October is here!!! A Semi-live TR!!! Our Oct 7-14 trip to the world!

[pkondz]

Thankfully the snow didn't last. Beautiful this morning (cold though...) and it's supposed to be nice rest of the week.

 

[ursalita]

Hi! Sorry I fell so behind on your report. Don't know how that happened.

You've probably gotten the answers to your questions but I just thought I'd throw out my thoughts:

Epcot and then BC from there? I guess we could walk? Or is HS closer...ok so still not sure on this what's best...but we'll figure it out (we only have 5 months lol)

I wouldn't do Epcot to BC because you'd have to walk through the park and out the International Gateway.

we MAY walk over to Epcot and see how busy it is and see a couple things...

But this wouldn't be bad. It's a short walk to the International Gateway entrance.

Now even though its an EMH day at DHS, it's a Saturday...and as such, EasyWDW does not recommend going there. BUT the thing is...they recommend going to AK both that Saturday and the Sunday as well...which...is not happening. I will give AK one day...but that's it on this trip. So HS is at least the next recommended one...even though it's red...what can you do. So we will be up early and battle the crowds and so be it....

We did the same thing - HS on EMH day and I didn't think it was bad. We got to do a few things in that hour and I didn't think the crowds later on were bad. We signed the boys up for Jedi Training first thing so I can't speak to TSMM.

and I'm not even sure about Star Tours because it says to be leary if you get motion sickness (I do)...

Star Tours is a weird one. My friend who did ToT with me got sick from Star Tours. But my boys who were afraid of Soarin' and 7DMT loved it.

so CUTE!

 

[irene_dsc]

After a quick breakfast, hopefully a bus will come along shortly and we will be off to AK. Again, I'm struggling with figuring out what to do with our FP's.

As I MAY have mentioned...both DD and I are extreme WUSSES when it comes to rides. Motion sickness: check. Don't like fast/twisty/shaky: check. So....yes, we are boring. But perhaps this is why I (and DD coming along quite nicely in my footsteps) really LOVE WDW. Because even for us ride wimps...there is still usually quite a lot that we can and do enjoy doing. At a lot of theme parks, I'm looking at YOU Canada's Wonderland...there is very little in between big freakin' coaster...and....boring baby ride that is too boring even for a toddler. But at WDW...even though a lot of the rides may move slowly, there is always a lot to look at and the whole environment makes it fun.

So anyway...back to the point I'm making...at AK....EE is OUT (I know...I'm sure it's amazing if you are into that sorta thing...but...even thinking about getting strapped in on that thing gives me heart palpitations. It's not that I'm worried about safety or anything...I just don't like that dropping feeling...). So...without EE....and I'm even wavering on Dinosaur because people say that is sometimes iffy for us motion sicky types....I'm not sure what all to use our FP's on.

Here's my thoughts...

At RD...head immediately for the safaris (because we do hope to do this more than once). Then after that, maybe Bug's Life? Or if we think we can handle it, Dinosaur. I was thinking of starting our FP's at around 10:30am.

10:30 FP+ 1 - Adventurers Outpost - Because Mickey and Minnie together...how awesome!!
11:30 FP+ 2 - Safaris round 2

Then perhaps lunch...Maybe Yak and Yeti or Flame Tree? I have no idea of the layout really of AK and where we will be in relation to food at this point...I was thinking menu wise and what looked good...the fried rice and spring rolls at Yak and Yeti...but who knows what we will be in the mood for...maybe this is ONE time I can be a little bit spontaneous and not choose 5 months in advance lol.

After lunch for our last FP+...not sure...maybe FOLK or Nemo? I guess at that point we will hit up anything we haven't done yet around AK before calling it a day. I do want to leave AK at a decent time so we can get back to POFQ for a rest and maybe the pool for a bit depending on the weather.

