2011? No way! DD and I hit WDW solo PTR - 10/30-Live fromWDW

[jenb1023]

Finally, here is the conclusion of Chapter 2. . .

We had a great first trip in April 2007! I knew enough to have a clue but hadn't found the DIS yet so I wasn't the obsessed uber-planner I am now. DH's aunt and uncle met us for a few days of our trip since they live in Florida. It was great to see them but we had to consider what they wanted to see and do (we did split up some). Soon after we got back, I knew I wanted to go again just the three of us. Then I found the DIS in June and the obsession began!

I talked to DH and he was on board for a 2nd trip soon for several reasons - one it would be nice to be just us, two we could do it before we would have to pull her out of school and three I wanted to go again while she still had that look of wonder and awe on her face and didn't question things. We wanted to go in the slow season and after scouring the boards we decided on late Jan-early Feb 2008. We also decided to try AKL since we had wanted to try it last time and getting back to the hotel for naps wouldn't be as needed since Jordan was a little over 4. We had a great time!!! We went to the P&PP which we loved and are sad that it no longer seems to exist. We loved AKL and having the whole week to ourselves. Jordan was over 40" so we could ride some big rides.

I knew I wanted to go back but DH said enough WDW for a little while. I mentioned maybe for Jordan's 6th birthday which then was less than two years away and DH seemed fine with that. The more I thought about WDW and what an amazing time we had the more I wanted to go back sooner and I wanted to take my parents too. When I was pregnant with Jordan, my mom decided to quit her job to babysit her first grandchild. She came to our house every morning M-F so I could get to work at 8am. I really wanted to take them to our magical place our treat as a thank you for the years of free babysitting. I mentioned this to DH and he was on board and we decided on some time in 2009.

Then, they offered fall free dining for the first time ever in Oct/Nov 2008. Since we were footing the bill, this offer seemed too good to pass up. I talked to DH and my parents and everybody was ready to go. I booked the package and two rooms at Pop on Sept 19th for a trip Nov 15 for 9 days so I only had two months to prepare. I managed to get all of the ADRs I wanted including lunch at Le Cellier, 1900 Park Fare, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Coral Reef (with the diver and personalized sign and menus), Askershus bkfst, Tusker House bkfst, Crystal Palace bkfst and LTT with characters for dinner. We did nearly everything together and had a great trip! WDW definitely lost money on Free Dining with my family!

Now, DH was on board for all of these trips but when we got home he put his foot down. He said no more WDW trips for 5 years - there are other places I want to go. He said no more Disney at all for awhile. So, we went to NYC in April 09 and saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway and went to the World Of Disney store and shopped and pin traded (we did lots of other stuff too). He relented and said we could maybe do a stop at WDW while doing other things in Florida or maybe a Disney cruise (which I priced - ouch) or Disneyland some time in 2011. I agreed that our next family trip would be some place tropical which is what DH really wants to do.

Then, I was DISing and went to Magic Meets and thought I can't wait until 2011. Then they offered free dining for all of October and I always wanted to go for Halloween so I mentioned it to DH and he said why don't you and Jordan go. Thus our first mother/daughter trip was born!

I knew it needed to be a short and inexpensive trip. Short because DD can only miss five days of school for trips and we needed to save some for a family trip and inexpensive because of the new house. Her school is closed election day so she will only miss two days and between free dining, staying at pop and enough credit card points for free airfare, our $200 deposit and some Disney dollar spending money the trip will only cost about $800.

So here we are leaving in 11 days for our fourth trip in 2 1/2 years!!!!

 

[jenb1023]

Here are some past trip pics for your viewing pleasure to get you ready to help me finalize my plans and with my trip 10 days out I definitely need help!

 

[jenb1023]

Okay, I am afraid I may be talking to myself at this point since I neglected this PTR for so long. What is the saying. . .it is okay to talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself. So, I may post a few places because I really need the help of my WDW expert friends on the DIS.

Here is the dilemma. . .I leave in ten days and am totally unprepared. Besides the chaos listed in my previous posts, I need to finalize some details of our plans and make all of the clothes in ten days. I found the disboutiquers and am now sewing for the first time ever! So, of couse, Jordan needs custom outfits for our trip and we need some t-shirts. This means I need help planning because I can't make the four t-shirts, one skirt and four dresses I have planned and plan the trip in ten days!

Let's get down to business. . .

Our trip is Fri Oct 30 - Tues Nov 3
We are staying at POP and it is only DD (just turned 6) and me

We arrive at MCO on Fri Oct 30 at 1:30pm and we leave MCO on Tues Nov 3 at 2:50pm.

This is what I am really struggling with. We have never taken a trip that was less than seven days. This trip, although 4 nights, is really barely 4 days of park time with travel times considered. I am having a hard time narrowing down our favorites, trying some new things and not doing too much for a 6 year old that will have to go right back to school the day after we get home.

