A Tale of Two Sisters: Off to Explore the World! Jan '14 - Updated 8/25!

[disney-inspired]

I stole this idea from Laila, Lei on the boards, and you can check out her PTR here!

Disney 2014 Bucket List (if I win the lottery. Or Free Dining):

• Cinderella's Royal Table
• Le Cellier for Dinner
• Staying at the AKL, concierge level
  
• Photopass+
• Wild Africa Trek at AK
  

Disney 2014 Bucket List (if I dont win the lottery)

• BOG for lunch
• Try not to pay for any food OOP since I have the DDP (I managed to do it last year)
  
• Meet Russel, Dug, Mike and Sully
• Get a photo in front of each park's icon- Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Like, The Chinese Theater (the original DHS icon before legalities got in the way!)
  
• Watch Wishes from Poly's beach or/and at Ohana
• Add the park hopper option
• Behind the Seeds Tour
• Sleep Hollow Refreshments for a nutella waffle sandwich!
• Photopass - MAGIC SHOTS!
• Grand Marnier slushie in France @ Epcot
  
• Ice cream Martini in France @ Epcot
  
• Yak Attack @ the Yak and Yet in AK
• Triple Yeti Blast @ Upcountry Beverages in AK
• Mickey pretzel

don't worry, I won't drink all those alcoholic slushies in one day

 

[Cobern]

I stole this idea from Laila, Lei on the boards, and you can check out her PTR here!

Disney 2014 Bucket List (if I win the lottery. Or Free Dining):


[*]Le Cellier
[*]Photopass+
[*]Wild Africa Trek at AK

[*]Buy something country-specific from each pavilion at Epcot.
[*]Add on another night to our stay


Disney 2014 Bucket List (if I don’t win the lottery)

[*]Buy a few souvenirs from Epcot (not as many as I'd like!)

[*]BOG for lunch
[*]Try not to pay for any food OOP since I have the DDP (I managed to do it last year)

[*]Meet Russel, Dug, Mike and Sully
[*]Get a photo in front of each park's icon- Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Like, The Chinese Theater (the original DHS icon before legalities got in the way!)

[*]Watch Wishes from Poly's beach or at Ohana
[*]Add the park hopper option (maybe!)
[*]Behind the Seeds Tour

I love it! I so want to meet Mikey and Sully! I wanted to in May but they were closed for the renovation to the meeting space.

 

[Lei]

I stole this idea from Laila, Lei on the boards, and you can check out her PTR here!

Disney 2014 Bucket List (if I win the lottery. Or Free Dining):

• Le Cellier
• Photopass+
• Wild Africa Trek at AK
  
• Buy something country-specific from each pavilion at Epcot.
• Add on another night to our stay

Disney 2014 Bucket List (if I don’t win the lottery)

• Buy a few souvenirs from Epcot (not as many as I'd like!)
  
• BOG for lunch
• Try not to pay for any food OOP since I have the DDP (I managed to do it last year)
  
• Meet Russel, Dug, Mike and Sully
• Get a photo in front of each park's icon- Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Like, The Chinese Theater (the original DHS icon before legalities got in the way!)
  
• Watch Wishes from Poly's beach or at Ohana
• Add the park hopper option (maybe!)
• Behind the Seeds Tour
  

Love it! Aaaah, if budget's not so tight, I'd definitely add park hopper option to my tickets too just realized we're both stuck with base tickets!

Wild Africa Trek, what is it actually? First time hearing it...

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I may be late, but I am here!!!!

Please continue...

 

[disney-inspired]

Love it! Aaaah, if budget's not so tight, I'd definitely add park hopper option to my tickets too just realized we're both stuck with base tickets!

Wild Africa Trek, what is it actually? First time hearing it...

This is the description from the Disney site

Roam with wild animals on this 3-hour safari trek through the Safi River Valley at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.
The Journey
See yawning hippos and hissing crocodiles just 10 feet below as you make your way across a shaky rope bridge, secured to an overhead track with a safety harness. Ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna teeming with native African creatures, from towering giraffes to powerful rhinos.
On your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share little-known insights on the majestic animals on view as well as the general operation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.
Candid Photo Ops
A professional photographer will also be taking pictures throughout, so feel free to relax and spend some quality time, up close and personal with the animals of the Harambe Reserve. At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive your CD loaded with memories.
And as if your trek weren’t memorable enough, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir as well!

It also provides either breakfast or lunch, depending on what time you go.
It's $189 PER PERSON

I may be late, but I am here!!!!

Please continue...

Yay you made it!

