountain. I guess I'll see you in October 2010.

[robwthomas]

Stacy,

What a lovely little eulogy for Space Mountain, clearly a personal favorite of mine, as well. We'll have to find an equally fun and exciting way to start our magic kingdom days. I have no doubt that we will.

By the way, Contempo Cafe is DELISH! If I wasn't such a big fan of Sonny Eclipse's music, I would suggest we lunch there instead of Cosmic Ray's.

[Stacybaeasm]

Stacy,

What a lovely little eulogy for Space Mountain, clearly a personal favorite of mine, as well. We'll have to find an equally fun and exciting way to start our magic kingdom days. I have no doubt that we will.

By the way, Contempo Cafe is DELISH! If I wasn't such a big fan of Sonny Eclipse's music, I would suggest we lunch there instead of Cosmic Ray's.

Maybe Contempo before MNSSHP? We'll find a way to eat there, I have no doubt. The question is just when?

[robwthomas]

So we have to figure out how to make these and which is best for who.

http://stitchontime.com/osc/images/sleepingbeauty14.gif

[Stacybaeasm]

So, we MAY have costumes figured out for MNSSHP! It all started with a dream...and John Inc., the best costume crafts person in the world!!! He is also a kick butt costume designer. Anyway, he is designing our production of Disney's Alice in Wonderland. While we were having a meeting about wigs, John leaned over to me and asked what he was making me for "that silly Disney thing you go to:rolleyes1" See, last year, he made me a copy of the headpiece we used for Shere Khan in our production of Disney's The Jungle Book so now he has a vested interest. He then proceeded to tell me I was going to be the Mad Hatter because the hat was done. I said "Well, maybe I could borrow Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum so Rob and I can match?" Then, out of nowhere, John says "NO. I am going to make you a Maleficent headpiece. I have always wanted to make that." Umm, can you say EXCITED!!!! :banana::cool1::dance3::yay::cheer2::love:

Then, it begins. The long line of messages to figure out costumes for Rob, Cindy, and Amber. Well, we think we figured it out today (as Rob kind of hinted at in his previous post). :idea: We are going to stick with the Sleeping Beauty theme. Amber is going to be Aurora, Rob is the Prince, and Cindy is going to be all 3 Fairies. I can't wait!!! Tickets go on sale Friday!!!!!!!

[robwthomas]

We are going to stick with the Sleeping Beauty theme. Amber is going to be Aurora, Rob is the Prince, and Cindy is going to be all 3 Fairies. I can't wait!!!

Yikes! I'm going to have to hit South Beach and the Gym hard. My goal is to look like Atlas by the end of the Summer! Done deal. :dancer:

[Stacybaeasm]

That's right folks! Two more things are done for the trip. Today I bought tickets for the MNSSHP on Oct 12 :banana::cool1::woohoo::dance3::yay:. I acutally got tickets for both Rob and I. It works well. I buy the tickets (mostly so he doesn't forget to a)get them and b) bring them) and then he either pays me back, or brings the Diet cokes and snacks, or buys lunch or something. We always work it out.

The other thing I did was book my plane tickets.:moped: I gave myself today as the deadline for that. Yes, prices could drop between now and October (they could also go up). And yes, I only fly Airtran so my flight schedule could (read WILL) change, BUT I get really busy starting Tuesday and stay really busy right up until the trip so I don't like to wait. Plus, since I book business class (Pooh sized girl needs some room), it gives me extra time to pay it off.

Ahh, this trip is closer and closer to being complete. I think the only things we have left are itinerary and ADR's. Of course, none of that can be done until July. What do I do to kill time for the next 2 months until July 1??

[Stacybaeasm]

Poor pretrip report. Dying a slow death from neglect. I feared this would happen since I am in rehearsals right now. I have to pay for the trip somehow, right???

I did a happy dance on Friday though. I got my tickets for MNSSHP in the mail!!!! Woo hoo. October is right around the corner. I can feel it.

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

Poor pretrip report. Dying a slow death from neglect. I feared this would happen since I am in rehearsals right now. I have to pay for the trip somehow, right???

I did a happy dance on Friday though. I got my tickets for MNSSHP in the mail!!!! Woo hoo. October is right around the corner. I can feel it.

lol, your trip report is suffering from the same thing as mine. It's ok though, it just means I definately understand. Life only gets crazier the closer it gets to summer I think. Yes, October is right around the corner. I don't want the summer to be over but I'm so glad that when it is, it's time for disney!!

[robwthomas]

I'm going to Magic Kingdom today! Woohoo!

I'll have Dole Whip for all of you!

Look out Disney Princesses, Rob is back in the Kingdom!:dance3:

[wdwmom0f3]

Poor pretrip report. Dying a slow death from neglect. I feared this would happen since I am in rehearsals right now. I have to pay for the trip somehow, right???