I did make ADR's based on which days I thought we should do which parks and on seeing the critical characters since I don't think we will have a lot of time to wait in character lines. I also wanted to try some restaurants we had not tried before. Here is what I know we are doing:

Sat., 10/31 - lunch at SciFi - 11:05am

Sun., 11/1 - lunch at CRT - 12:15
- MNSSHP - 4pm? - ?

Mon., 11/2 - dinner at Garden Grill - 4:40

My original plans were as follows:

Fri 10/30
Arrive at MCO and check in at Pop. Head to AK to do EE (crossing fingers Jordan is tall enough) and do the safari. They have evening EMH if we need it. Anything else done there is a bonus. Relatively early night.

Sat 10/31
AM EMH at DHS - arrive by 8am
Do all of our favorites and then back to Pop for pool time and bed

Sun 11/1
MK at 9am
Barbershop for hairdo, rides then lunch at CRT at 12:15. Back to Pop for a rest to be able to stay up late and maximize party time. Arrive for MNSSHP by 5pm.

Mon 11/2

Sleep in.
Then head to Epcot to do our favorites and then dinner at Garden Grill at 4:40pm. Pack.

Tues 11/3
MK at 9am or Epcot at 8am for AM EMH then leave for Pop around 11:15 for 12pm DME.

Now, here are my problems. They are plentiful. Grab some popcorn , a cup of coffee , or whatever floats your boat and get ready to give me your most sage advice.

**Keep in mind that Jordan just turned 6 and needs her sleep. She usually sleeps about 10 1/2 hours per night. She is not big on sleeping in. If she goes to bed at 8:00pm or 11pm she will still get up between 7am and 8am.

1) Wishes Dessert party - I really want to do the Wishes dessert party. I have not seen "regular" non-seasonal or party Wishes since our first trip in April 2007. It is only offered two nights while we are there - Fri 10/30 and Tues 11/2. Both are the night before I am considering an 8am EMH morning. 10/30 Wishes is at 9pm which means it will be 10:30 until we get back to Pop and to bed and seems out of the question. Wishes on 11/2 is at 8pm which is a better time and we would get back at 9:30 but we will need to pack and I want to do park time the next am. What do you guys think? We will see Hallowishes at MNSSHP.

2) MK time - I talked to Jordan and she wants to do a lot at the MK. I picked the MNSSHP on 11/1 instead of 10/31 because I thought it would be less crowded and easier to do more. However, there are so many activities to do at MNSSHP that I don't think we will have much time to ride except before the party starts. I was planning to stop at the Barber shop when we arrive so Jordan can get her hair done for two reasons - 1) since she is not doing BBB this trip and 2) to get ready for CRT. Is it worth spending the time? We are not going to have much MK time to ride on our MK day. Do we go there the day after the party and then hop to Epcot for dinner and hit Epcot our last day? Do we add more MK time on our last day? Do we hop to MK one evening or for the dessert party?

3) She mentioned Fantasmic. I planned to skip it. We saw it twice and I just was not planning to be at DHS that late. Plus since they don't have it as often it may be crowded.

4) Halloween night - this may change your thoughts on the above. I wasn't planning to do anything special Halloween night (Fri). Then I read some threads about the different things there are to do and I thought when will we ever be in WDW on actual Halloween night again - shouldn't we do something. The options are: Trick or treating at DTD which apparently gets very crowded, Ft Wilderness for trick or treating and the campfire, halloween activities at Pop (all of the resorts apparently do stuff) or go to a park since our time is limited and don't worry about halloween

Okay, these are my thoughts on park days. What do you think about my plans and what are your thoughts on my questions. I have more questions on other stuff but need to get to bed.

So fire away cause I need advice my head is spinning

 

[eandesmom]

Aww you poor thing! Followed you here at your request from Liesa's PTR

That's an awful lot to make! I was just thwarted from making shirts today as my printer decided it did NOT like my transfer paper!

Comments in red

Okay, I am afraid I may be talking to myself at this point since I neglected this PTR for so long. What is the saying. . .it is okay to talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself.

Oh dear, I'm in trouble then...

**Keep in mind that Jordan just turned 6 and needs her sleep. She usually sleeps about 10 1/2 hours per night. She is not big on sleeping in. If she goes to bed at 8:00pm or 11pm she will still get up between 7am and 8am.

You may be surprised. My youngest 2 are the same and are great sleepers. But at 4 and 5, were able to be up until about 11, get back up at 8 (same thing, they will wake up at the same time no matter what) and not have the total meltdowns at ALL that I'd have expected. Just too much excitement I guess. Also, one late night, even after a rope drop am, will not permanently mess her up, you can make it up the next day if needed. I think at least one way later than normal night is allowed and ok. I am a bedtime and sleep schedule fanactic with my kids...ask anyone...but I do make exceptions within reason at Disney

1) Wishes Dessert party - I really want to do the Wishes dessert party. I have not seen "regular" non-seasonal or party Wishes since our first trip in April 2007. It is only offered two nights while we are there - Fri 10/30 and Tues 11/2. Both are the night before I am considering an 8am EMH morning. 10/30 Wishes is at 9pm which means it will be 10:30 until we get back to Pop and to bed and seems out of the question. Wishes on 11/2 is at 8pm which is a better time and we would get back at 9:30 but we will need to pack and I want to do park time the next am. What do you guys think? We will see Hallowishes at MNSSHP.

