Hoping to be Spoiled By a MOD! POFQ, here comes the FAM!!!

[ShannonMB]

Oh, am I getting excited for our Nov trip!!!! I figured I might as well start a PTR, even if no one reads it (more fun when people do!). I might as well get my thoughts organized on my beloved DISboards!!!!

So this will be Lily (my darling DD 8) and my 3rd trip since our first big family blowout in Oct, 2007. Safe to say we are addicted to Disney, and I plan to make it there as much as possible while she still wants to go with me! Hopefully that will be for MANY years to come.

The cast has changed over the course of our trips. This time, here's who we'll be:

Shannon (me!) -- 38 year old NICU nurse who is truly just over the moon about Disney. I literally think about it every day and probably spend a *little* too much time on the boards. :upsidedow For instance, I could be :laundy: right now, but this is more fun! Never tied the knot, but may as well be married to Darren, who I just refer to as DH on the boards. He went with us on our first visit and hasn't recovered emotionally from the chafing and blisters yet. Also, kept asking "Where are the BIG rides". So he may get another chance to go next year. I repeat, MAY.

Lily -- 8 year old 3rd grade team dancer who LOVES going to Disney! I usually am the one to bring it up in daily conversation; nevertheless, she can't WAIT to go, and is looking at stepping up the rides this time. She is a ride chicken, but has agreed to try Goofy's Barnstormer this trip :laughing:, along with Test Track and Maelstrom. When I ask why she is frightened to ride something 2 year olds enjoy, she says it's my fault for not getting her on any rides till she was 6!!! She may have a point, so it's my mission in life to make up for that! She does love Haunted Mansion, Snow White's Scary Adventure, etc, just not rides with "drops".

Janie -- My aunt, but very close in age. No kids of her own, but she is basically Lily's second mom. She has been totally involved in raising Lily since being in the delivery room when she was born. Signed her up for her first dance lessons, even bought her last house with our location in mind. Picks her up from after-school care several days a week, and keeps her overnight ALL THE TIME. Spoils her ROTTEN (her own cell phone, computer, cute clothes and accessories, bought her Miley Cyrus ticket when Lil and I went last week). Works full time in Telecom, and REALLY needs a Disney fix. Her last vaca was a cruise (NOT Disney) in March, I think. She was on our first family blowout trip in 2007!

Okay, I can't wait to introduce the rest, but I have to get Lily to dance...So till next time!

[ShannonMB]

Andy -- Janie's DBF. They have been living in sin for a while now, too, might as well call him her DH, too! (Guess this gen of our family isn't the marrying kind?). Interestingly enough, I lived next door to Andy's family from middle school on, so he's been a part of the family in one way or another for 25 years or so! :laughing: A ruggedly handsome guy who works in a FREEZER (brrr), and needs a vaca probably as much as anyone in the world! Went to Disney as a kid and just basically remembers riding Space Mtn over and over and over. I hated to break it to him that it is in refurb for our trip. :confused3 Lily has been giving him quizzes about the parks and our restaurants, but every time we talk about Disney he mentions the Dragster at Cedar Point. WE HAVE TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO HIM THAT THIS WILL NOT BE THAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE. We'll see if he is (as we have started to put it in our family) a "magic feeler". He has a contagious laugh and will likely be a blast at Disney.

Carol -- AKA my mom. Living in South Carolina at the moment and running a construction crew. :laughing: Possible mid-life crisis? Red sports car, short skirts, very into the party scene at the beach. :laughing: She raised us, and guess she figures it's HER time now! DearMom went with Lily and me (just the 3 of us) on our trip in Feb, but she was, I'm sorry to say, a bit pre-occupied with her work at that time. Lily has made it clear that she may come with us again, but she must leave her blackberry at the room when we are in the parks. :laughing: (Why do I keep laughing in my mom's intro? :upsidedow) She has promised to immerse herself in the magic this time, as Lily and I have made it clear that only "magic feelers" are welcome with us!!!!!!!!

Billy -- Uncle Bee. Just about the coolest person you would ever meet in your life if you were lucky enough to meet him! Carol and Janie's brother. Bee is a zookeeper, and has lived all over the country working for various zoos. He's been in Seattle since leaving New Orleans a year or so after Katrina (Guess it just got a little depressing after awhile, even though he loved it there, a lot :sad1:). I had some great trips to N.O. when he was there! His last vaca was a month-long trip to Africa last winter. He went with a bunch of other zookeepers. You should SEE some of the pics they took!!!! Anyway, Billy was with us on our family trip in 2007. He had an awesome time, and most appreciates the awesome theming at Disney. He's a *little* concerned that he won't feel the magic again like he did in 2007 (been there, done that), but I don't think that's true. We shall see!

So that's our crew. Now let's get to the plans!!!!!

[mcdowelj]

I love the pre-trip report. You described everyone so perfectly including my ruggedly hansome man, your mom in short skirts and Bee the world traveler! haha! Love it! Keep posting - I will be reading!!

[nania]

I've noticed on these reports that not much mention has been made to Miss Shannon not enjoying the tea cup rides :rotfl2:

[ShannonMB]

I've noticed on these reports that not much mention has been made to Miss Shannon not enjoying the tea cup rides :rotfl2:

Oh, okay, you got me. It's true, I don't enjoy spinning around in a circle until I almost vomit. Didn't mention that in my self-introduction. :confused3 But I DO ride EVERYTHING ELSE (well, except Mission Space - same reason), unlike OTHERS (ie, Carol, Janet, Billy, and Lily!)... :sad2:

[mcdowelj]

The only thing I refuse to ride is Tower of Terror because I don't like rides that make my A*s fly up completely in the air! I thought I was going to die on that ride for sure. At least I tried it though! I will definitely ride everything else but count me out for Tower of Terror! I just wonder if Billy will go on Everest. His first Everest experience made me almost pee my pants!! :rotfl2:

Can't wait for Test Track and Peter Pan's Flight. Oh and Haunted Mansion and Everest and SO many others!!

29 more days until we're outta here! I CAN'T wait! :banana: :cool1: :yay: :cheer2:

[ShannonMB]

The only thing I refuse to ride is Tower of Terror because I don't like rides that make my A*s fly up completely in the air! I thought I was going to die on that ride for sure. At least I tried it though! I will definitely ride everything else but count me out for Tower of Terror! I just wonder if Billy will go on Everest. His first Everest experience made me almost pee my pants!! :rotfl2:

Can't wait for Test Track and Peter Pan's Flight. Oh and Haunted Mansion and Everest and SO many others!!

29 more days until we're outta here! I CAN'T wait! :banana: :cool1: :yay: :cheer2:

Good for you! I didn't realize ToT was your ONLY opt-out!!! Are you going to try RockNRoller Coaster this time? :scared1:

[mcdowelj]

I'll ride Rockin' if LILY does!!! :cool1:
Just kidding! I will ride it. It was down last time we were there. I will try anything - cept Terror! And the Spaceship Earth thing. I did it and once is enough! I think that's the one. (Feels like you are really in space) I think Andy will like it though.
I've been reading up on everything on the DIS boards to make sure I've seen or done everything I want to do! :yay:

Does your mom like any of the rides?