I did a happy dance on Friday though. I got my tickets for MNSSHP in the mail!!!! Woo hoo. October is right around the corner. I can feel it.


Hi! It's been a while since I stepped in to see how things are going. I am glad that you got your tickets for MNSSHP. I sort of wish that we were going because we have never done it, but I don't think that it will happen this time either. Oh well, it will just give me a reason to go back.

I am glad that your planning is still going well. I laughed when I saw what you wrote about your trip report. I feel the same way about mine. I almost wish I could delete it and start all over because it's a mess. :rotfl2:

[Stacybaeasm]

Oh, my poor pre-trip report has died a horrible and tragic death. Too much time left before the trip and way too much working on my end. What's new for the trip? Well, let's see.

Lisa is definately joining our merry band for the first weekend. She won't be able to do the party though (silly teaching schedule.) But, at least she gets to come down for a bit and I finally get to go to Disney with an equally obsessed suite mate!!

Now, I'm just waiting on park hours. I have several different scenarios in my head for the first few days of the trip. I just need to see EMH and Fantasmic days. Then make ADR's and we are set to go. Of course, my budget just got a lot tighter because my laptop died a horrible and tragic death and I had to buy a new one. THere was a bunch of money I hadn't planned on spending. And of course, today I find out that my printer is too old to install on the new lap top so now I need a new printer as well. Technology is not my friend right now.

Oh, and it looks like I might get a second trip to the world this year!!! We are hoping to take our teen performing group - TeamSTAGES - to Disney to perform. Things are in the works for February. Can't wait, can't wait.

Ok fellow October trippers, hang in there. We are slowly but surely getting closer to our dates!!!

[Stacybaeasm]

I can't believe how slowly time is going. Lisa and I went out to lunch yesterday to celebrate 3 months until we go!!! It was great - got lots of planning done too. I now know that day 1 is all Magic Kingdom and day 2 is all DHS. AND, to help keep things moving, I get to make ADR's on Monday!:cool1: Oh, please October, can't you hurry??

[Stacybaeasm]

Ok, so I don't count well. I had a bunch of "not so busy" time at work today so I thought "What the heck. Give Disney a call and see if you can make the ressies today." So I did. Of course, I forgot my confirmation number, and, since I am renting DVC points, it's not so easy to look it up. This is how this went for me.

Call #1 - On hold for about 10 minutes which, in the scheme of Disney dining, is not long at all. I got a lovely CM who said she would call Member services and try to find me. She was able to pull up the reservation but, since I couldn't confirm Rob's address, she couldn't let me make reservations. Ok, I confirmed MY name, MY address, and Rob's name but I don't know his address so I can't MAKE dining reservations? :confused3 I wasn't trying to cancel anything so I don't know why she needed all that confirmation BUT, the CM was just doing her job so I thanked her and hung up.

Call #2 - I texted Rob and got his address and called dining back. I spent only about 2 minutes on hold. This time, I got a very nice gentleman CM. I explained the results of call #1 and asked him to try member services to pull up the reservation. He, however, was not able to find me in the computer at all. :scared1: I am a bit scared but I thank him for his time and hang up.

Call #3 - I called dining back immediately and the call was answered with NO time on hold. (Moral of the story, call Disney Dining at about 11:30 on Sunday mornings. I guess everyone else is doing something else at that time.) This CM was able to find my reservation all on her own!!:banana::worship: And then is was on to make the actual dining reservations. I really only wanted 2 - breakfast at Crystal Palace and a late lunch at 50's Prime Time. I got my first choice for both!!!:cool1::dance3::cheer2: Woo hoo!!!! Now I just have to wait for the actual vacation. I am literally counting the days.

[Stacybaeasm]

I thought it was time to pull this PTR out of the wasteland. My life is finally slowing back down and I can focus on Disney.:cool1: Things are pretty much as they were except Airtran messed with my flights. I went from leaving STL at 6:10 and arriving at MCO by 11:20 to not leaving until 7:30 andd not getting in until 2:00.:confused3 I'm not thrilled at losing all that time because I had hoped to make the parade at MK but it's still ok. I mean, I am still at Disney. I'll just have to find a way to make up the couple of hours!

Oh, I did get a really great new suitcase from Disney shopping. My checkbook wishes I had never discovered that site. I'll post pictures as soon as I figure out how to do that with my new camera.

Anyway - October disney goers, our vacations are coming soon. I'm dancing on my couch!:banana::banana:

[Stacybaeasm]

It's almost time! 3 days now. All the plans are made, all the hours are checked and rechecked, the spreadsheet is updated. All that's left is packing, taking out the garbage, and heading to the airport. Is 3 days too soon to check in for your flight??