Four friends take on the World (Oct 7-13, 2009) - A Pre Trip Report

[ashley0139]

Hey guys!

So this is my first ever trip pre trip report, although I have been lurking and reading them for quite a while. After I do the pre trip report my friend will be taking over the trip report when we get back. I hope I get some readers and people enjoy it. Anyway, onto the cast.

Me: Ashley. I’m a 21 year-old college student, turning 22 just after we get back. I go to school in New York City and I am a theatre dork (I’m a stage manager) and, of course, Disney lover.

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My roommate and friend: Courtney. Fun and a theatre and Disney lover just like me. She is currently a cast member at the wonderful World of Disney store here in the city. We have been spending the days leading up to the trip watching Disney dvds (the movies, history channel special, and planning dvd).

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Friend: Gretchen. A special-ed teacher in our great city. Recently engaged. Also a theatre and Disney lover (do we see a trend here?).

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/IMG_8294-1.jpg

Friend: Dee. A past college program survivor and the only one not coming from NYC. Journalism major and amazing website/graphic designer.

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The details: Although we are all going together, each of us have different dates we are coming and leaving due to school and work schedules. The earliest someone gets there is October 7th and the latest someone leaves is October 13th. I am there from the 8th to the 12th. We are staying at All-Star Movies and are very excited! Gretchen, another friend, and I visited Dee in the World when she was doing a college program last year, so this is becoming sort of an annual trip for us.

We have only 1 ADR at the moment to celebrate my birthday and it is at Kona Café on 10/9. We are probably going to cancel this one. We are hoping to be able to get into ‘Ohanas or something else on a cancellation.

A picture from last year's trip:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/n117194_35828330_5446.jpg

Next up: Well, I'm not sure yet. Today is the two week mark until me, Gretchen, and Dee get there so we are just waiting rather impatiently.

[Gretchasketch]

I am so excited to go I'm bursting! Can it be Oct 8th yet?

I'm adding a few things that I think should be known. I have a feeling once I write the trip report you're going to be on picture overload. I'm a little obsessed with my camera. Last time we went to Disney I took over 3,500 pictures. Don't worry i wont post them all but that just shows you how much I love to take pictures.

Also the fact that Ashley LOVES Belle! It was SO cute last year when she got to meet her! She was SO excited!

And I LOVE Alice! I turn into a 5 year old when I'm around her!

It is going to be an AMAZINGLY fun trip and I can't wait to get started!

[DisneyObsessive]

Hey! I know Courtney! I'm also a CM at WOD NYC (tell her Christine said "whazz up!" on the disboards!). And ALSO going as a gathering of 4 friends!!!! Small world! So of COURSE I have to follow your report ;)

[Gretchasketch]

Oh that's awesome! It IS a small world! Have you written a PTR too? I totally want to read it:)

Edit: Okay I clearly didn't read your Signature to see that you have the link there! haha!

[ashley0139]

Hey! I know Courtney! I'm also a CM at WOD NYC (tell her Christine said "whazz up!" on the disboards!). And ALSO going as a gathering of 4 friends!!!! Small world! So of COURSE I have to follow your report ;)

That is so funny that you know Courtney! Thanks for following. I'll follow yours as well. :)

[NOLA_Tink]

Lovin' your TR so far! You & your friends are going to have such an awesome time together in WDW! ASMovies is my fave Dis Value resort. The theming is awesome. (BTW, I don't want to get flamed, but try to get an 'Ohana ADR for 5 people instead...if you know what I mean. It IS for your b-day!)

[ashley0139]

12 sleeps until Disney!

We received our Magical Express tickets in the mail today! So excited! Though they actually got a lot of our dates wrong.

I figured this post I'd do a short recap of last year's trip.

Before last year, I hadn't been to Disney World in about 8 years. So we decided to go visit Dee while she was working there. We went for an amazing, intense 2 1/2ish days. We stayed at All Star Music resort and had a great experience there. We ended up in the Country section, which put us so far away from the front of the building and the bus stop. But it was still great.

First day we did Magic Kingdom

On the way to Magic Kingdom after being up since 4:45AM to catch our 7:10 flight.
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The castle!
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And we saw the parade
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The second day we did Animal Kingdom and Epcot. All we ended up doing at AK were Everest and Finding Nemo the Musical.

In line for Everest
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Our Everest picture
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/n117194_35784211_1154.jpg

Before this trip, I had never ever been to Epcot

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In France
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As Gretchen said I absolutely adore Belle. She has been my favorite since I had a Beauty and the Beast birthday party at the age of 5.

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The only mishap we had was on day 3. This was the day we had planned to go to DHS. However, as we went to Magic Kingdom to get our passes (we were able to get in for free because of our friend), we discovered that this was the only random day in all of fall that Hollywood Studios was blacked out. It was disappointing, but we spent the day drifting between MK and Epcot. Needless to say, DHS is high on our list this year.

Yay Dumbo!
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/DSCN1179.jpg

We got to ride the teacups next to Alice and the Mad Hatter. Gretchen was just a little bit excited.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/n117194_35828354_7749.jpg

And Gretchen with her Alice
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/n117194_35828361_2685.jpg

All of us on Big Thunder Mtn
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We love Disney World!
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/n117194_35831967_922.jpg

Alright, so that was an extremely brief recap of last year's trip. We are so excited for this year!

