Hop Aboard the Trip Plannin' Tram!|JAN '13 PTR|UPDATED 1/16 "OUR PLANS - DAY 3!"

[KuyaJeff]

Jeff and Idahosa's Pre-Trip Report
"Hop Aboard the Trip Plannin' Tram!"
"What we think is the world's only tram-themed pre-trip report!"
Est. 2012​

The Latest News Along the Tram Route:
01.16.2013 We're slowly adding our plans! Feel free to stalk us, if you can catch us!
​

10.11.2012 - New tram-themed pre-trip report!: Like all good things Disney Attractions, this Pre-Trip Report went through a historic refurbishement! New color scheme, better theming and re-organized! Things are shiny...and well it's TRAMTASMIC! ​

Us with our friends Walt and Mickey on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.​

I'm glad you hopped on board! But just you wait, because one this uncertainty becomes more....well...certain, we'll be going from 0 to roughly a billion in no-time!​

This won't be Jeff's first visit to Disney World, it's going to be his second...would you believe that his first trip was done entirely solo? Well he was crazy to not sure the magic with somene, so that's where Idahosa comes in...​

This will be Idahosa's first trip! So there's already another detail that we're more certain about...we need to get him a "First Visit" button. Now look at that, we've only been reading for a few seconds and we're already gaining momentum! Think that last sentence didn't need an exclamation? Well, you might need to get used to it, the excitement is building and there's plenty of those to come! Also be ready for the elipses... you know... these things "...". ​

So with the story set to begin and your arms, hands, feet and legs inside the planning tram...looks like we're all set to go! Driver our turn is clear! -beep! beep!-​

Us chillin' at DCA with Pluto.​

We've got a long journey with many tram stops coming and going....who knows what type of cargo each of them will bring? There will be tons of twists and turns in our little trip around the parking lot of vacation options, so make sure you hold on tight and keep that tram door closed!​

So here are your options to continue with the journey:​

Click Here to jump to see the Tram Stops we've made so far on this Trip Plannin' Journey!
There's a lot of chapters to our Trip Plannin's story...come check them out: all nice and organized!​

Click Here to see what the Road Map looks like so far!
See what's been planned and what's on the itnerary! You'll see our resort
destination, travel date, tickets to "park" and even what our pit-stops(ADRs) will be!​

 

[KuyaJeff]

The Tram Stops
Come check out the stops we've made to reach the ultimate destination, Walt Disney World! Below are the links to the chapters/stops that our "Trip Plannin' Tram" has made....feel free to click them, they don't bite! Hope you enjoy the trip and we'll see you at the end of this long journey and reward you with a trip report on our way back!​

The Road Map
Come see what we've planned so far for the final destination!​

Meet the Characters/Passengers!
You can't have a tram running without passengers to ride it! Lern about
where these two we're into, where we've been and what we're looking
forward to! Idahosa and Jeff are looking forward to taking you along the
journey of planning. We'll definitely take you for a ride! ​

A Pop Rockin' Look at a Past Trip
Let's make a quick U-turn and take a look back at a trip that Jeff's taken
before to Pop Century! If he can have that great of a time during a first
go around with Walt Disney World...who knows what new wonders he and
Idahosa will have on their trip together!​

A Side Trip!: "A Look at What Jeff Learned on His First Trip!"
Wrong turns were made and I went down the wrong road a few times on
my first trip. I didnt let that stop me! But after the fact, I took some
traffic schooling and learned a thing or two!​

An Unscheduled Stop!
Don't worry guys, we've made a stop along the route. But like they've
proven before, Idahosa and Jeff just keep chugging along with the planning!​

A Detour(A Life Update): A Trip to a Place Where All Wheels Are Accepted...Even Trams!
There's tons of traffic in our native Los Angeles area, but we'rein luck! A
new detour opened in the past month, so we thought we'd drive on
through Radiator Springs! That's right, come check out the newest land at
Disney California Adventure!​

We' May Not Know Where We're Going.....But Hey, We're Still Moving!
Driving around the lot may not seem productive, but we're still getting
closer to getting "home"! Think of it as trying to find your car amongst
thousands of others.​

