After 15 years, it's almost here - We're going back to WDW!! (May PTR)

[fairyfan]

Hey FF,

Sounds like with the hours you are working, the time really will pass quickly until your trip........if that makes it any easier to work so much?? Sounds like they are going to miss you badly and want you to do everything that will be need to be done while you are on vacation......by you, before you go!!! Being needed isn't always a bad thing.......job security is always NICE!!

Sounds like your plans are all coming together nicely for a wonderful and fun trip. OK, Tower of Terror isn't a roller coaster, so why isn't it on your list??? LOL

Make sure you get fast passes early for Soaring and Test Track!!

Again, hope you have a wonderful and "magical" trip!!

BD, you're right - I should consider it job security! You will have to tell me more about TOT!

Yes, Soarin and Test Track are high priority!!

Can't wait to read about all of your adventures!

Can't wait to start the adventure!! Thanks for all of your advice! In return, I promise food reviews and pictures from GF cafe and Fulton's and maybe a live report from AKL.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

FF great update, you are almost there!
I say: get the bag......
change an adr.......
and get that laundry done!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm counting on a live report.....

 

[Blesseddaddy]

3 days of work left and 4 days to Disney! I can't believe I'm even saying it. It's seems like yesterday that I was thinking about CSR, then CBR, then Wilderness Lodge, then booking the Contemporary, then changing my week and my ressie to AKL. Now, it's only days away!

[B]YIPPEE AND CONGRATS. You certainly deserve the trip and I do hope that it turns out to be a truly Magical and Awesome trip for you and DH. We could add up all the indecision on which resort, along with the actual resort change and it probably could make up for a few ADR change "shortages"!![/B]

I spent my weekend printing out everything I could possibly print. Ridemax plans, Mapquest directions from the Sanford Airport and then from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Orlando Premium Outlets and Lake Buena Vista Outlets, ADR Spreadsheet, Itineraries, etc. My Passporter is bursting with information!

You certainly qualify for being a full fledged Diser, with all that printing and PLANNING!!!! Wow, it really is ashamed that Wigd. and Shocker won't be there when you are......seeing how you intend to hit the outlets and HAVE a RENTAL to get there!!

I'm also finished packing but those few things you can't pack until the last
minute. I weighed my suitcase and right now, it's at 33 lbs. I figure it will be about 36 when I'm finished and so I have SHOPPING room! WooHoo!

Remember you can always SHIP anything home that you buy!! Especially if you DH gets in a shopping mood again and you find too many good deals for the suitcases!!!

I had a little setback with my camera. I haven't used it since Christmas and all of a sudden, the battery wouldn't hold a charge!
I'm glad I checked it because the battery for this Canon Power Shot is $60.00
Luckily I found an old camera that I was going to put in a yard sale and it had the same battery. I charged that battery and I'm good to go!

That is awesome......so now know we are looking forward to may great pictures of your trip!!

I still can't decide what to use as a carry on bag. Usually, I have to make a connection at another airport and I carry a backpack so I have free hands for a Starbuck's grande cafe mocha with whipped cream - yumm! This time I have no connection, so I have an older Vera Bradley large tote I might use. I've been eyeing a new pattern, but I might just save the money for Disney. DH is going to carry another backpack with my laptop safely inside!

NO COMMENT!!!! Wow, you must have your DH trained as well as Wigd. has Shocker trained?? I mean, you have multiple BAGS to choose from, YET you are considering a DIFFERENT one??? Then, HE still has to carry your laptop????? OK, I did comment, but it wasn't on the BAGS themselves, it was more of a comment on what the purpose is of having all those BAGS if "we" still have to tote stuff for y'all?????

What's left to do -

1. Decide on that Vera bag or get it out of my mind!

I VOTE NO, get it out of your mind and move on!!

2. Get our babies ready for camp (kennel). Pack food, toys, write instructions.

I hope they have a nice vacation too, sounds like you have planned their time as well....so, I hope they have fun!! A change of scenery every now and then, can be good for all of us!!

