“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP!” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip **THE END**

[GinnerD]

Here's to the start of another great tradition.. CMs Around the World!!
Great memory, yet economical.
This is something I would be up for, hopefully the guys will be as willing to be in photos.
Just wondering if royalties can be paid in Strawberry Shortcake instead of cash. I've been told mine is darned good!

I think I still have to indulge in a libation or two as well. The GG and GM slushies do have some appeal as well as my absolute favorite, a well made Margarita. On the rocks, with salt. Thank you.

I just love EPCOT!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Awesoem update! Yay for cm's from all the countries!! I will have to do that next time, although I'mma break a rule and make them selfies! Lol

Aww Thanks Katt. WELCOME HOME (I know it sucks) And Oh Yeah...

CONGRATULATIONS and ON BEING POST 1000!!!!

CM's Around the World is a total blast!! Hmmm, I suppose the selfie rule could be lifted in certain cases. I'll have to make an amendment to the rulebook though, lol.

Here's to the start of another great tradition.. CMs Around the World!!
Great memory, yet economical.
This is something I would be up for, hopefully the guys will be as willing to be in photos.
Just wondering if royalties can be paid in Strawberry Shortcake instead of cash. I've been told mine is darned good!

I think I still have to indulge in a libation or two as well. The GG and GM slushies do have some appeal as well as my absolute favorite, a well made Margarita. On the rocks, with salt. Thank you.

I just love EPCOT!

YAY!! It is definitely economical if nothing else, but also way fun! Please do it next visit as I'm certain the guys would be very willing as well. Of course this is only an assumption as I have no first hand experience myself.
But the more people that do it and spread the word, the more this will become a real thing.
Hmmm, now that's interesting. Considering Strawberry Shortcake is a perfect food, I would most definitely take than instead of cash. I like the way you think Ginny.

OMG those slushies are fabulous. I've only had one, but I intend to have more next trip. What surprised me the most was the amount of alcohol was more than I expected it to be.

Ahh it's wonderful. The best thing about it to me is it is so very different. I find it to be the most relaxing and "tour friendly" since you don't spend the whole day queueing in lines. It's a great wandering park.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY-XMAS-2013 X-TRAVAGANZA UPDATE


Hello again, and welcome to another Disney December Update.

Today’s update is brought to you by the letters, “OOOOOOOOO” and “AAAAAAAAAA”.

First, I have to say yet again, THANK YOU ALL for reading!!

Today I want to give a special THANK YOU for all your amazing comments which allowed this TR to reach 1000 posts!
It may not seem like a big deal, but it sure is to me!

And a big ‘ol CONGRATULATIONS to Katt on being POST 1000!!!!

I just wanted to give an overview of the plans as they stand right now before the next TR update in a day or so.

But first…

As previously mentioned, my Magic Band is customized, my hotel check in is complete, and FastPasses are chosen.

But that’s not the best part.

A day or so (and in some cases several days) AFTER I completed everything, I got an email invitation to help test MyMagic+.

I take two things away from this…

One is that while Disney does so many wonderful things right, good timing is CLEARLY not one of them.

The other is that my trip period looks to be still in the testing phase for MyMagic+.

I was initially under the impression from things I read that the testing was going to be done by then, but I guess not.

Nonetheless, I’m not particularly surprised as rolling this out completely over the Christmas season would be insane as there still seems to be a lot of issues to be resolved.

Anyway, enough of that… On with the plans…


DECEMBER 3

Arrival day.
My flight is later than normal for me, landing at MCO at 7:30, so, the best case is I arrive at POP at around 9pm if there are no delays.
No major plans this day as it will be a get settled evening, watch Stacey, unpack, watch Stacey, and get to bed.

And watch Stacey.


DECEMBER 4

This is a big one as it is the actual birthday to my birthday trip, so the birthday button will be on full display,
And will remain so for the rest of the trip.