We Found Our Car! ...I Mean, Our Resort for January 2013!
It may have taken a few rides around the lot, but we found our way to
the place we'll be calling home January 2013!​

Pit Stops Pending, Adding An Extra Day, The Tram Can Fly?
For such a long journey, we have to eat. And if we're going to be eating
everyday, we might as well add an extra day. And sometimes Trams can fly!​

Another Side Trip!: "A look at What Jeff Learned on His first Trip - Part 2!"
The learning never really stopped...come check out what other mistakes
and delays Jeff faced!​

First Destinations Booked, Pit Stops Scheduled!
Our Destination has a special view...and ADRs have ben made. Come see
where we're gonna be grabbin snacks and sitting by tables!​

A Glorified Bump!
Sometimes the Update Tram needs a little push...maybe a bump...or even
a crash! Don't worry though, no smileys were harmed in the making of this post!​

Reving Our Engines...A Countdown Update Tram!
Come see how many days are left on our travel plannin' tram! If you're not
interested in that...come check out a child being smothered by a giant
mickey premium bar! ​

The Trip Plannin' Tram Does Re-Eye Trips Too!
Learn about the epic story of Jeff not getting sleep to score the ultimate
deal. This trip report is pullin' all the stops with the money saved and
throwing in some dialogue to the story!​

Precious Tram Cargo...Food!: Pit Stop Changes(ADRs)!
Now that the ultimate destination has been planned, Animal Kingdom
Lodge, it changes the entire logistical story of our trip plannin' journey!
Come check out what's new!​

A Brand New Theme!
We spare no expense in thie PTR, we've taken our loosely based tram
theme and tighened things up! Yup, this snazzy looking PTR didn't always
look this put-together. Come check out what we've done!​

Rules of the Road
We made some rules for us to follow.
Every good journey needs some rules...
otherwise you'll find us turning this tram around. ​

A Mini-Trip Report:Visiting DLR w/ Jeff's Brother!
(Part 2)
Jeff takes his brother to Disneyland as a post-birthday celebration.
Great tram-ridin' runs in the family!​

"The Artists Within" (Coming Soon!)
Idahosa and Jeff take some time to show their artistic skills in drawing one of Disney's newest characters.​

A "Mascot" Casting Call
Sure, the two of us are excited about going, but we thought we'd bring
some more people with us...well they're not people. Ugh, you'll see if you
click the link up above! There's a lot of responsibility involved with being
a mascot, so the only way to choose was to do a casting call! ​

They've Arrived!
They survived the contest of all contests...and they're finally here! Come meet our new travel companions! ​

Going Virgin...America That Is!
This trip is full of savings...and with us booking our flights, we saved a bit too!​

Bucket Lists (In Progress)
We've been in the double digit days until our trip for a while now...I think
we're ready to say what we want to do when we get there. So stay tuned, every 10 days we'll put one of our top 10 things we have to get
done while in Florida! Here's what we have so far:​

#10 - "Try Things Unique to Disney World"​

#9 - "Fly Virgin America"​

#8 - "Use Disney's Photopass!"​

#7 - "Do Some Character Meals!"​

# 6 - "Take Our Time"​

#5 - "Stay Within Budget"​

#4 - "Spend Time at Our Resort"​

#3 - "Eat...Eat...EAT!"​

#2 - "Have a Few Surprises!"​

#1 - Coming 01.19.2013!​

"Mickey Mail!"
We've gotten the second best type of mail behind a tax refund!​

Changes Are a Poppin'!
Looks like we've made another change to the itinerary....going from Deluxe to Value in 5 seconds...with no regrets!

