wdwgirl and Dad do Disney:an April '10 PTR...TR LINK ADDED!! p. 56

[wdwgirl03]

That's right everyone, I am going back to Disney World!

First off, to yet another one of my pre-trip reports. These things get kind of addicting don't they?! If you haven't read my other TRs, I'm Sarah and a big lover of all things Disney (this is the first time I've had 2 TRs going at once...I'm working on finishing my summer report which you can check out HERE). As you can tell from my signature, I've been to Disney World several times and never get tired of the magic. Like so many fellow DISers I usually start thinking about going back as soon as a trip is over.

Over the years we've taken a lot of family trips but as my sisters and I got older it was harder to plan trips when we could all go at the same time (mostly in part to conflicting school schedules!). So, like my title says, this trip is just going to be me and my dad. It's our "spring break", if you will. I know some people cringe at the thought of going during peak times but we've done it before and really, it's not all that bad. Yes, it's crowded but definitely doable.

I hope you decide to join in on all the fun! Less than 6 months to go!

PTR INDEX
Trip Basics
Top Ten Attractions
Tours
Bad ADR luck/Top Ten Disney songs
Persistence Pays Off!
First itinerary!
Top Ten List: Favorite Sights
New book/Top Ten Movies
The Best of Extinct Disney
Polynesian Love
Disney Christmas Gifts and More
Top Ten Resorts and Restaurants
Disney Scrapbook pages
What should we do on Arrival Day?
60 Days! Plus December details
Magic Kingdom Plans
50 days!!!
Epcot Plans
40 Day Musings
Olympic memories/Getting closer to Disney!!
Flower and Garden Festival!!
Hollywood Studios Plans
25s!!!
Animal Kingdom Plans
20 DAYS
New Vera!!!
15 days/Downtown Disney plans
I'm an AP holder!!!
11 days/Misc. plans
SINGLE DIGITS!!!!!!
ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!! Plus Toy Story 3 info
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36118496&postcount=771

 

[lar42]

I'm Riding along!! Reading trip reports has become addicting

 

[MiaBella05]

joining in for the ride

 

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh! How exciting! When exactly are you going?!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm Riding along!! Reading trip reports has become addicting

Yay, my first reader! I agree, they are addicting to read AND write!

joining in for the ride

Welcome MiaBella!

Oh my gosh! How exciting! When exactly are you going?!

Hi tinkgurl! Thanks for joining in again! I'll post the details soon...

 

[OhMari]

That's 2 people in one day,
I don't know if my heart can take it.
Callie called me this morning said she is going to WDW for spring break
with her roommates.
One of the girls parents have a timeshare in Orlando and
they are going to:

1. Drive-ug.
2. Go to Universal
3. Go to the beach.
4. Go to WDW

I'm suppose to plan, I mean, find out the hours and best days.
I think they will do okay, because they plan on doing the parks during the week, and I personally don't think the parks are crowded during the week, it's mainly the weekends.

Um,
now to hear your plans.
Ya think I should go along and be a chaperone?

 

[wdwgirl03]

OK, so here are a few of the basics for this trip:

The cast:
Already covered that, just me and my dad. My sister and mom will have just been there in January (strangely, so will Dad...he's getting his money's worth out of his AP!) and my other sister will sadly still be in school.

Dad asked if I wanted to go by myself, and while I think that could be interesting I figured I'd probably end up getting sad being there alone.

The dates:
When we first made these reservations, we had them for April 2-10 at Saratoga Springs, a Friday through Saturday. Sounds great right? Well, there were two little problems with that:

1.) We'd be gone over Easter and my mom wouldn't be very happy if we were out of town.

2.) The Brewers' home opener is April 5. Some of you might know we're big Brewer fans and go to quite a few games. In fact, we briefly considered waiting until June to do a Disney trip since they're playing out in Anaheim...hello Disneyland! That idea was short lived...It might sound stupid but after missing this year's home opener I kind of want to go again next year.

So with those things in mind, the latest we could leave is the 6th. I still wanted to get an extra day or two so Dad ended up calling DVC to see if there was any possibility of adding on a couple nights. After all, we're talking about Easter/Spring Break here and there's always the chance nothing would be available. Luckily, it turned out to not be a problem. We ended up getting April 6-12, 2010. Five whole days in Disney World!

The resort:
Like I said, our reservation was originally made for Saratoga Springs since that's our home resort. When the 7-month window rolled around and we were able to check the availability of other resorts, Dad asked me what my first choices would be: I said Old Key West and Kidani Village.

I was pretty surprised when he told me that we could pretty much get any DVC resort for those dates. In the end, we got a savannah view room at Kidani Village!!! Even though we've stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I'm really excited to see the new villas, even moreso after seeing some pictures in other people's TRs (that means you, brookelizabeth!). And there's nothing like looking out your window and seeing a giraffe!

