‘The planning is all yours - enjoy’: The Best.Birthday.Present.Everrrr! - A PTR

[Sarah28]

The time has come for me to start my pre-trip report! I didnt think I would be doing one again so quickly after the last one (but more on that in a bit!)

Here we go, hope you come along for the ride...

INDEX

Our plans and ADRs
Top Things I am looking forward to
Must do attractions and must eats: Magic Kingdom
Some quick updates
Anyone care for a dance?
Must do attractions and must eats: EPCOT
It's been a while since I updated...
Must do attractions and must eats: Hollywood Studios
Must do attractions and must eats: Animal Kingdom
Anyone up for some dancing?!?!
Other Musts


CAST ROLE CALL:

Sarah (me) 26 (will be 27 when we go)



Disney obsessed from a very young age - always have been, and always will be a big kid. Most things in my life revolve around some kinda Disneyness - visiting the Disney Store whenever I can, watching films most evenings, Disney holidays, and I even have a Disney themed kitchen and collect lots of Nightmare Before Christmas / Alice in Wonderland / Rex from Toy Story things that are displayed in our study / toy room. Have been to WDW twice and DLRP numerous times I am starting to lose count (we have APs yay!)

Here's a pic of some of my rex and alice collection!




Favourite films: Alice in Wonderland / Toy Stories (actually I cant decide - theres too many!)
Favourite rides: Haunted Mansion, Dinosaur, any of the coasters really


Andrew (fiance / partner in crime!) 29



This is an old piccy of him from our first trip to DLRP but it makes me smile !

Disney convert and is an absolute star to put up with / sometimes encourages (?!) my Disney obsession. Happiest moment of our lives so far also included WDW when he proposed to me in the Haunted Mansion near Halloween 2011 (TR in my signature if anyone fancies a nose - the boy did good!). Andy has been on all our Disney trips with me so far, and also went to WDW and DLR (jealous!) when he was a kid with his family.


Here's a few piccys of us


This was at a friend's wedding a lil while ago (he was usher and I was maid of honor)


On the day we were engaged 24 Oct 2011


Us in Hollywood Studios 2011

Favourite films: Aladdin and Monsters Inc.
Favourite rides: Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania (notice a theme here? - he gets competitive!)


Gill (mum) 53
Just realised I don't have any pics of my mum on my computer but will update when we come back from our trip!

My lovely mum! Another encourager, and probably the founder of my Disney obsession. Had a family trip to WDW when we were younger in 1999 and loved it. We took her to DLRP last year for the first time, and I was scared she was gonna say how much it wasnt like WDW, but she didnt, and she had such a great time. Such a great feeling of when someone just gets Disney and understands why we go so often.

Favourite films: Will have to ask her but I know she has a soft spot for Sulley so its probably also Monsters Inc.
Favourite rides: From DLRP, I think it was RocknRoller Coaster (have yet to take her on the WDW version!), and I remembering her loving Tower or Terror from WDW.


THE STORY SO FAR...

Rewind back to early 2012, Andy and I had been back from WDW a few months and we had been showing mum all our photos and telling her how much fun we had had. I shared all my planning with her before we went, telling her all about ADRs etc and she was surprised about how much research and organisation I had done. I remember her telling me she had no idea about booking ADRs / busy park guides etc when we went for the first time in 99 - I think we made her super jealous and eager to return!

Andy and I had also just bought our first house together in Feb / March 2012, so after all fees were paid, we were left pretty poor! We all spoke about having a holiday together, but said to mum in the end, we really just couldnt afford it

So June rolls around, and for my birthday, I got the best present ever! Mum had booked and paid for us 3 to all go on holiday together! She said the planning is all yours - enjoy I couldnt believe it, best birthday present ever!!! (hence the title)

 

[Sarah28]

SO HERE’S THE PLANS...

We will be staying here...





Our dates are 15-29 August, with free DDP, flying with VA from Gatwick and 14 day Ultimate Ticket


OUR ADRS
some image credits go to disneyfoodblog

Friday 16th August: Olivias



It will be our first proper night there, and we’ll still probably be settling in to our 'home away from home', so we thought we might as well check this one out


Saturday 17th August: Coral Reef



This will be our second time here, we had such a great meal there last time - our server was amazing and the food was great. I know there's mixed reviews out there, but I know my mum will love the atmosphere and hope we will get a table near the front to see all the fish and stuff!


