A Winter Escape to the Enchanted Forest-PTR January'13:Updated 1/19 Last Day Plans

[StitchIsOurHero]

Wow! Just 34 days? That's coming up quick! Love the life update--glad you enjoyed the shows! Look at you, hobnobbing with political powerhouses! . I bet when Biden got back, he told the President, "hey man, guess what? I was there with DAVE!!"

I hope you and your family have a super Merry Christmas!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wow! Just 34 days? That's coming up quick! Love the life update--glad you enjoyed the shows! Look at you, hobnobbing with political powerhouses! . I bet when Biden got back, he told the President, "hey man, guess what? I was there with DAVE!!"

I hope you and your family have a super Merry Christmas!!

Too funny. I do have a theory that those first row center row seats were available last minute for us because Secret Service was holding on to a handful of tickets for the Veep.

I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas too!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

With 30 days to go, thought this would be a good time to start posting our day to day itinerary I have planned so far. I use the touring plans as a general guideline (even though I go as far as to list the times for our plans )and try to be flexible with it throughout the day. The touring plans stay in my head only, and I don't usually share them with the rest of the family to avoid giving them the impression that we have to rigidly follow a schedule. If a need for a break or a sudden desire to peruse a store or grab a snack should come up, we go with the flow and do those things. But since I have done the research on wait times and FP return times, it becomes a lot easier to adjust the schedule afterwards.

So, here we go!

Saturday, January 26th - Animal Kingdom Day - Part I

I've avoided an early morning ADR for our first Disney day since we'll be arriving at MCO at 9:45pm on the evening before and I want to give everyone a chance to get as much as sleep as they can. Not making that 8:05am ADR for Tusker House took a lot of restraint on my part.

I'll get up earlier than the rest of the group and run over to Landscape of Flavors to pick up some breakfast items and bring them back to the room so that everyone can eat in the room. We'll hop up in our rental minivan afterwards and head over to Animal Kingdom to be at the turnstiles by 8:40am.

9:00am-9:25am: Kilimanjaro Safari

Starting an AK day with KS has become somewhat of a tradition for us. Love seeing the animals earlier in the morning when they tend to be more mobile and active. Also looking forward to riding KS without the whole Wilson-poachers-Little Red backstory and see if that makes the ride better or less interesting.

9:25am-9:55am: Pangani Forest Trail

Might as well since we're right there. And, gives us something to do before heading over to Camp Minnie and Mickey to see......

10:30am-11:00am: Festival of the Lion King

Depending on how things are going by the time we arrive in front of the theater, we may try to squeeze in a character meet or two before filing in to the theater. By far, my favorite show in all of WDW! Love the energy and visuals that everyone brings to the stage!

11:00am-11:45am: Flame Tree BBQ (Lunch)

We'll see how hungry we are at this point. The kids will probably need a full meal for lunch so we'll swing by our favorite CS in AK and grab a table alllllll the way in the back where it's always less crowded.

(11:00am) FP Run for Dinosaur - Target Return Time 11:50am-12:50pm
As with all FP runs, I'll be making the trek to Dinosaur to pick up the FPs while DW and DFIL orders the food with the kids.

11:45am-12:55pm: Boneyard/Triceratops Spin/ Dinosaur

Our kids love the Boneyard especially when things are not as crowded. We've also found it very convenient for the adults to take turns making quick excursions to Dinosaur. DD tells us she is still not ready to try this ride. But DD and DS won't have any problem riding the Triceratop Spin if they get bored with the Boneyard!

(12:30pm) FP Run for Everest Expedition - Target Return Time 2:30-3:30pm

1:00pm-1:45pm: Finding Nemo

We've missed this show for our last two trips and I personally would like to see it again. Plus, DS has never seen the show. We'll enter the theater 5-10 minutes before showtime. Since we're dealing with low January crowds, I think we'll be okay with seating even if we show up right before showtime.

