1 Child and 10 Adults--A GG to Celebrate DD's 4th Bday :) TR Link is Posted

[Charlefours]

Gotta do mk first. Many non-hoppers will avoid it because of the early closing. So maybe it won't be too busy. You should be able to accomplish your goals and a couple rides I would think. Just get your kttw and go!
I hate all the changes for you- all the limbo.
And I'm saving for 12/13 too. I'm betting the deals will be few and far between because it seems everyone is excited about the improvements.

Hi Lauren--I think with what I feel are realistic expectations, we should be good to go that first day. It will be short, hopefully sweet and simple. We can always go back to the resort after it closes to nonticket holders to pack, get groceries, swim with the possibility of DTD. Heck, we could go to another park if we really want to since we have PH.

The changes are all tough. Thanks for the update about all the characters. Seems like this fall is a tough time to travel this year!

We just have to go with the flow and see what we can find! It will be fine--only Allyn and I will know what Lilian will miss that first day. My Dad may remember a bit and the others, if we even are together by that point, do not like TT anyways.

I do know that Ariel is at Akershus sometimes. I've read that she'll be appearing at CRT and Akershus until she moves to the Adventureland Veranda, but certain characters aren't guaranteed to be a character meals. Here's a post from the Fantasyland expansion thread:

Yep, Ariel is theoretically replacing Jasmine (at CRT and Akershus). Of course, no princess is a guarantee at either dining location, but that's going to be the new trend starting April 12th.

Thanks Meghan for your feedback! Yup, I have read through the thread. While what I said is said is not the "official" word, it is what has been happening though I know it is not a guarantee. I would not expect it, but it would be a pleasant surprise that is a real possibility. I sure hope so! Either way, we will be fortunate to be traveling hopefully after all the character shuffling happens so we should be able to find them.

There are so many rumors that I will just keep in mind what they say and see for ourselves once we get there. Of course, with all those DIS friends going prior to us, they will be able to report back and say what is happening.

This is good to know. Especially since Jasmine is available for meet and greets in the WS and by the Magic Carpets. I would rather meet Ariel than her at CRT (only because there are other options for J).

As for MK the first day, I was pretty set on that, too. I want the MK to be first and also last. It will always be the most "Disney" to me, and I want to pass that along. If you think it is do-able to get there in time, I would go for it. You wouldn't be interested in buying tickets to the special event? It would cost more but at least you could stay longer...just an idea.

Did you see what I posted on your FB? No, we do not want to buy NOJ tickets. We are already planning MNSSHP as a special event. While I think NOJ would be great, it is not something Lilian would enjoy.

It is interesting how prevalent Jasmine is--I guess I really never stopped and realized how many places she is at throughout the parks. Snow White is another Princess I would like to see more of in the parks.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Thanks Meghan for your feedback! Yup, I have read through the thread. While what I said is said is not the "official" word, it is what has been happening though I know it is not a guarantee. I would not expect it, but it would be a pleasant surprise that is a real possibility. I sure hope so! Either way, we will be fortunate to be traveling hopefully after all the character shuffling happens so we should be able to find them.

Every time I read about the character shuffling, I think my head starts spinning!!! We were fortunate enough to meet Ariel at her grotto last Jan, so we'd love to meet her in "human" form too. I'm hoping that she'll be at CRT in Sept. We'd LOVE to meet her with Prince Eric too!!! We have never met any of the Princes, but we sure hope to at MNSSHP!!!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Clearly I didn't take the time to read ALL of the posts on your PTR so I read the beginning and skipped ahead

Your DD is sooooooo cute!!!!!! I love a good miracle baby...mine is too

You will be fine going to MK on NOJ day. We traveled for YEARS that same week (our anniversary is Sept 14 ) and back when NOJ was at MK, it was never a huge issue to leave by 7pm. We typically do at least 3 days at MK anyway. Plus at that time of year, you are walking onto rides so you can accomplish a LOT of MK by 7pm.