I would do it on 10/30. She will be SO wound up on day 1 that it might be nightmarish to get her down anyways. It will be harder for her to go down on 11/2 if you are packing...

2) MK time - I talked to Jordan and she wants to do a lot at the MK. I picked the MNSSHP on 11/1 instead of 10/31 because I thought it would be less crowded and easier to do more. However, there are so many activities to do at MNSSHP that I don't think we will have much time to ride except before the party starts. I was planning to stop at the Barber shop when we arrive so Jordan can get her hair done for two reasons - 1) since she is not doing BBB this trip and 2) to get ready for CRT. Is it worth spending the time? We are not going to have much MK time to ride on our MK day. Do we go there the day after the party and then hop to Epcot for dinner and hit Epcot our last day? Do we add more MK time on our last day? Do we hop to MK one evening or for the dessert party?

I'd play that one (MSB) by ear and see how long the wait is and let her pick whether she wants to wait or not.

3) She mentioned Fantasmic. I planned to skip it. We saw it twice and I just was not planning to be at DHS that late. Plus since they don't have it as often it may be crowded.

I'd skip it
4) Halloween night - this may change your thoughts on the above. I wasn't planning to do anything special Halloween night (Fri). Then I read some threads about the different things there are to do and I thought when will we ever be in WDW on actual Halloween night again - shouldn't we do something. The options are: Trick or treating at DTD which apparently gets very crowded, Ft Wilderness for trick or treating and the campfire, halloween activities at Pop (all of the resorts apparently do stuff) or go to a park since our time is limited and don't worry about halloween Oh I think Trick or treating at the Fort would be fun! But I"m a Fort fan

 

[All7OfUs]

I don't know about "sage advice", but I can give you some thyme lmao:

1) Do you have plans for dinner at AK?? or will you go somewhere else (Bomas?) that eve? Also, it would helpful to know if you're on DDP

2) I think you'll love Sci-Fi; will you be eating at POP for dinner?? or CS at DHS?

3) I am also assuming you are not hopping, right? Oh wait, I see in #2 below that you could...

4) Sunday, party day plans look great!

5) Will you stick with mostly Future World, or venture into Showcase?? If so, you could snack around the world for lunch.

I would say Hallowishes is prob. enough, but I"m not a huge fireworks fan either. If it's too late for Jordan, maybe it's best to skip the dessert party. The other option is to just know you'll be up late after she goes to bed, and pack then, so you can still get in park time the next day.

Personally, I think if you and Jordan like MK better, you should try to squeeze more time in there. Here's what I'd do. Go back to MK after party, and do the rides you didn't get to, then hop around 3:00. Stay at EPCOT (doing WS)until 7 or 8 getting a CS meal. Back to POP, put J. to bed, you pack. Then EPCOT (FW) last AM. for a short time.

I think F! might be too much! If she needs to be in bed early, you may want to skip it. but then again- we're only talking 4 nights here. Kids can stay up later than you think with adren pumping through. maybe making one night extra late could work? (But is that your party night?)

I don't see DTD anywhere, so the Tor T option there might be fun, even if it's just to give you some time there to shop?? It'd be a win-win thing, she gets candy, you get shopping time.

 

[lovesdumbo]

1-I would skip the dessert party. I tried it in August on our arrival day (mistake) and my kids 10, 8, 6 all begged to just go back to the hotel which we did. The desserts were good but you certainly can't eat enough to justify the expense. You'll see Hallowishes at the party and I think that will be really special. I think you'll get better quality park time with your DD in the mornings if you don't keep her up too late more than the party.

2-I would probably go to MK on Tuesday. I love to end a trip at MK-it just seems right and I think it might be tough for you to make it to Epcot at 8am since you have to pack and EMH will make Epcot more crowded. I would probably skip the barbershop too. Could you get that glittery hair gel and do her hair yourself?

3-I'm sure you'll have a very magical trip if you skip Fantasmic too.

4-sorry-I've been for MNSSHP but have never actually been on Halloween.




I also think you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to do too much in the next 10 days. You don't want to get all run down and get sick. You'll still have a very special trip even if your DD is in store bought clothes. I would try to make a realistic goal for yourself-like matching shirts for one day or one special outfit for your DD.

I'm sure you'll have a really magical trip!!!!!

 

[jenb1023]

Cynthia, Liesa and LovesDumbo -

Thank you so much for stopping by and trying to help me straighten out my crazy, all over the place thoughts!

I actually have work to do here at work but will be back soon to read everything carefully and answer any questions.

Later today or tomorrow, there will be round two of please give Jen your advice involving topics like online hotel check-in before arrival, pre-checking bags on departure day, etc.