Sunday 18th August: Yak & Yeti



This will be a new one for us, but the menu sounds great as we love Asian style food.


Monday 19th August: T-Rex



I’m craaazy about dinosaurs (especially that lil dude from Toy Story! ) so this is a must do for us. We had our first meal here on our last trip but we were all so tired, so I’m looking forward to enjoying this one more at a more relaxed pace.


Tuesday 20th August: Sci-fi Dine in



Where else can you sit in a car and eat burgers with shakes while watching a big screen?! A must do for all our trips now - we love it there!


Wednesday 21st August: ‘Ohana



I’ve heard such great things about here, probably the one I’m most excited about! We’re hoping to catch Wishes on the beach afterwards.


Thursday 22nd August: Rose and Crown



This one is for my mum - she said they tried to get a table there when we went before and couldn’t get in so this one is for her - I know it’s a bit ‘English-people-on-holiday-eating-things-they-can-eat-at-home’ but I’m interested to see what it’s like (yes I'm one of those weird english people who go into the UK pavilion just to see the extortionate prices of cadburys chocolate! )


Friday 23rd August: Boma



Another one I’m really excited about, heard such great things about it and I really want to have a nose around AKL as I hope to stay there on our honeymoon!


Saturday 24th August: Kona Cafe



I’m always a bit 'meh' about table service locations in MK, so Kona seemed a great alternative from a break in the parks - everything on the menu looks right up our street!


Sunday 25th August: Via Napoli



We all love Italian food, and this was recommended by our good friends who we visited with a few years back, and they said they had such a great meal there on their honeymoon. Mmm pizza!


Monday 26th August: Beaches and Cream



I know we can’t make an ADR here, but we’re going to head over around lunchtime to see if we can get a table. It’s all about the ice cream!!!


Tuesday 27th August: Raglan Road



Another one for my mum - she loves hearty home cooked type food and thought this would be pretty fun to try.


Wednesday 28th August: Sanaa



Another one I am excited to try as I love Indian style food, and I hope we can see the animals! More nosing around AKL too

 

[Tinkerbell1989]

Sarah, your plans sound awesome! I love your ADRs... I'm like you with Rose and Crown, but I think I might be tempted to try it in December, as it gets such good reviews!
Can't wait to hear more!

Steffi x

 

[Aliceacc]

Congratulations on your engagement!!!

If some how you can't get one of your ADRs, take a look at the Clam Bake at the Cape May Cafe. It's our newest family favorite, and a must-do for future trips. All 5 of us, even the non-seafood-eaters, loved it!!

Your plans look fabulous!! Could you please tell your mom that my birthday is in October, and that I'm very loveable, just in case she's looking to adopt another daughter??

 

[Claire Bear]

It's exciting reading people's pre trip reports and we'll be there at the same time 16-29th August (It worked a lot cheaper for us to stay 13 nights due to flights). DBF and I are staying on international drive for 4 nights then YC for 9 nights.
I have been talking to my Mum about our plans and she wants us to go again so she can come We thought we'd probably stay at OKW if we do so I look forward to reading more

 

[Laurafoster]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned we go a few weeks after you.

 

[Sarah28]

Sarah, your plans sound awesome! I love your ADRs... I'm like you with Rose and Crown, but I think I might be tempted to try it in December, as it gets such good reviews!
Can't wait to hear more!

Steffi x

Aww thanks for reading along Steffi, yeah I'm quite interested to see what it's like too. More coming now!

Congratulations on your engagement!!!

If some how you can't get one of your ADRs, take a look at the Clam Bake at the Cape May Cafe. It's our newest family favorite, and a must-do for future trips. All 5 of us, even the non-seafood-eaters, loved it!!

Your plans look fabulous!! Could you please tell your mom that my birthday is in October, and that I'm very loveable, just in case she's looking to adopt another daughter??