1:45pm-2:15pm: It’s Tough to be a Bug / Tree of Life

I'm still debating whether the kids will be okay with the "4D" aspects of It's Tough to be a Bug. DD and DS did not do so well at the 4D theater in Baltimore's Aquarium Polar Express especially when they got poked in the back. There's a very a good chance we may once again forego this show. If we don't see the show, we will stroll up to the Tree of Life to get an up and close look at the carvings. Although, not sure how close we can get to the Tree after last year's incident of one of the tree limbs falling off.

Next Up: Second half of AK Day

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

I love your plan--can't wait to see your MK plan, incorporating the New Fantasyland! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how to do that one!

I'm with your kids--the 4D aspects do me in! I am not a fan of It's Tough To Be A Bug!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I love your plan--can't wait to see your MK plan, incorporating the New Fantasyland! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how to do that one!

I'm with your kids--the 4D aspects do me in! I am not a fan of It's Tough To Be A Bug!

Thanks! I've been trying to figure out how to figure in New FL into our touring plans for MK for awhile and I think I've got it. I'll be checking wait times on my iphone in the next couple of weeks to see if I have it right!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Happy New Year!

We've had a whirlwind of a week leading up to 2013. We hosted Christmas for my parents and my brother's family. All things considered, it was a surprisingly Disney-free Christmas for the kids in terms of gifts. I got a new lens as an upgrade from my kit lens for the camera just in time for the upcoming trip.

On the 26th, my brother and his family returned home, and my parents traveled with them. Right before they left, it started snowing for about an hour and accumulated just enough on the ground for the kids to go out in their snow gear and throw the snow around! They loved it. Here's the view from our living room window of the snow coming down right before it turned to rain and washed all the white away.

On the 29th, we drove up to my brother's house in New Jersey - he lives on the Hudson right across from NYC. Spent New Years with them. I can't wait until the kids get a little older for us to REALLY enjoy New York City during the holiday season. For this trip, we took them to the Natural History Museum which was extremely crowded. For one night, DW, myself, my brother and his wife got to go out and spoil ourselves for dinner at a very nice restaurant, Cafe Boulud. Had the duck dish was perfect. Here's a view from outside my brother's condo. Just absolutely gorgeous views of NYC skyline!

Anyway, now we're back to school and back to work. 22 more days to go before our trip!! So I'm posting the second part to our AK day.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Continuing with our touring plans for our Animal Kingdom day.....after our time in Discovery Island, we'll head over to.....

2:15pm-3:00pm: Maharajah Jungle Trek

While we are touring the Jungle Trek, the adults will take turns making trips to Expedition Everest using the FPs we picked up earlier. Also, will need to pick up another set of FPs for EE after 2:30pm for target return time of 5:00-6:00pm. We haven't had much luck with most of the animal viewing at Maharajah. Feels like the animals are always tucked away from us. Hopefully we'll have better luck this time. DW and DFIL really enjoyed EE last time so looking forward to it.

3:00pm-3:20pm: Flights of Wonder

We caught this show for the very first time during our previous trip and enjoyed it quite a bit. Nice to see at least one show at Animal Kingdom with real animals!

3:45pm-4:30pm: Jungle Parade (Snacks from Africa or Asia)

Still haven't figured out where to watch the parade mostly because I don't have a good feel yet about the new route for the parade. We'll probably watch it from Africa. I also need to scope out some snack ideas in that area for us while we sit down and take a break before the parade. Having the Dining Plan sure puts a whole new wrinkle in our planning. Now I feel compelled to research our snack options so that we get the most out of the snack credit!

4:30pm-5:00pm: Kilimanjaro Safari

As I said, like to do the Safari once earlier in the morning, once before the sun goes down!

5:00pm-5:30pm: Expedition Everest

We'll see if I throw up after going on EE this many times in a single day! We'll be using the FPs we got earlier in the afternoon. Hmmm, I wonder if I should try taking pictures during my second run on EE.

