We weren't SUPPOSED to plan a Disney trip this year!! Oct 23-30 *TR to come soon!*

[kdka421]

I'm planning to check out WAY too MANY F&W events!!

3D Dessert Party
Sweet Sundays
PFTS
Possibly Italian F&W pairing
Possibly Cheese Seminar
Possible smaller seminars

We will have hoppers though. I can't imagine doing F&W without them. Too many days will involve going to Epoct for a little while and since we don't want to spend our entire trip in Epcot Park Hoppers are a must.

Awesome!! You're going to have a blast at all those events!
We've never done F&W at all, so I don't have any past experience to compare to...but I do know that we've never in our past trips felt like we've needed hoppers. It might make a few parts of the trip more convenient (such as this upcoming PFTS day), but as a whole, we have no issue spending full days at any park.
I just checked again what the price difference was to get hoppers, and it wasn't as much as I thought it was, however I really don't see us using it any other day other than this Epcot day, so I still don't think it'd be worth it. Will keep it in the back of my mind though...

Excellent plan..I know it's hard to follow the "best" advice when it means missing something like a special event. You just have to go with your plans and brave the crowds. But like you said, you will have already accomplished much on Wed! Have fun in Burlington. My Brother was just there over the weekend, he had a great time!
And wow, congrats to your Mom on her second book!

Oh, and as for F&W...we will just be eating and drinking around the world on our Epcot day. And probably bribing the girls to let us do this...! I think it's going to be a very expensive day.

Thanks! I'm pretty pleased with how the plan is working out so far. We typically don't follow "best" advice anyway, haha, we've never ever looked at a crowd calendar. I'm sure you're going to have a blast just eating/drinking your way around the world.

And thanks for the sweet words on my mom's book, we're pretty proud of her!

 

[Chelley00]

I just checked again what the price difference was to get hoppers, and it wasn't as much as I thought it was, however I really don't see us using it any other day other than this Epcot day, so I still don't think it'd be worth it. Will keep it in the back of my mind though...

We've never had hoppers either. Some people get really freaked out that we don't We just pick a park and stay there, and if it gets crowded, we leave, or if we take a mid-day break, we go back to the same park. It's never been a big deal.

 

[silverhaze269]

I would love to take in more F&W events, but I'm not sure we'll be able to. Getting to PFTS might be a bit of a stretch in and of itself, so we'll see what happens. The 3D Dessert Party sounds awesome though, and so does the Sweet Sundays, so we'll see how much all of the events are and double check the dates, and go from there.

Also, I love the way your pins are displayed! I've been wanting to do something like that for a while, but just didn't know where to get the frames/stuff to frame them. I currently have all my pins on my YOAMD lanyard, which is hanging on the door knob to the closet in the office ...it's also a little

 

[kdka421]

We've never had hoppers either. Some people get really freaked out that we don't We just pick a park and stay there, and if it gets crowded, we leave, or if we take a mid-day break, we go back to the same park. It's never been a big deal.

Yup, we're exactly the same.

I would love to take in more F&W events, but I'm not sure we'll be able to. Getting to PFTS might be a bit of a stretch in and of itself, so we'll see what happens. The 3D Dessert Party sounds awesome though, and so does the Sweet Sundays, so we'll see how much all of the events are and double check the dates, and go from there.

Also, I love the way your pins are displayed! I've been wanting to do something like that for a while, but just didn't know where to get the frames/stuff to frame them. I currently have all my pins on my YOAMD lanyard, which is hanging on the door knob to the closet in the office ...it's also a little

Yeah, I think we'll all be able to better plan the F&W events once more details are released! I really hope that's going to be soon.

You should totally do something with your pins, this is SUPER easy. I got the frames at Michaels (and they usually have sales or coupons too, I don't remember but I think these were probably about $15-20 each), they are just standard shadow boxes. The front panel opens like a book, and the inside wall is a material that you can just stick the pins directly into, kind of like a fabric bulletin board. So you just buy the frame, stick all the pins directly onto the back, and you're done!