[nania]

I do not care for the big silver globe roller coaster....:scared1::scared1:. tot never did it... don't want to....:scared1: I hate that wheel of progress thing....:rolleyes1 Don't think I'll be trying the Beverly again.... but will have the camera ready....:eek: would like to be strapped in the next time we do the splash ride that Lily likes... :sad2: and I love all the 3 d stuff....
I'll challange all of you to a tea cup extravaganza tho..... How's that???:woohoo: And here's me celebrating my victory at the bar.....

[mcdowelj]

If I take the tea cup challenge, will you do Everest ? :confused:

I don't think Andy knows about the Beverly so we need to get him to try it without warning him and get a good pic. :lmao:

I missed the river ride last time but I'm looking forward to it this time!! The carousel of progress is just a cooling down thing for me. Relax and zone out! I would totally skip it if I'm not in need of a rest period. And I love the 3D too, nobody does 3D like Disney - Totally awesome! :3dglasses

We talked today about our different categories of thrill-seeking-magic- feelers.

Total Thrill seeker : Andy and Shannon :woohoo:
Medium Thrill seeker: Me and Billy :rolleyes:
Wussy: You and Lily :scared:

Would you agree?

[ShannonMB]

And the Spaceship Earth thing. I did it and once is enough! I think that's the one. (Feels like you are really in space) I think Andy will like it though.

You're talking about Mission Space. I don't want to do that one again, either. Maybe Billy will ride it with Andy? Or he'll have to go solo I guess. Spaceship Earth is in the big geosphere ("Golf Ball"), and we should all ride that -- it's not a scary ride. :thumbsup2

I do not care for the big silver globe roller coaster....:scared1::scared1:. tot never did it... don't want to....:scared1: I hate that wheel of progress thing....:rolleyes1 Don't think I'll be trying the Beverly again.... but will have the camera ready....:eek: would like to be strapped in the next time we do the splash ride that Lily likes... :sad2: and I love all the 3 d stuff....
I'll challange all of you to a tea cup extravaganza tho..... How's that???:woohoo: And here's me celebrating my victory at the bar.....

Again, the big silver globe (Spaceship Earth) is not a thrill ride, and we should ALL go on it. And the splash ride you're talking about is Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom.

I don't get how you guys don't like Carousel of Progress, but if I'm the only one who likes it, we can skip, unless someone needs a snooze. Lily DID like it on our last trip!! :snooty:

And sorry to break it to you, Mom, there's no bar at the Magic Kingdom! :sad2: BTW, what is with you and the teacups, ya freak? :crazy: We're (at least I'M) not hanging out in Fantasyland watching you ride the teacups all day!

[ShannonMB]

We talked today about our different categories of thrill-seeking-magic- feelers.

Total Thrill seeker : Andy and Shannon :woohoo:
Medium Thrill seeker: Me and Billy :rolleyes:
Wussy: You and Lily :scared:

Would you agree?

I don't know, I might put Billy in the wussy category. :rolleyes1

[mcdowelj]

Billy could be a little wussy, we'll have to evaluate him on this trip!

[mcdowelj]

I messed up my previous post - it didn't save. I screwed it up somehow. Tried to quote like Shannon does but it didn't take!:confused3

I don't think I've ever been on Spaceship Earth - count me in for that one! :)

And I say if Nania wants to ride the tea cups over and over, she should go for it. If that's her magic, that's her magic! :cool1: I will do the challenge on tea cups if she'll ride Everest, then I'm done with tea cups!
Nobody should have to be stuck waiting on others when we have cell phones available! (Nania, you can use Andy's phone or something since you're not allowed to bring your blackberry) :laughing:

Everyone needs to feel their own magic regardless of what others want to do! If Shannon and Lily like Carousel, no skipping!!! If I'm pooped, I'll probably join you! I don't plan on standing around while Andy rides his thrill rides over and over. He can meet up when he's done feeling HIS magic! :clown:

[ShannonMB]

Everyone needs to feel their own magic regardless of what others want to do! If Shannon and Lily like Carousel, no skipping!!! If I'm pooped, I'll probably join you! I don't plan on standing around while Andy rides his thrill rides over and over. He can meet up when he's done feeling HIS magic! :clown:

You are very right. Everyone but Andy has been recently now, so there's no pressure to "see/do" it all for the new person. I have to keep that in mind when I start to hyperventilate -- *but they'll miss...* All my friends on the DIS say the only way for everyone to be happy all the time is for everyone to do what they want, and get back together for meals. I'm sure we'll spend more time together than that, but I agree if Nania wants to spend 2 hours at the teacups and Andy wants to ride ToT 10 times, they should.

The thing that sucks is when we all meet back up, is if me, Lily and Janie just rode the Haunted Mansion while Nania rides the teacups all morning, then she gets off the teacups and says, "hey, let's ride Haunted Mansion!". Either we backtrack and do it again for her, thereby missing something later, or we forge on ahead and she misses it. :headache: These are my own personal issues that I need to get resolved. All grown-ups but Lil, all have been but Andy, all have a phone, all can do what they like. :goodvibes

[mcdowelj]

oh we'll be together for more than just meals!!! For sure!!

But I know our family and some "apart time" is good for us too! I want to make sure Andy sees stuff, since he hasn't been there - he doesn't know what to see so we'll have to just let him know what's there and guide him! I can totally see him riding tower of terror a bunch of times and I'm not standing around waiting!:banana:

Billy said he loves Mission Space! haha! I didn't think he did! :thumbsup2

[ShannonMB]

Okay, let's get on with the plans!!!

So we've discussed the "WHO". Now let's talk about the WHEN and WHERE. (The WHY needs no discussion!)

WHEN: Saturday, 11/14 through Friday, 11/20.

Our first trip was in October, and it was HOT. Not summer, over the top hot, but still HOT. I would definitely consider another October trip, though. Next trip was in February, and though the weather was really lovely during the day, it was chilly in the mornings and evenings, and Lily only got to swim once (on a 65 degree evening. brrr). I thought November might be an exact in-between of the 2. So we'll see.

WHERE: Port Orleans French Quarter!!

So far all but Andy have stayed onsite and enjoyed the dining plan, the transportation, and the EMHs. But we've all only stayed at a value resort -- All Star Movies. I love that resort and will not hesitate to return there in the future! But we decided to step things up a notch and try a moderate. After lots of research, POFQ sounded like a good choice. I hope everyone loves it, since they all took my lead on that one!

[ShannonMB]

Billy said he loves Mission Space! haha! I didn't think he did! :thumbsup2

Well, he might get bumped back up to the medium-thrill seeker category for that! Good, Andy will have someone to ride with! :cool1:

[ShannonMB]

Dining!!!!

So, since 4 of us are getting free dining :cool1: and the other 2 are getting a room discount :woohoo: but paying OOP for the dining plan, we just HAD to have ADRs. Lily and I always like to try new places to eat when we go, but we do repeats now and then. For anyone's interest, here's a list of all the TS places Lily and I have dined in so far, not counting this trip. Everyone but Andy was in on some of these...

