The "Yeah, I'm famous, I'm on Youtube!" report-Opinions needed 2/22

[Hedy]

Well, hello there. I'm Heather, Hedy on these boards and elsewhere on the Internet. I'm a 23 year old Disney (and Disney Planning) addict. I live with my mother and two cats, Oscar and Isabelle.

I graduated from college last year. Some people, once they reach a certain level of maturity, decide they want a dog. Or to live in New York. Me? I decided I wanted to go to WDW every other year. So after my fabulous trip for Spring Break* last year, I decided I wanted to go down in Early December of 2007.

WhenBut when to go? There were too slightly large issues-1) I wanted to avoid the dreaded Pop Warner week and 2)The appearance of my dad's death day. I hate the fact that it keeps on coming up in my planning, because I feel like I'm attention seeking, but it's kind of a fact of life. And, his death day (3 years!) falls neatly in the midst of my chosen dates-12/8-12/15. He would want me to go. So I picked the second week in December.

Who was I going with? My friends are either not into WDW, or doing silly things like getting their master's, or can't afford it. So I asked my mother, known to those of you who read the trip reportette from my July NYC trip as MamaKat. I believe the conversation went something like this:
Hedy: Mom, when I go to Disney world next December, do you want to come?
Mom: It's January. I don't know.
Hedy: Ok, I'll add you to the room only reservation until you decide.

Where were we staying As evidenced by my ticker, I have stayed at a wide variety of WDW resorts...both POR AND Dixie Landings. (LOL) So I was determined to NOT stay at POR this time. But where to stay? POFQ would be ok, CBR and CSR don't appeal to me (CBR is too big, and the conventioneers at CSR, plus the fact that I've lived in Mexico, make CSR unappealing to me). How about a deluxe? My brother (hereafter referred to as YoungestDB) and DSIL (DisneyMSF on the boards) heart AKL something fierce, but IMO, if I'm paying for a deluxe, I want an option for transport other than buses. How about WL? Same price point as AKL, lovely theming. I called CRO. They had an almighty standard view, but no AAA discount, pricing the lodge out of my budget. I booked the room only anyway, just in case money fell from the sky or WL had an AAA rate available. I decided to make contingency plans..what about...the Dolphin...close to Epcot, not as pricy as WL...and they offer teacher/government discounts. MamaKat is a retired teacher who gets her paystub from the Commonwealth of MA, so I decided to call the Dolphin to see if they extended to retirees. Nope, they do not, but AAA had good rates. So I had two rooms booked, and 11 months to make my decision. And I flipped and I flopped-the Samantha Brown special made me flip towards WL, NMAmy's TR flopped me towards Dolphin. I hoped to make enough money on Sunshine Rewards (SR) and the now-defunct CashDuck to make up the difference.
Then I got an e-mail from Chase with a special offer for Disney Card Holders. I called them as soon as I got home from work. No luck getting WL, but if I tried POFQ-the savings would be ridiculous-like trip insurance+tickets+room would be less than just a room at either WL or Dolphin. I was in . I left a voicemail for MamaKat, who has pretended she has a say in WDW planning since I was 9** and we were off. We were staying all the way across the street-we were really living it up.

What to do I had a few goals on this trip: 1. Eat a Character meal not at Chef Mickey's (I had a less than magical experience there last year) 2. See the American Adventure (I've never seen it) 3. Go to MVMCP. I've never been to any WDW party (as I've always gone peak), but YoungestDB*** and DisneyMSF, as well as MiddleDB and his DW and their boys ElderNephew and YoungerNephew have greatly enjoyed MNSSHP. So I planned on doing that one night.

How was I going to get there. For me, this is a no brainer-I <3 Jet Blue. I got my tickets a week after the fares came out.

Coming up next, ADR's ahoy
* Things I learned during my Spring Break trip last year:
1. Just because that brand of flip-flops suited you fine in DLR last year, does not mean you can get a new pair and wander all over WDW willy-nilly
2. Heat rash is real. Pack cortisone.
3. Ladies, if you have an RX you need to take at a certain time every day...TAKE IT ON TIME AT WDW. Ahem.

**When we were planning that trip, I devoured every guidebook I could. We got there, and I found out that somehow my dad had told the travel agent I was 10 (as I turned 9 mid-planning, he probably told the TA I was nine, then mentioned I'd had a birthday a month later.) See also: why I planned our cruise the next year.