 

[katiee37]

I have an ongoing Disney bucket list that will take probably too many years to fully accomplish everything---Wild Africa Trek is high up on it! I'm saving Behind the Seeds for the next time my mom goes down with me since she's an avid gardener. If only all of the tours were as affordable as that one

 

[disney-inspired]

I have an ongoing Disney bucket list that will take probably too many years to fully accomplish everything---Wild Africa Trek is high up on it! I'm saving Behind the Seeds for the next time my mom goes down with me since she's an avid gardener. If only all of the tours were as affordable as that one

After getting into Lou Mongello's podcast, WDW Radio (which I highly suggest), I want to take all the tours! Also I really want to take in everything WDW has to offer. You can get his podcast through iTunes, it is great! I listen to a few shows each day at work to pass the time.

 

[disney-inspired]

Somehow I stumbled upon the news that the Brazilian tour groups are prevalent in January and summer time.



I did not need to know this because now I'm considering moving my trip up by a few weeks.

I don't want to deal with a bunch of loud, obnoxious, rude, inconsiderate and possibly immodest, spoiled teens. This is the general concensus that I have read about in many trip reports and discussion board posts.

I also read that they stay at the value resorts (like us) and I'd rather not have to deal with all that ruckus.

SO, I'm considering moving my trip up to right after New Year's Day, January 2 - 6th.

Am I overreacting? Should I just stick with my dates?

 

[Lei]

Somehow I stumbled upon the news that the Brazilian tour groups are prevalent in January and summer time.



I did not need to know this because now I'm considering moving my trip up by a few weeks.

I don't want to deal with a bunch of loud, obnoxious, rude, inconsiderate and possibly immodest, spoiled teens. This is the general concensus that I have read about in many trip reports and discussion board posts.

I also read that they stay at the value resorts (like us) and I'd rather not have to deal with all that ruckus.

SO, I'm considering moving my trip up to right after New Year's Day, January 2 - 6th.

Am I overreacting? Should I just stick with my dates?

Stick to your date!!! Because the first week of January is supposed to be a level-9 week, crowd wise. It'll die down by the 2nd week.

I'm annoyed by this fact too, but people say the BTG in Jan-Feb is way better than in July. Keep the spirit up!

 

[disney-inspired]

Stick to your date!!! Because the first week of January is supposed to be a level-9 week, crowd wise. It'll die down by the 2nd week.

I'm annoyed by this fact too, but people say the BTG in Jan-Feb is way better than in July. Keep the spirit up!

Thanks, Laila

I asked around and everyone says they are not nearly as bad in January as they are in the summer time.

I'm hoping they don't cause us too much trouble. It is just my sister and I so we should be able to outmaneuver them.

 

[disney-inspired]

Okay, so after much reading (and freaking out!) I've decided that we will stick with our dates. To be completely honest (with myself) there is never a truly perfect time to go to WDW. I'm going to go and have a great time, no matter who else will be there.

Another positive note: we are a party of two. We are both able-bodied young ladies. We will have no problem zigging when they're sagging if needed.

One thing I am more certain, almost 100%, of is that I will be adding the park hopper option. If there are a lot of the turismas there I'd like to have the ability to go to a different park. From what I've read, they take advantage of EMH and I think we are only going to one park on its EMH day and that's DHS ( to be further developed in a future itinerary post). Now we can hit TGMR and TSMM first thing in the morning and head out later if its better.

That's all of a trip update I have for now!

As far as my training goes, one week in and I'm already having to step on the brakes! I have horrible shin splints right now (did too much, too fast) so I have to do alternative exercise: elliptical, bike or swimming. Hoping it won't stop me for long.

 

[dizneedebbie]

Just starting following your post. What an awesome trip you have planned! Your little sister is so lucky - you guys sound like quite a dynamic duo!
Just booked a trip for myself and 2 adult kids for Jan 6-10! So excited.
Still haven't made but one ADR yet, as we are still deciding where and when to eat. I hope to have them nailed down by the weekend. I am hoping low crowds and no free dining will make the ADRs easy to come by.
We did book Boma for a late breakfast for 1/7. It was on my bucketlist of places to go!

I hear you about the flight prices...yikes Hoping some deals surface in the months to come!

Keep the pre-trip reports coming! They are fun to read!

 

[Lei]

Okay, so after much reading (and freaking out!) I've decided that we will stick with our dates. To be completely honest (with myself) there is never a truly perfect time to go to WDW. I'm going to go and have a great time, no matter who else will be there.

Another positive note: we are a party of two. We are both able-bodied young ladies. We will have no problem zigging when they're sagging if needed.

One thing I am more certain, almost 100%, of is that I will be adding the park hopper option. If there are a lot of the turismas there I'd like to have the ability to go to a different park. From what I've read, they take advantage of EMH and I think we are only going to one park on its EMH day and that's DHS ( to be further developed in a future itinerary post). Now we can hit TGMR and TSMM first thing in the morning and head out later if its better.

