Welcome Foolish Mortals - I am your host, Your ghost host: Going to WDW in Oct '15 PTR-Updated 10/26

[totebagg]

I hope the fast passes went well for you. My 60 day mark is quickly approaching on the 7th!! Can't wait to hear how it went for you.

They did and I'll post an update soon. I see your 60 days is today so hope you got all the FP+ that you wanted!

Wondering how your FP+ went.

They went well and getting ready to post an update!

 

[totebagg]

Fast Passes – They are done or are they?​

Well my Fast passes are done (but not set in stone – minor tweaks ahead)!

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I have been wanting to get this post done all week, but I was exhausted Sunday and work has been crazy this week and all I have wanted to do is come home and go to bed!

Back to the FP+ plans, I was really lucky that my window fell on a weekend so at 12:00 midnight on Sunday I logged into My Disney Experience andnd here is what I ended up with:


October 2nd – MK (pre-park opening ADR):

11:10 – 12:10 Enchanted Tales w/Belle

12:10 – 1:10 Peter Pan's Flight

1:30 – 2:30 BTMRR

So I changed this day up! I could only get a late afternoon time for 7DMTR so I moved the FP+ to later in the week as suggested by @kastoney - Thanks Kari! My hope is to be done with our breakfast at BOG early so we can ride 7DMTR first then head to Tomorrowland and make our way back through Fantasyland within that first 2.5 hours of park opening!


October 3rd – HS (rope drop @ EMH):

9:25 – 10:25 TSMM

10:25 – 11:25 Tower of Terror

12:20 – 1:20 Star Tours

When I originally booked our times, I forgot this was an EMH day so I have to rethink this one. I am hoping that we will be able to ride RnRC and ToT when we first get there then maybe catch Star Tours and/or the Muppet Show before our first FP+.

Has anyone ever done EMH at HS? If so any tips?


October 4th – MK (pre-park opening ADR):

9:05 – 10:05 Jungle Cruise

10:15 – 11:15 Splash Mountain

12:20 – 1:20 7DMTR

This is where I was able to get a good time for the mine ride. We will head to BTMRR first thing (it's Lane's favorite) and hope to ride it a couple of times. I am second guessing the times that I have chosen because I think I am starting them too early. Also I would really rather do Splash later in the day!


October 5th – Epcot (late arrival around 9:30 am):

9-10 Spaceship Earth

10 – 11 Mission Space

11 – 12 Test Track

No changes from my original plan. We want to do Sum of All Thrills first then head back down to Spaceship Earth and I also want to go to the Festival Welcome Center and look at the merchandise. We might also hit up Ellen's Energy Adventure since we have never been.


October 6th – Free Day: No FP+ needed


October 7th – Epcot (rope drop):

9:15 – 10:15 Soarin'

10:15 – 11:15 Seas w/Nemo & Friends

11:20 – 12:20 Character Spot

The only change I may make here is the Character Spot – we've never done this so not sure if it is a good use of a FP+!


October 8th – MK (late arrival around 9:30 am):

9:00 – 10:00 Mickey – Town Square

10:00 – 11:00 BTMR

11:20 – 12:20 Anna & Elsa

This is probably the day that I like the plans the least! First of all, I panicked and booked an Anna & Elsa FP+ even though my daughter said she doesn't care to see them this time, but I keep thinking what if she changes her mind. I may change this one out as well as the Mickey FP+, so basically almost a redo!

If anyone has any suggestions – I'm all ears!!


October 9th – HS (late arrival around 9:30 am):

9:30 – 10:30 RnRC

10:40 – 11:40 Tower of Terror

1:35 – 1:50 Frozen Sing along

This is another day, I am pretty okay with the plans but I did change them several times (at this point it was late and I was a little loopy). I actually woke up around 5:30am and made an additional change.


October 10th – AK (rope drop):

9:10 – 10:10 Kilimanjaro Safari

1:00 – 2:00 Expedition Everest

4:05 – 5:05 Kali River Rapids

Here is another day that is close to what I wanted, so I am happy!


