2 Career Planners Plan a 10 Day Trip to the World on the DDP!- UPDATED WITH PICS 2/15

[serendipity]

Welcome! I'm happy that you could stop by. You're in for a wild ride. It's not everyday two compulsive Project Managers plan a trip to Walt Disney World. What's that? We plan things for a living? That's right...as if planning all day long 49 weeks a year wasn't enough, we spend our off hours compulsively planning vacations as well. Some say we're sick in the head. I say....

It's been awhile. It'll be three years to the date when we return. After many a vacation to Disney we were ready to see some other parts of the world. We ventured to the far and exotic, but Disney has a pull on me...after all "there's no place like home". So join us on a homeward bound journey. Like any good trip home there will be love, laughter and tears all for your viewing pleasure

Meet the Cast:

Myself - Serendipity. Add a dash of Belle for my love of books, a pinch of Stitch for my love of all things mischief (especially where my DH is involved), and a spoonful of Mary Poppins for my orderly nature and you have one terribly uncharacteristic princess. Sigh...it's not always like the fairy tales. During the day (and a large number of nights) I am a Project Manager in Information Technology. I have a very dedicated work ethic, and am slightly addicted to my blackberry, but when the time comes for vacation it is turned off. I go into a black hole where no one can reach me with the exception of the man of my dreams.........

DH - A bit prince charming (as a loving husband)... mixed with a bit (usually in retaliation to my Stitch nature). Thankfully, it's not all dark side. DH is also a Project Manager within the world of Finance, and only slightly less addicted to his crack, er blackberry. He's a hard worker, but truly loves nothing more than having a drink on the beach.

I toyed with the idea of another beach vacation, I even planned a full trip to Turks. Ultimately the dark side (er Dis) won me over. As if anyone reading this could blame me!

The Itinerary
9 blissful nights at Pop!
10 day Park Hoppers Plus Water Park & More
27 TS Restaurant Credits (obviously need to throw the diet out the window for the Deluxe dining plan)
1 trip to Blizzard Beach
2 day trips to US including 1 day in Universal Studios and 1 day in Islands of Adventure (Harry Potter!!)
1 day trip to Sea World
1 Round of Minigolf
........and a partridge in a pear tree.

Stay tuned for details!

 

[serendipity]

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Day – the most anticipated day of all. The day where your vacation stretches ahead of you and seems to expand forever. Potential is endless. Dreams abound. In previous years we’ve gone straight to a park this day to set the tone for the trip. This year our flight will not be arriving until 05:30, and while it would certainly be possible to go to a park, we’ve decided to go to Narcosse’s to see Wishes. Alternatively, we are still considering going to Raglan Road to enjoy Downtown Disney. Knowing me, I’ll change the plan 5 more times in the next few weeks alone. As you’ll soon find out, despite my heavy planning I can be extremely indecisive which is a dangerous combination. Either way - we'll be at the Happiest Place on Earth!


Day 2: EPCOT. My favorite park. From Spaceship Earth, to Soarin, to Living with the Land to Donald’s boat ride, to watching the performers - I am in utterly and entirely in love with this park. The food, the smells, the drinks. What’s not to love? We’ll start our day out with Tonga Toast in Kona, moving on to EPCOT for opening. We intend to have lunch somewhere in World Showcase (our current reservation is at Chefs de France, but I’ve debating changing to Tutto Italia). After a brief respite for some much needed sun by the pool, we intend to venture back out for dinner at the Wave and potentially back to EPCOT for Illuminations. As you'll soon find out I have a SERIOUS love of Fireworks!

Day 3: Universal Studios: We will begin our day with breakfast at Boma. We have been to Boma for dinner in the past while staying at AKL, but have never been able to justify the breakfast prices. Being on the deluxe plan, we were compelled to try this array of delights. After what is most certainly going to be a smorgasboard of deliciousness we’re on our way to Universal Studios.

So many disers are not a fan of Universal. I personally don’t get it. I used to spend summers with my Grandmother who was an employee of Disney. She lived across from Universal, and we always made at least a one day trip to the park. So my love is both of a sentimental value, and also because Universal is just plain fun. Who doesn’t love to be chased by Jaws, twirled around in Men in Black or fly over ET? More exciting – the Simpsons ride. DH and I LOVE the Simpsons and have been looking forward to this ride for quite some time.

After a fun filled day at Universal (and potentially some time by the pool) we have a reservation at Artist Point for my birthday. Sigh – another year older. However, the ability to celebrate it at Disney is truly a dream come true.

After dinner Magic Kingdom will be open until 02:00AM which we fully intend to exploit. After all, being two adults without children has its advantages.

