Mom, Me and The Mouse - WDW September 2012

[KeroKero]

Hello and Welcome,

This is my first ever PTR and I'm very excited to be writing one! Will definitely help me pass the time as we count down the days before departure.

When I decided I wanted to go this year, I was originally planning on going solo (which would of been my first solo trip), but my mommy decided that she would accompany me for the trip from September 2-9, 2012!

Therefore this upcoming trip our cast will be:

Me - Melissa - 32 - married
I absolutely love Disney World, and wish that I could go every year, a few times a year. My first trip was when I was 4 years old and have been back several times (please see signature) with various travel parties and people. My favourite Disney character is Mary Poppins, my favourite park is DHS and my favourite attraction is Toy Story Midway Mania.

Mom - Angie - a young 62 - married 42 years - mother of 1
Mom's first time to WDW was when she took me for the first time. Since then she's been a huge fan of the place too. Her favourite character is definitely Goofy, her favourite park is Epcot (World Showcase specifically) and her favourite attraction is Soarin'.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my PTR - will try to do updates now and again! We depart in 72 days (from the day I started writing this), so that still leaves me plenty of time to write, plan, prepare and pack!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction - post #1 pg.1
Personal Photographs/Stories - posts #2 pg.1, #7 pg.1, #30 pg.2
Trip Details - posts #3 pg.1, #15 pg.1, #28 pg.2, #46 pg.4, #48 pg.4, #51 pg.4
Itinerary - posts #8 pg.1, #14 pg.1, #16 pg.2, #18 pg.2, #19 pg.2, #26 pg.2, #31 pg.3, #41 pg.3
Shopping & Packing - posts #11 pg.1, #23 pg.2, #46 pg.4, #50 pg.4
Dining, Snacks and Reservations - posts #4 pg.1, #5 pg.1, #27 pg.2,#34 pg.3, #37 pg.3, #42 pg.3

 

[KeroKero]

This is mom and I way back when, sometime in the early 80's.

This is mom and I at my wedding in 2010.

 

[KeroKero]

TRIP DETAILS:

Travel Dates: September 2-9/2012

Traveling from: Toronto, Ontario Canada

Flying with: Sunwing

Transportation: Magical Express and Disney Transportation

While shopping for flights over a 2 day period they were always in and around the same ball-park; 350 + taxes. While we were ready to pay the apx 500 something per person, we decided to wait out the fares one more day.

Lucky we did!! We managed to find a Sunwing flight for $19 (roundtrip) before taxes! Saved ourselves a bundle there!

So with the flight finalized, we continued to book the rest of our vacation using the WDW website.

Accommodation: All-Star Movies (the only one of the All-Stars we've yet to stay in)

Tickets: 6 day with park hopper

Dining: DDP - we were getting the QSDP for free, so we decided to upgrade to the next plan up, which will be a first for us.

Cost wise, the trip we've booked is right up our alley, and will leave us lots of extra money for appetizers if we so choose for our TS meals, cocktails at dinner and around the world and a plethora of souvenirs for ourselves and to bring back for my dad and husband.

Next post will be about my planning and itinerary process (a highlight of any Disney World vacation IMHO!)

 

[KeroKero]

I'm having a heck of a time deciding on ADR's. We're on the DDP, so we'll have a total of 7 TS meals.

I've changed one or two or all reservations at least 4-5 times now - and soon as I finish writing this post, I'm going to change them again! I'm just not satisfied! I just never feel like they are "right". So many factors to consider, the first being time spent commuting from place to place just for the purpose of eating.

It's been suggested to just eat at the park where you're at, but that doesn't always work for me, especially if nothing at the park we're at seems appealing. One day I've got no ADR's booked and we'll be in HS for the majority of the day, because there's just nowhere that appeals to us. We just love 50PT but we went there last trip, and don't like to duplicate so soon but we may have to, was thinking MM, but I hear and read such bad reviews.

Our ADR's as of right now:

Arrival Day Sept 2 - The Wave 5:35pm - MK in the evening, EMH til 12am
Sept 3 - Kona Kafe 9:00am - Kouzzina 6:45pm - Day at DTD for shopping
Sept 4- No ADR's - HS all day
Sept 5 - Sanaa 5:30pm - AK all day
Sept 6 - Captain's Grill 5:25pm - EP all day
Sept 7 - Restaurant Marrakesh - 5:15pm - MK am, EP pm
Sept 8 - Bongos - HS am - DTD evening

Everything is subject to change of course, we're not sticklers for sticking with the itinerary, but we like having one. Going to browse through open ADR's again now. I'm sure by my next post, they will have changed, as I already have new dining ideas in my head!