The tentative plan is to head to Animal Kingdom for EMH for Everest and whatever else I can fit in, but mostly lots of Everest.
Then head to DHS (MGM) for the rest of the morning and afternoon with FP+ for:
** Toy Story 12:05-1:05
** Tower of Terror 1:55-2:55
** Rock n Roller Coaster 3:05-4:05

Likely leaving DHS between 4 and 5 and heading to Magic Kingdom for the evening to do whatever is available,
But mostly MSEP, Celebrate the Magic, and of course, WISHES!! to finish off my birthday in the absolute best way possible.


DECEMBER 5

Today starts at Magic Kingdom, hopefully in time for EMH and the Good Morning Show.
Most of the day will be spent here through to mid afternoon where I will switch over to DHS with FP+ for:
** Rock n Roller Coaster 3:20-4:20 (hehe, I said 420 )
** Tower of Terror 4:50-5:50
** Fantasmic! 5:55-6:15

I should mention that currently Fantasmic is a tentative FP as I’ve been reading that it currently does NOT have a reserved area, so the FP is basically useless.
If that doesn’t change as I get closer, these FP’s will likely be changed, but I still plan to see Fantasmic this night either way.

After Fantasmic I may check out the Osborne Lights before leaving and heading over to the Epcot resort area for my first ever DIS Meet with Brenda (emmysmommy) and any other Disers who might be around.


DECEMBER 6

Today is all about Magic Kingdom as I will be spending the entirety of the day there.
This is also scheduled to be the first day of the ABC Christmas Parade taping, so hopefully there will be some unique photo ops.

It’s a shortened day due to a MVMCP that evening (which I won’t be at unless the mood strikes me last minute) so the park closes at 7pm.
FP+ for this day are:
** Jungle Cruise 2:20-3:20
** Splash Mountain 3:50-4:50
** Space Mountain 5:50-6:50

I normally wouldn’t have picked Jungle Cruise for FP until they announced the Christmas overlay to “Jingle Cruise”.

After Space Mountain, I plan to head over to the Grand Floridian to have a look around and of course see the giant Gingerbread House.

I will follow that with a trip to the Poly and the beach to hopefully view Holiday Wishes at 9:30.


DECEMBER 7

This day may involve a trip to Magic Kingdom strictly for photo ops as this is day two of the Parade taping.
Given that it will probably be incredibly congested, I may skip that idea entirely.

Regardless, most of the day is planned to be at Animal Kingdom with FP+ for:
** Festival Of The Lion King 12:05-12:25
** Kilimanjaro Safari 1:50-2:50
** Everest 4:00-5:00

I also plan to see the Jingle Jungle Parade at 3:45 before my Everest FP expires.

Afterwards, I plan a trip over to Animal Kingdom Lodge to have a look around as I’ve never ever seen it.

It will also kill some time before heading over to the Yacht Club and boarding the much anticipated Illuminations Cruise with Brenda and Emily.


DECEMBER 8

This day is exclusively SeaWorld as written about in a previous post. A Birthday-Xmas-2013 Disney X-travaganza Update...


DECEMBER 9

Today will start off at Epcot where I will likely join in on a planned DIS Drinking Around the World.
I probably won’t do the whole thing, but certainly will for some, and it will FOR SURE include a GG or GM Slushie!
This day is a bit more wide open, so I may even look into another CM’s Around the World Adventure.

After getting my fill of Epcot, I will move over to DHS with FP+ for:
** Tower of Terror 4:50-5:50,
** Fantasmic! 5:55-6:15
** Rock n Roller Coaster 7:00-8:00

Again, the same caveat applies to Fantasmic here, and some time may involve the Osborne Lights, but we’ll see.

There may be a late night Magic Kingdom stop as it has EMH, currently until 11, but it could always be later if the regular hours get extended.

I fully expect some hours to get extended throughout my trip sometime around mid November.
It’s hard to speculate now, but I do think it will happen.


DECEMBER 10

This is all Magic Kingdom!
I will likely do a little bit later start today to get a bit of rest and recuperation before heading to the park late morning.

FP+ for this day are:
** Peter Pans Flight 1:15-2:15
** Splash Mountain 3:00-4:00
** Enchanted Tales with Belle 4:00-5:00

I believe 2 of these times will be shared with another Diser, cheekypoppins (Carrie) and her daughter, Riley.
This is especially great for Enchanted Tales as I really do want to see this, but don’t think I would by myself, so I’m very grateful to have them to go with.

