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

[KathyM2]

They have a blast together! I do like that she's very goal focused when she's doing her gaming, and she does a lot of research and studying, not just playing.

That's wonderful!! And such fun that you get to go on a trip because of it!

I have to figure out what to do with our luggage between when we arrive and our room is ready, however. I'm hoping either I can leave it at the hotel, or possibly we will know someone coming in Wednesday night and can drop our stuff with them, if we can successfully rendezvous. She wants to do part of the Freedom Trail, but perhaps not while carrying all our stuff! I'll also have to do that the last day. Packing light is definitely going to be a goal!

I love Boston. I'm sure your hotel has somewhere to store stuff...just they may charge you or at least expect a tip or something..but it may not be terrible. Boston is such a fun city. We were there last summer and loved it. I loved the swan boats in Boston Public Garden...and of course Faneuil Hall and that area too. Freedom trail would definitely be long with luggage lol

 

[disneyphilip]

I just read a post on Theme Park Insider I think it was...about even more attractions at DHS slated to close...I hope that some of them hold out until after our trip. Muppet Vision and One Man's Dream are among them...more things I had wanted to see.

Those are all lies, especially the one about Muppet-Vision.

Theme Park Insider, which is also just as untrustworthy and unreliable as WDWMagic, MiceAge, etc., is just spreading and perpetuating big fat lies that another liar created as usual.

 

[KathyM2]

Those are all lies, especially the one about Muppet-Vision.

Theme Park Insider, which is also just as untrustworthy and unreliable as WDWMagic, MiceAge, etc., is just spreading and perpetuating big fat lies that another liar created as usual.

Interesting....I do hope you're right though...or at least I hope they hold out until after October!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Just finally catching up on your PTR! Plans look great!
Sorry that some of the DHS stuff is closing...it kinda sucks but know it's for bigger and better things to come! Hopefully it won't become just a half park day during the construction period though.

Just wanted to say...I love Tusker House and I have done 10:30am breakfasts there. It's the best time to do it because you get the full breakfast buffet and they also start bringing out the lunch stuff probably towards the end of your lunch but you can try some of their offerings at that time too.

1900 Park Fare is also great, but it's much harder to score Tusker House so I'd definitely go with that one. Prior to breakfast, I'd do the Safari and some character meets (Russel and Dug are popular as are Safari Minnie Mickey but those can be FP+)

 

[Steppesister]

Hi Kathy, I need to dig myself out of a very large hole in catching up. But I'll get here!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Hey Kathy! I've just found your PTR through a comment you left on my PTR a while ago! Unfortunately I've been terrible at keeping up with mine, but I've just been reading about your trip, it sounds great! I would love to stay at POFQ one day, it looks so relaxing. And October 8th - we leave on the 6th so we'll just miss you! And we've just bought MNSSHP tickets too! Sorry if I missed this info, but have you decided on costumes yet?! Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I think it's kinda fun to learn a bit more about peoples' lives on here....anyway.

I agree!

And it is called a "half" Ironman...that's the 70.3 part...because...not only is my hubby insane enough to do that...he is also insane enough to have signed up for what's commonly known as the Ironman...at the end of August....or the 140.6 as it's most often scene on car stickers and tattoo's and such.

He's doing both?!?!?!?!??! I've known one or two that have done that. No way. JUst, NO way.

 

[KathyM2]

I love Tusker House and I have done 10:30am breakfasts there.

So glad to hear that!! I trust your food opinions

it's much harder to score Tusker House so I'd definitely go with that one.

Yeah I was surprised when that one popped up so I snagged it...and that way we don't have to make a separate trip to the GF for breakfast...this will be easier since we will be at AK anyway.

But I'll get here!

No worries! Take your time...I'll be here!!

but have you decided on costumes yet?!

No not really. I've been looking around for something that is cool and comfortable...yet still makes a good costume...it's tough. I am going to an outlet mall in a few weeks and also Kohl's so I hope to see something then...otherwise..I will have to put something together...Have you?? I can't remember...

He's doing both?!

Yeah he's that crazy...to do both the half and the full. But actually, in a sick sort of way it sort of makes sense - the half was sort of a training run for the full...and the timing was good - in that he still has 7 weeks after the half to train and see where his weaknesses are etc. And also, it was great because in this case, the half is on the exact same course as the full - just a bit longer - but the transitions and a lot of the routes are the same - so he will at least be familiar with it. I'm glad I watched him do the half because now I know where the best spots will be to see him go by...and hopefully I won't be fumbling with my camera plus phone every time lol

 

[cajunfan]

Ok, I am going to try to put my thoughts together here...