So if you had fun with round one please join me later for further exploration of round one and round two in the game I fondly call "Save Jen from the Insane Asylum!" Thanks again for stopping by!

 

[maroo]

I am late to the party!

I have not read anyone elses comments yet...so these are off the cuff and may be duplicates...or even direct opposites of what everyone else is saying! Should be interesting, huh!

Okay, I am afraid I may be talking to myself at this point since I neglected this PTR for so long. What is the saying. . .it is okay to talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself. So, I may post a few places because I really need the help of my WDW expert friends on the DIS.

I am here! No worries...you are not talking to yourself!

Here is the dilemma. . .I leave in ten days and am totally unprepared. Besides the chaos listed in my previous posts, I need to finalize some details of our plans and make all of the clothes in ten days. I found the disboutiquers and am now sewing for the first time ever! So, of couse, Jordan needs custom outfits for our trip and we need some t-shirts. This means I need help planning because I can't make the four t-shirts, one skirt and four dresses I have planned and plan the trip in ten days!

You are on your own for sewing...and you know how well I do iron ons... So how about I just help you plan.

Let's get down to business. . .

Our trip is Fri Oct 30 - Tues Nov 3
We are staying at POP and it is only DD (just turned 6) and me

We arrive at MCO on Fri Oct 30 at 1:30pm and we leave MCO on Tues Nov 3 at 2:50pm.

This is what I am really struggling with. We have never taken a trip that was less than seven days. This trip, although 4 nights, is really barely 4 days of park time with travel times considered. I am having a hard time narrowing down our favorites, trying some new things and not doing too much for a 6 year old that will have to go right back to school the day after we get home.

I did make ADR's based on which days I thought we should do which parks and on seeing the critical characters since I don't think we will have a lot of time to wait in character lines. I also wanted to try some restaurants we had not tried before. Here is what I know we are doing:

Sat., 10/31 - lunch at SciFi - 11:05am YUM! and FUN

Sun., 11/1 - lunch at CRT - 12:15 Ah! Nice!
- MNSSHP - 4pm? - ? Woo Hoo!

Mon., 11/2 - dinner at Garden Grill - 4:40 Never been?

My original plans were as follows:

Fri 10/30
Arrive at MCO and check in at Pop. Head to AK to do EE (crossing fingers Jordan is tall enough) and do the safari. They have evening EMH if we need it. Anything else done there is a bonus. Relatively early night.

I bet you get there...around...5:00...just guessing. That all seems do-able. Is the Safari open during EMH? I think seeing the AK at night is going to be a huge plus!

Sat 10/31
AM EMH at DHS - arrive by 8am
Do all of our favorites and then back to Pop for pool time and bed

What are your favorites? Do tell!! I think this is easily doable!

Sun 11/1
MK at 9am
Barbershop for hairdo, rides then lunch at CRT at 12:15. Back to Pop for a rest to be able to stay up late and maximize party time. Arrive for MNSSHP by 5pm.

Awesome!

Mon 11/2

Sleep in. Good idea.
Then head to Epcot to do our favorites and then dinner at Garden Grill at 4:40pm. Pack.

Sounds great!

Tues 11/3
MK at 9am or Epcot at 8am for AM EMH then leave for Pop around 11:15 for 12pm DME.

I personally like the MK idea.

Now, here are my problems. They are plentiful. Grab some popcorn , a cup of coffee , or whatever floats your boat and get ready to give me your most sage advice.

Aw man...you have problems?!?! And it all looks so good??

**Keep in mind that Jordan just turned 6 and needs her sleep. She usually sleeps about 10 1/2 hours per night. She is not big on sleeping in. If she goes to bed at 8:00pm or 11pm she will still get up between 7am and 8am.

1) Wishes Dessert party - I really want to do the Wishes dessert party. I have not seen "regular" non-seasonal or party Wishes since our first trip in April 2007. It is only offered two nights while we are there - Fri 10/30 and Tues 11/2. Both are the night before I am considering an 8am EMH morning. 10/30 Wishes is at 9pm which means it will be 10:30 until we get back to Pop and to bed and seems out of the question. Wishes on 11/2 is at 8pm which is a better time and we would get back at 9:30 but we will need to pack and I want to do park time the next am. What do you guys think? We will see Hallowishes at MNSSHP.

I would go with 11/2, if you do one. Because DHS EMH is more important than MK right at 9 on your last day. I would figure you would try to get to the MK around 9 - maybe even a little bit later if she sleeps longer - then just do her favorite thing...and enjoy Main Street on your way out. Even go by Goofy's before you leave for a snack on the plane! It is the last day anyway...but then I know she has school??

2) MK time - I talked to Jordan and she wants to do a lot at the MK. I picked the MNSSHP on 11/1 instead of 10/31 because I thought it would be less crowded and easier to do more. However, there are so many activities to do at MNSSHP that I don't think we will have much time to ride except before the party starts. I was planning to stop at the Barber shop when we arrive so Jordan can get her hair done for two reasons - 1) since she is not doing BBB this trip and 2) to get ready for CRT. Is it worth spending the time? We are not going to have much MK time to ride on our MK day. Do we go there the day after the party and then hop to Epcot for dinner and hit Epcot our last day? Do we add more MK time on our last day? Do we hop to MK one evening or for the dessert party?