 

[kdka421]

85 days!

Day 6 10/28:

Since we had to rearrange our schedule a bit, day 6 is now our Hollywood Studios day. And as such, we don't really have much specific planned for this day. We haven't heard many good things about the table service options in Hollywood Studios (the only one I've tried before is 50's primetime during a childhood trip, and I have no desire to go back there again), so our HS days are always purely counter service, so we have no ADRs. The only thing to plan for timewise is to be sure to catch Fantasmic.

As for attractions - rope drop we'll probably head over and do RnRC and ToT, maybe more than once depending on how the lines shape up. I did RnRC for the first time on our last trip - I was quite concerned that I was going to be terrified (for some reason the thought of upside-down scares me a lot, although I can handle drops like Tot, Everest, Splash, etc just fine), but personally I thought it ended up feeling less intense than Everest. Absolutely loved it, but we only got to do it once since the ride was down for a few hours, so I'm looking forward to go on this a couple times hopefully.

It'll also be good to avoid the masses going to Toy Story - like the ride a lot, and I'm sure we'll get FPs for it at some point, but not going to rush over there right away. As for the shows (Indiana Jones and Lights/Motors/Action), we've seen them both before, and might or might not see them again...they're just so brutally hot most of the time.

There's really not all that much to do in Hollywood Studios. Maybe we'll stumble on some hidden gems we haven't seen much before? I know we haven't done the animation thing in our recent trips, maybe there are some other things like that as well. Worst case scenario, we can always take a mid-day break.

That's really all we have planned for Day 6. Anyone have any tips or favorite things you love doing in HS?

 

[smile4stamps]

I guess I am weird! I loved my meal at 50's PT!! We also had a good dinner at Mama Melrose (plus they have a new chef..) and the reviews of Hollywood Brown Derby are pretty good so we are going to try that this time!

I do agree that DHS doesn't have a lot going on! We will be doing the TSM mad dash as we love it so we want to ride it right away plus FP it. From there it will be to RnRC and possible ToT... DH refuses to ride it!!

I like the Beauty and the Beast show but not sure we will watch it again.

Definitely want to do Animation Academy and One Man's Dream!!

 

[silverhaze269]

HS has always been my least favourite park, mostly because I'm not one for roller coasters or large drops. That means that ToT is totally out, and while I'm curious about RnR, that one is probably out too. Like you guys, I've seen the shows before, and enjoyed them when I saw them, but I don't feel the need to see them again, unless we feel like it in the moment.

Food is another story though. The 50's Prime Time has been a favourite spot since I tried it in 2007, but it's not because of the food, it's because of the atmosphere. I think it's just so cool in there! Don't get me wrong, the food is good, but it's not fantastic. Fantastic food is the Hollywood Brown Derby, which is also located in HS. I've also become curious about the Sci-Fi since I've heard their menu got re-vamped a bit. I have eaten there before but wasn't wowed by it, so I've skipped it ever since. I do like the atmosphere, but I totally get why it's not for everyone, especially with the forward facing, two people per seat cars that hold up to 6.

There are two new spots to me that I can't wait to try in HS, one is the Writer's Stop, and the other is Fairfax Fare. Both are said to have good one-of-a-kind treats. The carrot cake cookie from the Writer's Stop, and the Mac and Cheese Hot Dog at Fairfax Fare. Aside from these things though, I fear that HS may still remain a one day park, or a few half days for us.

 

[kdka421]

I guess I am weird! I loved my meal at 50's PT!! We also had a good dinner at Mama Melrose (plus they have a new chef..) and the reviews of Hollywood Brown Derby are pretty good so we are going to try that this time!

I do agree that DHS doesn't have a lot going on! We will be doing the TSM mad dash as we love it so we want to ride it right away plus FP it. From there it will be to RnRC and possible ToT... DH refuses to ride it!!

