A Long Time to Grow Young! An Epic 40th Bday trip! Update 9/7!

[SAT887]

Great idea to book studios!! We are planning a trip in December 2014 and want to include extended family... I'm debating studios as well in conjunctions with a one or 2 bedroom

 

[lizzi6692]

Joining in! Thought it was only fair since you joined mine . Looking forward to reading about your plans.

 

[benji2012]

Great idea to book studios!! We are planning a trip in December 2014 and want to include extended family... I'm debating studios as well in conjunctions with a one or 2 bedroom

I think we will put everyone in studios...and get a 1 bedroom for us! We are used to staying in a 1 BR, plus it might be good to have a place to meet up.

Joining in! Thought it was only fair since you joined mine . Looking forward to reading about your plans.

Welcome! I appreciate you coming along for the ride!

 

[benji2012]

We are calling this the scouting trip for the actual 40th birthday trip in 2014, so we are going to be checking out a number different places that we might be looking at hosting events for the big trip! A couple of weeks ago I finally made our ADRs. Both Joe and Thad are extremely picky eater; so I have to take that into consideration.

THURSDAY-ARRIVAL DAY

We arrive about 5:30 pm, and I am going to try and convince the guys to head on over to...

Landscapes of Flavor at Art of Animation...I just want to check out the resort!

Then I hope we will stop here….

Rix Lounge at Coronado Springs…for a drink. I am considering staying here on the solo part of the 40th birthday trip!

Then we will head over to check in at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

FRIDAY-MAGIC KINGDOM/POOL DAY

Well, it’s a scouting trip…but that doesn’t mean that will get in our way of fun! Our first park will be Magic Kingdom!

with lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern.

I may cancel this at a later date; if we decide to go with BOG for lunch.

We will head back in the early afternoon; to enjoy some hotel and pool time.

Before dinner at my favorite restaurant in WDW….

Jiko!

This in currently my first choice for the welcome dinner for my birthday weekend! Thad loves the filet with mac and cheese; and I've already told Joe that is what he'll be having. He is the pickiest eater I know.

SATURDAY-EPCOT

We will head over to Epcot today and eat lunch at

Via Napoli! Thad and I have eaten here once, and I'm hoping Joe will like it.

After a brief rest, we’ll head over to the Grand Floridian and check out the property, including the...

Grand I Yacht. We aren't taking an official tour; but I am just hoping to get an idea of it as we are considering doing a wishes cruise for the 40th birthday trip.

We won’t be taking an official tour….just taking a look on our own of the outside. We will then head over to our reservation at

Grand Floridian Cafe. I wanted a non-signature at either Poly or GF, and GFC had the time I wanted...so there you go.

Dinner will be followed by drinks and Wishes viewing at Top of the World. I am pretty sure that DVC owners will still be able to visit (if staying on site on points) in September.

SUNDAY-DHS AND DEPARTURE

We’ll head over to DHS this morning, and will eventually eat at…

50’s Primetime Café Joe loves homestyle and comfort foods and he is really excited about eating here.

Dinner will be at the airport…probably something as exciting as…

Burger King before a late-ish flight home.​

 

[benji2012]

This is our annual fall pilgrimage to WDW and to the dark side for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. Whenever we travel with the kids, plans have to be more fluid…they may sleep in; they may get up early. I may spend the day on my own…who knows.

THURSDAY-ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN

On arrival with the kids, we typically eat off site…and I doubt this trip will be different…much to my dismay.

FRIDAY-MAGIC KINGDOM/DINNER ON OUR OWN

Zach, DBF’s son is an big Disney-phile…and is probably going to be up and at ‘em in order to head straight to Magic Kingdom! I think it’s likely that the whole group will head to MK today.

I think that Zach will want to check out

Be Our Guest for lunch, and I’ll be happy to oblige.

Later in the day; the kids will probably want to head off on their own; so I’m going to see if DBF will be up for dinner at…

Flying Fish. He enjoys it, and it means not leaving the resort. Though; I’m considering switching it to Il Mulino, as I’ve never eaten there.

SATURDAY-ANIMAL KINGDOM…MAYBE. AND A TRIP TO THE DARK SIDE.

I have no idea what we’ll do this day. Thad won’t want to go to a park, because at night we’ll be heading out for a late evening.