Thanks Alice, wow that's good to know that seafood-eaters like it there, would never have even thought to have a look. Will check it out thanks!

I am very lucky to have such a mum like mine

It's exciting reading people's pre trip reports and we'll be there at the same time 16-29th August (It worked a lot cheaper for us to stay 13 nights due to flights). DBF and I are staying on international drive for 4 nights then YC for 9 nights.
I have been talking to my Mum about our plans and she wants us to go again so she can come We thought we'd probably stay at OKW if we do so I look forward to reading more

Thanks for reading Claire, ooh have you started a PTR? Would love to have a read. Yay for mums wanting to go on holiday! I will make sure I write home a lot about OKW as I'm excited to be staying there

Sounds like you have a great trip planned we go a few weeks after you.

Thanks Laura, yay not long for you now then, have been reading along with your plans and I'm looking forward to more

 

[Sarah28]

TOP 5 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:

I could write an essay on all the things I am looking forward to, so thought I’d pick a few to write about:

2 weeks of Disney:
Need I say more!? In 2011 we came only for a week (Oct half term) and crammed in as much as we could commando style, so I’m going to enjoy the extra week and relax / take it easier this time around. I haven’t had a Disney fix since Oct last year so I am in desperate need of one! Can’t wait to get back on some rides!

Getting on the Magic Express:
May sound like a silly one, but I am so looking forward to getting on the Magic Express knowing I have 2 weeks of magic ahead of me, the best feeling ever!

Trying new food and restaurants on DDP:
This is our first time on the DDP so have booked ADRs at restaurants that we didn’t have a chance to do last time due to not being able to fit them all in / have the money to do so, so am looking forward to trying new things and places that I’ve heard such good things about.

Staying at OKW:
I have heard great things about this resort and my mum loved the fact that we can still get the boat to DTD like we did previously when we stayed at POFQ. I know we will be spending more time at our hotel this trip, so will be lovely to stay in a resort that’s chilled out.

Spending quality time with my mum!
My mum has had a pretty rough end of last year, so I’m really looking forward to going back to the place that she said was her ‘best holiday ever’. She is just amazing for paying for us all to go so I’m very thankful to her; I just want to make this our best holiday ever!

Shopping:
My favourite past time meets Disney, what could be better?! Main Street is one of my fav places to shop - I love the buzzing feeling and smells of sweetness from Main Street Bakery, so I always have to go in every single shop! World of Disney is another of my favourites - I have a great memory from my first trip there as a child that my mum and I still talk about, where all the plush toys were stacked all the way to the ceiling and I was like woooow - I was in heaven!

WHAT I AM A BIT NERVOUS ABOUT:

Heat:
I am not the best in extreme heat conditions, so I’m a bit scared about how hot it will be in August! Andy is a college lecturer so he has to take time off during school holidays. I am hoping the Disney high will take over from me feeling too hot! We have planned in lots of rest and water park time, and I think the idea is to do rope drop each day and return to resort in the afternoon when it’s the hottest, and then back out in the evening,

Crowds:
Following on from the point above, I am also a bit concerned about how busy it will be, but hopefully it will start to get less busy as the last week progresses and the US kids go back to school (so I have heard - hope it’s true!)

Has anyone got any insights /experiences into the last 2?

 

[MrsTigger]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned :-D

 

[Tinkerbell1989]

I'm with you - we loved being on the DDP and trying loads of different places we wouldnt normally! And I love walking down Main Street!

I don't have any first hand advice about weather or crowds... although for what I've read, get there for rope drop, break in afternoon when its really hot and busy, and then back for the late afternoon. Hope I'm on the right track with that!

Xx

 

[Chilly]

That is the best birthday present ever!

 

[Linda67]

Wow, what a wonderful gift from your Mum
Your plans sound great, you have some excellent ADRs planned
We've never been in August but it sounds like you are factoring in some nice breaks to get out of the heat so I am sure you will all be fine .... just eat lots of ice cream and dole whips

 

[scoobydooby]

Great plans, great mum!!!! We often go in August. Get us early for rope drop, bail when it gets too hot, go back out in the evenings. Know where the air conditioned rides are in case anyone gets overheated and cranky as they can be a life saver and recover bad moods think Hall of Presidents, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Animation place at DHS. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make use of the pool and water parks. Pace yourselves. Enjoy!