"Our Plans - Days 1 & 2!"
See what we have planned for the first two days of our 8 day trip!​

 

[csjordan]

The Characters
So we have this pieces all set, at least the ones we know about, in front of us. But to throw you guys off more, let's change the mode to story mode and talk about the characters to this story still being written! So here they are:​

This is me with my dad's arm at Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Calfornian. I know it's hard to tell, but we're celebratin' my bro's birthday! ​

Hey There, I'm Jeff!
I'm 22 and from the Los Angeles area, about twenty miles form the Disneyland Resort and fifteen miles away from Downtown Los Angeles. I'm a former cast member at the Disneyland Resort and personally think that the entire experience just strengthened my love for all things Disney. I'm currently and Architecture Major and just love the storytelling Disney uses through all of it's immersive architectural details found in its attractions and theme parks.​

I love spontanaeity, and that's probably why nothing has really been planned yet. But with the lack of planning, usually results in awkward and hilarious moments.​

Random Facts About Me
- This will be my second trip to Disney World. You probably read that in the first post. My first trip was done entirely solo and allowed me to see Disney World at my own pace. As great as it was, I learned that a great trip to Disney World is meant to be shared...I need a witness to help describe the unique monorail sent we don't have back in California.
- My Favorite Disney Attraction: Splash Mountain (Disneyland Version)
- Favorite Disney Snack: Cream-Cheese Filled Mickey Pretzel at Disney California Aventure
- Favorite Disney Movie: Who Framed Roger Rabbit...it introduced me to the surreal, yet very real, world that is Toontown.
- My Favorite Color: Brown
- Park I'm Most Looking Forward to Visiting Again: Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Resort Hotel I Want to Stay At: All of them! But we'll see...​

Don't let first impressions deceive you, Idahosa may look all tough in this pic, but he's just as much a kid-at-heart as me.​

And this is Idahosa!
Idahosa's 22, just like me and he too lives in the Los Angeles area. He's a big Soccer fan and can definitely tell you more about it than I can. He converted me into a soccer fan, but I converted him into a Disney fan. After introducing him to the wonders of a Dinseyland Annual Pass, he finds himself visiting the resort on almost a weekly basis. He was a bit jealous that he couldn't join me on my first trip, so we're doing it right and going together this time around. ​

Random Facts About Idahosa
- Like I mentioned before, this will be Idahosa's first trip to Disney World. Definitely will be fun to show a newbie around.
- His Favorite Disney Attraction: Space Moutain (The Disneyland Version, obviously.)
- Favorite Disney Snack: Churro...he MUST have it everytime he visits Disneyland.
- Favorite Disney Movie: The Lion King
- Favorite Disney Character: Goofy
- Park He's Most Looking Forward To: Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Resort He Wants to Stay At: Disney's Art of Animation​

So those are the characters in our story! Where do we go from here? What's next on our planning to-do list? Will Ross and Rachel ever get together? Join us next time as our story/puzzle or some other random child's toy with many components is unraveled! Here's a random smiley: .​

Good luck with your trip planning! I'm sure you all will have a blast!

 

[KuyaJeff]

The Road Map
Here's the what we have to get to the final destination...we're motivated and ready to go!​

The Dates of Travel
Thursday, January 24, 2013 - Thursday - January 31, 2013
That's 7 Days, 8 Nights!​

The Way We're Getting There
Virgin America
Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Orlando, FL (MCO)
Flight 312
Departure: 8:00AM PST | Arrival: 3:40PM EST​

Orlando, FL (MCO) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Flight 315
Departure: 4:35PM EST | Arrival: 7:25PM PST​

The Resort Destination
DISNEY'S POP CENTURY RESORT!
Room Type: Preferred Pool View
Room Preferences Noted:
King Bed | Highest Floor Possible​

The Tickets to "Park"
8 Day Park Hoppers for 2 Adults​

The "Pit Stop" Plan
Disney Dining Plan​

1 Table Service Restaurant
per person/per night​

1 Quick Service Restaurant
per person/per night​

1 Snack
per person/per night​

Scheduled "Side Trips"​

"UnDISCOVERed Future World" Tour
Monday - 01.28.2013
Epcot - 9:00AM​

Scheduled "Pit Stops"​

"Arrival Day"
Thursday - 01.24.2013
Boma: Flavors of Africa - 9:00pm
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Jambo House
(2 Table Service Entitlements)​

Friday - 01.25.2013
Tusker House - 8:05am
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park | Africa
(2 Table Service Entitlements)
Sanaa - 5:30pm
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Kidani Village
(Pay Out of Pocket)​

