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

[TinksThree]

I am taking a brief break from my hectic life to reveal Days 1 and 2! It has been so busy around here with soccer and work...I probably am one of the few moms that looks forward to summer so I can have a break from activities!!

So here is a break down of Day 1 (Thursday-May 26) and Day 2 (Friday-May 27). I make my plans around the Touring Guide. I bought this book for our 2009 trip and really felt like it helped our trip go smoothly. I roughly follow the Touring Plans and I definitely try to follow the parks to avoid or the best park. I think I am close enough now to reveal where we are going without giving out too much "unpaid" for info!

My biggest issue with my plans right now are whether to get Park Hoppers or not. I don't think we will decide until Day 2 when we are at MK. If we decide to hop to Epcot that night for PM EMH then we will invest. If we decide not to, then we will go with one park a day for the trip. This is due to there only being 3 1/2 days of the 6 that seem feasible to PH. If we reduce it to 2 1/2 days, I just don't think the extra $$$$ is worth it!

Day 1:

Day 1 will be mostly a travel day. I still must confirm our hotel...but I have been wishy-washy on where to stay/what to do so I have not nailed this bit down yet! It is an 11 hour drive and I hope to leave early AM...hopefully by 5am! With a stop at Cracker Barrel and a few more stops here or there, we should get to Orlando by 6pm. Check into the hotel and relax by either 1) swimming and/or going to DTD. Our last two trips began with us going to DTD and this has somehow formed in our brains as what really begins our Disney trips! If we go to DTD then we will eat at either Sandwich of Earl or Wolfgang Pucks (which I am leaning to if Keith has to fly down!). We ate at EOS last year and really liked it but I would like to try out WP since I have heard many good things about it!

Day 2

Day 2 is our first PARK DAY!!!! But first we must get checked in to the resort and pick up our tickets. So the plan is to go to POFQ and check-in (arrival around 8am). If all works to our advantage, we will leave the car parked and grab a bus to.......Magic Kingdom! Our goal is to be at MK by 9:30am so hopefully we can achieve this goal!

I chose MK for Friday because 1) it is a BEST park day and 2) the Crowd calendar gives it a 6.1 out of 10. This is a light attraction day. I tried to split our MK day up since Keith does not care for MK. Day 2 is geared towards rides he would not miss riding. I have Day 3 with rides that I either want him to experience because I feel he would enjoy them or else I know he liked it last year (like POTC). So this is my basic plan outline:

Arrive around 9:30am and make our way down Main Street (kids will
head to Space Mtn to grab a FP)
We will meet up at Winnie the Pooh and ride
Snow White's Scary Adventures (since this is going away, I want to
ride one last time)
It's A Small World--Madison hates this oen but my Mom says if you go
to WDW you must ride IASW, so Mom gets her choice!!
If our FP window is open, possibly get FPs for Peter Pan (depends on
return time)
Hall of Presidents-we have never done this so I want to give it at
least one shot. Plus, we may be ready for a nap if it isn't all that
great!!
Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
Crystal Palace Reservations at 1pm (if time is running short we will
move some of the above until after lunch)
Use the FP for Space Mtn and Peter Pan if possible
Only if time allows we may ride Mad Tea Party and the
Carousel and see the parade before heading back to the resort
Plan to be back at the resort around 5pm and go for a swim (if Keith flies, his
plane will land around 5:15pm). Around 7pm we will hop the boat to
DTD and look around a bit and maybe grab a bite to eat!

With Park Hopper option:
Above pretty much the same except leaving the park at 3:30pm (plan to
be by train station at parade time--this is not my first rodeo!)
swim and leave for Epcot around 6:15pm.
at Epcot take in: Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, Journey into
Imagination, Norway and Maelstrom, Illuminations, Mexico and Grand
Fiesta Tour and Test Track
Thing is, though, we hope to make Rope Drop at MK the next morning.....so I am really leaning towards not doing the PH....I do not want to be totally burned out before Day 3 even hits!!
Our "Musts" for Day 2 are:

Space Mountain

Snow White

It's a Small World

Hall of Presidents

And absorbing Main Street...oh, and also, we may check into the FPs for the new Meet and Greet for Mickey and the Princesses. I do not want to stand in a long line for a M&G but if FPs work okay time wise, I really would like to see their new "home"!

And in previewing this post....it looks like an Easter Egg!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Your plans so very similar to our's. Our first park day is the Magic Kingdom and it's on May 27th too! We used to buy park hoppers but stopped buying them several years ago when we booked the dining plan.

 

[PixieMama]

My family skipped the Hall of Presidents on our 1st trip (in fact, there was a LOT we skipped, either because our DDs were not old/tall enough or I thought they wouldn't enjoy it)... so the next trip, my DH was determined that we visit HofP. I figured it would be a good place to sit and relax... possibly take a nap, LOL! But I was pleasantly surprised and managed to stay awake the whole show!