I like the Beauty and the Beast show but not sure we will watch it again.

Definitely want to do Animation Academy and One Man's Dream!!

No you're not weird! Everyone has different tastes! I should have clarified that I've heard good things about Brown Derby as well, but we're doing a few other signature dinners so couldn't fit that one in.

What is it your DH doesn't like about ToT? ToT is one of my absolutely favorite WDW rides, because I think the whole ride's theming is just fantastic.

Oh, you should read my Beauty and the Beast story from our last trip! Here's the link if you're interested

HS has always been my least favourite park, mostly because I'm not one for roller coasters or large drops. That means that ToT is totally out, and while I'm curious about RnR, that one is probably out too. Like you guys, I've seen the shows before, and enjoyed them when I saw them, but I don't feel the need to see them again, unless we feel like it in the moment.

There are two new spots to me that I can't wait to try in HS, one is the Writer's Stop, and the other is Fairfax Fare. Both are said to have good one-of-a-kind treats. The carrot cake cookie from the Writer's Stop, and the Mac and Cheese Hot Dog at Fairfax Fare. Aside from these things though, I fear that HS may still remain a one day park, or a few half days for us.

Just curious, do you do any of the WDW roller coasters? I was scared to death of RnRC, but after I went on it, I personally thought it was one of the more mild ones at WDW. You don't even notice you're going upside down (seriously). If you don't mind FAST, I personally think it's relatively tame for a roller coaster. Just my 2 cents!

Both of those food spots you mentioned, I am on the same page - the Writer's Stop is adorable, we hung out there a little during our last trip (I'll put a few pictures from there below). And Fairfax Fare is on our list of CS places to try this time too!


Mom (the author!) outside Writer's stop:

DH relaxing inside Writer's Stop:

 

[smile4stamps]

My hubby HATES heights... And knowing it drops he won't go on it. I don't think I've ever been on it at WDW... Just DL. I hear the WDW one is better though!!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I have always had a hard time planning our DHS days. We do the TSMM dash to get on and get FP's right away, but then what? But, in Jan they didn't do RD and it made for such a smoother morning that the rest of our day was great! We do the Phineas and Ferb meet and greet now and then just start to tour around from there...it worked well in Jan so I hope it works this time as well.

 

[kdka421]

My hubby HATES heights... And knowing it drops he won't go on it. I don't think I've ever been on it at WDW... Just DL. I hear the WDW one is better though!!

Oh, you haven't been on it at WDW either?? Are you planning on it even if your DH doesn't? It's so amazing! Can you tell I love the ride?!

I have always had a hard time planning our DHS days. We do the TSMM dash to get on and get FP's right away, but then what? But, in Jan they didn't do RD and it made for such a smoother morning that the rest of our day was great! We do the Phineas and Ferb meet and greet now and then just start to tour around from there...it worked well in Jan so I hope it works this time as well.

Yeah, I think most people seem to agree that DHS is a tough day to plan. We haven't been yet since they stopped doing rope drop, so I'm really curious to see how that changes things. I'm not really sure what to expect.

 

[potc]

I've been reading your PTR and sounds like fun!

I love DHS! I love RnR, Star Tours, Little Mermaid, Back Lot Tour, Indiana Jones, Beauty & the Beast, Fantasmic!, Great Movie Ride, pretty much everything except ToT because I hate dropping!

Have you tried everything at DHS? You should make sure to at least try everything! I know a lot of people don't like DHS, but I can't agree. I love it there!

 

[kdka421]

I've been reading your PTR and sounds like fun!

I love DHS! I love RnR, Star Tours, Little Mermaid, Back Lot Tour, Indiana Jones, Beauty & the Beast, Fantasmic!, Great Movie Ride, pretty much everything except ToT because I hate dropping!

Have you tried everything at DHS? You should make sure to at least try everything! I know a lot of people don't like DHS, but I can't agree. I love it there!

First -- hello! Thanks so much for visiting my PTR!