***They're not coming with me, but as they will more than likely be mentioned again and it's easiest to explain once: Hedy's family 101:
I have three half brothers, all of whom are older than I am. We have:
OldestDB and DSIL, as well as DNiece13
MiddleDB and DSIL, who have ElderNephew12 and YoungerNephew8
YoungestDB and his DW, Disney MSF

Pre-trip

Chapter 2: Pictures, plans and to-do
Chapter 3: Coinstar (OMG 3 months!)
Chapter 4: Worries ahoy
Chapter 5: MamaKat and tinkering my plans
Chapter 6: Paid in Full
Chapter 7: Yuletide Fantasy Tour, or Why my family rules
Chapter 8: DME, and yet another To do list
Chapter 9: Doc, glorious docs
Chapter 10: One month!
Chapter 11: MVMCP: Input wanted
Chapter 12: Needless exposition, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the Yule
Chapter 13: The Obligatory pre-trip trip to Target
Chapter 14: Would this be a pre-trip report if my ADR's didn't change?
Chapter 15: TWO WEEKS!
Chapter 16: In which I am amazed by human kindness, and save money
Chapter 17: Single Digit Dance
Chapter 18: Attitude
Chapter 19: Soapboxing re Pixar
Chapter 20: I'm too excited to sleep!
Actual Trip Report
Chapter 1: The Journey is the Destination
Chapter 2: Welcome to the Magic Kingdom
Chapter 3: A Broccoli post, or Epcot
Chapter 4: Animal Kingdom
Chapter 5: Tusker House Review and Boing, boing
Chapter 6: Lights, lights,action
Chapter 7: Tonga Toast and Epcot
Chapter 8: Two long lines, but a Very Merry Night
Chapter 9: Yuletide Fantasy Tour, pt I-contains spoilers!
Chapter 10: Yuletide Fantasy Tour, pt. II
Chapter 11: DTD and PI
Chapter 12: EMH and...a dream?
Chapter 13: Epcot and Le Cellier
Chapter 14: Magic Kingdom
Chapter 15: AK, Boma and DTD
Chapter 16: Last Day-1900 Park Fare, and our last trip to MGM ever!
Chapter 17: The End

 

[the4princesses]

welcome! I'm in!!
We are going Sept.22-Oct.1 at POP,free dining Can't wait!!
Kathy

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I am in!

You and I are scarily similar.We are about the same age and I also plan on traveling to Disney in December with my mom, December 2008 that is I also live at home with my mom and two cats I am also the vacation planner of the family. I basically planned our July 2007 trip on my own. See creepy isn't it?

I am glad you are going to MVMCP as I really want to do this as well so I will really be looking forward to your report on it.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip!

 

[Hedy]

I am in!

You and I are scarily similar.We are about the same age and I also plan on traveling to Disney in December with my mom, December 2008 that is I also live at home with my mom and two cats I am also the vacation planner of the family. I basically planned our July 2007 trip on my own. See creepy isn't it?

I am glad you are going to MVMCP as I really want to do this as well so I will really be looking forward to your report on it.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip!

LOL. That's scary.

 

[Hedy]

So, my original duty was to talk about ADR's this installment, but I have a SEERIOUS CRISIS, Internet, and I need your help! On Saturday I managed to lose my dear less than 1 year old camera. It's rather irritating to me as I've had cameras (precociously good ones, even) since I was a wee Hedy and have never lost one before. So obviously, I need to replace it ASAP. Which is where you, dear internet, come in (because you know you want a pre-TR with pictures, right-and not just ones of my last trip and what I looked like on my high school graduation trip, right)? They no longer make my camera (a Canon SD600), so I'm debating whewther I should get another SD600 off of Ebay (they ones that are ending have final values, with shipping, pretty close to what an SD1000 is going for new). I could probably save $20-$30 by getting an SD600, but that requires eBay stalking. So tell me, dear Internet, do I save a character meal* and get a used one off eBay, or get a new one?

*Am I the only one who measures money in WDW installments? I referred to the camera earlier this week as "one night at WL".

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I would get a new one as I love new toys but if it will save you a lot of money to get the old one on ebay than go for that if the difference in price is important to you.

 

[Abby's Dad]

Hi Hedy - saw you had a pre-trip, thought I would visit. So you get there exactly 3 months after us - we'll tell Mr. Mouse to make sure that everything is tidy for you!

Can't help much with the camera, as I haven't shopped for one since we got Abby hers - but the best advice is that if you get something different, give yourself plenty of time to get totally familiar with it before the trip. I know one feature that I regret not looking for with Abby's camera was a remote - we use that a lot with our Olympus, particularly for night shots, like fireworks, and the like. I know that Abby loves her camera, it is a Canon, just can't remember which one.

 

[abbybeth]

Heather! You have a pre-TR and I'm not subscribed yet? Something is clearly wrong in the world

I do absolutely LOVE my camera. It is the Canon PowerShot A540 and was my grad school graduation present. It goes with me everywhere. If I don't have it in my purse, it's a rare happening. I was torn between that and one of the elphs, but the final decision was up to my dad (former professional photographer and fount of camera knowledge) He chose to get me more features over slim size and he made the right choice. I've had it for a year and am still learning everything that it does and I love it.