Thoughts on planning AK - (I think I read this post a while back when I didn't have time to reply):
Definitely set aside time for trails and safari. I've heard great things about FOTLK, and I'd also recommend the Flights of Wonder show. I still haven't done Bug's Life, so not sure on that. Dinosaur might be too intense for you guys. I'm hoping more construction walls will be down by the time you get there, so you can appreciate the atmosphere more. I'm not sure the FP for FOTKL helps you much - but at least then it would be in a schedule?

 

[KathyM2]

Thankfully the snow didn't last. Beautiful this morning (cold though...) and it's supposed to be nice rest of the week.

Well that's a relief! Can't have snow on the ground in May!! Ugh. It's nice here today but supposed to be colder tomorrow. I just hope it warms up for the weekend.

Hi! Sorry I fell so behind on your report. Don't know how that happened.
You've probably gotten the answers to your questions but I just thought I'd throw out my thoughts:
I wouldn't do Epcot to BC because you'd have to walk through the park and out the International Gateway.
But this wouldn't be bad. It's a short walk to the International Gateway entrance.
We did the same thing - HS on EMH day and I didn't think it was bad. We got to do a few things in that hour and I didn't think the crowds later on were bad. We signed the boys up for Jedi Training first thing so I can't speak to TSMM.
Star Tours is a weird one. My friend who did ToT with me got sick from Star Tours. But my boys who were afraid of Soarin' and 7DMT loved it.
so CUTE!

No worries...life happens in between reading TR's lol. I really appreciate your insight...it's nice to get a few opinions on things. Good point about Epcot - I think after breakfast it will really depend on what time it is and how tired we are ...whether we venture in to Epcot or just head back to the hotel or DTD or whatever. But I will have all my options down on the itinerary lol so we can just pick one!!

I'm glad to hear you did do HS on an EMH day and didn't find it terrible. That's good news. I think as long as we can get one ride on TSMM in during that hour we will be happy!! Still on the fence about Star Tours lol...so not sure I will book a FP+ for it. I am sorta leaning towards using a FP+ for Fantasmic since we haven't actually seen that show before.

Thoughts on planning AK - (I think I read this post a while back when I didn't have time to reply):
Definitely set aside time for trails and safari. I've heard great things about FOTLK, and I'd also recommend the Flights of Wonder show. I still haven't done Bug's Life, so not sure on that. Dinosaur might be too intense for you guys. I'm hoping more construction walls will be down by the time you get there, so you can appreciate the atmosphere more. I'm not sure the FP for FOTKL helps you much - but at least then it would be in a schedule?

I hope a lot of the walls are down too...because it's been so long since we've been to AK...I don't want the dang walls in the way. Good point about getting FOTLK on the schedule...since if it's not written down I just won't know what to do with myself after all this planning lol

 

[ariane37]

Another one who has fallen behind but your planning is really coming along!
A pp mentioned trying to fit in the Flights of Wonder show at AK and I have to second that. Our first couple trips I never gave it too much thought - didn't seem too exciting, none of us are too into birds lol. But once we finally saw it we were hooked! Can't remember how old my DS's were the first time, but we've seen it I think 3x now b/c they have asked to see it pretty much every time we're there

And as far as HS (which happens to be my favorite park! I know, I'm in the minority). It is hard to use that 3rd FP on something it's needed for, but it doesn't mean there aren't things to do that are worthwhile! If your DD hasn't done or doesn't remember Voyage of the LM or the BaTB show, I would recommend trying to fit those in. Definitely Great Movie Ride I know you want to do Animation Academy - YES!!!! If you happen upon any of the Streetmosphere actors while they're performing, try to stop and watch -love them. And one of my absolute favorite things to do at HS is watch Mulch, Sweat and Shears. They are a band that ride around in a truck that looks like a landscaping company truck. It "unfolds" (can't think of a better word) into their "stage". They perform a few times a day on the Streets of America and sometimes by the stage where the hat was. They basically do 80's classic rock but with a fun twist and they involve the audience. We make it a point to watch them a couple times each day we're there! I got to play cowbell with them on "Honky-Tonk Woman" lol. You can find videos of them on YouTube. At the park, their schedule is listed in the times guide
Sorry this post got so long!

