Bunnies, Blooms, & the Boardwalk...NEW TR LINK ADDED p. 14

[ChildAtHeart82]

Here is my tentative plan for the second and third full days of our trip.
...
Sarah has said something about eating at T-Rex, and Tuesday might be a good day to try that. There are no reservations available, but if we went over there around 4 PM or so, I would think we could get seated within an hour or two because they seem to accept more walkups than reservations there. If not, we can always find another place to eat, like Earl of Sandwich or Wolfgang Puck Express.
...

Have you tried calling T-Rex directly to get a reservation? They only release a small percentage of their reservation slots to the Disney system so there's usually a lot more availability if you call them directly. The number is 1-407-828-8739. I hope this helps!

The boat ride over to Port Orleans is nice and it's a pretty resort to walk around. Have a beignet for us if you do go visit!

 

[marDgreen88]

Animal Kingdom is my second favorite park too! I LOVE IT!!! Sounds like a great day!

I'm glad they extended the park hours for yall! I would totally go to MK at 7 AM too! The early bird gets all the good rides done before the millions of other people come!

 

[wdwgirl03]

The exhibits around the Oasis is where we take a lot of time watching, but we always have to say hi to the Galapagos tortoise that's next to the tree of life. We just really enjoy watching the animals and there never seems to be many crowds in either place which is nice.

We should really try to look at the exhibits in the Oasis. I don't think my dad would object to that.

I packed today.

Tomorrow I am going to print off important numbers for reservations.

In a few days, the Weather Channel will be predicting the forecast for Florida.

What airline are you flying home with?

WOW, you are ahead of the game! My suitcase probably won't be coming out until next Friday (is it really next Friday already?! ). Heck, I'll probably be packing when we get home from the Brewer game.

That's right, soon they'll have the 10-day forecast and Dad just said how in a couple days we'll be able to do online check-in for the resort.

We are flying home on Southwest. Our flight is in the morning.

Here is my tentative plan for the second and third full days of our trip.

There are AM EMH at DHS on Monday, so we will probably go there first. Although I expect DHS to be very crowded that day, the extra hour gives us a chance to hit the big headliners in the first 90 minutes or so before moving on to the other things Sarah wants to do at DHS. We can stay at DHS as long as there are things we want to do and the crowds are manageable.

Monday evening may be a good time to try to see Magic, Memories, and You and Wishes. We often seem to see Wishes on the night before departure, and it might be nice to see it earlier in the trip. Part of my thinking on this is that we will probably start the day at EPCOT on Tuesday, so we will not have to get up that early on Tuesday morning. Because MK will probably be hopelessly jammed on Monday afternoon and evening there would be no reason to get there too early. So, we could spend Monday afternoon at the pool or Fantasia Gardens. We could also get something to eat around the Boardwalk area (Beaches and Cream?) or Downtown Disney. If we go to MK, we might be able to catch a few of the lesser attractions or shows that have no more than a cycle wait (Philharmagic, Monsters, Carousel of Progress, Tiki Room) before getting in position to see the castle. I don't think we would try to get a curbside spot for the MSEP because we have seen that a few times.

On Tuesday morning we can start the day at EPCOT to do the major attractions, and spend more time seeing the Flower and Garden Festival displays and maybe trying a few Kim Possible missions when World Showcase opens. We can stay at the park as long as we want before walking back to the Boardwalk.

Sarah has said something about eating at T-Rex, and Tuesday might be a good day to try that. There are no reservations available, but if we went over there around 4 PM or so, I would think we could get seated within an hour or two because they seem to accept more walkups than reservations there. If not, we can always find another place to eat, like Earl of Sandwich or Wolfgang Puck Express.

Sarah and I have also talked about taking a boat ride over to Port Orleans because we have never visited there. We could do that after dinner and get back to the Boardwalk early to rest up for an early morning on Wednesday.

Epcot would be good on Tuesday, especially if DAK has 7 am opening on Wednesday and like I said I sort of want to do that. It would be nice to sleep in a little on one morning atleast.