I say skip it. You can get SO many more rides in if you are there at 9:00 and ready to go. Do you have a touring plan? You might want to consider one so you can get those long line attractions out of the way.

3) She mentioned Fantasmic. I planned to skip it. We saw it twice and I just was not planning to be at DHS that late. Plus since they don't have it as often it may be crowded.

It will be very crowded. I would skip it.

4) Halloween night - this may change your thoughts on the above. I wasn't planning to do anything special Halloween night (Fri). Then I read some threads about the different things there are to do and I thought when will we ever be in WDW on actual Halloween night again - shouldn't we do something. The options are: Trick or treating at DTD which apparently gets very crowded, Ft Wilderness for trick or treating and the campfire, halloween activities at Pop (all of the resorts apparently do stuff) or go to a park since our time is limited and don't worry about halloween.

Depending on what your favorites are at DHS...I think you will have time...to go somewhere that evening. FW with the campfire sounds fun...but that may be sorta late? Or activities at the POP make sense, since you already plan to be there.

I would let her totally decide off the cuff. Know the different options...but let her decide based on how tired she is and what she wants to do.

Okay, these are my thoughts on park days. What do you think about my plans and what are your thoughts on my questions. I have more questions on other stuff but need to get to bed.

So fire away cause I need advice my head is spinning

I think your plans look great! You fit in all of the parks. I think the crowds will be relatively low. The crowd calendar is showing mostly 4's for that week. With a random 7 thrown in? I think you may find you can accomplish more than you think in a shorter amount of time.

So...there are my thoughts. Now I want to read everyone elses!

 

[maroo]

Ok...

I am totally hijacking here...well, maybe. I did have permission.

This is my child (Muffin) with Jen's child!

I got to meet Jordan (who is PRECIOUS...she is so sweet!!!) when I was in PA for Magic Meets. We had a BLAST and I do hope we can share that trip - maybe on this thread?

 

[princessmom29]

Do you already have ressies for the dessert party? If not that may make your decision for you. We are doing it on 11/25 nad from what i can tell by reading on the restaurant board, the ressies went pretty quick when they exptended it and there are pretty much none left even through Dec. My DD is just turning 6 this week. She goes to bed at 8 normally, and never sleeps past 7:00am no matter how late she was up. We did several late nights last year, and she did just fine. Not her usualy schedule, but she wasn't over tired or cranky at all. I think she was just excited to be at Disney.

 

[HeatherSue]

My best friend's name is Jennifer and she was born in 1975. What are the odds? If someone's name is Heather, you can pretty much guarantee she was born in the 70's as well! But, not me since I'm so young and all...

Oooh!! I just got back from my first ever trip to WDW without grownups! I took my took kids- ages 3 and 6! My sister was in Orlando, but she didn't go to the parks with us most days. It really wasn't too hard! Disney makes everything so easy with the ME and everything. You can do it!

Yay! I've always wanted to see a closeup of your avatar picture!! So cute!

Okay, now for my opinions. My kids need lots of sleep, too.

1) I think being in bed by 10:30 after Wishes is a really early estimate. It takes quite a while to get out of the park afterwards and you'll have to wait through several busloads before you actually get on the bus and back to the resort. If you're taking a taxi, you might be able to do it in that amount of time. But, I think 11:00 or 11:30 would be more likely- especially by the time you walk to your room, brush your teeth, and get into bed. Honestly, I wouldn't do Wishes and then an 8:00am arrival the next day. You'd have to get to the bus stop by 7:00am to make sure you're there at 8:00am.

2) I'd probably skip the barber shop and try to get in some rides in the morning. I would hate to "waste" those golden morning hours in the barber shop. But, if that's something that's really important to one or both of you, do it!

3) I've never seen Fantasmic, so I can't comment.

4) I'm not too big into Halloween, so I'd probably just see what kind of fun things they have going on at POP on Halloween. I would hate to see the lines for buses at Downtown Disney, or anywhere else that night! UGH!!

5) I finally tried out the "Go back to the hotel for an afternoon rest" plan that I've always heard so much about. Well, we didn't like it at all! When we got back to our room (it takes an hour to walk to the buses, get a bus, and get back to the room, even when it's not crowded) it was noisy since everyone was awake. The maids were cleaning the room next to us and it was REALLY loud. So, there were no naps. We finally gave up and went swimming. Swimming tired us all out and we wre more exhausted than if we would have just stayed in the park. Then, we had to trudge back to the buses and back into the park which took another hour of time. I prefer to stay in the parks until we get tired and then just spend the rest of the evening at the hotel. But, that makes it so you can't do the evening activities. So, that option might not be right for you.

