A June 2011 PTR! (5/31 Top 5 things to do while waiting for Disney!!!)

[DisneyAsh32]

I'm totally subscribing to your PTR! Your organizational skills are amazing. I hope you don't mind if I borrow some of your ideas as i'm planning my first trip to Disney for June 7-14 this upcoming year!!!!

And please borrow anything you like. Some of my ideas are borrowed as well. Some of your dates overlap with mine! How far along are you in your planning? (If you don't mind me asking)

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Day 7

This will be our last day in the parks . We’ll be spending it in the Magic Kingdom

• Breakfast- Snack from Pepper market

• Arrive @ Magic Kingdom between 9 and 10 am

• Today we’ll want to catch any rides we missed, and look through some of the shops.

• Lunch – Cinderella’s Royal Table @ 1:00pm

• More rides

• Dinner- Cosmic Ray’s

• Hopefully Wishes Dessert Party, and from there we’ll watch Spectromagic (if we can see it) and Wishes!

Day 8

This is our Departure Day. Time to say goodbye to the mouse

• Our flight isn’t until 1:35pm so we should be picked up around 10:30am

• We’ll wake up and have our last CS breakfast @ Pepper Market

• Then we’ll pack up and Leave

• We Should be back in Louisville around 5:55pm

 

[nvsnot]

And please borrow anything you like. Some of my ideas are borrowed as well. Some of your dates overlap with mine! How far along are you in your planning? (If you don't mind me asking)

We've booked our stay at the Treehouse Villas and are now working on our ADR's. It's a grand gathering of sorts, 9 + 1 (2.5 yr. old). I'm doing a lot of research for this trip b/c i've realized the common denominator for those who love Disney and those who don't is planning or a lack thereof. I've subscribed to allears.net and mousesavers.com. For more detailed information I have read The Unofficial Guide to Disney 2011 and plan to get Birnbaums' Walt Disney World Guide book.

Once our ADR's have been booked, i'm going to begin working on the itenerary for our stay which will be tricky since most of our group have never been to Disney, those who have did not get the most out of their trip due to a lack of research, and the ages of our party ranges from 2.5 to 65. We have 7day Parkhoppers with the Water Park Option.

ETA: By the way, as far as park scheduling, I was all set to buy a membership to Touringplans.com, but since joining this board i've been hearing a lot about Tourguide Mike(?). What do you suggest for getting the most out of the park rides?

We're fired up and ready to go! Prayerfully this trip will not have to be postponed due to the failing health of my mother's sister (diagnosed with stage 4 cancer). If we do postpone, however, it we still plan to make it to Disney just at a little later date.

 

[DisneyAsh32]

We've booked our stay at the Treehouse Villas and are now working on our ADR's. It's a grand gathering of sorts, 9 + 1 (2.5 yr. old). I'm doing a lot of research for this trip b/c i've realized the common denominator for those who love Disney and those who don't is planning or a lack thereof. I've subscribed to allears.net and mousesavers.com. For more detailed information I have read The Unofficial Guide to Disney 2011 and plan to get Birnbaums' Walt Disney World Guide book.

Once our ADR's have been booked, i'm going to begin working on the itenerary for our stay which will be tricky since most of our group have never been to Disney, those who have did not get the most out of their trip due to a lack of research, and the ages of our party ranges from 2.5 to 65. We have 7day Parkhoppers with the Water Park Option.

ETA: By the way, as far as park scheduling, I was all set to buy a membership to Touringplans.com, but since joining this board i've been hearing a lot about Tourguide Mike(?). What do you suggest for getting the most out of the park rides?

We're fired up and ready to go! Prayerfully this trip will not have to be postponed due to the failing health of my mother's sister (diagnosed with stage 4 cancer). If we do postpone, however, it we still plan to make it to Disney just at a little later date.

Wow! You have a wide range of people to plan for. But you're definitely going to be prepared with your books and reading the DIS. As a tip from me, I would reccomend trying to plan out you ADRs and Itinerary at the same time so you can reduce unecessary traveling, especially for the littlest and oldest members of your group.

As far as touringplans and tourguide Mike, I don't subscribe to either right now so I probably won't be that much help, but I have looked at both of them and I think TourGuide Mike would probably be your best bet and give you the most for your money. That should definitely help with getting more rides in during the day. My strategy is to take advantage of the FastPass system as much as possible and also try to get to the parks early so you can hop on the more popular rides with little to no waits.