After this it will be just a short time until Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!!!

IF Jack and Sally grace the Christmas parties with their presence (presents?), which they should since it IS Nightmare Before CHRISTMAS!!!!!,
Then I will probably queue up early for this so I don’t waste any party time on this line.

Other than that, it’s all about the party which will be attended by other Disers as well including Carrie and Riley and Brenda and Emmy, and probably others too, so I’m sure I will get to spend some time with all of them.


DECEMBER 11

This is my final full day and will begin at Epcot with FP+ for:
** The Sea with Nemo and Friends 9:25-10:25
** Soarin’ 10:35-11:35
** Maelstrom 2:00-3:00

Epcot is tough to FP for me as there’s really not a whole lot worth it since you can’t FP+ the same attraction twice.
Also, Disney just implemented a Tier system, so you can now only pick one from Soarin' Test Track, Mission Space, Maelstrom, Illuminations, and Character Spot,
With the remaining 2 from lesser attractions.
I really have no desire to do Test Track again, but if the line is short I might.
Mission Space did make me a little queasy last time, so I’m going to wait and see on that one.
I already picked Soarin' and Maelstrom before the change, so I should be good with those.

Anyway, most of the day will be spent here before moving over to Magic Kingdom for one final round of Wishes.

Because I need to end the trip with Wishes!!!!!


DECEMBER 12

This is travel home day, so the less said the better.
I will have to leave for the airport by probably noon so there is a small chance I may pop by MK for EMH, but it will depend on how ready I am to sadly depart.

And that is a wrap.

CM’s Around The World will continue soon!
​

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Now I'm convinced I'll get a chance to say hi in December!

I have a 12:15-1:15 TSMM FP on the 4th and the same FP for Fantasmic on the 5th. Now it's just a matter of spotting you in a crowd of several thousand to say hi. I've been debating the walk over to Epcot for illuminations after F!, partly because it's a 2nd chance to see illuminations but partly because I want to see BC and YC, I am hitting EMH at MK that morning so I'm worried I may be exhausted by that point.

I can't believe I'm only one month away. I've been living vicariously through trip reports for months and it's almost my turn.

 

[khaleesi]

Yay for orange!!!! My favorite color alternates between pink (just because) and orange, mainly because I'm a HUGE Syracuse basketball fan. And orange is the official color for MS, so now it's kind of personal.

I love your CMs around the world! My plan is get autographs from them... I don't know if I can handle being in that many pictures. LOL.

Your upcoming trip plans sound AMAZING!!!!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Funny Rob that you mentioned the "invitation" from Disney to participate in the MyMagic+ after the fact. For our August trip this summer I received not 1 but TWO Fed-Ex letters, requesting signature for delivery no less, saying that I was invited to test the new MBs. Uhhhh our bands were already on the way. FED-EX expense x 2 just for my little travel party. Can you imagine the expense for every test participant family?? Wow!

Soooo onto your exciting December plans - you know that's NEXT MONTH right?

A long travel day deserves some time with Stacey at the end.

Of course you'll have to end your day with Wishes on your birthday! It just wouldn't be right if you didn't. Tinkerbelle should make a little heart with her wand just for you on your birthday. Wouldn't that be special?

Hey, we'll be at AK for Holiday parade on the 7th as well. You'll have to save us a spot. This will be a first for us. Actually, all of this will be a first as we've never been to WDW during the holidays.

Love your x-mas, birthday x-travaganza plans, they look fabulous!

Katt: Congrats for putting Rob's TR into the Disboards stratosphere!

 

[ElenaJane]

Oh my word. I am only on day 2 of your TR and I have been laughing out loud to the point Will was asking what is going on. I'm all like "Oh nothing...you wouldn't understand!". I want you to move down there and go to WDW and make a never ending TR.

 

[WDWaddictt]

Hi Rob, I just found your TR because of it mentioned on emmysmommy and kattmark's TRs. It took me all day today but I finished reading it. Very entertaining!! Great descriptions and pictures of your adventures, can't wait to read more!

