The unplanned Disney trip we had to take!

[IloveAKL]

Hello everyone! This is my first pre-trip report in DISboards! I do have a trip report website that my husband put together: I'll post the link at the end.

Anyway, and introduction- I was fortunate enough to go to Disney World every spring break when I was a kid in the 70's. When I met my husband I discovered he was not as lucky - never been! Well, once we were engaged I knew WDW would be our honeymoon destination...November 1994 we went and stayed at the Disney's Village Resort (anyone remember that?)

Life went on, and we began a family. Disney was calling us, so we decided that once our youngest was 5 we would take our family of 4 to the best place in the world! We stayed at AKL and had a great time, and decided that we would come back in 2 years (when oldest DD would still be considered a child on the dining plan).
Well, in 2007 that Year of a Million Dreams got me and I convinced DH to go. We could only afford to go down driving and staying at a Value. Once again we had a very enjoyable vacation!
2008 was our "blow out" trip: 2 Weeks at AKL, Cirque de Soleil, water parks, etc. Really an awesome trip!

On our last day we signed up to visit the DVC presentation. I knew as soon as we signed up that we would be signing those papers, especially because we love AKL so much. Sure enough, we became DVC members! We had been planning to do the Philadelphia-Washington DC vacation trip summer of 2009, but part of the deal for DVC was getting Developer Points that HAD to be used at WDW (SSR to be exact)! Oh gee, we have to go again!:woohoo:

So, we altered our plans a little - 5 days at a one bedroom at SSR and then on to Washington DC for the second half of our trip!!!!

Next post I will tell you the details of our plans.
Thanks for reading!

Here is the link to the 2008 TR: http://www.wix.com/mystre/Disney2008

[ljcrochet]

Can't wait to hear about you plans!

[Marshay]

I'm in! Can't wait to read it and meet you.

We have some similarities...I went to WDW every 3 years since I was a child (mostly for spring break) and my DH had never been except for a 1 day school trip to MK.

We started going to WDW for short trips when my job took me to Tampa, FL. Then we bought into DVC (SSR and AKV) in 2007.

We weren't going to go this year, but just booked a trip on Tuesday for Nov @ BLT.

Ok, back to you!

[Marshay]

Oh, forgot to say, I went to school in suburbs of Philly and now live in suburbs of DC. If you have ?? about Washington, DC area, just let me know!:goodvibes

[Pakey]

Hi there. I'll play along too. I have 3 DVC contracts and have been to Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and WDW for a combined total of at least 40 times so I 100% buy into the Disneyitis disease.

[IloveAKL]

Oh, forgot to say, I went to school in suburbs of Philly and now live in suburbs of DC. If you have ?? about Washington, DC area, just let me know!:goodvibes
I will be taking you up on that offer for info on the DC area! Just waiting to get our date for the White House tour and then I will be planning the second half of our vacation!

[IloveAKL]

OK, so if you saw my website with my 2008 trip report you know that my husband is an obscessed FP grabber. I'm curious to see how he reacts during this trip because right now the plan is to do all non-park activities!! I don't know if we will be able to handle it so I am open to the possibility that we will be buying one day park tickets at the gate.
We are also going without the dining plan, but we are going to be eating like we are (one counter and one table per day). I am curious if we really save money with the dining plan, so we will eat as we wish (maybe an appetizer instead of an entree, share a dessert, whatever). Don't give me wrong, I love the convenience of the dining plan, the freedom of ordering whatever without taking the price into consideration and all that. I'm just one of those people who like to do experiments!

So, when we started the planning for this trip, I wrote each activity and dining experience we were interested in on their own index card. Then I started moving them around into columns to see what made the most sense. I am curious if this seems do-able to all of you:

Day 1:
We will be arriving at SSR from staying overnight in Lake City FL. I expect to be getting in between 10-11 am, check in and be told our room isn't ready yet.
Go to Wolfgang Puck Express in DD for lunch
Go back to SSR ( maybe the room is ready now?) and swim, hang out
5:30 we have reservations for T Rex in DD
After dinner go to a movie in DD

Day 2:
9 am DDs have reservations at SSR spa - one for a "my first massage" and one for a "my first facial" Both are a 25 minute appointment. DH will go with DD who is getting the facial and I will go with the DD getting the massage. They are so excited about this!
After this we will probably swim some more and then we would like to try SSR's counter service (Artist's Palette, I think)
After lunch we will go to Fantasia Gardens miniature golf
5:45pm we have reservations for Sanaa at Kidani village. This is our DVC home resort & I am very excited to explore around here after dinner.