 

[serendipity]

Day 4 - Animal Kingdom Morning / Hollywood Studios Evening: Up early and off to Animal Kingdom. With any luck make it to the park with time to go on the Safari & Everest, and grab a FP for Kali River Rapids. This morning we're having breakfast at the Tusker House. In the afternoon we'll be visiting Sanaa. I'm actually quite excited for this. We have stayed at AKL in the past and have always remarked that it was odd their dining wasn't set up for guests to easily view the Savannah. My understanding is that with the new restaurant, the architecture was designed with this in mind.

After our fill of AKL, we intend to transition to HS as they have EMH with our main objective being TSM. Previously, we were lucky enough to experience TSM on one of my business trips to LA (and a quick stop over at Disneyland). It's quite an experience which I'm sure we'll enjoy once more. This evening we'll be eating at the Hollywood Brown Derby. We've dined here previously, but had a mediocre (at best) experience. This will be a second attempt as a result of the very positive reviews written within these boards.

Day 5: Islands of Adventure - So very excited for this day. With the exception of a dinner reservation we have but one objective in mind: Harry Potter.

Who doesn't love these stories? When HP was announced I was so excited and have been meaning to make a trip for quite some time. On top of this I love this park overall. I have a thing for flume rides, so not surprisingly I enjoy IOA very much.

In the evening we are dining at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, which is a first for us.

 

[serendipity]

Day 6: SeaWorld We'll be up and out early this day as with most of the trip. We're intending to have breakfast at Kouzzina. Having been lucky enough to visit the Greek islands we absolutely love Greek food, and had originally anticipated eating here for dinner. For one reason or another we ended up deciding against this, but being unable to completely get rid of the urge we decided to go for breakfast. After what I'm sure will be quite a large meal we're on our way to Sea World .

This is yet another favorite park of mine. I love to see how well the shows are orchestrated and choreographed. It's amazing how people can train animals, and Sea World does a remarkable job of showcasing this.

Of course, there's one other MAJOR attraction on the agenda: Journey to Atlantis . This flume ride is top notch!

After having our fill of the attractions & shows that Sea World has to offer (and perhaps even a trip to Sea World's own "Coral Reef") we will take a brief respite before heading to the Hoop De Doo. What a great show. I've been tot he show twice before, once around 15 years ago and once 5 years ago with my husband. During the last trip we were seated front and center, and were quite often thrown into the middle of jokes, etc. Fun once, but this time I'll be happy to be sitting in the rafters

What I also love about going to see the show is being immersed in the Wilderness area setting. I imagine that I would really enjoy staying in the cabins at Fort Wilderness as I am a hiking/nature/natural park enthusiast. In fact, our honeymoon was spent touring the national parks on the West Coast, and the picture I started this thread with was taken in Banff National Park. Being able to have the best of both worlds I imagine to be a wonderful experience.

 

[taymacsmom]

Just poppin in to say! Looking forward to hearing about Harry Potter as we are headed to Islands of Adventure this summer for the first time . Looking forward to more of your plans!

Kelly

 

[serendipity]

Just poppin in to say! Looking forward to hearing about Harry Potter as we are headed to Islands of Adventure this summer for the first time . Looking forward to more of your plans!

Kelly

Thanks so much!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I love Harry Potter!!! So much so my brother, my son, and I all flew down to Orlando last August for a long weekend just to go to WWOHP!!!!

I don't want to give too much away for you but you are going to LOVE it!!! The queue for Forbibben Journey that is located in Hogwarts castle may just me the BEST thing I have ever seen! Oh and the ride is pretty awesome too!

 

[serendipity]

Day 07 - Blizzard Beach & Fantasmic

The plan for Day 07 is to have breakfast at 'Ohana (one of my personal favorites). I find the character dining to be fun, but I also like that they serve you (I'm not a huge buffet fan). And who doesn't love the Pineapple bread? Yum! The below was taken almost five years ago, when my husband and I were just recently engaged .

After breakfast we're intending to spend a couple of hours at Blizzard Beach, which is a first for my husband and the first time I have been since the year they opened. I can pretty much guarantee I'll be too much of a coward to ride Summit Plummet, but something tells me we'll still have a great time.

After having our fill of Blizzard Beach we are planning to head over to Hollywood Studios for an early supper at 50's Prime Time Cafe, followed by a viewing of Fantasmic. I love this show!!!

Day 08 - Mini Golf / EPCOT

Finally a day to sleep in! Too bad we have a 7AM reservation at Chef Mickeys (don't tell the DH). Several times we've intended to do Mini Golf at Disney, and we never have. Similarly several times we've had an ADR at Chef Mickey's and not gone. Day 08 of the vacation is the day to finally go for it!

