All you need is to believe....~Our Sizzling Summer Getaway! July 2012~~ TR started!:)

[Angies1274]

♪ Do you remember your imagination?
That Neverland was a destination
Your magical adventure isn't over yet
Just hold on tight and don't forget

Every wish, every dream you ever had
Just close your eyes
And it will all come rushing back
Fly away
All you need is to believe and remember when....♫

Hi! Welcome to my latest PTR!! I actually wasn’t even planning to write one for this trip but I couldn’t resist sharing my excitement with everyone who just gets "it". My name is Angie and I am totally and absolutely in love with all things Disney but especially Walt Disney World. We took our very first trip back in 2008 and fell in love with everything about it, the sights, the sounds, the smells and that feeling of just being able to relax and enjoy yourself without all the stress of everyday life. It is such a magical place and we can't wait to go back! Our last trip was in April of 2010...oh so long ago. But, due to finances and also the fact that our youngest son was asking to go someplace different. We knew a break would be in order. As I write this though I am happy to say that he is more excited than ever about this trip and has realized that nothing compares to Disney.

So, lets get on with this shall we?

Who:First up is me...I'm a 38 year old stay at home mom/part-time college student who will be graduating in May! I love to take pictures (which is why you will see me in very little), love to scrapbook (when I have time), and travel. I'm huge list maker and love planning our trips to Disney! Next up is my DH, who is probably the most patient person you can ask for, especially when it comes to my Disney addiction. But, luckily he shares some of that passion. What he doesn't like is all the planning that goes into it. I can only talk about it so many times until his eyes become glazed over. As long as I tell him what we are doing the morning of, he's fine with that.

Last but certainly not least is our two funny, smart and wonderful boys, Nick (almost 12) and Noah (9). It still amazes me how brothers can be so different. Nick is quiet, loves his video games, participates in band, choir and also plays basketball.

Noah is more outgoing, has a wonderful imagination and we are always joking with him that one day he is going to grow up to be an imagineer. He's not really into sports and would much prefer to sit down with good book. (like his mom).

Both boys are excellent students and we couldn't be more proud.

A picture from our last trip in Animal Kingdom--

And...one being silly at the bus stop at POP!

Aww...you gotta love those early mornings!!!
A more recent one of the boys....as you can tell, Nick had a major growth spurt this year! He's already taller than me and almost as tall as his Dad!!

Noah with his extra big smile! He didn't want his picture taken so as you can tell he was humoring me...silly boy!
Here are a couple pictures of all of us from our last trip.

What: Walt Disney World...of course!!

When: July 9, 2012 to July 16, 2012

Where: Pop Century Resort (the first resort we had ever stayed in so it will always have a special place in our heart. So much so that we can't bring ourselves to stay anywhere else.)

Why: Because we love it so much!!!! Oh and a few things to celebrate as well such as a couple graduations and an anniversary.

Oh..I almost forgot. The title? Well..as you might already know it comes from the song "Remember When" sung by LeAnn Rimes for Disneyland's 50th anniversary.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7lvblx_wA8 I love this song. It was one of the many things that helped carry me through until this trip. Well...that and watching numerous Disney movies, of course reading others trip reports and planning and re-planning a trip that I wasn't even sure would happen. Yes! I am one of those types of people. I am constantly changing the details on our trip. Maybe we should go here first and there last or vise versa. Oh well...what can I say, it's just another thing that feeds my Disney addiction.

I guess that's it for now. I hope you decide to follow along as I plan our Sizzling Summer Adventure to the World.​

Handy Chapter Links:
Trip Details
What's New?
Celebrations and Disney Dining!
Itinerary and Disney Movie Nights
Disney Movie Nights Continued...
Our Day 1 Plans--Arrival Day
Double Digit Dancing and Park Bags
Our Day 2 Plans-Sea World(no longer going)
Our Day 3 Plans-Magic Kingdom
Lion King Movie Night, Countdowns and Shopping!
Our Day 4 Plans-Epcot
What's New...Part 2!
Saving for Disney!
Our Day 5 Plans-Hollywood Studios
Our Day 6 Plans-Magic Kingdom again...
A little of this...a little of that.
Our Day 7 Plans-Animal Kingdom-Last day
A few changes.....
Life Update
Cars Disney Movie Night (May)
Mickey Mail and Our First Trip (2008)
Favorites
Recap/ Must-do's
Oops...how could I forget Dumbo?
Proud Mom Moment and Hercules Night
Our 2009 and 2010 trips
10 Days!!!
7 Days and 7 Things I'm Most Looking Forward to.....
3 Days and 3 Things to Share....
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[JKMJ441724]

I'm in!