This will conclude our tour of AK. We then head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for our dinner plans. I'm hoping to get a look around of AKL before our 7pm ADR. I heard that you can night goggles to view the animals after dark so would like to try that. Also heard about the mini-parade in the lobby as well as some of the storytelling. I was hoping to stay at AKL for this trip, but we'll have put that off until next time.

At 7pm, we have dinner ressies at Boma!!! This was by far my favorite restaurant from our last trip and I plan to fully stuff myself minus the Zebra Domes - was not a big fan.

We head back our room at AoA after dinner and hopefully, the kids will be in bed by 9pm.

Next Up: Morning at DHS

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Your holidays sound like a whirlwind of fun!! I have never been to NYC...it's on my bucket list!

Love the rest of the AK plan! I suggest the frozen chocolate dipped banana or the churro and dipping sauce! Hmm....or the jalapeño stuffed pretzel! All are yummy and good "use" of the dining plan snack credit! Kusafiri bakery also has some amazing sticky bun cinnamon rolls. Yes. I LOVE AK and their food!

Finishing the night with Boma. . .always a good plan! I am not a zebra dome fan either. I love most of the other food there! The zebra domes just have no taste at all to me.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Your holidays sound like a whirlwind of fun!! I have never been to NYC...it's on my bucket list!

Love the rest of the AK plan! I suggest the frozen chocolate dipped banana or the churro and dipping sauce! Hmm....or the jalapeño stuffed pretzel! All are yummy and good "use" of the dining plan snack credit! Kusafiri bakery also has some amazing sticky bun cinnamon rolls. Yes. I LOVE AK and their food!

Finishing the night with Boma. . .always a good plan! I am not a zebra dome fan either. I love most of the other food there! The zebra domes just have no taste at all to me.

The chocolate dipped banana sounds awesome!

Ok, now I'm inspired to start researching snack options! Disney Food Blog, here I come!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I love your story about the man in the audience at the National Theatre... you have to love his enthusiasm...

Your daily schedule for AK is amazing... I am in awe that you have actual times for each attraction...(I'm deciding to show those to DH... he will undoubtedly think that is a fabulous idea and I could seem him adding times to our schedule... It is true... Men are Hunters... Women, Gathers...

Love your tree... and the picture of the New York Skyline...

(We had a daytrip into New York last week... we did the art & architecture tour of Rockefeller Center which was awesome & I had gotten tickets to the Big Apple Circus which was enjoyable. We ate at a little seafood place, Flex Mussels which was very, very tasty...)

I've wanted to go to Cafe Boulud... Duck huh? Love Duck...

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I love your story about the man in the audience at the National Theatre... you have to love his enthusiasm...

Your daily schedule for AK is amazing... I am in awe that you have actual times for each attraction...(I'm deciding to show those to DH... he will undoubtedly think that is a fabulous idea and I could seem him adding times to our schedule... It is true... Men are Hunters... Women, Gathers...

Love your tree... and the picture of the New York Skyline...

(We had a daytrip into New York last week... we did the art & architecture tour of Rockefeller Center which was awesome & I had gotten tickets to the Big Apple Circus which was enjoyable. We ate at a little seafood place, Flex Mussels which was very, very tasty...)

I've wanted to go to Cafe Boulud... Duck huh? Love Duck...

I still chuckle when I think about the guy sitting next to me at Les Mis.

I started putting times on my touring plans so that I could get a better sense of how much we could do. Also, really helps out a lot in planning out FP runs. I avoided putting times down for the first few trips because I didn't want to get too tied to them - I could see myself getting antsy if we started running over. Still use the times as a general guide and I try not to take it too literally.

We drove by the Rockefeller Center on our way home from dinner and gazed at the tree as we slowly cruised by it! Love seeing the tree.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

So last week, DW decides to throw me a curveball for my Disney planning. She told me that her aunt, uncle, cousin and his fiancee (who all live in Florida) will be joining us for our Epcot tour. Yup, the same day we had ADR for an early dinner at Le Cellier. DW said that we could still keep our dinner ressie at Le Cellier and have her relatives eat by themselves at a different place. I thought that was a bit too much since we were only seeing them for that day and told DW that we should have dinner with them. I was fully prepared to give up eating at Le Cellier. I mean, what are the chances of finding an open ADR for Le Cellier this late in the game.....for 9 people??