 

[SarahDisney]

Sorry, I've been busy the past few days, so I fell behind!

As I MAY have mentioned...both DD and I are extreme WUSSES when it comes to rides. Motion sickness: check. Don't like fast/twisty/shaky: check. So....yes, we are boring. But perhaps this is why I (and DD coming along quite nicely in my footsteps) really LOVE WDW. Because even for us ride wimps...there is still usually quite a lot that we can and do enjoy doing. At a lot of theme parks, I'm looking at YOU Canada's Wonderland...there is very little in between big freakin' coaster...and....boring baby ride that is too boring even for a toddler. But at WDW...even though a lot of the rides may move slowly, there is always a lot to look at and the whole environment makes it fun.

I think AK is both the best and worst park for people who don't do the thrill rides. It's good because there's so much other stuff to do - Safaris, walking trails, shows, and just exploring and looking at the details.
But it's really hard to pick out FP+ if you don't want to do EE/Kali/Dinosaur.

After that...we have an ADR for Raglan Road at DTD. I'm excited about this because of the food...but also because this time we will hopefully see the Irish Dancers. We didn't get to see them last time we were there because it was lunch time, so this time I definitely wanted to go back at night. After dinner, I hope we have some time to wander around DTD and check out some of the shops. I'm not sure if any of the new DS stuff will be open when we are there, but I hope so!! Also, I've never been to Goofy's Candy co...so I'd like to see that...and also go to Pin Traders.

I've seen a lot of great reviews of dinner at Raglan Road - I hope you guys enjoy!
I love wandering around DTD! I think they're opening the new stuff in stages, so there may be some new stuff open by October. Hopefully there will be a lot for you to see!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Wow, I had no idea lol. Thanks for sharing!! Sadly...I pretty much just enjoy the holiday usually without thinking about the "why" all that much lol. But now I know!!!

I think pretty much every Canada is like that I know in Ontario it's the time to open up the cottage for the summer and set off fireworks. In Toronto they do a big show at Ashbriges bay but on Canad day they h day they leave it up to the local communities to do them if they want to. Oddly enough this year I may end up at a baseball game in buffalo on Canada Day. The Blue Jays are playing a game in the afternoon and the Buffalo Bisons (the blue Jays triple A team) are having post game fireworks after a night game there.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Finally caught up it seems!

but is it worth going over for just what will probably only end up being 2-3 hours max by the time we check into our hotel and get over there around 4-5pm?

Maybe? If it will stress you to get there I would say no.

So what park is worth most going to for just a couple of hours?

EIther mk or Epcot , but its hard to stay "just a few hours" at Epcot. If you plan to do that take one of the boats to the back of world showcase and work your way forward. You'll avoid crowds better that way and you can save the other half of world showcase for your other epcot day.

I'm not sure with DD if I want to start the trip with Epcot either

Its a big misconception in my opinion that Epcot is not a kids park. Little MIss LOVED it! and it really is at least a 2 day park.

SO...technically if I don't go on arrival day to a park...I will really only need a 4 day park ticket...and I will be wasting...$64...(total for both of our tickets)

Could you call and see if they can drop you down to a 4 day ticket?

I imagine at about 3pm or so, we'll head out to catch the bus to get to MK for 4pm.

You really want to allow at minimum an hour and half and really its better to allow 2 hours for bus travel. If you get to a bus stop at 3pm I wouldn't expect to get to where you are going till at least 4:30 probably closer to 5.

So HS is at least the next recommended one...even though it's red...what can you do. So we will be up early and battle the crowds and so be it....

The non recommended parks aren't generally that bad if you have a good game plan and the understanding that it will be crowded.

I'm not even sure about Star Tours because it says to be leary if you get motion sickness (I do)...

Its a motion simulator ride. I personally have issues on them and can't ride.