Thanks for sharing!!

 

[jash08]

Rob, we were there two years ago at Christmas. Our first day there was the second day of filming for the parade. It was a mad house but super interesting too. Definitely neat to see. And to have them shot the same sequence over and over. Large crane mounted cameras were there too. We left at the perfect time though. As we were turning onto Main Street from Tomorrowland they announced Justin Bieber. Que the very loud teenage screaming. We quickly walked to the exit!

 

[alice21]

Yay!! for only 32 days left I'm at 16 days , Rob out of curiosity, do you guys get to do the American immigration/customs in Halifax like they do here in Montreal and Toronto or do you have to do it when you arrive.

 

[gracer9977]

Sounds like you have a lot of amazing plans all lined up for your trip.

Funny that you are being invited to test everything when you are all ready set up. Hopefully it all works out well. I will be watching all of you who are going in Nov/Dec to see how it all goes before I get my chance in Jan.

How fun that you will be having so many dismeets while you are there. Can't wait to read all about them.

Of course you want to start your trip with Stacy and end your trip with Wishes. Sounds perfect.

 

[teekathepony]

Congratulations on 1000 posts Rob!

I still have yet to receive an email invitation to test MM+! Your flight lands at the same time as mine was supposed to, is it Air Canada? Check yours because mine keeps getting later and later. We were down to landing at 9:30, luckily we are back up to 8:00. Yuck! But it was either that, midnight, or a night in the Toronto airport for us. Good idea to get in and watch some Stacey.
I love all the plans, especially for your birthday! How special that the parade taping is that day and the next, I've always wanted to see that!
And the dismeets! I can't lie, I'm jealous. But I can't wait to hear all about it and I know you will have a great time.
I was lucky to have made my FP+ before they changed to the tiered system so I have both Soarin and test track. I really don't like that in a fairly restricting program, they further restrict you. Will be interesting to see how it all works out for sure!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[peachmermaid]

Your trip is coming together!! I love that feeling!

Get up suuuuper early to head to MK for the parade taping. We missed the taping by a day but we saw them tape one of the performances in front of the castle. It's a bit packed, but it's a unique experience so it's worth it.

Yay for dis meets! It's always wonderful meeting fellow disnerds!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Your plans sound like a lot of fun!!

Never been to AKL? You simply must check it out! The resort is beautiful. Especially when they put up their decorations. The lobby is spectacular. And be sure to head to the ends of the Zebra and Kudu trail and go out on the staircases to check out the animals there as well as Arusha Rock.

Enjoy your parade taping days. Wonder whose photos you will have to share with us upon your return.

 

[lovelygirl1975]

Hi Rob, first of all congrats on 1000 posts that's awesome. I knew orange would win...I just had a feeling. Your trip sounds awesome, so many plans. I can't wait to read all about it. Sooo your are actually in the MB testing phase...I am not sure how I would feel about that. It's looks like you have your plans all ready though, so it's just up to disney to get it right.

 

[Tracy161]

YAY!!! Congrats on 1000+!!!!!!!!!!

 

[courtneybelle]

YAY 1000 posts! That's exciting!

You picked some excellent choices for FP+ We also picked Fantasmic! so I'm interested to see how it works. Hopefully I can provide you with some intel since I'll be there shortly before you!

I am very excited for the Jingle Cruise!! We only have one day at MK (I know. That's what happens when you only have three full park days) but that is definitely a priority.

I'm glad you're going to SeaWorld! If we were going for a longer trip I'd definitely go. So many fun things going on.

YES ENCHANTED TALES! One of my very favorite things about Disney!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Now I'm convinced I'll get a chance to say hi in December!

I have a 12:15-1:15 TSMM FP on the 4th and the same FP for Fantasmic on the 5th. Now it's just a matter of spotting you in a crowd of several thousand to say hi. I've been debating the walk over to Epcot for illuminations after F!, partly because it's a 2nd chance to see illuminations but partly because I want to see BC and YC, I am hitting EMH at MK that morning so I'm worried I may be exhausted by that point.