 

[mtgirl29]

You are very lucky that you can arrive in Disney the same day you leave. We are leaving at 5am on Sat. May 28th and will stay over in Georgia and then leave early the next morning. We plan on arriving in Disney around noon on the 29th. Our trip will be about 15 hours.
My hubby wants to do HofP this trip, too! We missed it on the last two trips..... I hope the kiddos will be entertained? We did PH our first trip but did not our second trip. We aren't doing it this trip, either. It is a nice option, but makes for an even faster paced trip.
Your plans sound great, so far! Looking forward to reading more.

 

[TinksThree]

Your plans so very similar to our's. Our first park day is the Magic Kingdom and it's on May 27th too! We used to buy park hoppers but stopped buying them several years ago when we booked the dining plan.

How cool! Maybe we will see you there...I will have a blue backpack with Tinkerbell, which may look famililiar to you!! I am leaning towards not getting the Park Hopper. We had them two years ago and not last year. It seemed like we were running less without them. The only reason I really would liek them is for AM EMH before going to another park for the day.

My family skipped the Hall of Presidents on our 1st trip (in fact, there was a LOT we skipped, either because our DDs were not old/tall enough or I thought they wouldn't enjoy it)... so the next trip, my DH was determined that we visit HofP. I figured it would be a good place to sit and relax... possibly take a nap, LOL! But I was pleasantly surprised and managed to stay awake the whole show!

That is good to know! In 2009 it was closed for refurb and last year we just did not make it. We missed a lot at MK last year trying to fit that park into one day! We did go to American Adventure at Epcot last year and (surprisingly) enjoyed it so maybe we will discover HofP is a good break too! We do like history so I guess that is a plus!

You are very lucky that you can arrive in Disney the same day you leave. We are leaving at 5am on Sat. May 28th and will stay over in Georgia and then leave early the next morning. We plan on arriving in Disney around noon on the 29th. Our trip will be about 15 hours.
My hubby wants to do HofP this trip, too! We missed it on the last two trips..... I hope the kiddos will be entertained? We did PH our first trip but did not our second trip. We aren't doing it this trip, either. It is a nice option, but makes for an even faster paced trip.
Your plans sound great, so far! Looking forward to reading more.

Thanks! And, 15 hours! What a drive! We thought of driving to DC which would be 17 and would definitely require an overnight stay somewhere along the way!

I agree about the faster pace! I also think that we want to try to see more of what is offered outside the parks and PH may hinder that!

 

[TinksThree]

Today officially marks 50 days and we will be heading to Orlando!! Wow!! Time is flying by so quickly! In honor of our “50 Day Mark” I thought I would make a list of 50 Reasons I love Walt Disney World! I thought that was a lot but now I can think of so many more!

50 REASONS I LOVE WALT DISNEY WORLD
50. Getting up early and eagerly making the drive to Orlando
49. Waking at dawn and walking around the resort before the rest of
the “world” gets up
48. Seeing the 1st Toll Booth….crazy I know but it is a sign we are so
close!!
47. Seeing this:

46. finding our resort- the first view at a new resort is so exciting!!
45. riding the boat from POR/POFQ to DTD
44. eating at T-Rex—this has become a Disney staple (even if it isn’t a
Disney restaurant!)
43. shopping/looking at World of Disney! I never have enough money!
42. Ghiradelli’s—I love chocolate so need I say more??
41. The excitement that builds as you make your way to the first park
of the trip!
40. Rope Drops!!! Especially at Magic Kingdom!
39. Planning the trip and seeing your hard work come to fruition.
38. Entering the parks before it actually opens-- with early ADRs
37. The little surprises that await you around each corner
36. riding the monorail
35. character meals---better than standing in long lines for Meet and
Greets (especially with teens)!
34. riding the boats all around (Friendship boats and ferries)
33. the entertainment at World Showcase (Epcot)
32. continuing #33—exploring the cultures of each country in WS
31. finding a quiet place in Epcot to enjoy a cool drink and people watch
30. the details at Animal Kingdom---it simply amazes me!
29. eating popcorn on Main Street, waiting on the afternoon parade
28. Dole Whips, churros, pretzels…oh my! The snacks!! Yum!!
27. the nostalgia of Hollywood Studios….remembering all of those
classic movies!
26. That feeling that there isn’t a care in the world! You can be a “kid”
again!
25. relaxing by the pool mid-day with a good beverage at your side
24. finding Hidden Mickeys
23. Club Cool at Epcot—surprising people with the Beverly!
22. getting to ride inside that big silver ball!
21. trying to see how many animals we can find in the Tree of Life
20. tracking animals on Kilimanjaro Safari
19. seeing DiVine
18. watching the Disney channels in our room….over and over
17. It’s a Small World
16. being with the ones you love, having fun and making memories for a
lifetime
15. remembering your past trips as you pass certain
things/places/attractions
14. encountering friendly Cast Members who make you visit so special!
13. no time schedules….well except those pesky Rope Drops and
ADRS! But otherwise, do as we please!!
12. seeing Cinderella’s Castle—it never gets old!
11. the fireworks and nighttime parades
10. eating at Columbia Harbour House…2nd floor…window seat: quiet,
relaxing and observing the hot crowds of people---plus really good
food!
9. Woody and Buzz---Toy Story is my favorite movie!!
8. taking on the pirates at POTC
7. trying new restaurants and re-experiencing some of our old
favorites!
6. resort hopping (and dreaming!)
5. Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom
4. riding my Fave 5: Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Splash Mtn,
Haunted Mansion, and Space Mtn
3. Seeing Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Goofy and the rest of the
gang!
2. Hearing “Welcome Home!” and “Have a Magical Day”
1. There just is no other feeling like the one you get when you are at
Disney!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I was like you and first said, how's she going to name 50 things? But, after reading through your list, I found myself shaking my head "yes" to each and every thing.