 

[KeroKero]

I was up until 2am playing around with reservations, commuting methods and the like and FINALLY believe I've come to an ADR schedule that I'm comfortable with (at least I hope so).

Arrival Day Sept 2 - Kona Kafe 5:25pm - then off to MK, EMH til 12am
Sept 3 -House of Blues 6:15pm - Day at DTD for shopping
Sept 4- Crystal Palace 6:20pm - HS most of the day til we head to MK
Sept 5 - Sanaa 5:30pm - AK all day
Sept 6 - Kouzzina 6:25pm - EP all day, use International Gateway to Boardwalk
Sept 7 - Restaurant Marrakesh - 5:15pm - MK am, EP pm
Sept 8 - Bongos Cuban Cafe - HS am - DTD evening

Once again I'll have to skip out on the Kona breakfast (I've never had Tonga Toast ) - but breakfast reservations just don't seem to work for us.

Added Crystal Palace, mom decided yesterday that she wanted to do a buffet. Usually we do Boma, but it's been ages since we did Crystal Palace and who doesn't love interaction with Pooh and Friends?

Since making reservations multiple times for this trip, I've decided that I want to eat at House of Blues (I've made the ressie and cancelled it multiple times) to try the Aaron Sanchez menu - I'm a huge fan of his.

Also, was able to get my dining card ready and printed. I LOVE it! We like having one with us because we can never seem to find our most recent receipt when we're wondering how we're doing for for credits.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I'll be reading!

 

[KeroKero]

Here's a pic of mom and me with Mulan last year at Epcot.

 

[KeroKero]

I can't live without spreadsheets! I use them for everything, and IMHO they're the best tool when trying to work out all the fine details and logistics for a Disney vacation.

Here are my tabs. Later on (Aug probably, will add my usual final tab PACKING)

The coordination of ADR's and schedule go hand in hand. It's important to know where our dining will be in terms of where we'll be in The World. With that said, I'll give a rundown of what our days will hopefully look like (each day in its own post).

Sunday September 2, 2012

The night before our flight we'll be at my cousins wedding. So we'll only have a couple hours sleep before having to head to the airport for our 6:30am departure . At least I'll get to sleep for the 3hr flight!!

Assuming all goes well with our flight we should be on the Magical Express shortly after touchdown and baggage claim and be at ASMo by 11:30 at the latest .

We'll spend the early part of the afternoon quickly unpacking. Exploring the hotel a bit and grabbing a quick lunch/snack at the food court before getting ready for our 5:35pm ADR at Kona Kafe.

We'll make the LONG bus ride to MK, hop on the monorail and head to the Polynesian for dinner. Afterward, we'll head on back over to MK and nab a decent spot for the Main Street Electrical Parade (a favourite of mine) and Wishes fireworks. Then its EMH til 1am!

Not sure which parts of the park will be available that evening. Hopefully everywhere - as I would like to have completed the following attractions on this night:

Tomorrowland
Space Mountain
Buzz Light Year's Space Ranger Spin (at least twice)

Fantasyland
Peter Pan's Flight
Mickey's Philharmagic
Winnie The Pooh

Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion (my favourite at night)

Frontierland
Big Thunder
Splash Mountain

Adventureland
Pirates of the Caribbean

After all attractions are said and done, we'll head on back down Main Street USA and browse the shops before heading back to she bus stop to wait for a ride back to ASMo.

 

[archdandy]

I'm joining in! We're flying from Toronto with Sunwing in October. The $19 flights are such a good deal and I'm glad we were able to score them. I hope you and your mom have a wonderful trip!

 

[KeroKero]

I'm joining in! We're flying from Toronto with Sunwing in October. The $19 flights are such a good deal and I'm glad we were able to score them. I hope you and your mom have a wonderful trip!

$19 flights are amazing! Now if only taxes weren't so high

 

[KeroKero]

For me, a big part of the fun in getting ready for a vacation (Disney or non) is SHOPPING!