 

[kdzbear]

Our trip is Fri Oct 30 - Tues Nov 3
We are staying at POP and it is only DD (just turned 6) and me

We arrive at MCO on Fri Oct 30 at 1:30pm and we leave MCO on Tues Nov 3 at 2:50pm.

Fri 10/30
Arrive at MCO and check in at Pop. Head to AK to do EE (crossing fingers Jordan is tall enough) and do the safari. They have evening EMH if we need it. Anything else done there is a bonus. Relatively early night.

On Friday you will get to your resort around 3 pm if you are taking Magic Express. That means that it will probably be closer to 4 pm to get to the Animal Kingdom. Will your daughter sleep on the plane? Get a ME times guide. Often the last safari is at 7 pm and you will still have time to ride EE and enjoy some other parts of the park. Are you on the dining plan?

Sat., 10/31 - lunch at SciFi - 11:05am

Sat 10/31
AM EMH at DHS - arrive by 8am
Do all of our favorites and then back to Pop for pool time and bed

I would ride Toy Story Mania first. I would also check the times guide for any must see shows. If you head to the back of the animation store by Playhouse Disney at about 4:45 you can catch two rounds of characters. The first group comes out at about 4:50 and then the second comes out about 15 minutes later. They always have Sorcerer Mickey there and the Up characters, but then the area is flooded with about 8-9 additional characters at one and then rotated after 15 minutes.

Sun., 11/1 - lunch at CRT - 12:15
- MNSSHP - 4pm? - ?
Sun 11/1
MK at 9am
Barbershop for hairdo, rides then lunch at CRT at 12:15. Back to Pop for a rest to be able to stay up late and maximize party time. Arrive for MNSSHP by 5pm.

I think that the barber shop idea is great. It is worth the time for the experience. I had my hair cut the last time we were there. The only problem here is that you cannot predict the wait. Often it is least busy before the 3 pm parade, but that would not have her done up for CRT. MNSSHP is amazing and I have more hints for it if you need them!

Mon., 11/2 - dinner at Garden Grill - 4:40

Sleep in.
Then head to Epcot to do our favorites and then dinner at Garden Grill at 4:40pm. Pack.

I would try to do one of the Kim Possible missions. Your daughter will like them and you can explore some of the countries after dinner this way.

Tues 11/3
MK at 9am or Epcot at 8am for AM EMH then leave for Pop around 11:15 for 12pm DME.

When we were at Pop all of the buses left at 40 minutes after the hour so your ME would leave at 11:40. If you left MK right at 11:15 and got a bus right away you would barely make it back. It takes about 26 minutes for the bus to drive from MK to Pop. I timed it numerous times in September.

1) Wishes Dessert party - I really want to do the Wishes dessert party. I have not seen "regular" non-seasonal or party Wishes since our first trip in April 2007. It is only offered two nights while we are there - Fri 10/30 and Tues 11/2. Both are the night before I am considering an 8am EMH morning. 10/30 Wishes is at 9pm which means it will be 10:30 until we get back to Pop and to bed and seems out of the question. Wishes on 11/2 is at 8pm which is a better time and we would get back at 9:30 but we will need to pack and I want to do park time the next am. What do you guys think? We will see Hallowishes at MNSSHP. I would just enjoy Hallowishes and save the dessert party for another trip.

2) MK time - I talked to Jordan and she wants to do a lot at the MK. I picked the MNSSHP on 11/1 instead of 10/31 because I thought it would be less crowded and easier to do more. However, there are so many activities to do at MNSSHP that I don't think we will have much time to ride except before the party starts. I was planning to stop at the Barber shop when we arrive so Jordan can get her hair done for two reasons - 1) since she is not doing BBB this trip and 2) to get ready for CRT. Is it worth spending the time? We are not going to have much MK time to ride on our MK day. Do we go there the day after the party and then hop to Epcot for dinner and hit Epcot our last day? Do we add more MK time on our last day? Do we hop to MK one evening or for the dessert party?If you go to MK the day after the party, it may not be crowded early in the morning since people are sleeping in after the party, but your daughter may want to do that too! I would go to MK and let her ride the rides. I think at her age she will enjoy MK much more than Epcot.

3) She mentioned Fantasmic. I planned to skip it. We saw it twice and I just was not planning to be at DHS that late. Plus since they don't have it as often it may be crowded.I would also skip Fantasmic and take this time to ride some of the rides that are more crowded normally.

4) Halloween night - this may change your thoughts on the above. I wasn't planning to do anything special Halloween night (Fri). Then I read some threads about the different things there are to do and I thought when will we ever be in WDW on actual Halloween night again - shouldn't we do something. The options are: Trick or treating at DTD which apparently gets very crowded, Ft Wilderness for trick or treating and the campfire, halloween activities at Pop (all of the resorts apparently do stuff) or go to a park since our time is limited and don't worry about halloween I would try Trick or Treating at Downtown Disney. If it gets to crowded go back to the resort and enjoy the activities there. It is always fun to try something new and different.