So, I’m debating what we might do. I might go off on my own; we might hang out by the pool.

I’m thinking I’ll get up and head to Animal Kingdom for a little while. I’ve wanted to try the Slow Roasted Pulled Beef Sandwich - spicy beef with a mint yogurt cucumber sauce on a pita at

Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

Before coming back and joining Thad at the pool.

For dinner; I’m excited to try some of the new options at the new and improved

Boardwalk Bakery. The sandwiches and salads look like great additions.

Then it will be time to head to…

My pleas to go to MNSSHP went unheeded.



SUNDAY-EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FEST

Enough Said.

Thad and the kids will be leaving in the evening; but I’ll stay until Monday.


MONDAY-DEPARTURE DAY

I have only one goal for this day:

Beaches and Cream! I have yet to eat here, and it’s my goal for the trip!​

 

[SAT887]

I want to try Beaches & Cream one of these days. We have yet to want to wait for it yet! Good luck

 

[magichusky]

Hi Ellen! This trip sounds so very exciting!!! Going to Disney w/ your favorite people is really just the best. I thought those vintage Disney tickets were really cool- my parents went to the MK during the first year it opened, and I wish they had held onto their tickets or a park map or something- that would be really interesting to take a look at.

I totally agree w/ you about the Poly being my first choice! I've been wanting to go down that volcano slide for years. I would really recommend the WL for a slightly cheaper option. I stayed at the WL for one night last year and I actually really loved it! I had a room w/ a door that opened to the lobby and I could hear the goings-ons at the Whispering Canyon from inside the room. I think the WL and AKL are the only resorts I'd stay at that aren't on the monorail. I usually stay at Shades of Green, which is basically on the monorail since it's practically adjacent to the Poly. I just hate taking buses everywhere, but the WL has a fabulous boat that takes you to the MK and the AKL is just so darn cool.

 

[eculmone]

I'm in too! I'm planning my 50th 7 of us i wanted everyone, but it appears I'm the only Disney Freak and none of our 'friends/family' want to pay to play.

Sorry for their luck

 

[eculmone]

I love planning too. So I'm right behind you... in front of you? I'm going in March 2014

I first looked at Value resorts - but just finished looking at you-tube videos and I'm spoiled. uh uh, can't do it.

My picks:
POR or PORFQ
CB - pirate room? for my 2 grandsons?

I have stayed at CSR but it's really far to walk if you forget something or want to go for breakfast. I found it too far apart. But hey your 40!!! You're a baby - LOL

Keep me posted where you end up.

 

[benji2012]

I thought those vintage Disney tickets were really cool- my parents went to the MK during the first year it opened, and I wish they had held onto their tickets or a park map or something- that would be really interesting to take a look at.

I totally agree w/ you about the Poly being my first choice! I've been wanting to go down that volcano slide for years. I would really recommend the WL for a slightly cheaper option.I think the WL and AKL are the only resorts I'd stay at that aren't on the monorail. I usually stay at Shades of Green, which is basically on the monorail since it's practically adjacent to the Poly. I just hate taking buses everywhere, but the WL has a fabulous boat that takes you to the MK and the AKL is just so darn cool.

Welcome! I am thinking of making an itinerary for the trip using the tickets as my starting point. I'm not that versed in design software; though I do have it...so I may give it whirl. I'll just need to start now!

I've stayed at WL once, and I did enjoy it. I think it's very likely it will be part of the 40th birthday trip...either for the group or my solo portion.

If the rumors of the Poly DVC and construction are true; I rather not stay their while construction going on; so if I can't get it for the group trip...I may stay there for my solo trip!

I want to try Beaches & Cream one of these days. We have yet to want to wait for it yet! Good luck

I've been saying one of these days for years...I just hate the thought of waiting for a burger and ice cream...but they say it's worth it, and I don't feel like a real DISer having not eaten there. The Fountain, which I have eaten at is pretty good and in the same area (Swolphin)...and little to no wait...

I'm in too! I'm planning my 50th 7 of us i wanted everyone, but it appears I'm the only Disney Freak and none of our 'friends/family' want to pay to play.