 

[elizablake]

Sorry about Ariel! I was disappointed too. I'm assuming she will be in Adventureland by Sept but she won't have a tail either way. Hopefully there will not be any other major changes before Sept. I will be happy to report back after June.

I think a couple of hours in the MK will be enough your first day. It's not perfect but your DD will love seeing the castle first. You should be there in time for the parade too. You should be able to get on a couple rides too.

 

[cdotla]

Sorry that it looks like Lillian will miss Ariel as a mermaid. However, it definitely gives you something to come back for, right?

As for your plans on the 1st day, I see nothing wrong with your plan of doing MK until 6pm. Based on what you want to accomplish (seeing Main Street and the Castle, and mostly soaking up the atmosphere) you have very realistic expectations, and there is nothing like seeing the Castle for your 1st introduction to WDW!

Perhaps afterwards you could all hop over to DTD for Dinner and a little shopping before calling it a night.

Sounds like a great plan to me!

 

[MaryAz]

I also saw that about Ariel. I will be happy to report back where everybody is during our May trip. I really hope Ariel does make an appearance at CRT.
As for your first day I would just see how you are all feeling. Last year for our first trip we went to MK the first night. This year we are doing Epcot.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I think going to MK first thing is a perfect idea! The crowds will be lower b/c of the early closing, so you can just soak up the magic and enjoy a relaxing few hours at MK!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie! Sorry for being MIA. I will be happy to assist Mary with a report on character interactions throughout the parks. As for Snow White, we've been very successful at finding her in Germany (with Dopey sometimes) and we've met her at Exposition Hall last year. Of course it was pouring buckets all week last year and everything was adjusted. Anyway, your plan to do MK first is very reasonable. We usually do EPCOT first but last year on our first night we did MK. It was great but we're going back to EPCOT this year. There's a DIS meet there our first night. I can't wait!!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Definitely go with Magic Kingdom first. I totally agree - it definitely needs to be the first park of any visit, and the last. But a few hours before it closes is okay. Then just head back to the resort to get settled. After the early morning and four hour drive, plus the exciting afternoon at MK - you will all be ready for a break and the pool will be calling to you!

I wouldn't worry too much about Ariel. Although she won't be able to go up and meet her, Lillian will still be able to see a live Ariel in her fins if you watch the Voyage of the Little Mermaid at DHS. And then she can get her autograph in her dress costume. I used to really stress about these kind of things, but then it would always seem my girls would care about them much less than I did.

 

[mousescrapper]

So I learned some valuable things for me to consider while I am preparing for Disney over the last few days:


Overall, this pseudo-trial trip has been beneficial thus far for the simple fact that I am starting to make mental notes for our Disney trip.

it ia always good to have some "things" sort of figured out for logisitics of going to such a huge place like WDW!

Oh no! I just read on Walt Disney World Characters that Ariel is no longer going to be at Ariel’s Grotto staring on April 11th. DD will be devastated if she does not get to meet her. Luckily we will be eating at Akershus so she will meet her there but she really wants to see her wearing her tail.



For all my DIS friends who are going from here until the beginning of September—I will be really looking for information on the Fantasyland expansion and character spots.

TIA for being my eyes these next few months!!!

Love to hear your report after being there as we'll be just shy of 2 months later...


As afar as seeing Ariel...like Dancergirl said I'd call the day of or day before when you are at Disney to just make sure she will be at the Princess Bfast in Norway...it seems to be some have seen and others have not. My Rachel then 6 didn't like that she wore a blue dress there...cause in the movie and toys she wears a pink dress....stickler to the details

as far as seeing her as a mermaid...I'd be doubtful as of right now prior to the Fall she'll be anywhere else besides the parades w/ tail on as stated in the official buzz...but you never now in 6 months what could happen...hope she meets here one way or another!

I really want Lilian’s first experience of Disney to be MK. We are scheduled to go there Saturday after we arrive. MK closes at 6:00 p.m. to all guests who do not have Night of Joy tickets. Night of Joy ticket holders can start coming in at 4:00 p.m. Am I insane for still wanting to go to MK that day?