Boma (twice!)
Liberty Tree Tavern (with characters, dinner)
Coral Reef
Rainforest Cafe at AK
Hollywood and Vine
Cinderella's Table (breakfast and lunch)
Ohana
TRex cafe
Sci-Fi diner
Yak and Yeti
Crystal Palace (dinner)
Chef Mickeys (not me)
LeCellier
Wolfgang Puck Cafe

And here's where we're going this trip...

Saturday, 11/14 -- TRex Cafe at 7:00pm

Sunday, 11/15 -- San Angel Inn at 5:30pm

Monday, 11/16 -- 50's Prime Time Cafe at 1:40pm

Tuesday, 11/17 -- Crystal Palace at 8:05am

Wednesday, 11/18 -- Donald's Safari Breakfast at 10am for 3 of us, then Yak and Yeti at 11am for the other 3

Boma at 7:20pm

Thursday, 11/19 -- Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare 4:45pm

I want to try just about everything someday!

[OhioDisneyLover]

I'm in. popcorn:: Looks like this PTR is going to be a lot of fun! :thumbsup2

Anxious for a TR when you get back. I'd love to hear your reviews on some of your dining selections. I've not tried a couple of them but have always wanted to. Score on BOMA twice! One of my favorites.

I think you will like POFQ. Stayed there once and we really enjoyed it.

Looking forward to more........ popcorn::

[ShannonMB]

I'm in. popcorn:: Looks like this PTR is going to be a lot of fun! :thumbsup2

Anxious for a TR when you get back. I'd love to hear your reviews on some of your dining selections. I've not tried a couple of them but have always wanted to. Score on BOMA twice! One of my favorites.

I think you will like POFQ. Stayed there once and we really enjoyed it.

Looking forward to more........ popcorn::

Wow, look, fam -- our first non-family member poster on our Pre-Trip report!! Oh, and she's from Ohio! Thanks for joining us! ;)

Just in case I confused you, the long list without the times and stuff is places we've already been before, not where we're going this time. Only the places that say the dates are where we're going THIS trip. One of these years I'm going to do a big 10 day trip with deluxe dining, but till then, just the few choices above. :sad2: It takes so long to try everything with these wimpy 6 day trips with REGULAR dining! :laughing:

I'll definitely do a TR when we get back, with lots of pics. That's the only way to deal with being back home after a trip! I'm off to check your recent one now!

[ShannonMB]

Day One!!!!!!

Okay! Here's what we are doing...

Saturday, 11/14 -- ARRIVAL DAY!

Carol is driving from South Carolina, I think the day before and staying someplace close offsite that night. That is going to be helpful to all of us, because instead of ordering from GardenGrocer, she can pick up stuff like water, snacks and pop and bring them with her. :idea: So she can arrive at WDW whenever she wants on arrival day.

Me, Lily, Janet, and Andy are arriving via Southwest Airlines to MCO (that's the Orlando airport, fam) from Columbus, OH at 1:40pm. Taking the Magical Express to POFQ.

Billy is arriving to MCO via Frontier Airlines at 4:16pm. Which is actually an awesome arrival time from Seattle! Without doing a red-eye or other such craziness. Also taking the Magical Express to POFQ.

Sooo, once we Columbus people arrive at 1:40pm, it'll probably be 3pm or so before we get to POFQ. I'm thinking our rooms should be ready by then. I'm hoping we get 2 rooms next to each other, and I requested building 2 or 5 on our reservations since I hear that's closest to the busses, food court, etc. Maybe we can have Carol check in earlier so hopefully we can get our room request.

Yes, that's right, I said 2 rooms. For 5 adults and 1 child. Before we knew that Carol and Billy were coming with us, we were going to be 3 adults and 1 child in 1 room. Close quarters, to be sure, especially probably the bathroom situation (and Janie and Andy would have to forgo the vacation :banana: hahahahahahahhahaha). But we figured we'd save a bunch of $ doing it that way, since we mostly will just sleep there anyway. Now with the 2 rooms, it should work out great. Since my mom and I both snore and Lily could sleep through a tornado, we'll probably have us 3 in one room and Janie, Andy, and Billy in the other. :thumbsup2

So Billy will likely not get to POFQ until 5:30pm or 6, so the rest of us can check out the resort, get a snack, and/or swim in the dragon (is that a dragon?) pool.

DTD is the plan for this evening, we'll probably wait for Billy to arrive to head over on the boat (excited for that!), since he'll just be a couple hours behind us. Or he can meet us there.

Reservations at TRex cafe at 7pm!!!! Woowoo!!!! Lily and I tried this back in Feb and LOVED it, so much. We knew we had to repeat it, especially since Uncle Billy will be with us this time and he is a lover of all reptiles -- extinct and otherwise. Lily and I have a mission to try the CHOCOLATE EXTINCTION dessert, which comes to the table smoking from dry ice (an effect Lily especially LOVES). Lily also wants to build-a-dino again. Which I told her she can do, if she shares the dino with me and lets me help name it. We have a green one named Tink from Feb, and we will pick another Disney name for our new one!

Before/after dinner we will shop! We have to make sure to get Lily an autograph book for the week, and I'd love to stop in to Goofy's Candy Co and make some creations! Only me and Lily have been to the marketplace area of DTD, so I'm excited for everyone else to check it out, especially Janie, the big-time shopper of the group! I'm picturing a perfect evening to stroll around. It'll be a nice, relaxing day one!

[mcdowelj]

This sounds like a perfect first day! :cheer2: Shopping and eating - my 2 favorite things!!! Don't forget, Lily is quite the shopper too! Been working on her shopping skills since she was 2! :goodvibes :mickeyjum

Can't wait to see more of our itinerary!! (Tried to find the popcorn eater to put here but can't find it) I love Ohio Disney Lover's post with the popcorn eaters, it cracks me up!!

[ShannonMB]

MAGICAL EXPRESS BOOKED for everyone!!!!

They will send our tags, etc out a couple weeks before we arrive (which will be pretty soon! Mom, make sure you check your mail and get Billy's mailed out to him as soon as you get them! :thumbsup2

Mom would like me to add that we all remember the rigamarole with her luggage last time, so she suggests you go ahead and pick up your bags at the luggage area and take them with you on the Magical Express instead of having them magically delivered to your room. That is most certainly allowed, and it will be up to the individual whether they prefer to do it that way. May not be a bad idea....

[ShannonMB]

This sounds like a perfect first day! :cheer2: Shopping and eating - my 2 favorite things!!! Don't forget, Lily is quite the shopper too! Been working on her shopping skills since she was 2! :goodvibes :mickeyjum

Can't wait to see more of our itinerary!! (Tried to find the popcorn eater to put here but can't find it) I love Ohio Disney Lover's post with the popcorn eaters, it cracks me up!!

popcorn:: haha

Yes, I forgot Lily is truly a shop-a-holic in training and will enjoy this day a LOT. Carol would probably be a close 3rd in that department. :thumbsup2

[ShannonMB]

DAY 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First I will start off by saying that we are not hoppers yet. On the family blowout in 2007, we hopped exactly 1 time, and that was really just to say we did it. We had 7 people, so that was a $350 trip to Epcot to ride Soarin' one more time (a few checked out World Showcase). The next trip we didn't hop, and didn't feel like we needed it at all. At this point, there is still so much to do at each park for us, hardly anything is really "skippable" yet!