After making a ressie for Via Napoli, I kept checking online. At least ten times a day. This afternoon, a 4:25pm slot opened up for 9 people at Le Cellier!!! Of course, with all of the glitches involving the new website, I just couldn't get the ADR confirmed. So I called WDW and secured the ressie! It's a bit early for dinner, but will still take it.

Now I'm revamping my touring plan for this day. With 9 people in tow, will have to slow the pace down a bit but I think it works well with Epcot. Will resume posting my touring plans tomorrow!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Out of the 4 days to make plans for, this day continues to be the most challenging. Not that I don't enjoy a good Disney touring plan challenge! We had to put two parks in one day for this trip - not enough days to go around since our focus for this trip is MK and New Fantasyland which will take up two days. Soooo, DHS and Epcot will need to be mashed in together with a park hop in between. Also, trying to get everyone's favorites (including the rides only for adults) at DHS fit into a small window of time is proving to be difficult. I must have run through 5 or 6 different versions of the touring plan and I think I have it figured out. I admit that this is quite ambitious and requires a good amount of splitting up the groups. Wouldn't be surprised if we only get about two thirds done. But at least we have something to shoot for!

Sunday, January 27th

Breakfast will be once again take out from Landscape of Flavors. I will get up early and run over to the food court to bring back breakfast to the room.

Everyone else will need to be up by 7:30am, and we will on our way in our minivan by 8am. Hoping to line up at the turnstiles by 8:20am and be in the front half of the pack when the gates open at 8:40-8:45am. Once through the gates, we head straight over to......

8:45am-9:15am: Toy Story Midway Mania!!
Pull FPs for all 5 of us for return time 9:45am-10:45am

This is pretty much the one and only ride that DD and DS are excited about for DHS. We are going to try to maximize the number of times we go on this.
I'm hoping between the January low level crowds and us being in the front half of the pack when the gates open, will allow us to go back to back on the ride using the standby line. If not, we'll go on it just once standby.

9:15am-9:40am: Woody and Buzz Meet and Greet (For DD, DS, and me)
9:15am-10:00am: Tower of Terror Standby (DW and DFIL)
As DW+DFIL exit ToT around 9:45am they will pick up FPs:
2 FPs for RnRC (Return Time 11:30a-12:30p)
1 FP for ToT (Return Time 10:35a-11:35a)

This is where things get a little complicated. I'll shepherd the kids through Woody and Buzz's meet and greet. DS has recently become a big fan of Buzz Lightyear and he is telling us that meeting him is one of the musts. DD wants to meet Jesse more than the other TS characters. Once we're done (ideally by 9:40am), I'll take the kids over to Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground while waiting for DW and DFIL to return from their Twilight Zone excursion

Speaking of which, while the kids and I are going through the meet and greet queue, DW and DFIL will head over to ToT and use the standby line which still should be fairly short. ToT was DW and my favorite ride at DHS. I loved the details in the theming and the unpredictablity of the drops were awesome. When DW and DFIL exit the ride and after we are once again eligible to pull FP after pulling the TSMM FPs, they will pull two FPs for RnRC (later for DFIL and myself), and one FP for ToT (for myself). Then they will rejoin me and the kids at the playground.

9:40am-10:20am: Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground

Once DW and DFIL rejoin us at the playground, I will make one more FP run to Star Tours to pull two FPs with an expected return time 10:40-11:40am.

We got a lot of mileage last time of the playground. One of two playgrounds that the kids really enjoyed although I still don't have a good understanding of the layout yet. Also, found it a little hard to keep track of where the kids were because of the tall "grass".

10:20am-10:45am: TSMM using FPs

One last ride on the Mania for all of us. Here's to hoping my arms and fingers hold up with the rapid fire I'll lay on those toys!

