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

[ksl5f123]

Oooohh! Can I recommend that you take the bus to MK and then ride the boat to GF? It is so much fun to take that boat across Bay lake and is very relaxing and usually isn't very crowded either.

 

[TinksThree]

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!"

I have heard they are hysterical! I really hope we get a good "show" from them!!

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.

That is what I meant. We use Disney transportation for a reason-to avoid driving, and the only reason I contemplated this is because Keith does not like the fireworks. I figured it would be easier to drive to GF, eat and him drive back to the resort. However, my concern is if he decides to hang with us after we have driven then our car is parked at GF. It would not be to "beat the crowds"

There are several topics people are quiet passionate about. Sometimes I read them just to get a good laugh and other times I want to reply as the devil's advocate (whether I agree or not) just for fun....but I do not want my name tied to that!

Oooohh! Can I recommend that you take the bus to MK and then ride the boat to GF? It is so much fun to take that boat across Bay lake and is very relaxing and usually isn't very crowded either.

The boat is the best!! I am trying to find as many boat rides as possible this trip! We will definitely take it to MK after dinner! If we go on the bus, we may do the monorail to GF.....just because that may be the only time we get the chance and Madison loves riding the monorail through Contemporary Resort!

 

[JenAusty]

I'm here and I'll try to catch up in the next few days!

 

[creativeamanda]

First of all, Congratulations on being paid in full. I hope to be there on Friday!

I like your plans for the day 3. The only concern I have about you parking at the Grand Floridian, is that there are cases where people who do that end up getting their car towed. It's easy to take the resort monorail around and have your car at the TTC. I might would do that.

If you valet park, though, you can leave your car there all day.

 

[TinksThree]

I'm here and I'll try to catch up in the next few days!

Glad you are here!! YAY!!!

First of all, Congratulations on being paid in full. I hope to be there on Friday!

I like your plans for the day 3. The only concern I have about you parking at the Grand Floridian, is that there are cases where people who do that end up getting their car towed. It's easy to take the resort monorail around and have your car at the TTC. I might would do that.

If you valet park, though, you can leave your car there all day.

Good luck on Friday!!

Well, if there is a chance of getting towed...I will simply make Keith ride the bus back alone if he decides he doesn't want to hang out with us at MK for the parade and fireworks! I was looking out for him but I don't look out for him that much!!! He is a big boy and can handle....I think!

 

[TinksThree]

I'm here and I'll try to catch up in the next few days!

Welcome!! glad you are here!!

First of all, Congratulations on being paid in full. I hope to be there on Friday!

I like your plans for the day 3. The only concern I have about you parking at the Grand Floridian, is that there are cases where people who do that end up getting their car towed. It's easy to take the resort monorail around and have your car at the TTC. I might would do that.

If you valet park, though, you can leave your car there all day.

Good luck on Friday!!

Well, if there is a chance of getting towed...Keith can ride the bus back to the resort alone if he chooses not to hang out with us at MK for the parade and fireworks! I was trying to look out for him but I draw the line at somethings! He is a big boy and can handle it.... I think!! I totally understand why they enforce that because some people would really take advantage of the parking!

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

Wow, your plans are really coming together! And may I say I just loved reading your 50 list! This will be my first trip paying any attention to a crowd calendar....I hope they're accurate too. But I'll let you know after my trip!

And IMO, you DEFINITELY need to take the monorail at some point in your trip, might as well be to GF! But this is coming from someone who just loves the monorail. We'll probably be in the same situation as you one night. We'll probably take the boat to 1900PF then take the Monorail back to MK after dinner.

 

[TinksThree]

Wow, your plans are really coming together! And may I say I just loved reading your 50 list! This will be my first trip paying any attention to a crowd calendar....I hope they're accurate too. But I'll let you know after my trip!

And IMO, you DEFINITELY need to take the monorail at some point in your trip, might as well be to GF! But this is coming from someone who just loves the monorail. We'll probably be in the same situation as you one night. We'll probably take the boat to 1900PF then take the Monorail back to MK after dinner.

So happy you enjoyed that list! I really enjoyed making it! I feel more comfortable relying on the Crowd Calendars than not. I just hope that Free Dining, SWW, and Memorial Day Weekend doesn't mean they are way off base for us!!

I think this is the route I am leanign towards! Take the bus to MK and hop on the boat. (GF is the 1st stop on the boat) Then after we eat, head back to MK on the monorail (again the 1st stop). I think this is pretty time effective. The only hang up is if Madison wants to go through the Contemporary then the monorail may be taken to GF! Keith can just hop on a bus when we get back to GF if he doesn't want to stay around for the fireworks!

 

[TinksThree]

So are you ready for more plans?????

