First Pre-Trip Report (& as a DVC Member)

[PiratesCove]

I’ve been inspired by other disers to write my first TR, and what makes it even more exciting??? Well, this is our first trip as DVC members :cool1:

BACKGROUND

On this trip our party includes myself, DH, and two DDs (7 and 1). This is DDs (7) third trip (and again a surprise) and DDs (1) first trip.

We are using developer points at SSR and will be staying in a 1-bedroom. After reading numerous threads, I’ve requested to stay in the Grandstand section near the pool and bus stop – stay tuned to the results :confused:

We will again be using the Dining Plan (DP) – so look for a food report with lots of pics! And DH and I will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary :love:

So – the plan. We have a LATE flight 7:55 pm on 7/26 and aren’t scheduled to land until 10:45 – how fun will that be with two kids??? :scared1: We’re hoping that SSR will make the sofa bed and set up the pack and play – not counting on it since we were told that they normally don’t do anything like that, anyone ever try this?

Coming up on day one – groceries (still haven't ordered them), pool, dinner at Tusker House and Magic Hours (MH) at Animal Kingdom.

[ToddyLu]

[I am taking notes our first DVC trip is in October:cool1:

[alamode]

My whole family just loved the tusker house. It was the kids' first time eating samosas.

[5forDiz]

[SIZE="5"]I’ve been inspired by other disers to write my first TR, and what makes it even more exciting??? Well, this is our first trip as DVC members :cool1:

BACKGROUND

And DH and I will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary :love:


[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Purple"] CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH :yay:




So – the plan. We have a LATE flight 7:55 pm on 7/26 and aren’t scheduled to land until 10:45 – how fun will that be with two kids??? :scared1: We’re hoping that SSR will make the sofa bed and set up the pack and play – not counting on it since we were told that they normally don’t do anything like that, anyone ever try this?




Well, unfortunately, there is no point in "trying" because they do not do this sort of thing.

If you were staying at AKV-Jambo House in Concierge DVC unit you would get evening turn down service but even then you would still have to be checked-in beforehand.





You'll have a great trip :goodvibes Enjoy !

[theostwalts]

Hope you have a great trip!!!!! Looking forward to the reports!!!!!!

[ccigliano]

If you are doing the ME be sure to have your PJs as you may not get your luggage till the next day with such a late flight. Have a wonderful time.

[DisDaydreamer]

You will have a great time. Right now... just enjoy the anticipation... :goodvibes

[bobbiwoz]

Have fun planning and Congratulations on your Anniversary!!

Bobbi:goodvibes

PS. ME's booklet tells you to pick up your own luggage if you arrive 10PM or later.

[PiratesCove]

:welcome:

[I am taking notes our first DVC trip is in October:cool1:

Hopefully there will be something throughout the TR to help you out. We are sooooo excited :bounce:

My whole family just loved the tusker house. It was the kids' first time eating samosas.

Unfortunately DD is picky. DH and I are looking forward to exposing our palates to adventurous meals, but she'll settle for mac & cheese and burgers - boring!

You'll have a great trip :goodvibes Enjoy !

Thanks for the heads up. As I said - we weren't sure what to expect as DVC members, but at least I can expect to make beds at MIDNIGHT:scared: Hopefully the kids will snooze during the flight :lmao:

Hope you have a great trip!!!!! Looking forward to the reports!!!!!!

Thanks

If you are doing the ME be sure to have your PJs as you may not get your luggage till the next day with such a late flight. Have a wonderful time.

We were going to do ME, but we're planning on getting our luggage. This should provide an entertaining entry to the TR, carrying kids, luggage - at MIDNIGHT:eek:

You will have a great time. Right now... just enjoy the anticipation... :goodvibes

Thanks - the counter says 35 days!

Have fun planning and Congratulations on your Anniversary!!

Bobbi:goodvibes

PS. ME's booklet tells you to pick up your own luggage if you arrive 10PM or later.

Yep - we'll get the luggage. Thanks for all the anniversary wishes - we can't wait :love2:

[PiratesCove]

Exciting news - I just place our grocery order through wegoshop. I've read other reviews and everyone said they are wonderful to deal with. I will definitely let you know how this goes. Just ordering cold stuff that we can't ship and planning to ship a box of diapers and dry goods to SSR prior to our arrival. DD(1) will need lots of milk to carry throughout the day, and DH husband is a little selfish with his snack credits. Yes - the dining report is inevitable!
Speaking of dining, all ADRs have been made and food is a huge part of DH vacations!

Since I haven't posted any pics of the "crew", here are a few

http://glimpseintimephotography.com/images/disney/IMG_0714.JPG DD(at the time 5) is in love with Jack Sparrow

http://glimpseintimephotography.com/images/disney/IMG_1462.JPG DD(1)The newest addition joining us for her first trip.

http://glimpseintimephotography.com/images/disney/IMG_2900.JPG First family trip 2007, me, DD(3.5), DH.

http://glimpseintimephotography.com/images/disney/IMG_2994.JPG Me and DH on our 2007 trip.