Have you tried calling T-Rex directly to get a reservation? They only release a small percentage of their reservation slots to the Disney system so there's usually a lot more availability if you call them directly. The number is 1-407-828-8739. I hope this helps!

The boat ride over to Port Orleans is nice and it's a pretty resort to walk around. Have a beignet for us if you do go visit!

My sister went to visit one of the Port Orleans resorts (I think she went to French Quarter?) during her CP and she said it was really pretty. We always like seeing the different resorts (especially ones we've never stayed at) so I hope we can finally make it over there.

Animal Kingdom is my second favorite park too! I LOVE IT!!! Sounds like a great day!

I'm glad they extended the park hours for yall! I would totally go to MK at 7 AM too! The early bird gets all the good rides done before the millions of other people come!

Yay, more AK love. Seriously, how can some people not like it?

Exactly! That's why we like it.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Girl....how did I miss this?? I am going to spend this evening catching up! Subbing now!

 

[wisblue]

We should really try to look at the exhibits in the Oasis. I don't think my dad would object to that.

I wouldn't object.

That sounds like a good thing to do if we go to DAK on Sunday afternoon/evening. If we stop there on our way out of the park it probably won't be too busy and we can look at things at our leisure without crowds rushing by.

 

[OhMari]

I forgot about the Brewer game.

I am so busy during the week and helping my son yet, our trip is coming really quick now. We are flying home Sat. Evening.

 

[wisblue]

For the fourth full day of our trip, Sarah and I are planning to go to DAK for EMH at 7AM. It could be fun being at the park that early to do a safari. Supposedly, the animals are more active early in the morning, so we'll see about that. That early start will also give us plenty of time to do whatever else we want in the park, including the major rides, strolling the trails, and seeing a show before noon. By then I will probably be ready to return to the Boardwalk for a rest.

If we feel like it, and if they're holding it that day, we could also stop in for the DVC's Welcome Home Wednesday since it is held right in our neighborhood at 2 PM. I'd like to take a shot at some of those neat prizes they give away.

Wednesday evening features the one DAR of our trip at Via Napoli. I would like to spend the time after dinner strollong around the World Showcase, possibly taking in a couple of the movies or the American Adventure show (one of my favorites in EPCOT). If we're up to it, we can also stay for Illunimations; it's always nice when you can just walk out of the park and back to your room after the show.

That could be a very full and entertaining day.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Girl....how did I miss this?? I am going to spend this evening catching up! Subbing now!

Hi Queen! Glad you found my PTR.

I wouldn't object.

That sounds like a good thing to do if we go to DAK on Sunday afternoon/evening. If we stop there on our way out of the park it probably won't be too busy and we can look at things at our leisure without crowds rushing by.

haha, I didn't think you would.

I forgot about the Brewer game.

I am so busy during the week and helping my son yet, our trip is coming really quick now. We are flying home Sat. Evening.

Yep, hopefully it'll be nice like it was the last time we went right before going to Florida. It was as warm here as it was down there.

Hope your son is doing better now. Can't believe it's almost the end of March!

For the fourth full day of our trip, Sarah and I are planning to go to DAK for EMH at 7AM. It could be fun being at the park that early to do a safari. Supposedly, the animals are more active early in the morning, so we'll see about that. That early start will also give us plenty of time to do whatever else we want in the park, including the major rides, strolling the trails, and seeing a show before noon. By then I will probably be ready to return to the Boardwalk for a rest.

If we feel like it, and if they're holding it that day, we could also stop in for the DVC's Welcome Home Wednesday since it is held right in our neighborhood at 2 PM. I'd like to take a shot at some of those neat prizes they give away.

Wednesday evening features the one DAR of our trip at Via Napoli. I would like to spend the time after dinner strollong around the World Showcase, possibly taking in a couple of the movies or the American Adventure show (one of my favorites in EPCOT). If we're up to it, we can also stay for Illunimations; it's always nice when you can just walk out of the park and back to your room after the show.