Because we're not hopping, there were a few things that needed to be considered before I picked which park which day. Most importantly, we had to pick a day at Hollywood Studios that Fantasmic! was showing. Andy and Carol have not seen it yet (:sad2:) and it is a must-do for the rest of us!!!! Also, I tried to pick based on Boma's likely menu. :laughing: I think they had the pepper pot soup on a Wed in 2007, and since that was Lily's fave, I want her to get that again. I preferred that overall menu to the one in Feb (a Monday), but still love Boma no matter what. We are planning on MVMCP, too, so had to plan everything else around that as well. BUT, I finally got it all worked out, and I think it'll be great! As discussed earlier in the PTR, these days are an outline that I will likely work from, and where everyone can deviate or follow along based on how they're feeling it/NOT feeling it!

So, Day 2 is...

EPCOT -- Sun, 11/15
Park hours: Future World 9am-7pm, World Showcase 11am-9pm NO EMHs
Unofficial Guide crowd prediction: 5 out of 10

Future World
Spaceship Earth
Get Soarin' FP
Nemo
Living with the Land
Sunshine Seasons Lunch -- I picked this counter service for lunch because of the close proximity to where we'll be, the huge variety, and the yummy bakery! If any would like to hike to a different country for lunch, go for it!
Ride Soarin' (if it's not time yet, think about trying Figment)
Club Cool -- Try the Beverly!!!
Get Test Track FP
Mission Space (for Andy and Billy!)

Depending on TT FP time, if it's soon, wait around and go on it, if not, after dinner.

World Showcase
Start countries in the UK
Pick a Pearl in Japan -- Kaki gori, anyone??
Maelstrom -- I gotta try a schoolbread in Norway this time!
The 3 Caballeros (sp) Mexico Boat Ride

Meet lots of princesses in the World Showcase! I especially want to meet my secret crush -- the Beast. :love: World Showcase is a PERFECT example of everyone doing their own thing and meeting at dinner. I'm sure everyone's not going to want to spend all their time stalking characters in World Showcase, which is what Lily and I like best. So a great time to do it each their own way!

Dinner at San Angel Inn 5:30pm

Ride Test Track after dinner with FP if we haven't already

Either stay in Epcot longer (depending on how we did on time), ride faves again and stay for Illuminations OR, just make it a short day, OR, head out the International Gateway and take a boat/walk to the Boardwalk.

For those fam members who don't know about the Boardwalk, it's a resort and an entertainment area. In the evenings they have street performers like fire jugglers and such, and looks like a neat area to walk around. None of us has seen it before.

Questions/comments/observations on Day 2?

[ShannonMB]

Hello,This is ShannonMBS daughter just a question for all you disney fans:love:. we are going to 1900 park fair and i dont know if i should dress nice and get really fancy or just wear a t-ee shirt and pants/shorts:confused3

[nania]

Ok.. well, I don't think it will take two hours to beat the fam in the tea cup extravaganza... I was thinking 10 or 12 minutes....:cheer2: I'm up for the rest of the stuff...
I am highy offended to be in a category one lower on the wus scale than Billy...pirate: If I had to place a bet.... I think Lil would agree with me...pirate: ANd If I'm not mistaken, that carosel of progress was a snooze for Lil too...:rolleyes1 it is a good place to sit down....
And you apparently didn't read the "description::surfweb: of the hotel thouroughly enough because there does happen to be a bar at the Orleans.... :wizard: (i'm lookin out for the magic) and If by any chance... that didn't pan out.... there is always Germany over in epcot..
Yes.... I'll do everest (I think) But the only one I really want to see on the tea cups is classified in the "brave" category.... hahahahha

[mcdowelj]

Hello,This is ShannonMBS daughter just a question for all you disney fans:love:. we are going to 1900 park fair and i dont know if i should dress nice and get really fancy or just wear a t-ee shirt and pants/shorts:confused3

I think you should be comfortable most of all! Maybe wear a nicer outfit that day if you want to look nice for this one! Since I haven't been there, I'm not sure what everyone else will be wearing. I'll bring something sort of nice though so I fit in. :yay:

[ShannonMB]

Ok.. well, I don't think it will take two hours to beat the fam in the tea cup extravaganza... I was thinking 10 or 12 minutes....:cheer2: I'm up for the rest of the stuff...
I am highy offended to be in a category one lower on the wus scale than Billy...pirate: If I had to place a bet.... I think Lil would agree with me...pirate: ANd If I'm not mistaken, that carosel of progress was a snooze for Lil too...:rolleyes1 it is a good place to sit down....
And you apparently didn't read the "description::surfweb: of the hotel thouroughly enough because there does happen to be a bar at the Orleans.... :wizard: I said at the Magic Kingdom(i'm lookin out for the magic) and If by any chance... that didn't pan out.... there is always Germany over in epcot..
Yes.... I'll do everest (I think) But the only one I really want to see on the tea cups is classified in the "brave" category.... hahahahha

Oh my lord, you and those TEACUPS! :sick: Here I am slaving over our travel plans, and all you're worried about is the teacups and the bar -- ya may as well have just come to the Ohio State Fair with us this summer! :laughing: I'm warning you, woman -- you better behave yourself and appreciate being in the Happiest Place on Earth! By the way, anyone who wants to make a jump to a different bravery category this trip will just have to prove themselves worthy to move up to the next level. :thumbsup2

Billy, remember your idea for a song last time we were there?

:rolleyes1 When you wish upon a star....(Why do you ALWAYS DO THIS?)
Makes no difference who you ARE....(You better start feeling the GD MAGIC!)
Anything your heart desires....(Straighten up or we're going back to Ohio TODAY!)
Will come * to * you...(Do you know how much I paid for this trip to stand around and be aggravated by YOU?)

:rotfl::lmao::rotfl2::laughing::rotfl::lmao::rotfl 2::laughing:

[mcdowelj]

Ok.. well, I don't think it will take two hours to beat the fam in the tea cup extravaganza... I was thinking 10 or 12 minutes....:cheer2: I'm up for the rest of the stuff...
I am highy offended to be in a category one lower on the wus scale than Billy...pirate: If I had to place a bet.... I think Lil would agree with me...pirate: ANd If I'm not mistaken, that carosel of progress was a snooze for Lil too...:rolleyes1 it is a good place to sit down....
And you apparently didn't read the "description::surfweb: of the hotel thouroughly enough because there does happen to be a bar at the Orleans.... :wizard: (i'm lookin out for the magic) and If by any chance... that didn't pan out.... there is always Germany over in epcot..
Yes.... I'll do everest (I think) But the only one I really want to see on the tea cups is classified in the "brave" category.... hahahahha

So sorry that I put you in the lower wuss scale than Billy! The only reason was because Billy was really brave last time and went on all the stuff and I think you were on your blackberry during the last trip. That's the word on the street anyway! :rotfl: We'll need to re-evaluate the list when we get back and have it put in the trip report! Don't be scared of Everest! Only the brave ride Everest so you shouldn't have any problems!! haha! Billy was angry because it's very jerky! Billy said they have good beer at the resort bar, can't remember the name but it's hard to find - he checked it out on line. :wizard:

[ShannonMB]

Billy said they have good beer at the resort bar, can't remember the name but it's hard to find - he checked it out on line. :wizard:

Oooh, is it Dixie Blackened Voodoo by any chance? I've never been able to find that since I was in New Orleans..