Day 1 - I would say do the few things that are left open at Studios. I figure if you have FP+ for those you may be able to finish this park up for the trip. Otherwise, just pick which park makes you happy and makes you "feel" happy that you are in WDW even if it is for just a few hours. For me, that is MK. I would NOT do MNSSHP on this day. You want to be very rested and stay as late as possible for this

Day 2 - First, Cape May is fun! But if I recall, you were hoping to try and get a CRT ADR for this trip...keep trying. But I think your plan of going to Cape May (either cab or bus to HS, then walk or boat if running to BC) What about going back to HS and taking a bus to the Contemporary and doing a monorail loop and browsing or visiting the monorail hotels. Or I say pool time if weather is permitting. I do think you want to rest before heading to MK for the party. You want to make the most of this ticket. I would say eat dinner before you go or right when you get there if going early. Do not spend party time eating dinner. Last time I went, there were no special treats (other than the Halloween Candy) but that was 7 years ago. Maybe someone answered your questions regarding this and I have not read it yet! Definitely do not miss the parade or Hallowishes...and catch it at the park. Even if you want to beat some of the crowd out of the park, catch it near the train station, that way you can beat some of the crowd out. I myself prefer to hang around, get a snack and relax while everyone else crowds onto the buses

Day 3 - I think you have solid plans here. Is HS second recommendation and not Red on Sunday? If yes, I would probably just flip the days. Also, you might want to check out Beauty and the Beast...wait is it closing too? So many closures in this park, I can't remember. But it is a really good show! I know the Animation Class will be closed (will it have moved to someplace new yet?)

Day 4 - AK - Definitely study a map for this park! It is HUGE! You want to have a plan of attack and not be crossing the park over and over a again. For lunch, I would do Flame Tree (although I have yet to try it!) I was not a fan of Yak & yeti QS, although I have heard good things about the TS. I LOVE FOTLK and Nemo...can't go wrong with either of these or both!

Day 5 - EPCOT - I would get FP+ for Soarin and Spaceship Earth. Then maybe do the third one for either Turtle Talk with Crush or the Character Meet and Greet. I would not use it on Figment or Nemo...and I LOVE Figment, but both normally don't have waits and if they do, they are fast loading rides. Do the PICK A PEARL in Japan! Both of you! Best ceremony ever! It was sooooo much fun! Also, show your daughter the store in WS online to peek her interest in visiting there!

Okay, will stop here for the night...who knows...you may have totally changed strategies in the next 20 pages! LOL!

 

[cajunfan]

WHAT?!! How the... what the... SEVEN PAGES AND I DIDN'T KNOW YOU HAD THIS GOING ON?!! I'm a numpty, a dumb-dumb, a total turd. I'm a horrible DIS friend!!!! Forgive me Kathy!!! I'm here now! (Better late than never, right? Right? RIGHT? )

Looking forward to planning along with you, girl!

At least it was not page 27 like me!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

No not really. I've been looking around for something that is cool and comfortable...yet still makes a good costume...it's tough. I am going to an outlet mall in a few weeks and also Kohl's so I hope to see something then...otherwise..I will have to put something together...Have you?? I can't remember...

Yeah keeping cool is very important - I always wonder if it's because I'm from the UK and the weather is always cold here, but those Florida evenings are still very warm for me! Hopefully you find something! I think you've read my recent update - I'm going as Buzz!

 

[ursalita]

Hi Kathy, I've been just catching up with your TR. I really enjoyed reading about your trip to DC and making mental notes. I'm embarrassed to say that I've never visited my nation's capital. I want to take the boys in a couple of years when Sam's a little older.

I can't believe how many things are changing/going away at HS. I think it's still worth a visit but I wouldn't blame you if you skipped it. We skipped it our first 2 trips.

I have also read some great things recently about Tusker House and it's now a the top of my must-do list for our next trip. I hope you enjoy it.

Congrats to your hubby on the Ironman. That is truly impressive.

 

[KathyM2]

I do think you want to rest before heading to MK for the party. You want to make the most of this ticket.