Awww, everyone seems to think I don't like DHS! It's not true! I just don't think there's as much to do there as other parks.

Okay, let's see if I've done everything....[looks at list]
The only things I have not done are the American Idol attraction (American Idol just isn't my cup of tea, plus I think DH would hate it) and the Playhouse Disney show (don't have kids, so that one's obvious). Everything else I've done at one time or another.

There are a few things that my DH hasn't done before, that we're going to make a point to do this time -- including the animation class, and the Little Mermaid show (was closed during our last trip).

There are though a few things that we've done that we don't really want to do again, like the new backlot tour (just don't like it). Also, we've seen all the shows at least once (Indiana Jones, Lights/Motors/Action, Beauty and the Beast), and don't necessarily feel the need to see them again. Also as I've said before I'm slightly underwhelmed by DHS' dining options.

But there are also things we LOVE, like Fantasmic, Tower of Terror, RnRC, Toy Story...I could do all of those over and over again.

So, that's my full take on DHS!

 

[kdka421]

It feels like we've been planning this trip for a long time....but in reality, we only booked 3 weeks ago!! That's crazy!

Day 7 10/29:
Day 7 is going to be our second Magic Kingdom day. As of right now, we don't have a very detailed plan for this day. We had originally booked dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, but a couple weeks ago we decided to switch this to The Wave at the Contemporary. I've heard a lot of great reviews, and also a lot of awful reviews....so who knows what the experience will be like! I'm hoping it'll be more in line with the positive reviews

There is actually a chance that this might be our one and only FULL Magic Kingdom day. Right now we're realizing that we probably don't have enough time booked just to enjoy the F&W booths. So we're trying to figure out what options we have to rearrange our schedule; and one of the serious contenders is to take Day 3, which we planned on spending fully at MK (and doing MNSSHP that night), and instead use that morning/afternoon as a second F&W festival day, and then go over to MK for MNSSHP that night. So if we do end up making that switch in our plans, we'd have our MNSSHP evening at MK, and then this would be our only other MK day. In that event, this would probably end up being a very busy day, since we probably won't get to many (any?) rides during MNSSHP.

Day 8 10/30:
This is our departure day. However, our flight doesn't leave until 7pm. So I'm guessing that we won't need to be ready for Magical Express until about 4pm, which gives us a full morning and afternoon in one of the parks. We've left this day TBD, but in all likelihood my guess is that we'll end up back for one final F&W day at EPCOT.


RECAP -- Our itinerary as of now:
10/23 - Arrive at 11:30. Evening at Boardwalk, dinner at Flying Fish.
10/24 - EPCOT. F&W Festival, dinner at Rose & Crown.
10/25 - MK. MNSSHP in evening.
10/26 - AK. Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse.
10/27 - EPCOT. Lunch at Via Napoli, Party for the Senses.
10/28 - DHS. No ADRs.
10/29 - MK. Dinner at The Wave (Contemporary).
10/30 - EPCOT. F&W festival. Depart at 7pm.

 

[silverhaze269]

Just curious, do you do any of the WDW roller coasters? I was scared to death of RnRC, but after I went on it, I personally thought it was one of the more mild ones at WDW. You don't even notice you're going upside down (seriously). If you don't mind FAST, I personally think it's relatively tame for a roller coaster. Just my 2 cents!

Both of those food spots you mentioned, I am on the same page - the Writer's Stop is adorable, we hung out there a little during our last trip (I'll put a few pictures from there below). And Fairfax Fare is on our list of CS places to try this time too!

Yep! I love BTMRR especially at night I've also been meaning to try EE, but haven't gotten around to it yet , but I will do it this time, gosh darn it! I want to give RnR a shot because I think I would like the music aspect of it, but I'm really apprehensive because it's all in the dark and it goes upside down. I've never been on a roller coaster in the dark before, and I've also never been on one that goes upside down, so those are the two main things holding me back. I was about to say that I'd never been on an indoor roller coaster before, but I've been on the Mummy at USO and enjoyed it.