[PiratesCove]

As I mentioned in a previous post, groceries have been ordered. I received a follow-up call this evening from wegoshop to confirm delivery date/time!

Oh - and the counter says 31 days:hourglass

Hope to update the day 1 plans soon - off to bed, big test tomorrow (grad school) :eek:

[PiratesCove]

Since we are getting in so late on the previous evening we are planning on sleeping as long as possible.
wegoshop doesn't have a first delivery until 9:30, but said they could deliver at 9:00 - perfect, maybe the whole crew will sleep until after 8!

Hopefully we will then get breakfast, sit by the pool, enjoy the resort, and possibly walk over to DDD – how far is it from SSR? DD and DH will want to do some pin shopping (they are both getting their lanyards as their first Tink gift) shhhh.

I'm hoping that DD(1) will nap in her stroller and we can eat lunch at the resort and head out to AK by 1. We would love to make it in time for the Jungle Parade since we have never seen it. Anyone have suggested hot spots for the viewing?

Since AK has late Magic Hours (MH) this night (yes I looked them all up and have them written on the calendar) we are hoping to get an evening safari ride after dinner at Tusker House. Anyone think we should get FPes as soon as we get there? We are hoping for cool weather :lmao: and planning on doing most of the outside activities and rides in the evening and we will return to AK for EMH later in the trip.

30 DAYS

[Mahusky]

We are hoping for cool weather :lmao: and planning on doing most of the outside activities and rides in the evening and we will return to AK for EMH later in the trip.

30 DAYS

Cool weather? :lmao:

It will be hot but I bet if we EVER get a warm spell in the North East it wont be too bad for you!... Last year it was in the high 70's in August for us!:confused3 However the year before it was near 100 everyday! YIKES!!!

Enjoy!

[PiratesCove]

Cool weather? :lmao:

It will be hot but I bet if we EVER get a warm spell in the North East it wont be too bad for you!... Last year it was in the high 70's in August for us!:confused3 However the year before it was near 100 everyday! YIKES!!!

Enjoy!

I know - wishful thinking. I am expecting the heat and awful humidity, in fact, we already bought two of the spray fans and are packing them with extra batteries. Way cheaper than paying the prices of the WDW ones;)

[PiratesCove]

Alright, so the plan for Day 2 of our trip...

Hit a.m. EMH at MK, we have only been to rope drop once, so we're hoping to arrive in time for a good view for the kids :goodvibes

We'll pack lunch and probably head back to the room by 2 to relax and get ready for our ANNIVERSARY :hug: dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse!

As long as the kids are still cooperating we'll head over to Epcot after dinner. The in-laws only live an hour from WDW so we're hoping maybe they'll come watch the kids so we can enjoy some alone time :love: If not, I'm sure we'll still enjoy our time as a family.

[5forDiz]

Since AK has late Magic Hours (MH) this night (yes I looked them all up and have them written on the calendar) we are hoping to get an evening safari ride after dinner at Tusker House. Anyone think we should get FPes as soon as we get there? We are hoping for cool weather :lmao: and planning on doing most of the outside activities and rides in the evening and we will return to AK for EMH later in the trip.

30 DAYS


EMH (later park closing) at AK doesn't extend all that late into evening.
iirc, last summer when we did EMH at AK the last safari ride was well before closing time, before sun fully set, so when you first get to the park be sure to check on what is latest time for safari to be available because it may not be possible after you're done with dinner.

Our best safari tip if you don't have FPs is to watch Jammin' Jungle Parade at a location nearby safari and when end of parade reaches you follow behind it as it continues along its route and when it reaches safari just wait there for CMs to allow entrance onto safari again (usually no more than 3 - 5 minute wait after parade passes) and you will be on one of the first vehicles that go out.

Good luck :goodvibes

[PiratesCove]

HAPPY SINGLE DIGITS:cool1::cool1:
So now that my grad classes are over, I can refocus my attention on our upcoming trip:banana:
Did I mention that this trip will be made more interesting because of the wonderful CLOTH DIAPERS???:laundy: We love them, and since we have the one-bedroom, I don't foresee any issues, just like at home.

DAY 3:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DAY
We're off to Magic Kingdom for extra magic hours, then to dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse and then Epcot at night.

[PiratesCove]

Okay, the box is shipped with all the "dry goods" - $42 shipping, ouch:sad2:
I'm trying to figure out how to do something special for our anniversary, a special dessert???
Here's the plan for the rest of the trip:
Day 4 - EMH @ AK and MK in the evening.
Day 5 - EMH @ MK and Epcot in the evening.
Day 6 - EMH @ DHS and MK in the evening.
Day 7 - Early afternoon flight, so possibly head over to DDD or hang out at the resort.
Stay tuned to find out how the fun unfolds on our anniversary trip with two children - 1 being in cloth diapers:laughing:

[ajf1007]

Oh my gosh, you must be so excited!!!! I'm excited for you! Our first DVC trip is in 59 days and I can't stop thinking about it! I can't wait to read your TR and hear about your journey! Have a great time!

