34 Days to go & Counting-Pre-Tripie

[Shazzie B]

Myself, DH, DS17 & DD15 return to WDW in 34 days (not that I'm counting!).

Back in 2008 we booked to go in Oct 2009 as I've always wanted to 'do' Halloween at WDW. We booked to go with 2 friends - very good friends who introduced us to WDW 8 years ago and gave us loads of advise; and lent us their Brit Guide before we discovered the DIS. To cut a long story short due to the collapse of TCD we re-booked to go at the end of August 2009 - as friends quite liked the thought of free DDP. This was fine by us as to be honest we thought it'd make the whole paying for meals as a group of 6 easier etc. I also thought we might sneak in on the 1st MNSSHP. Although we had a fantastic holiday and saw the Halloween decorations etc we were just too early for MNSSHP -1st one was day we flew back

So when we got back we booked for Oct 2010. As we are finding our family too big for one room at Disney now, which also meant going to AKL where they do bunk-beds for kids we decided to stay off-site - allowing us to afford to book two seperate rooms. Another factor in this decision was the fact that we still have 4 days on no expiration Disney tickets from several years ago - been staying on Disney last few years and buying new tickets to benefit from free DDP.

So the planning started; 4 days at Disney -one for each park-tickets inlude the 'extra' days for Waterparks & Disney Quest too. MNSSHP a must. IOA & Universal a must. As it was planned to be (probably) our last Orlando holiday with the kids we thought we go out to Kennedy Space Centre too - somewhere we've never been. Also decided to add in Busch Gardens & Aquatica too.

Plans now complete - will post later.

 

[2Tiggies]

I am looking forward to reading more. I really enjoy jumping in on the excitement of everyone's plans.

 

[Shazzie B]

With the help of Touring Plans.com I started planning which day where! DH also put 'Beyond Disney' in my Christamas stocking!! DD is horrified at the state of the book - cover is all curled up, because I've read it so much

We decided to do MNSSHP on Tuesday 19th Oct - hoping for a 'quiter' eveing midweek and not the week of Halloween - not sure if this will work or not - and now concerned it's only the 3rd day of our holiday and we'll still be slightly on 'UK' time. Anyway after a confusing conversation about how to get tickets - Wayneg has now kindly explained 'Will Call' - they're booked.

Also Virgin announced early entry for IOA WWoHP on your 1st or 2nd day, free parking & Breakfast - we aren't niave enough to not realise that this meant a 'welcome meeting' - we've been to once on our 1st visit and found pointless. So we decided to take advantage, especially as we'll be up early on our 1st day anyway. IOA 1st day then!

With the days decided we did a family vote on which 'Disney' meals we would like to do. We could all choose a meal each; the rest we'd eat off site from a cost and varity point of view.

DH Boma
Me & DD Crystal Palace (I can't not have a meal with Pooh)
DS Yak & Yeti (wanted to do last year but friends wern't keen)
4th Choice Ohana

Used the on-line booking for the 1st time this year - went really well and we got exactly what we wanted. Don't tell any-one but at the 180 day mark for Crystal Palace I had to leave a project meeting for an 'important call' at 11am I got away with it!

 

[Shazzie B]

After some adjustments - Touringplans.com introduced a new crowd report that give crowd level per park rather than general we ended up with this for the 1st week;

Sat 16th Oct
Leave home about 7am for Gatwick flight at 1pm - land 5pm local time
(Think this is the day you fly home 2 Tiggies-we'll leave the plane clean)

Sun 17th Oct IOA
Straight to Harry Potter World and then rest of park until we've had enough - back to hotel for swim & dinner probably Golden Corral.

Mon 18th Oct Seaworld
Manta, Kranken & then as we please. Dinner booked at Boma for 7pm

Tuesday 19th Oct Universal
Stay probably until about 1pm, back to hotel for a couple of hours the MK for 4pm for MNSSHP. Crystal Palace Booked for 6pm.

Weds 20th Oct Typhoon Lagoon
Late start!! and then Disney Quest if not too tired. DH & I normally leave kids there after about an hour and wander around Downtown Disney.

Thurs 21st Oct Animal Kingdom & Fantasmic
EE 1st and then Primeval Spin & Dinosaur, fast pass Safari for later. Lunch booked at Yak & yeti for 1pm. Leave at 5pm closing & head to HS for Fantasmic at 7:30pm - take 'snacks' for tea whilst waiting for it to start as I know we'll need to be up there early!