If you're between a used version the departed and a new version, I would tend to lean towards the new, just because electronics is the one area that I am leary of purchasing something used. I did a lot of research on camera reviews, and that helped a lot too ... do some looking around before you decide ...

 

[Hedy]

Heather! You have a pre-TR and I'm not subscribed yet? Something is clearly wrong in the world

I do absolutely LOVE my camera. It is the Canon PowerShot A540 and was my grad school graduation present. It goes with me everywhere. If I don't have it in my purse, it's a rare happening. I was torn between that and one of the elphs, but the final decision was up to my dad (former professional photographer and fount of camera knowledge) He chose to get me more features over slim size and he made the right choice. I've had it for a year and am still learning everything that it does and I love it.

If you're between a used version the departed and a new version, I would tend to lean towards the new, just because electronics is the one area that I am leary of purchasing something used. I did a lot of research on camera reviews, and that helped a lot too ... do some looking around before you decide ...

Ooh! I like the look of that one. I though I remembered from my last camera hunt that the A's had a flip-out LCD, but that one doesn't. I think I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to play with them (since I'll be ordering online for the SR credit ). My e-bay expedition has only been 2 days and I've already gotten an off eBay offer, so new is looking better all the time.

 

[KathyRN137]

Signing on for the merriment....


Kathy

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Ooh! I like the look of that one. I though I remembered from my last camera hunt that the A's had a flip-out LCD, but that one doesn't. I think I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to play with them (since I'll be ordering online for the SR credit ). My e-bay expedition has only been 2 days and I've already gotten an off eBay offer, so new is looking better all the time.

I have an Canon A series camera and it has the flip screen. It is really neat and comes in handy when you are trying to take a picture of yourself. It is also great b/c when the camera is not in use you can fold it in so that the LCD screen is protected. Less chance of it getting damaged.

 

[M 'n C]

Hi Hedy. I just saw your dilemma with the camera. I have a canon powershot A80 or something close to that number with the flip around screen. I love mine. I would definetly check out best buy and circuit city and see what their prices are. Buy.com is another good source and I believe they are on SR as well.

 

[Hedy]

And...we have a solution to the dilemma. After playing with many cameras in Best Buy today, I am buying the Canon SD1000-essentially the camera I had before. I got it through New Egg (which is on SR, natch), it had a good price, plus it came with a new memory card.
Now I just need a new case, and new slim line clip for my gorilla pod, and I'll be as good as new. I also e-mailed YoungestDB to see if I can get the pictures of YoungestNephew's birthday party, as I lost all of mine.

As a reward, you get pictures:
Me with Goofy at the Disney Visa Character Meet on my March 07 trip. Please not my WDW bag of choice-the LL Bean traveller bag, and the M&M's container for pressed pennies.:

My grandmother (1910-2004) and I on my high school grad trip in 02. It was the only trip to WDW she came along on.

And my dad on the same trip at the TOT. He'd wanted to get the picture of us falling on TOT for months-but when we got it he decided it was too much money. So I give you this picture.

MamaKat hates having her picture taken, so we have no pictures of her.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hurray for the new camera

 

[abbybeth]

wheee! new toy! Congrats on the new "baby"

 

[KathyRN137]

What wonderful memories you must have of your grandmother at WDW....it was a real blessing to have been able to share that experience with her!

I'm also glad about the new camera...we expect lots of pix now!


Kathy

 

[Hedy]

What wonderful memories you must have of your grandmother at WDW....it was a real blessing to have been able to share that experience with her!

I'm also glad about the new camera...we expect lots of pix now!


Kathy

That it was-she was beginning to "slip" mentally then, but if the worst thing you can say about me at age 92 is that I think I'm in France at Epcot, I'll be a happy lady. It was just wonderful to share my favorite place with my favorite person.

Abby-Thanks! The gorilla pod thingy is ordered, and I have a case, so I'm almost back to new.

Now we're just waiting for the camera to arrive so I can show off what I've got so far.

 

[CriminyCrafft]

Hey there - great pre-TR! Did I read correctly that you're staying at the Dolpin? I'm staying there Oct 21-28 - I hope it's good. I read that it lacks Disney magic so I'm slightly worried but being walking distance to MGM and Epcot should make up for it!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[hjd0411]

Hey, Heather - good work so far! Great about your camera, too. I know I had to get a new camera for WDW. I got mine a couple of months ago and have been practicing, practicing, practicing! I'm thinking I will get a gorilla-pod, too. Do you find it easy to use ad Disney? And easy to carry?

Looking forward to more updates!

From another Heather...

 

[Hedy]

First off, since I now have a Camera, you can see:
My personalized Maps (edited, because I'm paranoid)!

My touring bag (also edited):

The two pin lanyards I won off of eBay-I need to buy some more pins.

I plan on attaching the pocket to the blue one using a keychain.