I can't believe I'm only one month away. I've been living vicariously through trip reports for months and it's almost my turn.

Ooohhhh I hope so!! That would be so very cool to me.

It's a pretty good walk to Epcot, but there is a boat as well for a more relaxing trip. And you could hop on or off as you see fit.

The BC and YC area is stunning, so if you feel up to it, I definitely recommend it. I may head in for Illuminations as well.

Ahhh I know, it's coming so quick. This month is sure to fly by.

Yay for orange!!!! My favorite color alternates between pink (just because) and orange, mainly because I'm a HUGE Syracuse basketball fan. And orange is the official color for MS, so now it's kind of personal.

I love your CMs around the world! My plan is get autographs from them... I don't know if I can handle being in that many pictures. LOL.

Your upcoming trip plans sound AMAZING!!!!!!

YAY, I'm pretty happy with the choice bestowed upon me.

Aww thank you! Ahh, autographs is an interesting idea as well.

THANK YOU!! I feel some of it is a bit too ambitious, but the good thing is, it's still Disney no matter what!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Funny Rob that you mentioned the "invitation" from Disney to participate in the MyMagic+ after the fact. For our August trip this summer I received not 1 but TWO Fed-Ex letters, requesting signature for delivery no less, saying that I was invited to test the new MBs. Uhhhh our bands were already on the way. FED-EX expense x 2 just for my little travel party. Can you imagine the expense for every test participant family?? Wow!

Soooo onto your exciting December plans - you know that's NEXT MONTH right?

A long travel day deserves some time with Stacey at the end.

Of course you'll have to end your day with Wishes on your birthday! It just wouldn't be right if you didn't. Tinkerbelle should make a little heart with her wand just for you on your birthday. Wouldn't that be special?

Hey, we'll be at AK for Holiday parade on the 7th as well. You'll have to save us a spot. This will be a first for us. Actually, all of this will be a first as we've never been to WDW during the holidays.

Love your x-mas, birthday x-travaganza plans, they look fabulous!

Katt: Congrats for putting Rob's TR into the Disboards stratosphere!

OK, first I have to start off by saying... YAY YOU GOT YOUR THREAD OF THE MONTH BANNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bahahaha, holy cow, they actually invited you via Fed-Ex!!?? Actually, I'd expect nothing less for you two, . What makes it even worse is you got two separate shipments for the same trip, yet they won't send any MB's to anyone outside the US. I just don't get how Disney spends their money (and as a shareholder, I guess MY money, lol).

NEXT MONTH... HOLY MOLEY!!!!!

I so agree with that. There's just no other way!

Oh God yes. For that evening, in my mind, Wishes will be performed just for me! I'll be watching Tink for just that gesture.

Ha, I know!!!! I will absolutely save you a spot. I've only been once before as an adult to holiday Disney and it is mind blowing!!

Aww thank you Brenda! Of course I already sent you all this stuff, so nothing new here for you, lol. I do hope you get your AP/FP issues straightened out though.

although "stratosphere" much be pushing it a bit

And also, a big Thanks to you Brenda. Your support since I became a Diser has been immeasurable and I will always be appreciative and honored by that..

Oh my word. I am only on day 2 of your TR and I have been laughing out loud to the point Will was asking what is going on. I'm all like "Oh nothing...you wouldn't understand!". I want you to move down there and go to WDW and make a never ending TR.

ELENA!! So glad you're here and I am so glad to hear that. You are WAY too sweet, THANK YOU SO MUCH! But I would not be against accepting donations to make that happen.

Hi Rob, I just found your TR because of it mentioned on emmysmommy and kattmark's TRs. It took me all day today but I finished reading it. Very entertaining!! Great descriptions and pictures of your adventures, can't wait to read more!

Thanks for sharing!!

Well hello right back and Wow, you read it all in one day? I'm impressed and also very grateful. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Thank you for reading!!

Rob, we were there two years ago at Christmas. Our first day there was the second day of filming for the parade. It was a mad house but super interesting too. Definitely neat to see. And to have them shot the same sequence over and over. Large crane mounted cameras were there too. We left at the perfect time though. As we were turning onto Main Street from Tomorrowland they announced Justin Bieber. Que the very loud teenage screaming. We quickly walked to the exit!