 

[scoobydooby]

Just realised we will be there some of the same dates! We go 9 to 25 August.

 

[Sarah28]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned :-D

Thanks for reading, not long for you now, bet you're really excited

I'm with you - we loved being on the DDP and trying loads of different places we wouldnt normally! And I love walking down Main Street!

I don't have any first hand advice about weather or crowds... although for what I've read, get there for rope drop, break in afternoon when its really hot and busy, and then back for the late afternoon. Hope I'm on the right track with that!

Xx

Yeah very much looking forward to DDP and being on Main Street too Steffi Yes that sounds like our plan of events too. I've heard 'when it stops being fun, that's when it's time to take a break.' Least this time as we're there for 2 weeks, means I won't feel like rest time is time wasted

That is the best birthday present ever!

Thanks for reading Claire, I know we are so lucky!

Wow, what a wonderful gift from your Mum
Your plans sound great, you have some excellent ADRs planned
We've never been in August but it sounds like you are factoring in some nice breaks to get out of the heat so I am sure you will all be fine .... just eat lots of ice cream and dole whips

Thanks for reading Linda, yes I am looking forward to saving up my snack credits for lotsa dole whips!

Great plans, great mum!!!! We often go in August. Get us early for rope drop, bail when it gets too hot, go back out in the evenings. Know where the air conditioned rides are in case anyone gets overheated and cranky as they can be a life saver and recover bad moods think Hall of Presidents, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Animation place at DHS. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make use of the pool and water parks. Pace yourselves. Enjoy!

Just realised we will be there some of the same dates! We go 9 to 25 August.

Great tips there thanks, and cool to see we're gonna be there same time! Not long now, very exciting!

 

[Sarah28]

MUST DOS:

There’s too many to write about, so I have broken down the next section into parks...






Ahh when you can see the castle and you know you’re in Disney! We love to just hang out on Main Street and take it all in. The parades and shows are fab, can’t wait to get there for rope drop and watch the opening show!


MUST DO ATTRACTIONS:


Haunted Mansion:



Dying to get back on this ride (sorry I couldn’t help it ) Always been my favourite themed attraction, but has now been made extra special by our engagement. Looking forward to reliving some very happy memories!


Splash Mountain:



Can’t wait to take mum back on this one - we got absolutely soaked last time!!


Big Thunder Mountain:



We just love this one, especially in the dark - that’s a tradition of ours


Space Mountain:



I always get the giggles on this one, so much fun!


Teacups:



Another tradition to take silly pics of eachother while spinning has to be done! Super Alice in Wonderland fan too


Wishes:



True Disney magic that brings tears to my eyes when I just hear the music. Can’t wait for this so much.


MUST EATS:

Dole Whip Float / Iced Coffee Floats:



Andy got super addicted to Dole Whip Floats on our last trip, he has decided he is saving up his snack credits for these


Cinammon rolls:



Not sure if Main Street Bakery will be re-open when we go, but I hear Gastons has these so have to get us one of these! Nom nom nom

 

[Sarah28]

SOME QUICK UPDATES:

We did our ESTAs on saturday and they have all come back approved already

Travel insurance is now sorted, so that's another tick on the list!

I bought myself a swimming costume from debenhams for the water parks! I'm not very adventurous with my wardrobe (tis mainly black) so this ones a bit girly and quite flattering...



And I made myself a notebook ready for me to stick in my itinerary / menus /TR etc. Being a graphic designer has it's perks - I was able to illustrate this lil guy for the front...



The print quality from vistaprint was really good so I'm pretty chuffed with it

Still got a few things left to sort out like mouskeeping envelopes and more holiday shopping but feel like it's coming together nicely

 

[Tinkerbell1989]

Omg that book is amazing! Love it! X

 

[Laurafoster]

Love the book! Looks fab!

 

[Linda67]

I agree with the others, the notebook looks wonderful

What a lovely way to keep track of your plans