3. Make sure and/or supervise DH packing. His suitcase is open, but empty.

Yep it sounds like you have trained him well too, waiting on you to put all YOUR extra stuff in there before he even begins packing his stuff!!!!

4. Check in online with Disney!

5. Check out kiosk intructions for Alamo.

HOPE SHOCKER DOESN'T STOP BY AND SEE THIS ONE!! Of course, I don't think that will really matter WIGD. "ALREADY" HAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Haircut Wednesday - skipping the eyebrow wax (you DIS chatters will understand why). No medical emergencies for me this week!

I DO VOTE SKIP IT!!!!!! Save it until after you return, if you ever decide to do it AGAIN!!!!!

7. Mon - Ask DH if he has any laundry that needs done.
Tues - Ask DH he has any laundry that needs done
Wed - Ask DH if he has any laundry that needs done
Thurs - Ask DH if he has any laundry that needs done - IF he says yes give him THE LOOK! (DH, bless his heart, tends to wait until the 11th hour to pack).

THE LOOK???? You mean that is an official LOOK??? I just thought it was Tracy, I didn't know that it was an OFFICIAL wife LOOK?? Just remember he may only be thinking of you........not wanting you to have to do a load each day.............wouldn't that really, really, be sweet of him if he waited so you could just do that one load on Thursday, instead of giving you a few items each day this week??? We men try so hard to think of y'all each and every day and how we can make your lives easier, yet "we" get the LOOK??????

8. Review final ADR's. There is a change (this is only my first). I'm cancelling my Plaza Dinner. DH wants to eat offsite at Bahama Breeze. We ate at one in Las Vegas and loved it. Besides, he has a gift card and so essentially, this is a FREE meal!
BD,this is my only change......so far.

WOW, hope Wigd. didn't notice this, she would be so disappointed that you actually planned meals to start with that you wanted and at times that were perfect for your schedule!!!! I don't BLAME you either.....FREE is GOOD (NO it's actually better than GOOD, it is AWESOME!!!), even if it meant making "A" change!!!

9. If the price is right, get a bigger memory card for my camera!
I'm sure there is more, I'll add more as I go.

Just think, if YOU will just SAY NO to Vera, you can take millions of words during your trip!!!! I VOTE that you buy more memory and let DH tote everything, since it appears he is going to anyway!!! Might I suggest a perfectly good HEFTY, it can be used if a rain shower pops up or even during the wet rides if needed....assuming he can find a spot to dump everything, until the shower is over???

WOW, a live report??????? You are better than me, when we were at Disney, I don't think I even called any family......when we weren't going commando in the Parks, I was passed out in the bed!!!!!!! It would be fun if you were able to let us know how much fun you were having, but if you don't.....I WILL understand!!!!

Finally, TOT......Tower of Terror, it's just a simple little ride over at HS. The theme is really cute, both of the que and the ride...there is that sort of Haunted feel to the place. If you use Fast Pass (though, I do suggest RRnR and TSM, fast passes FIRST...if you plan to ride those), then the wait is almost nothing. It's a little ride that you get to SIT and REST ON. Some will say it's scary......I just found it to be loads of FUN!! You get a brief view of HS from up above.....when they open up the doors......if your eyes are open of course!! NO major hills to climb, like on the roller coasters........you basically start out at the top!! OK, being totally honest.......the best part of it.....being a large man, getting to be "weightless" for even those few seconds is truly AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I VOTE YES TO TOT!!!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Not only do we give "the look" there is also the "silent treatment" ......both equally effective!

I vote yes on TOT too, was afraid for many trips then I got brave and loved it!

 

[H20DogsNDisney]

Have a Great Time! Can't wait to hear all about it when u get back!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I day closer!

 

[Blesseddaddy]

Hey FF,

Just wanted to send you good wishes and pixie dust for a Magical Trip , in case I missed you between now and departure time!! Wow it is really close now!!! How Awesome!!

I truly do hope that you have an a great trip and look forward to hearing all about it and seeing all those great photos I know you'll be taking!!! Oh and don't forget to wave at Bean at the airport!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

It's almost time.........have a magical trip!