You literally read my mind! My travel partner almost couldn't go in February, so we almost book the trip for Jan. My biggest worry was, of course, the tour groups. But I consoled myself with thoughts exactly like yours. Glad you're keeping your dates! I'm sure you'll have a blast

 

[disney-inspired]

You literally read my mind! My travel partner almost couldn't go in February, so we almost book the trip for Jan. My biggest worry was, of course, the tour groups. But I consoled myself with thoughts exactly like yours. Glad you're keeping your dates! I'm sure you'll have a blast

Yes, everything is falling into place for our dates in January so I thought I better not mess with it. If I were to bump up our dates, I'd also have to pay it in full 3 weeks sooner and I'd rather not have that extra burden.
I'm planning on paying it off ASAP so I can set aside money for our airfare, which I'll probably purchase in late October or mid-November.

 

[disney-inspired]

I've been slightly MIA, I don't want to bombard you with too many things to read all at once. I like to create some sort of 'suspense'...I don't think I've got the hang of it yet .

Anais and I created a countdown to our trip movie-marathon list. I made this cool infographic for you all to see (also I like playing around on Photoshop and paint ).

This isn't a full Disney movie list but rather ones Anais and I chose out of the list we found on wikipedia. Yes, there aren't a lot of 'classics' on the list mostly because we aren't 100% crazy about watching them over again (i.e. Alice in Wonderland...snoozefest for me!).

 

[Cobern]

I've been slightly MIA, I don't want to bombard you with too many things to read all at once. I like to create some sort of 'suspense'...I don't think I've got the hang of it yet .

Anais and I created a countdown to our trip movie-marathon list. I made this cool infographic for you all to see (also I like playing around on Photoshop and paint ).



This isn't a full Disney movie list but rather ones Anais and I chose out of the list we found on wikipedia. Yes, there aren't a lot of 'classics' on the list mostly because we aren't 100% crazy about watching them over again (i.e. Alice in Wonderland...snoozefest for me!).

I love your movie list! I was going to do a movie marathon with my DD3, for all the rides and shows that she can do or has showed interest in. That is now down the drain since she is starting preschool this morning and DH doesn't really like too many Disney movies .

 

[emilyindisney]

I knew you 2015 trip was canceled but I didn't realize you were going with your younger sis in 2014! How exciting!

I can't wait to hear how Ohana is! I'm hoping to get a ressie there in a few weeks!

Don't stress about the tour groups. We went January of this year and were panicking but they ended up being fine. Sure, having a big group stop in the middle of your path is irritating, and they don't necessarily follow/understand all the American customs we were used to but other than that it was fine. We experienced nothing close to some of the pushing/shoving/cutting horror stories I've heard on DIS!

 

[disney-inspired]

I knew you 2015 trip was canceled but I didn't realize you were going with your younger sis in 2014! How exciting!

I can't wait to hear how Ohana is! I'm hoping to get a ressie there in a few weeks!

Don't stress about the tour groups. We went January of this year and were panicking but they ended up being fine. Sure, having a big group stop in the middle of your path is irritating, and they don't necessarily follow/understand all the American customs we were used to but other than that it was fine. We experienced nothing close to some of the pushing/shoving/cutting horror stories I've heard on DIS!

Hi Emily!
Actually the trip that got canceled was for Sept. 2014 because my sister is now pregnant and they don't want to travel with the baby only being 6 months. But we are thinking spring 2015 or fall. But 2015 is for sure with them.

My little sister and I are VERY excited!

Thanks for the encouraging words about the BTG. I know we will be fine and we will have an awesome time.

I've been to Ohana before and HAD to go back first thing! I love their food and the dessert is AMAZING!

 

[disney-inspired]

deleted

 

[disney-inspired]

Just starting following your post. What an awesome trip you have planned! Your little sister is so lucky - you guys sound like quite a dynamic duo!
Just booked a trip for myself and 2 adult kids for Jan 6-10! So excited.
Still haven't made but one ADR yet, as we are still deciding where and when to eat. I hope to have them nailed down by the weekend. I am hoping low crowds and no free dining will make the ADRs easy to come by.
We did book Boma for a late breakfast for 1/7. It was on my bucketlist of places to go!

I hear you about the flight prices...yikes Hoping some deals surface in the months to come!

Keep the pre-trip reports coming! They are fun to read!

So far my airfare hasn't gone up, which is a good thing.
I should have this trip (food, tickets, hotel) paid off by early October as well as a credit card (woo hoo getting debt free!). I'm hoping to buy airfare in late October.