[nania]

I'm LOVING the song!:cool1:

[ShannonMB]

I'm LOVING the song!:cool1:

Of course that won't be US!!! ;)

[OhioDisneyLover]

Love your plans so far. We went to DTD on our first day and TRex too! :thumbsup2 Had desert at TRex after dinner at Earl.

We're hoppers but I think it is because we take breaks...have to with this family! :lmao:

Looking forward to hearing more.popcorn::

[ShannonMB]

Love your plans so far. We went to DTD on our first day and TRex too! :thumbsup2 Had desert at TRex after dinner at Earl.

We're hoppers but I think it is because we take breaks...have to with this family! :lmao:

Looking forward to hearing more.popcorn::

I started and caught up on your trip report last night :love: This family has been in quarantine with the swee swoo (swine flu) I think, for the past few days. Either that or some other terrible virus that causes a high fever, hideous cough and yucky nose :sick:. Plenty of time to read TRs!!! I LOVED your anniversary surprise - I had a little tear at that part. That cake was AWESOME! I commented over there about how much I love the Beast, too, and how glad I was to see the pic of the headless horseman! SOOO cool!!!!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Ugh, you guys got it too? Someone in my family just got a positive H1N1 diagnosis. :sick: I hope you feel better soon.

I loved meeting Beast. Honestly, it was awesome!

The cake was incredible. I so wish I could have a piece now!

I swear I have tried to take a picture of the headless horseman more times than I can count. While it's not the greatest, it beats anything I have taken in the past.

I have to think of something for next year's anniversary surprise. Any ideas?:idea:

[ShannonMB]

I have to think of something for next year's anniversary surprise. Any ideas?:idea:

Hmm, how 'bout an Illuminations cruise? hahaha So original! Maybe he'd like that Richard Petty driving thingy?

You know what I like about you, OhioDisneyLover? That you cried when your sweet hubby gave you a handful of pixie dust. *Most* people laugh when I tell them I cried when Mickey Mouse blew me a kiss at the Jammin' Jungle Parade. But I bet you would, too! That's what I call a true magic feeler! :thumbsup2 pixiedust:

[Sarahboo]

popcorn:: I'll join along in your PTR too. I'm excited to hear about POFQ since we're staying there in January.

[ShannonMB]

popcorn:: I'll join along in your PTR too. I'm excited to hear about POFQ since we're staying there in January.

:wave2: Thanks for joining! I popped over to yours to see what you guys are up to, too. Have a great time planning! It passes the time at least, especially when you're home sick like us (and half of the rest of the world)!

[ShannonMB]

DAY 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hollywood Studios Monday, 11/16
Park Hours: 9am-8pm No EMHs
Unofficial Guide crowd prediction: 6 out of 10

This is one heck of a hard day to plan with our group, because there are so many things that appeal to different interests! :upsidedow I have no interest in Lights, Motor, Action, for example, and it might be one of Andy's faves. LOTS of stuff like that to contend with when planning this day!!!! It's also hard not knowing what the show schedules will be! So a lot of this day is going to be winging it! But here's what we know:

Upon entering the park, get a show-time schedule!!! :thumbsup2

We all head to Toy Story Mania and ride it right when we get there/rope drop. :yay:

Great Movie Ride (right close by, will be a walk-on) We really should all do this!

Everyone who wants to try RocknRollerCoaster head over to Sunset Blvd (I'm thinking this is Janie, Andy, and me? -- Anyone else??). Me and Andy get Fast Passes to ride Tower of Terror. :scared1:

Everyone who wants to try it gets in standby for RocknRollerCoaster.

GRRRRR, planning this park sux!!! :confused:

So, those who won't try RocknRollerCoaster need to have something else to do at this time. Muppets 3D? American Idol? Voyage of the Little Mermaid show?

Then we can all meet back up at the big hat so I can get my girl back. :hug: At that time, we should split up again.

Billy will probably want to hang with Janie and Andy, because they will want to do:
Journey to Narnia
Indiana Jones Stunt Show (need show times)
Lights, Motor, Action (need show times)
Star Tours

Me and Lily aren't interested in those, we will probably go to:
Animation Courtyard to meet some characters
Possibly Beauty and the Beast Show (need show times)
Possibly Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Star Tours

Carol/Mom/Nania, you pick which sounds better (you, too, Billy).

Now, to make matters more complicated, we are all meeting at 50s Prime Time Cafe for our late lunch at 1:40pm. So work that in to your showtimes, people!!!!!

Okay, other than that, you all have the rest of the afternoon till about 5pm to get the rest of your stuff done, because we should get in line for Fantasmic! around then for the 6:30pm show!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really probably going to be necessary to wait that long to be sure we get seats, but don't worry, the time will fly and most of it will be seated in the auditorium getting excited and doing the wave! And maybe eating popcorn::;)

After Fantasmic! we will head over to the Osborne Spectacle of Lights in the Streets of America. Now, since the park doesn't close till 8, we could *always* hit Tower of Terror again if there's no line like last time after Fantasmic! If that's the case, I could do Andy a favor (;))and ride like crazy with him for a few before meeting the rest over by the lights. We can play that by ear!

We might not all get to do everything we want on this day, even with splitting up (it's hard planning around those dang show times!), so everyone just kinda have your priorities ready. OR, if you don't really care what you do, just go with the flow!

Whew, that was a workout! And it still sux!

[mcdowelj]

great job Shannon! It is a tricky park! I am already feeling sorry for myself. :headache: I want to see the Beauty and the Beast Show and Muppets 3D with you guys but I want to see the Stunt Show, etc. with Andy. :confused3

We'll make it work out though and if I have to miss some stuff this time, I'll just catch it next time! It will all work out somehow!!

I think the 2 primary ones for Andy are Narnia (which gets bad reviews) and Indiana Jones. He could probably skip Lights, Motor, Action and we can all do Star Tours together. We'll figure it out when we're there. No matter what happens, we'll all be having fun!!! :cloud9:

CAN'T WAIT FOR FANTASMIC!!! I LUUUUUUV FANTASMIC!! :wizard::banana::cheer2:

[ShannonMB]

great job Shannon! It is a tricky park! I am already feeling sorry for myself. :headache: I want to see the Beauty and the Beast Show and Muppets 3D with you guys but I want to see the Stunt Show, etc. with Andy. :confused3

We'll make it work out though and if I have to miss some stuff this time, I'll just catch it next time! It will all work out somehow!!

I think the 2 primary ones for Andy are Narnia (which gets bad reviews) and Indiana Jones. He could probably skip Lights, Motor, Action and we can all do Star Tours together. We'll figure it out when we're there. No matter what happens, we'll all be having fun!!! :cloud9:

CAN'T WAIT FOR FANTASMIC!!! I LUUUUUUV FANTASMIC!! :wizard::banana::cheer2:

Yeah, we'll get the first stuff knocked out, then see where the day takes us. I really (to be honest) hardly care what we do there as long as I get on Tower of Terror at least once, eat a good lunch (great reviews for 50s Prime Time Cafe), and see Fantasmic! and the extra treat of the lights being there! But being the DISer I am, I have to at least lay it all out there -- if nothing else, it gets us thinking about what all there is to do there. I do love this park. :love:

[nania]

I can roll with most of it, but I do love the 3D and am not crazy about the little action shows... like Indiana Jones and such.... so I'll just go with whoever... wherever....
But.... as I was looking at the reviews to the restaurants....which I haven't quite gotten around to all of them yet... I did notice someone complaining about La Celleier (sp) remember what a nightmare that place was.....

