A Sept '10 pre-trip report on how Disney addicts kill time before vacation!

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

All,
sorry for the delay in our next post, I should have it up tomorrow (Friday) Trust me it will be worth the wait

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

CAST MEMBER STATS:

Alright “peeps” its that time in the story where you get to read up about your new favorite characters. So for your enjoyment below you will find all the interesting tidbits and facts your little hearts have been desiring since you were born, ok maybe not that bad, but surely at least this whole last week of waiting. Anywho… please sit back relax and enjoy the show!

First up….

TEAM SOUTH DAKOTA

This teams cast members met a January of 09’ through a mutual friend. Because of his desire to go on a date, with his soon to be fellow teammate, he asked this friend, “do you think Erica would ever want to date a tall, gangly guy”. So a few emails latter and bada bing badaboom they were on there way to their first date. Lucky for Adam he had neglected to tell this said friend how he knew Erica, for he only mentioned he sees her around a lot, which meant we are in the same Jujutsu class together, so when Erica was asked about this date she agree, even though she had just broke up with a person, who wants to miss out on possibly meeting Mr. Right, right? Well later that same day her friends sent a text of the guy, per Erica’s request. Well Erica’s mouth about dropped off, this guy she has already agreed to go on a date with is from her class, fiddle sticks, I can’t back out now! You see this guy she just broke-up with was also in said class and Erica just said she would never date another person from class, it was to complicated after the break-up, and well even during the dating process it made for complications. So being the nice person she is she stuck to her guns and went out with him. Well as you can see the team line-up worked flawlessly. The have been inseparable since joining and even planned there first out of state game (vacation) together only after being together 2 months! Now I call that a match made in heaven. So that brings us to now and they are shooting for their second out of state game and are 1-0, so I would bet their winning streak will continue.

TEAM SOUTH DAKOTA: STATS

Name: Erica
Nicknames: “Quarterback” (was a larger girl early in life) “E” (thanks Jenn) “Cannon” (hell of a softball swing)
Age: 28 (29 when we reach the World)
Height: 5’3.5” (every little half inch counts)
Weight: 140ish ( I go up and down by 7 lbs, can’t make up my mind)
Date You Fell in love with Mouse: I’m pretty sure it was the second trip, don’t remember any of the first one. Though keep in mind I’m sure I actually fell in love with the mouse before I can rememeber. For I was always watching the Disney Channel and there movies. I was destined to be addicted to the Mouse.
Number of Trips to Disney: 5… 85’(4), 90’(9), 98’(17), 04’(23), 08’(27)
Favorite Character: Pluto (kid) Buzz Lightyear (adult)
Favorite Disney Memory: In 08’ my niece (9) and I were running to the China Pavilion to catch Mushu before he left. I of course was ahead (longer legs and all) and well people were looking at us strange, I turn to look back at Faith and she says “Run Erica run!”. She looked so cute running with her autograph book and Donald backpack bouncing up and down. I will never forget that, and yes, we did make it back just in time to grab a shot with Mushu.
Favorite Park: I would have to say it’s a toss up between all of them
Favorite Attraction @ Each Park:
Magic Kingdom- Pirates of the Caribbean
Epcot- Universe of Energy (yes I know I’m weird, but I LOVE dinosaurs)
Hollywood Studios- Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom- Dinosaur (see a pattern here)
Favorite Restaurant: Tokyo Dining (I love SUSHI!)
Favorite Snack: Mickey Head Ice Cream Bar
Favorite Resort: Beach Club Resort hands down!
Resorts Stayed at: DTD Hilton, Polynesian, Coronado Springs, PO Riverside, Beach Club resort
My Vacation isn’t complete without: riding every ride possible!
I am most looking forward to: see Jenn, going to Disney with by DBF and riding every ride possible!
I prefer to be in the parks: early… I hate crowds and lines, people, you name it people can touch me while we are walking its too crowned for me and I get crabby, no joke.
When I go The Magic Kingdom I always: have to go on POTC.
The thing I love most about Disney: is how when I’m there I feel as if I have been transported to another world where nothing ever goes wrong and people are always happy (I’m very good at blocking out all the crying babies so there doesn’t ruin the illusion).

