Trip Number Ten ~ We're Going Again! Plus a side trip!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Cool that you will get to test the magic band deal! Looking forward to hearing about it upon your return! I prefer others to be the guinea pigs and work out the kinks before I do things!

One month!! WOOHOO!
One month from now I will be in the car. Still. for about another 10 hours!

Thanks for letting me be your guinea pig!!

Not long now until our trips!!

I know can u believe how old she has gotten. time flies by...... I have been waiting forever but May is not getting canceled.... That's my goal lol....

Disney here we come!!!!! May 2014

 

[JoBird]

Well I just went back and read all the way thru since I have been trying to keep up on an itty bitty phone screen for 20 days. Feeling like I'm still

Yay for 1 day less than one month now. Sorry I'm behind. There's always an excuse to have a celebration, though.

And OMG--- you get the magic bands! LUCKY!!! I would love to do that. I think. Maybe? Okay maybe not. Oh heck IDK. I will read about your experiences though and be excited to hear about them!!

Okay now that I'm home and caught up I pinky swear that I will be here checking in daily, sometimes more than once a day.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Well I just went back and read all the way thru since I have been trying to keep up on an itty bitty phone screen for 20 days. Feeling like I'm still

Yay for 1 day less than one month now. Sorry I'm behind. There's always an excuse to have a celebration, though.

And OMG--- you get the magic bands! LUCKY!!! I would love to do that. I think. Maybe? Okay maybe not. Oh heck IDK. I will read about your experiences though and be excited to hear about them!!

Okay now that I'm home and caught up I pinky swear that I will be here checking in daily, sometimes more than once a day.

Hey!! Welcome home! I bet you are so glad to be back home.

Yep, less than 1 month now! Well actually tomorrow will be 1 month until WDW!!

Yeah, pretty exciting stuff getting to try out the Magicbands!! May end well and it may not. Who knows. But I'm going to give it a try!

You better be checking in daily now!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Should we start with MK first?!

We will go to MK 2 times on this trip. With the heat there is no way we will last an entire day at any park. So, one time we will go to MK at rope drop and stay until about 1:00 or 2:00, or until the heat stops us! And the other time we will get to MK around 2:00 or 3:00 and stay until after Wishes.


Rides/Attractions we LOVE and must do at MK:
Peter Pan
It's a Small World
Mickey's Philharmagic
Space Mountain
Buzzlightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Big Thunder Mountain RR
Haunted Mansion
Little Mermaid
Wishes


Rides/Attractions we like and do often, but not every time at MK:
Winnie the Pooh
Dumbo
Goofy's Barnstormer
Monster's Inc Laugh Floor
Splash Mountain
WDW RR
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Mad Tea Party
Swiss Family Treehouse
Share a Dream Come True Parade
Main Street Electrical Parade


Rides/Attractions we think are okay and only sometimes do at MK:
Winnie the Pooh
Aladdin's Magic Carpets
Tiki Birds
Country Bear Jamboree
Carousel of Progress
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Astro Orbiter
Hall of Presidents
Tom Sawyer Island
Liberty Square Riverboat



I think the only thing we have not done at MK is:
Stitch's Great Escape


I'm not sure what all we will hit at MK on this trip. Due to the heat I am not planning on doing it all, that's for sure! Definitely everything on the first list. Anything beyond that will be a bonus. I'd like to try and do a few things that we haven't done for a long time – maybe Country Bears and I don't know what else.... Of course I've been saying we should do the Country Bears again since our very fist trip in 2005 when DS11 (4 then) fell asleep in there!

We like to hit MK one day at rope drop. We head right for Fantasyland! We really enjoy those rides and like to do them first thing so we aren't stuck waiting in a long line for them later. From Fantasyland we usually go to Tomorrowland next. Then cut across to Adventureland and then Frontierland and Liberty Square. After that we just wing it! And we usually head out of the park somewhere between 1:00-3:00.

On another MK day we like to have a nice relaxing morning at our resort, a CS lunch, maybe do some swimming, and then head to MK in the afternoon. Maybe around 2:00-3:00. Then we stay for the entire evening and for Wishes!


