A Rolex Vacation on a Timex Budget: Sept '11 PTR (TR is Live!)

[Shannon84]

Day one looks GREAT

I think you will be ok with the changes to the Mexico boat ride it is cute You should most definietly toast in honor of your dad while enjoying your first dinner at WDW, that is sweet

I am excited to hear all about the extras involved with your stay!

 

[jenneth79]

So glad to hear that you are feeling better!! Can't wait for another update!! and yay for only being 4 months away It will go by quickly!

Thanks! I feel like myself again; slightly crazy, but awake and aware!

Glad to hear you are feeling better! Look forward to hearing about your plans. Especially since a lot of it is going to include some incredible dining choices.

I actually started getting really excited again today when I looked at Day 2's Dining Plans! More to come.....

Welcome back!!! Look forward to hearing all about your plans and wow on it being 4 months to go! September will be here before we know it!

I know, we're both on the same countdown, aren't we? I think you get there a day or so before me though.... so jealous!

 

[natebenma]

Great first day plans!!!

We have used ME three times, once to All Star Music, twice to Beach Club. No horror stories.

Love the San Angel Inn, we always enjoy the food and the atmosphere is unbelievable, but we haven't been with the kids, so it has probably been over 15 years since we have dined there.

I'm with you on the changes to classic attractions. I don't care for the addition of the ducks to the Mexico ride. I also prefer the original version of Imagination with the Dreamfinder and I am still in major shock and denial that the "Living with the Land" song is no longer heard during that ride.

The new ending to Spaceship Earth (aka the Giant Golfball) rocks, though!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

I'm a purist as well!
I agree with you and Natebenma......I miss the original rides...... "bring back Mr Toad's wild ride", "Bring back Mr Toad's wild Ride" !! (Holding picket sign)

Great first day plans....we have taken the magical express every trip except 2001 when we drove, no issues at all...

Glad your feeling better!

Lucky you with good Sushi places near you....no such luck for me

 

[jenneth79]

I'm so glad you're feeling better!

Thank you!

Your Day 1 plans look great! I agree with you about Epcot, I have to start and end my trip there, no questions asked!

Well. Except this upcoming trip. We'll be starting at MK to do the Halloween party, but the very next morning we are heading to Epcot!

I've always wanted to try the Halloween party, but it never seems to work out. I feel like I'd have to plan our trip around that in order to make it work. This year, it will be running (I think we're the first week or so it's happening?) but it's on our actual anniversary, and I have to say I'd choose V&A over that.... this time at least!

My DH really wants to go to Tokyo Dining, I can't wait to hear how you guys liked it!

I will be sure to let you know! I'm a sushi snob, but I'll be sure to at least take a LOT of pics!

*Sigh* I never want things at Disney to change either. That's why I'm kind of weird about the whole new Fantasyland...I think it will be amazing, but...no more Toontown kind of annoys me!


You know what's really funny about that? I felt the same when when they built Toontown.... "what is this monstrosity??"....and now I'm kind of sad to see it go.

So glad to hear you are feeling better!

Thanks!

Your Arrival Day plans sound great! (I'll be using Magical Express for my trip, too... eek, the only negative I've heard is that it can sometimes take awhile to make it to your resort (waiting for the bus to fill up, multiple stops) but I hope that's the worst that could happen!)

I'm hoping since we're staying at a Deluxe resort during the "off season" this means our trip will be shorter... but I'm equally scared it could mean we'll be going to even MORE stops. Who knows, it will just be part of the adventure. It just doesn't make sense for me to rent a car or take a taxi, cost wise.

What I'm really hoping is that our luggage shows up sometime the same day!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I know, we're both on the same countdown, aren't we? I think you get there a day or so before me though.... so jealous!

Yes, I believe there is only a couple of days difference in our start dates. Can't wait! I'm feeling jealous at all the countdowns that say days rather then weeks...oh well we will be there soon as well

 

[jenneth79]

I love your plans for the first day!!! San Angel Inn sounds amazing -- I have never eaten there before & was considering it for this trip but didn't make an ADR. I think we'll just grab QS at the new Mexican restaurant. Whats your opinion on that? I thought I would ask since I know you love San Angel

I have not been to the Cantina (which I think is the one you're speaking of?) but I hear it has gret food, and frankly San Angel Inn is always a bit noisy, so you aren't missing out on the "quiet".