Day 3: 9:00am we have reservations for 'Ohana breakfast at the Poly. We went here last year and we love the character interaction here!
After breakfast we will swim at the Poly pool (love the pool hopping perk as DVC members!)
For lunch I would like to try Sassagoula Floatworks at POFQ. We have never been to this resort, so we are going to explore around here after lunch (swim in the pool, horse drawn carriage ride at POR)

Day 4:Blizzard Beach! We went to Typhoon Lagoon last year so we want to try BB this year. I noticed that BB has am EMH this day after we planned for this day - not sure if this is a good thing or not! We will eat lunch here
After BB we will go back and rest in our room. I would like to take the girls to the open house DVC tour from 5-7pm at SSR. The girls did not go with us when we bought into DVC last year and we want to show them the models of the AKL rooms.
7:10 we have a dinner reservation at Cap'n Jacks in DD

Day 5: This day may be a little overbooked:
Swim at the Coronado springs pool (one DD loves jaguars and when she heard there was a jaguar slide we had to go here!)
Possibly to go Beach Club Beaches & Cream for lunch and ice cream?
After lunch swim at Caribbean Beach pool
6:30 reservations for 'Ohana dinner. This is DH's favorite restaurant because of the endless supply of meat.
After dinner we will explore around Poly and watch Wishes from the beach and also watch the Electric Water Pagent (which comes first? Anyone have recommendations of the best place for viewing?)

Day 6: Check out and get to 9:30 reservations at Kona Cafe. I have heard so much about Tonga Toast that I had to try this place.
We will be driving to Florence SC on our way to DC after breakfast.

Any thoughts ?

[Pakey]

We have done non park vacations there before and love them. And SSR is the perfect resort to do this as SSR does not have that Disney feel to it and it's so spacious, the perfect place to do some walking and pool relaxing.

One thing: Beaches and Cream can be super crowded. Not sure if you have been there before but it's very tiny and gets a lot of business from the pool being right there. If you get there and it's crowded, you can walk over to the Dolphin and get burgers and ice cream at the Fountain there. Since it's not a dining plan place, it is not near as crowded as Beaches and Cream (and it's the same ice cream).

[IloveAKL]

We have done non park vacations there before and love them. And SSR is the perfect resort to do this as SSR does not have that Disney feel to it and it's so spacious, the perfect place to do some walking and pool relaxing.

One thing: Beaches and Cream can be super crowded. Not sure if you have been there before but it's very tiny and gets a lot of business from the pool being right there. If you get there and it's crowded, you can walk over to the Dolphin and get burgers and ice cream at the Fountain there. Since it's not a dining plan place, it is not near as crowded as Beaches and Cream (and it's the same ice cream).
Wow! Thanks for the heads up on Beaches & Cream. I will be sure to have a plan B - woo hoo more planning!!!

[Marshay]

Day 3: 9:00am we have reservations for 'Ohana breakfast at the Poly. We went here last year and we love the character interaction here!

Day 4:Blizzard Beach! I noticed that BB has am EMH this day after we planned for this day - not sure if this is a good thing or not! I would like to take the girls to the open house DVC tour from 5-7pm at SSR. The girls did not go with us when we bought into DVC last year and we want to show them the models of the AKL rooms.

watch Wishes from the beach and also watch the Electric Water Pagent (which comes first? Anyone have recommendations of the best place for viewing?)



1) A question for you on O'hana breakfast...I checked out all ears and it looked like just eggs, 2 meats, homefries and breads. It said that fruit was just for the kids.

Is that all they really have? And adults can't get the fruit?

2) Definitely plan to take advantage of Blizzard Beach's EMH. If you can't get up early to be there when EMH opens, then skip it and go another day.

3) You can tour the AKV rooms at SSR without taking a tour. You just stop by SSR DVC anytime between 5-7pm...it's self-guided...no tour.

4) There are lots of good spots to see EWP. One is on the beach between GF and Poly...it's hidden away on the far side of the longhouses nearest the wedding pavilion. There are some hammocks there so get there early and enjoy.

The other spot is on the dock where the shuttle takes guests to the MK.

You can also pull a chair from the pool area and take it to the beach to the right of the dock (when facing the dock) and enjoy the EMP and Wishes from that beach.