Yes for sure. No matter what we end up doing that day in the morning...it won't be anything strenuous. Lots of lounging around.

wait is it closing too? So many closures in this park, I can't remember.

I know...sigh...that is the problem.

Animation Class will be closed (will it have moved to someplace new yet?)

I would love if it reopened in a new location...but doubtful by October...sad.

AK - Definitely study a map for this park! It is HUGE! You want to have a plan of attack and not be crossing the park over and over a again

This is a good tip..I didn't realize how big it is...since we haven't been for a few years and kids were in strollers before...now the walking may get to us...so I will definitely see where everything is!! What's near Tusker house? Now that we have decided to do brunch there...need a plan for what to do from RD until then...

EPCOT - I would get FP+ for Soarin and Spaceship Earth.

I like that idea!!! Probably will do exactly that!

Do the PICK A PEARL in Japan! Both of you! Best ceremony ever! It was sooooo much fun!

I hadn't really thought of this but good idea...

WS online

WS Online? Why have I never really looked at this before??? It's time! I guess I always thought of WS as "you just walk around and go in wherever" But now...just like everything else..it probably helps to have more of a plan lol

At least it was not page 27 like me!

Hey...better late than never lol Thanks for being here at any time

I think you've read my recent update - I'm going as Buzz!

I have and I love your costume. That is the kind of thing I want...something easy but fun.

I want to take the boys in a couple of years when Sam's a little older.

Washington is great and there is so much to see and do. I just probably wouldn't recommend going in mid June when it felt like an oven lol

Congrats to your hubby on the Ironman. That is truly impressive.

Impressive I know...also....rather insane IMHO lol

 

[Leshaface]

Muppet Vision and One Man's Dream are among them.

No. NO NO NO!!! Is this for sure?!?! I thought this was just a rumor?! Are you seriously telling me that my first visit this past trip was also my last?!

Cute shirt!

So...I booked the 10:25am breakfast and cancelled the 12:30 lunch ADR that I had just booked earlier and went with the 10:25am.

I'd do it this way as well. I'd get there right at Rope Drop and knock out as much as you can and your late breakfast can be your break.

IF we are not tired from getting in late the night before

No such thing as being tired while at WDW

In case anyone's interested in a IRL update...well even if you're not lol...you're gonna get one

Don't you just love forcing people to read things!?Cause I do!

This past weekend my hubby competed in the Ironman 70.3

Wow, good for him!

but all their activities and just the way it's run...I have to say...makes me think of the movie Dirty Dancing lol.

I've always wondered if there were places like this that existed! I must visit Canada now!

not Mark Wahlberg's best work. Oh well.

Isn't he only there for eye candy anyway?

Mine says "IronMate" and the kids got "Ironman support crew".

Such cute sayings!

 

[ember303]

I am a little late, but late is better than never right???? We are planning our trip around the same time. We will be staying at give kids the world for our sons wish trip. Maybe we will bump into your crew!

OMG @Gracefulskinny you are fast!!! I just went over to add my PTR to my signature and bam!!!! Awesome to have you here!!!

So yes...I'm SO excited!! All I have booked so far is our hotel - POFQ...wahoooo! I'm so excited! I've never stayed at any of the moderates before and this one had so many great reviews, both here and from friends I have talked to. We are going from October 8-14 and again it will be just DD (age 9) and myself. I'm taking just my DS (age 12) to Washington DC in June, so it's kinda fair lol. But honestly he doesn't do well with theme parks and the kids fight constantly...so some one on one time is great for both of them. DS will stay here with his dad and it's Canadian Thanksgiving so they'll probably go to MIL's for some turkey. Maybe I will have my turkey at WDW lol!!

Anyway...I don't have time to post much right now...but I can't wait until later when I can really delve into the planning...I think I will try using one of the great spreadsheets I've seen around here...I want to check out what days to do what first I guess before I can plan ADR's...and also the MSSSHP is on...and also I think Food and Wine will still be on....so hopefully I can get those in as well...it's a bit overwhelming...in a fun sort of way of course.

I have a question...might as well post it here but if no one who is reading this knows, I will post to ask everyone on the boards...here's the thing...we are going to most likely be leaving the WDW on October 14 for home. More than likely our flight home will be in the morning, but don't know yet. My DH is trying to see if he can use air miles of some kind or do something to get our flights free (yay!). BUT....when I was booking my WDW tickets - it is only $20 TOTAL for both of us, more to get 7 days of park tickets VS 6 days!! Crazy! So I said "why not?" if there is even a slim chance of getting in an hour or two in the parks?