Sorry for their luck

I think it helps that I'm taking care of their rooms, and probably 3 meals! Though admittedly, with the exception of Liz, the rest are pretty big Disney Freaks. We've climbed to 12 as Thad's daughter has said she wouldn't want to miss it...and honestly I'm getting a little nervous about the size of my group! I am pretty sure there will be some setting up of some ground rules as I don't want to be answering 12 texts of "What time are we meeting for dinner? I forgot."

I love planning too. So I'm right behind you... in front of you? I'm going in March 2014

I first looked at Value resorts - but just finished looking at you-tube videos and I'm spoiled. uh uh, can't do it.

My picks:
POR or PORFQ
CB - pirate room? for my 2 grandsons?

I have stayed at CSR but it's really far to walk if you forget something or want to go for breakfast. I found it too far apart. But hey your 40!!! You're a baby - LOL

Keep me posted where you end up.

I toyed with the values, but I think I'm spoiled too! Though I'm a bit in love with the suites at AOA, especially the Cars suite. I just couldn't justify the expense!

I love the pirate rooms at CBR! I think I just love theme rooms.I also love the Royal Guest Rooms at POR.

This is an adults only trip; but I hope to take my nieces someday; before they get too old to think I'm cool.

 

[eculmone]

I toyed with the values, but I think I'm spoiled too! Though I'm a bit in love with the suites at AOA, especially the Cars suite. I just couldn't justify the expense!

You've been to AOA???? R they really as fun and cute as they look? I'm just a bit concerned about the line ups for the buses in the a.m. and p.m. AND the food courts? If they are AS quality then I think it will be settled to stay at moderate. I'm on my lunch so I'll have go google or you tube it to see if there are videos and pictures and reviews - I LOVE PLANNING

 

[benji2012]

Summer is such a busy time for me both personally and professionally; and makes me very neglectful of the DIS...and then suddenly here I am, 10 days away from my first "In the Mean time Trip!"

We have pretty much thrown our original plans out the window and will be flying by the seat of our pants!

Things we are still doing:
Dinner at Jiko on Friday Night
Dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe on Saturday Night, followed by Drinks at the Top of the World Lounge.

Everything else has been scrapped! Why, because we didn't want to be tied down to any one plan.

We do have a few must dos:
AK-Safari and Kali River Rapids
Rent a pontoon at either the Poly or DTD
Ride Test Track at Epcot

The big news for this trip, is that we are now officially proud new owners of a big purple baby: An owners locker.

I may have accidentally, spent a ridiculous amount of money at Target yesterday on items we are going to ship down. Just some of my loot!​

Do you have an Owner's Locker? Do you love it?

​

 

[benji2012]

Just a few notes about some awesome new things we tried this trip! I will have a few more updates about food and about the plans for next years bash a little later!


MAGIC BANDS



I loved having a magic band with my room key, charging privileges and annual pass all in one place. Not having to dig through my purse for my room key when carry bags was awesome! We didn’t use fastpass plus because our whole party didn’t have it, but the lines were short.


VERA BRADLEY



I kept joking with Thad that he needed to get up and get early on Saturday for the Vera Bradley event at Downtown Disney to get me a purse! (There are very few things I think are worth getting up early for and waiting in line…as cute as the purses are, it was not something I really considered doing.) I actually planned on waiting until they were available on line, but when we got to Downtown Disney around 3… not only wasn’t there a line, but they still had plenty to choose from. They were out of the Just Mousing Around (pink) pattern in the iphone wallet, so I got both the iphone wallet and hipster in Midnight with Mickey (black.) We also picked up the Vera tote for Dawn.

OWNER’S LOCKER




I was finally able to convince Thad that we needed one…then three days before we were set to leave he decided we needed a second one. And we hadn’t even laid eyes on the first one yet!
I think we are really going to like having them down there…and packing is go to be a breeze!!! It did take me about 3 hours to pack them up before we left…because I needed to inventory everything and even did a load of laundry so we could leave some clothes down there!

SORCERERS OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM



I got up before the boys on Sunday and headed over to MK for a little while. I’ve been dealing with some back pain…so I didn’t really want to do much. I’ve been wanting to check out SOTMK for awhile now…so I did! I was actually surprised that most of the people I saw playing were solo adults just like me! I just did the Main Street part, but hope to go back and play some more in October. It was a fun little diversion that I am interested in learning more about.​

 

[benji2012]

Finally have all of my reservations made for the Trip! Haven't really kept up with this report, but hope too more int he coming months!


