08 was so Great at the Poly...TR-NEW 2/3 Time to say Good-bye (final post) / pics

[mousescrapper]

First Thanks DisMomAmy (my only fan... OK I do know how seriously crazy most have been, just need to feel the love ) for coming by and saying hi. Glad you like our first day even though now we are revising it....and YES it is a huge help to have some of these 'points' under our belt for DS before we go....and double yes it's coming fast now!


A revisement in the TPTP already???!!!????

Well after looking through the plan for the whole 8 days and thinking of Ds's needs more specifically, besides everyone elses. I began to see cracks in my great TPTP.

I decided to post my "Day 1" on the Park Stategies thread and see what other insights I might get....with a few replies and the come to my senses "I'm I out of my mind?"feeling. I discussed with DH last night about this plan.

So with the knowledge of DS and probably everyone needing a good break from the early travel (that w/ the fact we'll probably be up at 5:30 am), not having a room to retreat to, and how long of a day it really would be with staying for Fantasmic at 9:00 pm. I just knew we had to change something.

Having already purchased 7 day PH's and not wanting to give up our rest/ no park day we knew we had to adjust the TPTP some how.

Thought one: see if we might be able to get the Poly to help out with early check-in (for DS) or temporary use of the concierge lounge (we're not staying CL) during that 12-2 pm time frame. Going to make a call later in that regard...

Thought two: Leave closer to our ADR (3:00 pm) time to head out to the Studios.

Thought three: Just do a few things based on proximity to our TS (Mama Melerose's) and time shows are running....which IMHO is one of the hardest parts of figuring out your TP for the Studios...basically everything on a time schedule.

Thought four: Stay only in the park for about a 4-hour time chunk and then head back to resort.

Thought five: Strike seeing Fantasmic from 'Day1' and possibly push back our start on the 2nd day of Studios ('Day3') to include it there instead.

So here is the revised 'Day1' TP of the Studios (part 1)

FYI new in blue (old in black)

Get to Studios around 2:45 pmish (2:30 pmish)

1) Go to ADR at Mama Melerose's (figure will take 1 hr tops)

2) Catch the 4:30 pm (unless it changes ) showing of Extreme Motor Stunt Show

3) Split parties: DH to get FP for Star Tours if needed, DH or me and DD Re go see Muppet Vision 3D, everyone else play at Honey I shrunk the Kids Playset (this was part of old plan but doing VoTLM and TGM too)

4) Catch the 6:55 pm showing of Voyage of the Little Mermaid

5) Decision of the night.... if the stand-by line and/or the kids can handle it we do The Great Movie RideThat's it! Head back to the Poly and rest up for our first real Full Day in the Parks.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think you are smart to add a little flexibility into you plan, especially for day 1. I thought your original plan was optimistic, but some people are able to do it all. We found our best days were the last few when we didn't have as much planned. But that's probably because we got so much done on the earlier days.

I think we have our next trip in the works... April 09 (or maybe February). Our school vacations are a week later than the majority of the country so we're hoping it won't be too crazy. DH actually suggested staying onsite next time! I couldn't believe it. But the more I looked into it, the more I thought I would miss the amenities we have gotten used to off-site. So much more space, kitchens, quiet pools, etc. So I think we have the perfect plan... stay off-site in our condo for a week, then add on 3 or so days on-site to "test it out"!! I presented it to DH as a "compromise". The kids will only miss a couple days of school and it really won't cost us much - we will probably save on airfare by flying mid-week. We can use that money for the Dis-hotel. (Fuzzy Disney math at work! ) We could even save our most expensive meals to do during our on-site days and do the dining plan! It's far off yet, but as you know, you need something out there to look forward to!

Can't wait to read more about your plans!
Amy

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Amy! Thanks for reading and yes I'm feeling better about day 1 now. still feeling slighly apprehensive w/ going to a park on the 1st day don't know if I thought this one through all the way. But with a good hopeful 2 hr rest (alas no travel delays) I think it will be a good day. Putting it past me and moving on....