You sound like you're doing great planning though. And I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother's sister. Cancer is a terrible disease, and I hope everything works out and is as painless as possible for her.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I would love to help!

 

[nvsnot]

Wow! You have a wide range of people to plan for. But you're definitely going to be prepared with your books and reading the DIS. As a tip from me, I would reccomend trying to plan out you ADRs and Itinerary at the same time so you can reduce unecessary traveling, especially for the littlest and oldest members of your group.

As far as touringplans and tourguide Mike, I don't subscribe to either right now so I probably won't be that much help, but I have looked at both of them and I think TourGuide Mike would probably be your best bet and give you the most for your money. That should definitely help with getting more rides in during the day. My strategy is to take advantage of the FastPass system as much as possible and also try to get to the parks early so you can hop on the more popular rides with little to no waits.

You sound like you're doing great planning though. And I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother's sister. Cancer is a terrible disease, and I hope everything works out and is as painless as possible for her.Let me know if you have any more questions. I would love to help!

Thank you so much for your well wishes...it means a lot.

 

[DisneyAsh32]

We spent our second park day in the Magic Kingdom!

Of course we had to take the obligatory castle pic

I remember that for breakfast we had cinnamon rolls from main street bakery (sorry no pics).

We arrived in time to see the first Dream along with Mickey show so we decided to wait for that. DBF chose to wait in the shade so that explains my far away pic of him.

After this we got in a few rides, I know we did Monsters Inc. and Buzz, Carousel of Progress and and a few in fantasyland. We were going to head over to BTMRR when we stopped for one of these

And we also ran into Goofy on the way

After BTMRR and Tom Sawyer's Island we went to toontown to meet some important people, but first we made a stop by minnie's house

After this I believe we went back to the resort for a break and some lunch and then came back to MK later in the afternoon to get in some more rides and fireworks. But I don't have many pictures from later that afternoon. However, that is when we discovered Cosmic Rays chicken/rib platter and fell in love Now we have to have it everytime we go

Next Up: Look What I got in the Mail!

 

[erinsmom]

Hey Ash,

We will be at WDW in June 18 - 25. We're traveling with another family and staying off site. I made one ADR so far for Sci-Fi Diner on June 22nd. I can't wait to go. I love the planning just as much as going. I have a binder, too but it is still filled with information from out last trip, Dec. 2009. My youngest DD turned 5 while we were there. I gues I need to clean it out and start new with this trip.

One question, where do you get the Grey Goose slushie? You're the second person that's mentioned them.

I may do a pre-trip report, even though I've never done one before. I pretty much know what days we will go where but I need advise on how to tour the parks especially with 9 of us going.

Subbing!!

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Hey Ash,

We will be at WDW in June 18 - 25. We're traveling with another family and staying off site. I made one ADR so far for Sci-Fi Diner on June 22nd. I can't wait to go. I love the planning just as much as going. I have a binder, too but it is still filled with information from out last trip, Dec. 2009. My youngest DD turned 5 while we were there. I gues I need to clean it out and start new with this trip.

Thank for Reading!
I definitely think you should start on binder. I love it because it keeps me organized and everything is in one place. Not to mention that they're fun to make

One question, where do you get the Grey Goose slushie? You're the second person that's mentioned them.

You can get the slushies at a kiosk in France in Epcot. I believe they have other flavors too but I'm not exactly sure what they are.

I may do a pre-trip report, even though I've never done one before. I pretty much know what days we will go where but I need advise on how to tour the parks especially with 9 of us going.

Subbing!!

Yes! You should do a pre-trip report. This is my first one as well. It's pretty easy once you get started and you get a lot of good feedback about your plans.

As for touring the parks I know that a lot of people use either touringplans or tourguide mike to help with what to ride first. But if you don't want to subscribe to anything I would recommend Riding some of the most popular rides earlier in the day or getting fastpasses for them early so you won't have to wait in long lines.
When I went with a big group last June, we were ok with splitting up sometimes because there were little ones who couldn't ride certain things and people had different interests. I would maybe try to get a feel for what each person likes to ride and what rides you most want to do and go from there

 

[iluvwdw5]

WOW!! I am soo impressed!!! I LOVE the binder and food counter and such! You are AMAZING!!!