Fri 22nd Oct Epcot
Straight to Test Track, Mission Space & then Nemo & Friends. Also love Turtle Talk with Crush! Plan to spend all day here so snuck in another Disney meal at Garden Grill Stay until Illuminations - and then fight our way out


Now going to try & move thread to correct place - might need your help Mandy Mouse

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh thanks for the reminder. I need to check TP and see that none of the hours and predictions have changed since I last looked.

As soon as I have the house in order (it takes longer when you stop at your laptop on the way past it to check the threads ) and am going to get stuck into your plan and have a good read.

 

[fairytale]

We always do MNSSHP on a Tuesday evening and to say its perfect is an understatement. Always really low crowds, gorgeous temperatures, excellent character interaction, jee wizz I'm so jealous

Try booking an early evening meal in Magic Kingdom ie Crystal palace or LTT. This is what we always do. We book a table for say 4.30pm. Watch all the crowds leaving and by the time you've finished your meal the party will be getting close to starting and you can enjoy every single second from start to finish

 

[Shazzie B]

We always do MNSSHP on a Tuesday evening and to say its perfect is an understatement. Always really low crowds, gorgeous temperatures, excellent character interaction, jee wizz I'm so jealous

Try booking an early evening meal in Magic Kingdom ie Crystal palace or LTT. This is what we always do. We book a table for say 4.30pm. Watch all the crowds leaving and by the time you've finished your meal the party will be getting close to starting and you can enjoy every single second from start to finish

Thanks, think I might

 

[Shazzie B]

Oh thanks for the reminder. I need to check TP and see that none of the hours and predictions have changed since I last looked.

As soon as I have the house in order (it takes longer when you stop at your laptop on the way past it to check the threads ) and am going to get stuck into your plan and have a good read.

I'm trying to cook a roast (well DH been doing most of it)and also need to be ready to test the system change our IT bods have just introduced (Same one as the project planning meeting that I left to book dinner with Pooh-so hope it goes OK)

 

[2Tiggies]

We always do MNSSHP on a Tuesday evening and to say its perfect is an understatement. Always really low crowds, gorgeous temperatures, excellent character interaction, jee wizz I'm so jealous

Try booking an early evening meal in Magic Kingdom ie Crystal palace or LTT. This is what we always do. We book a table for say 4.30pm. Watch all the crowds leaving and by the time you've finished your meal the party will be getting close to starting and you can enjoy every single second from start to finish

I am being tempted by MNSSHP. DD has NEVER liked Halloween. When they do the parade and party at school I have to arrange for someone to go and fetch her at 1 pm before it starts. I just don't know that she will really enjoy it. However her favourite pastime is sitting with the Disney planning DVD and she loves watching the YouTube videos of Disney which of late include the Boo to You parade and Hallowishes. Then zippy99 posted pics of her kids with all their sugary loot and DD was smitten. It's not a case of her being afraid - she just doesn't like it and has always been an I-like-nice-things girl. Now I wonder if she might get enough out of the party with the meet and greets, parade, fireworks and trick or treating to justify just booking a party night. BTW, she doesn't know about this trip so I can't go and ask her.

Have you been before (to the party) ShazzieB?

 

[crabbie1]

Just paid the $5.95 to join this as have the unofficial guide.Excellent if it worksHope so,The dates I have planned for epcot are rated a 5.4 and a 2.1 so not too bad. Have people found this site and info reliable if so may change one around but considering the highest while we are there is epcot on the 5th oct they are really good. Printed 2 off. Thanks for the link.

 

[Shazzie B]

No never been to the MNSSHP before - we did the Verry Merry Christmas Party on 2004 - only I had the flu (it must have been Man flu as I caught it from DH!!!). We really enjoyed it - but don't really think we made the most of it (pre Dis days so didn't have so much info).

Perhaps you could ask your DD how she feels about it when you get there - as you're going early Oct you'll probably still be able to get tickets. As I said I've not been before but I'm sure it's a 'nice' Halloween party if you get what I mean. Over here it's all witches and 'scary' stuff. In America it's more any 'Fancy Dress', people dress as pricesses etc - now if you went to a Halloween party over here dressed as a Disney Princess you'd be laughed at.

DD, even at 15 isn't into the scary stuff either. We've planned a return trip in Oct 2012 (with the friends I mentioned earlier and their grown-up kids) and she's already said she won't be doing the Universal Scare Night - doesn't bother me - it doesn't appeal to me either. We've agreed a Girly night in (with friends wife too!). DS glad of the opportunity to go though!!!