I also, by chance, mind you.... not looking.... noticed that there actually IS a bar at EVERY Park.:woohoo:... in fact.... one real close by to Yak and Yeti..... a FAB place! NOt that I was planning on drinking my way through Disney...haha.... but for those that might want a beer after a "ball cap slappin, bad word muttering ride " there is the opportunity available.... :rotfl2::woohoo:
Cant wait for Boma!:worship:

[ShannonMB]

I can roll with most of it, but I do love the 3D and am not crazy about the little action shows... like Indiana Jones and such.... so I'll just go with whoever... wherever.... yeah.
But.... as I was looking at the reviews to the restaurants....which I haven't quite gotten around to all of them yet... I did notice someone complaining about La Celleier (sp) remember what a nightmare that place was..... Haha, I didn't know you thought it was a nightmare. I have a bad taste about it, too -- is it cause we waited so long to get in, in that tiny lobby stuffed full of people? I remember the food was good, and Lily got a glow cube in her drink, but overall, thumbs down. And I wasn't crazy about the atmosphere, either. You'd be surprised how people go nuts trying to get reservations there, definitely one of the hottest tickets around. I don't get it! :confused3

I also, by chance, mind you.... not looking.... noticed that there actually IS a bar at EVERY Park.:woohoo:... in fact.... one real close by to Yak and Yeti..... a FAB place! NOt that I was planning on drinking my way through Disney...haha.... but for those that might want a beer after a "ball cap slappin, bad word muttering ride " there is the opportunity available.... :rotfl2::woohoo: Now I don't know where you are getting your information, but just so you know there is NOT a bar at the Magic Kingdom. They do not sell alcohol there at all. Go anywhere on the DISboards and ask about the bar at the MK and they will laugh at you. I'm telling you! I'm sure you could get some suds at any of the other parks, though.[/B] [/COLOR]
Cant wait for Boma!:worship: yeah, me too, about Boma. Are we going to try at least one bite of every single thing on the buffet like last time? And it will be a different menu this time! Remember that freakin' awesome banana bread pudding that I liked with the vanilla sauce and you liked with the chocolate sauce? I could have me a dish of that right now!!!! I'm pretty sure the desserts are the same all the time -- at least I hope so. Woohoo

[mcdowelj]

I can't wait for Boma. :cheer2: Being a vegetarian, I don't even care if they put meat in their food - it's that good! :rotfl2:

Last night I had a dream that someone broke into our house. In the dream, I woke Andy to alert him and reached for the phone to dial 911. Just as I was reaching for the phone, I saw a shadow on the ceiling - scrolling letters...

When you wish upon a star It was real pretty cursive writing. :tinker:

So I guess I'm turning into a Disney addict! ::MinnieMo
Turned out the burglar was just Aidan - she needed a place to stay and had been hiding in my house for a week!!

[ShannonMB]

Last night I had a dream that someone broke into our house. In the dream, I woke Andy to alert him and reached for the phone to dial 911. Just as I was reaching for the phone, I saw a shadow on the ceiling - scrolling letters...

When you wish upon a star It was real pretty cursive writing. :tinker:

So I guess I'm turning into a Disney addict! ::MinnieMo
Turned out the burglar was just Aidan - she needed a place to stay and had been hiding in my house for a week!!

WoW! You have the craziest dreams, but yeah, I think you are getting hooked. That is just wild!

3 weeks from this Saturday and we're THERE! :cloud9:

[nania]

Was it really Aidan? She can stay at my house or her dads... no need waking up your glorious dream....
I had a dream last week that I was dating Paul McCartney and someone called.... Ticked me off! Not as bad as the time I was dating Rob Lowe tho....(in the dream of course)

The funny part of the beer story was supposed to be Billy slapping his hat:lmao:

[ShannonMB]

Was it really Aidan? She can stay at my house or her dads... no need waking up your glorious dream....
I had a dream last week that I was dating Paul McCartney and someone called.... Ticked me off! Not as bad as the time I was dating Rob Lowe tho....(in the dream of course)

The funny part of the beer story was supposed to be Billy slapping his hat:lmao: Yeah, I got it, hahaha

I heard Aidan dropped out of school and didn't want to tell you guys, that's why she's been hiding out in Janie's basement for a week without anyone knowing!!!

[ShannonMB]

OKAY, with Mom's misinterpretation of Janie's Disney dream out of the way, let's get back to planning, shall we??

DAY 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magic Kingdom....Tues, 11/17
Park Hours: 9am-7pm (no EMHs) (MVMCP we're NOT going to)
Unofficial Guide crowd prediction: 4

Okay, after careful studying of the park map and previous experience, I have come up with a step-by-step (ride-by-ride) of the Magic Kingdom. In my humble opinion, this guide will give us the opportunity to see everything I like without a lot of silly backtracking and with no standing around trying to decide what's next. I am counting on low crowds for this day at the MK, as evidenced by putting biggies like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in the middle of the day. But with the UG predicting a 4, and everyone on the DIS saying the crowds will be lighter during the day of a Christmas Party, no magic hours, and Tuesdays generally being a great day for MK anyway, I think we should be in great shape. Notice I said everything *I* like. That means that anything not on the list that someone else wants to do, by all means, let's do it!

Fantasyland
Peter Pan's Flight
Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Snow White's Scary Adventure
Mad Tea Party
Mickey's Philharmagic
It's a Small World

Toontown
Goofy's Barnstormer
Also Mickey and Minnie's houses in this area if we want to pop in.
Toontown doesn't open till 10am, so this is assuming it's 10 by the time we get Fantasyland done. If not, all the more time to ride the Teacups for Carol!

Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion
Hall of Presidents

Frontierland
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

We'll have to wait and see what the wait times are for Splash and Big Thunder Mountain, but I'm thinking if we need to get Fastpasses, we can get them and those wanting to ride can do it during the parade (if they don't mind missing the parade, which I don't this time).

Parade 3pm

Adventureland
Get FP for Jungle Cruise if needed.
Pirates of the Carribean
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House or sitting on a bench while whoever wants to, goes up!
Ride Jungle Cruise

Cosmic Ray's for CS dinner

Lily really likes their fries dipped in the cheese sauce from the fixin's bar, so we gotta go there at least once!

Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Carousel of Progress Snooze-fest or must do -- you decide! hahaha

The Christmas party is at 7pm, so we need to skeedaddle then, so it's a day of lofty expectations! Again, from experience, we can do it if we tour with purpose! Of course we want to take time to smell the roses (yada yada yada), but I really can't see skipping anything, it's all SO GREAT!!! Now if we do come up short, we are going back to Magic Kingdom on Thursday for our Christmas Party, so we will surely have time to see anything we missed or go back on our FAVES. We aren't spending any time in toontown for the formal character greetings, since Lily and I will have time to meet lots on other park days and we have some character meals. BUT, I already promised myself (and her) that if we come across someone she is dying to meet or someone she considers "rare", I will stop for her.