I am enjoying you PTR

 

[anjalee6]

You have some serious organizational skills. I thought I was organized! We are going in June too. It's our first June experience since I was a little kid when my dad used to take us all the time. We go almost every year but we usually go in July or August. I am looking forward to June. I just don't want to have to wait so long for vacation! he he he!

 

[DisneyAsh32]

WOW!! I am soo impressed!!! I LOVE the binder and food counter and such! You are AMAZING!!!

I am enjoying you PTR

Thank you! And I'm glad you are enjoying my PTR. I've never done one before so I'm glad to get some positive comments

You have some serious organizational skills. I thought I was organized! We are going in June too. It's our first June experience since I was a little kid when my dad used to take us all the time. We go almost every year but we usually go in July or August. I am looking forward to June. I just don't want to have to wait so long for vacation! he he he!

Thank you for Reading! My family used to go in July as well but for the last couple of years June has been the most convenient. And I know what you mean, the waiting is always the hardest part

 

[DisneyAsh32]

I love the idea of looking for hidden mickey’s, so I went on amazon.com and ordered the Hidden Mickey book and it came in right before Christmas.

I think it will be fun to look for hidden mickeys in the park. Also they have them listed by each attraction/restaurant so if you’re standing in a long line it would be a good way to pass time.

For Christmas my mom ordered me a kindle (I LOVE to read) and I just got it yesterday!

The first book I down loaded on it was…

I’ve heard a lot about this book on the DIS and what I’ve read so far is great. The author brings to your attention things that you would have never noticed in the parks. So now I can’t wait to go look for all of the things she mentioned. Plus it’s a lot of fun to read.

And I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and has a Happy New Year!

 

[amazingact21]

Looking for hidden Mickeys is fun to do, and that book should be really helpful! My DBF kept reminding me on our trip that we would have found a lot more if we'd had that guide.
And congrats on the kindle!

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Looking for hidden Mickeys is fun to do, and that book should be really helpful! My DBF kept reminding me on our trip that we would have found a lot more if we'd had that guide.
And congrats on the kindle!

Thank You! I figured it would also help us slow down a little and see the little things that most people pass up. And Welcome back from your trip. Let me know when you start on your trip report. I can't wait to read it!

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Today was our Animal Kingdom Day! We started out the day with an early breakfast at Boma. (we're doing the same for our June 2011 trip). We loved Boma, The food and service were great. This was also my first time seeing the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it is beautiful.

After Breakfast we took a bus to Animal Kingdom. We of course had to get picture of the Tree of Life. We then went to fast pass Kilimanjaro Safaris before going to our first trail (I can't remember which one ).

We were then on our way to KS but we stopped to take some pictures and meet Terk, Baloo, and King Louie.

One of our funniest moments happened when meeting King Louie and Baloo. When we got there we only saw Baloo, so we prepared to take a picture with him. Then out of the corner of my eye I see this big orange thing running at DBF! . It was King Louie. He then attacked DBF from behind. It all happened so fast I didn't have time to warn him.. When DBF felt this big furry thing on his back he almost ran a mile to get away . When we were leaving, Louie tried again and grabbed at DBFs leg. . DBF's response was that there was "probably a girl in there" Later on the photopass pics we could see Louie standing in the trees with his arms up waiting to attack.

After all of that we finally made it to the safari. This is one of my favorite rides but the driver seemed to be going extra fast so it was difficult to get any good pictures of the animals.

After the ride we headed to the next showing of the Festival of the Lion King. This is my favorite show in Disney World. I could watch it over and over again.

We of course had to stop for a hat pic on the way.

Continued in next Post

 

[DisneyAsh32]

We decided to meet Donald after the show (He had the shortest line ). Plus I have always told DBF that he reminded me of Donald and he always argued that he was nothing like him. Well, it was confirmed when we saw that Donald signed his name exactly the way DBF signed his name in everyones yearbook when we were in high school. It was always with a little #1 next to his name . I think I won that argument .

By now it was around the middle of the day and it was extremely hot. We were also hungry and most of the counter service restaurants were packed so we decided to head back to the resort. On the way out we found Devine!