I love the scrapbook page picture!

Oh..I almost forgot. The title? Well, as you might already know it comes from the song "Remember When" sung by the LeAnn Rimes for Disneyland's 50th anniversary. I love this song. It was one of the many things that helped carry me through until this trip. Well...that and watching numerous Disney movies, of course reading others trip reports and planning and re-planning a trip that I wasn't even sure would happen.
[/CENTER]

I do that with WISHES!

Yes! I am one of those types of people. I am constantly changing the details on our trip. Maybe we should go here first and there last or vise versa. Oh well...what can I say, it's just another thing that feeds my Disney addiction.

My name is Kim and I'm a disneyholic.

 

[Angies1274]

I'm in!

Yay! Welcome!! Thanks for reading!

My name is Kim and I'm a disneyholic.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Now why didn't you tell me that you had started this? I just happened to notice the link in your signature. Bad bad girl!

I know that you are about to bust at the seams to get to Disney after being away for two long years.

I can't wait to see the newest pictures of the boys. You said that Nick is taller than you now? Hunter had a grown spurt like that and I am now looking up to him too.

 

[JKMJ441724]

Now why didn't you tell me that you had started this? Bad bad girl!

I'm going to have to find some time (flux capacitor?) and go read her other stuff to get some of my my disney-fix.

I know that you are about to bust at the seams to get to Disney after being away for two long years.

Preaching to the choir! We were there in October 2011 and going October 2012 and I'm practically counting the days.

I say practically because I refuse to let myself ACTUALLY count the days right now. Although I probably should start actually counting because those people I work with are sucking the life right out of me. Gotta get back to my Disney family.

Bring it on - can't wait to read some more.

 

[JKMJ441724]

I say practically because I refuse to let myself ACTUALLY count the days right now. Although I probably should start actually counting......

Well lookie there. the countdown is right there in my siggie. I forgot I did that.

 

[Angies1274]

Now why didn't you tell me that you had started this? I just happened to notice the link in your signature. Bad bad girl!

I know that you are about to bust at the seams to get to Disney after being away for two long years.

I can't wait to see the newest pictures of the boys. You said that Nick is taller than you now? Hunter had a grown spurt like that and I am now looking up to him too.

Hi Lisa! I'm so happy you found me! Aww...don't worry I just started. Although I must say, I'm a little out of practice. It feels like it's been so long since I've written one of these.

We are so excited to be heading back...finally! It's felt like forever!

It's so funny to be looking up at Nick now. I can't believe how fast both boys are growing. Time sure does go by quickly. I'll post some new pictures of the boys soon. I need to find some organization to my pictures because I have so much to share!

 

[Angies1274]

Bring it on - can't wait to read some more.

I'm working on the next update right now. It should be up very soon!

Well lookie there. the countdown is right there in my siggie. I forgot I did that.

Yup! There it is! I guess you have no choice but to countdown now!

 

[Angies1274]

Well, now that you know the who, what, when, where and why, it’s probably time to expand on the details of the trip and why we chose to go in July. I must admit it wasn’t my first choice especially since everything you read says to avoid the summer due to the crowds, heat, rain, and tour groups. However, we have dealt with the crowds on our previous spring break/ Easter trips in April and encountered the heat and the rain during our summer trip but I guess it was the combination of them both that had me nervous. Despite this, after weighing the pros and cons, July seemed like the best option so we wouldn’t have to take the boys out of school for a long period of time plus DH vacation days are limited. So, ultimately our plan for July is to get to the parks early for EMH and then come back to the hotel during the hottest and most crowded part of the day for a rest, swim, shopping or whatever and then head back to the parks in the evening to ride more rides and to watch the parades and fireworks. Plus there seems to be so many new things to look forward to this summer. We can’t wait to see them all! So, anyway let's get on with the plans so far...