[DisneyObsessive]

that pic of mickey from the parade is awesome, as is the last one... but not just for the timing (did you get a cm photog to do it?) but because of the couple on the left staring at you like you're nuts haha love it!

[redlight]

I love the last picture of you jumping in the air. How did the photographer get that?

[Gretchasketch]

I love the last picture of you jumping in the air. How did the photographer get that?

He had to do a few tries and wasn't very happy about taking the picture. But we got the idea from earlier in the day (there were only 3 of us at the park at that point since Dee was working in the park) when one of the photographers suggested we take a jumping picture. We wanted to try to get one with all 4 of us so we went back later in the day. Unfortunately the CM wasn't too happy about but still tried.

[Gretchasketch]

Here is the picture I talked about in my last post.

http://i35.tinypic.com/nf2m8k.jpg
ashley0139 is on the left, I'm in the middle and our friend Amanda is on the right.

[ashley0139]

Lovin' your TR so far! You & your friends are going to have such an awesome time together in WDW! ASMovies is my fave Dis Value resort. The theming is awesome. (BTW, I don't want to get flamed, but try to get an 'Ohana ADR for 5 people instead...if you know what I mean. It IS for your b-day!)

I may be stupid, but I actually don't know what you mean. Haha. Help me out here, cause we really want to go there. :)

[ashley0139]

I'm glad we maybe have a few readers. :)

So I thought I'd list our must-dos for the trip. Or, mine and Courtney's list of must-dos. But I think it pretty much includes just about everything so it's ok.

Magic Kingdom:
- Mickey's Philharmagic (I have never done this before)
- Splash Mountain (one of Courtney's favorites but I probably will not be doing it)
- Peter Pan's Flight (we ALL love this one)
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Haunted Mansion
- Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party (hopefully with Alice and the Hatter)
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Jungle Cruise (never done this)
- Buzz Lightyear
- Judge's Tent/Fairies
- Magic Carpets (somehow always miss this one)
- Hall of Presidents
- Carousel of Progress
- Astro Orbiter

EPCOT:
- Soarin' (never done this!)
- Test Track
- Spaceship Earth (never done this one either)
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Living with the Land
- Mission Space
- Maelstrom / Fiesta Tour

MGM/Hollywood Studios:
- Toy Story Midway Mania (Gretchen and I have never done this!)
- Rock N Roller Coaster
- Tower of Terror
- FANTASMIC!!!
- Beauty and the Beast
- One Man's Dream
- Animation Studio
- Star Tours

Animal Kingdom:
- Expedition Everest (as many times as possible)
- Finding Nemo the musical (we all love it!)
- Dinosaur
- Primeval Whirl
- Kilimanjaro Safari

Downtown Disney:
Goofy's Candy Company

I don't think there's any way we will get all this done in our few days, but we can try! If anyone has any other things we HAVE to do, let us know!

[MickeyisBeast]

Hey, I'm joining in on your PTR! You should TOTALLY try to get 'Ohana we ate there this past summer and LOVED it! We're going back again in November of this year, we miss you guys by a month :]

[DisneyObsessive]

It's DEF possible to get most if not all of it done. trust me!!! We did it in 6 days (actually 4, our departure day we had no time for anything and another day was for IOA) so i think for the 7 days youll be there it'll be no problem!

[ashley0139]

It's DEF possible to get most if not all of it done. trust me!!! We did it in 6 days (actually 4, our departure day we had no time for anything and another day was for IOA) so i think for the 7 days youll be there it'll be no problem!

I'm personally only there from the 8th (but we get in at 11:30 at night) to the 12th so I'm hoping we still can. :)

[coltink]

I'm in. You guys will have a great time. I'm jealous...you only have a few more days to go. I have 103! OUCH!

I'll definately be in for reading the trip report.

Have fun ladies!

[Gretchasketch]

8 days! It's so nice to have to look forward to! It's gonna be so sad once it's all over and I'll have to wait till God knows when before I get back!

[ashley0139]

One week from today we will all be in WALT DISNEY WORLD!!

So I'm posting our day-by-day schedule that Courtney and I came up with. Gretchen and Dee haven't seen it but I think it works out so well that they will be okay with it. :) I am only doing Friday through Monday though since I have no idea what others will want to do the other days. Would love suggestions for any ways you think we can use our time better.

So.

FRIDAY 10/9
The Magic Kingdom
Opens 9AM
Tony's Town Square reservation at 12PM
Park closes at 7PM

Animal Kingdom
Evening Extra Magic Hours (5-8PM)
Courtney wants to ride Everest in the dark

SATURDAY 10/10
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Morning Extra Magic Hours at 8AM
Park closes 7PM

Downtown Disney


SUNDAY 10/11
Epcot
Opens 9AM
Closes 9PM

Disney's Hollywood Studios
FANTASMIC!!!