5) Did you say when you are actually going to WDW?

[IloveAKL]

1) A question for you on O'hana breakfast...I checked out all ears and it looked like just eggs, 2 meats, homefries and breads. It said that fruit was just for the kids.

Is that all they really have? And adults can't get the fruit?

I remember Mickey waffles too! I had the fruit, and I don't remember what else but I don't remember feeling like I wanted any more

2) Definitely plan to take advantage of Blizzard Beach's EMH. If you can't get up early to be there when EMH opens, then skip it and go another day.

We are always park opening folks, but avoided parks with EMH mornings. I will make plans to be sure to be there early!


4) There are lots of good spots to see EWP. One is on the beach between GF and Poly...it's hidden away on the far side of the longhouses nearest the wedding pavilion. There are some hammocks there so get there early and enjoy.

The other spot is on the dock where the shuttle takes guests to the MK.

You can also pull a chair from the pool area and take it to the beach to the right of the dock (when facing the dock) and enjoy the EMP and Wishes from that beach.

Thanks for the great info. What time should we grab a spot?

5) Did you say when you are actually going to WDW?

We will be there the last week of July!

[Marshay]

I remember Mickey waffles too! I had the fruit, and I don't remember what else but I don't remember feeling like I wanted any more

We are always park opening folks, but avoided parks with EMH mornings. I will make plans to be sure to be there early!

Thanks for the great info. What time should we grab a spot?

We will be there the last week of July!

I asked my DD today which Character Meal she wanted to go to and told her the choices for Breakfast (near BLT). She chose O'hana's.

For the EWP, I'd say at least 30 minutes, maybe 60 minutes ahead of time if you definitely want a hammock or swing. When we watched EWP from the Poly or GF, we just grabbed a chair from the pool or sat on the beach/grass so we only got there about 5 minutes early.

[IloveAKL]

I asked my DD today which Character Meal she wanted to go to and told her the choices for Breakfast (near BLT). She chose O'hana's.

For the EWP, I'd say at least 30 minutes, maybe 60 minutes ahead of time if you definitely want a hammock or swing. When we watched EWP from the Poly or GF, we just grabbed a chair from the pool or sat on the beach/grass so we only got there about 5 minutes early.

Which do you think is the better place to view?

[Marshay]

I asked my DD today which Character Meal she wanted to go to and told her the choices for Breakfast (near BLT). She chose O'hana's.



Which do you think is the better place to view?

Near the pool or the dock will be more crowded, which has it's own ambience...hearing the other guests ooh and ahh can be fun. It's more family friendly.

The beach near the wedding pavilion is more quiet and dark, more romantic.

So if you want some cuddle time with your loved one or just want to get your family away from the hub-bub, go to the wedding pavilion beach. If you want the excitement of the parks (particularly since you guys are going into the parks), then go to the dock/beach.

I say go early and check them out for yourself. You can have someone sit on hammocks/swings on both beaches to reserve until you make a decision. And if lots of folks already know about the 'quiet' beach, it may not be so quiet anymore...

[IloveAKL]

Thanks Marshay!

[IloveAKL]

This is my husband's favorite place to be at 9:01 am:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww256/barb_ehrhart/270.jpg

[IloveAKL]

Here they are with the big guy!

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww256/barb_ehrhart/341.jpg

[Marshay]

This is my husband's favorite place to be at 9:01 am:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww256/barb_ehrhart/270.jpg


Getting a Soarin Fastpass.

[Marshay]

Here they are with the big guy!

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww256/barb_ehrhart/341.jpg

Any chance you can make the pictures just a little bigger? I'd love to see everyone better!

Also, looks like you guys go in July each year. We are planning a Family Get-Together for July 2010 but dreading the heat and crowds so I look forward to ways from you on staying cool and beating the crowds. I plan to get up early to get to the park before it opens, leave around lunch to go swimming or nap and then go back in the park in the evening when it's cooler as my main strategy ... and use FastPasses of course.

[IloveAKL]

It seems I get the pictures either too big or too small!
Along with all you have said we have found that the mister-spray fans are the best thing to keep you cool. We tried the neck cooling bandanas but the fans cooled us down better. You will need to bring spare batteries though. I just saw one in a catalog that didn't need batteries, worked by pumping up pressure. When I get home I will check the name of the catalog and let you know. I'll probably order it and give it a try before our trip.

