5 days on $1300!?! Help me plan! - a July 2011 PTR - updated 8/11 - link to TR!

[ksl5f123]

Okay, I am slowly catching up on everything! I am behind but I am going to give my 2 cents worth!

I don't mind if you are behind. I need all the help I can get!

DAY 1

I think it is so cool you are treating DD5 to BBB again! Considering that, I would go with Chef Mickey's for older DD! I had the Mickey ravioli there (not at the other places so I cannot compare) but it is good and as you mentioned...unlimited! Plus I love being able to see the characters and eat thus killing two birds with one stone! I hate waiting in lines to see any characters!

I appreciate everyone supporting my budget stretching treats! I am really leaning toward keeping the Chef Mickey's ADR.

I do not have a Visa Rewards Card so I cannot give an opinion on that buit what a cool idea the PP had about the Disney Gift Cards. You can buy those at home even. I wonder if you can apply the rewards card at local laces when purchasing the gift cards (like at a Walgreens)?

No, you couldn't use them at Walgreens. It has to be a Disney store.

Lunch: I personally would stay in the park and go to Cosmic Rays. I have discovered it is annoying trying to get out of the park for a short period of time. To me it is less stressful to just locate a cool place to sit and rest. Plus Cosmic Rays is close to Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, TTA and Carousel of Progress--great places to catch your breath and cool off some.

That is a good point. Cosmic Ray's isn't that expensive...

We have not been to Tom Sawyer Island although I always plan it we never make it over. I have seen soem extensive pictures on another TR and with the trees for shade, it could be a fun "get away" plus you are only obligated for the time you want to spend!

Oh good. I was really worried about the "shade" factor.

Oh, and the program that morning sounds super fun!!

I am really excited. I hope the girls like it.

Day 2

I have not done Fantasmic for one reason: those wait lines are INSANE!! I also avoid the park on Fantasmic days because the crowds seem to be INSANE. But saying that, I want to see Fantasmic and I would definitely go with the Mama Melrose package to accomplish it--even without Park Hoppers! So if you want to give it a try, I say go with DHS. It simply cannot be as bad as it was on Memorial Day!!

The issue is that *I* really want to see the show. The girls are pretty ambivalent. I still have to think about the crowd factor some more...

We carry Goldfish, Trailmix and peanut butter crackers with us and it seems to work well. Hint: we have hit Starring Rolls with minimum lines for cups of water. I don't know what July would be like though in terms of their business!

Trailmix is a good idea. I will do that for sure. I bet the lines will be pretty short in Starring Rolls. That is a GREAT tip!

And lastly, I never have to use a stroller but if I were taking my own, I would keep it in the car and return if I saw I needed it. Or else rent only if necessary. I don't think I would start out with a stroller until I knew it was needed though!

Can't wait for more!!

As the plans come together for these first 2 days, I don't see needing it too much. I know I don't want it during the TSMM dash. That would be crazy!

 

[ksl5f123]

I can't say that I've really had a bad experience with the Brazilian tour groups. They just stand out more as they travel in groups, usually dressed alike. There are rude and inconsiderate people all around, so I guess it's not fair to pick on them. Can't say I'm a fan of them though. I try not to let anything bother me in Disney!

I am not worried about the groups being rude so much as I am concerned with 50 people walking into the fastpass line right in front of me. They can chant as much as they want as long as they don't interrupt my touring plan.

 

[ksl5f123]

We will spend Wednesday, July 13 in the Magic Kingdom. We will plan to arrive for rope drop after having breakfast in the condo. Since the recent reports are that they have quit doing the dancing part of the Rapunzel meet and greet, we will probably skip it and do the Dumbo dash. DD5 loves Rapunzel, but giving up that prime touring time for a coloring page (with no purple crayon) and a quick photo isn't worth it to me.

We have a pretty standard plan for this day:
Dumbo
Peter Pan
Winnie the Pooh
tea cups
it's a small world
Aladdin
HELP! Maybe Tom Sawyer Island here if we didn't do it on Monday?
Get a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear
break
get a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear (yes, a 2nd one)
Monsters, Inc
Buzz x2 with fastpasses
Peoplemover
Carousel of Progress
MSEP
Wishes
finish any of the Tomorrowland stuff if we missed it before we needed to get our spot for MSEP.

