1 Child and 10 Adults--A GG to Celebrate DD's 4th Bday :) TR Link is Posted

[-Hope-]

I think we will be able to get more than the goals done each day, but those I feel are most important. Some days will have more than four, because we will have more than four hours in the parks.

I am working on a rough daily itinerary too. I am working on a rough order of how I see things going just to be sure we do not be standing around a bunch--that would drive me crazy!!

Oh I definately think you'll get more than your goals accomplished but its great to know your priorities.

I agree about the standing around- that's why I made touring plans. If we miss out on something because we chose to do something else that's fine but if we miss out because we were wasting time standing around wondering what to do next I'd be so irritated with myself.

 

[mousescrapper]

Part of me thinks I will shop for what I can up here in Michigan (since we are driving) and the use the market at CSR to supplement what we need. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Stop on the way into Disney at a grocery store or bring from home?

I'd do a combo of both....it would be less expensive to stop and purchase some food items off property I read about a bunch of driving Disers stopping at Walmart...




Breakdown of Day 1 at Disney

Park
Magic Kingdom!!


Goals for today

1. Meet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen
2. Any FL rides we can accomplish before closing at 7:00 (NOJ begins at 7:30)
3. Ears purchased for Lilian (and possibly me )
4. Photopass card purchase and first pictures taken​

I would add more goals, but I would like to keep it to one goal per hour we will be in the park. With being unsure of whether or not we will make it to the park by 2:00 I am hesitant to add a fifth goal.


I think those are good goals....you should have a list/order of the FL attractions you'd like to do too. coming in mid day scheduling 1 thing per hour is a great way to not get overwhelmed...


Ideas for Evening Plans

1. Go back to resort, eat dinner at the resort and swim. This option is appealing especially if we have not been able to check into our rooms yet.
2. Go to DTD for dinner and some light shopping. If still have energy and not too late, we can go back and swim.
3. Go to ESPN Club!! We love college football in my family so this is obviously during the early part of the season but we still like to watch it!! We could go and eat dinner (OOP) and watch some football. When Lilian gets antsy I can walk with her along the boardwalk-which I have NEVER seen. This option is very appealing because I would get a chance to see another part of Disney property.​

those are some great ideas...my first thought would be be option 1...you're going be tired....if you can go to DTD and shop another day...skip it for now...if you are game (sorry) I'd try the ESPN club option...I think they changed the menu but I went there (Only once back in 98 before kids) and the Nachos were out of this world YUM!!!!

Breakdown of Day 2 at Disney

Park
Epcot, Future World


Goals for today

1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Disney Visa Meet n Greet @ Innoventions West
4. Photopass pictures​

I am only listing four goals because I think we will only be in FW for about four hours, from 9:00-1:00. We want to take midday breaks so I picture us leaving after lunch. What do you all think about this plan? Lilian is pretty sensitive to the heat, always has been, so I feel it is going to best to get out of park. If we are all holding up well, we may stay longer but I am not going to push it.

I certaintly wouldn't stay any longer if you want a decent break and be back at BCV before 5 pm...

couple things...

1) is Lillian tall enough to ride TT and Soarin or are you doing baby swap or is someone sitting it out....Baby swap is great...but it greatly increases your time...we have done it two yrs in a row now on Soarin...

2) based on that I really think you can add one more thing if you are ariving at RD or opening...maybe take Lillian into the Kodak Labs the side/entrance exit to the Imagination pav so she can play or just do the Clamobile ride for the Seas...or go in the the other non ride entrance and see Turtle Talk...