Here is what I am mulling over in my head, schedule wise:

Leave Valdosta, GA at 8:00 a.m. and drive straight to POR—no stops for groceries. If we do not stop, it would take about 4 hours to get to POR. We would probably be able to get to MK around 1:00 p.m. That is no lunch stop either—we would have to pick something up in the park. We have the credits to use as long as we stick to CS that day.​

That is best case scenario. If we are dragging, we may not get off until 9:00 a.m. That would put us there about 1:00, then at the park at 2:00. Of course, our room may not be ready so we may be able to get to the park much faster than an hour. What do you all think about this?​

What do you think—what should we do? I really do not want to give up Lilian’s first experience being MK because that is what she thinks of when talking about Disney. Help!!

Now is Sunday your first full day at Disney? How crazy would it be to swtich DHS and go to MK in the morning of Sunday and stay through lunch take a break and then go to DHS (sound like you have hoppers)

Can you go to DHS another morning?

I so understand the see MK first (we always haven't and seriously it's ok)...I'd be concerned that w/ skipping your grocery run and a lunch break plus traveling already for 2 days...how much can you, DH and Lillian truly manage on Day 1) ?

I have done it both ways flying/driving w/ and w/out kids...no park first day and park first day...and I have to say...just getting to the resort settling in and starting off fresh on your 1st full day is so much nicer....

That castle isn't going anywhere

To truly have that magical castle first look you are going for IMHO could be just that magical w/ arriving at MK at rope drop and walking down Main Street w/out a ton of people at say the major crunch hour of 1 or 2 pm...

just something to think about...

Good luck w/ the decison

J~

 

[lbuzz52]

Definitely go with Magic Kingdom first. I totally agree - it definitely needs to be the first park of any visit, and the last. But a few hours before it closes is okay. Then just head back to the resort to get settled. After the early morning and four hour drive, plus the exciting afternoon at MK - you will all be ready for a break and the pool will be calling to you!

I wouldn't worry too much about Ariel. Although she won't be able to go up and meet her, Lillian will still be able to see a live Ariel in her fins if you watch the Voyage of the Little Mermaid at DHS. And then she can get her autograph in her dress costume. I used to really stress about these kind of things, but then it would always seem my girls would care about them much less than I did.

forgot Ariel was live in VOLM. This show was so stinkin cute.

 

[BippityBoo]

WOW! Sooo nice to have a "trial vacation". I think it is safe to say that (same with me) Mommy will be the one to organize and take care of EVERYTHING! I have a very supportive DH who helps LOTS, but somehow, it seems like we are the ones to take it all for the team That is ok, because you get the control so that is great Don't worry about everything, it will work out.

I agree with packing early!! I started up to a month in advance and was still packing till late the night before. It is always good to get a nice head start.

 

[Charlefours]

Every time I read about the character shuffling, I think my head starts spinning!!! We were fortunate enough to meet Ariel at her grotto last Jan, so we'd love to meet her in "human" form too. I'm hoping that she'll be at CRT in Sept. We'd LOVE to meet her with Prince Eric too!!! We have never met any of the Princes, but we sure hope to at MNSSHP!!!

I completely agree Meghan! That and the talk about which discount will be offered in the fall. It just makes my head spin. There is nothing we can do about--what is going to happen is what is, there is no sense in worrying about it. Now that does not mean I cannot adapt my plans

Sorry about Ariel! I was disappointed too. I'm assuming she will be in Adventureland by Sept but she won't have a tail either way. Hopefully there will not be any other major changes before Sept. I will be happy to report back after June.

I think a couple of hours in the MK will be enough your first day. It's not perfect but your DD will love seeing the castle first. You should be there in time for the parade too. You should be able to get on a couple rides too.

We will be fine--DD wants to see Ariel in her tail so she will in DHS during the show but I think she will be fine with meeting her as a princess with legs.