Now we come to the dining options: HELP!
1) Columbia Harbour House – we love this place. It always feels dark and cool and the food is pretty good. If I share the chicken and fish basket with one of the girls and we get one additional kids meal it should cost us $14.25.
2) lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern – I like this place and DH doesn't so this one would be "because we can'. With my entree and two kids meals, we would spend about $40 (including tax and tip) to eat here.
3) The Plaza – for either lunch or supper. We have never eaten here, but the girls think it looks great! With a sandwich for me and 2 kids meals we would spend about $36.50 (including tax and tip).
4) Cosmic Rays if we didn't eat there on Monday – still costing about $16.
5) Bring our food. Again, this has the dilemma of what to pack that won't go bad in the heat, whether or not to get a locker, etc. But, I am completely open to this. It might even be nice to eat it on Tom Sawyer Island.
6) Eat in the condo. I can make an easy argument for eating supper in the condo. We would go back at about 1 PM, rest, enjoy the pool, get cleaned up and while the kids play I could make a simple supper. Then we could go back to the park. It is harder for me to argue for eating lunch in the condo. DD7 won't make it until 1 PM for lunch, so we would have to leave at 11 AM. I would prefer to stay a little longer. What do you think? Where would you choose?

Up next, Day 4!

 

[ksl5f123]

We have had a great week. The girls took swim lessons this week. DD5 will now put her face in the water voluntarily! DD7 learned how to turn her head to breathe while swimming freestyle so she can now swim a full lap without any help! I am really proud of her. She also managed to retrieve a dive ring from seven foot water and jump off of the high dive for the first time! I am so happy that they are swimming better because it will make it so much more relaxed for me alone at the pool with them.

Yesterday, DD7's Brownie troop went to the zoo. It was their reward for great cookie sales (there are 8 girls in the troop and they sold 1900 boxes!). We had highs in the upper 90's yesterday and I went along and carried both my camera bag and my Disney park bag with 2 bottles of water. We were at the zoo for about 2.5 hours and those bags were feeling really heavy by the end. I am going to have to pare down without a stroller to hang them on or Dh to hand them to.

I am almost done making the girls' clothes for the trip. I will post pictures when everything is finished.

 

[TinksThree]

I vote for Columbia Harbour House but then it is my favorite!! Plus if you can get out of there for $15 or less!

Your plan sounds doable to me...I have done it so I speak from experience!!

Awesome that DD5 is putting her face in the water! That can be a huge accomplishment! And, those bags tend to gain weight as the day goes along!!

 

[ksl5f123]

I vote for Columbia Harbour House but then it is my favorite!! Plus if you can get out of there for $15 or less!

thank you for your vote! I have crossed LTT and Cosmic Rays off of the list, so I am down to 3 choices: CHH, The Plaza, bring our own.

Your plan sounds doable to me...I have done it so I speak from experience!!

[Awesome that DD5 is putting her face in the water! That can be a huge accomplishment! And, those bags tend to gain weight as the day goes along!!

I am trying to get them as much swimming practice as possible so I won't worry so much being at the pool alone with them. They are doing awesome.

That bag was SOO heavy by 11:30. I am going to have to carry much less!

 

[ksl5f123]

FANTASMIC EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!!

OK, so, in case you haven't heard, Disney has announced that they are doing Fantasmic! every day in July! That should mean that Tuesday wouldn't have any higher crowds than Friday (neither day has EMH). So, now that the issue is only whether we spend the extra $$ and see the show or skip the show and no longer about the crowds in the park that day, would you keep the Mama Melrose ADR?

 

[cadek]

Personally, I hate to cook or prepare anything, any day of the week, let alone on vacation... so if I could get two CS meals instead of one meal at Mama Melrose, I'd go with that. I say that because I know you are trying to do this on a budget and have mentioned going back to the condo to eat or packing a lunch (but would have to keep it cold). I'd much rather do CS.

Of course if you want to do Fantasmic, then you'd want to keep the ADR.

 

[ksl5f123]

Personally, I hate to cook or prepare anything, any day of the week, let alone on vacation... so if I could get two CS meals instead of one meal at Mama Melrose, I'd go with that. I say that because I know you are trying to do this on a budget and have mentioned going back to the condo to eat or packing a lunch (but would have to keep it cold). I'd much rather do CS.

Of course if you want to do Fantasmic, then you'd want to keep the ADR.

There are so many factors to consider that my head just keeps spinning. I don't mind cooking. However, since it is vacation, we will do "convenience" food that I wouldn't allow at home (think Chef Boyardee )

I am now certain that we will do DHS on Tuesday and AK on Friday. The only uncertainty is now to do or skip Fantasmic!