10:45am-11:05am: Sully and Mike's Meet and Greet (DW,DFIL,DD,DS)
10:45am-11:15am: ToT for me using FP

Another set of new favorite characters for DS, so we'll give it a shot. We haven't tried this meet and greet before. I don't know how long the wait times are for this but I read somewhere that they are usually manageable as the entrance is tucked away and people tend to miss it.

I'm still debating this as I also am curious about the meet and greet. But if this would be my only chance to run over to ToT to ride it using the single FP previously drawn. It's a tough choice - go on one my favorite rides solo vs. watch the kids meet the Monsters. I think this will be a gametime decision and will see how I feel when the moment arrives. If I do go to ToT, I will be practically running to and from ToT.

11:05am-11:50am: Lunch at Backlot Express / Star Tours Excursions

On our way over to the Backlot Express, we will pick up a Rider Swap pass since DS cannot go on the ride. Using the two FPs previously picked up, DD and DW will go on the ride. DFIL will take DS over to Backlot Express and order food for everyone and set up camp at a table. I should be back from my ToT excursion around 11:15am. While eating lunch, one more group composed of myself and DFIL will go on the Star Tours ride using the Rider Swap.

I haven't eaten at Backlot Express before but the menu looks pretty good. I'm also a big Star Wars fan, and Star Tours was a big hit with DFIL during our last trip. DD was a bit afraid of Darth Vader at the time, but I think she has gotten over her fear of the dark side. I just don't want any pod racing or Jar Jar Binks in the ride sequence

11:50am-12:20pm: Muppet Vision

After we finish our lunch and all of the Star Tours excursions are completed, we will head over to Muppetvision. Thought it was a cute ride last time. The kids enjoyed it a lot more.

12:20pm-12:50pm: Wreck it Ralph Meet and Greet (DW, DD, DS)
12:20pm-12:50pm: RnRC FPs (DFIL and Me)

DD had a fun time watching Wreck It Ralph in the theater a couple of months ago. She's especially looking forward to meeting Venelope. The pictures of the queue also looked good. I don't think DS has any opinions for or against it. While DW is taking the kids through this meet and greet, DFIL and myself will run over to RnRC to use the FPs we previously drew. DW doesn't do well with rollercoasters that go upside down or corkscrews due to motion sickness so she will pass on going on this one.

We will all rejoin at the gates then head out of the park around 1pm to make our way over to Epcot for our afternoon plans!

So, was that confusing or what?!

Like I said, I seriously doubt that we'll be able to complete all of this. We'll see how things go!

Next Up: Epcot touring plan.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Awesome DHS plan!! I love how the times help you "see" if you can map it out!!

Backlot Express is one of our faves! Great food and usually quiet!!

Way to go on LeCellier! Love that place!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Awesome DHS plan!! I love how the times help you "see" if you can map it out!!

Backlot Express is one of our faves! Great food and usually quiet!!

Way to go on LeCellier! Love that place!!

Thanks! Excited to try out Backlot Express. Plus it's so close to Star Tours!
We tried Le Cellier for the first time during our last trip, and I had a tough time choosing between the House Burger and the Filet Mignon. I ended up with the burger which was very good. This time, it will be the Filet Mignon!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Ahhh the filet! It's my favorite! With some cheddar cheese soup and pretzel bread...yummalicious!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We were watching clips from a promotion on TV about Animal Kingdom and DD saw some video of Expedition Everest. She asked us about it and I described what it was about. When I told her that the coaster goes backwards halfway through, her eyes lit up and said that she wanted to go on the ride! So we measured her height and she's 44.5 inches without shoes! We still reminded her that we'll have to see what the "Disney People" at EE says and they'll decide whether she's tall enough.