Recap of the past 3 days:
Day 1: Travel Day with DTD
Day 2: Magic Kingdom and Crystal Palace
Day 3: Magic Kingdom and 1900 Park Fare

Day 4- May 30, 2011 (Sunday)

Sunday will be spent at Epcot!! I love Epcot!!! As I have said before: it has always been one of my favorite parks!! This day would not involve Park Hoppers (see why I am leaning towards not paying the extra $$$??). It is also a very, very full day! Once we get there, a break may be worked in, but that will be totally up in the air!

I also have looked at the current Entertainment Schedule on a different web site that lists all of the times and days. I will check this the week we leave to see if any changes have been made, but my plans are made off of this as of 4.8.2011. I am a little bummed that the Japanese drummers will not be (based on current schedule) performing any of the days we are at Epcot.

So by now, you are probably wondering "Well, what are the plans?" "Get on with it!!" .....so here ya go!

This is a BEST Park day and the crowd level is set as a 6.5 out of 10.

*Be at Epcot for Rope Drop (currently 9am).
*Head to Test Track and Mission Space.
*Maybe find Pixie Hollow-depends on if Madison wants to see any Fairies!
*Universe of Energy (we have never done this one so I want to give it a try!)
*Club Cool and (maybe) Sum of All Thrills/Innovations
*Then it is off to World Showcase!!

*We have lunch reservations at San Angel Inn so Mexico will be the first stop!
tour Mexico, eat and Viva Mexico (entertainment at 11:30am)
*Norway: Maelstrom (may grab FPs earlier if very busy)
*China: the little museum thing and Reflections of China; hope for a
Mulan sighting!!
*Germany Pavilion (this one is always quick for us)
*Italy Pavilion: another quickie but Sergio will be here at 2:30pm and 3:30pm
*US Pavilion/American Adventure: Voices of Liberty at 2:45pm and 3:30pm
*Japan Pavilion: Pick a Pearl and some shopping; also want to wander
into the museum
*Morocco and France Pavilions: Serveur Amusant at 4:40pm; hopefully see
the characters from Aladdin
*around 5:30pm head to the Boardwalk Resort
*6:25pm: check in at Kouzzinas for a 6:40pm reservation
*after we eat, back to Epcot....British Invasion at 8pm
*9pm Illuminations and exit for resort

Collapse in the bed because we just may be compeltely and totally worn out!!


So does that sound too intense?? Also, keep in mind we have one more full day in Epcot so I go into Sunday knowing this and we can always skip something and add later.

 

[ksl5f123]

I think the Epcot plan sounds great, but Epcot is the one park where I always think that I can do more than I really can. I think it is because it is the most "relaxed" park. You don't just go from one attraction to the next, you stroll and browse and munch and take pictures and etc.

 

[TinksThree]

I think the Epcot plan sounds great, but Epcot is the one park where I always think that I can do more than I really can. I think it is because it is the most "relaxed" park. You don't just go from one attraction to the next, you stroll and browse and munch and take pictures and etc.

I agree! I love the leisurely way I can take in Epcot. That is one reason I don't mind it being a full day. But our 2nd day is a little less structured (as you will see ) so I definitely will nto stress if this plan doesn't follow through!

 

[Moira222]

I love seeing your plans, and I really loved your 50 things you love. What Fun!

While we always get park hoppers, we really do like being able to switch parks so we hop almost every day. Sounds like you probably could live without them.

Where in Epcot is Club Cool & the Fairies? I have these on my "find " list but don't have an inkling & they don't show up on the maps that I have seen.

 

[TinksThree]

I love seeing your plans, and I really loved your 50 things you love. What Fun!

While we always get park hoppers, we really do like being able to switch parks so we hop almost every day. Sounds like you probably could live without them.

Where in Epcot is Club Cool & the Fairies? I have these on my "find " list but don't have an inkling & they don't show up on the maps that I have seen.

I like the Park Hoppers and we enjoy being able to go from park to park which is why I keep waffling on whether we should get them or not!

Club Cool is on the right as you are walking towards World Showcase. It is next to the ice cream shop--Fountainview or something, I can't recall the correct name without doign a search. But it is in the area around the big fountain. There is a pretty big sign above the door into Club Cool. The fairies (from what I have read online) are close to Mouse Gears--where exactly I am not 100% sure though. Not sure if that is much help....but maybe a little!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I think your Epcot plans sound good. Like you said, if you dont do it all on Sunday, you've got another Epcot day planned. We try to do as much as we can on our first Epcot day and then pick up where we left off on our second Epcot day.

 

[TinksThree]

I think your Epcot plans sound good. Like you said, if you dont do it all on Sunday, you've got another Epcot day planned. We try to do as much as we can on our first Epcot day and then pick up where we left off on our second Epcot day.

Now I just have to repeat that to myself over and over! "We can do it another day. We can do it another day!"