Saturday - 01.26.2013
50's Prime-Time Cafe
Disney's Hollywood Studios
(2 Table Service Entitlements)
Via Napoli - 5:45pm
Disney's EPCOT | Italy Pavilion
(Pay Out of Pocket)​

Sunday - 01.27.2013
Crystal Palace - 8:05am
Disney's Magic Kingdom Park | Main Street U.S.A.
(Pay Out of Pocket)
Yak & Yeti - 4:00pm
Disney's Animal Kingdom | Asia
(Pay Out of Pocket)​

Monday - 01.28.2013​

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater - 4:45pm
Disney's Hollywood Studios
(Pay Out of Pocket)​

Tuesday - 01.29.2013
'Ohana - 10:40AM
Disney's Polynesian Resort
(Pay Out of Pocket)
Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue - 4:00PM
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Resort | Pioneer Hall
(4 Table Service Entitlements)​

Wednesday - 01.30.2013
Boma: Flavors of Africa - 10:30am
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Jambo House
(Pay Out of Pocket)
Garden Grill - 6:00pm
Disney's EPCOT - The Land Pavilion
(2 Table Service Entitlements)​

"Departure Day"
Thursday - 01.31.2013
The Wave...of American Flavors - 10:15am
Disney's Contemporary Resort
(Pay Out of Pocket)​

 

[KuyaJeff]

The Characters
So we have this pieces all set, at least the ones we know about, in front of us. But to throw you guys off more, let's change the mode to story mode and talk about the characters to this story still being written! So here they are:​

This is me with my dad's arm at Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Calfornian. I know it's hard to tell, but we're celebratin' my bro's birthday! ​

Hey There, I'm Jeff!
I'm 22 and from the Los Angeles area, about twenty miles form the Disneyland Resort and fifteen miles away from Downtown Los Angeles. I'm a former cast member at the Disneyland Resort and personally think that the entire experience just strengthened my love for all things Disney. I'm currently and Architecture Major and just love the storytelling Disney uses through all of it's immersive architectural details found in its attractions and theme parks.​

I love spontanaeity, and that's probably why nothing has really been planned yet. But with the lack of planning, usually results in awkward and hilarious moments.​

Random Facts About Me
- This will be my second trip to Disney World. You probably read that in the first post. My first trip was done entirely solo and allowed me to see Disney World at my own pace. As great as it was, I learned that a great trip to Disney World is meant to be shared...I need a witness to help describe the unique monorail sent we don't have back in California.
- My Favorite Disney Attraction: Splash Mountain (Disneyland Version)
- Favorite Disney Snack: Cream-Cheese Filled Mickey Pretzel at Disney California Aventure
- Favorite Disney Movie: Who Framed Roger Rabbit...it introduced me to the surreal, yet very real, world that is Toontown.
- My Favorite Color: Brown
- Park I'm Most Looking Forward to Visiting Again: Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Resort Hotel I Want to Stay At: All of them! But we'll see...​

Don't let first impressions deceive you, Idahosa may look all tough in this pic, but he's just as much a kid-at-heart as me.​

And this is Idahosa!
Idahosa's 22, just like me and he too lives in the Los Angeles area. He's a big Soccer fan and can definitely tell you more about it than I can. He converted me into a soccer fan, but I converted him into a Disney fan. After introducing him to the wonders of a Dinseyland Annual Pass, he finds himself visiting the resort on almost a weekly basis. He was a bit jealous that he couldn't join me on my first trip, so we're doing it right and going together this time around. ​

Random Facts About Idahosa
- Like I mentioned before, this will be Idahosa's first trip to Disney World. Definitely will be fun to show a newbie around.
- His Favorite Disney Attraction: Space Moutain (The Disneyland Version, obviously.)
- Favorite Disney Snack: Churro...he MUST have it everytime he visits Disneyland.
- Favorite Disney Movie: The Lion King
- Favorite Disney Character: Goofy
- Park He's Most Looking Forward To: Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Resort He Wants to Stay At: Disney's Art of Animation​

So those are the characters in our story! Where do we go from here? What's next on our planning to-do list? Will Ross and Rachel ever get together? Join us next time as our story/puzzle or some other random child's toy with many components is unraveled! Here's a random smiley: .​