That could be a very full and entertaining day.

Do they say anywhere on the DVC website when they have the Welcome Home Wednesdays? I know you said they don't do it every week anymore. I'd be willing to go if there is one on that day.

 

[wisblue]

Do they say anywhere on the DVC website when they have the Welcome Home Wednesdays? I know you said they don't do it every week anymore. I'd be willing to go if there is one on that day.

The website just says that they have it on "most Wednesdays". There are a few dates listed for which the event won't be held, but those are all in February or November. But, they also say that the schedule is subject to change; the last time we stayed at the Boardwalk it was cancelled pretty late because of another event at the club. They directed people to the model room to pick up their caps.

Because we will be right there it should be easy for us to check to see if there will be an event, and it won't be a big deal if it's cancelled.

 

[wisblue]

Have you tried calling T-Rex directly to get a reservation? They only release a small percentage of their reservation slots to the Disney system so there's usually a lot more availability if you call them directly. The number is 1-407-828-8739. I hope this helps!

The boat ride over to Port Orleans is nice and it's a pretty resort to walk around. Have a beignet for us if you do go visit!

Thanks for that suggestion.

I did call and they confirmed that they take a lot more reservations than the ones they offer through the Disney website, and that they always allow some space for walkups.

So, now I have a reservation for 5:30 PM on Tuesday with no obligation because they don't charge for cancellations.

 

[wdwgirl03]

The website just says that they have it on "most Wednesdays". There are a few dates listed for which the event won't be held, but those are all in February or November. But, they also say that the schedule is subject to change; the last time we stayed at the Boardwalk it was cancelled pretty late because of another event at the club. They directed people to the model room to pick up their caps.

Because we will be right there it should be easy for us to check to see if there will be an event, and it won't be a big deal if it's cancelled.

OK. Like I said I wouldn't mind going to WHW.

Thanks for that suggestion.

I did call and they confirmed that they take a lot more reservations than the ones they offer through the Disney website, and that they always allow some space for walkups.

So, now I have a reservation for 5:30 PM on Tuesday with no obligation because they don't charge for cancellations.

Yay!

 

[wdwgirl03]

OK, we're almost to single digits! 11 days!!! Soon we'll be saying this time next week.

I made a trip purchase last week. I received my Vera Bradley birthday coupon which as some of you know is good for $20 off a purchase during your birthday month. Well, the new summer colors came out last week and I couldn't let my coupon go to waste. haha So what did I end up with?

It is the new Clare bag in Priscilla Pink. If you're familiar with VB, it is sort of like the hipster only a little bit fatter (which is perfect for my bigger camera). I love it!

Back to the plans now. I've gone through all the parks and Dad has been providing sort of a daily itinerary so here's the last list of things to do outside of the parks.

Downtown Disney/Miscellaneous Plans!!!

I'll start off by saying that if you didn't see my dad's post, he tried calling T-Rex Cafe (thanks to ChildatHeart82 for the suggestion!) and we were able to get a reservation for Tuesday evening. I keep saying how I want to go there so it might finally happen!

If we go there for dinner of course we'll have to visit the shops. Some of my personal favorites that we can't miss are World of Disney, Disney's Pin Traders, and D-Street. I'd like to pick up a couple new pins (definitely a Boardwalk one to add to my "Resorts I've Stayed at" collection) and a vinylmation or two. And who knows, maybe I'll find something useful for a change too. I also hope to check out some of the newer lego displays. When we were there in October it was dark out so that wasn't the best time to see them. But they are so neat looking. (Random side story about Legos: They're putting in a lego store at one of the malls around here. Last weekend when we were there Claire and I saw where it was going to be and on the walls there were a few pictures of legos. One of the pictures was of the sea serpent at Downtown Disney, with Saratoga Springs in the background. It made me smile and I told Claire to take a picture of it ) Anyways, continuing on...