BUT now that I've started looking at flights, it is looking more and more like we will have to leave the hotel probably at like 8am or some such on departure day...which means no parks that day.

So here's my question...IF I have a 7 day park ticket with no hoppers....but I am only needing 6 days of it...can I use 2 park tickets in one day to go to two different parks? I know it is wasteful - but since I will have one day left and won't be able to use it at all...why not? Do they let you do that???

Something to investigate further........anyway...gotta go get the kids to school and do some ya know...work...sigh. But I will be back when I can to start the planning! If anyone has an awesome planning spreadsheet for ADR's and FP's etc that they'd like to share that would be great too!!

 

[KathyM2]

No. NO NO NO!!! Is this for sure?!?! I thought this was just a rumor?! Are you seriously telling me that my first visit this past trip was also my last?!

I know, right??? I don't know if it's positively for sure - but I read it on Theme Park Insider as "rumoured to be closing"...so maybe it isn't true or maybe it won't happen for a while...I am hoping it isn't true either.

I've always wondered if there were places like this that existed! I must visit Canada now!

Ha funny that you say that...I always thought there must be places like that in the US...had never seen one like it here in Canada before either...there are probably a few of them in both countries lol

Isn't he only there for eye candy anyway?

Well that's true...I guess if I'd gone into the movie thinking that was the point maybe I wouldn't have thought it was so bad lol

We will be staying at give kids the world for our sons wish trip. Maybe we will bump into your crew!

That would be wonderful! I will hopefully think of something creative to put on our bags or something so we will be obviously DIS'ers lol. So exciting that you are going too!

 

[sharona]

Still here! Been following along when I can. I can't believe how fast your trip is approaching!

That would be wonderful! I will hopefully think of something creative to put on our bags or something so we will be obviously DIS'ers lol.

Lime Green Mickey Head used to be the signal. Dissers used to hang the Lime Green Disney paint chip in the shape of a Mickey head from their park bags to identify each other. Some people wrote their Dis name and laminated theirs. I know they don't have those paint chips at Home Depot anymore but you could make your own...

 

[ember303]

I know, right??? I don't know if it's positively for sure - but I read it on Theme Park Insider as "rumoured to be closing"...so maybe it isn't true or maybe it won't happen for a while...I am hoping it isn't true either.



Ha funny that you say that...I always thought there must be places like that in the US...had never seen one like it here in Canada before either...there are probably a few of them in both countries lol



Well that's true...I guess if I'd gone into the movie thinking that was the point maybe I wouldn't have thought it was so bad lol



That would be wonderful! I will hopefully think of something creative to put on our bags or something so we will be obviously DIS'ers lol. So exciting that you are going too!

Let me know what you are putting on your bag, and maybe we will too : )

 

[deedee2177]

Hi Kathy! I'm all caught up....I fell very far behind. I loved the DC Updates. My DH and I went to DC the end of May/beginning of June (I included some updates in my PTR as well). We used the Big Bus too...overall I was pretty happy with it...felt it was a great way to see the sights!

I read about the same rumors you did about DHS, I think we will be spending even less time there now (though we do like ToT, RnR and Star Tours). However, once they add all the Star Wars stuff I know we will be spending a lot more time there because my DH is a HUGE Star Wars fan!

Our plan for our November Trip includes a visit to DHS on arrival day since they have late EMH hours, I'm now thinking we might be able to hit everything we want to see that evening and not head back later that week (though we have an ADR for Sci-Fi later that week which is always a must do for my DH). I guess it will all depend on what I'm able to secure with FP's!

 

[KathyM2]

I know they don't have those paint chips at Home Depot anymore but you could make your own...

Hmmm I might try to get crafty and do something...it would be fun to see if anyone notices it and says hi!

Let me know what you are putting on your bag, and maybe we will too : )

I may try to find a lime green mickey to somehow put on my bag...it would be pretty cool to be able to pick out some DIS'ers

I'm now thinking we might be able to hit everything we want to see that evening and not head back later that week

I think that sounds like a good plan! You probably will be able to get a lot in during that time and have an extra day later to do something else....