[Marshay]

It seems I get the pictures either too big or too small!
Along with all you have said we have found that the mister-spray fans are the best thing to keep you cool. We tried the neck cooling bandanas but the fans cooled us down better. You will need to bring spare batteries though. I just saw one in a catalog that didn't need batteries, worked by pumping up pressure. When I get home I will check the name of the catalog and let you know. I'll probably order it and give it a try before our trip.

I actually do have a small water mister that works via pumping it up. I like it a lot. Got it at Wal-Mart. We used that on our trip in Sept and May. Yes, I'll definitely have to bring that for July!

[IloveAKL]

Thanks! I will have to check out Wal Mart 'cuz now I can't find that catalog!
It was either Lillian Vernon or Solutions catalog.

[IloveAKL]

Here is a picture of my family wearing one of our sets of matching tie dye Mickey shirts:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww256/barb_ehrhart/528.jpg

(I tried to make it bigger but I don't think it is working!)

[IloveAKL]

OK so this may be a small thing, but I have put in all the addresses for our stops into the TomTom so our navigation system is ready to go!! I have downloaded a Stitch voice too. I think we will change to this when we go over the Florida border.
Next thing I need to do is get a memory card for our new digital video camera. I am also going to look into a gadget that connects to the video camera and downloads the video onto a DVD (vs doing it via the laptop). Anyone have any experience with one of these? We have a Sony Handycam.

[Marshay]

No experience with that but good luck!

Your TomTom with Stitch's voice sounds like a great way to enter Florida!

[IloveAKL]

So I'm going to WDW NEXT MONTH!!! WoooooooooHoooooooo!!!!
I love saying that.
Starting to think about all the last minute stuff, like stopping the mail, getting a tune up on the car. Anything else???

[Marshay]

So I'm going to WDW NEXT MONTH!!! WoooooooooHoooooooo!!!!
I love saying that.
Starting to think about all the last minute stuff, like stopping the mail, getting a tune up on the car. Anything else???

I'm very excited for you!! Got to plan the snacks you are bringing along...packing list...buy some Disney souvenirs to take along (cheaper than getting them there, esp the light up ones)

Do you have pets? I always seem to forget to make arrangements for our cats until like a week before...

[IloveAKL]

Thanks for the pets reminder - my sister-in-law watches our dog and I always send gallons of our tap water for him to drink (their well water smells funny and I don't want him to drink it) - yes my dog is spoiled!!

The other thing I thought of - I have to call for my Disney Rewards Card from Visa, I think if I order it the beginning of July it should be here before we leave on the 23rd. I think we will have almost $600 on there!!

It is still kind of cold here in Michigan so it really doesn't feel like our vacation is only 6 weeks away. I haven't even brought up the shorts from downstairs yet!!

I realized today that about two weeks after we get home this summer I will have to call DVC and make my reservations for next year - it just keeps going!

[Marshay]

Thanks for the pets reminder - my sister-in-law watches our dog and I always send gallons of our tap water for him to drink (their well water smells funny and I don't want him to drink it) - yes my dog is spoiled!!

The other thing I thought of - I have to call for my Disney Rewards Card from Visa, I think if I order it the beginning of July it should be here before we leave on the 23rd. I think we will have almost $600 on there!!

It is still kind of cold here in Michigan so it really doesn't feel like our vacation is only 6 weeks away. I haven't even brought up the shorts from downstairs yet!!

I realized today that about two weeks after we get home this summer I will have to call DVC and make my reservations for next year - it just keeps going!

Yes, that's a great VISA reward...my card only has about $200 but our trip isn't until November and I'm trying to use it all the time now.

yeah, I definitely love that the trips just keep coming. We just added on another 50 AKV pts (well, waiting for the paperwork to come) so we can stay even more now!!:banana:

[IloveAKL]

$500 of the Visa rewards were part of the incentives we got for buying into AKV last year. I think this should pretty much cover our food.

Yesterday my husband and I made a list of all the electronic things we will be packing and all the things that need to go with them: portable DVD player, cell phones, TomTom, camcorder,digital camera, laptop, DVD recorder, iPod touch and all the chargers, USB cables, etc. We are going to need a whole bag just for these things! We have some of them labeled but we need to do them all before we leave because they all look the same to me!

I'm going to have to buy some new shorts for my oldest daughter too!
Oh, the closer it gets the more unprepared I feel!