 

[PixieMama]

Love the list! I agree with just about everything on it!

One thing I've never thought about is making an early ADR at a restaurant that inside the parks, so you can get in before everyone else! I may just have to keep that in mind when planning our next family trip.

 

[TinksThree]

I was like you and first said, how's she going to name 50 things? But, after reading through your list, I found myself shaking my head "yes" to each and every thing.

Once I started typing things out, it just flowed!!!

Love the list! I agree with just about everything on it!

One thing I've never thought about is making an early ADR at a restaurant that inside the parks, so you can get in before everyone else! I may just have to keep that in mind when planning our next family trip.

Each park has at least one restaurant with breakfast so you can get in pre-park opening. It is so awesome to walk through the park and it is virtually empty! You definitely need to give it a try sometime!!!

 

[PixieMama]

Each park has at least one restaurant with breakfast so you can get in pre-park opening. It is so awesome to walk through the park and it is virtually empty! You definitely need to give it a try sometime!!!

My family isn't big breakfast eaters, we're all good to go with just a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. We have done breakfast on our trips at Crystal Palace, but both times we chose to do a late breakfast... that way we don't necessarily need to stop for lunch (we could have an afternoon snack, if needed) and then we'd grab a QS dinner.

BUT... I really think I'm going to remember this for our next family trip (which will hopefully be in 2013). I'm already thinking about which park, LOL! MK would be good, since you'd be able to get pics of the castle without the crowd. I think AK would be a good choice, too. Of course, the trick will be getting the family to think this idea is as great as I think it is!

 

[TinksThree]

My family isn't big breakfast eaters, we're all good to go with just a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. We have done breakfast on our trips at Crystal Palace, but both times we chose to do a late breakfast... that way we don't necessarily need to stop for lunch (we could have an afternoon snack, if needed) and then we'd grab a QS dinner.

BUT... I really think I'm going to remember this for our next family trip (which will hopefully be in 2013). I'm already thinking about which park, LOL! MK would be good, since you'd be able to get pics of the castle without the crowd. I think AK would be a good choice, too. Of course, the trick will be getting the family to think this idea is as great as I think it is!

We are not big breakfast eaters either, so by doing an early ADR, we usually skip lunch (well we snack). We have done Animal Kingdom and it is really cool being there empty! MK is my next choice for early ADRs...probably the next trip!

 

[TinksThree]

Not a real update but i just had to say: WE ARE PAID IN FULL and do a little dancing!!!!!

Whew....that wore me out!!

 

[mtgirl29]

woohoo:

WHHOOOHHOO! CONGRATS! I am joining your dance party!!!!!

 

[TinksThree]

woohoo:

WHHOOOHHOO! CONGRATS! I am joining your dance party!!!!!

Woo-Hoo!!! We can party together!! Isn't it exciting how close we are getting?!?!?!?!

 

[PixieMama]

PIF, yay!

Isn't that a great feeling!

 

[ksl5f123]

I am a little behind on your PTR, but I wanted to join the dance party for being Paid in Full! It will be here before you know it now!

I enjoyed your list of 50 things. Numbers 2, 16, 30, 39, and 40 are my favorites!

Your first two day plans look great. Have you decided on the hoppers yet? If they are primarily for day 2, I would say skip it. You have a lot of great stuff planned at MK. As they say, "you can always add them when you get there if you need them."

 

[TinksThree]

PIF, yay!

Isn't that a great feeling!

It is such an awesome feeling!!

I am a little behind on your PTR, but I wanted to join the dance party for being Paid in Full! It will be here before you know it now!

I enjoyed your list of 50 things. Numbers 2, 16, 30, 39, and 40 are my favorites!