After our morning, we plan on having a late lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe, and then heading over to EPCOT (where we have late dinner plans at San Angel).

EPCOT is by far my favorite park. Being at this park when I was younger inspired me to travel, and as a result I haven't been to Disney in quite some time. However in that time I've been to an abundance of the countries in World Showcase (Mexico, Germany, Italy, France & Canada), as well as others and honestly give EPCOT a major recognition in my inspiration to save and save and save to be able to do this. Thanks EPCOT!

 

[serendipity]

I love Harry Potter!!! So much so my brother, my son, and I all flew down to Orlando last August for a long weekend just to go to WWOHP!!!!

I don't want to give too much away for you but you are going to LOVE it!!! The queue for Forbibben Journey that is located in Hogwarts castle may just me the BEST thing I have ever seen! Oh and the ride is pretty awesome too!

Hi there - welcome! That is great to hear - I am extremely excited.

One question - did you get any motion sickness? I'm considering taking Dramamine because of all of the reviews about this.

 

[serendipity]

Day 09 - Magic Kingdom

We start the morning touring Magic Kingdom, then anxiously await our first breakfast at ::drum roll please::....... Cinderella's Royal Table!

Well, I anxiously await anyway - DH, not so much. I'm not quite sure that I'm over enthused to meet the princesses, yet I am excited to dine in the castle as this is a first. Have any other adults without children gone to this meal? Was it fun with the characters?

After spending the morning and afternoon in the park, we have our last evening meal at Citricos. Another first for us. We have only eaten at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian, although we did go to tea once.

If up for it, we will complete our evening at the Magic Kingdom for one more fireworks viewing.

Day 10 - Departure Day

Sad, isn't it?

We have a late flight, so are intending to go back to Animal Kingdom to accomplish anything we were not able to. We have a lunch reservation at Yak & Yeti and then it's back to reality and more trip planning

 

[serendipity]

The obsession of trip planning has officially gotten to me, and I've made a number of dining changes.

Every day my husband and I have a conversation that starts out:

Me: Hm...did you hear about that X appetizer at X restaurant?
DH: What? Oh, uh no.
Me: It sounds very nice
DH: I'm sure it does
Me: It even has pictures online...want to look?
DH: If I do, does that mean I have to look at that spreadsheet with you again?
Me: Spreadsheet (innocently batting eyes)?
DH: Ok (while looking at me suspiciously), I'll look - quickly
Me: Looks good hm? Oh well (devilishly)...unless of course you WANTED to have that appetizer
DH: Ugh! Just let's get this over with!!!

So the new plan (as it currently stands):

Day 1: Downtown Disney
Dinner at Raglan Road

Day 2: EPCOT
Breakfast at Kona
Lunch at San Angel
Dinner at Le Cellier

Day 3: Universal/Magic Kingdom
Breakfast at Boma
Dinner at Artist Point

Day 4: Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios
Breakfast at Tusker House
Lunch at Sanaa
Dinner at the Brown Derby

Day 5: Islands of Adventure
Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Day 6: Sea World
Breakfast at Kouzzina
Dinner at Hoop De Doo

Day 7: Blizzard Beach/Hollywood Studios
Breakfast at 'Ohana
Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe

Day 8: Mini Golf/EPCOT
Breakfast at Chef Mickeys
Lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe
Dinner at Tutto Italia

Day 09: Magic Kingdom
Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table
Dinner at Citricos

Day 10: Animal Kingdom
Lunch at Yak & Yeti

 

[serendipity]

Day 1: Downtown Disney
Dinner at Raglan Road
Potential for trip to Disney Quest

Day 2: EPCOT
Breakfast at Kona - YUM! Tonga Toast
Lunch at San Angel
Dinner at Le Cellier

Day 3 - Magic Kingdom/My Birthday
Breakfast at Crystal Palace
Lunch at Kona
Dinner at Artist Point - my favorite signature

Day 4 - Hollywood Studios
Breakfast at Kouzzina
Lunch at Sci Fi
Dinner at Jiko

Day 5 - Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios
We've squeezed this into one day and have decided on purchasing Express Passes. Fingers crossed we will actually make it into Harry Potter.

Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Day 6 - SeaWorld
Breakfast at The Wave
Dinner at Hoop De Doo

Day 7 - Blizzard Beach/Hollywood Studios
Breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe
Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe
Fantasmic

Day 8 - Animal Kingdom / EPCOT
Breakfast at Tusker House
Lunch at Sanaa
Dinner at Tutto Italia
Drink around World Showcase for EMH until midnight

Day 9 - Magic Kingdom
Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table
Dinner at Flying Fish

Day 10 - Animal Kingdom
Lunch at Yak & Yeti

 

[serendipity]

We leave in TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!