The Magic Kingdom
Evening Magic Hours until 2AM

MONDAY 10/12
Animal Kingdom
Morning extra magic hours 8AM
Closes 6PM

[ashley0139]

I don't know if anyone's reading, but I'll continue. :)

I've been starting to gather stuff together for the past couple days for the trip. Yesterday I went to Duane Reade and got my travel size shampoo/conditioner, a tide to go pen, and some travel size clorox wipes. I would like to thank the disboards for making me need these wipes after reading the thread about seeing people change diapers on counter service tables. I will be wiping down any counter service table we sit at before we eat at it!

Today I am heading down to the Herald Square area to look for a bag to take with me. Cutting it close, I know. I bought the Heys Travelmate from ebags, but I really don't like how it sits so I don't really want to keep it. If I can't find anything today, I will make do with that. But I'm hoping I can find something cheap that I want.

When I get back today I will post some pictures of the stuff I have gotten. Not too exciting, but I know I like to see those pictures. I think I am going to start packing today since I have a very busy week ahead of me. And Courtney and I are spending a bunch of the day cleaning today so we can come back to a nice and shiny apartment.

Yay! Four sleeps until Disney World!

[DisneyObsessive]

I'm still reading! Let me know if you find anything good because i could use a new bag to take down as well. I have one just in case, but a new one would be great!

You are so close! *lucky!*

[ashley0139]

Two updates in one day? Shocking.

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Our Magical Express tickets! Even though almost all the dates are wrong. We love getting Mickey mail!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/ashley0139/DSCN1529.jpg

Some of the stuff Courtney and I have bought so far for the trip!

Clorox wipes (for the counter service tables and anything else), travel sized shampoo and conditioners, Tide to go pen, Courtney got a i.d. holder for the end of a lanyard. It's so cute and has all the characters. At the Disney store they just got in a ton of Disney kooky pens, so Courtney got a Mickey one and I got a Belle one. That bag is the bag I got today. It was a bit more expensive than I wanted, but I absolutely love it so I think I am going to keep it. It is a le sportsac bag. It's a cross body bag and it is the perfect size for the few things I want to fit in there. I can't wait to wear it both in Disney and around the city.

I still have to get a Purell thing and travel sized lotion. I'm also bringing some breakfast bars so I don't have to buy breakfast every morning I am there. Hopefully it will tide me until lunch each day.

Courtney and I have been cleaning for much of the day in preparation and our apartment looks great. I am cleaning my room now and will probably start packing tonight. So exciting!

[lookingforward]

Hi Ashley! It is your Aunt Mo! I am so glad that you have found my secret pleasure...the DISBOARDS! I am lookingforward to reading all about your trip. I am also glad that there is another family member who loves disney as much as I do! :love::thumbsup2:goodvibes:wizard:

[NOLA_Tink]

I may be stupid, but I actually don't know what you mean. Haha. Help me out here, cause we really want to go there. :)

I sent you a PM. ;)

[ashley0139]

Courtney leaves for Disney World in just a couple of hours! We are packing and watching Wall-E in preparation.

Courtney's flight is at 6:30am tomorrow so she has to leave here around 3:30. So crazy. Our paper chain is down to just a couple links and we are just about ready.

I have 3 classes, 2 days, and 1 babysitting job until I get to get on the plane to MCO. Lots to do and clean in the next couple days. We are so close and so excited!

[DisneyObsessive]

At least you have enough things to do to keep you busy, right?

I'm also doing a 6:30 flight, luckily i live 5 min away from jfk by car, but my boyfriend has to leave his place by like... 2 am. no kidding.

Aaaah im excited for you!!!!

[ashley0139]

At least you have enough things to do to keep you busy, right?

I'm also doing a 6:30 flight, luckily i live 5 min away from jfk by car, but my boyfriend has to leave his place by like... 2 am. no kidding.

Aaaah im excited for you!!!!

That is so lucky you live so close!

AHHH tomorrow is the day!!

[ashley0139]

So I am on my way out the door to class, and am going straight from class to the airport!

Courtney has been in Disney since yesterday morning, and Dee should be there now.

I can't believe we are finally going again! See you all on Tuesday!

[coltink]

As my mothr would say: have fun becareful and call me when you get there. Well don't call me when you get there but update the boards when you get back!

[Gretchasketch]

Ashley and I just boarded the Magical Express! We are SO excited to finally be here!!! We are headed to All Star Movies and a restful night of sleep! We hope to be up early to make the Opening Show at MK! Can't wait!!! Keep you all updated:)

[ashley0139]

I am back from my Disney vacation! Gretchen and Courtney arrive back in the city tonight and Dee got home Sunday. We had so much fun and basically spent every day from opening to closing in the parks!

Gretchen will be starting the trip report soon. We took tons of pictures and can't wait to show them to you.

[DisneyObsessive]

so glad to hear from you! heading out soon, 31 hours ill be on a plane to disney!

[coltink]

Looking forward to your trip report. Did it get started and I missed it???

[ashley0139]

You haven't missed it yet! My friend is starting it today actually! It's taken a while but it's coming.:)

[coltink]

You haven't missed it yet! My friend is starting it today actually! It's taken a while but it's coming.:)

Glad to hear. Be sure to link it and send me the link