One more wonderful thing that I must mention about MK – Dole Whip Floats!! No trip is complete without one!

But, we will talk about MK dining in another post.....

Up Next: Epcot Plans

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Country Bears...

I'm with you on everything except going to the Country Bears. There is a reason that you haven't been back in there since 2005. Don't do it Shelly! You know you'll regret it if you do!



All your other plans sounds wonderful though. I'd have to do the same thing if I went in August (leaving the parks mid-day). That's the perfect time to hit the pool! We love touring the parks at night too. Everything looks so different then and some of the rides are really cool after dark!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm with Rinky. Country Bears is just time you will never get back! I'd rather be waiting in a line than watch that show.

I think I'd hit splash on a nice hot afternoon!

Isn't Main Street Electrical Parade gone now? Or was it Spectro that they dumped? I get so confused!


So Jo's been here once today. Let's she when she resurfaces...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Country Bears...

I'm with you on everything except going to the Country Bears. There is a reason that you haven't been back in there since 2005. Don't do it Shelly! You know you'll regret it if you do!



All your other plans sounds wonderful though. I'd have to do the same thing if I went in August (leaving the parks mid-day). That's the perfect time to hit the pool! We love touring the parks at night too. Everything looks so different then and some of the rides are really cool after dark!

It was pretty stupid!! I just thought it might be a good place to duck into for a rest & some AC!!

Yeah, we probably won't last too long in the parks in the heat! But that's okay, hopefully the crowds will be super low like the last time we were there in August and we will get to do lots in a short amount of time.

I'm with Rinky. Country Bears is just time you will never get back! I'd rather be waiting in a line than watch that show.

I think I'd hit splash on a nice hot afternoon!

Isn't Main Street Electrical Parade gone now? Or was it Spectro that they dumped? I get so confused!


So Jo's been here once today. Let's she when she resurfaces...

Boy, you guys are rough on the Country Bears!!

I only like to hit Splash if we are about to leave the park. Just hate walking around wet. Even when it's hot out!

I think MSEP is still there and Spectro is gone. I wish they would bring Spectro back!!

 

[JoBird]

Country Bears?! The horror!!!

I am with Rinky and Sheree. I'd rather sit thru five back to back showings of Stitch's Great Escape than one Country Bears. I don't know why. It's just so........ ooooh boy. Bad. Really really bad. And I hate Stitch. Both of those shows/rides I think should just go way away and never return.
Do either of them have loyal lovers?? Just curious.

The heat in August- well at least you know it's going to be hot and you have been dealing with humidity in PGH for awhile now so it won't be like coming in from the frozen tundra and be a shock to your system. Your touring style is perfect for that weather!!

Question--- do you buy trip insurance? I never have before. But when I called to pay off the trip this time the lady asked if I wanted it and for some reason I bought it. I guess I figured I might as well since you never know bc it's Hurricane Season. I was just wondering what you do, Ms Travel Agent.

You are right--- so happy to be home. I just took a two hour nap. You KNOW I'm exhausted when I do that! My body can't get used to the time differences I've been thru. I counted it up and I packed up, moved and repacked a total of 10 times this trip. Holy cow.

And Sheree- girl you crazy. I'm here even when I'm not. Or wait. Is it that I'm not here even when I am? Oh good grief. I don't know.

 

[JoBird]

oooh, AND I have some inside scoop.

I know someone at WDW. In the interest of privacy I can't say who they are or what they do, but they work behind the scenes so it isn't someone that is just a CM at a ride in a park who hears rumors. They hear things from Imagineers and such.

Spectro has been taken apart. Dismantled is the word they used. It is no more. They said it's just really messed up, that it was falling apart. Just heard it last week.

So sad. Really miss it.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Country Bears?! The horror!!!

I am with Rinky and Sheree. I'd rather sit thru five back to back showings of Stitch's Great Escape than one Country Bears. I don't know why. It's just so........ ooooh boy. Bad. Really really bad. And I hate Stitch. Both of those shows/rides I think should just go way away and never return.
Do either of them have loyal lovers?? Just curious.