So fire away cause I need advice my head is spinning

I hope I have not overwhelmed you with suggestions. Be careful if you have not used the iron-on transfers before. My Epson printer would not print on them, but my friend's HP would. Also the dark transfers for colored shirts did not work as well for me as the white shirt ones did. What sort of costume are you sewing for your daughter? For my youngest I took a tank top and my daughter's bedazzler and put a sparkly crown on it. Then I made her a simple tutu and she was Cinderella. I just made an elastic waistband and then tied long strips of tulle around the band until it was full enough. I also added some thin blue ribbons. It looked great and it was fast and easy to make!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Well everyone kinda beat me to the suggestion. I was totally going to offer to leave a box with Aisling's customs at POP for you but then realized that you are "hoping" to get on EE. Aisling was more than big enough 13 months ago so clearly her clothes would swim on Jordan!

10/30 plans sounds realistic if they are having evening EMHs

10/31 sounds good as well. Sounds like our plan for this friday

11/1 I would definitely skip the barbershop. You can do a hairstyle in the room mom!!!! I have princess hair glitter that I got the dollar section at Target. I bought a bunch...want me to mail you one (they are unopened!) Personally, I don't love the barbershop hairstyles so I would much rather have more ride time!

Don't forget the 1/2 hour drive time between MK and POP when you are going back and forth that day. Plan to be at MNSSHP early enough to eat dinner and ride the rides BEFORE the party starts. That was our mistake last year. The only rides I would save for the party are POTC and HM since the characters are out and they take pics at those rides.

I also vote for perhaps skipping Epcot the day after and doing MK in the morning. We seem to need 3 days to finish MK with Aisling- especially since she likes to ride a lot of things multiple times. You could monorail it over for dinner at Epcot and still get plenty of things done at Epcot AFTER you eat

Last day, I would head over to Epcot and do a couple of last things. It's closer to POP so you won't waste as much driving time and will have more time at the park.

I would also plan to skip a 2nd WISHES if Jordan needs that much sleep. The dessert party is most likely sold out at this point so that won't be an option anyway. And I think Heather was the one who mentioned that it's really unlikely that you'll be back to the hotel 1 1/2 hours after WISHES finishes.

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

You have gotten a lot of really good advice so far. I just wanted to say that we will be there when you are so say Hi! if you see us. Also, I am in the same situation regarding the sewing. I have so many outfits and planned and even cut out. I have gotten more work hours than I was expecting so I didn't have as much time to sew. I just prioritized what I want most and what I don't get done will have to wait for the next trip. Or a "Big Give"

Hope you have a great time!!

Ok...

I am totally hijacking here...well, maybe. I did have permission.

This is my child (Muffin) with Jen's child!

I got to meet Jordan (who is PRECIOUS...she is so sweet!!!) when I was in PA for Magic Meets. We had a BLAST and I do hope we can share that trip - maybe on this thread?

What a cute little dog and an adorable little girl!

 

[jenb1023]

Mary, PrincessMom, Heather, kdzbear, Kristine and Nancy thank you so much for joining my little party!!! (And of course, Liesa, lovesdumbo and Cynthia from earlier)

I really appreciate you all taking the time to give me feedback and opinions - I truly needed them.

You guys had so much great advice that I don't want to do some ginormous multi-quote so I will just make some comments and report on some of my decisions.

 

[maroo]

Sorry....


I just could not resist.

 

[Native NYer]

Joining in!!!

I'm a Jennifer born in the 70s too. How original

 

[jenb1023]

Okay, here are some quick answers and my thoughts so far.

Food - We are on the DDP (free dining - woo-hoo!). All TS credits are accounted for and we will not be doing any extra TS meals OOP. CS meals are not a big deal to me because we can eat anywhere (and have eaten at most of them) and will plan CS around park plans.

Park Tix - we do have park hoppers and we like to hop if it fits our plans and makes sense.

Shopping - not a big priority for me. Although I enjoy DTD especially WOD, I can also shop at the Emporium, Mouse Gears, etc. if time constraints don't allow for a trip to DTD.

Jordan and sleep - I don't mind her having late nights at WDW but I never know how she will react. At MVMCP last year, she fell asleep in her stroller before the 1st parade (which is very unlike her)! So, I don't want to plan too many late nights/early mornings in case she does not react well.

Here are some decisions so far (though I do reserve the right to change my mind in true obsessive-compulsive DISer planning fashion):

Skip Fantasmic - this was my thought already and Jordan only mentioned it once so I don't think she will care and this was pretty much the consensus from everyone.

Skip regular Wishes and the Dessert Party - thanks lovesdumbo for a review of the party from the kids perspective, princessmom for the thought that tix might not even be available (I do not have them yet) and Heather and Kristine for pointing out that my after wishes time estimate is probably a bit optimistic. Also, to everyone who said Hallowishes is enough and we can catch wishes another time.

Barbershop - I am leaning toward skipping as we are big believers in hitting the parks for rope drop. You can get so much done that first hour. But, Jordan has mentioned a few times about not getting to do BBB this trip so I think she would enjoy it. Doing her hair myself is a good idea too!