Another thing I've been wanting to do at Downtown Disney but it never seems to be operating is the Characters in Flight balloon. I know Dad and Emma did it (I think in August before she moved into her apartment for the CP) and they said it was cool. So I'll hope for some good weather.

Dad also mentioned how we want to take the boat and ride over to Port Orleans since we've never been there. It's always peaceful riding the boats and it's fun visiting the different resorts.

Speaking of resorts, I also want to check out the Swan and Dolphin. The only time I've really been over there was when we rented a car from the Dolphin. I figure since we'll be at the Boardwalk it'll be easy enough to walk over there whenever.

And, sometime we might head over to Fantasia Gardens for a round of mini golf since it's pretty much right across the street from the Swan and Dolphin.

What are your favorite things to do outside the parks? Feel free to share!

 

[Caretames1]

Very cute purse! My Sammy wold love it. She's a crazy purse person and just bought 2 for summer because her winter ones were too dark!


Downtown Disney is the first thing we did every trip! It's the perfect way to spend that half day after flying in.

I have wanted to do Characters in Flight every time we've gone, but alas it was too windy. Someday!

I think you'll really enjoy the boat ride to POR and also enjoy checking POR out. Try to check out the Piano Player in the Lounge area, he's hilarious!

 

[marDgreen88]

AHHH I love the Vera Bradley! I have a slight obsession with VB... however I was NOT aware of the birthday month coupon! Um, excuse me VB, where's mine been all these years? Hahaha.

I hope yall end up going to T-Rex! It's definitely a good one to visit at least one (or over and over again if you end up loving it)! I know I really enjoyed it, better than Rainforest!

As far as non-park activities, my list is very short. It includes DTD, and visiting other resorts (and even the list of resorts visited is short)! Hahaha but it sounds like yall have a great trip planned! WOW, 11 days! Awesome!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

You guys shouldn't be disappointed on an early safari. The one time we've been able to get up and be there before 8 it seemed like all the animals were awake and active. It was really cool.

Welcome Home Wednesdays sounds like a great plan, I hope that works out.

I can't say we ever leave ourselves enough time outside of the parks, but I do love lounging by the pool.

 

[wisblue]

Now that the trip is less than 2 weeks away, I have been looking at the long term weather forecasts, even though I know that they are generally not accurate. I also know from past experience that those forecasts generally change from day to day, and sometimes very dramatically.

To illustrate, I looked yesterday at the 15 day forecast on Accuweather, and it showed perfect weather for the first few days of our trip: variations of sunny to partly sunny and temperatures in the upper 70's to around 80. Today, for the same period (plus one day) they are showing temperatures in the upper 80's to low 90's beginning on the Monday after Easter (still with no rain).

I'm sure tomorrow's forecast will be different, but when I look at the forecasts I think about how the weather might affect our touring plans. If the weather is really hot for our trip (a real possibility in April) that would remove all doubt about going to parks with AM EMH to take advantage of smaller crowds and cooler temeratures. It would also mean a little more time in the middle of the day at the pool or resting in the air conditioned room, and visiting air conditioned attractions like Universe of Energy, American Adventure, etc. It would also mean slowing down the pace a little, because at my age I tire quickly in very hot weather.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Very cute purse! My Sammy wold love it. She's a crazy purse person and just bought 2 for summer because her winter ones were too dark!


Downtown Disney is the first thing we did every trip! It's the perfect way to spend that half day after flying in.

I have wanted to do Characters in Flight every time we've gone, but alas it was too windy. Someday!

I think you'll really enjoy the boat ride to POR and also enjoy checking POR out. Try to check out the Piano Player in the Lounge area, he's hilarious!

Thank you! The colors are so fun and even brighter in person. I love it.

I love going to DTD.

haha, yup, it always seems to be too windy or rainy. Hopefully we can do it this trip. We'll see!

From everyone else's pictures, Port Orleans looks really pretty. I can't wait to see it in person!

