6 down, 1 to go: Completing my DVC mission! An April '13 PTR...TR LINK p. 16

[wdwgirl03]

So cute!!! That was a great idea that she had.

I know, I loved that idea. Can't wait to put the notebook to use.

Nice flashback on the 2006 trip!

Thank you!

Your trip is coming up so soon! It's exciting having it ahead of you even though it seems as if it's taking forever now. It's sad because we don't know when we'll be there the next time. April would've been a good week (haha, DISmeet #3?), but Howard's sister is getting married as is my brother around that time. His sister and my almost sister-in-law are also both in education, so that's why they chose times close to that week.

I can't wait to see all the pics you take while you're there!!!

BTW I'd love to stay updated with Emma's blog if you don't mind posting the link or sending it to me!

That is a bummer you don't know when you'll be going back but hey, you guys sure had a Disney-filled year and got to put your APs to good use. It would've been fun to meet in April again, haha! Maybe in 2014?

Oh, I'm sure I'll take a lot of pictures. So excited!

OK, I'm sure Emma would love to have another follower on her blog.

Really cute photo notebook. It is a really great idea for writing all your notes, that way you can keep doing TR's.

Thank you! I do love how it turned out.

I'm here!!!

How did I miss this!!!! I need to get my butt caught up with everything here!

I have PDD bad! I'll feel better once I can confirm my Nov dates later this month.

Hi Carey! Glad you found my new PTR!

Yes, it is always better once you have something booked.

Love the notebook, Sarah! That is such a creative idea! And I love how you have a picture from each park. Just seeing some of those photos when you're in a different park or in the room will make writing the notes that much more enjoyable.

Hi Timmy! Thank you! Yeah, I tried to find a nice picture from all of the parks so I'm glad you noticed that.

I'm here!!

Jealous of BLT!!!

Can't wait to follow along! I'd love to follow Emma's blog as I have lived her life and still continue to live it haha!!! Let me know!!!

Hi Megan!

haha, I'm jealous of your upcoming cruise!

OK, I'll get the link for you!

 

[khertz]

I noticed your name kept popping up in the comments on other TR's I'm reading, so I clicked the link for your April TR and just caught up reading the whole thing! You are your dad were serious commandos making it to so many 7 am EMH!! But I guess when you are visiting at a busy time, that is the best way to do it.

Anyway, I really enjoyed your TR (especially your KTTK recap, DH and I loved that tour!), so I figured I should join in for your next one! I can't believe it's already 2013, and your trip is right around the corner!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I noticed your name kept popping up in the comments on other TR's I'm reading, so I clicked the link for your April TR and just caught up reading the whole thing! You are your dad were serious commandos making it to so many 7 am EMH!! But I guess when you are visiting at a busy time, that is the best way to do it.

Anyway, I really enjoyed your TR (especially your KTTK recap, DH and I loved that tour!), so I figured I should join in for your next one! I can't believe it's already 2013, and your trip is right around the corner!

WOW, that's awesome you read my April TR! Yes, we really do love the early openings (7 am may sound crazy but it's the best!) and can't wait to do it again this trip. Thanks for joining in...so happy to have another reader. I see you have a TR going too so I'm going to join in on yours.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Happy Friday! 80 days until Disney World! It still feels a long way off but at the same time it feels like it's coming up fast. Though not as fast as Emma's move-in day. She and my parents leave SUNDAY and she checks in next Tuesday. Ahhh! I seriously don't know why I didn't do the College Program when I was in college. Anyway...

I was thinking about doing a game where people could try to guess what ADRs we made for our trip but have decided I'm not very creative when it comes to making up clues. Plus we don't have very many of them. So instead I'll just go ahead and share them with you.

If you've read my other TRs, you probably know that we are not ADR people. I know a lot of DISers love their ADRs but we've just never gotten all that crazy about them. I don't know, we just don't like having to have our meals dictate where we go on certain days. Plus, I'm a picky eater. So our family usually ends up sticking to the quick service places (and more often than not we will end up splitting things). For this trip we made two ADRs, which by our standards is a lot. One of them is an old favorite and the other will be a new experience for us!

Our first ADR is at the 50's Prime Time Café!!