 

[H20DogsNDisney]

Today is Your Day here is a little have a great Time!

 

[jewjubean]

Yay!!! HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!

 

[Blesseddaddy]

Just drop by to let you know while you were having a blast in the "World" those of us left out here, were thinking of YOU!! Do hope that all is going Magically and looking forward to many great photos when you return.

 

[fairyfan]

Well, we're back, somewhat suffering from post disney depression but had a wonderful time.

As I promised at the beginning of the report, here we are....

The hat was a necessary evil - you may wonder why, just take a peek below...

You may think this was just an afternoon shower - it really wasn't. It was 5 days of rain, sometimes heavy like this, but you know what - It never stopped us!

I'll be back soon to tell the story. This was beyond a doubt my favorite vacation ever, 10 inches of rain and all! I have lots of lessons learned and a couple of funny stories to go with them as well!

 

[Blesseddaddy]

Hey FF, I am glad you made it back Safely. I do hate that you had to come back out here in the real world with the rest of us, but we can always dream of returning to the Land of the Mouse!! You know I would have never thought about having Disney Depression, but it is sort of true.....I guess all the planning and day dreaming about the trip and then the getting to be there and experience it.....then all of the sudden, it's done. I am sure that has helped the Dis become what it is!!! A place to gather and keep the memories alive until we each can return!!!

I am so glad that even though the rain may have fallen, you didn't let it rain on "your" parade or vacation and decided that having a great time was more important than worrying about the liquid sunshine!!!!

I look forward to all the details. I know it will take you a little time to get back into your regular routine.......but, know that I will be here to read all about it, when you start to share all the fun with us!!!

 

[jewjubean]

yay a update! You and your hubby are too cute! i'm sad that it rained..but I would rather be at disney in the rain than at thehouse in the rain!

 

[Wannabinnc]

Hi there, sorry it took me so long to read your report, but thank you for giving it to me last nite. I enjoyed every entry and the pic of you and DH is wonderful. You are a very cute couple. At least now I can be current reading your trip entries. It's a shame it rained so very much, but you were at Disney and that is special in any weather. Welcome home.

 

[fairyfan]

I'm finally adjusting to life back in the real world and it's time to finish this report and move on to planning the next trip to the happiest place on earth!

I would love for that to be this fall, but realistically, it may be next spring or early summer. This time, no waiting 15 years!!

I learned alot this trip, lot's that I will apply to my next journey and most that I'll share in this report.

It all started out on a beautiful day in SE NC. We headed to the airport after dropping our babies off at their camp. For those of you who love your pets, that's a really hard moment.

We have a very small airport (two gates), but it's really nice. After checking our bags and getting our boarding passes (lucky me got the random screening) we boarded the plane. This was our first flight on Allegiant and I have to admit, it will not be my last! What a great airline. It was really nice to have a non stop flight to Orlando. The plane was huge! It was on time, and perfect! We rented our car and headed to our new home away from home, the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I was very impressed with AKL. Although we were not able to get our room request (king room), we did see this every day!

We were in room 2580 on the Uzima Savanna. If you don't like a long walk to the room, then this isn't for you at all. It was really worth it to us!
I still can't get over how quiet it was. I really wasn't expecting it to be quiet at all and was really pleased.

After we got settled, we headed offsite to Bahama Breeze for dinner! We ate at Bahama Breeze in Vegas last year and couldn't wait to eat there again. It was great!

Then we headed to Epcot for dessert!

My DH had the Margarita from Mexico!

I had the Grey Goose Slushie which was really good. I don't like really sour anything and it was just right! Not too sweet, not too sour, just plain yumm!

We wandered the countries and stayed for Illuminations. It was nice to see that again - we had a great first evening! We headed back to AKL and got to enjoy the firepit!