Shouldn't worry, right? we'll be in Disney after-all!

Hey, I like your possible on/off site Disney compromise. I say you should try it! You'll never know till you do. I've only stayed off-site once that's when my family went in the 80's. Though I agree the kitchen, extra space etc. is always a bonus in travel, but to us being on site just adds a ton to the trip. We really liked POR. It was quiet, not too far from any 1 park. And the room set-up was great for our then fam of 5. I especially loved the bathroom. I could on and on about it. That's how much I loved it! Even though we're staying top-notch at the Poly this time, I just don't think the bathroom will compare....am I crazy?

MouseScrapper

 

[DisMomAmy]

Guess what? Check out my ticker! I just booked a weekend trip with my mother for April 5-7th. We are going to stay ON-SITE! We are staying at Pop. It'll be a good chance for me to check it out - and check out how the whole bus thing would work for us in the future. Can't wait!! Although I'm feeling kind of guilty about going without the kids! We're just telling them that we are going to the grown-up part of WDW! Hope they buy it! We are looking forward to the Flower & Garden Festival. So all of a sudden I've gone from a trip far far away to one right around the corner!

My mom was supposed to come with us in October but then she couldn't, but she had already bought her airline ticket. She had to use the funds by the end of April - so we decided to go for it. I'll probably start a mini-trip report soon.

 

[mousescrapper]

Happy Valentine's Day all!

Hope you all have someone special to share even just a hug w/ whether it's your spouse, child, parent, or even your pet. Have a really Happy One!

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Now that LOVE is in the air, I figure this would be a good time as any to start sharing my family's top 5's and their wishes for our Disney trip! This will be 7-part installment, one for each member of my family and one for my DMom. Now since I have 3 DD's and it's been getting confusing just for me with adding ages or some type of notation of who is who, were going to go w/ some names from now on. (haven't cleared this w/ DH yet, so I'm going to use middle for now )

A re-cap of our cast of characters:

me: MouseScrapper

DH

DS 8: Michael

DD 8: Aldine

DD 5: Mae

DD 15 mo: Margaret

and my DMom

For part one of 7 I will begin with Margaret's.

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"My First Trip to Mickey's House"

This will be our little Margaret's first time to WDW and since she can only say "uh-oh", "mama", "dada", and her own version of baby language I will have to speak for her. Margaret will be just over 17 months when we leave for Disney so her little sponge like brain and wide eyes are going to have a lot of things to take in. These are my little wishes and hopes for her first trip!

* Walking! She isn't walking on full Margaret power yet, so we're really hoping those little feet and legs will get a moving soon! It would be great for her to tot around on her own power a tiny bit, especially when we're in line w/ no stroller.

* First Haircut! She's just got a bit of hair, she's not bald or anything, but surely not enough for any major cut yet. So how awesome if those hairs grown a bit more over the next 3+ mo. for her to get her First Haircut at the Main Street Barber Shop in MK and get some my first haircut ears? (it'd make a great page in the scrapbook )

* No Crying! My biggest hope for her is she won't be scared by the characters or any of the rides and start crying. She's a pretty fun baby around her family, but even people she see's only so-so, becomes very shy...no smiles. Hope she has a happy and laughable time there.

* Her top 5! Ok so it's me guessing for her but here goes:

1) watching the parades in her stroller, especially Spectro

2) taking naps in her stroller

3) eating cherrios in her stroller (see a trend?)

4) playing it the tot spots like Pooh's restful spot

5) getting her picture taken with Minnie Mouse


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Hope you enjoy that and more to come soon!

Have a Disney Magical Day!

MouseScrapper

 

[Hedy]

Margaret, your plans sound fun! I love seeing little kids like you with the characters.

Mousescrapper-I can't wait to hear about the Poly. What are the big ziplocs for?