To get to DHS, I thought we could take the boat. Is this correct—can we ride the boat to DHS from Beach Club? If we are not feeling up to going to DHS, we can go back to resort to relax and swim. I’m really trying to leave our nights as flexible as possible but have ideas of options we could choose from if we decide we have the energy to do something else.

yes that is correct you can do a boat over to DHS....

looks like some great first days!!!! and I love the Mickey bars....YUM. I'm not a big ice cream person too...used to be but my tummy doesn't quite agree anymore...but just one will do! w/ a side of lactaid

 

[Charlefours]

Day 2 sounds great! And I can tell you from personal experience those Minnie Strawberry bars are yummy! I've taken that boat from the Beach Club to DHS. You catch it at the Lighthouse that is outside of the Yacht Club. We actually prefer walking over, but we're big walkers. The boat is often crowded, it can be hot, and it's loud. It will definitely get you there though!

I did not realize you could walk until this morning. I am not as familiar with the transportation ins and outs of the Epcot/DHS resorts. I will have to read more about it. Thanks for letting me know!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I'm not sure how much time we will spend in FW--DH and I are definitely WS people too. I hope to get time to start exploring WS but I am not going to push too hard to get to it. I believe we will ride Soarin', TT, SE, Nemo and Living with the Land. Quite a list, but hopefully it will be easy to get through. The only other thing is the Meet and Greet so hopefully that won't be horrible. I want to be in line for that around 1:00 then leave after we are done.

WS, I could easily spend days exploring it.

I think you should be able to manage those attractions in your time frame. You could get FP's for Soarin' right away then ride Living w/the Land (since they're right next to each other). Before using the FP for Soarin', head over to see Nemo and possibly Turtle Talk (if there is a show right away). By that time, maybe it will be time for your FP for Soarin', BUT you should have someone run and get FP's for TT first. Then, you can ride Soarin' with your FP, get in line for your Visa picture then ride TT. Don't forget about SE. You could ride before you exit the park (that line moves fast!). Just how I would do it!

I'm really hoping to spend a lot of time at WS next month. We have 2 back to back days planned at Epcot! Madison loved the Kim Possible missions and she only has 3 left to do. We've explored pretty much all of Mexico, Norway, Germany, American Adventure and Canada. The rest of the countries have been pretty neglected by us.

 

[Charlefours]

I like the Mickey ice cream sandwich! Though I feel bad when I bite his ears off.

Day 2 looks good. I stayed at Beach Club last year and it's very easy to find your way around. you'll spot Cape May Cafe in no time! And the boat does go over to DHS. Beach & Yacht Club share a launch in the middle of the lake. Look for a lighthouse on the Yacht Club side, you should have no trouble spotting it!

Thanks Jenny for answering my question!

 

[Charlefours]

Oh I definately think you'll get more than your goals accomplished but its great to know your priorities.

I agree about the standing around- that's why I made touring plans. If we miss out on something because we chose to do something else that's fine but if we miss out because we were wasting time standing around wondering what to do next I'd be so irritated with myself.

Yup and for me it also is because I do not want my whole vacation dictated to me. This is my family's vacation--the others are along for the ride. Of course, I am taking into account their likes so we can get to those things too.

 

[Charlefours]

yes that is correct you can do a boat over to DHS....

looks like some great first days!!!! and I love the Mickey bars....YUM. I'm not a big ice cream person too...used to be but my tummy doesn't quite agree anymore...but just one will do! w/ a side of lactaid

Thanks Julie for all the great comments. Luckily, Lilian is tall enough to ride the 40 inch height restricted rides. I know she is excited about TT, she has seen the videos on YouTube of it. Soarin' videos did nothing for her but I think she'll like it.

I was talking to DH about groceries last night, he just wants us to pack what we can and then not worry about stopping. I think he wants to get there as quickly as possible too.

I love DIS because I can ask the smallest questions and you all will know the answers. I will either propose the boat or to walk over depending on the time. DD will have a stroller so she can ride if need be.

 

[Charlefours]

I think you should be able to manage those attractions in your time frame. You could get FP's for Soarin' right away then ride Living w/the Land (since they're right next to each other). Before using the FP for Soarin', head over to see Nemo and possibly Turtle Talk (if there is a show right away). By that time, maybe it will be time for your FP for Soarin', BUT you should have someone run and get FP's for TT first. Then, you can ride Soarin' with your FP, get in line for your Visa picture then ride TT. Don't forget about SE. You could ride before you exit the park (that line moves fast!). Just how I would do it!

