Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*
- Thread starter natebenma
- Start date
kldmom2000
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2004
I just had to LOL Dee because your FP strategy is the same as ours 
We never ever waste even a minute of that window w/o getting another FP-DH and I take turns being FP runners and as soon as the window is open, in go the KTTW tix to get more 
This was our batch from a couple of weeks ago:
We never ever waste even a minute of that window w/o getting another FP-DH and I take turns being FP runners and as soon as the window is open, in go the KTTW tix to get more This was our batch from a couple of weeks ago:
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
I just had to LOL Dee because your FP strategy is the same as ours
NICE poker hand!!!
Now, when you went for the trip late last August and everything was walk-on, did that alter your FP gathering or take away a little of the satisfaction achieved from having a well-planned strategy?
ProudMommyof2
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
LOL- I have last years TR bookmarked so we can copy your Double Triple Mountain Whammy- so impressive!!!
Columbia House is also one of our favorites. The day is going quite well so far. Anxious to see how the days looks at the end without a break back to the hotel.
Columbia House is also one of our favorites. The day is going quite well so far. Anxious to see how the days looks at the end without a break back to the hotel.
kldmom2000
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2004
It altered it a bit because I was solo with my 2 girls in late Aug., so we didn't have a "runner" and my girls were not game with going from one side of the park to the other and back just to get a FP
Thankfully though, MOST rides were walk-on most of the time (including BTMRR), but Soarin, Test Track, Peter Pan, TSM, RnR coaster still required FP's.... We could leave AK after 1, take a bus to Epcot and get FP's for Soarin' as late as 3 or 4pm (unheard of in July when we go-usually gone by noon) so we could go back to Epcot @ night after swimming and ride Soarin'. We actually accomplished far more in the 4 days we were there in August/Sept than a week spent in July
even w/ less fast pass strategy coming into play! I don't dare attempt to even go back to a park @ night in July w/o some fastpasses unless we're just going to walk around the countries in Epcot. 
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
Oh, good- I look foward to hearing your report of conquering the mountains!!!
Yes, we had a great morning!
Crowds really picked up throughout the day. We had never stayed at one of the Disney parks from open to close with the kids, so we had no idea how the afternoon/evening would go, but we tried to be smart about building in some "cool off" time. We were also willing to pack it in whenever the boys started showing signs of meltdown.
It altered it a bit because I was solo with my 2 girls in late Aug., so we didn't have a "runner" and my girls were not game with going from one side of the park to the other and back just to get a FP
We actually accomplished far more in the 4 days we were there in August/Sept than a week spent in July
That's one of the things we love about the location of Beach Club. If we are in EPCOT in the morning, or if we return from the MK via the monorail, we always pull a FP to use later.
Impressive FP collection! Last summer we ended up with a collection of Baby Swap passes that we never used. 
Although the reason they were un-used is that we didn't really need them with the low crowds in late August.
I like Columbia Harbor House. It's one of the few CS places at MK that I like.
Amanda
Although the reason they were un-used is that we didn't really need them with the low crowds in late August. I like Columbia Harbor House. It's one of the few CS places at MK that I like.
Amanda
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
OOPS!!! Missed a couple of replies!
The upstairs is really nice. It has a sit-down feel to it more than a counter service place. And I don't think many people know it is there, so I have never seen it crowded. You have to go downstairs for the restrooms, though.
Glad you are reading along! Have fun on your trip in a few days. I hope you LOVE the Yacht and Beach Club, like we do.
It's nice that they have things like tuna and hummus and clam chowder and fried shrimp, etc. some different things than you can usually get at counterservice places.
You won't be sorry with a meal at CHH!
I'll post about our afternoon tomorrow morning.
The upstairs is really nice. It has a sit-down feel to it more than a counter service place. And I don't think many people know it is there, so I have never seen it crowded. You have to go downstairs for the restrooms, though.
Glad you are reading along! Have fun on your trip in a few days. I hope you LOVE the Yacht and Beach Club, like we do.
Impressive FP collection! Last summer we ended up with a collection of Baby Swap passes that we never used.
I like Columbia Harbor House. It's one of the few CS places at MK that I like.
Amanda
It's nice that they have things like tuna and hummus and clam chowder and fried shrimp, etc. some different things than you can usually get at counterservice places.
Thanks for the pics of CHH! I think we're absolutely planning on stopping here for lunch one day next month, it looks like it's fairly relaxed and at a great location!
Can't wait to hear how the afternoon went!
You won't be sorry with a meal at CHH!
I'll post about our afternoon tomorrow morning.
pixarmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2009
Dee and kldmom2000, LOVE the FP collections! I never thought to take a photo - great idea and how fun!
We definitely missed out on the photo op because our best collections are now behind us - they will no longer include rider swap passes. Our youngest just hit the 40" marker that has been up in our kitchen for ages. For several years, we've been splitting our FPs - 3 for space/2 for buzz (plus swap for space!), 3 for BTMR/2 for Pooh (plus swap for BTMR!).