What was my first lesson learned? Well,there were a couple. When we got to Epcot, I saw the photopass photographers but thought we would just wait until later in the week! Ok, as the report progresses, you'll see why that was not my best idea!!
Second was the car rental! Yes, the car rental (this one's for you Shocker). With Disney transportation,there was no need for the car. I won't rent one again. I'll save that money for more Disney!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm finally adjusting to life back in the real world and it's time to finish this report and move on to planning the next trip to the happiest place on earth!

I would love for that to be this fall, but realistically, it may be next spring or early summer. This time, no waiting 15 years!!

I learned alot this trip, lot's that I will apply to my next journey and most that I'll share in this report.

It all started out on a beautiful day in SE NC. We headed to the airport after dropping our babies off at their camp. For those of you who love your pets, that's a really hard moment.

We have a very small airport (two gates), but it's really nice. After checking our bags and getting our boarding passes (lucky me got the random screening) we boarded the plane. This was our first flight on Allegiant and I have to admit, it will not be my last! What a great airline. It was really nice to have a non stop flight to Orlando. The plane was huge! It was on time, and perfect! We rented our car and headed to our new home away from home, the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I was very impressed with AKL. Although we were not able to get our room request (king room), we did see this every day!

We were in room 2580 on the Uzima Savanna. If you don't like a long walk to the room, then this isn't for you at all. It was really worth it to us!
I still can't get over how quiet it was. I really wasn't expecting it to be quiet at all and was really pleased.

After we got settled, we headed offsite to Bahama Breeze for dinner! We ate at Bahama Breeze in Vegas last year and couldn't wait to eat there again. It was great!

Then we headed to Epcot for dessert!

My DH had the Margarita from Mexico!

I had the Grey Goose Slushie which was really good. I don't like really sour anything and it was just right! Not too sweet, not too sour, just plain yumm!

We wandered the countries and stayed for Illuminations. It was nice to see that again - we had a great first evening! We headed back to AKL and got to enjoy the firepit!

What was my first lesson learned? Well,there were a couple. When we got to Epcot, I saw the photopass photographers but thought we would just wait until later in the week! Ok, as the report progresses, you'll see why that was not my best idea!!
Second was the car rental! Yes, the car rental (this one's for you Shocker). With Disney transportation,there was no need for the car. I won't rent one again. I'll save that money for more Disney!!

First of all I want to say great pictures, I hope we get some great animal pictures when we stay at Animal Kingdom!
Shocker may feel a little differently about the buses after the ride we just took with a screamer and a very strange and active boy......

 

[fairyfan]

Wigd, In the next post I was going to admit to being the worst photographer ever! The lodge picture was with the IPhone and the others with my Maria Sharapova camera! The more I use it, the more I dislike it. Darn that Maria for pursuading my DH to buy that thing!

I also learned "bag" lessons. Yes, the bags are headed for the yard sale box. Stay tuned for that info!

 

[Blesseddaddy]

OH Lord another report about BAGS!!! Can't we just carry our stuff in our pockets and save the hassle???

The lodge looks nice, maybe someday we will swing by there and look at it??

I do agree about the Disney transportation, they seem to have that down to a science and should be highly patted on the back for that...........though I don't know that you should encourage Shocker if you want Wigd. to be your friend??? Of course we drove down, but once we were on property, we hardly moved the van at all, except when we were going to visit our friends at Bonnet Creek or were leaving property, there really is no need for a vehicle if you are staying on property.......well at least IMHO, because the only time we ever, ever waited for a bus was the last day and I know it wasn't for any longer than about 15 min. The only thing that frustrated me at all about them, was where the stops were for the Values and since Pop was the newest it was the fartherest at all the parks except DHS.

I can already tell where you are going with the photo pass story. I will say being "cheap" can have it's rewards........I wanted my money's worth from them since we had prepaid.......we stopped EVERYTIME we saw one for a few quick shots!! I am glad we did (lots of pictures and then after adding borders it became MANY, MANY pictures...LOL) and I will for sure do it next time as well.

I am excited for you......even though it rained during your trip, it was still so good, that you are NOT going to let it be 15 years between now and the next trip!!!

Enjoyed the update and pictures or not, I'm looking forward to more of the "story"!!