 

[ksl5f123]

Thursday will be our Epcot day.

We will try to make rope drop, but not stress about it if we sleep in a little bit. As always, we will have breakfast in the condo.

Our touring goals for this day are (in random order):
- Soarin'
- Living with the Land
- Circle of Life (I don't know if we have ever seen this before, but the girls want to give it a go)
- Nemo HELP! Will we all fit in one clam?
- Turtle Talk
- Imagination
- Club cool
- Spaceship Earth HELP! Will we fit here? I know the screen only takes two pictures. Will DD7 need to ride alone?
- Take our time walking the World Showcase!

I really want to stop in each of the countries which is something we have never done before. Actually, despite having been to Epcot for a day in March 2011 and for 2.5 days in June 2010, we have never been in the Canada pavilion, never been to England, only got pastries and met Marie in France, haven't been to Morocco, only did pick a pearl in Japan, and only ate in Biergarten in Germany. There is so much more that I want to do! I really want to see Miyuki and the new Karamel shop. In general, I just want to go slowly, walk through the shops, and maybe see the movies. I also think the girls would really enjoy doing a Kim Possible mission or two which is another thing we have never done. HELP! How much time would you allow for doing this? We always run out of time, so I have no idea how much time to plan.

Now, for the meals: HELP! We have 3 options for lunch this day: 1) Sunshine Seasons. There is a lot of variety here. If I split a ½ chicken with one girl and get 1 kid's meal we would spend about $18. 2) Lunch at Rose & Crown. We have never eaten here and my vegetarian DH has NO interest in trying it. If we are ever going to give it a go, this is our chance. With a sandwich for me and 2 kids meals, we would spend about $37 with tax and tip. 3) Bring our food. Regardless of our lunch choice, we will eat supper in the condo on this day.

Up next, Day 5!

 

[cadek]

I'm not sure if you could all fit on those rides or not. I want to say yes, you probably will fit, or can find a way to squeeze in together.

I like Sunshine Seasons as a lunch option, or eating at Rose and Crown while you have the chance.

Each year we seem to do more and more in World Showcase, and yet there is still so much more to explore. We have never done the movies/shows, with two young boys, but in July, it might be a nice cool break!

We love the Kim Possible Missions! They can be time consuming, and we may get a little impatient with it at times, but it is a great way to explore more of each country as you follow the clues.

Karamel is on my must do list as well! I've always wanted to see Miyuki, and in January finally got to see her as we walked out of the store and she was just getting started. Had I been planning to see her, it probably wouldn't have worked out!

 

[TinksThree]

FANTASMIC EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!!

OK, so, in case you haven't heard, Disney has announced that they are doing Fantasmic! every day in July! That should mean that Tuesday wouldn't have any higher crowds than Friday (neither day has EMH). So, now that the issue is only whether we spend the extra $$ and see the show or skip the show and no longer about the crowds in the park that day, would you keep the Mama Melrose ADR?

I vote for you keeping the reservation and seeing Fantasmic. One: you want to see it and this may be a good opportunity! Two: I think the girls will enjoy it--well from what I have heard... And Three: the package deal will keep you from waiting in any lines...plus, it is your vacation too! I wish they offered Fantasmic more when we go because the crowd levels are why I skip it everytime!

About Epcot: First food...Sunshine Seasons is the best! I vote for it!

Nemo: all 3 should fit fine because in 2009 we had 3 people...me, DD 13 and DS 15 so surely you guys would fit. Spaceship Earth could be a tight squeeze. I think you may have to split up for that one...at least be prepared for it! And Circle of Life is mostly about conservation. It has the Lion King characters but we did it once and felt that was more than enough. However, your kids may love it!

As you know World Showcase is my favorite!! Definitely try and see the film in Canada. It is pretty cute and keeps your interest even if you do have to stand. I usually allow in my plans:
Mexico: 40 minutes
Norway: 25 minutes (not counting getting a FP for Maelstrom)
China: 30-40 minutes (40 if viewing the movie; and definitely see the
Tomb statues!)
Germany: 15-20 minutes (sorry Germany!)
Italy: 20-30 ,minutes (depending on the entertainment)
American Adventure: 45 min to an hour (if doign all of the show stuff)
Japan: 30 or so minutes
Morocco: 15-20 minutes
France: 20-35 minutes (movie is pretty good but also it is sit down
air conditioning!)
England: 20 minutes or so but we liked the new band so added more this
time
Canada: allow 14 minutes for movie; I usually put 15-30 minutes on my
plan

Sometimes I don't use near the allotted amount of time but fell more is better.