AHHH I love the Vera Bradley! I have a slight obsession with VB... however I was NOT aware of the birthday month coupon! Um, excuse me VB, where's mine been all these years? Hahaha.

I hope yall end up going to T-Rex! It's definitely a good one to visit at least one (or over and over again if you end up loving it)! I know I really enjoyed it, better than Rainforest!

As far as non-park activities, my list is very short. It includes DTD, and visiting other resorts (and even the list of resorts visited is short)! Hahaha but it sounds like yall have a great trip planned! WOW, 11 days! Awesome!!!

haha, I am a little obsessed too. Do you have a signature store where you live (one that is owned by the company)? If there is you could try signing up for the mailing list. I'm not sure if you can get it just by signing up online.

I think T-Rex looks so fun. I loved the Rainforest Cafe when we went so I'm sure I'll like T-Rex Cafe too.

You guys shouldn't be disappointed on an early safari. The one time we've been able to get up and be there before 8 it seemed like all the animals were awake and active. It was really cool.

Welcome Home Wednesdays sounds like a great plan, I hope that works out.

I can't say we ever leave ourselves enough time outside of the parks, but I do love lounging by the pool.

That is what we're hoping for!

If the weather is warm like the forecasts are predicting, we will definitely plan on visiting the pool. I'm excited for the clown slide.

Now that the trip is less than 2 weeks away, I have been looking at the long term weather forecasts, even though I know that they are generally not accurate. I also know from past experience that those forecasts generally change from day to day, and sometimes very dramatically.

To illustrate, I looked yesterday at the 15 day forecast on Accuweather, and it showed perfect weather for the first few days of our trip: variations of sunny to partly sunny and temperatures in the upper 70's to around 80. Today, for the same period (plus one day) they are showing temperatures in the upper 80's to low 90's beginning on the Monday after Easter (still with no rain).

I'm sure tomorrow's forecast will be different, but when I look at the forecasts I think about how the weather might affect our touring plans. If the weather is really hot for our trip (a real possibility in April) that would remove all doubt about going to parks with AM EMH to take advantage of smaller crowds and cooler temeratures. It would also mean a little more time in the middle of the day at the pool or resting in the air conditioned room, and visiting air conditioned attractions like Universe of Energy, American Adventure, etc. It would also mean slowing down the pace a little, because at my age I tire quickly in very hot weather.

I hope it's in the 80s and not too hot...but as long as it doesn't rain I'll be happy! I don't want a repeat of last year!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Just wanted to make a quick post this morning before I head off to school...


SINGLE DIGITS TODAY!!!

Dad did online check-in yesterday and as he mentioned we can start checking the forecast since we're less than 10 days away now.

We still have to buy our park tickets (we are both going to get Annual Passes)-maybe we can do that tonight.

That's all I got for now but I'll leave you with another one of my favorite theme park songs...

(I love this quote!)

Soarin'

Can't you just smell the pine trees and orange groves?

Have a good Thursday!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Love the new VB!! The colour is gorgeous!

Your plans sound great and I can't believe your trip is literally right around the corner! So excited for you!

 

[wisblue]

On to our tentative plan for our fifth full day, Thursday the 12th.

This is one of our most set days because we have the reservation for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at 9:30 AM. If we are up to it, we might go to the park early (even as early as the 7 AM EMH) to do a few rides before the tour. That might be our best chance to ride the new Dumbo and rethemed Barnstormer.

When the tour ends in early afternoon we will probably head back to the Boardwalk because the park will be jammed.

At this point in the trip we will be doing more playing it by ear based on how we are feeling, but we will probably be due for a visit to DHS because, if we follow the tentative plan, we will only have been there once. Evening will present an opportunity to see the AIE finale or Fantasmic if Sarah wants to do that. It might also be possible to catch a ride on TOT, RNRC (single rider) or Star Tours as part of the crowd heads for Fantasmic. Or maybe a visit to the Animation Academy. I am hoping that the crowds will be getting a little lighter as the week moves on; that was our experience when we went the week after Easter two years ago.