Details: Walt Disney World 6 day MYW package with QSDP (we will be paying out of pocket for a couple TS meals) + 1 day at Sea World.

The Plans:
July 9, 2012—We will be leaving home and taking the drive over to Burlington, VT to get to the airport. We will probably take a ride on the ferry to take some time off the trip.

We’ll check in to a hotel for the night. (which reminds me…I really need to book that soon.) Our flight doesn’t leave until the next morning so we will try to get to bed early so we can get a good night’s rest. (but as we know this rarely happens…because we are too excited to sleep!!!)
July 10, 2012— Arrival Day
We will arrive at the airport go through security and then it’s off to Orlando.
Before long we will be seeing this

And this

And finally we will be home

We decided our first park would be Epcot. Definitely a family favorite! I think we will probably just explore the WS as it will be late afternoon by the time that we arrive.

July 11, 2012—Sea World
I’m so excited about visiting here. I love marine animals especially beluga whales there is just something about them. We have so many plans for this day and I can’t wait to share.

We will also be visiting Downtown Disney in the evening.

July 12, 2012—Magic Kingdom--morning/evening

July 13, 2012---Epcot

July 14, 2012—Hollywood Studios

July 15, 2012—Magic Kingdom

July 16, 2012—Animal Kingdom (Our last day)

These are the plans so far. We are hoping to do Morning EMH on our first MK day, Epcot and our Hollywood Studios day. We love getting in the park first thing in the morning. You really can get so much done in those first few hours.

I've been making a list of all the new things opening or have opened since our last trip in 2010 that we can't wait to try. I will share them with you on my next update.

Up Next--New things to look forward to this summer!
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[mickeystoontown]

It sounds like you've got your plans all ironed out and are ready to go! I haven't been to Sea World in years and years so I look forward to seeing and hearing all about it when you get back.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Angie! I'm so glad you sent me an invitation to this PTR! How exciting that you have a trip in the works!

It's been 3 years since we've been to WDW with the boys and it's been so hard not knowing when we would be able to go back. We've had major house repairs, and financial responsibilities that have kept us away....sometimes being an adult really stinks!! We are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to go next spring, 2013.

I also LOVE EMH and agree that you can get a lot done in that early hour. Plus...who wants to sleep in on vacation anyway?? Let's get out there and have fun!!

I know what you mean about the boys getting big. Isaiah is easily 3-4 inches taller than I am, Dan is only a tad behind Isaiah in height. Isaiah can rest his chin on the top of my head...so not right!

I can't wait to hear all about the plans for this trip. Unlike your DH, I LOVE ALL THE PLANNING! Talk away...the more details the better!

 

[Angies1274]

It sounds like you've got your plans all ironed out and are ready to go! I haven't been to Sea World in years and years so I look forward to seeing and hearing all about it when you get back.

Well...I have had 2 years to plan for this trip. So, yes we are definitely ready to go and are so excited to try Sea World!! It will be a first for us. My brother went a couple years ago and raved about it so we have been wanting to try it ever since. Unfortunately, it adds quite a bit to the trip so I'm hoping Disney offers some kind of discount for the summer or even a pin code (I'm not picky) to offset the cost.

 

[Angies1274]

Hi Angie! I'm so glad you sent me an invitation to this PTR! How exciting that you have a trip in the works!

It's been 3 years since we've been to WDW with the boys and it's been so hard not knowing when we would be able to go back. We've had major house repairs, and financial responsibilities that have kept us away....sometimes being an adult really stinks!! We are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to go next spring, 2013.

I also LOVE EMH and agree that you can get a lot done in that early hour. Plus...who wants to sleep in on vacation anyway?? Let's get out there and have fun!!

I know what you mean about the boys getting big. Isaiah is easily 3-4 inches taller than I am, Dan is only a tad behind Isaiah in height. Isaiah can rest his chin on the top of my head...so not right!

I can't wait to hear all about the plans for this trip. Unlike your DH, I LOVE ALL THE PLANNING! Talk away...the more details the better!

Hi Missy!

I'm so glad you decided to join in!! I'm excited to share our plans for this trip. We originally planned for a trip during spring break since as you know we love going then but it just wasn't possible which ended up being okay because it gives us more time to save and plan!!