Our best FP collection opportunities have been at DL - the windows open far more quickly so you can accumulate quite a stack. We were able to get FPs after 30 or 45 minutes at times! It also helps that few people get up early there, so the park is relatively empty in the morning and those machines are distributing FPs constantly. We were the family selected to open the park, so the boys ran down an empty main street, were first on the Matterhorn and then started the FP collection.
Dee, I'm still considering whether to even mention the "first on castaway cay idea!" Of course, they would absolutely love it. But the pressure! I have no experience to rely on for strategy there. On the other hand, the cruise crowd seems a little more laid back then our typical rope drop competition. Hmmm . . . .
Amanda, our unused FP story is a little different: We cannot get our pre-schooler to use Pooh FPs - the queue is so fun that he doesn't want to get in the FP line. Once, he even just did the queue and then said he didn't really feel like going on the ride again!
Looking forward to the rest of the report, Dee! I love Kona - hope you'll post dinner photos!
We definitely missed out on the photo op because our best collections are now behind us - they will no longer include rider swap passes. Our youngest just hit the 40" marker that has been up in our kitchen for ages. For several years, we've been splitting our FPs - 3 for space/2 for buzz (plus swap for space!), 3 for BTMR/2 for Pooh (plus swap for BTMR!).
Our best FP collection opportunities have been at DL - the windows open far more quickly so you can accumulate quite a stack. We were able to get FPs after 30 or 45 minutes at times! It also helps that few people get up early there, so the park is relatively empty in the morning and those machines are distributing FPs constantly. We were the family selected to open the park, so the boys ran down an empty main street, were first on the Matterhorn and then started the FP collection.
Dee, I'm still considering whether to even mention the "first on castaway cay idea!" Of course, they would absolutely love it. But the pressure! I have no experience to rely on for strategy there. On the other hand, the cruise crowd seems a little more laid back then our typical rope drop competition. Hmmm . . . .
Amanda, our unused FP story is a little different: We cannot get our pre-schooler to use Pooh FPs - the queue is so fun that he doesn't want to get in the FP line. Once, he even just did the queue and then said he didn't really feel like going on the ride again!
Looking forward to the rest of the report, Dee! I love Kona - hope you'll post dinner photos!
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
The only problem with the FP collection pictures is that you people are the only ones who appreciate them!
What do you think???
Marlton Mom
My favorite ride is the "ladies room"...... it's a
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2003
I CAN NOT believe I am posting this....
My "Red Neck Ride Picture"
buzzed light year Mom by Marlton Mom, on Flickr
I'm not even going to sign this post so I can claim my account was hacked....
My "Red Neck Ride Picture"
buzzed light year Mom by Marlton Mom, on Flickr
I'm not even going to sign this post so I can claim my account was hacked....
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
Our appetites satisfied, it was time to tour again. But first, since yet another FP window had opened for us, Mark and Nate headed over to BTM while Ben and I proceeded to Pirates to wait for them. We watched a little bit of this show while we waited:
When Mark and Nate arrived, the line was still pretty long, but we decided to ride anyway since we hadn’t been on Pirates yet today. I think the standby took around 25-30 minutes.
I never know how pictures will turnout with the flash shut off, but we were stopped in front of Jack, so this one came out ok. Too bad you can’t see all the treasure surrounding him!
After riding, we had a few more things to do in Adventureland:
1) Purchase souvenir rifle for Ben- he chose the one he wanted, we purchased it and arranged to send it directly home, so we didn’t have to deal with it on the plane. I think shipping was $9.95
2) Dole Whip Float for Nate
3) We cashed in our first FP, for Jungle Cruise
After riding Jungle Cruise we pulled a FP for Jungle Cruise. We heard it was fun at night, and this was something we hoped to do if we could stick it out until after sundown.
The park was starting to get very crowded, and our plan to beat the heat of the afternoon was to enjoy some of the attractions we had FP’ed as we made our way out of the park for our dinner break.
First stop- Peter Pan
Man, the people in the Stand-by Line looked HOT!!!
After our flight over London and Neverland, we decided to take an airconditioned break and watch Mickey’s Philharmagic. This is a really cute 3-D show, where Donald Duck makes an irreverent appearance in a number of popular songs from Disney movies. Mark and I both enjoyed this. The boys claimed they did not. After the show, we pulled a FP for Winnie the Pooh.
Continuing to make our way out of the park, we crossed over into Tomorrowland.
First up, use FP to ride Space Mountain.
Redneck Ride Photo
We had noticed the writing over the ride photos at most of the Universal attractions. It was sporadic at the Disney rides. Once in awhile you could get a picture without the words if you were quick enough.
I believe we had about 20 minutes before we could pull another FP. The next step for us was obvious:
PeopleMover!!! Another leisurely tour through Tomorrowland.
When the ride was over, we split up briefly- Mark and Nate to get Space Mountain FP and Ben and I went to Auntie Gravities for a couple of smoothies (Orange Pineapple and Cappucino).