 

[KuyaJeff]

I just thought I'd randomly post pics from my my first trip to Pop Century, it's a front runner for me personally. I figure that if I had such a great time at the place...why try elsewhere when I have a pretty sure thing?
​

The most epic of views during my entire stay in January 2012. This was my first full day at Disney World...and can you believe this was in the morning? So glad I decided to go to Magic Kingdom's EMH that morning!​

This was the view I saw every morning on my way to the parks...almost like a sign from the Disney gods. If anyone's wondering, it was room #4459. It was in building 4, in the 60s section, on the 4th floor. Had a great lake view...basically all my room requests were met, to the surprise of the front desk cast members. One more random room statistic -total number of people seeing me do the "Funky Chicken" in front of my room's door.... 1. ​

This is a pic of the infamous Tie-Dye Cheesecake next to my awesome "not-so-one-of-a-kind-black-top-refillable-mug". I enjoyed it by the Hippy Dippy Pool, right by my building. I found it an appropriate location to eat it because the cheesecake would probably go straight to my hippies. Sorry, that joke was horrible.​

Here's some awesome artwork on my wall. I'm surprised that as a 90s baby, I was able to understand all of these references. Perhaps, it's just me being the Disney dork that I am. I think it's great that Disney kind of finds a way to make decades before mine that much more approachable.​

Finally, one of the millions of hidden mickeys in my room. Yup, that's on the floor. I kind of wish they sold a rug with this pattern for my own room at home. ​

That wasn't so bad, was it? Like I said, personally it's a front runner for resorts to stay at for me. But I'll still take what Idahosa has in mind into consideration. Since nothings planned, I guess we'll have to wait for the 2013 rates to be posted as well as look at what our budget allows. Stay tuned, I'm sure more random pics from my first trip are to come! ​

 

[KuyaJeff]

Thats right, I actually got schooled on what a theme park experience could be like in a new environment. Even though I had been to many theme parks here in Southern California (Sea World, Universal, Knotts, Disneyland, etc.), I had never actually traveled out for a multi-day visit, or have to find a hotel to stay at. It was a little overwhelming to go to such a big place with so many options and more importantly&alone. I learned so much, that I thought I would make a multiple posts based on what I learned that first trip. I assume there are tons still to learn, so feel free to throw in some advice if you think Im making a newbie mistake. ​

#1 First day/night can make or break your stomach. After a long flight from Los Angeles, that first night was very tiring. I probably should have eaten something either on the plane; or at the very least, once I arrived at my hotel. I arrived around 3:30PM&.very hungry. By the time I got to my hotel, it was around 5:30PM nothing else was on my mind but getting to the parks. I went to Magic Kingdom, didnt find anything particularly appetizing and decided to head to Epcot for a real culinary experience. Got to Epcot, made the foolish decision to not get a map and head to World Showcase to find Japan. I took the longest way possible to get there, in the dark and finally ended up eating around 8:30PM.​

This place isnt that easy to find across a lagoon the size of a small town, amongst other world landmarks, without a park map and in the dark&the trek was well worth it though. It literally felt like I flew all the way from Los Angeles to find it.​

#2 Space Mountain is scary at Magic Kingdom&but in a good way. Before my trip, I had heard that Disney Worlds version of the epic mountain didnt live up to the version Ive been raised on at Disneyland. I really had no idea what to expect, except that it was more like the Matterhorn, but in the dark. For the most part, it was. There was tons of airtime as well as a roughness like no other. I really felt like I was going to fall out and die. Theres something in that sense of danger and possibly being lost in the dark mountain forever that had me coming back multiple times during my stay&that, and a surprisingly short wait.​

Unfortunately, Goofy wasnt there to comfort me.​

That looks like it for now&stay tuned for another post! ​

 

[KuyaJeff]

Good luck with your trip planning! I'm sure you all will have a blast!

Thanks so much for the luck...we're going to need it! With so much uncertainty, things are truly up in the air right now! But a blast is definitely one of the things we need to have when we go.

