Scoobymoons
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2011
- Messages
- 156
Greetings Earthlings!
As my not-so-subtle title suggests it's a matter of a mere 38 days until myself, my DH and my DD return to the World - woo hoo!
Two years ago we spent three weeks in WDW and I made meticulous trip notes and on return commenced writing a trip report....yup....it failed...I started well and then...life got in the way...how rude...I know!
I did really enjoy writing when I got round to it and would like to have another crack at it. I've done a fair bit of reflecting on why I didn't get the last one completed and reckon I can improve this time...
I hope there are a few folks out there who can tolerate my drivel and tangents....that would be a great name for a band....now welcoming on to the stage....'Drivel aaaaaand Tangents!' I can see it now! Anyway...I also like elipsises/elipses....sets of three dots plural.
So, who are we?
We are three. Here we are in the nattily titled photo 'Dangling with free pretzel'
I won't insult your intelligence and explain which of us is which....I think it's fairly clear...I thinks it's also fairly clear as to why it is so titled - small child hanging between us clutching pretzel that was given requiring no monetary exchange....
So, there's me; 37 years old - I know it's hard to believe
DH - 31 years old - yes I'm a cradle snatcher - life's hard...
DD - 6 years old - hilarious and into everything. Totally adores anything related to princesses or fairy. Generally spends a lot of her time living in the land of pink and fluffy - it's a great place or so it would appear....
This is our third trip to WDW - it has indeed become an addiction. The first trip in 2009 was under less pleasant circumstances as I was recovering from cancer and the subsequent treatments so we decided that we'd go to WDW just in case I wasn't going to be able to go later in life. Well, 4 years down the line (thank goodness
) cancer has a lot to answer to!!!; one addiction, way too much money spent and a DVC contract! 
We also decided that the first trip was nowhere near long enough so in 2011 we returned for an epic 3 week trip that was just amazing! We were braver - in terms of visiting more resorts, eating in a wider range of restaurants etc. So we're hoping that this year will be just as good if not better! Bring it on!
The plans!
So, in 38 days... just incase I hadn't mentioned that...we're off again and WE CAN'T WAIT!!! We have been planning like mad and made our ADRs at the 180 day window with only a few minor changes more recently.
I'll probably share the plans over a few days because there're so many! The basics though:
WHEN:
August 5th (at a Travelodge but the holiday officially starts at that point) until August 28th (that's the landing day) Oh yes! Three weeks again...
WHERE:
Now I feel a little antsy writing this, but for the first time, we will not be staying at Wilderness Lodge...I repeat, we will not be staying at Wilderness Lodge...MAYDAY MAYDAY
Ok, it's not really that severe, we decided that despite the love of the Lodge, we'd try somewhere different for this trip - and I'm amazed that we've stuck with it! So where?
Aug 6th - 13th: Bay Lake Tower (lake view)
Aug 13th - 27th: Boardwalk Villas (garden/pool view) Secretly I'm hoping for garden view because clowns freak me out. Why on earth are you staying at a resort with an enormous clown pool then I hear you shout...well, blame DD... it's all down to her. She better make the most of that pool is all that I can say!!
Crikey branching out or what?! We're very excited especially about the proximity to MK at BLT and to Epcot at BV. So, although I'm sure we're going to miss WL the other resorts will make up for it....(apart from the clown)
More detail?
Oh, if you insist....
Week 1
August 5th: Leave in pm once DH has returned from work. Head to Heathrow and eat at Carluccio's in Terminal 5, return to Travelodge and drink beer (not DD - that would be wholly illegal)
August 6th: Fly to Miami on American Airlines then from there to Orlando - layover of a couple of hours, then it's our first experience of DME - we've had a car on previous trips but are trying it without this time - could be a nightmare, could be ok... Straight to BLT
, snack of some sort then sleep! May go and pick up tickets and TIW card but will play that by ear. Clearly this will be before the 'sleep' portion of the day...just so you're sure...