Name: Adam
Nicknames: none
Age: 26 (27 when we reach the World)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 195ish
Date You Fell in love with Mouse: He has yet to fall in love with the Mouse, so sad
Number of Trips to Disney: .25 … (when he was like 8 he did go to EPCOT, but I told him that is doesn’t count I’m sure you all would agree with me)
Favorite Character: Chip & Dale (child) Goofy (adult)
Favorite Disney Memory: Watching fireworks with mom at EPCOT
The Park I’m most excited for: Magic Kingdom
Predicted Favorite Attraction @ Each Park:
Magic Kingdom- Space Mountain
Epcot- Mission Space
Hollywood Studios- Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom- Dinosaur
The Restaurant I can’t wait to eat at: California Grill
Which resort I most want to stay at: Wilderness Lodge
Resorts I would like to stay at: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian, Coronado Springs Resort
My vacation won’t be complete without: Erica.
I am most looking forward to: to exquisite food (keep in mnd we live in South Dakota)
When I go The Magic Kingdom I can’t wait: to see the Walt & Mickey statue in front of Cinderella’s Castle and have my picture taken.
The thing I love most about Disney: He predicts Blizzard beach


TEAM INDIANA

A love story… How I met your mother (yes, I’m totally ripping off NPH’s show) J

A few years ago (about 5 _ or a little more), I found myself working in a very popular sports bar. Not a popular choice for my parent’s approval, but I thought the job rocked! ANYWAY… not too long after I started working at “Dubs” as I shall call it, I met a very cute boy. We started to casually hang out – he was “too cool” to settle down. After a couple months, he decided he liked me too much, so naturally we broke up. He said we were fine being “friends,” but that was it. So I thought, “Okay… friends it is.” I started a very intensive “friendship” checking in with him via text message and seeing him at Dubs (I would always manage to wait on him…). One night, he came in with his sister, brother, and sister-in-law. Guess who took care of the table? J I guess I was a little forward (come to find out his sister pointed out that he was being dumb…). Long story short, a romance was born… officially… on Valentine’s morning in 2005. By summertime we were engaged and married 3 days before Christmas – he was my present!
Fast forward a few months to February. I was a few months pregnant and started to have major trouble. I ended up on horizontal bed-rest for 4 _ months! Talk about a marriage tester! In July of 2006, our little “trouble” Trevor entered the world a month early – safe, healthy, and really cute!We kept trying for an addition to the family and struck gold when Tre was around 18 months. Sadly, we gained an angel, but with luck and science (“the odds are in your favor that nothing will go wrong this time” – My OB), we struck gold again a few months later. Lucy joined our family in September of 2008.


TEAM INDIANA: STATS

Name: Jennifer
Nicknames: Jenn, Roscoe (grandpa), Dilemma (basketball teammate)
Age: 29
Height: 5’6 _
Weight: AHEM… but shrinking
Date You Fell in love with Mouse: He
Number of trips to Disney: 12 to WDW (at least 2 of those trips were day trips); 3 to DL
Favorite Character: always been a Goofy fan
Favorite Disney Memory: seeing Mickey and Minnie at EP in their space gear back in
the day before character greeting spots existed
Favorite Park: hmm… MK
Favorite Attraction @ Each Park:
Magic Kingdom – Mr. Toad! Oh wait, that’s not a viable option anymore… how ‘bout BTMR
EPCOT – the Seas… can’t tell you why, just always liked it
Hollywood Studios – Muppets
Animal Kingdom – EE
Favorite Restaurant: Biergarten!
Favorite Snack: Mickey Ice Cream bar
Favorite Resort: CSR by far!!! I enjoyed the Swan, too (Location! Location! Location!)
Where have you stayed: / Oh gosh! I’m not sure where all we stayed when I was younger (took lots of trips when I was super young…) but the list includes: Contemporary (x2), Swan; CSR, Ft. Wilderness (lots of times)
My vacation isn’t complete without: riding Jungle Cruise (I have never not ridden it on a trip)
I am most looking forward to: seeing E after 3 _ years AND watching Lucy see the World truly for the 1st time
I prefer to be in the parks: in the late evening, after Spectro and Wishes, the park is quiet and we can walk on to everything!
When I go to MK, I must always: stop and take a long appreciative look at Cindy’s castle and say a little thanks to Walt.
The thing I love most about Disney is: the ability to completely detach from the “outside” for the duration of our trip

P.S – I’m answering for my entire family… these are my observations of them at WDW. The following statements may not reflect the opinions of those directly involved with this survey. I am not responsible for any said claims listed below.

