Another dream vacation...this time, in the making!!

[jaycns]

That is SOOOOOOO awesome! I would love to go to a P&PP! You'll have to take lots of pictures and video! This is gonna be one heck of a WDW vacation!

-Michelle

* I do hereby promise to take loads of photos and video and to share all of the memories we live out at the P&P party. *

 

[jaycns]

Wow.....2 full weeks at the World?! That's awesome! Can't wait for that trip report!! We were hoping the P&PP would be around for our June trip, but no luck. With my 3 nieces, it would have been a hit! Sooooo I'll be waiting to read about your experience & see your pictures.

You get to go NEXT MONTH!!! HAVE A GREAT TIME!! Will you be writing a trip report?! HMMMMM If so, it just *might* help me last until our vacation.

The horrible (okay, not really horrible ) thing is that it is almost time to start making our ressies for our end of Nov./Dec. trip. Which would be great except that TGM has not released his best days charts yet for the end of November...I have great respect for that man's freakishly correct predictions! SO...until Mike tells me which park I should plan to visit I am stuck trying to figure out what to do...WHAT TO DO!?

Anyway, please feel free to link us to your trip report WHEN you write one

 

[jaycns]

Hello! Is this thing on?! Hmmm.... someone didn't PM me back... I feel so unloved.

You are !! I am just naughty...or should I say exhausted. I love being a mom...but there is NOT one little itty bitty tiny weeny bit of rest for the weary when you hold that title. I am the manager of "Aladdin's" select soccer team. They were in a tournament this weekend and I just about fell over tired...on Mother's Day none the less. And I am wrapping up my end of the year duties at a co-op I teach at.

BUT...your PM did make me happy! THANK YOU!!! And a belated Happy Mother's Day to you!! And to all of you DIS moms!!

Now Michelle, I think it was you who had this...a private tea? Any details? I think we are going to look into renting a cabanna while we are at the GF and I would L-O-V-E to be served tea poolside one afternoon in the shade of the cabana while my boys splashed in the pool. Sounds just about perfect to me! So any details would be much appreciated!

 

[jaycns]

WOO HOO!! Today I got our final trip of 2007 taken care of!

Here is a rundown of our November/December trip. **AND YES, I am still keeping it a secret from the boys...they have NO idea!!**

DAY 1: Arrive at the Contemporary (Atrium Club WOO HOO) and enjoy some resort time. This will be a first mom and kids trip...so we might need to get our bearings after arrival. That night...take in the Christmas decorations at the monorail resorts. Eat dinner at Kona.

DAY 2: Our first park this trip? Strange but true, we are not heading first to MK but instead will venture over to EPCOT. The Coral Reef will fill us up for lunch. Dinner will be at the Garden Grill. Another strange thing but we do NOT plan to stay for Illuminations . Instead we plan to head back to the lounge for the night dessert offerings. RELAX and enjoy the view of Wishes from the Atrium Club lounge!

DAY 3: Sleep in, grab a quick breakfast in the lounge, swim (if it's warm enough) and spend some time relaxing. My boys adore the beach at the CR so they (I am sure) will spend an hour or two happily digging in the sand. Late afternoon will find us getting ready for our very first MVMCP!!! WOO HOO! I am so excited! In 2007 we will have been to MVMCP, MNSSHP and P&P Party!! I am really looking forward to this special night. I hope it is cool enough that we can wear our matching Mickey sweaters! Picky one aren't I? Ordering warm enough weather to swim in the afternoon and then cool enough weather for sweater wearing in the evening. Not too tall an order is it?! Lucky for me, I will be in FL in November, it is possible!

DAY 4: MGM baby! I almost left this park out of our plans for this go round (we will have spent a day here earlier in the year) however, thanks to Mlil and MouseTriper I am enthralled with the dancing Lights over there and must get over to see them! THANK YOU BOTH for bringing that magic to life via your trip reports!!

DAY 5: Animal Kingdom (didn't think I would leave that out did you? ). I am hoping that Yak and Yeti will be open. If not, the boys have been begging to go to the Rain Forest Cafe...NOT bad, but we go there when we travel to Chicago..so I am hoping for the "only at Disney" Yak and Yeti meal! The night will be spent relaxing and watching the water parade from the beach after a dinner at the California Grill.

DAY 6: Another MK day. Other then dinner at LTT it is pretty much an open day. One just made for catering to the whims of three little boys who love Disney *almost* as much as their mom!

DAY 7: Another EPCOT day...this time with some special evening entertainment. We plan on seeing the Candlelight Processional. We also plan on hitting Le Cellier for dinner and snacking our way around the world for lunch!

DAY 8: Back to MK in the morning. We will have lunch at the CP and then head out to explore some other resort decorations during the afternoon. Our final evening (sniff sniff) will find us at whichever park the boys desire, DTD if they so chose or any other place at WDW they like.

DAY 9: After one last morning in the lounge and one final late breakfast at Chef Mickey's Buffet...we will head for home.