We booked our flights yesterday on two different airlines...and it only cost $200 both ways!

Honestly though, I'm not excited...

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

wow that is crazy how soon you are going back!!!!!

you are starting to sound like me hehe Have you consiered doing a CP or PI after school? You'd be in heaven being able to go to WDW when you wanted!! I know of people that were miserable working at WDW but on their days off it was heaven knowing it was free to go to WDW and an ocean was an hour away!

I've stayed at AKL and saw that giraffe out my window, it's pretty cool!!!!!

 

[onelilspark]

I'm in!

 

[cbg1027]

I'm in, I'm in!

Kidani Village Savannah View? Ooooh I'm so jealous!!!!!!

Hey Sarah if you ever end up going solo, let me know!!!! I can pop down for a weekend pretty easily...

In fact I'm considering March 8-12 (ish) since that's my spring break....but so far if I go it will be solo. I actually kind of like to idea of trying Disney solo....except for the cost! I've traveled solo in Europe and while meals can get lonely, I like not having to consult with anyone else and just doing whatever I feel like, right when I want! I'm just waiting for some new discount codes to come out...or hopefully a PIN!!!

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw darn it, we're just going to miss each other! Bummer.

 

[Goofy22]

I'm in!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

That's 2 people in one day,
I don't know if my heart can take it.
Callie called me this morning said she is going to WDW for spring break
with her roommates.
One of the girls parents have a timeshare in Orlando and
they are going to:

1. Drive-ug.
2. Go to Universal
3. Go to the beach.
4. Go to WDW

I'm suppose to plan, I mean, find out the hours and best days.
I think they will do okay, because they plan on doing the parks during the week, and I personally don't think the parks are crowded during the week, it's mainly the weekends.

Um,
now to hear your plans.
Ya think I should go along and be a chaperone?

Well I think that is a sign then that you need to go! haha! We were so surprised the airfare was so low for that time of year.

If the Harry Potter stuff is open by the time we go (which I'm not counting on ) I'd love to go back to Universal too.

wow that is crazy how soon you are going back!!!!!

you are starting to sound like me hehe Have you consiered doing a CP or PI after school? You'd be in heaven being able to go to WDW when you wanted!! I know of people that were miserable working at WDW but on their days off it was heaven knowing it was free to go to WDW and an ocean was an hour away!

I've stayed at AKL and saw that giraffe out my window, it's pretty cool!!!!!

haha, I know, we've actually had these reservations for a while now but just officially decided to go.

I did consider doing the CP the semester after I student taught (isn't that what you did?) but stupidly didn't. My cousin's doing one of the PIs now and she loves it...she's actually trying to extend it until June.

When we were there last May they were still doing all the construction so we didn't see too many animals out our window. But I do think towards the end of the trip I saw a giraffe too.

I'm in!

Yay!!

I'm in, I'm in!

Kidani Village Savannah View? Ooooh I'm so jealous!!!!!!

Hey Sarah if you ever end up going solo, let me know!!!! I can pop down for a weekend pretty easily...

In fact I'm considering March 8-12 (ish) since that's my spring break....but so far if I go it will be solo. I actually kind of like to idea of trying Disney solo....except for the cost! I've traveled solo in Europe and while meals can get lonely, I like not having to consult with anyone else and just doing whatever I feel like, right when I want! I'm just waiting for some new discount codes to come out...or hopefully a PIN!!!

Ahhhh if you do go then, you'd be there over my birthday! I agree, the part about not having to consult with others is nice but I'd still rather have a travel buddy. Maybe some day I'll do a solo trip.

Aw darn it, we're just going to miss each other! Bummer.

Aww, sad! What are your dates again?

I'm in!!

Yay, hi Colleen!

 

[tinkgurl]

Aww, sad! What are your dates again?

March 14-19.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

YAY!! How exciting! Yes, I thought about going alone too b/c no one else wanted to come and my parents said they'd send me. Sounds like a good idea until you realize it would be very lonely!!

I don't blame you about the Brewers opener! My parents used to take me out of school for the Indians home opener and even in college I flew home to see it. I don't know what is going to happen this year when I probably have to get a "real" job and won't be able to go So I know what you mean about missing it!!!!! We always try to do side trips to and go see them on the road and check out things in other cities - you should do it!!

I am SOOOO JEALOUS OF KIDANI!!! You are going to love it. I only stayed at AKL but looking at the savannah every morning was just very relaxing and peaceful. if you love animals you will just love it. How exciting!!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

March 14-19.