Name: Chris
Nicknames: Goad, Goat
Age: 30 (31 at WDW)
Height: 5’7
Weight: lower than last year
Date You Fell in love with Mouse: April 2009
Number of trips to Disney: 1
Favorite Character: Phineas and Ferb
Favorite Disney Memory: Seeing Tre meet Mickey for the 1st time
Favorite Park: EP
Favorite Attraction @ Each Park:
Magin Kingdom – POTC
EPCOT – Nemo
Hollywood Studios – none (due to a lack of options at this time)
Animal Kingdom – walking trails
Favorite Restaurant: Pizzafari
Favorite Snack: any candy from Goofy’s
Favorite Resort: CSR
Where have you stayed: CSR
My vacation isn’t complete without: getting loads of candy from Goofy’s and hauling it back home!
I am most looking forward to: “going on vacation” even though he secretly LOVES WDW!!!
I prefer to be in the parks: late, late at night
When I go to MK, I must always: -- can’t answer that yet, he’s only been once!!
The thing I love most about Disney is: the feeling he gets when going into the parks… he gets overwhelmed with pixie dust!

Name: Trevor
Nicknames: Trev, Bear, Love
Age: 3 (4 at WDW)
Height: 40 _”
Weight: 37.5 lbs at last visit
Date You Fell in love with Mouse: April 2009
Number of trips to Disney: 2
Favorite Character: Mickey, Phineas and Ferb
Favorite Disney Memory: meeting Buzz Lightyear last fall
Favorite Park: MK
Favorite Attraction @ Each Park:
Maginc Kingdom – Dumbo, Pirate ride, ghost ride (HM)
EPCOT – Nemo/Turtle Talk
Hollywood Studios – Playhouse Disney
Animal Kingdom – Dinoland
Favorite Restaurant: Tony’s (the spaghetti)
Favorite Snack: Mickey Ice Cream bar
Favorite Resort: ASMo
Where have you stayed: CSR, ASMo
I am most looking forward to: defeating the Evil Emporer Zurg and getting to finally ride Stitch!
My vacation isn’t complete without: getting to ride Stitch
I prefer to be in the parks: anytime
When I go to MK, I must always: ride Dumbo
The thing I love most about Disney is: Mickey Mouse!

Name: Lucy
Nicknames: Luce, Love, Princess
Age: 1 (2 in the park)
Height: 33”
Weight: 28 lbs
Date You Fell in love with Mouse: date undetermined
Number of trips to Disney: 1
Favorite Character: Mau Mau (Mickey Mouse)
Favorite Disney Memory: don’t have one yet
Favorite Park: none right now
Favorite Attraction (in each Park):
Magic Kingdom – POTC (great place to nap!)
EPCOT – Gran Fiesta (great place to nap!)
Hollywood Studios – Playhouse Disney
Animal Kingdom – walking trails
Favorite Restaurant: Pinocchio Village Haus (lots to nibble on there)
Favorite Snack: Mickey suckers
Favorite Resort: CSR
Where have you stayed: CSR
My vacation isn’t complete without: ---
I am most looking forward to: seeing Mau Mau
I prefer to be in the parks: anytime
When I go to MK, I must always: ---
The thing I love most about Disney is: Mau Mau

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Wow... I'm the only one of us that won't be older when we get there!

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

Well if it makes you feel better Adam is aging this coming Tuesday

 

[justplaingoofy]

yea..... I love that Adams visits account for .25.
I'm guessing because he was only there one day and went to 1/4 of the parks?

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

yea..... I love that Adams visits account for .25.
I'm guessing because he was only there one day and went to 1/4 of the parks?

I'm glad someone noticed that. I told him his visit didn't count, but I was nice and figured hey he was there for one day I have to give him some credit

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

justplaingoofy... you must be excited that you are leaving on your trip shortly. I have to say I'm jealous. How long ya going for? Where ya staying? Any fun plans aranged?