[kikiq]

Thanks for the info on cloth diapers!

My daughter and I are set to read your TR. Yeah, we'll be honest...we want to know how it goes using cloth diapers AND your first trip HOME ;)

[PiratesCove]

I'm not good at keeping secrets, but I'm going to try my best with this one. I planned a special surprise for my husband on the night of our anniversary (8 years) which is on Tuesday! The CM at Disney was wonderful, but you'll have to wait until next week to find out exactly what I did:goodvibes

[kikiq]

I'm not good at keeping secrets, but I'm going to try my best with this one. I planned a special surprise for my husband on the night of our anniversary (8 years) which is on Tuesday! The CM at Disney was wonderful, but you'll have to wait until next week to find out exactly what I did:goodvibes

WHAT?!?! You don't think we can keep your secret? But wait, does your DH read your TR?

[PiratesCove]

WHAT?!?! You don't think we can keep your secret? But wait, does your DH read your TR?

DH does read the TR, so ...even though I told him to stay off the boards for a few days, I'm not chancing it :rolleyes1

Leaving in 31 HOURS :cool1: Better get the rest of the wash and packing finished :laundy:

[Donald is #1]

Have an awesome trip!!!! pixiedust:

[PiratesCove]

It doesn't really count as day one - especially after the trip we had:headache:
I know I mentioned in a previous post that we had a late flight out and weren't due to the world until about 11:30. As luck would have it, there were storms Sunday evening. Had everything been on time, we probably would have made it out in time, in fact even with our plane arriving to the gate late, we were still ready before the storm came. But, of course the run way was full with the planes that couldn't take off (because they were to be heading directly into the storm). I wanted to just say, ummm excuse me can't we just skip to the front of the line since we aren't going into the storm?:laughing:
As it turns out, our 7:55 departure time, turned into a 7:55 boarding time, 9:00 push out of the gate, and .... drum roll please.....:rockband:

The wheels left the ground in Philly around 11:30 PM :furious:

Two tired kids = unhappy parents:mad: but hey, it was mother nature ;)

Good news - we had a great pilot on SW who kept us informed, and had the smoothest take-off and landing EVER:woohoo: He also was slow to ascend and descend so the baby didn't mind it at all:)

We arrived in Orlando (about 1:30 am), got our luggage and made it to the bus, and then sat again :confused3 What gives? Apparently, someone forgot their luggage (thinking that Magical express would get it at 2 AM) and they went back, so we sat for a little over a half hour!
Finally, arrival at SSR - about 3:00 AM on July 27 :sad1: The request that I made for Grandstand wasn't met, and at that point I didn't care - I wanted to sleep.

Asleep by 4:30 AM - wow that was one long night. Good thing I had planned on sleeping in and not hitting the parks until after noon. Well, the sleeping in until almost 10 doesn't count since it equated to only about 4-5 hours of sleep.

Groceries arrived, and there was a message on the phone ... who could it be? Your room switch is ready:cool1: Great, wake-up, re-pack, load the kids, and off we go. Luckily the guy from bell services suggested that we eat breakfast first (since they were about to stop serving it) before we went back to the front desk to inquire about the room change etc.

Turns out that as soon as we finished breakfast and went to the front desk our room was ready :worship:

OOOOOHHHHH, bell services. :laughing: Finally a little after 11 we made our way to a more permanent home located directly next to the bus stop at Grandstand - SCORE :banana:

Keep reading to find out how this long day ends:rolleyes:

[kikiq]

Glad you made it to SSR and the Grandstand area.

I'm actually waiting for your DH's surprise :goodvibes

[PiratesCove]

After getting settled into our room, we were off to AK. We wanted to make it to the parade & I was afraid we would miss it because of the slow buses. We made it in & DD & I headed to Dinosaur. The baby was sleeping so DH took a shift with the stroller. The wait was posted at 50 min but it didn't seem to take that long. I have a pic that I'll put up as soon as we get home. We tried to do Everest but that line was over an hour wait - no thank you! So we did Bugs life instead with no wait. And finally it was time for the parade! We loved it and stood right at the entrance to the safari - worked like a charm! We only waited about 20 min. Then it was off to our ADR at Tusker House- so so. DH took DD on the rapis since I don't like getting wet & baby & I headed home! By this time were exhausted - end of day 1!

Up next - our anniversary & hubby's surprise!

[kikiq]

What time did you get to AK? You did a lot considering you weren't there in the morning. If you go to AK again and ride the safari in Africa, look for my DD working one of the QS areas on her WDW College Program. Name tag will say something like Cal Poly SLO or Cal State Poly SLO. She loves kids :goodvibes