Let's do this all over again...Update 12/6 7:00 am @ MK

[topdog]

I wasn't sure if I have the time to write a PTR. Since most of my FB friends already know about my trip, I might as well spill it here as well.

Yes...after our Feb disaster trip, we are going back to WDW again for more punishment, let's hope not.

So date has been reserved. Trip has been booked and deposit has been made. Let the planning begin.

We were hoping to go again this Dec but due to my work schedule and now with some home front family emergency, there is no way we can swing it this quick. So we plan to go back in 2010 instead. This will give us plenty of time to plan this trip well, I hope. Since DW never saw the Christmas decoration at Disney and my last time at Disney during Christmas was back in 1977, we decide our next Disney trip will be the Sunday after black Friday. This is going to be a 10 days at WL with complete DxDP again. (I might as well start my diet now. )

I will reintroduce myself on the next post and possibly give out some more detail what we plan to do at this trip. I will need some input from my fellow DISers as well. So for now, please hold on to those great ideas you have and I will let you know what I am looking for in my up coming posts.

Photo Scavenger hunt idea listing

 

[topdog]

Let me reintroduce myself briefly here. Sorry I don't have a more recent picture of myself. This one was taking during our Feb trip this year.

This will the 4th trip with my DW, although it's my 6th trip. We are very exciting about this trip. Initially, we were trying to go this Dec because we want to see the Christmas decoration at Disney. However, my work schedule just won't permit me to do it. So instead, we opt to do it in Dec 2010. That would give us plenty of time to save for the trip and plan every thing out as well.

We have many goal for this trip other than just having plain old fun.
1, Beside all the usual great restaurant we like such as Artist Point, 50 PTC, Jiko, Kona Cafe, Ohana, Coral Reef, The Wave, Tappendo and Yak & Yeti, we want to try other restaurant as well. Right now, we are evaluate all the menu from all the restaurant and see which one we will be adding on our list. We have until June to call for our ADR so we have pleny of time to figure this one out.

Le Cellier will be on the new try out list and so is Restaurant Marrakesh. Yachtman steakhouse might make it to the list too. We try it in 2005 but wasn't to crazy about it. It was good but didn't knock it out of the park. If any one has any more suggestion, please feel free to let me know where are the hidden gem. Breakfast, lunch or dinner...as long as it is part of the DDP TS. I can't eat seafood that well. I can do the simple stuff like shrimp and scallop, maybe a little bit of lobster. That's about it. Very rarely I can eat fish.

2, If you don't already know, I like to take pictures...A LOT!!! Since this is a 10 days trip, we will have 2 days for each park plus another 2 days to relax at WL or doing something or nothing. This gives me a lot of photo opportunities. One of our plan is both DW and I must take a minimum of 2 animated pictures of each other every day. It doesn't matter where we are. Oh! We decide to invite a special guest into this photo excursion as well and that's "Ted". If you wonder who "Ted" is, you will just have to spend some time to read my last TR. Ted will be going to all the parks with us this time for his photo op. This is going to be very interesting. I am sure there will be plenty of strange look to the two of us. LOL...

Aside from that, I want to try out another great idea that our fellow Diser, Planning fanatic mom, had from her last trip. That is coming up a list of photo shot idea ahead of time and try to take as many as I can from the list through out the trip. For that, I am going to need all your help. Please post your idea and I will compile the list and see if they are all doable. You will get to see them when I do my TR.

3, A very important part of the logistic. We haven't book our flight yet. Because of our last episode, I am thinking we might be driving this time. It is still undecided factor. I really need some convincing on either drive or fly. We live in NE Pennsylvania. It's about 1,200 miles from Orlando. That's a lot of driving If we drive, we will stop at NC at my SIL for 2 days before we continue down to FL. If we fly, I can't deal with the connect flight any more. So my only option is to fly out of Philly and leave our car there for 10 days. Please help me to decide which way to go. Drive or fly.

Well...that's our goal for now. I am sure we will have more as time goes. So don't be shy if you have anything to say about our goal.

One other element I haven't mention is what equipment I will bring for this trip. It really depends on what the travel arrangement will be. I can only bring so much if we fly. But if we drive, that opens up a whole lots of possibilities. Ha! Ha!

 

[annnewjerz]

I'm signing on!

I really enjoyed your last TR and hope that you don't have the same problem with leaving the photography gear at home this time around!! I've already had dreams about doing the same thing for our trip coming up this December. Broken tripod, forgetting one of my lenses on a ride, dropping it and worst of all---forgetting everything at home. I can only imagine how upsetting that would be and I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that you have better luck this time.

If you feel so inclined to follow along, here is a link to my December PTR. We'll be on the Deluxe DDP also and the TR is going to for sure be filled with lots of photos of all the Disney Christmas goodness.

Ann

 

[Leger13]

I found you!! This is going to be one long ptr since you're not going until December 2010 but I'm on board!