 

[justplaingoofy]

yea.....

leaving a week from Monday. Its me (38)& My aunt (48) and I are going for a 5 day trip. We're leaving our husbands behind so we didn't want to stay too long, plus we got great flights! We arrive into MCO at 9:15 am and depart at 9:17pm so we pretty much have full days. I rented a car so we likely arrive at Caribbean Beach around 10a-10:15a. I like having a car to go to the Disney Outlets and $99 for a midsize including taxes took care of that decision

Things have been crazy here... My aunt & I booked this in Feb. Don't you know 2 weeks ago she is admitted to ICU at our hospital with a heart attack They kept her through the weekend then transferred her to another hospital to get a stint put into her main artery (80% blocked). She is doing great and very much looking forward to this get away...
Then yesterday we find out that my husband is having knee surgery on Thursday (5 days before we leave)another This will be his #4th knee surgery (2 on each knee)..Having been through it before he's a trooper. & He's used to me going away. (I probably take 3 trips a year without him) then he comes on 2 trips with me. So this to me is NUTS because I'm one of those people that don't do drama or things that aren't planned.

I usually get to Disney twice a year (occasionally 3x) so theres not a WHOLE lot on my list to cross off Mostly looking forward to the "feeling" that you get there and taking in some parks, relaxing poolside..and of course..eating

I've been enjoying reading your thread...keep'em coming

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

yea.....

leaving a week from Monday. Its me (38)& My aunt (48) and I are going for a 5 day trip. We're leaving our husbands behind so we didn't want to stay too long, plus we got great flights! We arrive into MCO at 9:15 am and depart at 9:17pm so we pretty much have full days. I rented a car so we likely arrive at Caribbean Beach around 10a-10:15a. I like having a car to go to the Disney Outlets and $99 for a midsize including taxes took care of that decision

Things have been crazy here... My aunt & I booked this in Feb. Don't you know 2 weeks ago she is admitted to ICU at our hospital with a heart attack They kept her through the weekend then transferred her to another hospital to get a stint put into her main artery (80% blocked). She is doing great and very much looking forward to this get away...
Then yesterday we find out that my husband is having knee surgery on Thursday (5 days before we leave)another This will be his #4th knee surgery (2 on each knee)..Having been through it before he's a trooper. & He's used to me going away. (I probably take 3 trips a year without him) then he comes on 2 trips with me. So this to me is NUTS because I'm one of those people that don't do drama or things that aren't planned.

I usually get to Disney twice a year (occasionally 3x) so theres not a WHOLE lot on my list to cross off Mostly looking forward to the "feeling" that you get there and taking in some parks, relaxing poolside..and of course..eating

I've been enjoying reading your thread...keep'em coming

Well I wish your family the best and hope all goes well

and wow that is awesome that you get to go soooo often. I'm jealous, but an wishing you a fantastic trip

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

We can always "retire" in Florida...

Hey Goofy, would you like to see if the Wooden Leg Named Smith is at the Frontierland Station? It was taken off our list, but we're dying to know if it's there!

Hey E, any thoughts on my proposition for DHS?? Walt's TOD vs. finding his multiplane camera???

Inquiring minds wanna know!

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

We can always "retire" in Florida...

Hey Goofy, would you like to see if the Wooden Leg Named Smith is at the Frontierland Station? It was taken off our list, but we're dying to know if it's there!

Hey E, any thoughts on my proposition for DHS?? Walt's TOD vs. finding his multiplane camera???

Inquiring minds wanna know!

I think I vote for the camera, it seems more fitting for me don't you think

 

[justplaingoofy]

Whats my mission? Something about a wooden leg
Happy to help, just let me know!

One week from right now we'll be in the parking lot of Epcot(7:50a) AM EMH.


I wish I could use all these icons in my every day email.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Whats my mission? Something about a wooden leg
Happy to help, just let me know!

ONLY IF YOU HAVE TIME... At the Frontierland Train Station there is supposed to be a tribute to the Mary Poppins movie. Remember the laughing scene when Bert says, "I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith" and Uncle Albert says, "Well, what's the name of his other leg?" There is supposedly a wooden leg named Smith at that train station. Rumor is that it is gone, but if you're in the area, would you mind taking a look?

E and I are both mad Mary Poppins fans and would love to see it, but all the speculation out that it's gone has us a little sad.

One week from right now we'll be in the parking lot of Epcot(7:50a) AM EMH.

So excited for you! Wish it was our turn!

I wish I could use all these icons in my every day email.

I know, huh? I love 'em!

P.S. - DS woke up today and said, "You know who we're going with to Disney mommy?? ERICA!!!!" He's never met E, but he knows all about her! Then he proceeded to tell me we have to ride Dumbo and then he asked me if Barnstormer would be open, sadly, I had to tell him that I wasn't sure, we'd just have to wait it out.