However, I firmly believe you cannot beat the atmosphere of SAI. I wouldn't be shocked that you could get an ADR this far out, I would always suggest it if someone hasn't eaten there beofre and they like Mexican food. (And Mexican w/ Spanish influnces ..... not Tex-Mex. Their Mole's (sauces) are AMAZING!) The other benefit is that it only uses one TS credit.

About Magical Express -- I was shocked to read that you read bad reviews!!! WOW! We've used it every trip that we've stayed on property & we love it! It's so nice to arrive at MCO, head straight to ME, and then arrive at the resort a short time later (we've NEVER had a wait at the customer service desk & only had a small wait for a bus last trip but it was mid-summer). I love the luggage service too -- we usually go grab QS at our resort or just wander around or take a swim & its always there about 2 hours after we arrive. I'm sure it sometimes takes longer, but we've always had good luck & fast service with ME! The first time I suggested that my parents use it, they were very skeptical about it (mostly because they didn't completely understand it). But my dad called me from the bus & thanked me! In my opinion, I think its great to use ME -- I don't see the need to pay extra for a taxi unless you're planning to stop at a grocery store along the way (which you probably won't need since you're staying concierge!!!)

Thanks for the review, I'm glad to hear there are good experiences out there as well! I'm starting to wonder if it has to do with the time of year you travel, as well.

I can't believe its 4 months until your trip...that means it 4 months minus 3 days until mine! WOW!!! I can't believe it approaching so quickly! I wish we would get some sunshine here so I can enjoy the summer before heading to Disney -- its been rainy here all week & most of last week too!

Can't wait to hear more about your plans!!!

I KNOW! It's raining (again) out my window as I type this. I'm done, and I want the sun back NOW!

I forgot you'll be showing up a few days after us... I'll do the "sun dance" before you show up!

 

[jenneth79]

Arrival Day sounds good, great choices for dining too

We love the ME for the ride experience, we're not so keen on the bags being delivered though. Out of our three trips to the World we used the luggage service twice and twice we were kept waiting til gone midnight for our bags. Our last trip we decided to keep our bags, as the system had changed to picking them off the carousel and placing them on another one to transport to whoever. So glad we did that, as even though it was a drag pulling them around, we were at least able to change our clothes straightaway and not have to worry about being woken up by bell services.

That is VERY good to know, thanks! Really that was my main concern from what I've heard about people not getting luggage until VERY late...if we can drag our bags with us, I'm good!

Love the how to survive cranky morning Jen!! It's a good job then that the flight is scheduled for 10am. We are not getting the ME but I look forward to hearing how you found it.

at being able to check in at Club level - you guys will have a great time!! All the reservations sound great and I am with you on liking the look of Epcot - can't wait to spend some time in that park!

And trust me, Cranky Morning Jen shows up ALL the time. Even the furballs have learned how to deal with her. (Typically sitting on the OPPOSITE side of the bed out of arm's reach to beg for food. Or just get "dad" to feed them. )

Sooooo giddy about CL.

Day one looks GREAT

I think you will be ok with the changes to the Mexico boat ride it is cute You should most definietly toast in honor of your dad while enjoying your first dinner at WDW, that is sweet

I am excited to hear all about the extras involved with your stay!

I'm so glad to hear it! I hope the little dancing skelletons are still there?

Though our big event fell though, I've still got a few things up my sleeves....

 

[jenneth79]

Great first day plans!!!

We have used ME three times, once to All Star Music, twice to Beach Club. No horror stories.

Love the San Angel Inn, we always enjoy the food and the atmosphere is unbelievable, but we haven't been with the kids, so it has probably been over 15 years since we have dined there.

I'm with you on the changes to classic attractions. I don't care for the addition of the ducks to the Mexico ride. I also prefer the original version of Imagination with the Dreamfinder and I am still in major shock and denial that the "Living with the Land" song is no longer heard during that ride.