 

[KuyaJeff]

What's worse than waiting for a Walt Disney World trip? Waiting for package rates to be released. Word on the street that there's a strong possibility that 2013 rates could be released tomorrow, let's hope so. We're still uncertain about which resort we're going to be staying at, but things should be more clear once they're finally posted.​

Right now, Pop Century and Art of Animation are front runners. I do think that Pop Century is the better choice since the only standard/non-suite room at Art of Animation is Little Mermaid themed...not exactly the most masculine of choices. But we're also considering going all out and go with a suite with one of the other choices.​

Since the suites at Art of Animation are being considered, we're considering both Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach at the moderate level. They may not have the most obvious Disney themes, but they do have a charm that's worth considering. The moderates seem like they have more to look at and enjoy, but they also seem larger and harder to get around. One thing I loved about Pop was how easy it was to walk to Everything Pop for mug refills and the bus stops to get to the parks. ​

So the uncertainty continues, and spontanaeity thrives in all this trip planning! Opinions are needed and would be greatly appreciated. ​

 

[KuyaJeff]

I know this is a little after the fact, but I thought I share some pics from a quick trip to Radiator Springs last week! So hop and enjoy the ride...and keep your hands arms feet and legs inside the vehicle at all times!​

The approach into Radiator Springs. There's something special about this place; the cars are on the sidewalks and the people are walking down the road...a very crowded road! ​

The lesser-known Disney Resort...the Cozy Cone Motel! i wouldn't mind staying here if it was in Disney World...as long as I had all the Chili Cone Queso and puns as I wanted! ​

I showed this pic to my mom, and she thought it was an old vacation pic of our family traveling through Utah...I digress. ​

Even Mickey finds a way into all the fun! ​

The original Radiator Spring...now it all makes sense. ​

Heard there was a race that day, so we took a chance and joined in! Definitely an experience worth checking out! (<----This is clearly my favorite smiley...lol) Did some good ol' tractor tipping with Mater in his Junkyard Jamboree...almost as fun as the race through Radiator Springs! If you do go, pay special attention to the rules Mater gives before the fun starts, his Spanish version is a hoot! ​

So that's it for now, here's to good times in Cars Land!​

 

[KuyaJeff]

With not much to work with, it's difficult to plan anything...but we won't let that stop us. Without those package rates coming out, we still decided to choose some tentative dates...and those dates are: January 24-30, 2013. That's 6 nights/7 days! ​

We were considering 7 nights/8days, but the amount of time I had on my first trip was plenty. I actually spent most of my time napping around day 5 and 6...but I think that's a perk to vacationing! ​

We are also starting to look at ADRs to make...any suggestions?!​

Stay tuned, while we wait in front of the computer for the package rates...patiently hopefully. ​

And now it's time for the obligatory: ​

 

[KuyaJeff]

Yet another resort change and another color scheme found to match it...we're now staying at:​

Disney always seems to have the best pics of its resorts...above is another one of them!

DISNEY'S CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT!​

This is why we rehearse trips in PTRs...there are bound to be changes! I tried to look for an appropriate smiley to correspond...no luck. Why not use my favorite one! ​

Look out for our next post, now that we know when EMHs are...WE'RE PLANNING OUR ADRs! ​

And once again...​

 

[KuyaJeff]

Hey Look, Some [Pending] ADRs!
So last time we met, we realized that a resort change was in order. That's done and the planning continues! With 180 days soon approaching and EMHs for January recently released, we jumped on planning our ADRs.​

Hold on...because here are our ADRs!​

Arrival Day - January 24, 2013
Arrival Dinner: Boma​

Day 2 - January 25, 2013
Breakfast: Tusker House
Dinner: Kona Cafe​

Day 3 - January 26, 2013
Breakfast" Chef Mickey's
Dinner: Via Napoli​

Day 4 - January 27, 2013
Breakfast: Crystal Palace
Dinner: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue​

Day 5 - January 28, 2013
Dinner: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater​

Day 6 - January 29, 2013
Breakfast: 'Ohana
Dinner: Whispering Canyon Cafe​

Day 7 - January 30, 2013
Lunch: Rainforest Cafe​

Departure Day - January 31, 2013
Breakfast: Boma​

I know it looks like a lot for people with only 14 DDP TS Credits to use...but we plan on paying OOP for a few of them. All we have to do is make the ADRs!​