We are set with it being MK that first night. With not expecting too much, I think we could be good. Hopefully the crowds will be thinned out when we get there so we may even be able to manage Dumbo! How great would that be to knock that quintessential ride out of the way the first few hours of being there.

Sorry that it looks like Lillian will miss Ariel as a mermaid. However, it definitely gives you something to come back for, right?

As for your plans on the 1st day, I see nothing wrong with your plan of doing MK until 6pm. Based on what you want to accomplish (seeing Main Street and the Castle, and mostly soaking up the atmosphere) you have very realistic expectations, and there is nothing like seeing the Castle for your 1st introduction to WDW!

Perhaps afterwards you could all hop over to DTD for Dinner and a little shopping before calling it a night.

Sounds like a great plan to me!

Hey Trish! Yup--we will definitely have reasons to come back to Disney with the Fantasyland Expansion happen.

I think what happens that evening will depend on how we are feeling. We could be ready to go back to the resort, grab dinner there, swim and unpack before heading to sleep. I am not ruling out DTD or perhaps the Boardwalk too. We are big college football fans so we could easily decide to pop over to ESPN club and grab dinner there and watch football.

I also saw that about Ariel. I will be happy to report back where everybody is during our May trip. I really hope Ariel does make an appearance at CRT.
As for your first day I would just see how you are all feeling. Last year for our first trip we went to MK the first night. This year we are doing Epcot.

Thanks Mary! I definitely will be looking forward to reading your TR to see what is happening in May. They say Ariel is suppose to be at CRT but then again, who knows what will be happening at that point or September. I doubt Disney really knows a 100% yet either.

First day--we shall see what happens!!

I think going to MK first thing is a perfect idea! The crowds will be lower b/c of the early closing, so you can just soak up the magic and enjoy a relaxing few hours at MK!

Thanks Karen--they sure know how to mess with those of us heading off to Disney in September! My hope is that it thins out before NOJ ticket holders come into the park.

Hi Stephanie! Sorry for being MIA. I will be happy to assist Mary with a report on character interactions throughout the parks. As for Snow White, we've been very successful at finding her in Germany (with Dopey sometimes) and we've met her at Exposition Hall last year. Of course it was pouring buckets all week last year and everything was adjusted. Anyway, your plan to do MK first is very reasonable. We usually do EPCOT first but last year on our first night we did MK. It was great but we're going back to EPCOT this year. There's a DIS meet there our first night. I can't wait!!

Hey Leanne! I have been MIA this week too--lots of school work this week to do before I could hop back onto DIS. Survived the week, so here I am trying to catch up what I have missed.

I would really appreciate the updates! I would love to know what is happening in TT if possible. I sure hope we have good luck meeting Snow White--I will definitely have to remember to look out for in Germany.

Definitely go with Magic Kingdom first. I totally agree - it definitely needs to be the first park of any visit, and the last. But a few hours before it closes is okay. Then just head back to the resort to get settled. After the early morning and four hour drive, plus the exciting afternoon at MK - you will all be ready for a break and the pool will be calling to you!

I wouldn't worry too much about Ariel. Although she won't be able to go up and meet her, Lillian will still be able to see a live Ariel in her fins if you watch the Voyage of the Little Mermaid at DHS. And then she can get her autograph in her dress costume. I used to really stress about these kind of things, but then it would always seem my girls would care about them much less than I did.

Hi Rebecca! I believe we are set on going to MK that first afternoon. It is what Lilian is talking the most about--to her, seeing the Castle is Disney. That is what she is expecting so since this is her birthday trip, that is what we really want to do.

Thanks for the reminder--she will still get to see Ariel in her tail form--just not up close and personal. I think that will be enough for her.

 

[Charlefours]

it ia always good to have some "things" sort of figured out for logisitics of going to such a huge place like WDW!

Love to hear your report after being there as we'll be just shy of 2 months later...