 

[mrsksomeday]

Ok, I know I showed up really late to your PTR, but I just wanted so say how much I have enjoyed it. I can't wait to hear more about the families "Top 5".

 

[dismom9761]

Hi! Day One sounds great and I liked reading your minitrip report.Rachel went when she was 18 months and LOVED it .Her favorite thing was the parades.I think you will be surprised at how well she likes the rides too.Can't wait to read more...

 

[mousescrapper]

WELCOME Hedy, mrsksomeday, and welcome back my friend AMY!

Hedy: I have to say at first, I was thinking when I opend my PTR "who's Margaret? Is she replying to the wrong TR? duh?I had almost forgot I added in my kids middle names to be less confusing and it seems I made myself more confused....

I can't wait to experience the Poly too and share w/ all of you! The big ziplock bags...well in case we go swimming the 2nd to last day or very last day, I'll need something to put wet things in. In case it rains at the park on our last day I can throw wet poncho's or such in there and throw it in our carry-on. Also for those little unexpected life issus and last of the dirty clothes can be put in 1 seperate of our clean duds. As I plan on doing laundry on day 6, we'll have at least 1 day of dirty stuff. Don't know if I should admit this but I think I have a love affair w/ ziplock bags.... there will be plenty more in the packing lists....

mrsksomeday: it's never to late to hop on board I'm glad you'll here and thanks for saying you've enjoyed it thus far. It has been a fun ride so far and I can't believe we're getting close to the final home stretch I should be adding the next installment of the family's Top 5 later this week with my next eldest daughter Mae. Let's just say her wishes involve one red-headed princess.....

Amy: if we didn't live about 5 states apart, I'd say lets grab a Starbucks and catch up on everything....I still owe you those pics too. sorry. Thanks for the on Day 1. Glad to hear you survived Disney w/ an 18 mo old too. and w/ how much she loves it now, hopefully Margaret will too! Ah speaking of her (DH calls her the 2-foot tornado now) she's into something....gotta go

Be back soon w/ more TOP 5's and reveal of Day Two "Bring on the Animals 'AHHHHH...AHHHHH (think Tarzan call)"

MouseScrapper (J-)

 

[mousescrapper]

Hey all,

just wanted to let you know I'll be back soon I PROMISE with more FUN! been a little busy and have lots coming up these next couple weeks. And all that SNOW outside STILL is making me even that much more anxious to get to WDW! June are you here yet???????


PS I'm starting to work on a very special guidebook/social story collection/schedule planner, etc for Michael (my DS w/ Aspergers and ADHD), I figure I'll post later with it toward the end. BUT if anyone is interested in me posting about it along the way. Let me know.

Thanks.
MouseScrapper (J-)

 

[dismom9761]

Hi!I definitely understand busy. I will be here when you post more.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hey all,

just wanted to let you know I'll be back soon I PROMISE with more FUN! been a little busy and have lots coming up these next couple weeks. And all that SNOW outside STILL is making me even that much more anxious to get to WDW! June are you here yet???????


PS I'm starting to work on a very special guidebook/social story collection/schedule planner, etc for Michael (my DS w/ Aspergers and ADHD), I figure I'll post later with it toward the end. BUT if anyone is interested in me posting about it along the way. Let me know.

Thanks.
MouseScrapper (J-)

Hi J! I'd love to hear about your guidebook/social story collection!! Thanks for sharing! Amy

 

[mousescrapper]

All right I know you may have been waiting for my middle DD Mae’s TOP 5 report…but for now here is the reveal of my DAY TWO in the Parks.

Just a side note first….I’m following a PTR about a family going on Sea/Land WDW cruise same dates as our trip, and here I am reading their PTR and the DW says “next Monday (the 10th of March) is their 90 day out mark. So I’m like YEAH! For you, how exciting, when it dawns on me as I’m typing this that duh? It will be my 90 day out mark too next Monday….how did that happen? Happy for the time flies

Now to serious business:
Day Two: ‘Bring on the Animals “AHHH…AHHHH!” (think Tarzan call)’

So I guess you can guess that we’ll being going to the Animal Kingdom this day.