We'll see if she changes her mind once she sees the ride up close. But so far, she's requested to try BTMRR and EE, both for the first times! Quite a leap from the Barnstormer!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Making plans for this day continues to be tricky as we move into the afternoon when we'll park hop over to Epcot. Trying to hit Soarin' and the new Test Track when entering the park at 2pm is problematic. On top of that, 4 more of DW's local relatives will be joining us in Epcot - going from a group of 5 to 9. Actually, they will enter the park sometime in the morning while we're at DHS. Sooo, decided to take advantage of this new development in easing our Soarin' and Test Track dillemas!

Sunday January 27th - Epcot

We'll be entering the park around 2pm after leaving DHS around 1pm.

While we're at DHS in the morning, I'm going to coordinate with DW's cousin through text messages and ask him to draw four FPs around 10am for Test Track with a target return time of 2pm-3pm.

2pm: As soon as I enter the park, I'll make a FP run to Soarin and ask DW's cousin to do the same. Based on what I've seen for return times, this should put our return time around 6:30pm-7:30pm. The rest of my group will head over to Test Track to meet with the rest of DW's relatives.

2pm-3pm: Test Track
A little tricky here. When everyone regroups at Test Track, we will get a Rider Swap pass. So, we have four FPs and a Rider Swap at this point meaning 7 people will be able to go on this ride. DD definitely wants to go. DS is not tall enough. At least, one adult won't be able to go on this ride. DW said that either herself or her aunt, or both will be fine not going on this ride. I think most likely it will be both DW and her aunt which would open the opportunity for DD to go on it twice if she wants to. I can always not go on the ride either.

DD tried the old version and did not enjoy it. I think she'll really like it this time. One downside of using the FP/Rider Swap is that I read people entering through that queue don't get to participate in the pre-ride interactive vehicle design process. But overall, I think we're just looking forward to the ride itself and won't be too disappointed about that.

Whoever volunteers to not go on the ride will take DS over to Innoventions. DD and the first group of adults to go on the ride will join them at Innoventions after the ride as well around 2:20pm

2:20pm-3:20pm: Innoventions

As the adults take their turns with TT, the kids will be spending some time in this indoor playground. DD adores the Piggy Bank game and would be perfectly content doing that over and over again for the entire hour. DS was taking a nap during our last trip when we visited Innoventions but have a feeling he'll be equally excited about this place. We'll let them pick out whatever they want to try. Will start from the East Building and make it to the West one where the Piggy Bank game is.

3:20pm-4:10pm:The Seas Pavillion

Another kids' favorite mostly because of Turtle Talk. DD has been wanting to get picked to ask a question for Crush during the last two trips to no avail. I'm going to try to line up early so that she can get a front row spot in the kids' section to increase her chances. Maybe I should put her in some kind of Nemo shirt or cap to increase her chances? We'll stroll through the rest of the Pavillion but in the past, we didn't spend much time outside of Turtle Talk.

4:25pm-5:30pm: Early dinner at Le Cellier

Scored an ADR for 9 people last week! Probably we'll be seated at two tables. I am planning on fully stuffing myself! Probably the filiet for me!

5:30pm-7:00pm: World Showcase Tour

As much as I like to plan everything ahead in detail, when it comes to World Showcase, it's better for us to just figure it out as we go. I think we have time for two to three countries to visit. Depending on which countries DW's relatives were able to see during the morning/early afternoon hours, we'll probably hit the countries that they haven't seen yet. And if it works out that we happen to be passing by France when my stomach starts craving for a snack and I can get something from the bakery, all the better!!

We'll also gauge whether the kids want to try the Agent P WS Adventure. If they're interested we can try a mission to keep them engaged.

7:00pm-8:00pm: Soarin'

Saving the best for last! We will have 9 FPs for this and we'll also get a Rider Swap. DD will have no problem going on it three times in a row since she adores this one. DS also happens to really like any rides with boats. So he'll spend his time with a grown-up or two on Living with the Land. If he gets bored with that, I can take him over to see Figment.