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

All caught up with your plans so far! They look good My DM suffers from motion sickness and coped fine with Dinosaur but I don't know how bad yours is so don't take my word for it! I don't want you to ride it, get sick and blame me! Then we might not be friends any more!

 

[lilmape]

I'm chiming in late, but if you are set on MK the first day you could always call and ask if they can switch your MNSSHP tickets to the day before. There may be a change fee of $5 I think. I love your thought process in planning. It looks like mine lol.

 

[KathyM2]

Another one who has fallen behind but your planning is really coming along!
A pp mentioned trying to fit in the Flights of Wonder show at AK and I have to second that. Our first couple trips I never gave it too much thought - didn't seem too exciting, none of us are too into birds lol. But once we finally saw it we were hooked! Can't remember how old my DS's were the first time, but we've seen it I think 3x now b/c they have asked to see it pretty much every time we're there

Thanks for the tip....I will have to make note of that!! I'm sure DD will love the birds...if it was my DS...I wouldn't be so sure because they kinda freak him out lol...but DD I think will like it!!

And as far as HS (which happens to be my favorite park! I know, I'm in the minority). It is hard to use that 3rd FP on something it's needed for, but it doesn't mean there aren't things to do that are worthwhile! If your DD hasn't done or doesn't remember Voyage of the LM or the BaTB show, I would recommend trying to fit those in. Definitely Great Movie Ride I know you want to do Animation Academy - YES!!!! If you happen upon any of the Streetmosphere actors while they're performing, try to stop and watch -love them. And one of my absolute favorite things to do at HS is watch Mulch, Sweat and Shears. They are a band that ride around in a truck that looks like a landscaping company truck. It "unfolds" (can't think of a better word) into their "stage". They perform a few times a day on the Streets of America and sometimes by the stage where the hat was. They basically do 80's classic rock but with a fun twist and they involve the audience. We make it a point to watch them a couple times each day we're there! I got to play cowbell with them on "Honky-Tonk Woman" lol. You can find videos of them on YouTube. At the park, their schedule is listed in the times guide
Sorry this post got so long!

Thanks for the HS advice!! I guess that is more my dilemma - trying to use the FP+ for somewhere it's needed. I definitely will hope to do all those ideas you mentioned!! But for the FP I was also considering Fantasmic? Since I have no idea what else and it might not be a bad idea to have somewhere to sit...just a thought. Also, thanks for the tip about the band...never heard of that actually but now am looking forward to it!! Anything involving 80's rock? I'll take it lol

 

[KathyM2]

Sorry, I've been busy the past few days, so I fell behind!
I think AK is both the best and worst park for people who don't do the thrill rides. It's good because there's so much other stuff to do - Safaris, walking trails, shows, and just exploring and looking at the details.
But it's really hard to pick out FP+ if you don't want to do EE/Kali/Dinosaur.

Yes, I think we will have a lot of fun at AK as well looking at the animals and such and just enjoying the atmosphere. But yeah...don't know what to do about FP's...they don't let you pick the safari x 2 do they I imagine?

I've seen a lot of great reviews of dinner at Raglan Road - I hope you guys enjoy!
I love wandering around DTD! I think they're opening the new stuff in stages, so there may be some new stuff open by October. Hopefully there will be a lot for you to see!

Thanks! Me too!! In any case the food was good there and there was other things on the menu I wanted to try! Yeah I've been watching what is coming, but I don't know how much more will be done by October...or how many more walls will be down...but should be fun to explore a bit after dinner in any case.

 

[KathyM2]

I think pretty much every Canada is like that I know in Ontario it's the time to open up the cottage for the summer and set off fireworks. In Toronto they do a big show at Ashbriges bay but on Canad day they h day they leave it up to the local communities to do them if they want to. Oddly enough this year I may end up at a baseball game in buffalo on Canada Day. The Blue Jays are playing a game in the afternoon and the Buffalo Bisons (the blue Jays triple A team) are having post game fireworks after a night game there.