Here are the kids then 6,6, and 2 ½ in front of the AK welcome sign out by the bus drop off area

This is a picture of the twins Aldine and Michael (still working w/ middle names here) at AK getting Donald’s autograph

The last picture to share is DD Mae giving some love to Minnie

For this year's tour plan of choice is to arrive at rope drop (8:45 am) hopefully! We plan to stock up the night before w/ some milk and juice from the Poly for our room and have some cereal (brought from home) eating in stages as everyone is getting ready. This is really my job to keep all on the go-go-go…no doze-doze-doze…Then after in the park for a little bit grab some fruit in Africa from the Harambe Fruit Stand/market on the DDP snack option (also to note, this is our only ‘planned' day to be here)

This Park’s Tour Plan

Rope Drop Arrival
Check and confirm our show times
1) Split up: DH & my DMom take the 4 kids over to Dinoland while I bee-line over to Expedition Everest and ride in the singles line…boo ho no one is brave enough to join me
2) The kids play in the Boneyard and when I get back DH gets his fun turn and goes on Dinosaur. If any of the kids want to ride the Flying Triceratops we can do that now too.
3) If time allows when DH is done on Dinosaur, we’ll let Michael get a chance at some of the carnival games.
4) Head straight to Africa and go to Kilijamaro Safaris and get our fruit snack.
5) Then head over to Camp Mickey & Minnie for the hopeful 10:40 or 11:30 showing of Festival of the Lion King
6) Lunch time. Our current plan is to eat at the Flame Tree BBQ (I know we’ll be back tracking back into Africa but it’s all good)
7) Next show: the Finding Nemo Musical around ? 1:45 pm (we should have some built in down time here to add something else, shopping, etc before we need to head to the theatre)
8) Tree of Life time, we’ll spend a good time here looking and taking pictures on the trial. I found a great thread listing all the animals carved in the tree. Michael will especially love this treasure hunt!
9) ? the Pocahontas Show maybe I know Aldine and Mae would enjoy this, even Michael he loves animals
10) this will be the deciding point of the day. Do we stake out a parade viewing spot and stay for the Jamin Jungle Parade (we all enjoyed this in 05 and Dmom hasn’t seen it) or will we head back to the Poly for a good rest and transition time before our scheduled evening plans. We will really just have to decide then and there…weather, crowds, how is Michael doing and so on.
Well that is it for AK.

For our evening plans:
The 3 older kids, Aldine, Michael, and Mae have ressies (around 5:30/45 pm) at the Neverland Club for about 3 hrs to include dinner and the clubs activities. We think each will find something to enjoy. (the only downside may be if Michael has had his fill for the day and we worry should we take him or not. Just have to wait and see, but for now he’s excited. Wish I could go too.

For myself, DH, DMom and the youngest Margaret we’re still a bit undecided. 1 thought is to possibly take a cab to & from (for time sake) DTD for us to use our Planet Hollywood vouchers (we have 2 btween the 2 rooms/ressies). This most likely would be are only chance to use them and then do a little non-kid shopping. (Yes I know Margaret will be with us, but she’s not in the ‘gimmie’ stage yet)

The other thought would be for us to stay at the Poly and just grab dinner at Captain Cooks or get an ADR for Kona Café and then DH and I go over to the FWC and go on a horse drawn carriage ride.

I wish we could decide then what to do but with needing ADR’s for assuring the dinner ressie and the carriage ride we really should decide soon. I know DMom will go either way, but this could be her only chance to go to DTD unless we can squeeze it in another night w/ DH staying back with kids?? I think maybe it would be best to stay near the Poly so if Michael is not handling the Club we can get to him quicker….

I wish we’d have time to do both but I just don’t know right now.

VOTES: go to DTD use PH vouchers a little shopping Or
Have dinner at Kona, DH & I a little alone time

Let me know what you think, your vote may sway me to one side or the other.