8:00pm: I'm probably going to exit the park with DS after Soarin'. DS will probably need an earlier bedtime than DD who wants to stay up and watch Illuminations. Especially since we have a very early ADR for the following morning, I would like to get DS into bed by 9pm at the latest. I'll probably take the bus back to AoA with DS.

For the rest of the group, they'll stay in the park until closing and watch Illuminations. Say their byes to DW's relatives, then hop into the minivan and come back to the room by 10pm.

Up Next: First morning at MK.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Moving forward with the highlight day for the trip - our full day in Magic Kingdom!! We are all extremely excited about experiencing New Fantasyland. During our last trip in April, we were able to ride the Barnstormer and the single Dumbo carousel in New FL. Now we get to try out the rest of what appears to be an absolutely amazing expansion! So, hopefully the kids won't be too worn out by this day. I tried to make the first two days easier for them with early bedtimes so hope it works. Been doing a lot of thinking on our touring plans for this day and how to insert New FL into the mix.

Monday January 28th

Breakfast at Chef Mickey's at 7:30am

We'll have to start the day early and park at the MK lot and hop over to CR on the Resort Monorail. I really struggled with which character meal to do this day. At one point I had an ADR for Crystal Palace at 8:05am which was very tempting in that we would be in the park before it opens and perhaps can get a head start to New FL before the gates open at rope drop. BUT, I reallly want to start our MK day with the opening ceremony and with meeting the Fab Five. So, we'll start at Chef Mickey's!

Hopefully, we'll be in front of the train station by the time Mickey and the gang roll in on the train! Once the gate opens

9:05-9:30am: Enchanted Tales with Belle

It looks like this will be our priority at rope drop. I've been trying to avoid reading too much about this attraction so that there may be some surprising elements. What I do know is that wait times have been high for most of the day and it doesn't have a fastpass. Will have to see if our kids will be interested in participating in telling the story. DS probably will be too shy. DD will probably be up for it though.

9:30am-9:50am: Under the Sea

Next up will be the other headlining attraction for New FL! From what I can tell, the wait times have been prertty short before 10am so we'll try going on it without a FP. I passed on a chance to go on the Disneyland Resort version back in October because a) I wanted to experience it for the first time with my family and (mostly) b) I was too self-conscious to go on the ride by myself! IF our meeting with Belle turns out to take less of a time and we're ahead of schedule, I'll try to see if we can squeeze in meeting Ariel at her grotto as well.

9:50am-10:20am: Barnstormer

DS will be tall enough this time to go on this ride. DD has been telling DS how great it is. She did go on it 5 or 6 times in a row during our last trip when crowds were low. On one occasion, she didn't even have to get out off the ride because there was no one waiting in queue. We'll see how many times we can go on it but clearly they are excited and we will come back on our second MK day to go at it again!

While the kids are enjoying the rides, I will make a FP run for Winnie the Pooh with a target RT of 11:00a-12:00p.

10:20am-10:50am: Dumbo

I'm mostly interested in seeing the new queue area. I have a feeling both kids may not want to leave the interactive waiting area even when our turn is up!

10:50am-11:10am: Tomorrowland Speedway

Another favorite of DD! We have to fit this in at least twice during our trips and if the lines aren't long have to go back to back since the kids like it so much. Last time, DS was just content sitting on the passenger seat and enjoying the scenery while the adult drove and steered. I think this time, he'll definitely want to be in control of the vehicle!

I'll make another FP run at this point for Peter Pan with target RT 12:30pm-1:30pm.

11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch at Columbia Harbor House

Will look for a table on the second floor! Thought about trying to get lunch at Be Our Guest but I think we'll do this for the following day since crowds will be less and we'll have a better chance at going for it at 10:30am for an early lunch.

Coming up: MK afternoon and evening plans

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Love your MK plans!! It helps me plan mine! We do have the 8:05 CP ADR, so I am hoping it's a quick-but-not-too-quick breakfast so we can go on to Belle!!

We are doing CHH for lunch too, so your plan will pretty well match ours! Can't wait to hear how it works!! . Your trip is SO close!!