A February 2016 PTR: 1,000,000 Nos = 1 Yes (NEW 1/26)

[BillBrasky]

Hi.

So I'm gonna do this. You're gonna listen. Booking on Monday so we'll see the entire process unfold. Things will be revealed slowly. Lots of buildup and very little payoff, like the middle seasons of Lost.

So who is going?



Me. Casey, 33. Wife. Liz. 32. Kids? We're working on it, ok mom?

When are we going?

Saturday, February 13 to Thursday, February 18. Right in the teeth of Presidents' Day and February vacation, but Liz works in education so it's when we're free.

Stay tuned and you'll learn about our trip slowly with daily updates. You may also be privy to several other vacations that take place before February. Is one of them to Croatia? No. Why was that your first guess?

You'll also receive daily free life coaching, based on things I like right now. For today, no big surprise, but see Inside Out. In 3D. It was a revelation. And the preceding short, Lava, stole the show for me. It's tough to bring this man to tears without talking about dogs dying, or offering me free world class beer, but Lava almost did it.

 

[BillBrasky]

If judging solely by level of inebriation when posting, this thread is already improving considerably! We had a couple friends over and played Cards Against Humanity. You wouldn't like this game because it has bad words and underappreciates traditional family values. Friends' baby won.

Anyway, back to the story.

This nugget will be about how the trip came about, which explains the title of this report. Liz and I have visited the World together 4 times (2 full trips, and 2 quickies really). I had probably asked to go, half-jokingly, but always completely seriously, one million times. But Liz is the one responsible for being responsible, and has to say no. Much to my surprise, one morning last month I awoke to find Liz researching Caribbean getaways. I joined in and spent the morning starting to plan a trip for March of 2016, trying not to question her sudden wanderlust.

The plight of the hardworking Mexican.

That afternoon we saw Tomorrowland in the IMax theater and then happened to call my mom. We talked about getting together for Christmas of 2015, and more specifically, maybe going away for it. I.E. a cruise. This is still up in the air at best (my mom doesn't want to book a trip too far in advance, because she's afraid she may die before December. She's not sick. This is the gene pool I come from), but the idea of going to the Caribbean in December of 2015, along with a trip we already have in August of 2015, made a Caribbean trip in 2016 seem redundant. On the drive home, I caught Liz using her phone to look at WDW packages, and I pounced.

Appropos of nothing, here's me outside of Les Chefs de France with someone's sweet ride.

We emailed Liz's cousin, who works for Small World Vacations, and found out, of course, 2016 packages weren't available yet. Eager to lock this down, I decided we would figure out our dates and flights the next day. That night I had a nightmare that Liz changed her mind about going. I'm not kidding. In any case, we booked our flights via US Airways, Boston to Orlando the next day. The trip was on. The planning and anticipation has been non-stop for us both, but more on that later.
So anyway, feel free to ask me any questions you might have. Preferably not related to Disney or this trip. Just instead of googling, type it in here, and I'll give you the rundown. I'm an expert on WW1, statistics, the EPL, and utopian socialism.

 

[BillBrasky]

Today's post is about our previous trips, those cornerstone memories that created the obsession that draws us back yet again.

As a kid, I made many trips to the World with my parents and 3 older brothers. Obviously I loved it, but I guess somewhere along the way I forgot about it, or failed to realize that I could still have fun there as an adult. In the late 2000s my parents moved down to Florida, and when we went down to visit them for Thanksgiving of 2009, we decided to go to Disney together. Liz had been a couple of times as a kid, but didn't remember much. We were really rookies, and had no idea that we were starting an obsession.

On my first ride as an adult, Astro Orbiter. This ride continues to have a special significance for Liz and I, despite the fact it's PITA to wait for. Great for riding during the fireworks though. On this trip we stayed just 2 nights, at Port Orleans Riverside. We went to all 4 parks, got a taste, and got hooked. We scheduled a longer trip for January of 2011.

This was the trip where I discovered Drinking Around the World, and life has never been the same. We stayed at Pop Century for 6 nights and went hard. We were in the parks from open to close every day, and really experienced as much as we could. Again, we couldn't stay away, so next came March of 2012.

