A Girl's Trip Becomes So Much More! My Trip Report is Posted!! 6.8.11

[TinksThree]

So glad you went with option #2. I really want to see "One Man's Dream" this trip. Also, we have never been to Club Cool. Is that the place with the famous "Beverly" that puckers everyone's lips in all the pics??? I will definitely have to trick the kids into that for a candid photo shoot.
Yippeee! for your T-Rex ressies!!! I that place!!!

We love T-Rex! We went twice last year and DH said he wanted to return this year so I did not argue!!

One Man's Dream is very much worth checking out! I even recommend the movie they show. It is so nostalgic! Club Cool is where you can try the famous Beverly! I tricked my kids in 2009. The pictures are in my Spring Break 2009 post...it was priceless!!

 

[ksl5f123]

I thought option 2 was your best also. To get from DTD to DHS, I would take the bus to any of the Epcot resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin) and then either walk or take the friendship boat to DHS. Can you tell I like Disney boats? I keep suggesting you take them.

 

[TinksThree]

I thought option 2 was your best also. To get from DTD to DHS, I would take the bus to any of the Epcot resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin) and then either walk or take the friendship boat to DHS. Can you tell I like Disney boats? I keep suggesting you take them.

I liked option 2 best also. It is so nice to know others agree...just that confirmation that you aren't crazy!!

The bus to one of the resorts you listed was what I thought would be the best plan too. I love the Disney boats too! That is the main reason DH insists on POR/POFQ--the boats rides! I am trying to incorporate as many boat rides as possible in!! Speaking of which...I bet my next post you can help me with!!

 

[TinksThree]

I had a super-duper, awesome, award winning post all typed out and when I hit "Preview" it went 'bloop' so I am going to try and re-create my Day 6 Plans post. Oh the frustration!!!

Happy Good Friday everyone!! We are enjoying bright, sun shiny skies and 85 degree temps. Absolutely gorgeous weather!! Plus being off for the day and having internet again is an added bonus!! No internet has made it hard to update this PTR, respond to posts and keep up with the TRs and PTRs I have been following!!

Recap of past days:
Day 1: Travel Day--no changes
Day 2: Magic Kingdom and Crystal Palace--no changes
Day 3: Magic Kingdom and 1900 Park Fare--only changes involve the fact
that park hours have changed from 9am-11pm to 8am-12am so
more time to fit things in. Plus an earlier wake-up call!!
Day 4: Epcot, lunch at San Angel Inn and supper at Kouzzina's-no changes
Day 5: DHS, lunch at 50's Primetime Cafe, supper at T-Rex--went with
option 2

Day 6: May 31, 2011, Tuesday

Animal Kingdom will be our park of the day for Tuesday. This is listed as a BEST park and also 6.7 out of 10 on the crowd level chart. I have been monitoring Touring Plans and only very slight variations have occured so I am remaining hopeful that predictions will not take a turn for the worst!! ("Musts" in red)

8am: Pre-Park opening, breakfast at Tusker House!! We ate here last year and really enjoyed it!!

After we have finished eating we will head off for the wilds of Africa and hopefully catch sight of some of these guys:

Once we have rescued that poor Little Red on Kilimanjaro Safari, we will go in search of the gorillas at Pangani Forest Trails. And then it will be time to say adieu to Africa and bid a "hello" to Asia and

We will grab some Expedition Everest Fast Passes and if the wait time is not too long, jump in the stand-by line. Once we have those FPs in hand we will head off to teh land of the lost and go in search of that mean, loud and rough dino at Dinosaur!!

Originally this was not in the plan but Chris and Madison protested so much that it has been re-inserted!

After narrowly missing the meteor showers, we will gather ourselves back together and head off for the jungles of Mahajaro Jungle Trek to locate a few bats but more importantly....tigers!!

Then it will be off to Flights of Wonder (a first for all of us) and using those EE FPs!

Next stop: the Tree of Life and It's Tough To Be a Bug!

I love ITTBAB! I know others don't care for it too much but I love seeing this! I have just learned to slouch in my seat!!