As afar as seeing Ariel...like Dancergirl said I'd call the day of or day before when you are at Disney to just make sure she will be at the Princess Bfast in Norway...it seems to be some have seen and others have not. My Rachel then 6 didn't like that she wore a blue dress there...cause in the movie and toys she wears a pink dress....stickler to the details

as far as seeing her as a mermaid...I'd be doubtful as of right now prior to the Fall she'll be anywhere else besides the parades w/ tail on as stated in the official buzz...but you never now in 6 months what could happen...hope she meets here one way or another!

Now is Sunday your first full day at Disney? How crazy would it be to swtich DHS and go to MK in the morning of Sunday and stay through lunch take a break and then go to DHS (sound like you have hoppers)

Can you go to DHS another morning?

I so understand the see MK first (we always haven't and seriously it's ok)...I'd be concerned that w/ skipping your grocery run and a lunch break plus traveling already for 2 days...how much can you, DH and Lillian truly manage on Day 1) ?

I have done it both ways flying/driving w/ and w/out kids...no park first day and park first day...and I have to say...just getting to the resort settling in and starting off fresh on your 1st full day is so much nicer....

That castle isn't going anywhere

To truly have that magical castle first look you are going for IMHO could be just that magical w/ arriving at MK at rope drop and walking down Main Street w/out a ton of people at say the major crunch hour of 1 or 2 pm...

just something to think about...

Good luck w/ the decison

J~

Hey Julie. I am planing on doing a TR when I come back so I will be sure to give the update on Fantasyland and TT. If there is something specific you would like to know about--just let me know and I will do my best to see what is up.

We are pretty set on MK as being our first stopping point. Only because this trip is for Lilian and her wishes. Disney is Cinderella's Castle to her. That is what she wants to see first thing. So that is the route we will go this time around. next time, I think we would play it differently, but who knows what the future will hold for us (or anyone or Disney)? Thanks for offering suggestions nonetheless!

I have a feeling DD will comment on her not being a pink dress too. She has pointed it out when seeing pictures here on DIS in her blue dress. I just have to smile and say Ariel does have other clothes.

We won't skip our grocery run--that is going to be our main source for breakfast. I am still debating on using GardenGrocer. For the convenience, it may be worth the delivery charge. We will see though.

WOW! Sooo nice to have a "trial vacation". I think it is safe to say that (same with me) Mommy will be the one to organize and take care of EVERYTHING! I have a very supportive DH who helps LOTS, but somehow, it seems like we are the ones to take it all for the team That is ok, because you get the control so that is great Don't worry about everything, it will work out.

I agree with packing early!! I started up to a month in advance and was still packing till late the night before. It is always good to get a nice head start.

Hey Katie! It was nice having the "vacation:" though it was not a full vacation for either DH or I. Nonetheless, it did offer us lots of food for thought.

I definitely think that will be the case. I noticed at the zoo on Saturday that DH managed to forget the back in the car that was packed with things for Lilian--extra change of clothes, a few snacks etc. I will definitely be making a check list for me to have to go off each morning so I don't forget anything and DH has the potential to help out!

A month out--that seems like a good time to really start packing. The hard thing for me here is we do not have a staging zone so to speak. We have started bins in the basement of things that we have started to accumulate for the trip. I may have to convince DH to make room in our "storage office" so I can start packing suitcase. At this point, I know I will have a traveling down suitcase for Friday and Saturday clothes so we do not have to lug in our suitcase for the week down there. Did you work from a list?

 

[Charlefours]

Clearly I didn't take the time to read ALL of the posts on your PTR so I read the beginning and skipped ahead

Your DD is sooooooo cute!!!!!! I love a good miracle baby...mine is too

You will be fine going to MK on NOJ day. We traveled for YEARS that same week (our anniversary is Sept 14 ) and back when NOJ was at MK, it was never a huge issue to leave by 7pm. We typically do at least 3 days at MK anyway. Plus at that time of year, you are walking onto rides so you can accomplish a LOT of MK by 7pm.

Christine to my PTR! I am glad you were able to swing by and I don't blame you for trying to read everything! I try to keep the TOC to major updates, thoughts and musings.