Part 1 AKA The calm before the storm
Who: Ellen and Joe (BFF)
Where: Bay Lake Tower 1BR Lake View Room (Requested North Tower, high floor, even number room)
Potential plans:
Day 1—Work all day, take late flight, arrive late
Day 2—Sleep in, head to a park (either MK or DHS I think); dinner at 1900 Park Fare and Fireworks at Top of the World lounge
Day 3—Wake up, head to ….

Part 2 AKA The Epic birthday extravaganza
Who: Everyone! (11 total)
Where: Boardwalk Villas Grand Villa plus 3 standard view studios (Requested Single story grand Villa)
Potential plans:
Day 3 cont.--…BWV to check in to the Grand Villa as early as they will let us! Hang by the pool, maybe eat at Beaches and Cream for lunch; dinner for Anne’s birthday at Biergarten (?)
Day 4—Breakfast and Safari at AK, late lunch at Food and Wine, relax by the pool, dessert party at Epcot
Day 5—Magic Kingdom in the am, relax by the pool in the afternoon, private dinner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Wishes from somewhere TBD
Day 6—Say farewell to friends and family, and head to….

Part 3 AKA The Solo Trip
Who: Just me (though Marie and Anthony will be hanging around WDW for around a week and we will probably meet up once or twice.)
Where: AKL-Kidani (Requested Sunset Savannah near lobby)
Potential Plans:
Day 6 cont.--…AKL Kidani! Relax by the pool and dinner at Jiko.
Day 7—Do what I want day!
Day 8—Either head to US/IOA (I love Harry Potter!) or try to hit all 4 WDW parks in 1 day
Day 7—Grand Floridian Tea and spa treatment
Day 8—Start packing, head to a park, dinner at V & A
Day 9—Departure day!

The solo part of trip is still really up in the air. I want to do some unique things and also relax. I also want to do a few food and wine events. Since that schedule doesn't come out until summer, I'm not sure I want to do a lot of planning.

For sure I want to have dinner at Jiko (my favorite restaurant at WDW), do the Grand Floridian Tea (with Marie and Anthony). I also might want to go to a spa, do MNSSHP, try some new restaurants, or go to US/IOA.

 

[benji2012]

Finally booked most of our planned ADRs for the trip! How successful was I? Pretty successful!

Day 1--BLT
B-At home
L-At work
D-Airport or Contempo Cafe


Day 2--BLT
B-Contempo Cafe
L-CS (HS or MK)
D-1900 Park Fare for 2: wanted 7:00 pm, got 6:40 pm. SUCCESS! This is both Joe and my first time there...I am excited to start my trip off with an awesome character interaction!

Day 3--BLT/BWV
B-Contempo Cafe
L-Biergarten for 4: Wanted 12:45 pm, got 12:45 pm. SUCCESS! I like Biergarten, and it is Brent and Anne's favorite. It's Anne's actual 40th so I wanted her to pick! Joe has never been.
D-Flying Fish for 11: Wanted 7:30 pm; got 7:30 pm but had to split into a party of 5 and party of 6. SUCCESS-ISH! This is another of Anne's favorites, and has the bonus of location at BWV. As flights aren't booked, not sure if everyone will make this one. Kind of happy they forced me into two reservations because of this. Love the red snapper!

Day 4--BWV
B-Catered Event at Tamu Tamu--Shh...don't tell...but Safari Mickey is showing up.
L-CS at AK or MK
D-CS at TBD
Other- Dessert party at Epcot

Day 5--BWV
B-In Room, Garden Grocer
L-F & W Booths
D-Catered event at Hollywood Studios

Day 6--BWV/AKL
B-Cape May Cafe for 11: Wanted 10:30 am, got 10:35. SUCCESS! (But will probably change...as no one has their flights booked.)
L-CS at TBD
D-Sanaa for 1: Wanted 8:00 pm, got 7:55 pm. SUCCESS! My only solo TS, at least so far. I want some peace and ease after everyone leaves...it will be nice to go downstairs for dinner. I've had lunch here, but not dinner.

Day 7--AKL
B-In Room, Garden Grocer
L-TBD
D-Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package for 3: Wanted anytime, unable to book due to system issues. FAIL! (will keep trying!) Still confident I can get it...have eaten at MM once, and it was good. Only done the F! package at HBD previously.