Aww, just a few weeks earlier than us. Too bad I'm not still at Marquette because that's when their spring break is. But you'll be there over my dad and sister's birthdays. hehe

YAY!! How exciting! Yes, I thought about going alone too b/c no one else wanted to come and my parents said they'd send me. Sounds like a good idea until you realize it would be very lonely!!

I don't blame you about the Brewers opener! My parents used to take me out of school for the Indians home opener and even in college I flew home to see it. I don't know what is going to happen this year when I probably have to get a "real" job and won't be able to go So I know what you mean about missing it!!!!! We always try to do side trips to and go see them on the road and check out things in other cities - you should do it!!

I am SOOOO JEALOUS OF KIDANI!!! You are going to love it. I only stayed at AKL but looking at the savannah every morning was just very relaxing and peaceful. if you love animals you will just love it. How exciting!!!!

I know, on our trip last Dec. when I went to meet the fairies alone even that kind of stunk, and that was just for an hour!

haha yeah, we've only been to a couple home openers but I did skip class a couple years ago. Emma has yet to go to one and being the die-hard she is...LOL! After going to Philly this year and seeing their stadium it would be a lot of fun to go to a road game. Though we've taken a few sports-related trips before and usually we are a curse to our teams.

The new villas should be awesome...can't wait!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I was thinking of a way to make this PTR a little more interesting. When we go to Disney World, we aren't really obsessive about planning. We don't make a lot of ADRs and we usually don't decide which park we want to go to until the day before. LOL! Maybe that's what happens when you've been so many times...

It turns out that this trip is my "sweet sixteen" of Disney World trips. Crazy, huh?! I know a lot of Disney fans have to put up with people asking "You're going to Disney World again?!" or "Don't you ever get sick of it?" For me, no, I don't ever get sick of it. It's always changing and I just have so many memories from all our previous trips. So I thought it would be fun to post some "Top 10" lists of favorite things (both in the theme parks and just Disney in general)...things that keep us turning to Disney time and time again, things that I always look forward to each and every trip. I guess I should give a shout-out to Lady Lallie because I kind of got the idea from her Disney warm fuzzies she's doing in her PTR (thanks LL!). Feel free to share your own favorites!

I now present to you...

Sarah's Disney Top Tens!

TOP TEN FAVORITE ATTRACTIONS

10. It's A Small World
Yeah, a lot of people can't stand this ride but I like it! It's one of the rides I remember the most from some of our first trips to Disney World. Plus it's a Disney classic.

9. Test Track
I remember waiting close to two hours to ride this when it first opened. Always thrilling!

8. Dinosaur
Even though parts of the ride scare the you-know-what out of me it's always a must-do.

7. Peter Pan's Flight
Another Disney classic. Even though it doesn't have the thrill factor that some of the other attractions do it's still an enjoyable ride. I also love how it's different from the other dark rides in that you get to "fly" through the story.

6. Kilamanjaro Safaris
I think it's so cool how you can go to Florida and get to see so many of these amazing animals up close.

5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I have to admit this was not one of my favorites when I first rode it. Like one of my tags says, I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to thrill rides and I remember holding on for dear life the first time I went on TOT. But after a few tries, I started to like it more and more. The whole story is so neat and when you drop those 13 stories it's actually pretty amusing! Love it!

4. Expedition Everest
Another great attraction with amazing theming. You definitely get a rush when you come plummeting down the mountain backwards and the Yeti's pretty cool too.


3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This was the first roller coaster I ever went on so for that reason it holds a special place in my heart. I think I was 10 years old at the time and remember walking up to the ride with my heart racing because I was so scared. I ended up loving it and it's one of those rides we always try to do a couple of times each trip.

2. Toy Story Mania
I think this one's pretty self-explanatory! TSM is so addicting, you just want to ride it over and over and over.

1. Soarin'
In all honesty I think this is probably one of the greatest Disney attractions EVER. We first rode it in Disneyland and when I heard they were building it at Epcot I was sooo excited. On our trip in 2005 they were doing the previews for it and we were lucky enough to get on. Even my mom, who is not into a lot of the bigger rides, loved it. The scenery is amazing and I love the soundtrack too. It's also so neat coming off and hearing everyone clap. Seriously, what other attraction gets an applause?! If I could work at any attraction it would without a doubt be Soarin.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

my top 10 list would be very similar to yours!! I would add splash mountain and prolly take out IASW

 

[wdwgirl03]

my top 10 list would be very similar to yours!! I would add splash mountain and prolly take out IASW

You know, I should've just combined all the mountains and called it Triple Mountain Whammy like Stacey does. Splash Mountain is awesome too, as is Space Mtn. Ahhh it's too hard to choose just 10! I should've made it Top 20 attractions.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi!

I'm in.

Can wait to hear more!