We will wrap up our day at Animal Kingdom with Festival of the Lion King and maybe Kali River--this depends on wait time or if we can snag a FP. Last year the FP machine was down and we waited almost 2 hours in the scorching heat to ride. I was soaked but I am unsure if it was the line or the ride that got me worse!!

It will then be time to bid farewell to Animal Kingdom and we will head back to teh resort to freshen up before making our way to Ft Wilderness!!!

We have a 5pm reservation at Hoop de Doo Musical Revue. I cannot wait!! It is my first time here and I have friends who adore this dinner show!

So the plan is to ride the bus to MK and catch the BOAT to Ft Wilderness. Any strategy advise would be awesome!! After eating I hope to wander Ft Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge some before heading back to the resort to relax. I love Wilderness Lodge....well what I have seen on TRs and in pictures and it is on my "must" list to stay one day! I really want to see it with my own eyes!

Coming up: our final day plans.......

 

[mermaid764]

I hadn't seen you had started another PTR, but how exciting for you guys!

I loved following along on your last TR and will definitely be joining in on this one too

 

[TinksThree]

I hadn't seen you had started another PTR, but how exciting for you guys!

I loved following along on your last TR and will definitely be joining in on this one too

I am so glad you found me!! Welcome!!

 

[pinkxray]

I am so jealous of your 85 degree weather. I think we hit the high 40s today.
We went to the local zoo today and we had to wear our heavy coats. Seriously, it is almost May I hope it warms up soon.

I can't wait to hear what you think of HDDR. I added to our plans and took it off like 100 times. One of these days we are doing it!

 

[PixieMama]

I like ITTBAB, too!

I'm hoping for our next family trip we'll be able to stay at a Deluxe resort... and as of now, I've got my eye on the WL! It looks like such a fun place to stay.

 

[TinksThree]

I am so jealous of your 85 degree weather. I think we hit the high 40s today.
We went to the local zoo today and we had to wear our heavy coats. Seriously, it is almost May I hope it warms up soon.

I can't wait to hear what you think of HDDR. I added to our plans and took it off like 100 times. One of these days we are doing it!

The weather this year has been crazy! In February we went from 30 degrees one Friday to 75 the next, and it has been pretty much warm ever since. (Except a few cold snaps). Plus we have had tornados like crazy! I am not envious of your 40 degree weather...maybe we can blow some warm air your way!! On the bright side...very soon you will be in Orlando!!!

I hope HDDR lives up to my expectations!!

I like ITTBAB, too!

I'm hoping for our next family trip we'll be able to stay at a Deluxe resort... and as of now, I've got my eye on the WL! It looks like such a fun place to stay.

I am glad to know I am not alone about ITTBAB!!

I am crossing my fingers for a Deluxe stay on our next trip! WL looks like it would be so great to stay!!

 

[JenAusty]

Alrighty- I am finally all caught up! I really enjoyed all your pictures from past trips- so thank you for that!

My favorites were probably from San Angel Inn- We are going there this time and its our first time- I am super excited about it!

I will be excited to hear your reviews and your pics from Akershus.. I really want to go to this one but just can't fit it into our plans this time- since I have to make the plans fit everyone.... It's much easier when its just DH and I!

 

[mtgirl29]

Lovin' all the pics!!!
I have heard wonderful things about HDDR! Cannot wait to see how you liked it. ITTBAB is definitely one of my DD's favorites. She particularly loves the stink bugs....

 

[ksl5f123]

What a great day 6 plan! I think AK followed by HDDR will be perfect. I have wanted to try HDDR for a while too but DH always vetoes it. He doesn't ask for much so I always give in.

There are both boats and busses that only run between Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, so you should be able to catch one of those to go look over WL before or after your meal.

 

[TinksThree]

Alrighty- I am finally all caught up! I really enjoyed all your pictures from past trips- so thank you for that!

My favorites were probably from San Angel Inn- We are going there this time and its our first time- I am super excited about it!

I will be excited to hear your reviews and your pics from Akershus.. I really want to go to this one but just can't fit it into our plans this time- since I have to make the plans fit everyone.... It's much easier when its just DH and I!