Yep...sure is!! We actually were thinking about heading down to Ashbridges bay on Monday because I think they had fireworks then too, but we ended up not because it's such a pain getting home after with the traffic etc. Funny that you will be in Buffalo for Canada day! I was once in NYC for Canada day actually - it was pretty cool because the Canadians who were there were being extra patriotic lol

 

[KathyM2]

Finally caught up it seems!
Maybe? If it will stress you to get there I would say no.
EIther mk or Epcot , but its hard to stay "just a few hours" at Epcot. If you plan to do that take one of the boats to the back of world showcase and work your way forward. You'll avoid crowds better that way and you can save the other half of world showcase for your other epcot day.

I think it will totally depend on the time as to whether trying to make it to MK will stress me out or not...I think I will just not make any ADR's...and make only FP's for things that we will do again later in the week in case we miss them. I know it's hard to stay "just a few hours" at Epcot...and in a way that's why I'm tempted to just do MK so that we are guaranteed to get to bed at a decent hour. We will have gotten up really early and I want to be well rested for the MNSSHP the next day.

Its a big misconception in my opinion that Epcot is not a kids park. Little MIss LOVED it! and it really is at least a 2 day park.
Could you call and see if they can drop you down to a 4 day ticket?
You really want to allow at minimum an hour and half and really its better to allow 2 hours for bus travel. If you get to a bus stop at 3pm I wouldn't expect to get to where you are going till at least 4:30 probably closer to 5.

I LOVE Epcot, don't get me wrong...and there is quite a lot for kids there...but it may not be where "I" want to spend the most time lol...I'd rather spend it in WS lol...BUT we will compromise and make it fun for us both!!! I could maybe reduce the days on our ticket...but then we definitely would not have the option of a park on arrival day...which wouldn't be terrible I suppose....this kind of stuff is so hard to decide...hard to predict what we will feel like doing when we arrive!!!

The non recommended parks aren't generally that bad if you have a good game plan and the understanding that it will be crowded.
Its a motion simulator ride. I personally have issues on them and can't ride.

Yeah and the thing is, I have only ever gone at Christmas and March Break at the worst crowd levels...so I'm hoping this won't seem so bad in comparison. I'm not big on motion simulators either...even the subway trains here make me queasy lol

 

[KathyM2]

All caught up with your plans so far! They look good My DM suffers from motion sickness and coped fine with Dinosaur but I don't know how bad yours is so don't take my word for it! I don't want you to ride it, get sick and blame me! Then we might not be friends any more!

Don't worry...we'll still be friends lol. I think we will see how it looks at the time and decide...but not sure I will get a FP+ for it...unless I can't think of anything else to use it on.

I'm chiming in late, but if you are set on MK the first day you could always call and ask if they can switch your MNSSHP tickets to the day before. There may be a change fee of $5 I think. I love your thought process in planning. It looks like mine lol.

I was thinking about that idea - ie: doing MNSSHP on arrival day and thus not needing a park ticket, and not getting kicked out at 7pm....BUT....with us having to get up really early that day and it being travel day, I'm just not sure we'd have the energy to get our money's worth on MNSSHP that night? And I would hate to miss anything since we've never done it before...although....you have a point...on arrival day we might be on enough excitement and adrenaline to keep it going lol...not a bad plan actually....

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I'm not big on motion simulators either...even the subway trains here make me queasy lol

Then Star Tours is not the ride for you!

 

[KathyM2]

Then Star Tours is not the ride for you!

Good to know!! Hopefully DD won't have a problem with not going on...she usually is ok to take my lead.

 

[KathyM2]

Moving on to...Day 5 plans - Monday October 12 - iiiit's EPCOT day!! Yipppeee!

Now if it was just me...I'd probably spend more time here...mostly perusing ever nook and cranny of WS. I know...between FW and some of WS there is quite a lot for kids...and I'm hoping my DD will surprise me by showing some interest in the different countries on this trip. BUT...I am not sure...after all the excitement of past days maybe she will have had lots of rides and not mind doing fewer rides on this day...who knows...anyway...I HOPE she is in the mood to look around because I hope to see some details and shops that I've missed before!