This was another 5 nights at Pop Century. We had a more laid-back approach this time, hitting the parks for rope drop, taking midday breaks for a nap or a swim, and then heading out for the night. As you may see in my signature, I attempted a TR for this one, but I gave up on it. After this, we focused on buying our first home, etc so another trip in the near future seemed doubtful. All 3 of our previous trips had involved visting my parents in Palm Beach and then driving up to Disney. As luck would have it, we went on a family reunion type vacation to Clearwater in July of 2014, and that gave us an excuse to sneak away for a day to go to Disney. We didn't stay overnight... just got up superearly, drove 2 hours up to Orlando, went to MK, then to Epcot, then back to MK, and then drove back to Clearwater late at night. It was stifling heat and a grueling day, but so worth it.

I think this may be our only photo from this trip. Sweating to death in line for Mad Tea Party. I sweat through 2 shirts and 2 hats that day. Never summer again. That gets us to today. The brink of June 22... hopefully booking day. Happy first booking day fellow 2016ers.

Have you seen Sportscenter's segment on Pete Frates (Ice Bucket Challenge guy and fellow Boston College alum) for Fathers' Day? Well if you want to cry, youtube it.

 

[disney-inspired]

I'm so in.
Also Cards against humanity, totally played last night and won. I am a horrible person.

 

[disney-inspired]

Look what I saw on the Disney World website

Woo!

 

[BillBrasky]

And indeed, as of 9:00 AM this morning we are officially booked!

We are staying at (drumroll) ...

POP CENTURY again!

Just can't beat the value. Strongly considered Art of Animation but for slightly less money we'll have a preferred room at Pop, which means close to the bus stop, which makes it more convenient when rushing DW out the door each morning. We have 6 day Park Hoppers and the Dining Plan. Price came out where I expected, so seemingly no huge room price increases for 2016.

Today is also 60 days until 180 days. So the countdown to Dining reservations is on. We've decided on a few must get reservations. One of them will be 'Ohana. Have never done it before and it really seems like something I'll enjoy, considering it's all you can eat meat, which was my nickname in college. I love the Poly, wish we could afford to stay there, but a dinner at 'Ohana preceded by drinks at Trader Sam's is good enough for me. Anybody have any experience with 'Ohana or Trader Sam's?

So this is what I've spent my morning thinking about rather than my job or my Wednesday night MBA statistics final. Priorities.

 

[disney-inspired]

And indeed, as of 9:00 AM this morning we are officially booked!

We are staying at (drumroll) ...

POP CENTURY again!

Just can't beat the value. Strongly considered Art of Animation but for slightly less money we'll have a preferred room at Pop, which means close to the bus stop, which makes it more convenient when rushing DW out the door each morning. We have 6 day Park Hoppers and the Dining Plan. Price came out where I expected, so seemingly no huge room price increases for 2016.

Today is also 60 days until 180 days. So the countdown to Dining reservations is on. We've decided on a few must get reservations. One of them will be 'Ohana. Have never done it before and it really seems like something I'll enjoy, considering it's all you can eat meat, which was my nickname in college. I love the Poly, wish we could afford to stay there, but a dinner at 'Ohana preceded by drinks at Trader Sam's is good enough for me. Anybody have any experience with 'Ohana or Trader Sam's?

So this is what I've spent my morning thinking about rather than my job or my Wednesday night MBA statistics final. Priorities.

Woo! Hooray for being officially booked!

I've been to 'Ohana for dinner and LOVED it. The service was great, food was hot and delicious and the atmosphere at the Poly is so relaxing. That's our first night's ADR.
I've only been to Trader Sam's over here in California but from what I've seen, it is REALLY cool.

 

[ANforever1030]

Following! I'm a fellow Cards Against Humanity player. We try to get a game going pretty much any time our friends get together. I'm beginning to follow EPL more, but I am primarily a Bundesliga fan. I'm glad to hear that you are booked.

 

[BillBrasky]

Boom! Gotta love this screen.

ANforever1030, nice job catching my scarf. Huge Palace fan, was a magical season for us. I haven't watched much Bundesliga but do pull for Bayern in the Champions League. One of Palace's big prospects, Egbo, signed with Gladbach today. Note: forgot I mentioned EPL and thought you had derived from seeing the scarf I was wearing in a photo. I can't keep track of my own posts.