Well there you have it! I was so tired during the time leading up to midnight I could barely keep my eyes open.

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But once I started, I was wide awake and ended up not going to bed until 2:30 am! Crazy, I know!!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[kastoney]

Congrats on getting all your fast passes!!!!! Good call with A&E too. Even if your daughter doesn't change her mind, you're set either way. One thought on MK, the only other FP's you may want to consider are Space Mountain and/or Cindy/Punzie if your daughter has any interest in them. Otherwise you seem to have most of the headliners covered.

 

[KathyM2]

Yes, congrats on all your FP+! I had a similar night on Friday night doing mine. I too booked both 7DMT and Anna/Elsa later in our trip. I look forward to see if people comment on your FP+ at DHS because we are in a similar situation - going on a morning EMH day. I also booked Character Spot at Epcot as one of ours...because I heard the lines can get really bad for that and it's a good way to see a few characters...

 

[totebagg]

So quick life update - My brother and his wife were here this past week. We don't get to see each other very often (usually only once a year) even though we only live 4 hours away from each other, so it was so nice to see them and get to spend time with them. Also it was Tori's birthday yesterday - my baby is 24!

You can see her little bump!
Now onto Disney Planning!!!!



To MNSSHP or Not to MNSSHP that is the question!​

So we have been trying to decide what to do on our free day. We have talked about a lot of options such as a resort day, touring other resorts, going to see La Nouba or going to the MNSSHP that night. I would really like to go to the party but Tori and Lawrence didn't seem interested, so I had written it off. Well this weekend, I was talking to Tori about our plans and that we really needed to nail down our day off.

She said very nonchalantly, "I thought we were going to the party."
Whoa! Where did that come from?


She seemed confused by my reaction and told me that I had talked about how great it is supposed to be so she thought we had all decided to go! Of course this has thrown me, I don't have tickets yet and I have not really thought a lot about a game plan and then there is costumes – do we dress up or not?

So for those of you that have been – any advice? I know that the parade and fireworks are not to be missed but how far in advance would you stake a place to watch and where should you watch them from?

I am really excited about going. Our first year, we had dining reservations on a party night that went past 7pm, so we were escorted out. The park decorations, music and atmosphere was impressive!

Here are a couple of pictures that I took as we were being ushered out of the park.

Cinderella's Castle


Minnie dressed up

So if any of you guys have been I would love to hear any tips and also any suggestions on costumes. I am thinking we may need simple costumes since I don't have a lot of time.

THANKS!

 

[totebagg]

Well since I cannot even book my hoped for trip until at least January, your FP selections look great to me! Jealous! But really, I can't see much wrong with any FP selections, it's just like guaranteed fun! Plus, I missed my character spot FP because I was dawdling, so no good input there from me. I also dawdled and missed my Frozen Sing Along FP, and ended up in stand-by twice because I enjoyed it so much the first time!

You are so right - any FP is guaranteed fun! I think I am just trying too hard since this is my son in law's first trip. I loved the Frozen Sing Along! I was very surprised by it as I thought oh no not let it go again, but it was very funny!

Congrats on getting all your fast passes!!!!! Good call with A&E too. Even if your daughter doesn't change her mind, you're set either way. One thought on MK, the only other FP's you may want to consider are Space Mountain and/or Cindy/Punzie if your daughter has any interest in them. Otherwise you seem to have most of the headliners covered.

Thank you and I thought with my luck she would want to see them again. She really is into more of the rides than standing in line to see characters especially if we have already met them, so that is why I didn't do the other two and she has met Miss Cindy on 4 occasions! As for Space Mtn, we are going to head there first after our BOG breakfast so I am hoping that I don't need a FP plus only Lawrence and I will ride. My hubby hates it as he thinks he is going to crash and Bella didn't want to ride it again and of course Tori can't! But good call and thanks for looking out for me!