The new ending to Spaceship Earth (aka the Giant Golfball) rocks, though!

HOLD THE PHONE!

THEY CHANGED MY FIGMENT RIDE?!?!?!?!?

This cannot be true! Please tell me it is an elaborate, cruel, late April Fools joke! *sobs*

I may have to cancel the trip!

Er.

No, I don't think I'll do that... but still!!!!!

Anyway..... *deep breath* I'm glad you had good ME experiences, I guess I'm getting worked up over nothing.

Not that I do that......

I'm a purist as well!
I agree with you and Natebenma......I miss the original rides...... "bring back Mr Toad's wild ride", "Bring back Mr Toad's wild Ride" !! (Holding picket sign)

Great first day plans....we have taken the magical express every trip except 2001 when we drove, no issues at all...

Glad your feeling better!

Lucky you with good Sushi places near you....no such luck for me

Did you know that there is a CM room that is named after Mr. Toad? Apparently there are a lot of people who are unhappy about it. I do love Pooh, but really, couldn't they have kicked someone else out? Like... I don't know....It's a Small World?

Sushi is relatively easy to make as well... if you have a place with really fresh fish! The key is really the rice. I'm more than happy to share a recipe if you'd like.

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Would love the recipe!

That's cool about the CM room!! poor Mr Toad....

 

[natebenma]

HOLD THE PHONE!

THEY CHANGED MY FIGMENT RIDE?!?!?!?!?

This cannot be true! Please tell me it is an elaborate, cruel, late April Fools joke! *sobs*

I may have to cancel the trip!

Er.

No, I don't think I'll do that... but still!!!!!

Oh, I hate to be the one who brings bad news!

I had to go back to see when you last visited Disney- 10 years ago- there have been a couple of changes to the orginal ride. From 1999-2001, there was a version of the attraction "without much Figment". In 2002 a new version appeared, with Eric Idle, more figment, but no Dreamfinder

And I finally got a decent picture this past summer of Toad handing off the deed to Owl. This one doesn't really bother me- I never experienced Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Well, once in Jamaica!

 

[Kari-B]

Sorry to hear about your wisdom teeth. Those are not fun to get removed. Hope everything is feeling better by now!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Just saying hi! Hope your mouth is all healed by now and no more pain..

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Bumping back up!!

Come on Jen, don't leave us hanging on the plans!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jenneth79]

Hey everyone!

The past two weeks have been brutal for us. Our little angel, Bailey got very sick again and we spent the week before memorial day in and our of the Emergency Vet Center. She's doing better now, though we will know more on her follow up this weekend!

On top of that, we've been travelling for both work and (thankfully) a quick trip up to Long Island this past weekend.

I can't wait to share days 2-9 starting tomorrow!



-jen

 

[Stefy]

Hi Jen, we're still here don't you worry

I hope Bailey gets better soon, sending lots of good thoughts and your way

 

[JerilynPearl]

Hi Jen,

I need to introduce myself and I think it's time I fess up, I've been lurking your trip report and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

First, I've been lurking on the boards for months but I never feel like chiming in on posts. Well, here I am chiming in. Why? Well, I don't know maybe I'm feeling a connection with you... okay, I'll stop rambling.

What I'm trying to say is I'm going to Disney in September also, the first park I always go to is Epcot (Gasp, it's not MK!) Figment was my all time favorite for most of my childhood, that is until they massacred it. AND my connection to Disney stems from the love of my father, and all the sacrifices he made to bring us to Disney every year. I seriously cried when I read your first post about your father. What a tribute.

Well, I'm getting married this September and dragging my husband to Disney for our honeymoon. Maybe someday I'll find time to make my own PTR but for now I'm enjoying reading all of your plans.

I hope Bailey is feeling better and things have calmed down a bit for ya.

When you feel up to it, keep on posting! You have lurking fans!

 

[jenneth79]

But I'm back... and writing up our day two plans! I will also try to respond to all messages this afternoon.

Life has been crazy, to be sure, but my DH and I are REALLY looking forward to our Disney Vacation in 10 weeks!