The heat in August- well at least you know it's going to be hot and you have been dealing with humidity in PGH for awhile now so it won't be like coming in from the frozen tundra and be a shock to your system. Your touring style is perfect for that weather!!

Question--- do you buy trip insurance? I never have before. But when I called to pay off the trip this time the lady asked if I wanted it and for some reason I bought it. I guess I figured I might as well since you never know bc it's Hurricane Season. I was just wondering what you do, Ms Travel Agent.

You are right--- so happy to be home. I just took a two hour nap. You KNOW I'm exhausted when I do that! My body can't get used to the time differences I've been thru. I counted it up and I packed up, moved and repacked a total of 10 times this trip. Holy cow.

And Sheree- girl you crazy. I'm here even when I'm not. Or wait. Is it that I'm not here even when I am? Oh good grief. I don't know.

The poor Country Bears!! Does anyone even go in there ever??? I don't think I've ever seen anyone mention it in a TR on here. I really don't remember much about it, it was 8 years ago!

Never been in the Stitch ride/show or whatever it is!! Just no interest. Never heard a good thing about it.

Yep, sure am used to the heat & humidity right about now. Think we hit 93 today. We should be good to go! Nope, never bought trip insurance. Probably not a bad idea for an August trip during Hurricane season. So far I think I have only had one client buy insurance and it was for a cruise.

Well, we are all glad you are back! Hope you are getting all rested up!!

oooh, AND I have some inside scoop.

I know someone at WDW. In the interest of privacy I can't say who they are or what they do, but they work behind the scenes so it isn't someone that is just a CM at a ride in a park who hears rumors. They hear things from Imagineers and such.

Spectro has been taken apart. Dismantled is the word they used. It is no more. They said it's just really messed up, that it was falling apart. Just heard it last week.

So sad. Really miss it.

Interesting.... why would they do that???

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I've never bought trip insurance and here's why. It doesn't cover everything people often think it does. There are often a lot of exclusions (acts of God) etc. that means that people aren't covered for things they think are covered. Sometimes you can get refunds for things like lost luggage but you aren't likely to get your whole trip reimbursed because it rained or something like that.
I really thought about it for our Alaska cruise, but I'm driving, so I don't need to worry about like a plane delay that prevents me from getting there or something like that.
Maybe if we ever do a Med cruise...

But on the DIS podcast a while back they did a discussion about it and what it is good for etc. Good information. I think it really pays to do research on it.

So it was Spectro. I had heard someone else say (or post) that it was taken apart. There is info out about an upcoming new parade, just don't remember where I saw it or if they announced a start date.

Jo! You've been here a lot!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I've never bought trip insurance and here's why. It doesn't cover everything people often think it does. There are often a lot of exclusions (acts of God) etc. that means that people aren't covered for things they think are covered. Sometimes you can get refunds for things like lost luggage but you aren't likely to get your whole trip reimbursed because it rained or something like that.
I really thought about it for our Alaska cruise, but I'm driving, so I don't need to worry about like a plane delay that prevents me from getting there or something like that.
Maybe if we ever do a Med cruise...

But on the DIS podcast a while back they did a discussion about it and what it is good for etc. Good information. I think it really pays to do research on it.

So it was Spectro. I had heard someone else say (or post) that it was taken apart. There is info out about an upcoming new parade, just don't remember where I saw it or if they announced a start date.

Jo! You've been here a lot!!!

That's what I've always been afraid of - it not rcovering everything you think it does and just not really being worth it.


Well that sure is interesting about Spectro. When they first brought back MSEP I thought it was only going to be for that summer (2 summer ago I think), but it's still here!! I like MSEP a lot, but really enjoyed the music from Spectro more. Something new would be nice too.

 

[disny_luvr]

The last time I was at Country Bear Jamboree was in 2009. My boys were only two and they loved it. My parents were along for that trip and my dad liked it because he thought it was a great place to take a nap. We haven't really had any interest in returning but may on a future trip just for some rest and relaxation. That is why we like COP so much. It is a great place to rest, relax and cool off.