 

[2Tiggies]

Just paid the $5.95 to join this as have the unofficial guide.Excellent if it worksHope so,The dates I have planned for epcot are rated a 5.4 and a 2.1 so not too bad. Have people found this site and info reliable if so may change one around but considering the highest while we are there is epcot on the 5th oct they are really good. Printed 2 off. Thanks for the link.

Very reliable, but a word of caution: Keep checking, especially just before you go. Disney has a habit of fiddling with park hours at the last minute and you can't rule out the possibility of it happening while you are there. Historically, early to mid October has had hours added to DHS on a few nights, usually because they have added another show. This is based on occupancy at the resorts or just as they see fit. Bottom line is that it will have an effect on the crowd calendar so you need to keep your eyes peeled.

 

[2Tiggies]

No never been to the MNSSHP before - we did the Verry Merry Christmas Party on 2004 - only I had the flu (it must have been Man flu as I caught it from DH!!!). We really enjoyed it - but don't really think we made the most of it (pre Dis days so didn't have so much info).

Perhaps you could ask your DD how she feels about it when you get there - as you're going early Oct you'll probably still be able to get tickets. As I said I've not been before but I'm sure it's a 'nice' Halloween party if you get what I mean. Over here it's all witches and 'scary' stuff. In America it's more any 'Fancy Dress', people dress as pricesses etc - now if you went to a Halloween party over here dressed as a Disney Princess you'd be laughed at.

DD, even at 15 isn't into the scary stuff either. We've planned a return trip in Oct 2012 (with the friends I mentioned earlier and their grown-up kids) and she's already said she won't be doing the Universal Scare Night - doesn't bother me - it doesn't appeal to me either. We've agreed a Girly night in (with friends wife too!). DS glad of the opportunity to go though!!!

Is your DD happy with the MNSSHP though? I know she is much older than mine but it sounds like they have a similar view on the creepy stuff. You made a good point about it not being the same as what we would do here with our kids, but then Halloween is a much bigger thing in the US so I don't know. I might wait until we get there. I did notice that the purchase price if you don't buy in advance is a bit more than it was last year so thought I might save some $$$ .... but then if she doesn't want to go they are wasted. Hmmm...

 

[Shazzie B]

Just paid the $5.95 to join this as have the unofficial guide.Excellent if it worksHope so,The dates I have planned for epcot are rated a 5.4 and a 2.1 so not too bad. Have people found this site and info reliable if so may change one around but considering the highest while we are there is epcot on the 5th oct they are really good. Printed 2 off. Thanks for the link.

I love that book!!! Yeah we've used it for last few years; think it has helped us (can't be 100% sure though). We ignored the advise once to go to a EMH in MK one eveing and it was packed - so we tend to stick to their advise now.

We don't use their full touring plans - as don't want to be too regimented, but follow the general advise and own common sense, large rides under belt 1st (at speed!) and then slow the pace, use fastpasses etc - leave when we've had enough etc.

You all packed yet? I'm struggling to resist the urge.

 

[2Tiggies]

Leave home about 7am for Gatwick flight at 1pm - land 5pm local time
(Think this is the day you fly home 2 Tiggies-we'll leave the plane clean)

I just saw that now. We are flying from Glasgow though so you can make as much mess as you like (just kidding).

 

[Shazzie B]

Is your DD happy with the MNSSHP though? I know she is much older than mine but it sounds like they have a similar view on the creepy stuff. You made a good point about it not being the same as what we would do here with our kids, but then Halloween is a much bigger thing in the US so I don't know. I might wait until we get there. I did notice that the purchase price if you don't buy in advance is a bit more than it was last year so thought I might save some $$$ .... but then if she doesn't want to go they are wasted. Hmmm...

Yes she's fine with it; quite keen to dress up as ghosts. She won't do Stitch, Bugs Life or any 'scary' 3D shows though such as Honey I shrunk the audience or Shrek 3D. Kids

 

[fairytale]

Sorry to hijack slighty but just a little reassurance to 2-Tiggies I cant stress enough how "happy, friendly, fun" the MNSSHP is.

Yes the characters are dressed in Halloween attire, but fun fancydress, ie Daisy Duck is usually a pumpkin if you get what I mean.

There are lots of sections of the park were they have dance areas were you get to dance with the characters. We danced with Pluto, Stitch and Goofy whom were all dressed as Spacemen, not scary at all.

All the rides operate as they do during the day, so no change there.

One of the added bonuses of the MNSSHP is the opportunities you get to see the "rare" characters. Snow White is always available with all the seven dwarfs, Cinderella and her Glass Coach House etc!!

We have 4 children DS8, DS7, DS4 and DD3 and they all 100% love the Party, please feel free to ask any questions?