August 7th: ADR at Chef Mickey's for brekkie - yay! Day (or at least some of it) at MK. It's worth pointing out that throughout the 3 week stay we'll be having some serious pool time - DD is a total and utter water baby and has gained masses of confidence recently so looking forward to lots of swimming! In the evening we have ADRs at Artist Point - you see you can take the family out of the Lodge but you can't take the Lodge out of the family...Artist Point is a bit of a special one for us and is the one ADR that was a given before we even began the planning stages. It's our 7th wedding anniversary on the 4th August and rather than buy presents etc we treat ourselves to a meal at Artist Point.
And DD looooooves the Mickey Puzzle pudding!
August 8th: We learned fairly quickly on our first trip that days off or resort days are essential so this is one of those - it may be a couple of hours at Typhoon Lagoon or a bit of shopping at DTD
we'll see when the day comes (which is in 40 days...just saying) Whatever it is, we've got a reservation at Turf Club in the evening. This is one we've never been to but it gives us an opportunity to look round Saratoga Springs for a while.
August 9th: Another day off and we've pencilled in to go over to Fort Wilderness to pony trek and ride the Surrey Bikes - we did this last time and loved it so really want to repeat it. Before that though we've got an ADR at Crystal Palace for breakfast - we really enjoy CP. Last time we were there the characters came round and Eeyore spent lots of time with DD which she loved. When the parade started and each of the characters picked a child to walk round with, Eeyore was right over the other side of the restaurant but he totally legged it over to DD so that she could partner him for the parade! It was very cute and I've never seen that donkey move so fast ever! At 4pm we're experiencing Hoop dee Doo for the first time - I can't wait! This was a must for me this time - reckon we'll all really enjoy it!
Another little point worth mentioning but we're not on the dining plan this time. We're going to buy Tables in Wonderland and flash our DVC card at every unsuspecting Cast Member and see how it goes! Aiming to share lots of meals - DD is an adventurous eater and DH has lost 3 stone in weight over the last year so doesn't eat nearly as much as he used to so we think we might be able to save some money that way (we'll see)
August 10th: Back to MK - making the most of being so close (...that's our excuse and we're sticking to it...) In the evening we have an ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe - yeah so it's Wilderness Lodge again....and your point is....??!!!
August 11th: Animal Kingdom day with a dinner ADR at Sanaa. Really looking forward to this - yay!
August 12th: This is a resort day so probably some swimmage and drinkage - not necessarily at the same time but the idea has not been ruled out... We have a breakfast ADR at 1900 Park Fare - new one for us. In the evening we also have an ADR for Grand Floridian Cafe - see it's not all Wilderness Lodge...we have Grand Floridian overload too
We're also hoping to head up to the Top of the World Lounge to watch Wishes in the evening too...Oh gosh getting way too excited typing this now....
That's pretty much the first week so I'll leave you now with the promise of updating with week 2 as soon as I can. With my last trip report I think I tried to update way too regularly and then couldn't maintain the pace. With this one, I'll update as and when. Hope 'Drivel and Tangents' hasn't been too disconcerting.
As my not-so-subtle title suggests it's a matter of a mere 38 days until myself, my DH and my DD return to the World - woo hoo!
Two years ago we spent three weeks in WDW and I made meticulous trip notes and on return commenced writing a trip report....yup....it failed...I started well and then...life got in the way...how rude...I know!
I did really enjoy writing when I got round to it and would like to have another crack at it. I've done a fair bit of reflecting on why I didn't get the last one completed and reckon I can improve this time...
I hope there are a few folks out there who can tolerate my drivel and tangents....that would be a great name for a band....now welcoming on to the stage....'Drivel aaaaaand Tangents!' I can see it now! Anyway...I also like elipsises/elipses....sets of three dots plural.
So, who are we?