Thanks for the well wishes and notes, I appreciate it!

xoxo

Jen

 

[Sappermont]

Dear Reader, I am a hypocrite.

I have a number of rules that I believe everyone MUST follow when planning a vacation. I have since realized that I am breaking them left and right on this Disney trip! Does it make me less of a bad person if I admit it?

Rule #1: Don’t over-plan!
Uh. Ok, so in reality, I break this rule every time. I like planning! Lists are my friend, and I have one for every aspect of a vacation. So far, in my Disney notebook I have: Park Hours, ADRs, Packing List (prelim), Budget / Savings Worksheet, Payments Made, Weight Loss (which to date, I would like to point out, I have GAINED two pounds…not LOST any…) and a tentative park day plan.

Rule #2: Don’t make too many reservations, it ruins spontaneity!
I blame Disney for this one. (See earlier rant regarding ADRs) Then again, I also planned the day at the Grand Floridian Spa…..

Rule # 3: Have fun, Da***t!
I do try to follow this rule…. Which has been in place since planning our wedding. For a bit of backstory, I spent a LOT of time involved with the planning, decorating, etc. I wanted to have a 70k wedding on a 20k budget. We got it, and it was amazing. But I did almost burn myself out. I had the bright idea to write each of our 150 guests (did I mention 90% of those invited ACCEPTED???) a small, personalized thank you for coming to share in our wedding. I put these in tiny envelopes, sealed with wax, and they became our place cards. People still talk about it today, and I’m glad we did it, but two days before the wedding I was cursing myself for thinking that it was a good idea. Rule # 3 was born in a fit of frustration (and perhaps one to many glasses of wine…) :



I consider Rule #3 unbreakable at this point… though I have to remind myself that today as I wait yet another day for Disney Events to get back to me…..

Ok, so since I’ve been breaking all the rules, here’s where we stand with our current “schedule”:

Sept 17 –Morning flight to Orlando, arrive at hotel @ 1pm. Check in to YC, wander around, perhaps check out DHS or Epcot. Dinner @ San Angel in honor of Dad.

Sept 18- Magic Kingdom day! Cinderella’s Royal Table Breakfast, dinner @ Le Cellier. Back to MK for EMH (if we aren’t swimming in Cheddar soup!)

Sept 19 –Day # 1 of Epcot. After insane rush to get on Soarin’ and Test Track, relaxing afternoon, lunch at Tutto Italia and dinner @ Jiko.

Sept 20 – (our ACTUAL anniversary!) Morning / Early Afternoon at Animal Kingdom, then general pool day and early dinner at Victoria and Alberts in the Queen Victoria Room!

Sept 21 – Non Park Day, Spa morning @ GF, afternoon doing a whole lotta nuttin! Dinner at Yachtsman.

Sept 22 – Back to the parks! Magic Kingdom day take 2… dinner @ Bistro de Paris because I somehow managed to squeeze all the fancy pants places one right after another. Whoops!

Sept 23- My DH’s favorite day planned. We are “Drinking around the World” this day! Lunch at Biergarten and dinner at the Rose and Crowne. Extended hours until 12AM at Epcot. Bets are being taken now if I make it that far.

Sept 24 - Nurse hangover from day before. Visit DHS, manage to ride Tower of Terror without getting sick (see aforementioned expected hangover) and have dinner at Ohana’. **

Sept 25 – Wake up, cry about leaving WDW. Sneak in one quick ride at our favorite park of the trip, spend rest of snack credits on SOMETHING, debate bounceback offer. Fight about something (probably snack credits). Get on plane, head home. Deal with VEEEERY angry kitties who did not like being left at home without constant "lap time".

** This reservation MAY be cancelled due to a different, super exciting celebration that I might be planning. Then again, if they never call me back, I might not ;-)

So, what do you all think? Will we stick to it?

I love following your PTR. You have a great trip planned. My husband and I were married on 9/20/08, too!! We're going to WDW to celebrate our anniversary, but we're going a few weeks earlier! Have fun and can't wait to hear how the YC was!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Hi Jen,
Welcome back! we missed you!!