Any thoughts on this plan??

[mcdowelj]

My FAVORITE DAY - Magic Kingdom DAY!! :banana::love:
It all sounds good to me! I feel like I wouldn't want to miss a parade to do the other things and same for Andy but I'm sure he wouldn't mind missing a parade and we'll see plenty while we're there I suppose.

We'll fit it all in - and I think if you have a well oiled plan like this - others can deviate as necessary to accomodate their needs/wants. :cool1: And since we're going to Magic Kingdom a 2nd Day - THANK GOODNESS! We'll get to do some again! I can't wait!!

I'm already getting worked up about the possibility of Andy missing out on something that we KNOW is awesome, but I just have to remember, whatever he's doing that's causing him to miss it - that will be awesome too! :wizard:

It's getting so close, I can't WAIT!!:dance3:

[ShannonMB]

My FAVORITE DAY - Magic Kingdom DAY!! :banana::love:
I'm already getting worked up about the possibility of Andy missing out on something that we KNOW is awesome, but I just have to remember, whatever he's doing that's causing him to miss it - that will be awesome too! :wizard:

It's getting so close, I can't WAIT!!:dance3:

I KNOW, that's I think the whole reason why people start to go 3 times a year, so they don't have to have that feeling of "missing something" while they're there! There's no way to see it all, but I still feel like I have to TRY, especially with someone who hasn't been in so long! Next time we should go for 2 weeks!!!!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hmm, how 'bout an Illuminations cruise? hahaha So original! Maybe he'd like that Richard Petty driving thingy?

You know what I like about you, OhioDisneyLover? That you cried when your sweet hubby gave you a handful of pixie dust. *Most* people laugh when I tell them I cried when Mickey Mouse blew me a kiss at the Jammin' Jungle Parade. But I bet you would, too! That's what I call a true magic feeler! :thumbsup2 pixiedust:

I was thinking about the Illuminations Cruise and still considering it. The only thing about it that bothers me is that I hear that there are many times when people get soot from the fireworks on them due to where the boats have to be and the direction of the wind that night. :confused3 So, not sure what to do.

Yep, I nearly cried when I got the pixie dust and I would have if Mickey would have blown me a kiss. :wizard:

Joe would love to do the Richard Petty thing but he's a pretty large dude and over the limit. Honestly, it is SO HARD to find clothes for someone that wears a size 58 suite coat!!

Your plans for DHS and MK are certainly ambitious! Wow! We find that we can do DHS in a day if we plan it right but there are things that we don't do like LMA, RRC, ToT and Indiana Jones. With DH's back problems there is no way he can ride RRC or ToT and we've seen LMA and IJ enough to last us a lifetime. :rolleyes1 I think that is the only reason why we can do it in a day.

When I read your plans for MK, my first thought was WOW, they'll be exhausted!!! We normally split it up into two days and do Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square one day, and then the rest of the park the second day. I can't wait to read your trip report to see how much you covered in a day. :thumbsup2

[ShannonMB]

I was thinking about the Illuminations Cruise and still considering it. The only thing about it that bothers me is that I hear that there are many times when people get soot from the fireworks on them due to where the boats have to be and the direction of the wind that night. :confused3 So, not sure what to do. Ew, I never thought of that, but it does make sense - you're right there in the lagoon where they're letting them off!

Yep, I nearly cried when I got the pixie dust and I would have if Mickey would have blown me a kiss. :wizard: :love:

Joe would love to do the Richard Petty thing but he's a pretty large dude and over the limit. Honestly, it is SO HARD to find clothes for someone that wears a size 58 suite coat!! Hmmm, this is a toughy. I'm sure there's something great you can surprise him with, but I think you might have already done THE most awesome one. Oh, how about LaNouba -- have you guys done it yet?

Your plans for DHS and MK are certainly ambitious! hahaha Wow! We find that we can do DHS in a day if we plan it right but there are things that we don't do like LMA, RRC, ToT and Indiana Jones. With DH's back problems there is no way he can ride RRC or ToT and we've seen LMA and IJ enough to last us a lifetime. :rolleyes1 I think that is the only reason why we can do it in a day. Yeah, we'll see how it goes. There's gonna be a lot of splitting up at DHS, I think, because I saw the Indy show once, never seen LMA, and I think I'm pretty much set for life on those! :laughing:

When I read your plans for MK, my first thought was WOW, they'll be exhausted!!! Yes! We normally split it up into two days and do Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square one day, and then the rest of the park the second day. I can't wait to read your trip report to see how much you covered in a day. Lily and me put a hurtin' on Magic Kingdom on our last trip, so we have a lot to live up to, especially with this big of a group. Our last trip was super "craptastically" ;) exhausting, and I got sick the last day from wearing myself out, I think. But we'll give it our best shot! :thumbsup2

Thanks for staying tuned. Gotta hop over to your TR and see the latest updates. It's almost over. :sad2:

[mcdowelj]

Hey Disney boss,
are we going to see anymore plans before we leave? :confused3
Been checking every day and hoping to see something new!!! Need more - it keeps me going!
Only 10 days after today! woo hooooooooooooooo!:banana:

[ShannonMB]

Hey Disney boss,
are we going to see anymore plans before we leave? :confused3
Been checking every day and hoping to see something new!!! Need more - it keeps me going!
Only 10 days after today! woo hooooooooooooooo!:banana:

As a matter of fact, I was up very late last night lying in bed thinking about our AK plan, so it's up next!

[ShannonMB]

DAY 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Animal Kingdom Wed 11/18
Park Hours: 9am-5pm (no EMHs)
Unofficial Guide Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10

Okay, so I have been just letting the Animal Kingdom day simmer in my mind for a little while, especially after Billy's email about having time to do a lot of the zoo stuff and not having to worry about "following some lame a** schedule". Hahahahaha :lmao: For anyone following along at home who wasn't privvy to the email thread, he did concede that of course Disney does take planning and he appreciates the efforts. Nevertheless, I've been trying to figure out a good plan for this day, all the while creating the illusion that there is no "lame a** schedule" in sight. :rolleyes: Bottom line -- I am making a plan (lame a** or not, everyone can make their own decision on that). I personally think it ROCKS! And it came to me in that weird period between waking and sleep, which is when your consciousness is most open to the energy of the universe, so it's bound to be a winner! Biggest consideration -- NO BACKTRACKING a million times (like we did on our first trip), while still seeing A LOT of the park!!!!!

ARRIVE ~ 9am when park opens.

Africa

Kilimanjaro Safari first thing for all!!!

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, also all of us.

10am -- Janet, Lily, and me Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House.

While we are at our Breakfast, Carol, Billy, and Andy should go to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This is an area none of us have seen before. It may or may not have a lot to offer us, but we all decided we want to make the trek out there this time to see! Janet especially is hoping to meet Jiminy Cricket there, and Lily will be happy to see ANY characters!