 

[TinksThree]

Recap of the past 4 days:
Day 1- May 26 Travel Day
Day 2- May 27 Magic Kingdom and Crystal Palace
Day 3- May 28 Magic Kingdom and 199 Park Fare
Day 4- May 29 Epcot, San Angel Inn and Kouzzina's

Day 5-Disney's Hollywood Studios

Initially I figured I would make this an Epcot day due to the size of the park. I figured it is Memorial Day and with the size of the Epcot any crowds are better spread out across the park. But according to the nifty little Touring Plans DHS is the BEST park of the day and it has a crowd level 6.2 out of 10. So....we are going to go by this and hit DHS on Monday, Memorial Day. I really hope this is not a mistake!!!

I have two plans (in red are the "musts") and I have to decide ASAP which I want to do due to needing to make reservations at T-Rex!

Option #1

Arrive for Rope Drop and head straight to Toy Story Mania--get FP and ride
stand-by.
Go to Rock-n-Roller and Tower of Terror
Great Movie Ride
11:15am reservations at 50's Primetime Cafe
Star Tours (??)
Indiana Jones (??)
Muppets 3-D
Beauty and the Beast
One Man's Dream
Backlot Tour
Lights Motors Action! 4:30pm show
Leave Park around 5:30pm and after relaxing a bit go to DTD for evening
T-Rex for supper

And then there is Option #2

Arrive for Rope Drop and head straight to Toy Story Mania--get FP and ride stand-by.
Go to Rock-n-Roller and Tower of Terror
One Man's Dream
the Animation tour
11:15am lunch at 50's Primetime Cafe
Back Lot Tour
Lights Motors Action 1:20pm show (or maybe switch to Beauty and the Beast)
Leave for resort after the conclusion of the show we choose
swim and relax for a while
take boat to DTD and T-Rex for reservations around 5:45pm
return to DHS (forgot to mention this is EMH PM for DHS so open until 10pm!!)
Great Movie Ride
MuppetVision 3D
Star Tours
Tower of Terror, Rock-n-Roller, TSM--all depends on wait times so just on list
go back to the resort around 9:30 or at 10pm closing

I think both have their own merits. I just have to decide which I want to do!! And decisions are so hard to make sometimes!! Any opinions???

 

[pinkxray]

I like option 2 better. Don't really have any other reason other than that I want to do the animation class and One Man's Dream and those are before lunch, so I don't know how much that helps.

 

[aspiringprincess1]

Hola!!

I just finished reading through your report! Your trip looks like it's going to be amazing!!
I love love love EPCOT as well, it is my favorite park!
Don't forget to stop at the new caramel store in Germany! I heard it was delicious and I know I will be stopping!
And, just an opinion, I like plan 2 for DHS better. I know that trying to decide is sooo hard. My family likes to split up our days and leave the parks sometimes. It makes us feel less stressed and gives us all time to calm down. A little swimming, napping, and dinner at DTD would definitely be a nice little relaxer for my family, especially with EMH. You might be surprised how much it clears out, and that would be a great time to jump on some of the rides you didn't get one! Hope that helps and doesn't make the decision worse! Happy countdown!!

 

[TinksThree]

I like option 2 better. Don't really have any other reason other than that I want to do the animation class and One Man's Dream and those are before lunch, so I don't know how much that helps.

I really want to do the Animation class. And I think my mom will love One Man's Dream! We walked through it in 2009 and spent more time than I anticipated looking at everything.

Hola!!

I just finished reading through your report! Your trip looks like it's going to be amazing!!
I love love love EPCOT as well, it is my favorite park!
Don't forget to stop at the new caramel store in Germany! I heard it was delicious and I know I will be stopping!
And, just an opinion, I like plan 2 for DHS better. I know that trying to decide is sooo hard. My family likes to split up our days and leave the parks sometimes. It makes us feel less stressed and gives us all time to calm down. A little swimming, napping, and dinner at DTD would definitely be a nice little relaxer for my family, especially with EMH. You might be surprised how much it clears out, and that would be a great time to jump on some of the rides you didn't get one! Hope that helps and doesn't make the decision worse! Happy countdown!!

Welcome!! So happy to you are joining in! I truly hope it is amazing!! So much work goes into planning!!

Ohhh....the caramel shop sounds so good! I have got to put that on my list of things to not miss!! I love caramels! I think I may have seen something merntioned on the store but really didn't note it in my memory!

I agree with the rest and relaxing at DTD before hitting EMH! So....

I made the decision to do Option 2 and called T-Rex directly (because that is how you make reservations, in case anyone doesn't know! Don't go through the WDW reservation system!). They had a 5:30pm or a 6:15pm time open so I put us down for 5:30pm!! I am so glad that is official now!!

Now to my next challenge....deciding the best way to get from DTD to DHS! What resort to trasfer to????

 

[mtgirl29]

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!!!