Today's random nugget about our trip: it'll be our first time using Magical Express. We've never flown in to Orlando and gone straight to Disney before, it's always been driving up from south Florida after visiting mom. I'm illogically excited about the concept of not having to get our own luggage from the carousel, and just having it show up in our room. It's one of what should be many firsts on this trip.

Today's life coaching moment: check out the trailer for upcoming Netflix series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. If you haven't seen the original movie, do that. Epitomizes my idea of comedy.

 

[ANforever1030]

Very nice. I loved the movie. My DF, Andrea, actually went to a Championship match (QPR vs somebody) when she and a friend were in London last year. It was her first soccer match and she is now hooked. As for Bayern, they are my club, both in Champions League and in Bundesliga. Andrea sometimes gets frustrated with how much Bayern gear I actually own.

I was happy to see Palace do so well last year. I don't really have a club in EPL, but I follow a lot of the Americans and actually like seeing some of the less well known clubs, like CP do well. Plus, every time I hear the name it reminds me of Disney.

As for DME, we love it. It's so nice not to worry about luggage or driving from the airport. You just need to make sure anything you might need that first day is in a carry-on or with you. We're doing V&A's for our first night so I have to bring a jacket with me on the plane.

 

[BillBrasky]

Hey!

Almost forgot to post here today, but I've got a streak to maintain. Posting from the bar after finishing my MBA statistics final. Waiting for my wife to get out of the New Kids on the Block concert to head home. Half the men of Boston become single for a night when NKOTB has a show.

So what's the topic for today? Hmmmm... how about a couple new things I can't wait to experience on this trip.

So for one, there is 7DMT! Haven't done it. Have spoiled myself with videos aplenty. Kind of concerned about the space constraints on that ride? I'm a big guy. Hoping to be less big by February... I can lose weight very fast... And gain it back pretty quick too! Have heard horror stories. Either way, I'm sure I can make it work.

Even more pumped about... Harambe Market! Seems reminiscent of the outdoor food court style of Cars Land. Plus Dawa Bar. Really looking forward to an early afternoon in AK, leisurely enjoying Harambe on the way to a Kilimanjaro Fastpass. Ugh. Wish I was there. Can I take a sick day tomorrow, fly down, Disney it up, and be back without DW noticing that I was gone or blew a ton of money? Probably not, but it's a dream.

Tip your life coach: do you like craft beer? Cause I do. Right now enjoying a Stone Hi-Fi Low-Fi Mix Tape. An old style ale with forward malt flavors. Really nice beer. Gotta get up for work in the morning... but rumor is I'm going on vacation for a week Saturday! Where will it be? Will it be documented here? Does it violate any of the restraining orders? Only one way to find out, stick around!

 

[BillBrasky]

233 days to go!

Flower and Garden festival 2012 in Epcot, my favorite place. My heart belongs in World Showcase in general, but for today, I'm thinking about my top 3 Epcot attractions.

3- Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros. No joke. We love it. Part of it is simply being in the Mexico pavilion, which is awesome. The great thing about this ride is it has the perfect amount of cheesiness. It rides the fine line of delightful cultural stereotypes so well. We always find ourselves laughing on this one.

2- Soarin. It's pretty great. I hate the standby line and the lack of a "scene 1" but the smell of oranges and that moment where you think you're gonna get hit by the golf ball are perfect. Excited to see if they update this to a more global movie in a few years.

1- Spaceship Earth. The standard bearer of the old Epcot Center. Still MAGICAL. the descent could be better but this is still number 1 for me. Love burning Rome.

Tip your life coach: use as many emoticons as possible.

 

[huggybuff]

Hi! I'm back from DL and following.

 

[BillBrasky]

So we may be 231 days from home, but there is something to look forward to in the meantime.

Tomorrow morning, we'll be getting up and heading north to the White Mountains of New Hampshire! Tomorrow we're spending the day on the New Hampshire seacoast in Portsmouth, meeting up with DW's high school friend, and going to a brewery (or two). Then Sunday we'll continue the drive up to Jackson, NH, just outside of the tourist hub of North Conway. We're renting a place through VRBO for the week. It's one of our favorite areas to get away to... it's where we got engaged in April of 2009. Great place to go in any season.