We've eaten here a couple times and have always enjoyed it. It's been a few years since I was last there. I think Emma might've gone again during her last CP and that made me want to go back. The food is pretty good and you can't beat the theming! It's always entertaining when the CMs "yell" at people. So it'll be fun going back.

The second one is at a resort. Dad and I made a quick visit there on our trip last April. And where was that exactly?

Yes, we are going to go to the Hoop De Doo Revue!

I've heard good things about the show, so I'm looking forward to that. And the food sounds yummy too!

I'm pretty sure we made both of the ADRs for 3 people because Emma said she would like to go with us.

I know it might be lame we only have a couple but oh well. I can't wait for both of them!

Hope everyone has a good weekend! I will try to do another update with the next DVC flashback.

 

[pwdebbie]

I've got 11 ADRs for our next trip! But where and when we eat is very important for dh, so it's the least I can do.

We are trying 50's Prime Time for the first time this next trip. I only had two dates to choose from based on am EMH and the first date was his birthday. Since he didn't really enjoy the Whispering Canyon Cafe on our first trip, I decided that doing 50's on his birthday might not be a good idea, so we are doing it later in our trip.

We are also making our first visit to Fort Wilderness but we are going to Trail's End Breakfast on our anniversary. I'm trying to make that day a little more relaxed, so figuring a relaxing breakfast and then stroll around that area followed by a stroll over to WL and casually meandering there for a while would be a nice way to start the day instead of rushing to a park.

 

[khertz]

We never make a lot of ADR's either. Now we usually only do 2 character breakfasts and 1 or 2 lunches, and for us, that is a LOT! We are the same way, we'd rather just eat our food at a quick service and get on with our day. Our only exceptions to this are Via Napoli because it is soooo delicious, and Sci Fi because we just enjoy eating there. I am totally with you on ADR's! In the same way that we are an anomaly to them only making a few, I will never get scheduling three TS meals in a day. When do you do anything but eat?!

 

[jwwi]

Hi Sarah,
I like your choices for your ADR's! Prime Time is a must do for us, and we are like you. We plan very few ADR's, counter service dining is so much easier for our days. There are many good choices at PT. Let me know if you want some suggestions. Hoop De Doo is fun, esp if you have never been. I have only done it once but we had a really good time when we went. We did find the transportation a hassle when it was over. We had to get to OKW, in hindsight we should have just taken a cab. Not sure what time your ADR is though, that might make a difference.
Good luck to Emma, she is probably already on her way down. Can't wait to hear where she will be working, would love to read her blog if you don't mind sharing the info.
Just remembered that you will be staying at BLT, so your transportation should be great back to your resort! A perfect trip to try Hoop De Doo.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I've got 11 ADRs for our next trip! But where and when we eat is very important for dh, so it's the least I can do.

We are trying 50's Prime Time for the first time this next trip. I only had two dates to choose from based on am EMH and the first date was his birthday. Since he didn't really enjoy the Whispering Canyon Cafe on our first trip, I decided that doing 50's on his birthday might not be a good idea, so we are doing it later in our trip.

We are also making our first visit to Fort Wilderness but we are going to Trail's End Breakfast on our anniversary. I'm trying to make that day a little more relaxed, so figuring a relaxing breakfast and then stroll around that area followed by a stroll over to WL and casually meandering there for a while would be a nice way to start the day instead of rushing to a park.

Wow, 11 ADRs, I can't even imagine!

That's exciting you are trying the Prime Time for the first time. I hope you guys enjoy it!

I think your Fort Wilderness plan sounds great! Have you ever been to the Wilderness Lodge before? It is such a beautiful resort and it is definitely worth taking a stroll over there. There is so much more to do than just visit the parks.

We never make a lot of ADR's either. Now we usually only do 2 character breakfasts and 1 or 2 lunches, and for us, that is a LOT! We are the same way, we'd rather just eat our food at a quick service and get on with our day. Our only exceptions to this are Via Napoli because it is soooo delicious, and Sci Fi because we just enjoy eating there. I am totally with you on ADR's! In the same way that we are an anomaly to them only making a few, I will never get scheduling three TS meals in a day. When do you do anything but eat?!