 

[Leger13]

As for the driving/flying thing I would opt for driving. I know it's a longer trek but ask you said, you had a horrible experience this last time with the flight which delayed your trip anyways and you probably wouldn't have forgotten the all important camera equipment if you had driven. Plus, like you said, you can take more stuff with you if you drive (i.e. more camera equipment!!). And if you buy more souvies you have plenty of room to bring them back w/o paying luggage fees. I say, write out a list of the pros and cons of each and see which is better that way.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Hey TD! Found your PTR!! I hate being in a car for longer than a few hours, so my first instinct is to go with flying. I guess I wouldn't mind driving to WDW if I could go in an RV, and stop along the way.

 

[annnewjerz]

As far as driving v. flying---I say fly Southwest out of Philly. You can still get two free checked bags (at least you can right now, who knows about December 2010). Philly can't be more than a couple hours from you and even though it's a bit of a hike you can either drive down in the morning before your flight or get a park and ride hotel where you can leave your car and sleep over the night before.

This way, you can still bring a decent amount of camera stuff (I plan to put my D90, 80-200 f/2.8, Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, Sigma 30 f/1.4, Nikon 18-200 with miscellaneous filters/lens clothes/memory/etc. in my backpack and carry it on as my "personal item" on Southwest) and you don't have to spend all that time driving---which equals more time in Disney! If you bring a tripod/monopod you can check them in your bag, just make sure to store it in the middle surrounded by all of your clothes as padding.

Southwest offers cheap flights, you can go non-stop out of PHL so no need for those cruddy connections and like I said, it's only a 2.5 hour flight and you're there---free and clear to arrive at the WL and officially start your trip.

We were going to drive in October, but once we found $59 each way flights on Southwest, why even bother?

 

[topdog]

I'm signing on!

I really enjoyed your last TR and hope that you don't have the same problem with leaving the photography gear at home this time around!! I've already had dreams about doing the same thing for our trip coming up this December. Broken tripod, forgetting one of my lenses on a ride, dropping it and worst of all---forgetting everything at home. I can only imagine how upsetting that would be and I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that you have better luck this time.

If you feel so inclined to follow along, here is a link to my December PTR. We'll be on the Deluxe DDP also and the TR is going to for sure be filled with lots of photos of all the Disney Christmas goodness.

Ann

Thank you Ann. The camera bag incident still give me nightmare from time to time. If we do decide to drive, there will be a whole lot more equipment for the trip.

I will go check out your PTR.

I found you!! This is going to be one long ptr since you're not going until December 2010 but I'm on board!

Welcome aboard Carla. I expect some cool idea from you for our trip.

As for the driving/flying thing I would opt for driving. I know it's a longer trek but ask you said, you had a horrible experience this last time with the flight which delayed your trip anyways and you probably wouldn't have forgotten the all important camera equipment if you had driven. Plus, like you said, you can take more stuff with you if you drive (i.e. more camera equipment!!). And if you buy more souvies you have plenty of room to bring them back w/o paying luggage fees. I say, write out a list of the pros and cons of each and see which is better that way.

I like the idea I can pack more stuff if we drive. However, I also like we can only limit how much we can buy if we fly so we can't over buy. Decision...decision...decision...

Hey TD! Found your PTR!! I hate being in a car for longer than a few hours, so my first instinct is to go with flying. I guess I wouldn't mind driving to WDW if I could go in an RV, and stop along the way.

Driving an RV to Disney. That's sounds like fun but I can't imagine how much the gas budget will cost.

As far as driving v. flying---I say fly Southwest out of Philly. You can still get two free checked bags (at least you can right now, who knows about December 2010). Philly can't be more than a couple hours from you and even though it's a bit of a hike you can either drive down in the morning before your flight or get a park and ride hotel where you can leave your car and sleep over the night before.

This way, you can still bring a decent amount of camera stuff (I plan to put my D90, 80-200 f/2.8, Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, Sigma 30 f/1.4, Nikon 18-200 with miscellaneous filters/lens clothes/memory/etc. in my backpack and carry it on as my "personal item" on Southwest) and you don't have to spend all that time driving---which equals more time in Disney! If you bring a tripod/monopod you can check them in your bag, just make sure to store it in the middle surrounded by all of your clothes as padding.

Southwest offers cheap flights, you can go non-stop out of PHL so no need for those cruddy connections and like I said, it's only a 2.5 hour flight and you're there---free and clear to arrive at the WL and officially start your trip.

We were going to drive in October, but once we found $59 each way flights on Southwest, why even bother?

$59 each way...wow, that is cheap. Yes. Philly airport is only 2 hours away from me. I don't know how much camera equipment I plan to bring yet but I know it will be more than the last trip. I've been saving for a D700. That's a possibility I might bring both D200 & D700 for this trip. More importantly, video might be an addition for this trip as well.

 

[Leger13]

Welcome aboard Carla. I expect some cool idea from you for our trip.

I like the idea I can pack more stuff if we drive. However, I also like we can only limit how much we can buy if we fly so we can't over buy. Decision...decision...decision...

Oh yeah, I'll have a good TR going when I come back that you can feel free to steal any ideas or things we did on our trip for yours since it's the same time of year. Hopefully if there's any mistakes I make on this trip you can benefit and learn from them

oh man do I know what you're talking about! We are SO guilty of over buying since we drive down there every year.