 

[jkckr]

I've been waiting for you to post this We are also planning on attending MMVCP on Tuesday... and I bought those Mickey Christmas sweaters for the boys too!! LOL! We will be in the same parks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

 

[SoonerGirl]

This trip sounds just fabulous too jay! You are eating at some of my favorite restaurants!

I'm curious, the Yak & Yeti meal you mentioned at AK - is that what is going in where the Tusker House is now?

 

[jaycns]

This trip sounds just fabulous too jay! You are eating at some of my favorite restaurants!

I'm curious, the Yak & Yeti meal you mentioned at AK - is that what is going in where the Tusker House is now?

No...they are building it over by Expedition Everest. It's rumored that it will be an Asian food venue with both CS and TS. Everything I have heard so far is rumor. I just hope it is open by our trip in November! I love trying new things at Disney.

What I have heard (or read, not like anyone from Disney is calling me to tell me about changes...BUT they should!! ) about Tusker House is that it will become a TS buffet??

This may all be wrong. BUT...from reading tons about it this is what I have gleaned is going on. I am so sad that I won't get to eat a CS meal at the Tusker House. It was one of my favorite TS places in all of the "World".

 

[jaycns]

I am wondering about adding a carriage ride. Have any of you ever done one at WL? I think the boys might really like to take a ride in one especially if they decorate it with jingle bells for the holiday season. HMMMM....ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder.

 

[jaycns]

I've been waiting for you to post this We are also planning on attending MMVCP on Tuesday... and I bought those Mickey Christmas sweaters for the boys too!! LOL! We will be in the same parks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Sounds like your plans are really coming together!! I have to admit, I didn't just buy those red sweaters for the boys I got myself one too. HA HA HA. So we will be the 2,194th family you pass dressed in them.

I just remember us dressing in our tropical print stuff on the last cruise and looking like we were part of some odd family reunion. HA HA HA EVERYONE and their grandma was wearing those shirts/dresses! I expexct no less of the sweaters (unless it's too hot for them).

 

[SoonerGirl]

What I have heard (or read, not like anyone from Disney is calling me to tell me about changes...BUT they should!! ) about Tusker House is that it will become a TS buffet??

This may all be wrong. BUT...from reading tons about it this is what I have gleaned is going on. I am so sad that I won't get to eat a CS meal at the Tusker House. It was one of my favorite TS places in all of the "World".

I've read alot of the same things. Donald's Breakfastasaurus is going to close and Tusker House will become a character buffet meal. I know alot of people love TH and are going to be very disappointed

 

[PrincessAlways]

Just checking in . For some reason, I lost this thread. Back now! Well, Jay, I'll be in the "world" in just a few days! Getting just a little excited! Don't you just love the anticipation before a trip?!

 

[mlill]

Now Michelle, I think it was you who had this...a private tea? Any details? I think we are going to look into renting a cabanna while we are at the GF and I would L-O-V-E to be served tea poolside one afternoon in the shade of the cabana while my boys splashed in the pool. Sounds just about perfect to me! So any details would be much appreciated!

Yes, we had the private tea on the GF 3rd floor balcony. I know that they are not doing it anymore. Did you ever rent your cabana? I'm not sure what you can get catered there. I think I still have the Private Dining menu somewhere if you want it. Or, you can call GF Private Dining and have them email you the current menu.

Your December plans sound awesome, too! WOW! This is really gonna be a year to remember for your family! I can't wait to read your trip reports!

-Michelle

 

[LindaBabe]

Do you think we have added enough down time? We do have loads of it to start (dh wants down time...so...I am giving him a few days to decompress *his work is pretty stressful sometimes*)...but I am worried about later in the week. I am wondering if I should plan another off day somewhere towards the end. I guess we could always just revamp while at WDW...but here's the thing...I am totally obsessive compulsive about having my plans laid out. Not to the minute or anything but day to day flows...I just feel better going in knowing in general what I will be doing. No...it doesn't make any sense that I have to know what I will be doing on a Wednesday six months from now. BUT...just nod and smile.

The boys and I find park time relaxing...dh doesn't...I want to strike a good balance (so that he keeps coming back to WDW with us.

I know you're probably way ahead of this question by now, while I'm still back in February - but your DH may well find AKL extra relaxing! I'm a park person too, with ADHD, the parks engage all my senses and let me relax, but even I could spend days at AKL without doing a park. I learned with my dh (finally, after Umpty ump years) to leave him be, if he's chillin'.


Also vis a vis Earl of Sandwich, puck or rainforest - Rainforest if you're all ravenous - it's a ton of food - otherwise, it's the earl all the way for me! And, my fav in MGM is Prime Time 50's cafe, but it's not one of the Fantasmic restaurants. Mama Melrose is and so is Brown Derby, but I'm not liking either one, myself.

Whatever you choose it's clear - YOU and YOUR FAMILY WILL have fun! You just sound like 'that kind of people'!

Ok, I read a little further - definitely the Garden grill - why? You can't beat last year at Coral reef! The food is good, there's characters, and do they still do the "rehitching" ceremony? Cute for your anniversary, if they do!