We never buy trip insurance either, but we did for our upcoming cruise. We didn't buy trip insurance through Disney but went through insuremytrip dot com that was recommended here on the DIS. They were/are great to work with. What I did was call them and give them a list of what I wanted covered - death in family, illness that would prohibit us from traveling, hurricane that would affect our travel and/or our cruise, flight delays/luggage lost that could impact our trip, theft/fire at our house, job loss - you get the idea. Anyway, for $153.00 I was able to insure all four of us and get all those things above covered. She sent me a quote and I read over it, word for word, called back asked questions, and then purchased. I have such a piece of mind about this trip. Now, I don't know if I'd purchase travel insurance for a trip to WDW but I think I will for any cruise I take in the future. With cruising there are just too many variables that are out of my control and for the small amount of money I like having the security. If you are ever thinking about travel insurance I'd recommend insuremytrip dot com as they have been great and will really work with you. One other thing, I tried some price quotes on their website and got much higher quotes than when I called and spoke with the representative. They can tailor a package that fits your needs.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We never buy trip insurance either, but we did for our upcoming cruise. We didn't buy trip insurance through Disney but went through insuremytrip dot com that was recommended here on the DIS. They were/are great to work with. What I did was call them and give them a list of what I wanted covered - death in family, illness that would prohibit us from traveling, hurricane that would affect our travel and/or our cruise, flight delays/luggage lost that could impact our trip, theft/fire at our house, job loss - you get the idea. Anyway, for $153.00 I was able to insure all four of us and get all those things above covered. She sent me a quote and I read over it, word for word, called back asked questions, and then purchased. I have such a piece of mind about this trip. Now, I don't know if I'd purchase travel insurance for a trip to WDW but I think I will for any cruise I take in the future. With cruising there are just too many variables that are out of my control and for the small amount of money I like having the security. If you are ever thinking about travel insurance I'd recommend insuremytrip dot com as they have been great and will really work with you. One other thing, I tried some price quotes on their website and got much higher quotes than when I called and spoke with the representative. They can tailor a package that fits your needs.

I agree with this 100%. I would never buy insurance for WDW, but would for a cruise (since the boat leaves with or without you!). And I wouldn't buy insurance from Disney because it doesn't seem to cover anything. I also recommend that same company mentioned above. Most people say they are actually cheaper than Disney and you get fully covered. I will say though that I did not buy insurance for the 2 cruises I've been on. They were both short (3 nights) and fairly cheap, plus we were driving so I wasn't worried about flight issues. I would buy it for a longer cruise though or if I was flying into port (especially if flying in on the same day the cruise sets sail).

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Where's Jo today???

 

[JoBird]

I'm here. Just trying to get out from underneath all the laundry I have. I told Shelly earlier it looked like my closet puked all of its contents onto my bedroom floor.

Well poop. Now I am regretting my hasty insurance decision. I bet they wouldn't let me cancel it either.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm here. Just trying to get out from underneath all the laundry I have. I told Shelly earlier it looked like my closet puked all of its contents onto my bedroom floor.

Well poop. Now I am regretting my hasty insurance decision. I bet they wouldn't let me cancel it either.

Bummer on the insurance deal. I'd try anyway to cancel it. Maybe before a certain time you can.

I don't like how happy this smilie is doing laundry. It's just not realistic. Then again, if I only had to wash three items of clothes, maybe I'd smile more.

 

[JoBird]

That's so true. If I could throw three things on the line then fall over from exhaustion the way that smilie is doing I'd grin too. How dumb.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The last time I was at Country Bear Jamboree was in 2009. My boys were only two and they loved it. My parents were along for that trip and my dad liked it because he thought it was a great place to take a nap. We haven't really had any interest in returning but may on a future trip just for some rest and relaxation. That is why we like COP so much. It is a great place to rest, relax and cool off.


That's kind of what I was thinking - a nice place to sit & relax and cool off!! And a cheesey show to watch.