Yes, congrats on all your FP+! I had a similar night on Friday night doing mine. I too booked both 7DMT and Anna/Elsa later in our trip. I look forward to see if people comment on your FP+ at DHS because we are in a similar situation - going on a morning EMH day. I also booked Character Spot at Epcot as one of ours...because I heard the lines can get really bad for that and it's a good way to see a few characters...

I am still hoping that someone has been on a EMH day and can give us some input! If not it is live and learn. Well I am glad I booked Character Spot! We have met most of the characters but Lawrence hasn't and he is not into the princesses - not sure why not!

 

[totebagg]

YAY!! We are all paid in full (well we had to be if we were going since we are at our 45 day mark)!! Just wanted to share because it is just one more thing that makes it seem real and that it is getting closer! The hubs said today well I can start really getting excited now about our trip!

 

[kastoney]

Congrats on paying and the surprise MNSSHP! Never been so I can't offer much help, but looking forward to hearing all about it

 

[totebagg]

Thanks! I can't wait to do the party - I am very excited about it but now we have 3 late nights in a row! But who needs to rest on vacation!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[MataHari22]

I'm not sure how I missed a few of your updates, because I am watching the thread, but anyway.... Congrats on making your FP+! Yay.

MNSSHP was awesome. I loved the parade, and I think that Hallowishes, is even better than regular Wishes. You often will read on these boards that one person will say that MNSSHP was packed, and another person who went the same night, will say it wasn't bad and not that crowded. I think it all depends on what you want to do. I went to a sold out party on 10/28/14, (I think it was) and I didn't think it was that bad. Main Street was crowded for the fireworks and parade, but it's always that way.... Some of the characters had very long lines, but I really was not interested in the meet and greets. I only met Jack Sparrow, and the wait was not that long. My priorities were the parade and fireworks, soaking up the atmosphere and riding rides. The Headless Horseman riding through to kick off the parade was cool. As far as wearing a costume, you will not feel out of place with whatever you decide to do. You will see people go all out, people who just wear a themed shirt, some that DisneyBound (that's what I did), and some who don't dress. I wore a red and white polka dot dress and my Minnie Ears. I was comfy and I think I looked cute. I had a good time. Halloween is my favorite holiday.

 

[roller99]

Hopping in late on this PTR! We are also going in October. Congrats on the grandbaby! And you mentioned your other daughter moved to Oklahoma, that's where I live! Lucky you snagging an A&E FP, I wasn't able to get any for our trip. I keep searching though!

 

[totebagg]

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[totebagg]

Paid in full - such good news! I have been to MVMCP, and it was really fun. I'm sure that the Halloween Party will be a great time, especially with a group!

I also want to go to MVMCP but we have only been end of September and during October. It is definitely a goal of mine to attend the MVMCP.

 

[totebagg]

I'm not sure how I missed a few of your updates, because I am watching the thread, but anyway.... Congrats on making your FP+! Yay.

MNSSHP was awesome. I loved the parade, and I think that Hallowishes, is even better than regular Wishes. You often will read on these boards that one person will say that MNSSHP was packed, and another person who went the same night, will say it wasn't bad and not that crowded. I think it all depends on what you want to do. I went to a sold out party on 10/28/14, (I think it was) and I didn't think it was that bad. Main Street was crowded for the fireworks and parade, but it's always that way.... Some of the characters had very long lines, but I really was not interested in the meet and greets. I only met Jack Sparrow, and the wait was not that long. My priorities were the parade and fireworks, soaking up the atmosphere and riding rides. The Headless Horseman riding through to kick off the parade was cool. As far as wearing a costume, you will not feel out of place with whatever you decide to do. You will see people go all out, people who just wear a themed shirt, some that DisneyBound (that's what I did), and some who don't dress. I wore a red and white polka dot dress and my Minnie Ears. I was comfy and I think I looked cute. I had a good time. Halloween is my favorite holiday.

Thanks for the tips on the party. I am really excited about the fireworks and parade especially the headless horseman! I think we will be a little low key on the costumes because no one can agree so we will probably wear halloween t shirts. I love Halloween as well and I am getting really excited about attending!