We are three. Here we are in the nattily titled photo 'Dangling with free pretzel'
I won't insult your intelligence and explain which of us is which....I think it's fairly clear...I thinks it's also fairly clear as to why it is so titled - small child hanging between us clutching pretzel that was given requiring no monetary exchange....
So, there's me; 37 years old - I know it's hard to believe
DH - 31 years old - yes I'm a cradle snatcher - life's hard...
DD - 6 years old - hilarious and into everything. Totally adores anything related to princesses or fairy. Generally spends a lot of her time living in the land of pink and fluffy - it's a great place or so it would appear....
This is our third trip to WDW - it has indeed become an addiction. The first trip in 2009 was under less pleasant circumstances as I was recovering from cancer and the subsequent treatments so we decided that we'd go to WDW just in case I wasn't going to be able to go later in life. Well, 4 years down the line (thank goodness
) cancer has a lot to answer to!!!; one addiction, way too much money spent and a DVC contract! We also decided that the first trip was nowhere near long enough so in 2011 we returned for an epic 3 week trip that was just amazing! We were braver - in terms of visiting more resorts, eating in a wider range of restaurants etc. So we're hoping that this year will be just as good if not better! Bring it on!
The plans!
So, in 38 days... just incase I hadn't mentioned that...we're off again and WE CAN'T WAIT!!! We have been planning like mad and made our ADRs at the 180 day window with only a few minor changes more recently.
I'll probably share the plans over a few days because there're so many! The basics though:
WHEN:
August 5th (at a Travelodge but the holiday officially starts at that point) until August 28th (that's the landing day) Oh yes! Three weeks again...
WHERE:
Now I feel a little antsy writing this, but for the first time, we will not be staying at Wilderness Lodge...I repeat, we will not be staying at Wilderness Lodge...MAYDAY MAYDAY
Ok, it's not really that severe, we decided that despite the love of the Lodge, we'd try somewhere different for this trip - and I'm amazed that we've stuck with it! So where?Aug 6th - 13th: Bay Lake Tower (lake view)
Aug 13th - 27th: Boardwalk Villas (garden/pool view) Secretly I'm hoping for garden view because clowns freak me out. Why on earth are you staying at a resort with an enormous clown pool then I hear you shout...well, blame DD... it's all down to her. She better make the most of that pool is all that I can say!!
Crikey branching out or what?! We're very excited especially about the proximity to MK at BLT and to Epcot at BV. So, although I'm sure we're going to miss WL the other resorts will make up for it....(apart from the clown)
More detail?
Oh, if you insist....
Week 1
August 5th: Leave in pm once DH has returned from work. Head to Heathrow and eat at Carluccio's in Terminal 5, return to Travelodge and drink beer (not DD - that would be wholly illegal)
August 6th: Fly to Miami on American Airlines then from there to Orlando - layover of a couple of hours, then it's our first experience of DME - we've had a car on previous trips but are trying it without this time - could be a nightmare, could be ok... Straight to BLT
, snack of some sort then sleep! May go and pick up tickets and TIW card but will play that by ear. Clearly this will be before the 'sleep' portion of the day...just so you're sure...August 7th: ADR at Chef Mickey's for brekkie - yay! Day (or at least some of it) at MK. It's worth pointing out that throughout the 3 week stay we'll be having some serious pool time - DD is a total and utter water baby and has gained masses of confidence recently so looking forward to lots of swimming! In the evening we have ADRs at Artist Point - you see you can take the family out of the Lodge but you can't take the Lodge out of the family...Artist Point is a bit of a special one for us and is the one ADR that was a given before we even began the planning stages. It's our 7th wedding anniversary on the 4th August and rather than buy presents etc we treat ourselves to a meal at Artist Point.