I am so glad you enjoyed our past trips! It was so fun thinking back and writing those mini-TRs!!

I San Angel Inn!! I hope you enjoy it too! We decided not to go to Akershus and replaced it with Kouzzina's. I want to try Akershus so bad but felt I had too much "girl" stuff for the guys! It is on my "musts" for the next trip!

Lovin' all the pics!!!
I have heard wonderful things about HDDR! Cannot wait to see how you liked it. ITTBAB is definitely one of my DD's favorites. She particularly loves the stink bugs....

I like the stink bugs too!! I wonder what a psychological eval would say about that?? I am so excited for HDDR!!

What a great day 6 plan! I think AK followed by HDDR will be perfect. I have wanted to try HDDR for a while too but DH always vetoes it. He doesn't ask for much so I always give in.

There are both boats and busses that only run between Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, so you should be able to catch one of those to go look over WL before or after your meal.

The menu isn't exactly veggie friendly is it?! Maybe one day you can make it! That is great that they have transportation from WL to Ft Wilderness! Very good to know!! Thanks!

 

[TinksThree]

Yesterday was the best Mail Day in a while!! Why?? Well, I am sure most can guess!

WE GOT MICKEY MAIL!!!!!!

Not only did we get Mickey Mail but I also got an e-bay order! So it was a fun mail day....and surprisingly, no bills!! That made it an even better mail day!!

Just for fun the cover of our Mickey Mail:

and luggage tags...these are very cool!!!

And my e-bay purchases! These are for Pick-a-Pearl in the Japan Pavilion! They are so cool! We got the carriage last year for Madison. I bought another carriage cage for my mom:

And Madison elephants. when I saw this elephant cage, I knew I had to get it for her!!

And for added excitement...

30 days until we are at DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!
:

This past weekend was so beautiful here! Keith and I went to Vicksburg on a little Day Trip (plus our anniversary is tomorrow so it was a little "get away" as well!). A few pictures of our day for fun but also....does anyone else ever correlate things to Disney World even when not at Disney??

First up was the Vicksburg National Battlefield Park. We love coming here because it is not only beautiful but so peaceful! It is hard to believe more than 17,000 people lost their lives here over a 2 month period!!

Blue Skies above a monument...no Disney correlation, I think more Washington DC on this one! But just look at that blue sky!!

And I just have no way to draw a correlation between a Civil War Battlefield and Disney but here are a few pictures regardless!

The Cairo: a museum and reconstructed battleship (under the huge tent):

Tombstones of Union Soldiers:

Looking towards Louisiana over the Mississippi River (or this may be the Yazoo River, I get confused where they converge!)

Continued in next post.....

 

[TinksThree]

Continued.....

We then headed to Downtown Vicksburg and went to the Coca-Cola Museum. Can anyone draw the correlation here? For me it is 1) Club Cool-of course but also 2) the Boardwalk Resort--just something about the style of the buildings!

Tons of old Coke bottles in the restored Candy Store:

An old soda fountain and you can buy cokes here to drink while you tour the museum!!

I thought the process of making Coke was pretty cool!

And they had a huge collection of Coke memorabilia!

They also have a restored 1900 circa soda fountain--very pretty!

We left the museum and walked the hills---for Mississippi this is more like mountains! It is very steep!! We went down to Catfish Row and watched the kids play in the water fountain (Yes, it is that warm here!!). This made me think of the fountains at Epcot and all of the little water play areas!

Catfish is king in Mississippi (along with cotton and Elvis of course) so they have all of these catfish around with paintings....I just thought it was cool!

And the flood walls have awesome murals. This is just one of the murals. From what we understand, these flood walls are about to be tested!!

Finally we went to the Old Courthouse Museum (this building along with the homes in Vicksburg reminds me of our resort's sister--Port Orleans Riverside!! Plus we were riverside at the time!!

Jasmine in full bloom!!

We drove around a bit before dinner and I just thought this was a fun sight! (and makes me think DHS Sunset Blvd!)

Finally before leaving Vicksburg, we drove down by the river to watch the barges go under the bridge:

finally....me and my honey!!