Also, those were awesome pictures! I can't wait to stop in there!

RECAP -- Our itinerary as of now:
10/23 - Arrive at 11:30. Evening at Boardwalk, dinner at Flying Fish.
10/24 - EPCOT. F&W Festival, dinner at Rose & Crown.
10/25 - MK. MNSSHP in evening.
10/26 - AK. Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse.
10/27 - EPCOT. Lunch at Via Napoli, Party for the Senses.
10/28 - DHS. No ADRs.
10/29 - MK. Dinner at The Wave (Contemporary).
10/30 - EPCOT. F&W festival. Depart at 7pm.

If you have park hoppers you could spend a few hours at the MK one day and then head over to Epcot for the rest of the day. It all depends on what kind of a pace you prefer though, and what's most important to you on this trip. For some people, it could be all about the F&W festival, for others, it's all about the rides, and for other still, it's all about getting away from it all and relaxing

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hey! We finally have a day together!! That's our last day at MK....maybe we will run into each other!

 

[kdka421]

Yep! I love BTMRR especially at night I've also been meaning to try EE, but haven't gotten around to it yet , but I will do it this time, gosh darn it! I want to give RnR a shot because I think I would like the music aspect of it, but I'm really apprehensive because it's all in the dark and it goes upside down. I've never been on a roller coaster in the dark before, and I've also never been on one that goes upside down, so those are the two main things holding me back. I was about to say that I'd never been on an indoor roller coaster before, but I've been on the Mummy at USO and enjoyed it.

Well, it's just my 2 cents -- but I personally think Everest is a more-intense coaster than RnRC. (I know plenty of people disagree) If you can get up the nerve to handle EE, I don't think you'll have any problem with RnRC. That said -- I was freaking out before RnRC, I definitely almost chickened out last second. BUT - it was nowhere near as intense as I thought it would be. It's weird because RnRC is definitely "in the dark" like you said, but you can SEE so much stuff (I had no idea about how it was decorated on the inside) it doesn't FEEL like the dark. The blacklight effect is super cool.

If you have park hoppers you could spend a few hours at the MK one day and then head over to Epcot for the rest of the day. It all depends on what kind of a pace you prefer though, and what's most important to you on this trip. For some people, it could be all about the F&W festival, for others, it's all about the rides, and for other still, it's all about getting away from it all and relaxing

Yeah - it's good because we've been before and I know we'll go again, so we're not under any pressure to do everything. This is definitely a trip where we want to focus on F&W, though, since it's our first time at F&W. We won't have park hoppers though, so we won't be jumping around. We do leave a little bit of flexibility in our schedule, so if we realize we need more time somewhere, we can make it happen.

Hey! We finally have a day together!! That's our last day at MK....maybe we will run into each other!

Yay! Cool! Always neat knowing there are other DISers around!

 

[kdka421]

Hey all!

I just posted this on another DISer's PTR, since something there reminded me of it...but I wanted to share it with all of my readers here as well.


My father-daughter dance at my wedding was to "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2.

My dad actually wrote up a magazine article about it, if you want to read it, here: http://www.guideposts.org/stories-faith/father-gives-away-bride-father-daughter-story

5 years later, still brings a tear to my eye! I love my dad!

 

[t_daniels]

Aw, Via Napoli!<3

 

[t_daniels]

Yup, we're exactly the same.

Yeah, I think we'll all be able to better plan the F&W events once more details are released! I really hope that's going to be soon.

You should totally do something with your pins, this is SUPER easy. I got the frames at Michaels (and they usually have sales or coupons too, I don't remember but I think these were probably about $15-20 each), they are just standard shadow boxes. The front panel opens like a book, and the inside wall is a material that you can just stick the pins directly into, kind of like a fabric bulletin board. So you just buy the frame, stick all the pins directly onto the back, and you're done!

We only have a few pins...but I need to do this!