The only thing I think may not appeal to your DD are the fireworks as I have always thought sinister music is far more scary than a ghostly character, but please make sure you do see the party fireworks, even if its from the Poly beach or somewhere else as they are fantastic

 

[Shazzie B]

Still not been given the nod to start the system testing they want me to do tonight - hope it's not too late. So here's the 2nd week.

Sat 23rd Oct Blizzard Beach
Think we'll be ready for a lazy day!

Magic Kingdom
Not quite sure yet for the plans for this one; 'Big' Rides 1st or Fantasy Land. We normally do 2 days in MK and do one one day and the other the next. As crowd Calander that day is 0.2 don't think it'll matter too much. Dinner booked at Ohanas for 7pm - I know the entertainment leaves a lot to be desiired but DS being 17 loves the endless food - and the pudding is to die for. Hopefully we'll avoid the singer

Mon 25th Oct Busch Gardens
Still not sorted this park plan either Montu 1st or Gwazi and then round to SheiKra? Plan to eat lunch at Pizza & Pasta buffett as reccomended by Wayneg. (Still Wayne Egg to me!) No offense intended Wayne.

Tues 26th Oct Disney Studios
Toy Story Mania 1st! Hope the queues are better than last 2 years. Naughty here - booked 6th Disney meal at Sci-Fi- Kids love it and nice cool mbreak as we'll be staying all day. Also hoping to persuade family not to do 1pm Motoe Stunt show - which we always seem to end up doing - don't know why the heat in that 'stadium' wipes me out for the rest of the day.

Weds 27th Oct Aquatica
Another lazy day; might see the dolphins on that slide this year We had a Cabana here last year and it was lovely - but expensive.

Thus 28th Oct Kennedy Space Centre
We haven't bought these tickets yet - as wanted kids to be definately sure they wanted to go before buying them. Now hoping to use purchase as a bargaining tool with Virgin Rep for WWoHP early entry tickets - as posted on here they might let us pick them up at the air-port if we purchase more tickets from them - will see if extra cost is worth it.

Fri 29th Oct Universal
Probably only spend part of the day here - depending on what we still need to do or want to re-do. If we leave early enough might stop for a look around Celebration-something else we still haven't done!

Sat 30th Oct IOA
Again, probably only spend part of the day here - depending on what we still need to do or want to re-do.

Sun Seaworld/ Aquatica & then Home
As we've got a late flight home 8:50pm current plan is to go to Seaworld and re-do Manta & Kraken and anything we missed, then go to Aquatica for a few hours - as we can have a nice shower there and get ready for flight home

 

[Shazzie B]

So now just for final touches;

Although we have kept a 'days count' since we booked at 60 days to go DD created a 'Mickey Calender' that is stuck on our pantry door. 60 Mickey heads on with numbers that we stick on an A4 sheet titled 'Number of Days to Go' next to a copy of our 'Touring Plan'. Rest of the family think we are mad!

My niece stopped me at work the other day and said 'Mum said to let you know that you need to fill an on-line form in now to get to America and from tomorrow it'll cost you'. The message I sent back was 'Did that 2 months ago - she doesn't know me very well does she - only been my sister for 44 years!' My niece, bless her obviously knows me better - as her answer was 'I told her you'd have done it weeks ago'.

Went to visit my Mum a couple of weeks ago and bought two lovely new trolly bags - pink. DH just rolled his eyes - he reckons we've got enough bags for the whole plane to use now - they were a bargain honest! Oh and free matching flight bag.

Anyway said bag is now 'packed' with all our toiletries and such like - to keep them in one place, I'll re-distripute across the 4 bags when I pack properly. I only really need to pack clothes now-DH insists it's still too early.

Next thing to do on to do list is sort the 3 cats Not too much of an issue - they stay at home (they can get into consevatory & utility room via magnetic cat-flaps) and girl next door likes earning extra pocket money looking after them. They're a real animal loving family, her Mum used to be a Vetinary Nurse - so I know they'll be well looked after and in safe hands if any emergencys occur.

All organised here - just starting to panic about work - things I need to finish before I go

Also keeping an eye on this web-site http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

 

[2Tiggies]

Clever idea about the shower at Aquatica. Nothing worse than feeling all hot and sticky all the way home!

You have quite a nice mix of onsite offsite activities too. I see you have a Tiggi-style jam packed itinerary. Are you an active type of family or does this schedule also involve a bit of splitting up here and there for those who prefer a bit more of a relaxed pace? I am always intrigued by how we all have our own ideas of what constitutes and ideal holiday.