My comment posts have gotten so long...sorry!!

 

[pinkxray]

I am so excited they are going to have Fantasmic every day. I was thinking of skipping the package from now on since it will be every night.

You will fit in Nemo. Spaceship earth only has two, but it is 2 in front 2 in back, so you are sort of together. You could have the girls ride in front and you will still be with them, but behind them

We did Kim Possible. I forget how long it was though. Half hour maybe. Caitlin wasn't really into it, but it was one of our extremely hot days and I think walking around in the heat got to her. I want to try it again next time.

I would try Rose and Crown if you know your DH will never go there.

 

[ksl5f123]

I like Sunshine Seasons as a lunch option, or eating at Rose and Crown while you have the chance.

They both sound good to me. I need to just make a decision.

Each year we seem to do more and more in World Showcase, and yet there is still so much more to explore. We have never done the movies/shows, with two young boys, but in July, it might be a nice cool break!

That was my thinking too. We might need to cool off and so the movies and Canada and France would be some opportunities.

We love the Kim Possible Missions! They can be time consuming, and we may get a little impatient with it at times, but it is a great way to explore more of each country as you follow the clues.

I am glad to hear that. I really want to try one and I think my girls will like it.

Karamel is on my must do list as well! I've always wanted to see Miyuki, and in January finally got to see her as we walked out of the store and she was just getting started. Had I been planning to see her, it probably wouldn't have worked out!

That may have to be how I finally get to see her - just happen upon a show. We'll see.

 

[ksl5f123]

I vote for you keeping the reservation and seeing Fantasmic. One: you want to see it and this may be a good opportunity! Two: I think the girls will enjoy it--well from what I have heard... And Three: the package deal will keep you from waiting in any lines...plus, it is your vacation too! I wish they offered Fantasmic more when we go because the crowd levels are why I skip it everytime!

Thanks for the support. I still have the ADR and am leaning toward keeping it.

About Epcot: First food...Sunshine Seasons is the best! I vote for it!

The meal I had there last June was OK, but not great. Maybe I just need to choose different side dishes...

Nemo: all 3 should fit fine because in 2009 we had 3 people...me, DD 13 and DS 15 so surely you guys would fit. Spaceship Earth could be a tight squeeze. I think you may have to split up for that one...at least be prepared for it! And Circle of Life is mostly about conservation. It has the Lion King characters but we did it once and felt that was more than enough. However, your kids may love it!

Excellent! I am glad to hear that you all fit in Nemo. I am really not interested in the Circle of Life, but it is the girls' trip too so I have to give a little.

As you know World Showcase is my favorite!! Definitely try and see the film in Canada. It is pretty cute and keeps your interest even if you do have to stand. I usually allow in my plans:
Mexico: 40 minutes
Norway: 25 minutes (not counting getting a FP for Maelstrom)
China: 30-40 minutes (40 if viewing the movie; and definitely see the
Tomb statues!)
Germany: 15-20 minutes (sorry Germany!)
Italy: 20-30 ,minutes (depending on the entertainment)
American Adventure: 45 min to an hour (if doign all of the show stuff)
Japan: 30 or so minutes
Morocco: 15-20 minutes
France: 20-35 minutes (movie is pretty good but also it is sit down
air conditioning!)
England: 20 minutes or so but we liked the new band so added more this
time
Canada: allow 14 minutes for movie; I usually put 15-30 minutes on my
plan

Sometimes I don't use near the allotted amount of time but fell more is better.

So, basically I need 4.5 hours just for the World Showcase. Hmmm. The girls may not make it that long. Maybe if we skip lunch and snack around the WS they would last longer.

My comment posts have gotten so long...sorry!!

Don't apologize! I really do need the advice. It feels like a whole new destination planning for 3 rather than 7 or 9 people.

 

[ksl5f123]

I am so excited they are going to have Fantasmic every day. I was thinking of skipping the package from now on since it will be every night.

I hope that it means that over time the crowds will spread out. I just don't think that will happen in 3 weeks. So, if we are going to go, I am keeping the package.