I'm really hoping to spend a lot of time at WS next month. We have 2 back to back days planned at Epcot! Madison loved the Kim Possible missions and she only has 3 left to do. We've explored pretty much all of Mexico, Norway, Germany, American Adventure and Canada. The rest of the countries have been pretty neglected by us.

Thanks Meghan!! I am glad to have feedback on what should be doable and a good order.

We love Epcot on our first trip and I sure hope DD enjoys it.

 

[jenny105]

Thanks Jenny for answering my question!

No problem!

 

[Charlefours]

Things I am looking forward to…

27. Dumbo!!

This is one of the first rides I showed Lilian on YouTube when we started to discuss our trip. She is very excited to ride this ride! Her excitement, and the fact she asks everyday if she can ride it, has put it on my top 30 things I am looking forward to experiencing on this upcoming trip (what other rides make the list—stay tuned). Can you believe we did not ride Dumbo last time!!?! It will be first ride for all of us, which makes it even more special because it will be a family first.

Dumbo YouTube Video

One thing I would like to do when riding Dumbo (perhaps we will ride more than once) is to take pictures while we are “flying.” Here are some fun photos of Dumbo (pulled from the internet again):

I am really looking forward to experiencing so many family firsts while we are on this trip!!

 

[jenny105]

Aw, I love Dumbo! I never get to go on it though because the line is usually slow moving and there are a million other things I want to do! I did ask Kris if he would go on Dumbo with me though so maybe this trip!

 

[Charlefours]

This Time Next Month: Monday, September 13

This is our second day at Epcot and it is devoted to exploring World Showcase. I am really excited to get back to WS, to explore the hidden nooks and take pictures.

Breakdown of Day 3 at Disney

Park
Epcot, World Showcase

Food
ADRs: 2

• Breakfast: Akershus
• Lunch: snacking around WS, wishing the Mexico CS would be opened
• Dinner: Via Napoli​

Goals for today

1. Kidcot Stations!
2. Taking tons of photographs
3. Meeting Characters—hopefully the mice will be out to greet in France
​

This day is relatively relaxing for us, or at least that is how I am envisioning it. Question How long should I anticipate it taking us to walk back to Norway to get to our breakfast ADR? I am thinking 20 minutes at least because DH’s parents are relatively slow walkers, so I don’t want to leave them behind.

I think we will experience WS all the way up to dinner. Worse come to worse, I can go into the dark theaters with Lilian so she can cool off and take a nap. Dinner is at 4:30 at Via Napoli, which I am extremely excited about. I asked DH what he thought and he was okay with given up Coral Reef since we are eating at Cape May Café the night before this day.

Evening Plans:
I am planning on leaving the parks after dinner, so around 5:30/6:00. This will be a relaxing night at the resort swimming and such because the next day we have to be up early for Lilian’s birthday!!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I really love that you are allowing a lot of down time! I think it will make your vacation that much more enjoyable. I have planned a lot of downtime as well. I also am not making TPs for the parks each day b/c whatever we feel like doing that day in the park we will do! Last trip I drove myself sick trying to accomplish everything on my list. Of course, I have a list of things I'd like to do but that doesn't mean we'll get it all done. I want to be able to enjoy our resort, too!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Thanks Meghan!! I am glad to have feedback on what should be doable and a good order.

We love Epcot on our first trip and I sure hope DD enjoys it.

No problem! I'm all about figuring out which order to do things in and what will save the most time. I'm sure your DD will love Epcot. Are you going to buy her the Epcot passport? That is a lot of fun!

I too am crazy excited for Via Napoli!!!!! It's going to be an OOP meal for us, but I just plan on us splitting a pizza and each of us getting a drink. It won't be too bad and we have loads of gift cards to use.