That's exactly my dilemma. I think it would be so interesting and unique, but at the same time so chaotic that my time may be better served elsewhere. I probably won't make a final decision until that very day. Thanks so much for the insight!

Haha, as a Canadian, my apologies for Justin Bieber.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Yay!! for only 32 days left I'm at 16 days , Rob out of curiosity, do you guys get to do the American immigration/customs in Halifax like they do here in Montreal and Toronto or do you have to do it when you arrive.

YAY!!!! and YAY for you toooooooo!!!!!!!

Yes, we have pre-clearance here in Halifax as well. SO much better. Funny too that for this trip and the one I had back in October 2012, I had the exact same US customs agent. I thought it was too funny.

Sounds like you have a lot of amazing plans all lined up for your trip.

Funny that you are being invited to test everything when you are all ready set up. Hopefully it all works out well. I will be watching all of you who are going in Nov/Dec to see how it all goes before I get my chance in Jan.

How fun that you will be having so many dismeets while you are there. Can't wait to read all about them.

Of course you want to start your trip with Stacy and end your trip with Wishes. Sounds perfect.

Thank you, I sure hope it all works out.

I found that so comical since I was kind of curious why I hadn't gotten an invite initially. That's why I figured the testing was over. Then bam, invitation received. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but they just keep tweaking and changing things so much that it's becoming a bit confusing.

I am so looking forward to that!!!! It's hard to believe that I only officially joined the DIS back in March and now I'm getting to actually meet some of these people. I feel like I'm meeting celebrities!

Haha, yup, I guess that really came as no surprise. You HAVE to make some time for the wife and WISHES is perfection.

Congratulations on 1000 posts Rob!

I still have yet to receive an email invitation to test MM+! Your flight lands at the same time as mine was supposed to, is it Air Canada? Check yours because mine keeps getting later and later. We were down to landing at 9:30, luckily we are back up to 8:00. Yuck! But it was either that, midnight, or a night in the Toronto airport for us. Good idea to get in and watch some Stacey.
I love all the plans, especially for your birthday! How special that the parade taping is that day and the next, I've always wanted to see that!
And the dismeets! I can't lie, I'm jealous. But I can't wait to hear all about it and I know you will have a great time.
I was lucky to have made my FP+ before they changed to the tiered system so I have both Soarin and test track. I really don't like that in a fairly restricting program, they further restrict you. Will be interesting to see how it all works out for sure!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Aww thank you Wendy. I owe that to you all.

Really, no invitation?? Well I guess it's not really that important as you do have MB's and FP's, so you should be good to go.

I'm flying with United. I hope to God there are no changes, unless I can somehow get in earlier. I'd be ok with that.
Yuck, I hate when flights continuously change. How's a person supposed to make plans? I've had flight times change in the past, but usually not significantly.
Yup, I am totally ok with spending my first night with my girl.

Thanks. I will for sure be there for at least one parade day, but I'm still unsure about the second. The second day is going to be a madhouse I think since it's one of the few days with nighttime entertainment. And it's a Saturday, so busy anyway. I may just steer clear.

I'm so excited to meet everyone, I can't even. I think this may be what I'm most excited about. To meet people with the same passion is indescribable.

My advice... don't touch them. I think those who already had it are ok. But I've read that some who've tried to make changes after the change went into effect weren't able to get them all back.

Your trip is coming together!! I love that feeling!

Get up suuuuper early to head to MK for the parade taping. We missed the taping by a day but we saw them tape one of the performances in front of the castle. It's a bit packed, but it's a unique experience so it's worth it.

Yay for dis meets! It's always wonderful meeting fellow disnerds!

Ahh me too. I have to say that this one was a little tougher than most for pre-planning though.

Yeah, I think the Friday is mostly performances, so I'm hoping to catch at least some of that. With FP already chosen, at least I don't have to be running around for that.

Ahh I'm so looking forward to that for that exact reason. So much better being around people who "get it".