You will fit in Nemo. Spaceship earth only has two, but it is 2 in front 2 in back, so you are sort of together. You could have the girls ride in front and you will still be with them, but behind them

Excellent! Thanks! DD7 could technically ride alone, but I know she won't want to.

We did Kim Possible. I forget how long it was though. Half hour maybe. Caitlin wasn't really into it, but it was one of our extremely hot days and I think walking around in the heat got to her. I want to try it again next time.

I am hoping the girls will work together (rather than fight over the controller) and that will make it more of a game. This may be wishful thinking...

I would try Rose and Crown if you know your DH will never go there.

OK, so we have 2 votes for Sunshine Seasons and 2 for Rose and Crown. Ya'll are going to make me make my own decision, aren't you?

 

[ksl5f123]

Friday will be our Animal Kingdom day.

We will eat breakfast, check out of our condo and head to Animal Kingdom. We will try to make rope drop, but it isn't that important.

Our touring goals for this day are (in random order):
- Safari

- Kali River Rapids

- Triceratops Spin

- Flights of Wonder – the girls' choice

- Festival of the Lion King – my choice

and either Maharajah jungle trek or Pangani forest trail – it is still being debated – the girls want Pangani and I want Maharajah. I like these guys:

We will try very hard to leave the park by 1 PM! I find AK in the summer to be intolerable in the afternoon. We WILL leave by 1 PM.

Our dining options will be very limited this day. HELP! We will either 1) bring our food or 2) eat at Flame Tree BBQ. Again, I would share the ½ chicken with one of the girls and get another kid's meal. I know it seems like a lot of chicken being proposed in our plans, but since DH is a vegetarian, we don't eat it at home. Chicken is a treat for us! This should cost us about $15.50.

We will then drive to Vero Beach where we will spend the next week at MIL and FIL's condo.

Up next, Disney clothes!

 

[stayhomemom77]

Okay, so I think you should bring the stroller.

You can bring your drinks, trail mix, cereal bars, granola bars (not the choc coated ones though), carrot sticks, grapes, dry cereal (cheerios etc) and fruit snacks to tide DD7 (and the rest of you) over between meals. Popcorn from the treat carts is also a good filler but I don't know if you can use your rewards card for that. Anyway, with a stroller and a soft cooler you can have these items ready at hand for when they are necessary. (Chips, cheesies and cookies also stand up to the heat fairly well if healthiness isn't an issue.)

When we don't do the dining plan (and sometimes even when we do) I bring all manner of treats with me into the parks and most of the time...we never even touched them. The exception was of course our beverages...we ALWAYS drank those.

Personally, I would book Mama Melrose and Rose and Crown FOR SURE and if feasible financially, I'd squeeze in the Plaza as well. If you can go TS for the in park meals and save money by doing most dinners at the hotel, that's the route I'd go.

 

[TinksThree]

So, basically I need 4.5 hours just for the World Showcase. Hmmm. The girls may not make it that long. Maybe if we skip lunch and snack around the WS they would last longer.

Well, that is how I break it down but I also have teens that are much more interested (and tolerable!) than younger children! So maybe you can tweak it some??

I think the plans for AK by 1pm are very doable!! I agree that it can get so warm there! I have (unfortunately) not eaten at Flametree since my family discovered Pizzafari and usually sticks to what they know they like...unless I prompt them elsewhere!! Maybe I need to do some prompting because I hear Flametree is very good!

 

[ksl5f123]

Only 13 days until we are there!!!!!!!!!!!! I am both very excited and a little stressed. There is still so much to do to get ready.

However, all of the girls' outfits are finished!!!!

Now, you all have to be kind to me. Not only are these the only first skirts I have made for the girls, they are the first skirts I have made EVER! Also, please excuse the fuzzy pictures - the camera was in the wrong setting.

Alright - on to the fashion show:

Day 1 - Magic Kingdom: This will be a reprise of the princess pillowcase dress that I made for DD7 for our March trip and the debut of the Rapunzel pillowcase dress that I made for DD5

Day 2 - Hollywood Studios: We are reusing our Toy Story shirts from our March trip, but have added new skirts:

Day 3 - Magic Kingdom: Brand new Ariel outfits

Day 4 - Epcot - Brand new princess outfits - I wasn't finished with DD7's outfit when I took this picture. It looks the same as DD5's except DD7's shirt is the same pale pink color as the bottom of the skirt.

Day 5 - Animal Kingdom: Brand new Bambi outfits