 

[totebagg]

Hopping in late on this PTR! We are also going in October. Congrats on the grandbaby! And you mentioned your other daughter moved to Oklahoma, that's where I live! Lucky you snagging an A&E FP, I wasn't able to get any for our trip. I keep searching though!

Welcome and glad that you joined! Thank you for the congrats - we are really excited about the baby and they are so happy to be going to disney. My daughter said the other day that when we get back from Disney that she will only have 6 weeks left! Yes, my other daughter lives in OKC. I keep telling her to come join us on the trip but her job keeps her so busy! When are you guys going in October? And don't give up the the A&E FP because I've heard that they release more at 30 days prior - not sure how true it is but it is worth a shot!

 

[totebagg]

Preliminary - {Part 4} days 10-11​

I can't believe I am just now getting to this is the part of the trip and we are already 30 days out. Time has flown by since we booked out bounce back last year! I am starting to stress a bit and feel like I don't have enough time to get everything done. This past weekend was a wash because I was out of town at the beach (which was awesome and it was a girl's trip which is even better) and next weekend is Tori's baby shower that I'm hosting at our house for 50+ people...So that only leaves me three weekends!

But I digress, as I was saying this is the part of the trip I begin to dread! It is our last Park day and our travel day, but as they say all good things must come to an end and we always have next year!


Day 10 (Saturday) – Animal Kingdom / Magic Kingdom

• We will head to Animal Kingdom on our last day (9am – 5pm) and this will be a rope drop day, so we plan on being there by 8:20 am. We always head to Expedition Everest first to ride a couple of times then head to the Safari.

Here is DiVine last year. First time we had seen her!​

• Our must dos at AK:
  • Expedition Everest
  • Safari
  • Dinosaur
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • It's a Bugs Life
  • The Trails
  • Kali River Rapids (Bella's favorite and we save this till last)
  • We have never taken the Wildlife Express train to Rafiki's Planet Watch, so we will try to do that this year.

• Yak & Yeti ADR at 12 – the wonton dessert is delish! Overall, AK is a pretty laid back park for us and we normally can get everything in by 3:30 or 4 pm.

• Head back to the resort and rest till time for our 7pm Jiko ADR (this is my choice and a first time for us). We are very excited about this ADR and can't wait to try it.

• After dinner, we may head to Magic Kingdom for a little while because I love to end my trip with Magic Kingdom. Last year, we stayed for EMH and left when they closed the park at 2am! Boy we were tired the next morning and had a 9 hour drive home!!!

Here is MK at 1:30 am. I wish I had taken a picture of Main Street - only a handful of people still in the park. In a way it was great but also a little eerie! ​

Day 11 (Sunday) – DTD (AKA Disney Springs) & Travel Home

• The gang will grab breakfast at the resort while I finish packing then after check out we will swing by DTD for any last minute shopping/souvenirs and grab lunch.

• Hope to hit the road by 1 pm. Last year, I really didn't want to leave so we didn't head out until 4:30 pm. Needless to say the last few hours of the trip were torture since we didn't go to bed the night before until 3 am. Lane has asked we not repeat that one!!!

 

[MataHari22]

DiVine is so cool. Definitely on my list to see this year, missed her the last two years in a row. So my friend has never seen her.

Hope you enjoy Jiko, I've never been.

 

[roller99]

Welcome and glad that you joined! Thank you for the congrats - we are really excited about the baby and they are so happy to be going to disney. My daughter said the other day that when we get back from Disney that she will only have 6 weeks left! Yes, my other daughter lives in OKC. I keep telling her to come join us on the trip but her job keeps her so busy! When are you guys going in October? And don't give up the the A&E FP because I've heard that they release more at 30 days prior - not sure how true it is but it is worth a shot!

We are going October 11-17. I managed to snag one A&E FP so far, which is really useless when I need at least three. Can't exactly go meet them by myself without my two girls lol. I live in the Tulsa area, so not much chance I'll run into your daughter from OKC. Hope she likes Oklahoma, I grew up here and love it.