We had every intention of coming back to AK after the break but it always seems to be 5x hotter there than anywhere else . So we ended up going to DTD. We missed A LOT in AK but we're going to make up for it on this trip. In DTD we looked through all of the shops of course, watched some of the performances on the stage that they have there, and tried Earl of Sandwich for the first time, which was excellent.

All in all it was a great day!

 

[DisneyAsh32]

So I have been thinking of ways to solve my water problem at Disney. I hate the taste of the water there, but I also hate paying inflated prices for bottled water. So I was just looking around on line when I found the Bobble water bottle. It's a water bottle that filters water as you drink it. That way I can get good tasting water without paying big bucks.

I only saw it online so I was a little hesitant to buy it because it's still relatively new, but myself and a couple of friends saw them in target the other day and checked them out and we each bought one. They were $10 but I think you can get them in a smaller size for less online and they have a lot of different colors. They also have kids bobbles too. The website is www.waterbobble.com.

I tried it out and I noticed a huge difference between my tap water and my tap water from the bobble. The only thing that would cost is that you have to replace the filters every two months. But those were at target at 2 for $7. So I think it would definitely pay off, especially if you're a huge water drinker.

Here is a picture of mine

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Hi All! I hope I still have some readers. I thought I would get another update in before I started classes today.

Small Update
So I have still been trying to book the Wishes Dessert Party for June. I've been checking online now since you can book it there and occasionally I call, but everytime I talk to someone I still get the "try back in a couple weeks" So hopefully Disney will make the reservations open soon. From what I understand you can only book through March right now.

June 2009-Epcot
Today I’m going to cover our Epcot day from our 2009 trip. There might be a few gaps as I’m just going by the pictures and for some reason I have less and less pics as the days go on.

We arrived at Epcot fairly early and we saw Stitch with no line as soon as we walked in so I had to get a picture!

We then headed straight to Soarin for some fastpasses and then got the Nemo ride in. Next we (probably) headed to Club Cool.

We both tried the Beverly for the first and LAST time! It’s funny how strangers can bond over the horrible taste that is Beverly.
After, we headed to look around in the Gift shop and get a Test Track fastpass before we used our Soarin Passes.

We loved soarin, the only thing is that the fast pass wait was about 20 minutes and that felt long enough. I would hate to stand in the regular stand by line.

Here is where my memory gets a little fuzzy (aka no pics). We walked to the world showcase and started in Canada.

I know we made it all of the way around and here are a few of my highlights that I remember.
We saw the Voice of Liberty singers who are AMAZING. DBF loved every minute of it and so did I.
We tried the CS in Mexico which I loved, but I love any kind of Mexican food and we also wrote the Three caballeros boat ride.
I also remember loving the gift shops in Japan. Everything in there is so pretty.
What we didn’t like so much were the videos. France had an ok video and we were sitting down so that was fine. We hated standing through the Canadian one and couldn’t wait to get out of there.
After the world showcase we headed back to the resort for a short break. When we came back we went to innovention and tried the segways. I was only able to get a blurry pic of DBF.

We also used our Test Track fastpasses.
We ate Dinner at Sunshine Seasons which we loved and then headed over to get our spot for Illuminations, which is always a great show.
After Illumination we headed over to the boardwalk to walk around a little bit and get some ice cream. We actually ended up walking to the Swan and Dolphin as well just to see what they looked like before coming back through Epcot.
Before we left, we saw that Spaceship earth was a walk on so we rode it and picked out our future before we went back to the hotel.


So Before I leave you with this update I must say that the National Champion BCS Football Game is tonight, and I would like to wish Auburn and Cam Newton the best of luck! (sorry if I have offended anyone)

 

[TheDisneyGirl]

I have been a flake and haven't posted on your PTR, sorrrrry!!

Did I ever tell you that you and your bf are adorable? You are, and love all these 2009 Epcot photos. super cute!

Good luck getting through on the Wishes Dessert Party. I am counting on you to post photos of that so I can see it first hand.

 

[DisneyAsh32]

I have been a flake and haven't posted on your PTR, sorrrrry!!

Did I ever tell you that you and your bf are adorable? You are, and love all these 2009 Epcot photos. super cute!

Good luck getting through on the Wishes Dessert Party. I am counting on you to post photos of that so I can see it first hand.

Aww thanks . I just now realized that we just completely forgot about pictures the last two days of our trip

Its frustrating trying to book the party only because noone knows anything but i am determined to go so I can get those photos for you