And DD looooooves the Mickey Puzzle pudding! August 8th: We learned fairly quickly on our first trip that days off or resort days are essential so this is one of those - it may be a couple of hours at Typhoon Lagoon or a bit of shopping at DTD
we'll see when the day comes (which is in 40 days...just saying) Whatever it is, we've got a reservation at Turf Club in the evening. This is one we've never been to but it gives us an opportunity to look round Saratoga Springs for a while.August 9th: Another day off and we've pencilled in to go over to Fort Wilderness to pony trek and ride the Surrey Bikes - we did this last time and loved it so really want to repeat it. Before that though we've got an ADR at Crystal Palace for breakfast - we really enjoy CP. Last time we were there the characters came round and Eeyore spent lots of time with DD which she loved. When the parade started and each of the characters picked a child to walk round with, Eeyore was right over the other side of the restaurant but he totally legged it over to DD so that she could partner him for the parade! It was very cute and I've never seen that donkey move so fast ever! At 4pm we're experiencing Hoop dee Doo for the first time - I can't wait! This was a must for me this time - reckon we'll all really enjoy it!
Another little point worth mentioning but we're not on the dining plan this time. We're going to buy Tables in Wonderland and flash our DVC card at every unsuspecting Cast Member and see how it goes! Aiming to share lots of meals - DD is an adventurous eater and DH has lost 3 stone in weight over the last year so doesn't eat nearly as much as he used to so we think we might be able to save some money that way (we'll see
)August 10th: Back to MK - making the most of being so close (...that's our excuse and we're sticking to it...) In the evening we have an ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe - yeah so it's Wilderness Lodge again....and your point is....??!!!
August 11th: Animal Kingdom day with a dinner ADR at Sanaa. Really looking forward to this - yay!
August 12th: This is a resort day so probably some swimmage and drinkage - not necessarily at the same time but the idea has not been ruled out... We have a breakfast ADR at 1900 Park Fare - new one for us. In the evening we also have an ADR for Grand Floridian Cafe - see it's not all Wilderness Lodge...we have Grand Floridian overload too
We're also hoping to head up to the Top of the World Lounge to watch Wishes in the evening too...Oh gosh getting way too excited typing this now....
That's pretty much the first week so I'll leave you now with the promise of updating with week 2 as soon as I can. With my last trip report I think I tried to update way too regularly and then couldn't maintain the pace. With this one, I'll update as and when. Hope 'Drivel and Tangents' hasn't been too disconcerting.
) The Boardwalk was an area that we only discovered for the first time in 2011 and we loved it. Managed to spend a very happy couple of hours at Big River Bar and Grille enjoying a beer flight whilst DD slept in the buggy (that's what we call a result 
)
Very exciting and part of the reason we're able to move around a bit! 
So really not sure what to expect apart from......Squirrel!
and that we braved Summit Plummit whilst retaining our modesty (more than can be said for some ladies - the moral being 'don't do Summit Plummit in a bikini') So BB is pretty much new really - previously only done TL which we love. Any suggestions as to must dos? Following that we're off to Ohana's - another first and need i say that we're excited about this one! I saw a picture on a TR recently in which a server was posing with a skewer of meat at Ohana - there was very little difference in size between the server and the food he was proffering - THAT HAS GOT TO BE A GOOD THING!!! 
I too have enjoyed your trip reports in lurkville 
)
DD is not a whinger and she is rarely ill so DH and I knew that whatever was wrong was genuine and that making her stay in the restaurant would be hugely unfair and not enjoyable for anyone. So, DH started gathering our stuff together while I went over to our lovely server to explain our situation, apologise for having to leave and to pay for the drinks (including a very large glass of wine). Well she pootled off to deal with things and the next thing we knew she had swooped back to the table, made a huge, lovely fuss over poorly DD, poured my wine into a 'to go' cup, told us not to worry about paying for anything, put our 6 dining credits back onto our KTTW cards and told us that she'd spoken to the manager who had basically said that if we wanted a reservation before our holiday was finished then we were to ring and they'd make space.....whoooooahhhhh!!!! AMAZING!!! We couldn't believe it - such kindness just at the right moment. 
A horrible moment made just that but easier - truly wonderful 