For breakfast, again we will probably hit up Sassagoula Float Works at the POFQ where we are staying...I do hope the breakfast is good there because we will probably have a few. We are doing the one ADR breakfast at Cape May...but other than that...we are more the grab and go type when it comes to breakfast. That said...if we aren't as impressed by SFW for breakfast as I hope, then maybe we'll wait and grab breakfast at Epcot. But what's open for breakfast at Epcot? I know the bakery in France is supposed to be amazing...but that doesn't open until 11am, right? So...not sure if that plan will work out...but I'm sure we'll find food somewhere.

Hoping to make 9am RD at Epcot this day. Again, because of the dang tier system...having trouble figuring out our FP+ choices for Epcot. That said...I know I may mentioned it...we are total ride wusses...this means...no MS either green or orange lol...and probably not even TT...I know...heresy.....but the last thing we want is to feel sick at a theme park. So...that cuts out a few things. So here's what I'm thinking...

RD...go straight to Turtle Talk with crush, then ride Nemo (assuming these two are both open at RD?) Maybe look around that area a bit....then head over to The Land and ride that...

For FP+ I was going to go with Soarin' around say...10:30am? Then maybe Spaceship Earth and Figment after that? Who the heck knows if those are good uses of FP's...no idea...wait...is Figment Tier 1?? Gah..confused. But if that's feasible...that's what I'm thinking. So then maybe putter around a bit before heading over to WS.

Hope to browse through the countries. Don't really have definite plans for lunch but hope to hit up the F&W booths...there are a few things on my list - but I'm not sure if the menus will be the same as in past years...trying to keep a watch on that to see when more info is released. But assuming they are available...the cronut is definitely on my list...as well as the strawberry marshmallow macaron in France and perhaps ice cream there as well...there was also a drink in Brazil that looked really appealing....so yeah...eat and look around the world as much as my DD will tolerate.

Also, hoping to browse in the Japan shop. I actually have never been in there. Haven't really taken much time in any of the shops before because have usually been with impatient hubby and kids...hopefully DD will enjoy this more now. Oh and also hope to hit up Germany for something caramel flavoured.

I'm going to see how we feel this afternoon...I'm a big fan of the "back to the hotel for a rest" idea...so depending on how we feel, we may do that. If we have seen enough and are tired...we may just leave and go to DTD later...or we may go back to Epcot for some more fun at night if we are up to it. It's a bit of a more relaxed plan this day which I think is good because after a few days of hard touring I think we might be a bit tired...yeah, wimps...I know

Oh and one more thing.....now I'm second guessing our arrival day plans. One of you suggested maybe doing our MNSSHP this day instead of Day 2...and I keep thinking...should we? Shouldn't we?? It has it's plus sides...in that, at least if we only get to MK at 4 or 5pm...we wouldn't get kicked out a couple hours later....BUT...we will have gotten up super early and not sure we'd have the stamina to say out late that night...and also...if we don't get checked into our room right away...we wouldn't have time to put on costumes and get ready for the party properly...but...does that matter?? Ugh...another Disney Dilemma...

 

[lilmape]

Oh and one more thing.....now I'm second guessing our arrival day plans. One of you suggested maybe doing our MNSSHP this day instead of Day 2...and I keep thinking...should we? Shouldn't we?? It has it's plus sides...in that, at least if we only get to MK at 4 or 5pm...we wouldn't get kicked out a couple hours later....BUT...we will have gotten up super early and not sure we'd have the stamina to say out late that night...and also...if we don't get checked into our room right away...we wouldn't have time to put on costumes and get ready for the party properly...but...does that matter?? Ugh...another Disney Dilemma...

Sorry about that!

 

[irene_dsc]

For Epcot, it sounds like you want to head to WS as soon as it opens. So,you may as well do your fps as early as possible. Maybe not even use the last one? We enjoyed Spaceship Earth, and it is right by the entrance.