Hopefully a little less snowy this time of year? The weather does like a little iffy. Largely in the 70s all week, lots of showers and clouds. Hoping we'll have at least a couple days where we can go swimming in some of the lakes and rivers.

So hopefully this will keep my mind off just how far away we are from Disney. It'll be a week filled with nature, good food, good beer, relaxation, and general summer vibes. We'll see if I manage to keep updating this while away. I know the world is sitting on the edge of its seat.

Tip your life coach and go ahead and get married to someone of the same gender, if that's what you're into, because that's all kosher now. It's a fantastic day for America. Love won hate zero.

 

[BillBrasky]

How about a mid vacation update to commemorate a huge milestone... 228 days until Disney! That's a round number, right?

So we drove up to New Hampshire Saturday morning and met up with DW's old high school friend, her husband, and 2 yo daughter in Portsmouth. Hung out at their house and checked out the city, etc. really good time. At the end of the day, we checked into a hotel we had booked for the night on Hotwire... The Days Inn Durham. Real 5 star place. For a while after showing up I thought DW might refuse to stay there. It was definitely more of the hotel you go to to do drugs, or get off the street for a while, but we made it through. Got up on Sunday and drove up to the beautiful White Mountains with a stop at a brewery in western Maine on the way and then checked into this great house we rented for the week.

Today we took a long drive, waded in the Swift River, visited Silver Cascade as seen below, had lunch at another brewery, grilled dinner back at the house and settled in for the Bachelorette.

Tomorrow should be our first really good weather day, so we'll be out in Mother Nature soaking it up.

Disney wise, I see they're closing the Magic of Disney Animation at DHS. One of the few things I've never done! Probably have avoided it due to my complete
lack of artistic talent. Sad to so many things taken out of that park with no definitive plans for the future in place yet. With that in mind, here's the 3 things I dislike the most about Disney's Hollywood Studios.

3- Dining. Specifically quick service. What an uninspiring lot. Backlot Express, Studios Catering, Fairfax Fare, etc... each of the other parks has a signature quick service experience... Be Our Guest, literally everything at Epcot, Flame Tree Barbeque. The best DHS can do is Starring Roles, which I like, but it's a niche player.

2- Lack of identity. What are you... Not a functioning studio, those days are long gone. Just an amalgam of Disney movie IP mashed together? This place really needs the full on California Adventure treatment to try to create some sort of consistent theme.

1- Layout! Am I the only one? Why is Sunset Strip a dead end? Why do the Streets of America lead to the forgotten Backlot Tour? I just feel like for a small park it's such a hassle to get from place to another, and there are always crazy crowd bottlenecks in Pixar Place and on Sunset Strip while other areas of the park are near deserted.

Ok, that's enough, but one piece of advice: life is too short to eat mediocre pizza.

 

[ANforever1030]

It looks like you are having a great time on your trip. That waterfall is gorgeous. I am so disappointed to hear about Magic of Disney Animation. I've never been; however my DF is very artistic -- she was an art major -- and loved it. She was excited that on this trip I was going to accompany her, since when she had been previously none of her family wanted to go.

I do agree though that DHS is in dire need of a change. I hear that it is coming, but I only hope it is fast enough. My favorite ride is at DHS (ToT), I enjoy the Indy stage show (I've been an extra twice), and I still enjoy Prime Time Diner for nostalgic reasons. However, it is becoming less and less enjoyable to visit each time. In fact, this next trip we've only scheduled it for a half day. We have hoppers, so we may go over there on a different day, but if not we aren't that concerned.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[BillBrasky]

How's your Tuesday?

 

[ANforever1030]

Makes me want to head up into the mountains here in Colorado.

 

[BillBrasky]

Had to head back to that spot to end the afternoon and take a dip. Cold but so worth it. Like a real life Wilderness Lodge pool.

 

[BillBrasky]

AN- DHS has totally become a half day park for us too. We have to get our turns on GMR, TSM, ST, and hopefully multiple on TOT and RnR. But you can only experience those so many times. Compare to Epcot. On a 5 night vacation, probably 50% of our time will be spent there despite its problems (really, Captain EO is coming back again?)