"One More Disney Day?"
You may have noticed that have one more day than we originally planned. We figured that since we "downgraded" from AKL(is there such thing when you're at Disney?), we thought we could splurge on another day. Doesn't look too bad when we're splitting all the costs. Per person, it's still only a little more than what I payed for my week at POP January of 2012. So here's to a 7 night/8 day stay at Coronado Springs!​

Finally, Potential Change of Airline!
Upon further inspection in the plethora that is our trip planning, we realized that the flight departing back home from Florida is a lot sooner than the one I took last year. About 3 hours sooner. We wanted to make the most of that last day. So much so, we were willing to give up all the entertainment option of Virgin America.​

So what to do with almost 5 long hours on a plane? We can sleep! That's right...to even make more of that first day, we're taking a redeye out of Los Angeles(LAX) that might make us arrive at 6:00ish in the morning instead of 3:30ish in the afternoon! Somewhere in the mix is also where we realized that another day at WDW wouldn't be too bad to add. And instead of leaving at the original 6:00ish, or the now 4:00ish on Virgin America...we'll be leaving Florida at around 7:00ish! So now the waiting game for booking a flight begins...who knows, we may end up just flying Virgin America after all for the right price. ​

So until we meet again kind folks of the DIS, I bid you adieu. Things are picking up and we still have half a year away until our trip!​

...just one driver this time!​

 

[KuyaJeff]

Welcome to another installment of "Things Jeff Learned!" Last time I discussed the mistakes made on my first night. Now I'll be sharing the things most people may find simple, but I seemed to struggle with.​

Such a struggle to get simple elegance...​

#3 - What "shutter speed/ISO" does to your camera. I know the above photo lookspretty awesome...but that was a photo taken after many attempts of Spaceship Earth. It took a few dozen. My advice to others is to look at the instructions of a new camera before you take on the task of visiting WDW. Not the best thing to wait until you get there to learn things. I'm not exactly photo saavy, but I feel I should have known better.​

Looks like the crowd in this photo was watching Disney's new nightime spectacular...The Crane vs the Castle. "Will the power of Mickey's Imagination be able to save the castle from demolition? You're about to find out."​

#4 - I need to invest in some photo "enhancing" software. There are some things you can't avoid when you have a trip to WDW in January. One thing I didn't plan was, even at the end of January, the Christmas lights still being removed on Cinderella's Castle. Yup, that's right...the giant crane kind of ruined that "perfect shot" everyone else manages to get for most of the year.​

 

[tienpa]

Haha, what a fun report! You are obvious familiar with how to do this PTR thing with all those links! I am looking forward to hearing more. Animal Kingdom resort was my favored one too, and well out of my reach, till I read about DVC rentals. Is that how you did it too?
Look forward to more of your planning !

 

[KuyaJeff]

Haha, what a fun report! You are obvious familiar with how to do this PTR thing with all those links! I am looking forward to hearing more. Animal Kingdom resort was my favored one too, and well out of my reach, till I read about DVC rentals. Is that how you did it too?
Look forward to more of your planning !

Hehe, thanks! The funny thing is that this is my first pre-trip report. The resort changes are just changes in taste and being realistic about whaht two guys in college can do.

 

[maganda]

Kuya, your plans look exciting! Two thumbs up on your ADR list. Had you visited any of them on your solo trip?

My dates are about two weeks before yours so we'll be counting down to January together!

 

[KuyaJeff]

Kuya, your plans look exciting! Two thumbs up on your ADR list. Had you visited any of them on your solo trip?

My dates are about two weeks before yours so we'll be counting down to January together!

Thanks Maganda, they sure do feel exciting. Of the ones we have planned, I've experienced Tusker House, Kona Cafe, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Cape May Cafe and the Wave. (I'm not sure if this is still the list I posted in that post about ADRs, they're constantly changing.

Woot woot for us, just half a year to go. Here's to us planning awesome trips to WDW in January!