Thank you--she is a cutie. Stubborn but cute! She is my little miracle--truly what is meant to be as she is 99.9% going to be our only baby unless we adopt at some point.

Nice to know someone else who has traveled that week. I hope the crowds will be manageable. With having to purchase a separate ticket for NOJ that includes admission, I hope we will MK at a good time--after regular ticket holders wrap up to head off to another park or resort and before the NOJ ticket holders can start coming in. With knowing I have minimum wishes for that particular time, I hope we will be pleasantly surprised and be able to hit a few rides such as Dumbo, POC and HM.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I think it's a great decision to start off their too. I know when we went for the first time last May, I just had to get the girls into the MK to see the castle. Even if you hang out there for a few hours, it'll still be nice. And then it will still be early enough for DTD or the BW. It will be nice and relaxing!

 

[Charlefours]

Hey everyone—sorry I have been off again for the week. We got home safe and sound after a very long drive. There was a rockslide on the drive home that rerouted us for three hours. So that was not pleasant and then combined with construction it was a LONG road trip home. I am happy to say that Lilian was so well behaved and cooperated that besides being in the car for longer than was expected, it was a good trip home.

Here are the other tidbits of information I learned on this trip:

*I will be creating a daily packing list for the park bag so I can put the bulk of it together at night and add the last minute things in the morning.

*Allergy medicines and other medicines will be a must pack on our list! We ran into some pretty nasty allergies while down on our trip in NC.

*Lilian is going to need some type of “consistent” schedule to thrive the week we are down there. Active in the morning, lunch, break, more park time, dinner and wind down time before bed.

*We might be able to get her to take a nap in the afternoon. We went to the zoo on Saturday and had a wonderful time. The time I am anticipating wanting to take a break (around 2:00 p.m.), Lilian was well on her way to wanting to take a nap at the zoo. She was very passive in her stroller and looked like she was fighting sleep. She quickly fell asleep after we left the zoo in the car. The heat and being outdoors for so long wore her out!

*Hats are a must item on our list for both DH and Lilian--although she is not so great about keeping them.​

We went to the Disney store while we were down in NC. Lilian got a couple pairs of flip flops since they are on sale right now which is good because the Belle ones I bought on clearance this past winter are still big. They will fit great most likely in September though! I was hoping they would have the short sets they have online but no such luck. She really wanted a princess dress—Ariel to be specific but I said no to save it for Disney.

This weekend I am going to finish Lilian’s skirt that I started a while back but had to put away because of lack of time. Depending on how it goes, I may move onto the next item I want to make.

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the hopefully beautiful weather!

 

[Charlefours]

I think it's a great decision to start off their too. I know when we went for the first time last May, I just had to get the girls into the MK to see the castle. Even if you hang out there for a few hours, it'll still be nice. And then it will still be early enough for DTD or the BW. It will be nice and relaxing!

Hi Pam!! Thanks--I think being MK is just the way I want to kick off the start of our Disney vacation.

 

[-Hope-]

Long car trips made longer are never fun! I'm sure you were so glad to finally be home.

I agree that some form of consistency, especially for little ones, is the key to a good trip. We always found an afternoon break helped us to get things finished w/o getting overly tired and cranky so I think that's a good plan. Besides- who wants to be in the parks in the heat of the day!

I like the idea of having a list for the park bag as well- all those little steps of organization that others (ahem, my family) think are obsessive are really what makes everything run smoothly so you can concentrate on just having fun on your trip!

 

[BabyEeyore]

I'm sorry to hear that the ride home took so long, but that is awesome that Lilian did so well!

We've tried to keep Ashlyn's schedule consistent while on vacation, too. When we were able to take our big stroller (couldn't this past trip, but will be bringing it in September) we would just lay it all the way back and pull the canopy all the way down and she would go right to sleep. I'm hoping that it will work again this coming trip and she'll be able to take her regularly scheduled nap while we're still in the park.

Can't wait to see some of the things you're going to be making!