 

[BabyEeyore]

I am really looking forward to Dumbo as well. When we went in March and rode it, my DD (18 months at the time) would go "Wheeeeeee!!!!" the whole time. I can't wait to go on it again and see if she likes it just as much.

 

[wlwilliams9]

I'm so excited for Lilian to experience Disney and for you and Allyn to experience it through her.

Loving all of the goals/wishes for each day!! You are leaving lots of downtime which will be nice in the heat of September! I will say that WS is better at night though, I hope you get to experience it while dark!

Beware of the Kidcot stations, they use Sharpies!!

Yum, the pics of the Mickey bars and Mickey ice cream sandwich have me drooling!! I hope to see a picture of Lilian with an Itzakadoozie too! As seen here:

Oh, definitely take the boat to DHS from the BC, it's a nice ride! Don't forget to smell the BC!! I love the smell of the BC! You'll definitely want to stay there next time the minute you walk through the doors!

P.S. Cape May Cafe is at the far right corner of the lobby if you enter through the main entrance!

 

[mousescrapper]

I love DIS because I can ask the smallest questions and you all will know the answers. I will either propose the boat or to walk over depending on the time. DD will have a stroller so she can ride if need be.

I completely agree...

Question How long should I anticipate it taking us to walk back to Norway to get to our breakfast ADR? I am thinking 20 minutes at least because DH’s parents are relatively slow walkers, so I don’t want to leave them behind.

what time is the ADR...are you walking through the park w/ other guests or is this pre-park opening? I forget...

if you took most of the front of the park shots the other morning and are not stopping anywhere once in...20 min sounds good...but if the park is already full...it could take a bit longer...

I totally mis judged that when we had our pre-park ADR there last March...we were running late and then we were so side tracked w/ pictures in an empty EP...but even though we were like 10-15 late...it all was fine...

Yum, the pics of the Mickey bars and Mickey ice cream sandwich have me drooling!! I hope to see a picture of Lilian with an Itzakadoozie too! As seen here:

thanks for this picture...I have read about these bars and on the food menus that are diary free...but didn't know what they were or looked liked...


my DD is on a diary, egg, wheat and gluten free diet...which makes things tough...I was saddened the other day when out shopping she was asking for all these treats, etc that she can't eat and thought aw man Disney is going to be heard this time...w/ her seeing her siblings eating those yummy "Mickey" treats...but this will be great!

messy...but so special for her...DH says we should make it a point only she get's to eat those...

sorry for the hijak Stephanie...

just another reason I love the Dis...thanks wlwilliams9 you have brightened my day

 

[seamama71]

I"m loving all your plans so far
All the flexibility, with the back-up of concrete goals, seems like a great plan.

Thinking about Via Napoli... and wondering about an OOP meal there myself!

 

[MHTeacher]

SO CLOSE!

Lilian is going to love riding Dumbo!

 

[Charlefours]

In honor of this being the one month mark to Lilian’s birthday, I decided the next thing on my countdown would be something happening on her birthday.

26: 1900 Park Fare

When deciding where we wanted to eat, I knew I did not want to take two table service credits (this trip) at Cinderella’s Castle. Why, you might ask? With as large of a group as we are having, I felt it would be hard to get a good ADR. Honestly, DH and I thought the food was just okay the last time we went. Now, granted, it was five years ago and they have changed the formats. I think I would like to try for a breakfast ADR on our next trip.

With these thoughts in mind, during our early planning phase, I read about 1900 Park Fare and I knew it would be perfect for what I wanted. The nice about it—no one has been to it!! It is a first visit for all eleven of us on this trip!! A rarity!

1900 Park Fare Visit Video

Some photos of 1900 Park Fare, courtesy of AllEars and DIS, respectively:

I think this will be a great birthday dinner for DD!! She will get to have dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Stepsisters and Stepmother. I hope DD will get to dance with Prince Charming on her birthday—but she may be too shy for it.