I need to get to bed but will make more decisions tomorrow.

Now for some personal comments. . .

Cynthia - thanks for your opinion on the fort. We have never been there and I think it might be fun. I know that is a lot to make but I hope I can still do it.

Liesa - Thyme - nice one! At Epcot we are interested in rides, particularly Soarin, Test Track and Mission Space if Jordan is tall enough, at FW but DD does enjoy WS so I thought maybe a Kim Possible mission? We will get to those details once I have a better idea of park time.

LovesDumbo - thanks again for the dessert party review. MK on the last day does call to me but so does EMH at Epcot. I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself on getting the clothes done but I would like to try.

Mary - I know how crazy life has been so thanks for even making it to my party. Iron-ons seem to like me a little better than they like you so I hope to be okay. I need to investigate details about AK PM-EMH and you are right I may not have as much time there as I think we will. DHS - our favorites are TSM, TOT, Beauty and the Beast show (Jordan's #1 priority in all of WDW - I know I have a weird kid). Halloween night I may see how the day goes and have a few plans and just wing it. BTW - you know you can hijack my thread any time especially to post photos of our adorable kids. Now put that popcorn away and get reading.

PrincessMom - thanks for the dessert party being sold out perspective and the late night opinion.

Heather - I am so glad you are here! I know you just got back from your solo trip with Tessa and Sawyer and would love more feedback from you oon how navigating the parks went for you guys. And of course we are so young - I have no idea who Charlies Angels are and could never sing the Love Boat theme song! Thanks for smacking me with the reality of travel time between the parks and Pop - I think I had my rose-colored glasses on. The only day I think I will do the break is MNSSHP day because I would like to stay at the party as late as possible.

kdzbear - Jordan will not sleep on the plane. We have a direct flight so it is only 2 1/2 hours. Thanks for the Safari last trip out thought - I will have to make sure I am on top of that. My plan for DHS was to go straight there and ride standby and get a FP. We need to plan for Beauty and the Beast but that is it. Thanks for the animation characters tips! I would love as much MNSSHP advice as you have - this is our first time! I was thinking about Kim Possible so I am so glad to see you mention it. I didn't know that DME tended to leave POP at the same time. Our flight out is at 2:50pm so I assume we would be on the 11:40am DME? I am not making a costume - just hopefully a dress out of princess fabric. I have had good luck with AmyMickeys t-shirt transfers - they are pricier than Michaels or Walmart but work really well.

Kristine - You are so sweet to even mention leaving Ash's customs for me! However, Jordan wears a size 6 and as of her doctor's appt on Monday was 43 3/4 inches tall in her bare feet (I hope with shoes she will make the 44 inch rides) and weighed 42 pounds so I don't think they will fit. You may be right about doing her hair myself - I may have to run over to Target over the weekend. Good point about Epcot being closer to Pop and less travel time. One more day until you are there!

Nancy - I have gotten good advice. I love the DIS! I am glad you are in the same sewing boat! My work and everything else has been crazy so I am just going to do my best. Definitely say hi if you see us and if you stick with my crazy PTR you will know where to look for us!

Jennifer - you were born in the 70's? shocking! Welcome aboard my crazy train! Since I leave in 9 days, this should be a pretty active PTR so feel free to join in on the fun!

 

[All7OfUs]

Good decisions so far. Now you should be packing, eh? and more questions?? How can we help??

 

[maroo]

Your plans all sound great!

I think you guys are going to have an awesome time!

Mary - I know how crazy life has been so thanks for even making it to my party. Iron-ons seem to like me a little better than they like you so I hope to be okay.

Oh that is so funny!

I have to say my last few sets have been MUCH better. I have 3 more sets to make tonight...so I hope I have the hang of it now!

I need to investigate details about AK PM-EMH and you are right I may not have as much time there as I think we will.

I think it totally depends on how you guys hit the ME. If you catch the bus as it is about to pull out and it goes straight to AKL - you are looking at closer to 30 minutes.

** Make sure you have your paperwork for the ME - because I heard you can bypass check in if you have your papers and go straight to the podium during certain times of the day. **

But it was closer to 1.5 hours for me...I waited 20 minutes on the bus before it left and it had THREE stops before mine in September. There were only 9 of us on the bus.

Then you have to check in...maybe get to your room and change. Unless you plan to go straight to the park, I think it will be closer to 5? But hopefully you will get there earlier!

DHS - our favorites are TSM, TOT, Beauty and the Beast show (Jordan's #1 priority in all of WDW - I know I have a weird kid). Halloween night I may see how the day goes and have a few plans and just wing it. BTW - you know you can hijack my thread any time especially to post photos of our adorable kids. Now put that popcorn away and get reading.

I am so glad I have permission to hijack! And I will keep my popcorn to myself. I just could not resist! Shame on me!

Beauty and the Beast show perfectly matches Jordan. She is so sweet and thoughtful and smart. Does not surprise me at all!