Now general recap of our proposed TPTP for AK on Day 2

Rope drop arrival
Split for EE and Dinosaur rides w/ kids and DMom and opposite spouse for each ride hanging in Dinoland
Snack
Kilijamaro Safari
FotLK
Lunch
Nemo musical
?Pocohantas show
?Stay for Parade
Back to Poly (quick break)
Kids Neverland Club
DH, DMom, Margaret, & I TBD
Hope you like it, comments are definitely welcomed.

I’ll try to be back later this week w/ Mae’s Top Five

MouseScrapper (J-) (kiss me I'm Irish)

 

[Hedy]

Yay 90 days!!!!!!

I *might* be inclined to go with Kona over PH-mainly for the Michael aspect.

 

[DisMomAmy]

My vote would be Kona and alone time with DH. Maybe you can find another night to go out with your mom?

 

[mousescrapper]

Hey, I missed my 90 day Dance!!!! here I am talking about it and it went and past...

Anyhow, who's gonna dance w/ me?

87 days away...I called WDW today...what did I find out and what did I do???

coming soon...I'm sick and I think I'm burning dinner

MouseScrapper (J-)

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hey, I missed my 90 day Dance!!!! here I am talking about it and it went and past...

Anyhow, who's gonna dance w/ me?

87 days away...I called WDW today...what did I find out and what did I do???

coming soon...I'm sick and I think I'm burning dinner

MouseScrapper (J-)

I'll definitely dance with you!!



Can't wait for the next update... way to leave me hanging!

 

[DisMomAmy]

PS - Hope you feel better.

PPS - Hope you didn't burn dinner too bad!

 

[mousescrapper]

thanks Hedy and Amy for your thoughts on my Friday eve. confusion. We have made a new decision and I'll let you in on that later. but here is a new issue:

HELP!!!!!

Ok now I just posted this on the transpo thread as well, but I'll ask my faithful readers as well....

"I could really use some advice...

Here's my problem:

DMom is leaving for home (couple days before myself and family) on a 7:40 pm flight from MCO. I have read just about everywhere that the DME bus will pick you approx 3 hours before your departure time. YES?

Now we have a TS ressie at 4:30 pm at the GF for dinner (Cindy's gala feast). We are staying at the Poly. Could my DMom arrange to have her luggage taken back to the airport on the DME, but call for a cab pick-up at the GF say around 5:30 pm? Even if were not all done eating she'd head out.

Can this work?

Is it advisable?

Please help....

We can't eat any earlier, becuase this IS the first time for this meal. Either my DMom can't join us for this last Character meal or I need to re-arrange our ADR's a bit on diff days.

Thanks!"

now here is some add. info:

As we have not yet reached day 6 in my TPTP reveals yet...this is an off park day for all including DMom. Our general plan as of now is to eat bfast early at Kona Cafe, Aldine and Mae have Grand Andventures planned in morning, hang at the Poly, pool, beach, I need to do laundry for my family. then we'll have an early dinner as stated above.

Picked this ADR becuase wanted to see Cindy, we saw really no princesses last trip and who better to see than Cindy. It's convienent, 1 resort over and it counts as 1 TS credit not 2 like in the castle...

Now I'm worried this will be pushing it w/ my DMom's flight and getting to the airport. I hate to disclude her all together, but don't really want to mess w/ the "plan" more than I have too. Now thinking we may need to switch our plans this day.

A) I will still keep it as no park day too confusing to switch everything all around including the ADR's (I have great times!)

B) should I drop this ADR and try to work in the Norway Princess L or D to see more princesses during 1 of our Epcot visits? (KIM our Epcot visit's are not full day excursions at this point, just partial 4-6 hr)

advice, thoughts???

thanks,

J-

 

[Hedy]

If you're doing RAC, you can do that regardless of whether you take DME or a cab. however, I'd be worried about DMom cutting it too close, even with a cab-but i tend to worry.