Oooh, Via Napoli is so good! I've eaten there twice, once with my dad and once with my sister. And the Sci Fi is always fun too. I am glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about ADRs. I also don't see how you can do 3 sit down meals in a day. I am usually so stuffed after one!

Hi Sarah,
I like your choices for your ADR's! Prime Time is a must do for us, and we are like you. We plan very few ADR's, counter service dining is so much easier for our days. There are many good choices at PT. Let me know if you want some suggestions. Hoop De Doo is fun, esp if you have never been. I have only done it once but we had a really good time when we went. We did find the transportation a hassle when it was over. We had to get to OKW, in hindsight we should have just taken a cab. Not sure what time your ADR is though, that might make a difference.
Good luck to Emma, she is probably already on her way down. Can't wait to hear where she will be working, would love to read her blog if you don't mind sharing the info.
Just remembered that you will be staying at BLT, so your transportation should be great back to your resort! A perfect trip to try Hoop De Doo.

I agree, it is a lot easier with the QS places and atleast now we've discovered a few more that we never used to go to so we have some more variety. haha!

The couple times I've gone to Prime Time I've gotten the fried chicken but if you have any other recommendations let me know!

Yep, my parents and Emma left this morning around 9:30. Their flight should be leaving soon now. I will PM you the link to Emma's blog.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi everyone!

Well, as I mentioned in one of my replies, Emma and my parents are on their way down to Florida. They left for the airport around 9:30. Being the sap that I am, I of course started crying (like I did the last time she left for the CP...). Emma was fine though, probably because she's been ready to go back to Florida since she came home last January! Their flight should be leaving soon now. I told her to send me some pictures when they get there (and tomorrow when they're at the Magic Kingdom) so hopefully she'll do that. I will try to post a few "Emma updates" but I can also PM the link to her blog if anyone is interested.

Anyway, I can't wait to go down and visit in 78 days! So in honor of it being less than 80 days now, here's another DVC flashback!

DVC Flashback #2: December 2007/January 2008

This trip was actually the last trip we took as a whole family. We went for a few days after Christmas. I think the dates were Dec. 30-January 4...or something like that. Dad, Claire, and Emma stayed until the 5th, but I had to come home early because one of my good friends was getting married.

As usual, we were scheduled for another very early morning flight.

It turns out I should NOT have taken that picture. Right around the time we should have started boarding, one of the attendants made an announcement saying our flight was cancelled. Living in Wisconsin, it is always a little nervewracking traveling in the winter because you never know what the weather will be like. Well, there was no snow that day but a couple days before we had gotten a lot of snow and I think the flights were still screwed up from that. So the flight attendants have a mandatory 8-hour rest in between flights. We were told we would have to go back to ticketing to see if we could get on another flight later in the day. We rushed back downstairs to see what could be done. Obviously I was pretty upset because I had been looking forward to the trip and just wanted to get down there! Fortunately we were able to get on a flight in the evening. And since we live pretty close to the airport we were able to go back home instead of sitting around there all day. (As for that picture, I have decided I will never take pictures at our airport again because I'm afraid our flight will end up being cancelled again!)

However, there was one good thing that came out of all that trouble. We did end up getting some free flight vouchers, which allowed us to take a couple extra trips that we wouldn't have taken otherwise.

So, like I said we ended up coming home. I tried to take a nap (to make up for having to get up early for nothing) but was so disappointed and worried we wouldn't get out that it didn't really work.

Thankfully the later flight had no issues and we arrived in Orlando late in the evening. It took a while to get to the resort because the ME wasn't very busy. It was such a relief when we finally got to Saratoga Springs!!!

Aren't the decorations pretty?

Because it was the five of us, we stayed in a 2-bedroom villa which was really nice. By the time we got to our room it was probably close to midnight. Only 12 hours later than planned...We were originally planning on going to the Magic Kingdom for 7 AM opening. Dad asked us if we still wanted to go, which of course we did! We tried to get some sleep. We were also a little worried about our luggage not showing up because of the flight change but around 3 or 4 in the morning a CM brought it to our room. Emma and I were pretty excited at that point that we ended up watching some resort TV. Gotta love Stacey at 4 AM!