So much fun! We are trying to come up with things to do on the weekends between now and the trip to make the time fly (as if it isn't already!)....oh how I love to travel and sightsee!!

So next up I will reveal our Day 7--Final Day plans!!

 

[TinksThree]

First off, this past Sudnay we went to my parent's for Easter lunch. While we were there, my mom "had" to show me her Disney box. I had given her a suggested packing list I have from another website---little did I realize she was going to take the list and RUN with it!! She has a box full of stuff! Needless to say, there is very little I will have to buy other than essentials! She has even bought items to make our own trailmix--so much that we will have trailmix all summer long!! I think it is super cool that she is so excited and enjoying her part in the planning and preperations!! She even has her clothing all lined out and ready to pack....maybe I now know where I get my planning gene from!!

Now on to PLANS!!

Recap:
Day 1: Thursday, May 26--Travel Day--unchanged
Day 2: Friday, May 27--Magic Kingdom and Crystal Palace (no changes)
Day 3: Saturday, May 28--Magic Kingdom and 1900 Park Fare (changes
only to hours which are now 8am-12am)
Day 4: Sunday, May 29--Epcot, San Angel Inn and Kouzzina (change only
in that British Invasion will not be there when we go...a
little sad in that since I enjoy them!
Day 5: Monday, May 30--DHS, 50's PTC and T-Rex/DHS PM EMH (no
changes)
Day 6: Tuesday, May 31--Animal Kingdom, Tusker House and HDDR (no
changes)

DAY 7--Wednesday, June 1--EPCOT

Epcot is on this day because 1) I have pretty much made it a tradition that we end our trip with Epcot--I know, I know most people end trips with Magic Kingdom but I just have a draw to Epcot that I cannot explain so Epcot ends our trips!! and 2) Touring Plans has this as a BEST Park and a crowd level of 4.1 out of 10.

This day is a lot more relaxed than our first planned Epcot day. It is a lot more wide open so I anticipate on not getting everything done on Sunday and some of it will be done on Wednesday. This is one reason I have it more relaxed! (Musts in red, again)

We will begin our day at Rope Drop at 9am! Then rides in the following order:
Soarin'--get Fast Passes
Living with the Land

The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk????
Journey into Imagination

Ride Soarin' using the FPs
head to Canada/view 'O Canada

England--eat lunch unless we ate at Sunshine
Seasons after Soarin'
--possibly attempt to see Alice and Mary Poppins

Back to Innovations if we want to explore anything here
Return to the resort to relax, swim, or just whatever!
Around 4:30pm be back at Epcot
5:10pm reservations at Les Chefs de France
After supper: explore France; find Belle??

Other Countries??

If we have time: the kids want to give Kim Possible a try. This may be in place of Innovations!

Canada: try and see Off Kilter--unless they decide to abandon us as well!
Spaceship Earth

Farewell! OR if we are tired on Sunday and do not see
Illuminations, try to stay for this
At resort I hope to hang out at the Scat Cat Club unless we are just super
drained!!

Oh why not....I will get the inevitable over with!!

DAY 8--Thursday, June 2--TRAVEL

I hope that we will have one CS credit left and if we are able to, we will go to the Polynesian Resort and get Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's. From what I can tell, the Tonga Toast is basically the same here just without a strawberry jam or something similar.

After we eat, maybe take a quick look around the Poly---I love this resort!! Then it is the long 11 hour drive home!

So there are our plans....Now I wonder---what will work out and what will have to be adjusted. I guess we will find out in 29 days!!!!!

 

[Moira222]

First off, this past Sudnay we went to my parent's for Easter lunch. While we were there, my mom "had" to show me her Disney box. I had given her a suggested packing list I have from another website---little did I realize she was going to take the list and RUN with it!! She has a box full of stuff! Needless to say, there is very little I will have to buy other than essentials! She has even bought items to make our own trailmix--so much that we will have trailmix all summer long!! I think it is super cool that she is so excited and enjoying her part in the planning and preperations!! She even has her clothing all lined out and ready to pack....maybe I now know where I get my planning gene from!!

Now on to PLANS!!