We never buy trip insurance either, but we did for our upcoming cruise. We didn't buy trip insurance through Disney but went through insuremytrip dot com that was recommended here on the DIS. They were/are great to work with. What I did was call them and give them a list of what I wanted covered - death in family, illness that would prohibit us from traveling, hurricane that would affect our travel and/or our cruise, flight delays/luggage lost that could impact our trip, theft/fire at our house, job loss - you get the idea. Anyway, for $153.00 I was able to insure all four of us and get all those things above covered. She sent me a quote and I read over it, word for word, called back asked questions, and then purchased. I have such a piece of mind about this trip. Now, I don't know if I'd purchase travel insurance for a trip to WDW but I think I will for any cruise I take in the future. With cruising there are just too many variables that are out of my control and for the small amount of money I like having the security. If you are ever thinking about travel insurance I'd recommend insuremytrip dot com as they have been great and will really work with you. One other thing, I tried some price quotes on their website and got much higher quotes than when I called and spoke with the representative. They can tailor a package that fits your needs.

That sounds like a good deal on the insurance! I'll have to keep that in mind if we ever decide to cruise!!

I agree with this 100%. I would never buy insurance for WDW, but would for a cruise (since the boat leaves with or without you!). And I wouldn't buy insurance from Disney because it doesn't seem to cover anything. I also recommend that same company mentioned above. Most people say they are actually cheaper than Disney and you get fully covered. I will say though that I did not buy insurance for the 2 cruises I've been on. They were both short (3 nights) and fairly cheap, plus we were driving so I wasn't worried about flight issues. I would buy it for a longer cruise though or if I was flying into port (especially if flying in on the same day the cruise sets sail).

I don't think I would ever fly in the day the cruise started. Just too risky. So I don't know if we will ever buy trip insurance. Maybe. IDK.

I'm here. Just trying to get out from underneath all the laundry I have. I told Shelly earlier it looked like my closet puked all of its contents onto my bedroom floor.

Well poop. Now I am regretting my hasty insurance decision. I bet they wouldn't let me cancel it either.

How's the laundry coming along???

I think you can cancel the insurance.... Or are you within 45 days? IDK then. I'd definitely call and ask.

I don't like how happy this smilie is doing laundry. It's just not realistic. Then again, if I only had to wash three items of clothes, maybe I'd smile more.

That's so true. If I could throw three things on the line then fall over from exhaustion the way that smilie is doing I'd grin too. How dumb.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

4 WEEKS!!!!





So, where did we decide to use our Magic Kingdom Fastpass Plus at???

The choices are:
IASW
BTMRR
Buzzlightyear
Dumbo
Tales with Belle
HM
JC (but it's closed when we are there)
Mad Tea Party
Mickey Meet & Greet
Princess Meet & Greet
Philharmagic
Monsters Inc
Peter Pan
POTC
Space Mtn
Splash Mtn
Barnstormer
Aladdin
Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway
Little Mermaid
Preferred viewing for MSEP
Preferred viewing for Wishes


Well, we are going to MK two times. So we could get 3 each time and this is what we did...

On the day that we will go to MK at rope drop we got FP+ for:
Journey of the Little Mermaid
Space Mountain (DS14 & I) and Buzzlightyear (DH & DS11)
Big Thunder Mtn RR

On the day that we will go to MK around 2pm and stay until closing we got FP+ for:
Journey of the Little Mermaid
Haunted Mansion
Big Thunder Mtn RR



What do you think?!

Maybe we should have added a little more variety in there, and we can still go in and change things if need be. But as of right now I am happy with what we have. Some things I just don't think need a FP - IASW & PP (we will do those right at opening), Philharmagic, POTC never has a wait either, I would never waste a FP on things like Dumbo, the Tea Cups, Barnstormer, etc. We have seen MSEP a few times, so it's not a must do. I feel like Wishes can be viewed from anywhere, so I don't think I would ever use a FP for viewing that. And we have had very good luck with little to no waits to see Mickey in his new location at Town Square!

Hopefully it will all work out!