Just a couple hours later we were up again and on our way to the Magic Kingdom! It might sound crazy but it's such a busy time that it was still worth getting up that early to avoid the crowds.

We got our first glimpse of the castle dream lights. AMAZING!!!

We were able to do a few attractions and see the Christmas parade (yes, they did the Christmas parade in the afternoon...I actually think they did it twice a day) before heading out. This is what the park looked like after the parade:

Am I crazy for wanting to go again next year after Christmas? Maybe...

Other highlights from this trip were:

Staying in a 2-BR villa at Saratoga Springs
We were in Congress Park (our favorite section at SSR) and our room looked out over the marketplace.

Seeing the Christmas decorations
Really, nothing compares to Disney at Christmas. It may be crowded but seeing the parks and resorts all decked out for the holidays is amazing. This is partly why I really want to go back this December!

Lights of Winter at Epcot...so sad they don't do this anymore!

Osborne Lights!!!

Attending the Capital One Bowl in Orlando
My dad is a University of Michigan alum, so it was pretty cool that they happened to be playing in Orlando that year. Even better was they beat Florida!

After the game we went to the Magic Kingdom for Spectromagic and Wishes. Since we had our Michigan stuff on, a lot of people asked us about the game. We got a lot of congratulations from other SEC fans when they found out Michigan won. haha!

The weather
This isn't really a highlight, but if you notice in the above picture, we're all in jeans and sweatshirts/jackets. Our first park day was pretty nice but then it got really cold! We spent the rest of our trip dressed in warm clothes because it was in the 30s. Good thing we're from Wisconsin and had our mittens/gloves and everything! Of course the weather went back to normal after we got home.

Being in the Jingle Jungle Parade!!!
On our last full day, we went to the Animal Kingdom in the afternoon. We were planning on seeing Festival of the Lion King. While we were waiting in Camp Minnie Mickey, a CM started talking to us and then she asked if we wanted to ride in the parade! Of course we said yes! She told us to meet near the safari later on. We got to get dressed up in those vests and crazy hats (ours were Christmas trees). But the best part was we got to ride on the float with MICKEY!!! They gave us a disposable camera after they took our picture but sadly I don't think we ever got it developed. Otherwise I would have a picture of us. But here's a couple from the view on our float...

That was such a fun experience and a great way to end our trip. The only bad thing was we all had that song stuck in our heads afterward!

So even though it got off to a rough start, it turned out to be another good trip.

up next: Trip purchases!!!

 

[marDgreen88]

I like the flashbacks. WHAT ON EARTH is that picture of Epcot? Lights of Winter??? WHAT? That's so pretty!

I remember you mentioning before that yall got to be in the parade. So cool!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I like the flashbacks. WHAT ON EARTH is that picture of Epcot? Lights of Winter??? WHAT? That's so pretty!

I remember you mentioning before that yall got to be in the parade. So cool!

Glad you are enjoying the flashbacks. Yup, it was near the walkway to World Showcase. I don't know why they got rid of it. They should bring it back.

haha, I think I've mentioned being in the parade a lot. It was such a great memory!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Hey Sarah!! I'm joining in. Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

Holy sea of people! Don't you love getting to the parks early so you do everything you want to x 5? Aaron and I love leaving the parks around noon, when everyone else is flooding in. Is it sad I feel victorious when we're going against the flow!

Lights of Winter at Epcot...so sad they don't do this anymore!

I wish they still did this, too. It was SO pretty!!!

 

[wiigirl]

Very pretty pictures, brought back a few memories...

 

[Bridora]

I didn't know they had updated the Narnia experience with a Jack Sparrow themed one! We'll have to check that out when we go back. We never did see the Prince Caspian one.

You are really going to love that theme park view! I can't wait for your pictures. I'd love to follow along with Emma's blog! I wish I had done the college program, too!

 

[jwwi]

Loved the flashback pictures, esp the lights in Epcot. So much better than now. Don't get me wrong, Epcot still has some great Christmas decorations, but the lights were fantastic.
It must have seemed crazy to get up so early after your flight delay, but I am sure it was worth it.
I like the sampler dinner at PTC, a little of fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast. The caesar salad with chicken or fish is also good. I forgot to mention that Beaches and Cream has a new menu, there open faced beef sandwich is so good. No ADR needed.....