Now My intererary:
Saturday December 8
Take Jet Blue from Boston to Orlando. Wave goodbye to Mom, who is taking ? airline to Key West.
Take DME to POFQ. Try to remember I am going to POFQ and not POR. Check in. Do magical "Change into FL clothes" in POFQ restroom, sunscreen up, drop luggage at Bell stand* and go to MK.
Go to MK. Get Fast Pass for Splash Mountain. Then go to a) POTC (it was closed the last time I was there) or b) TTA. Ride Splash. Eat lunch at Pecos Bill's. Continue to Enjoy MK-maybe see Mickey's Philharmonic? Have dinner at Columbia Harbor House. Head home mid-evening ish. Retrieve carry-ons from bell services. Go to room.

Sunday, December 9
Grab breakfast at POFQ's quick service if I'm hungry. Purchase refillable mug. Take bus to Epcot. Wait for rope drop. Go to Soarin. Ride. Go to Test Track. Do the same. Go to Club Station Cool-drink. Head to World Showcase. See American Adventure, ride Maelstrom, ride new Mexico ride. Vow to bring trunks of Albrejes (those wooden animals) home when I go back to Oaxaca (I lived there for a semester in college, and let me tell you, WDW has quite the mark up on them...actually everywhere in the US does). Get Dad a new Viking Mickey pressed penny for his grave (they disposed of his last one, although it stood strong for over a year). Lunch at Marrkesh.
Head to Epcot resort area. Grab dinner someplace (Spoodles walk-up? Beaches and Cream?) Go to Jellyrolls meet up.

Monday, Decemer 10
EMH at AK. Ride EE, grab Kali fast passes. Ride Safari. Ride Kali. Hang out in DinoLand. Eat (Yak and Yeti? Tusker house? Will wait on reviews. I, for one, am very happy that AK is getting more table service-I prefer doing TS lunches, generally, and I'm sorry, but I don't see the magic in going to a place to eat I can drive 20 minutes from home and go eat at). Look at animals. See Parade. Head to MGM. Osbourne lights. See Fantasmic. Possibly grab past pass for RnR or ToT. Eat at ABC Commissary. Go back to POFQ

Tuesday December 11
Morning: open. I don't know what I'm going to want to do today. Maybe tour resorts.
Evening: MVMCP. I keep on flip-flopping on whether to ADR someplace at the MK or go with Counter service-as I don't have my ticket in hand for MVMCP. I like CS just fine, but maybe a TS would be more magical? Who knows. Perhaps DIS meet up-it depends on how my mood is.

Wednesday December 12
MGM. Hit ToT, RnR, Muppets, Backlot Tour, Lights Motor Action. Go back to POFQ. Take boat to DTD. Shop, browse, have dinner at PH. Go to PI.

Thursday December 13
I'm planning on having breakfast at Captain Cook's at the Poly and heading to MK. Meet MamaKat later in the day. This requires organization, as I will have her ticket and she will have a rental car. We have an ADR at Le Cellier for Dinner however.

Friday December 14
Whatever Mom wants. Dinner at Boma.

Saturday December 15
Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. Going home in the evening.

You may notice the lack of ADR's on my list. This is due to the fact that, as I mentioned above, I like to eat at TS restaurants for lunch. As everyone and their mom does the DDP these days, people do TS dinners. This enables me to generally walk-up or make an ADR that morning at my hotel for that day. Also, it's pretty easy to get seated as a solo traveler. The Le Cellier reservation is because MamaKat has stated that she would like to see Epcot at night with Xmas decorations. Boma's is because we both liked it when we went in 2002.
To do list:
*Call CRO with my flight info for DME.
*See that MamaKat makes her flight and rental car reservations.
*Call WDW (CRO?) to make sure that a)it's ok to use the 8 day PH I already have, even though I got a three day PH with our tickets and b)that it's ok for MamaKat not to be there at check-in.
*Buy Pins.
*Order MVMCP ticket
*Liberate Mickey Heads from Home Depot.
*Possibly get Room decorations. I'm planning on some Mickey Heads. I may also pack my Statue of Liberty Minnie, but I don't know (I brought her last time to take her to see Minnie at Chef Mickey's, and then didn't take her). I also may pack Mickey the DLR build a bear. Of course, Sunshine the 18 year old stuffed cat is coming (it's his 5th trip too), but he's, erm, rather loved looking so not exactly decoration material.
*Decide on what to get in terms of clothes. I'm debating whether to get a cute Xmas t-shirt at Target or get an MVMCP shirt once I get there. Of course, I'm getting some sort of Mickey Santa hat (I still regret not getting one from my Xmas week trip in 1996.)
*Take MK popcorn bucket o'change to Coinstar. I tried lifting it up yesterday-it's HEAVY, and I rarely use cash. I'm planning on splitting it between cash and a Disneyshopping e-gift certificate.