We took the road less traveled out of Tomorrowland (by the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace), found ourselves on Main Street, and paused briefly for our only set of Photopass pictures of the trip.
A few days before our trip, I contacted a few Yacht & Beach Club posters who were traveling at the same time as us, to see if they were willing to do a Photopass Share. I found one family who was already planning to preorder the CD, and they agreed to let me in on their account. I don’t have the PP pictures yet, but here is one the photographer offered to take with my camera.
It was sometime between 3:30 and 4 PM. We have a 5 PM dinner reservation at Kona Café at the Polynesian Resort.
It has been a REALLY good day so far!
We have been on Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain (2x), Buzz Lightyear, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Peter Pan, Space Mountain (2x), Peoplemover (2x)
We have FPs for Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise and Winnie the Pooh for when we return to the park.
Next up: The monorail is TOO a ride and Dinner at Kona
When Mark and Nate arrived, the line was still pretty long, but we decided to ride anyway since we hadn’t been on Pirates yet today. I think the standby took around 25-30 minutes.
I never know how pictures will turnout with the flash shut off, but we were stopped in front of Jack, so this one came out ok. Too bad you can’t see all the treasure surrounding him!
After riding, we had a few more things to do in Adventureland:
1) Purchase souvenir rifle for Ben- he chose the one he wanted, we purchased it and arranged to send it directly home, so we didn’t have to deal with it on the plane. I think shipping was $9.95
2) Dole Whip Float for Nate
3) We cashed in our first FP, for Jungle Cruise
After riding Jungle Cruise we pulled a FP for Jungle Cruise. We heard it was fun at night, and this was something we hoped to do if we could stick it out until after sundown.
The park was starting to get very crowded, and our plan to beat the heat of the afternoon was to enjoy some of the attractions we had FP’ed as we made our way out of the park for our dinner break.
First stop- Peter Pan
Man, the people in the Stand-by Line looked HOT!!!
After our flight over London and Neverland, we decided to take an airconditioned break and watch Mickey’s Philharmagic. This is a really cute 3-D show, where Donald Duck makes an irreverent appearance in a number of popular songs from Disney movies. Mark and I both enjoyed this. The boys claimed they did not. After the show, we pulled a FP for Winnie the Pooh.
Continuing to make our way out of the park, we crossed over into Tomorrowland.
First up, use FP to ride Space Mountain.
Redneck Ride Photo
We had noticed the writing over the ride photos at most of the Universal attractions. It was sporadic at the Disney rides. Once in awhile you could get a picture without the words if you were quick enough.
I believe we had about 20 minutes before we could pull another FP. The next step for us was obvious:
PeopleMover!!! Another leisurely tour through Tomorrowland.
When the ride was over, we split up briefly- Mark and Nate to get Space Mountain FP and Ben and I went to Auntie Gravities for a couple of smoothies (Orange Pineapple and Cappucino).
We took the road less traveled out of Tomorrowland (by the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace), found ourselves on Main Street, and paused briefly for our only set of Photopass pictures of the trip.
A few days before our trip, I contacted a few Yacht & Beach Club posters who were traveling at the same time as us, to see if they were willing to do a Photopass Share. I found one family who was already planning to preorder the CD, and they agreed to let me in on their account. I don’t have the PP pictures yet, but here is one the photographer offered to take with my camera.
It was sometime between 3:30 and 4 PM. We have a 5 PM dinner reservation at Kona Café at the Polynesian Resort.
It has been a REALLY good day so far!
We have been on Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain (2x), Buzz Lightyear, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Peter Pan, Space Mountain (2x), Peoplemover (2x)
We have FPs for Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise and Winnie the Pooh for when we return to the park.
Next up: The monorail is TOO a ride and Dinner at Kona
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Can I just say that I'm exhausted READING about your 1 day at MK so far!
All that runnin around for FP and all you managed to accomplish!
guess I'm just used to that other park and EP....
Liking your day so far....
All that runnin around for FP and all you managed to accomplish!
guess I'm just used to that other park and EP....
Liking your day so far....
ProudMommyof2
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
Great day so far, but I bet you guys are ready for a rest. We will be going to Kona on our trip this time. We always do O'Hana's but since we are staying at the Poly we decided to do both.
ddluvsdisney
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2010
Great day so far! Can't believe your boys don't like MP. My boys think it's funny. My youngest DS loves Donald.
We also love CHH. I gotta try the Anchor's Away- I mean tuna sandwich lol
I have less than a week to go
We also love CHH. I gotta try the Anchor's Away- I mean tuna sandwich lol
I have less than a week to go
ddluvsdisney
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2010
Great day so far! Can't believe your boys don't like MP. My boys think it's funny. My youngest DS loves Donald.
We also love CHH. I gotta try the Anchor's Away- I mean tuna sandwich lol
I have less than a week to go
Sorry for double post my computer has been acting weird lately!
We also love CHH. I gotta try the Anchor's Away- I mean tuna sandwich lol
I have less than a week to go
Sorry for double post my computer has been acting weird lately!
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