When we get out of our breakfast, we will take OUR turn to go to Rafiki's while Billy, Carol, and Andy have lunch at 11am at Yak and Yeti. YUM!

BEFORE WE SPLIT UP, WE WILL GIVE THE YAK AND YETI PEOPLE OUR PARK TICKETS SO THEY CAN GET FAST PASSES FOR EVERYONE FOR KALI RIVER RAPIDS!!

ASIA

After the meal, we will hook back up in Asia, and we will stay in Asia until we have done everything we want to do there. We need to get our Fast Passes for Expedition Everest when our window opens up. So while we are waiting to get fastpasses AND/OR waiting for our return time, we can see:

Maharaja Jungle Trek
Flights of Wonder if we have time, or those who won't brave Everest can do this.

Ride Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest with our Fast Passes.

DINOLAND

Grab Fastpasses for Dinosaur as soon as we get to the area, then hang out in Dinoland playing games and/or riding Primevil Whirl and Triceratops Spin until Dinosaur time.

TREE OF LIFE

It's Tough to Be a Bug!! 3D show!

Find a spot for the 3:45pm Parade somewhere close to Pizzafari so we can swing right over to

CAMP MINNIE-MICKEY


For the last showing of Festival of the Lion King at 4:30pm.

Hit the bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Boma at 6:30pm!!!

I know this is a lot for a day. But I totally think it's possible based on our last experience at AK during President's Week (actually, President's DAY, when the crowd level was a 9 and it was very BUSY!). If we get lucky with crowds at all, it can be done. And there is just nothing on this list I want to miss, so let's DO IT! Woohooo!!!

[mcdowelj]

Sounds great to me! I can totally skip Rafiki's. I only wanted to see Jiminy and if he's not there it'll be a wasted trip for the most part. No sense trecking all the way over there if we can't see him. I don't know what other characters are there that Lily might want to see. I guess we can play it by ear. Sounds like a fun day for sure!

[nania]

Sounds great to me to ... especially the Yak and Yeti part.:banana: could you forward me Billy's snarky email.... just for laughs.... :rotfl:

[ShannonMB]

DAY 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!) - Thur, 11/19 7pm-Midnight!

We have our dinner this evening at 4:45pm at 1900 Park Fare!
We will get to meet Cinderella, Prince Charming (did I get your attention with that one, Mom? :laughing:), Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella (wicked stepmother and stepsisters) :love: I really can't wait to try this, neither can Lily! We should arrive early to make sure we don't have to wait long for a table, so we can get out of there and get over to the party!

The party is at the Magic Kingdom, and we can get in with our party tickets any time after 4pm -- which really doesn't matter, because we will have an extra park ticket anyway so we can go whenever we want.

Side note: We don't have any other plans for this day before our dinner, so anyone who wants can go hit a park, hang at the pool, sleep, Downtown Disney, or whatever they want before dinner.

At 6:30pm, Cinderella's Christmas Wish starts (the ceremony during which they light up the castle with millions of icicles! -- they will also do this on Tuesday when we have to leave by 7pm, so we can try to see it right before we leave that day, too, if we want).

Celebrate the Season Show on the castle stage 7:45, 10:05, 11:30

Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 8:15pm and 10:30pm

Christmas Wishes (fireworks) 9:30pm

Everyone says to go to the second parade (less crowded as people begin to leave with littler kids). Here's what I'm thinking...

See the castle light up at 6:30pm...It snows on Main Street when the party starts at 7pm!
Head into the park and do any rides we missed or want to ride again, see characters, get free hot chocolate and cookies, hang out in general...
Get a good spot for the fireworks that start at 9:30pm, stick around that area possibly for the Celebrate the Season Show at the castle stage and/or get a spot for the 10:30 parade. Then stay as late as we want doing more rides, etc!

Really, if I see the parade and fireworks and a bunch of rides with no lines, I'm good!!!!!!!

Fun, fun, fun!!!!!

[ShannonMB]

Day 7 -- Boo!

Time to go home. :sad2: I was thinking we might head to Downtown Disney again in the morning to do some last minute shopping/eating if anyone feels like it.

When I get home, I'm going to sit in my recliner, order pizza or something, catch up on all the DVR'd shows I missed while we were gone, and snuggle with my doggies. :hug:

[mcdowelj]

:cloud9::Pinkbounc
I sure hope I'm ready to come home. I can't imagine at this point but I'm sure after all the park touring, etc. that we'll be ready to come home and relax. At least I hope so! Again, I can't imagine that but I sure hope that's how I feel. I don't want to be all depressed when I get home.:eek:

I can't wait to go! It's so close now that I hardly can believe it!! Is it really true that we'll be there Saturday? And the weather forecast for Orlando is looking perfect? How can I be this lucky?!!!!??!:banana::Pinkbounc:woohoo::jumping1:

[ShannonMB]

2 more sleeps, 2 more sleeps!!!!!!! Argh, I wanna go NOW! I'm sick of this waiting! Oh, wait, I'm not packed yet. Better wait till Saturday. :laughing:

[ShannonMB]

:cloud9::Pinkbounc
I sure hope I'm ready to come home. I can't imagine at this point but I'm sure after all the park touring, etc. that we'll be ready to come home and relax. At least I hope so! Again, I can't imagine that but I sure hope that's how I feel. I don't want to be all depressed when I get home.:eek:

I can't wait to go! It's so close now that I hardly can believe it!! Is it really true that we'll be there Saturday? And the weather forecast for Orlando is looking perfect? How can I be this lucky?!!!!??!:banana::Pinkbounc:woohoo::jumping1:

Janie, I like that pink bouncy guy you use. :laughing: :Pinkbounc:Pinkbounc:Pinkbounc:Pinkbounc:Pinkbounc

[mcdowelj]

Till we're leaving Ohio for Sunny Orlando! I hope Mickey knows I'm thinking about him! :lovestruc

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :Pinkbounc:mickeyjum

[ShannonMB]

By this time tomorrow, we'll be on our way to the airport! Really gotta get laundry/packing done!!!!! :upsidedow

[OhioDisneyLover]

:thumbsup2

[ShannonMB]

Okay, house clean, packing done, drinking some coffee, then off to get ready for the airport. WOW! At 1:40pm we'll be touching down in Orlando. I can't believe it! Pinch me!!

Not bringing my laptop, so trip report when we return!!!!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Have a great time. I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

[cbg1027]

Welcome back!

I can't wait to hear about POFQ. I just changed my next trip to a split stay with AS Sports and POFQ. I've never stayed at a Mod before and always wanted to, and this is the lowest rate period of the year, so we decided to splurge a little.

So did you go for FOTLK or Nemo? Or Both? :rotfl: Can't wait to hear all about the trip!

[ShannonMB]

Welcome back!

I can't wait to hear about POFQ. I just changed my next trip to a split stay with AS Sports and POFQ. I've never stayed at a Mod before and always wanted to, and this is the lowest rate period of the year, so we decided to splurge a little.

So did you go for FOTLK or Nemo? Or Both? :rotfl: Can't wait to hear all about the trip!

I'm just now starting my trip report, so the link is in my sig now. Let me just say that I loved AllStar Movies both times we stayed there, but after POFQ, I don't know if we'll ever be back there -- POFQ was THAT awesome! ;)