Day 8--AKL
B-TBD
L-Gardenview Tea for 3: Wanted 2:30 pm, got 2:35. SUCCESS! Marie and I did this several years ago on a girls trip and loved it. If there was only one reservation I could have made this trip, this would be it. Anthony will be coming along for the ride.
D-TBD

Day 9--AKL
B-TBD
L-Hopefully a F & W lunch...TBD. Marie and Anthony could join me for this as well.
D-TBD

Day 10--AKL
B-TBD
L-TBD
D-Jiko for 3: Wanted 7:30 pm, got 7:30 pm. SUCCESS! Jiko is my favorite restaurant on property, and where I honestly wanted to celebrate my birthday...but when I found out I could do it for half the price in DHS, it was a no brainer! It will be a lovely way to end my trip too.

As you can see, I have ADRs for anywhere from 1 to 11! Eleven is the full group size, but the end of the trip is...sort of...solo.

Joe will be arriving with me, and staying with me at BLT.

Anne and Brent will arrive on day 2 (resort TBD).

Everyone else arrives and the party begins on day 3.

Everyone departs on day 6, except Marie, Anthony and Me. Marie and Anthony are staying at CSR, while I go to AKL...but we will meet up for several meals...though will also enjoy some solo time!

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

Hi again! Jumping over from my PTR. Your plans look awesome. I'm so jealous about the Deluxe resort hopping!

Have you thought about doing a tour on one of your solo days? We loved the Wild by Design tour at AK. We did an earlier one and my Dad and I were the only ones on the tour, it was wonderful! We're hopefully going to do a Wild Safari tour this time around.

I wonder if we will be overlapping our AKL stays? I'll PM you my dates. It would be nice to say "Hi" , at least in passing, if it works out.

 

[benji2012]

Hi again! Jumping over from my PTR. Your plans look awesome. I'm so jealous about the Deluxe resort hopping!

Have you thought about doing a tour on one of your solo days? We loved the Wild by Design tour at AK. We did an earlier one and my Dad and I were the only ones on the tour, it was wonderful! We're hopefully going to do a Wild Safari tour this time around.

I wonder if we will be overlapping our AKL stays? I'll PM you my dates. It would be nice to say "Hi" , at least in passing, if it works out.

I sent a PM!

I'm a luck girl to have a boyfriend with DVC...makes resort hopping a lot easier. (AKL is by far my favorite, but I do love them all!)

I am actually considering the Marceline tour on one of my days! I figure it's the one I'll be the least self conscious being alone on...and the price is right at $30! Wild by Design is also on the list of possibilities.

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

How were you able to book your afternoon tea? I just tried for DMom and Bubbles and it only was taking reservations a couple of months out?

 

[benji2012]

How were you able to book your afternoon tea? I just tried for DMom and Bubbles and it only was taking reservations a couple of months out?

I did almost all my ressies over the phone, as the system was problematic on the day I did them.

I did just look online and it worked. Go to the main dining page and search a mid afternoon time on the day you want, and it will show up. If you go to the individual restaurant page, it won't.

Have you done the tea before? I love it!

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

I did almost all my ressies over the phone, as the system was problematic on the day I did them.

I did just look online and it worked. Go to the main dining page and search a mid afternoon time on the day you want, and it will show up. If you go to the individual restaurant page, it won't.

Have you done the tea before? I love it!

Awesome! It worked - thank you! I have DMom and Bubbles signed up.

Mom and Bubbles did the tea when we went in 2011 and they LOVED it too! I haven't done it and I probably will some day. The only thing is that I don't really care for regular-type tea. I only really like tisanes or herbals. Something fruity and sweet. I think they only have the one tea available, correct? The rest of it sounds amazing, though.

Instead of tea, Dad, Nature Girl and I are going to be doing the Wild Africa Trek as our "special thing". Though our trek is waaaaay more expensive than the tea. We try to do one special thing each now that we've been several times.

The Marceline tour also sounds interesting. I think Dad would like that.

How are you putting together the catered events that you are doing? Is there a WDW event catering place or is it tied in with the wedding event planning? Do you contact someone and let them know that you have a whole week of stuff you'd like to do and they help you or do you just have to set up each thing with different people each time?? I'm so curious! I can't believe all the great stuff you have planned!!