I can't believe how quickly the boys have grown. I was just looking through some old Disney pics the other day and they were so small. Where does the time go? Oh and of course Nick uses every opportunity to stand next to me so he can prove just how much taller he is. I agree!! It's definitely not right!!

I really hope you are able to go back next spring!! A perfect time! Since, I think Fantasyland should be completed by then...right? But, I hear you on being an adult. After this trip, we need to take some time off again as we have a list of things that we need to get done around here.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Angie! I'm so excited for your summer trip! And I'm so glad you are writing a PTR! I didn't notice it when you first posted on my PTR but I spotted the link today.

First - Congratulations on your graduation! What a huge accomplishment! You picked a great way to celebrate!

I can't wait to see some recent pictures of the boys!

Your plans sound great so far - I think you have a good strategy for a July visit. We've never been there any later than the first week of May or any earlier than late September. I think DH would melt - so I'm anxious to hear how you guys do. The summer would be so much more convenient if we could manage with the weather.

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[Angies1274]

Hi Angie! I'm so excited for your summer trip! And I'm so glad you are writing a PTR! I didn't notice it when you first posted on my PTR but I spotted the link today.

First - Congratulations on your graduation! What a huge accomplishment! You picked a great way to celebrate!

I can't wait to see some recent pictures of the boys!

Your plans sound great so far - I think you have a good strategy for a July visit. We've never been there any later than the first week of May or any earlier than late September. I think DH would melt - so I'm anxious to hear how you guys do. The summer would be so much more convenient if we could manage with the weather.

Can't wait to read more!!

Hi Amy!!

I'm so glad you found me and decided to join in! We can't wait to go back. It's been the longest 2 years ever!!

Hoping to get some new pictures posted of the boys soon. I'm so out of practice writing one of these. Hopefully, photobucket will cooperate this week and I can finally get my pictures organized!

 

[Angies1274]

Well...since I'm still working on organizing our pictures from our Disney movie nights, and past Disney trips, I thought that I would instead share all of the new things that we are looking forward to this summer. Some of them will be new to everyone and some are just new to us.

Before I start with the new (good) things that are happening. I should mention the not so good things too.

Fastpasses--- Although, we never actually utilized fastpasses beyond the fastpass window. One of the things that I had planned when I first booked our July vacation back in January was that since we knew we would be heading back for a rest each day that we could gather fastpasses to use for later that evening. Of course a few weeks later I found that this wouldn’t be possible anymore so I had to change our whole itinerary. UGH…

Snow White is closing--- I knew it was coming but I'm still sad because we never got the chance to experience it especially since DH favorite character is grumpy. But, the boys were never interested and I never pushed which of course now I regret. Official closing May 31st.

Test Track- This is the worst of all! Test track will be closed for refurb this summer. The boys were so disappointed about this because they love this ride. What makes it even worse is that I read somewhere recently that they are running behind on the BTMRR refurb as well and they may postpone the opening of that. Honestly, that was one of the reasons that we decided not to go in April (a very small reason) but it was a factor as the boys and DH absolutely love this ride and we always ride it multiple times every trip. Hopefully it was just a rumor…fingers crossed!!


What's New?

--As you already know....Part of the new Fantasyland will be open (actually it's already opened!) Storybook circus that includes The Great Goofini, Dumbo, and the new Fantasyland train station.

I love that Dumbo has a new water feature around it's base and that it's illuminated at night. It's so pretty! I can't wait to ride it!

--The new Peter Pan interactive queue will be open!

--Art of Animation resort will be open or at least the Finding Nemo wing. This was actually one of the reasons we decided to stay at Pop Century again this trip. We’re hoping that they will have opened the bridge up between the two resorts and we can head over to explore and eat dinner there one evening during the trip.

“Better-for-you” options at five mini shops serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is the overarching theme of the new Landscape of Flavors food court still being tweaked for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, opening in May. The new restaurant will be adjacent to the lobby.
Highlights from the menu include:
"The Soup-Salad-Sandwich Shop lets you create your own salad (with beef or chicken) and offers a caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on focaccia, or a Buffalo-style turkey sandwich with arugula and a blue cheese-Buffalo sauce-mayo spread. Both are served with delish house-made potato chips.