 

[KuyaJeff]

After some long anticipation and patient waiting, we finally booked our trip and made our ADRs!​

One Step Closer!
So we're booked for a water view room at Coronado Springs for Thursday, January 24, 2013 - Thursday, January 31, 2013...not much more to sa yon that topic, lol. It's big news that can be simply said! ​

ADRs MADE!
Now on to the ADRs! Feel free to give some feedback on them in our PTR or on this seperate thread found HERE!​

January 24, 2013
Thursday | Arrival Day - Magic Kingdom
Dinner - Boma @ 9:00PM (2TS)​

January 25, 2013
Friday | Animal Kingdom/Epcot(PM EMH)
Breakfast - Tusker house @ 8:05AM (2TS)
Dinner - Kona Cafe @ 6:20PM (OOP)​

January 26, 2013
Saturday | Hollywood Studios(AM EMH)/Epcot
Breakfast - Chef Mickey's @ 10:45AM (2TS)
Dinner - Via Napoli @ 6:20PM (OOP)​

January 27, 2013
Sunday | Magic Kingdom(PM EMH)
Breakfast - Crystal Palace @ 8:05AM (OOP)
Dinner/Dining Event - Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue @ 4:15PM (4TS)​

January 28, 2013
Monday | Animal Kingdom(AM EMH)/Epcot(PM EMH)
Breakfast - Boma @ 10:30 AM (OOP)
Dinner - Sci-Fi Dine-In @ 4:45PM (OOP)​

January 29, 2013
Tuesday | Epcot(AM EMH)/Magic Kingdom
Dinner - Whispering Canyon Cafe @ 5:25PM (2TS)​

Januay 30, 2013
Wednesday | Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom(AM EMH)/Hollywood Studios/Epcot (Just to see if we can do 4 parks in one day.)
Breakfast - 'Ohana @ 10:35AM (OOP)
Dinner - Garden Grill @ 6:00PM (2TS)​

January 31, 2013
Thursday | Departure Day - Magic Kingdom(AM EMH)/Animal Kingdom
Breakfast - The Wave...of American flavors @ 10:15AM (OOP)​

Many steps made to get closer to our trip, but ~178 days seperates us from Disney World! I'm sure there are still going to be many more changes to the "established" plans to come. We also have our flight bookings to look forward to...all the way in NOVEMBER(with hopes of Cyber Monday specials). So until we get there, we'll enjoy the ride and keep on planning...a ride on the imaginary trip planning tram! (Not the smoothest segue to the driver smiley...but it'll do!)​

 

[KuyaJeff]

So it's almost been a month since you last joined us...not much has happeneded to be totally honest. Think about this as a glorified bump. But why not bump it with our imaginainary tram driver smiley's tram.​

WHAM! ​

Ok, that was a little graphic...but let me update you on some real life shtuff that's been going on in our lives.​

Today we both had our first day of the semester! Yup, us college guys are at it again for the (insert number here)th time. It may just be a blessing in disguise...it'll make the wait for our trip go by that much faster. So here's some random advice: If you want to make the wait for a WDW trip go by fast...take a community college class or two. If you're really up for it, take 12 units! It'll only cost you a one night hotel-only stay at a Deluxe WDW resort (a harsh reality). ​

The epic first day of "Be Our Guest" ADRs has come and gone. Unfortunately, the dinner menu didn't quite appeal to us. We decided to avoid the madness that many people put themselves through, repetetively putting themselves through busy tones and hold music. If we decided to go, we'll stop by for lunch. So no official plans for BoG for us.​

Finally, we're still trying to figure out if we're going to put in room location preferences for our stay at Coronado Springs. The place looks huge, but nothing us two youthful college guys can't handle. I was aiming for the Ranchos, but not too many rooms there seemed to apply to our "water view" room booking. The Cabanas are starting to look pretty attractive, specifically 8A. We want to have the options to party it up at the Dig Site pool and still be close to a bus stop with access to El Centro. We'll see I guess.​

So we hope you enjoyed this glorified BUMP. We promise, no tram driver smileys were hurt in the making of this post. To prove it, here he is:​

​

Yup, he's alive and well...ready for another post to be made some other day and time. He still continues to be my favorite.​