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hey Sarah!! I'm joining in. Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

Holy sea of people! Don't you love getting to the parks early so you do everything you want to x 5? Aaron and I love leaving the parks around noon, when everyone else is flooding in. Is it sad I feel victorious when we're going against the flow!

I wish they still did this, too. It was SO pretty!!!

Hey Kirsten! Welcome!

Oh, you know I love getting to the parks early to avoid the waits! I don't think it's sad at all. I think it's funny when people complain about busy times and not being able to do anything. Well, if you get there early you can!

I really wonder why they stopped putting that up.

Very pretty pictures, brought back a few memories...

Glad you enjoyed the pictures!

I didn't know they had updated the Narnia experience with a Jack Sparrow themed one! We'll have to check that out when we go back. We never did see the Prince Caspian one.

You are really going to love that theme park view! I can't wait for your pictures. I'd love to follow along with Emma's blog! I wish I had done the college program, too!

Yeah, I am pretty sure it opened up on the same day as new Fantasyland.

The theme park view is going to be AWESOME! Knowing Emma had such a good time and decided to go back again makes me regret not doing it even more. If only I could go back in time...

Loved the flashback pictures, esp the lights in Epcot. So much better than now. Don't get me wrong, Epcot still has some great Christmas decorations, but the lights were fantastic.
It must have seemed crazy to get up so early after your flight delay, but I am sure it was worth it.
I like the sampler dinner at PTC, a little of fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast. The caesar salad with chicken or fish is also good. I forgot to mention that Beaches and Cream has a new menu, there open faced beef sandwich is so good. No ADR needed.....

haha yes, it was. Atleast we still got there.

The sampler and salad sound good. I will have to keep that in mind when we go. Thanks for the info on Beaches and Cream too! I hope we can make it there this trip.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hello everyone!

76 days until our trip! YAY! I recently made a couple of trip-related purchases that I thought I'd share. Who doesn't love trip shopping?

The first thing I bought was a new pair of shoes! Has anyone seen those commercials for the Skechers GoWalk shoes? I thought they looked really cute and comfortable, not to mention they come in some fun colors. I decided to go over to Kohl's to see if they had any. Well, they only had boring colors but atleast I was able to try them on. All I can say is they were SO COMFORTABLE!!! I knew right then that I had to order a pair. I ended up getting these:

These are the GoRecovery style. I wore them the other day and did not want to take them off. Like I said, they're really comfortable and also lightweight. So they should be good for the parks.

My next purchase was of course another Vera Bradley bag! Seriously, I have a problem. I definitely didn't need a new one but the 2013 spring colors are so cute. I ended up getting the Clare in Jazzy Blooms:

I LOVE THIS COLOR!! Seriously, the picture does not do it justice. The background is gray and the colors (especially the pink and orange) are so bright. Mom said it seemed very Polynesian/tropical. The bag similar to the hipster in that it's a crossbody but it is a little bit wider, which I like since I have a bigger camera (though I am actually hoping to get a new camera before our trip...maybe as a birthday present to myself???).

Oh, and a quick Emma update: I have not heard much from my family but she did get checked in, went to casting, and is moved into her apartment. Hopefully I'll hear more tonight but it was an early day for her...Mom said they dropped her off at 5:45 this morning.

Hope everyone is having a good week so far!

 

[Nermel9]

Those shoes are really cute, I'll have to check them out, I'm always searching for a comfy park shoe!

I LOVE your new Vera, I'm really hoping I can get something in Plum Crazy before my trip...I don't want a hipster, since I have 3 now, I was hoping to get something I can use for a carry on bag on the plane, but they're all so expensive...maybe they'll have a sale in the next few weeks!

 

[pwdebbie]

About the shoes -- with or without socks of some sort?

 

[khertz]

Those shoes look great! I hadn't heard of them, but I might have to go check them out too. I'm looking for a shoe I can wear comfortably at work all day. And if they work for the parks too, even better!

The bag is adorable!