The World Flavors Shop adds Indian-African flair to breakfast, too, with scrambled eggs, tandoor potatoes, Portuguese sausage, slab bacon and a mini-naan; or a veggie flatbread sandwich on naan with cauliflower, spinach and paneer. Lunch and dinner is a choice of tandoori chicken or shrimp, Mongolian beef with vegetables, mahi mahi, Portuguese sausage or roasted acorn squash served with sides and naan bread.

The Pizza Shop features make-your-own pasta, cheese and pepperoni pizzas and meatballs on ciabatta bread. Room delivery is an option, too.
The Burger Shop includes a breakfast burger with chicken breakfast sausage, cheese and scrambled eggs on a multi-grain bun, and a steak-and-eggs breakfast burger with a burger topped with fried eggs, cheese and bacon. Besides the traditional burgers, lunch and dinner includes a surf and turf burger with crab cake and fried popcorn shrimp, and a pastrami cheeseburger topped with pepper jack cheese and a slice of fried green tomato.

The “grab ‘n go” Market Shop offers drinks, yogurt, bagels, pastries, gourmet cupcakes, cookies and gelato.

The food court will be part of the Disney Dining Plan." (Disney Parks Blog)

--They just announced that Phineas and Ferb will be taking over for Kim Possible Mission in the World Showcase. My boys are so excited for this!! They love Phineas and Ferb. I don’t think there is an official opening date yet but they have confirmed it will be this summer.

"Coming this summer, Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is based on the wily secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus – faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Although just a simple pet to Phineas and Ferb, Perry turns into Agent P in each episode to help stop the misguided plans of his nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Epcot guests will transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots. Agents will use a “high-tech secret agent device” to receive clues for each case. Solving the clues will take agents to different places throughout seven World Showcase countries at Epcot – Mexico Pavilion, France Pavilion, Germany Pavilion, Norway Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, China Pavilion and the United Kingdom Pavilion. Agents will scour each country for clues, evil “Inators,” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz."

Already happening...but NEW to us!!

--Star Tours is now updated and in 3D-- It will be interesting to check out!

--Magic Memories and You show! I watched this show on You Tube last year when they first debuted it and was so impressed. At the time I didn’t realize they were going to extend into 2012 and was so sad we would miss it. Needless to say I’m thrilled that we are going to be able to see it this summer.

-- Main Street Electrical parade. This is bittersweet for us because I absolutely love Spectromagic and we are always listening to the music but being able to see something new will be fun too.

--We get to visit Mickey and Minnie at their new home in Exposition Hall plus fastpasses are available!

--Sum of all thrills is open in Epcot (not sure the boys will want to ride this but hopefully....)

--Duffy Bear—Noah is anxious to meet him and participate in the Kidcot stations around the World Showcase.

--Phineas and Ferb Meet and Greet at Hollywood Studios- new to us and a must do!!

--Sorcerer of the Magic Kingdom. This sounds like a lot of fun and something I'm sure the boys will really enjoy.

--Winnie the Pooh interactive queue—

Haunted Mansion interactive queue- We are very excited for this as it will be Nick's first time to ride...oh and DH too!! I forgot he didn't ride last time because he sat out with Nick.

*All pictures and info came from wdwinfo and allears.

That's all I can think of right now but let me know if I'm missing anything.

Up Next--What are we celebrating and where are we eating?


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[andapanda]

Following along! We'll be at Disney from July 7th-14th.

 

[vermontgirl]

Following along, especially since you are a neighbor!. We love Pop because it was the first resort that we ever stayed in too! Sounds like you have a great trip planned.

We are going from 7/31-8/10, a little worried about heat, rain, humidity....but like you, it's what worked best for our family. Here's hoping that our DH won't melt! DD's are in 7th grade and I am a school nurse, so no more sneaking to the World at off season times....oh well! Anytime at Disney is a happy time for me! Can't wait to read more!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow! I didn't realize how many "new" things there were until you started naming them off. I just posted about the new interactive queue in the Pooh line and I'll be posting soon about the new queue at Haunted Mansion too. I've read the rumor about Test Track closing but haven't seen anything official yet. I'm hoping that they decide not to close it until a slower time of the year.

 

[Angies1274]

Following along! We'll be at Disney from July 7th-14th.

I'm glad you joined in!!