Your first two day plans look great. Have you decided on the hoppers yet? If they are primarily for day 2, I would say skip it. You have a lot of great stuff planned at MK. As they say, "you can always add them when you get there if you need them."

I am behind on almost all of the PTR/TRs I am following so I understand compeltely! Thanks for joining the party...now it is almost like I can close my eyes and see everything so clearly...it is feeling more "real"!!

Glad enjoyed my 50 things list! I am leaning towards not getting the PH but I am still leaving it a "wait and see" and then update on my TR! My problem with planning MK is I want to do it ALL!!!!

 

[TinksThree]

This weekend has been beautiful in south Mississippi...but HOT, especially for early April!! Which has me slightly concerned for our trip...if it is this hot now, just how bad will it be at the end of May!?!?!?! It isn't like I am expecting fabulous temps at the end of May but not the equator!! We may be fitting in lots of long water breaks!!

Recapping: Day 1--travel day with hopefully DTD in the evening
Day 2--Magic Kingdom and lunch at Crystal Palace; hopefully a
trip to DTD that night or Epcot if we choose Park
Hoppers

Now for our Day 3 Plans! Saturday, May 28, 2011

I hope that Touring Plans are correct in this being a BEST park day for Magic Kingdom! They also have the crowd level as 6.4 out of 10. I suppose this will be putting Touring Plans to the test! I guess maybe it is because Saturday is geberally a travel day? Anyhow, this is the choice made! Of course this also means that MK will be the first two days and then (unless we get PH) that is it! Also I understand Keith's dislike for this park and want to focus on the others later and we always end our visit with Epcot---odd, I know!!

So since Keith is planning (as of right now) on flying to Orlando on Friday afternoon, I made the attraction plans to revolve around when he would be at MK. This day will focus on things I believe he will enjoy or know he liked last year! So here is the plan:

Park Hours (as of today: 9am-11pm)

8:15am: be at MK for Rope Drop--I want a good viewing since I love Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom!

Rope Drop will send the kids in search of Fast Passes for Splash Mtn and we will queue up to ride Big Thunder Mountain stand-by.

From there we will enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise (1st for Keith), Country Bears (1st for all of us-well I saw it in the 80s but I can't really remember it so I am counting this as my 1st!), and Haunted Mansion.

Use our Splash Mtn fastpasses and then find lunch!!

Then we will head to Tomorrowland to enjoy: Buzz Lightyear, Carousel of Progress (1st for Keith), TTA (1st for all of us) and Monstor's Inc (another 1st).

Hopefully we will have time to return to the resort for some relaxing and swimming! Then it is to the Grand Floridean! We have 6pm reservations at 1900 Park Fare! I am so excited for this one since Mom loves Cinderella and the Wicked Stepsisters!!

After we eat we will ride the ferry to MK to enjoy the park until the night parade and fireworks! Then back to the resort!! This is a full day!!

This day we would not be using Park Hoppers even if we had them. And I am contemplating: do we drive to Grand Floridean or take the resort bus to MK and then the monorail. Is this even "legal"? I know other TRs I have read, "old-timers" are always driving to a resort to eat, go to the adjoining park and then leave via the resort/car all of the time! But the flames are really thrown on the Themepark board in regards to this....some of those people and those on the Community Board scare me!!!

So that brings me to the end of Day 3!

 

[PixieMama]

Day 3 sounds great!

I need to remember 1900PF for a future trip... never been there, but we met Lady Tremaine and the Step-sisters in the MK last year, and they were a hoot! While we were waiting our turn in line, I told DH he needed to go up with our DDs when it came their time... I was hoping for some funny interaction and the characters delivered! As DH and DDs approached, Lady Tremaine asked DH if he was "wealthy landowner"! Before DH could say anything, one if the sisters (can't remember which) noticed either DH's wedding ring or the "Happy Anniversary" pin he was wearing and wailed out, "Oh, Mother! He's not available!"

 

[PixieMama]

And I am contemplating: do we drive to Grand Floridean or take the resort bus to MK and then the monorail. Is this even "legal"? I know other TRs I have read, "old-timers" are always driving to a resort to eat, go to the adjoining park and then leave via the resort/car all of the time! But the flames are really thrown on the Themepark board in regards to this....some of those people and those on the Community Board scare me!!!

Do you mean you'd drive to the GF for your meal, then leave your car there while you take the monorail or bus back to MK? Then when it's time to leave the park for the day, you'd be able to get back to the GF and not have the hassle of all the park guests leaving the MK parking lot at the same time?

If so, I think I've read a few of the same threads as you, and yes they can get a bit It's a topic that can cause quite a debate. I personally wouldn't do it.

Now, leaving my car at MK and using the monorail or the resort bus to get to the GF (and then using the same to get back to MK)... I don't see anything wrong with this.