A Dis Veteran and New Addict's WDW Vacation Jan .2009

[Nemo32]

Hi all

This will be my second PTR/TR. My first documented my May 2008 trip w/ my DBF, which can be found in my signature if you feel ever so inclined to read it.

So, my trip is in 23 days! It is very soon and very last minute to be starting a TR, but I figured I'd get a head start and acquainted with readers. We will be traveling from Jan. 10th-17th and staying at POP century w/ no DDP. I must admit- I'm a Dis snob as all of my previous trips were at DVC homes and always on the DDP. But we're on a budget- I don't care, as long as I'm in WDW.

So, the cast:

Me (Katie): I'm a Dis FANATIC. However, I am not impressed by Disney's latest creations, such as things like HSM...don't flame me! But I am true to the Dis classics and of course, my obsession centers around WDW. I love planning for it, even if it means planning for others. And like the rest of us on the Dis, my dream job would be to plan WDW vacations and spread the magic to others.

DBF (Joe): Joe was introduced as a 24 yr. old to WDW last May. Kinda sad he never experienced the Dis as a youngin'. And prior to our trip he thought I was CRAZY for my obsession and didn't understand all my planning. However, he is a changed man. He LOVES Disney and compares all to its wonders. He isn't as bad as me and didn't see this trip as a NECESSITY...just an option.

But I'll get more into the details of how our 2nd Dis trip within a year came into being in the next post.

Here's a pic of us on the monorail from our May 2008 trip:

So, I promise for LOTS of pictures, esp. with my brand new Nikon Coolpix S550 and an awesome, fun-filled TR! I also promise for easy navigation in my first post.

In the meantime, if you'd like to get to know us better, you can read my previous TR.

Next up...the story of how our trip came to be, thanks to the 4/3 deal and my persuasive techniques.

PTR
Page 1, Post 1: Introductions
Page 1, Post 4: Our Spontaneous Decision to go to WDW
Page 1, Post 6: Our Itinerary
Page 1, Post 11: 8 Days!!
Page 1, Post 12: Not to be Missed Attractions
Page 2, Post 22: 4 Days!!
Page 3, Post 42: Wdw Tomorrow!!

TR
Page 4, post 46: We're home!
Page 4, post 48: Day One - Jan. 10th - Arrival
Page 4, Post 55: Flaws in the Magic
Page 5, Post 63: Day Two - Jan. 11th - DHS
Page 5, Post 71: Day Two - Jan. 11th - DTD
Page 6, Post 78: Day Three - Jan. 12th - MK

 

[jjohnson]

I may get on the boards more now

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Thanks for letting me know you started your Pre-Trip.

I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Nemo32]

No readers? Maybe there's lurkers...

Well, so on my last trip to WDW in May DSM (Step-Mom) and my DSister decided we'd go to WDW together in Jan. '09. However, that fell through and then I was promised a trip with the whole family in Aug. '09, but that fell through also. After this the Free Dining in Dec. came out and I REALLY wanted to go for my birthday, but no one really wanted me in FL during my birthday...so, then I thought perhaps I could convince DBF to go in Jan. '09.

He didn't like the idea of going to WDW again so close to our last trip. BUT THEN the buy 4 nights, get 3 free deal came out and I was like OMG. I kept telling him this NEVER happens and we'd never be able to go to WDW for SOO cheap. I also left tantalizing videos in his e-mail, like of his favorite rides Dinosaur and Space Mt. Eventually I knew he was coming around when he started talking about our last trip and we finally decided to book the trip with only a little over a month to plan.

That alone was scary because I'm a plan-aholic. So, I quickly got on the phone w/ a Dis rep and made dining reservations and onto TGM for a crowd calendar (w/ the help of DSM).

Ok, so next time I'll give you the run down of my planned week and our ADRs...and at some point I'll have an hourly plan of what we do in the parks. Like I said, very organized.

I promise it'll get more entertaining!!

 

[jjohnson]

So....entertain us

 

[Nemo32]

Ok, so for the run down of our week...

Sat. Jan. 10th
Flight to MCO arriving around 7:15pm (was the cheapest flight)
DTD

Sun. Jan. 11th
DHS & EP

Mon. Jan. 12th
MK & EP

Tues. Jan 13th
DHS & MK

Wed. Jan. 14th
AK & AK

Thurs. Jan. 15th
EP & DHS

Fri. Jan. 16th
MK & MK

Sat. Jan. 17th
AK
Flight to LGA around 6:50pm

We also have a lunch booked at Chefs de France and dinner at Boma & O'Hana.