I am a shopping addict, and while I've gotten better over the years - there's still nothing I like more than going to the mall, trying on clothes and shoes, looking for jewelry and accessories or things for the house. I could walk around shops for hours. It's a relaxation therapy of sorts for me.

Anyhow .. I'm getting off topic. Yesterday, I bought a new cross-body bag for the trip. The one I used to use (which can be seen in a previous post with Mulan) was just too big. I find when I have bags that are too big, I tend to put very unnecessary things in them, just cause I have the space.

This is my new bag

I love the colours and the pattern of the bag. I love the pockets on the front for easy access of my cellphone and chapstick (can't live without it - I apply it about 30-40 times a day). I just love it! PLUS - the bag is made out of recycled plastic bottles, doesn't hurt to do my part for the environment.

In case you're wondering what I carry with me while I'm touring the parks; here's a list of my most basic necessities:

-Camera
-Moleskin
-Chapstick
-Autograph Book (yes, I'm 32, but its fun - more on this at a later date)
-Sharpie
-Wallet (with ID, Key to the World, Credit, Debit)
-Anti Bacterial Hand Gel
-Android Cell Phone
- Rain Coat (don't like ponchos, coat is small enough folded to fit in a bag)
-Tide pen
-Small Towel

I think that's pretty much the inside of my bag in a nutshell.

I'll be posting more things I buy for the trip as we get closer to my packing days - I am honestly not trying to spend a ton before departure, but a couple new outfits won't hurt

On a side note: Was browsing for "comfortable sandals" yesterday. Why does comfortable need to mean ugly?? So unfortunate

NEXT POST - Day two of my itinerary

 

[disney-inspired]

Hey Sept. traveling buddy! (I'm updating the Official Sept. thread)

Glad I found your PTR. Our days overlap a bit, maybe I'll run into you.

I your bag, it's so cute!

As far as comfortable sandals go, I'm thinking Teva might be a good option. I hear great reviews from people and they have some nice styles.

I'm a basic flip flop girl, so the Teva mush is fine with me.

You reminded me that I need to start creating MY spreadsheets, too!
Thanks!

 

[KeroKero]

Hey Sept. traveling buddy! (I'm updating the Official Sept. thread)

Glad I found your PTR. Our days overlap a bit, maybe I'll run into you.

I your bag, it's so cute!

As far as comfortable sandals go, I'm thinking Teva might be a good option. I hear great reviews from people and they have some nice styles.

I'm a basic flip flop girl, so the Teva mush is fine with me.

Thanks for adding me to the Official Sept thread! Much appreciated.

Teva's huh? Don't think I came across any when I was out shopping the other day. Will try to source out a pair or two next week when I hit the mall again. Didn't really try any on when I was there, cause they all looked so ugly. But maybe if I give a pair or two a try, the comfortableness might outweigh the look ... worth a try.

 

[KeroKero]

Monday September 2, 2012

On our second day we're taking a day off (a day without a park), this is a good thing because we will have gotten home late from MK EMH the night before and rest will be needed to finish off the rest of the week!

We'll hopefully sleep in a bit this day. We're both early risers on the regular; 6:30 for the latest so maybe we can sleep til about 7-7:30 before getting ready and grabbing a quick breakfast snack at the World Premiere Food Court.

Then it's off to Downtown Disney for us. Like I mentioned before I LOVE to shop, so DTD for me is two of my favourite things combined into one place - SHOPPING & DISNEY!

I'm a fast shopper, I browse quickly, try on clothes quickly and spend quickly too! Mom, is more of a snail pace shopper - so it'll take us pretty much the entire day to make it through the entire Marketplace and The West Side.

My favourite places to shop in the DTD area are:

TrenD
Apricot Lane
Little Miss Matched
and of course World of Disney

For lunch we always debate over Earl of Sandwich or Pollo Campero (Mom adores the grub here). While I don't see anything special about the chicken, she can't get enough of this place. Since we're on the DDP and not the QSDP this time around, this might be the only chance she'll get to eat here.

After lunch ... more browsing and more shopping - more quality Mother Daughter time together!

We have our 6:15pm ADR that night for House of Blues over in Disney's West Side. They have the Crossroads menu going on right now, which is a menu put together by Food Network chef Aaron Sanchez (who I am in love with )

I'm considering ordering either the Lobster Mac and Cheese or the Shrimp and Grits. Can't decide as of now. I believe mom is considering ordering the Short Ribs and we'll be sharing the Pulled Pork Sliders (OPP)! Yum Yum!