 

[justplaingoofy]

ONLY IF YOU HAVE TIME... At the Frontierland Train Station there is supposed to be a tribute to the Mary Poppins movie. Remember the laughing scene when Bert says, "I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith" and Uncle Albert says, "Well, what's the name of his other leg?" There is supposedly a wooden leg named Smith at that train station. Rumor is that it is gone, but if you're in the area, would you mind taking a look?


No problem.... We'll be right around there so I'd be happy to take a looksie..
I just put it on the "index card"..

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Okay... so it's been awhile since we've posted anything. So in an attempt to get more people involved, what do you want to know about us? Our trip? Etc?

Here is what we already have planned, but aren't quite sure what should be listed next: our park schedule, GAD involvement and our plans for the vouchers, meals (my most favorite-est part), travel plans, what we are trying new this time, our hotels (what we are expecting/about them).

I'm open to ideas!

More soon!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

So browsing the Disney site today I was shocked to see they changed the park hours for our arrival day , so I guess we can't discuss our schedule yet.

We had planned on doing MK that day, and our flight arrives early enough that we would have time to nap, head to the park, eat at CM, then go back to the park. Now I may have to "push" the kids during the day and turn in early.

I guess we can talk about our main points of each park and what we wouldn't mind missing...

 

[justplaingoofy]

So browsing the Disney site today I was shocked to see they changed the park hours for our arrival day , so I guess we can't discuss our schedule yet.

We had planned on doing MK that day, and our flight arrives early enough that we would have time to nap, head to the park, eat at CM, then go back to the park. Now I may have to "push" the kids during the day and turn in early.

I guess we can talk about our main points of each park and what we wouldn't mind missing...

We usually hit a park right after we arrive and make it an early night. We're going on Monday and hitting up MK..make it an early night because we're going to AM emh at Epcot.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I guess we could call it an early night. Maybe hit up the pool and explore our hotel. Just bummed out though. DH loves being in the park in the evening and I was hoping to hit up JC that night too. It's so much better in the evening IMO!

I'm still trusting E's luck. Things always manage to work out for her (and me when we travelling together)! It's not too terrible of an adjustment for us. I'm just worried we won't spend enough time in MK while we're there. Okay... that's it... we're discussing our schedule next!!!!

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

Hey everybody...

Sorry I seemed to vanish off the face of the Earth but I started a part-time job last week, on top of my dog very sick all last week as well, had to have a nasal surgery, don't worry she is much better this week. But couple all of that with my BDF birthday and working on my masters degree I had one heck of a week

So hopefully this week, most likely next week, I'll be back in full swing entertaining you all with my witty humor

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Taking some liberties here, I will tease you with our "foolproof" original schedule.

I thought, when the September hours were released, that we hit the jackpot. I mean, all the anticipation... the pre-planning based on historical data, flipping coins... we came up with a great plan (thanks to E of course... I don't see a lot of the stuff she does until she says something - she's usually right ).

On our arrival day, E and Adam would already be in MK. We were going to land, eat lunch, nap, and head to MK, eat at CM, go back to the park until the kids were done.

The next day we had EP lined up, with Team Indiana having lunch at Akershus, touring the park, meeting up with Team South Dakota for dinner at Coral Reef then walk off our dinner for a bit and retire for the night.

Then, we were going to follow that up with a full day at AK, hitting up EE, dinosaur, looking for the new baby gorilla, etc. Dining at Boma for dinner, then hitting up DHS for EMH.

I know... sounds like a lot for people with 2 young kids. Yeah, no... my kids go all day, non-stop (and this is WDW tested...)

Finally we settled on a rest day while Team South Dakota played around WS on Segways, we planned to lounge around the pool and get ready for MNSSHP!

The next day the teams planned to be in different parks during the day and meet up in the afternoon at EP. Two separate ADRs between Les Chefs de France and Le Cellier, we'd be eatin' good.

We would end our trip on at separate parks as well. Team SD back at MK, Team IN at DHS and DTD. Our last day still isn't set in stone... a lot is going to depend on which characters will be at Hollywood & Vine in the fall. Both my boys have requested lunch at T-Rex, and what's a little light shopping before catching the flight home??

More soon!