I've never tried Boma before, which is why I'm looking forward to it quite a bit. I'm also a little bummed about not getting to MK until the 3rd day of the trip, but with the way the crowd calendar and other things worked out that's just how it has to be. We also plan on attending all the nighttime shows and some parades (because what's Disney w/out some fireworks?).

Anywho...next time I'll have a list of 'not-to-be-missed' attractions, including some we skipped last trip.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Anywho...next time I'll have a list of 'not-to-be-missed' attractions, including some we skipped last trip.

I wonder what those could be?......

You did chefs de france last year right? or was it the other french one?

 

[Nemo32]

I wonder what those could be?......

You did chefs de france last year right? or was it the other french one?

Chefs de France and Le Cellier...Le Cellier was booked so we opted for Chefs.

 

[jjohnson]

no fans yet?

 

[Nemo32]

no fans yet?

Not yet...maybe its the title? As soon as I get a chance I'll be posting more.

 

[Nemo32]

I have 8 days until WDW...I'm not feeling the excitement though. I guess I'm still in shock that I'm going at all.

I'm also a little worried...there seems to be a stomach bug in WDW, and all over for that matter. Well, hopefully Joe and I will get through the week without being affected by this.

But 8 DAYS!!! I haven't made my daily itineraries yet or started gathering things to bring or re-checked park hours and all of those details.

Much to do...so LITTLE time!

 

[Nemo32]

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY I'LL BE GOING THROUGH LGA SECURITY!

Anyway, here's a list of what attractions/rides we will be seeing while in WDW.

MK

BTMR
Buzz
Toontown
Tiki Room
HM
IASW
JC
Monsters Inc.
Philharmagic
Tea Cups
Peter Pan
PoTC
Snow White
Space Mt.
TTA
Speedway
CoP
Carousel


EP

World Showcase
Innoventions
SE
Nemo
Turtle Talk
Soarin'
TT
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
M:S


AK

Dinosaur
EE
FotLK
Flights of Wonder (despite my fear of birds)
KS
Maharaja & Pangani


DHS

Great Movie Ride
Indiana
RnR
Star Tours
ToT
One Man's Dream

So, that's the list. I'm a little worried about weather in NY next Saturday. There are supposed to be snow showers, I just hope it doesn't delay our flight. And then there's the added fear of a supposed stomach bug in WDW. I've been researching and have found out that Purell and Lysol won't do the job on protecting us, we just have to steer clear of the ill, which is hard to do in a crowd.

Well, until next time...

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Loved reading your PTR!!

You must be getting so excited!!

 

[Nemo32]

Loved reading your PTR!!

You must be getting so excited!!

Thank you! I hope you continue to read. The excitement is building and this week I get to organize and make our daily itineraries, which is like a hobby for me.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I've been researching and have found out that Purell and Lysol won't do the job on protecting us

Okay tell me about this research....


Years ago when they had the "SARS" scare in Toronto everyone was wearing those face masks. I think I still have some. Do you want me to express post them to you?

 

[Nemo32]

Okay tell me about this research....


Years ago when they had the "SARS" scare in Toronto everyone was wearing those face masks. I think I still have some. Do you want me to express post them to you?

Supposedly that stuff only kills bacteria...and norovirus is, well a virus.

 

[jjohnson]

Okay tell me about this research....


Years ago when they had the "SARS" scare in Toronto everyone was wearing those face masks. I think I still have some. Do you want me to express post them to you?

 

[jjohnson]

Wow the weather is going to be almost perfect. I would love to go to Disney and not sweat for once.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USFL0372?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared

 

[jandj524]

Hi

Just read your "must rides"...I noticed that Toy Story Mania (DHS) wasn't on the list. If you like Buzz you have to try this ride...only...get there bright and early, fast passes run out quickly.

Have a great trip!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Wow the weather is going to be almost perfect. I would love to go to Disney and not sweat for once.

But it wouldn't really be disney if you didn't sweat.

I'm heading there in April and I'm actually thinking about packing some long pants. It just seems wrong somehow. Maybe I'll just take capri's instead.