 

[topdog]

We finally nailed down the restaurant list we want to have breakfast at.

Captain's Grille
Boma
Wave
O'Hana
Kona Cafe
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Grand Floridian Cafe
Chef Mickey
1900 Park Fare
Crystal Palace
Cinderella's Royal Table

Please keep in mind this list is our prefer breakfast restaurant and not necessary we must eat at every one of them. For example, we might end up eat at Kona Cafe twice and not go to Chef Mickey. So the possibilities are endless. Eventually, we will nail down which restaurant we will go at what day.

 

[eandesmom]

I'm in! I really enjoyed your TR and am looking forward to your PTR

Sounds great so far! And hopefully no more disasters!

 

[topdog]

Welcome aboard Cynthia. Glad you can join us again.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

TOPDOG! What's up my friend? I can't wait to hear all about your upcoming trip! I'm already looking forward to the photos! Signing up.

 

[Brave teacher]

I'm in! I look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip.

 

[topdog]

TOPDOG! What's up my friend? I can't wait to hear all about your upcoming trip! I'm already looking forward to the photos! Signing up.

Hi GB. Glad you can join us again. I am still reading your TR but you update too fast for me. I am still catching up.

I'm in! I look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip.

Hello Brave teacher. Welcome aboard. I see you have a PTR already. I will have to go check it out.

 

[topdog]

I had a long day in NYC today. Too tired to post what I thought about the Disney trip but I did draw up what are the restaurant choices for lunch & dinner. This list is long. I should have the list ready some time during the weekend.

 

[GoofyFairie]

Hi topdog! As worried as I am about your camera equipment disaster repeating itself, the 10 days of walking around Disney worries me more since your feet didn't fair well the last time. I am also really excited to see what kind of creative shots you and DW come up with for each other and Ted. Please be sure you don't loose him!
Now about those resturant choices, don't keep us in suspense! I can't wait to see where "we're" going! Smoothie anyone?

 

[topdog]

I promise, 1, I am not going to leave my camera bag home this time. As for my feet, since this time it's a 10 days excursion, we will allocate 2 days of doing nothing and puss around. Hopefully, that will give my feet some extra time to recover.

I better not loose Ted in the park. My DW will have me for breakfast.

 

[topdog]

It's time to list our choice of lunch & dinner restaurant.

50's Prime Time Cafe
Artist Point
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
California Grill
Citricos
Coral Reef
Flame Tree Barbecue
Kona Cafe
Kouzzina
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Narcoossee's
Ohana
Olivia's Cafe
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Shutters at Old Port Royale
Teppan Edo
The Hollywood Brown Derby
The Turf Club Bar & Grill
tokyo Dining
Tusker House
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Yak and Yeti Restaurant
Planet Hollywood

This might be more restaurant than what we actually need. At this point, we just want to pick out all the potential one and then decide which one we will go base on which park we will be visit on that particular day. I am sure we will be making a lot of changes before making the ADR.

Right now, we are looking at driving instead of flying. Therefore, it gives up some logistic flexibility instead of relying on Disney transportation.

One of the thing we do want to do is the Fantasmic show since we never done that before. Can some one please explain to me how that work? I know it's a show but dinner is part of the package too, isn't it?

Same thing with MVMCP, I don't have a clue how that work. That's on our must do list also. Some one please let me know what am I in for or better yet, how to get on the party guest list?

 

[Diamondintheruff]

There is a fantasmic dinner package. Here is what allearsnet.com says about it.

What is the Fantasmic! Dining Experience?

The Fantasmic! Dining Experience includes dinner at one of the participating Disney's Hollywood Studios restaurants and reserved seating in the Fantasmic! amphitheater. As of this writing, only Brown Derby, Mama Melrose, and Hollywood & Vine are participating.

This means that instead of waiting in line for 60-90 minutes outside the theater, you can walk right up to the theater 30-45 minutes before show time, (no waiting in a long line!) and still have a seat.

Is there a charge for the package?

There is no additional charge for the package itself. However, the package, which includes the Fantasmic! seating pass, MUST be guaranteed at the time of booking with a credit card, and a $10 cancellation fee applies if not cancelled at least 48 hours beforehand.

I did it a few years ago and was pleased not to have to wait forever. However, it should be mentioned that they aren't the best seats in the house. They aren't the worst either. They are off to the side a bit.

When you decide which restaurant you want to book the package through the waiter will give you a piece of paper that gets you into the theatre through a side door.

MVMCP is a hard ticket event. The park closes for regular guests at 7pm. Only people with tickets for the party that night can get in. They have special events, parades and fireworks just for the party. The tickets are usually around $50. I haven't been but I did go to the pirate and princess party and am heading to MNSSHP soon!


The other thing I would suggest is one of the backstage tours. They have a special christmas tour. It's called the Yuletide fantasy tour. I think it's about $70. If that doesn't get you in the holiday spirit I don't know what would.