Recap:
Day 1: Thursday, May 26--Travel Day--unchanged
Day 2: Friday, May 27--Magic Kingdom and Crystal Palace (no changes)
Day 3: Saturday, May 28--Magic Kingdom and 1900 Park Fare (changes
only to hours which are now 8am-12am)
Day 4: Sunday, May 29--Epcot, San Angel Inn and Kouzzina (change only
in that British Invasion will not be there when we go...a
little sad in that since I enjoy them!
Day 5: Monday, May 30--DHS, 50's PTC and T-Rex/DHS PM EMH (no
changes)
Day 6: Tuesday, May 31--Animal Kingdom, Tusker House and HDDR (no
changes)

DAY 7--Wednesday, June 1--EPCOT

Epcot is on this day because 1) I have pretty much made it a tradition that we end our trip with Epcot--I know, I know most people end trips with Magic Kingdom but I just have a draw to Epcot that I cannot explain so Epcot ends our trips!! and 2) Touring Plans has this as a BEST Park and a crowd level of 4.1 out of 10.

This day is a lot more relaxed than our first planned Epcot day. It is a lot more wide open so I anticipate on not getting everything done on Sunday and some of it will be done on Wednesday. This is one reason I have it more relaxed! (Musts in red, again)

We will begin our day at Rope Drop at 9am! Then rides in the following order:
Soarin'--get Fast Passes
Living with the Land

The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk????
Journey into Imagination

Ride Soarin' using the FPs
head to Canada/view 'O Canada

England--eat lunch unless we ate at Sunshine
Seasons after Soarin'
--possibly attempt to see Alice and Mary Poppins

Back to Innovations if we want to explore anything here
Return to the resort to relax, swim, or just whatever!
Around 4:30pm be back at Epcot
5:10pm reservations at Les Chefs de France
After supper: explore France; find Belle??

Other Countries??

If we have time: the kids want to give Kim Possible a try. This may be in place of Innovations!

Canada: try and see Off Kilter--unless they decide to abandon us as well!
Spaceship Earth

Farewell! OR if we are tired on Sunday and do not see
Illuminations, try to stay for this
At resort I hope to hang out at the Scat Cat Club unless we are just super
drained!!

Oh why not....I will get the inevitable over with!!

DAY 8--Thursday, June 2--TRAVEL

I hope that we will have one CS credit left and if we are able to, we will go to the Polynesian Resort and get Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's. From what I can tell, the Tonga Toast is basically the same here just without a strawberry jam or something similar.

After we eat, maybe take a quick look around the Poly---I love this resort!! Then it is the long 11 hour drive home!

So there are our plans....Now I wonder---what will work out and what will have to be adjusted. I guess we will find out in 29 days!!!!!

I love that your mom is so excited and had so much of the "misc stuff" shopping done! awesome!

vicksburg looks beautiful! We've been to Gettysburg a few times. it is amazing and beautiful and solemn all at once, even to the kids.

your trip looks great!!

 

[TinksThree]

I love that your mom is so excited and had so much of the "misc stuff" shopping done! awesome!

vicksburg looks beautiful! We've been to Gettysburg a few times. it is amazing and beautiful and solemn all at once, even to the kids.

your trip looks great!!

Thanks! I can't believe it is getting so close! Two more days and we will be in our trip month!!!

Vicksburg is really nice. I think sometimes when you play tourist in your stomping grounds you learn and see things you wouldn't normally see!

I have a trip worked out for Gettysburg. That is a place I would really like to go.

 

[creativeamanda]

I love that you are ending your trip at Epcot! We usually end with Magic Kingdom, but sometimes I wish we were ending this trip at Epcot, since we are staying so close. I think your idea of trying the Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's is a great one! I have thought of hopping over there just to try it.

 

[ksl5f123]

Hooray for Mickey Mail!! That is always one of my favorite days!

Your trip to Vicksburg looked like fun. I didn't know there was a Coca-cola museum there. Have you been to the big one in Atlanta? I went about 20 years ago and would love to go back.

Your final day looks excellent! I that your mom has a Disney box! That is excellent. I am amused that she already has her clothes picked out.