With all that said and done, I figure we'll be back at the resort by 10:30-11:00 at the latest. That's an early night for us, which I'm definitely looking forward to.

 

[KeroKero]

We made our final payment last night via the WDW website!!

Now the waiting game begins for our "Disney Mail" to arrive - luggage tags, ME info.

I have a love/hate relationship with the waiting process!

Next few posts will include: Itinerary Day 3 & my Disney paraphernalia (pins, jewelry etc).

 

[KeroKero]

This day we'll be attending my favourite park: Hollywood Studios

Since I first entered the then MGM Studios, I knew off the bat that this would be my park of choice for life. I'm a huge movie and TV buff so I was definitely in my zone!

There's no EMH that morning at HS, so we'll be able to rise a little later.

First things first this morning - breakfast at the resorts food court once again. Good thing the value resorts have a plethora of food choices cause breakfast 7 days in a row at the same place can be irritating.

Then its off to the park aiming to be at the gate by 8:30 before the turnstiles are open.

Must do attractions for us this day are:

Toy Story Mid Way Mania (RD FP and stand by line at least once)
Rock N Roller Coaster (FP. I'll be riding solo, cause thrill rides aren't for mom)
Star Tours (FP.)
Beauty and the Beast Live
American Idol Experience (more than once, would be nice)
The Great Movie Ride
Muppet Vision 3D
Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Still debating on if I want to ride Tower of Terror solo (mom definitely won't go anywhere near this one), and if we really want to see Lights Motors Action again.

At some point during the day I'll have to get a PB/J shake from 50'sPT. I love love love love them!

Also, we've never seen the Pixar Pals Countdown Parade, and while I've read many reviews that it's not worth the time (8-10mins), I would like to check it out and form an opinion myself. I love many of the Pixar characters so it'll be nice to see them together . The parade is at 3pm and should be over no later than 3:15, which will give us time to hit one more attraction either by FP or a short to medium stand by line and then we're off to the Magic Kingdom (no later than 4:45pm)!

We have our ADR for Crystal Palace at 6:20pm. We haven't eaten here for years so we're looking forward to giving it a go again. Also looking forward to a couple of great photo ops with Pooh and friends.

Depending on what time we get out of the restaurant (probably 8), we'll have time to hit a couple attractions before getting a bus back to ASMo for the night.

 

[archdandy]

Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite parks as well. I think a lot of people shop for stuff before their vacations. I know I do. I need to get some new summer clothes and some new sandals for our trip in October. The bag you got has a really awesome pattern on it!

 

[KeroKero]

For our Wednesday we're making it a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom!

While this is my least favourite park, there are some pretty amazing attractions here that I definitely never want to miss:

Expedition Everest (FP at least once)
It's Tough to be a Bug
Dinosaur
Primeval Whirl
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Musical

We'll be grabbing an early lunch at Flame Tree (delicious) so as not to interfere with our appetites when dinner time rolls around. Also, I've got to have a jalapeno cheese pretzel every time I'm at the Animal Kingdom.

Now I usually find it hard to make an entire day out of Animal Kingdom, but we're going to have to in order to have the least amount of commute time to make it to our dining reservation at Animal Kingdom Lodge's Sanaa at 5:30pm. We can always head over to Kidani Village early to check it out, cause we've never been to either of the villas there before.

One thing I would definitely love to check out this year is Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade, cause I haven't seen it in a few years. So seeing how the parade is at 3:45, we will more than make our dinner reservation without any time to spare.

It'll be an early night for us, unless we decide (on our commute from AKL to DTD to ASMo) to go browsing yet again at the Downtown shops!

 

[KeroKero]

As much help as a spreadsheet is for keeping a Disney World trip organized, I like to keep hard copies of all confirmations together in one place. This year I opted for a black 10 pocket folder that I made a cover for last night.

In here is where I have all my dining reservations, trip confirmation numbers and details as well as flight details. As per usual, I will be bringing this along with us to Florida, just in case. I always feel better knowing that I have every piece of important information with me.

 

[midwesternbelle]

Awesome PTR! Looking forward to more! Love the way you organized your trip!