Ok, now I've read to the end. Turns out, we'll be at AKL same time as y'all, and are also going to that Pirates and Princesses -Look for us - the "old folks" with the Teddy Bears! We're only going to the P & P party for them, of course. lol

 

[jaycns]

I know you're probably way ahead of this question by now, while I'm still back in February - but your DH may well find AKL extra relaxing! I'm a park person too, with ADHD, the parks engage all my senses and let me relax, but even I could spend days at AKL without doing a park. I learned with my dh (finally, after Umpty ump years) to leave him be, if he's chillin'.


Also vis a vis Earl of Sandwich, puck or rainforest - Rainforest if you're all ravenous - it's a ton of food - otherwise, it's the earl all the way for me! And, my fav in MGM is Prime Time 50's cafe, but it's not one of the Fantasmic restaurants. Mama Melrose is and so is Brown Derby, but I'm not liking either one, myself.

Whatever you choose it's clear - YOU and YOUR FAMILY WILL have fun! You just sound like 'that kind of people'!

Ok, I read a little further - definitely the Garden grill - why? You can't beat last year at Coral reef! The food is good, there's characters, and do they still do the "rehitching" ceremony? Cute for your anniversary, if they do!

Ok, now I've read to the end. Turns out, we'll be at AKL same time as y'all, and are also going to that Pirates and Princesses -Look for us - the "old folks" with the Teddy Bears! We're only going to the P & P party for them, of course. lol

Linda...THANK YOU for the input and the PM. I will be responding to both as soon as I feel a bit better. I have some sort of nasty infection (again ) that comes from having allergies. They tell me I live in the allergy belt of the country...but I sure do wish someone would buckle it up!

Oh heck, while I am started I guess I can type a bit more

Yes, we did pick the Garden Grill. The food is always "down home" good and the characters and the way it spins are tops in our book.

We did end up with 50s Primetime as our MGM lunch and Mama Melrose as dinner (I am VERY nervous about this one and may cancel yet... I know we do like Hollywood and Vine and it is a Fantasmic dinner but we were hoping on trying something new but the reviews on MM are so mixed I am not sure what to do....ponder, ponder, ponder... ).

Earl of Sandwich is my favorite place there. I think we will be doing Earl. I am so not a Rain Forest Cafe person at WDW. I love going in Chicago (we often visit that city) but at WDW I want a WDW place to eat!

Teddy Bears? How fun!!!! We will have to have an AKL DIS meet for sure!!

Okay, I will respond to the PM later and also update bit more on this thread. I need to get back to napping.

 

[serendipity]

I just got all caught up! I'm so jealous- Pirate and Princess, MNSSHP, AND MVMCP!!!!! You're going to have such a great year- it's so exciting!

All of your plans sound wonderful and I can't wait for you to go so I can see how everything unfolds! There's nothing like Disney at Christmas time!

 

[mlill]

pssst! You were at the bottom of Page 3! That won't do at all.

Anything else to report in the planning department?

-Michelle

 

[momoftriplets]

Anything else to report in the planning department?

-Michelle

I was just wondering the same thing last night. You beat me to it, Michelle! Hope she's feeling better by now.
Barb

 

[MouseTriper]

O' where o' where is our Disney loving friend???

 

[jaycns]

Here I am...
Here I am...
Your MIA planning reporter!

Things have been crazy here. The boys are in too many summer camps and leagues. I feel like all I do is laundry and driving!

BUT some trip planning has gone on:

Our Sunrise Safari has been switched to a Sunset Safari (the first night). So, instead of a romantic dinner for 2 at Jiko that first night followed by Cirque...we will have a Sunset Safari on the savannah's of AKL followed by a chef served dinner with whoever else is on the safari (no more then 12 people per safari) and although it's a different sort of romantic, it will be so much fun to have the chef come out and tell us about each course and the offerings! NUMMY! Also it will be exceptional to get out on the AKL savannahs...so all in all this change is for the better I think!

Also, we will still have time to head over to Cirque after dinner at Jiko! WOO HOO!! So that is now our first night's worth of plans.

Have any of you ever done the Sunset Safari? If so, I would love any and all feedback/input/what you loved/what you didn't.

That next day we will just sleep in and enjoy a day of rest at the resort. SO our plans have now been officially updated.

SHOPPING LIST UPDATE:
I have purchased water shoes for everyone this week.
I also snagged some disposable rain ponchos from Target.
Last night we did a bit of shopping at the Disney store. GO TO THE DISNEY STORE IF YOU WANT DISNEY SHIRTS!! THey had super cute tees for kids and adults for $4.99. I think they have that price online as well. My boys each got two shirts. And I snagged a few tank tops for the younger boys as well which were on clearence. I was excited.

Also, don't forget, if you see Rat ta too ee this weekend and take your ticket stub to a Disney Store you get a free Rattatoee pin!!

So...That's it for my updating!!

I will try and be a bit more "with it" in getting things up.

In the next month or so I am sure my planning mode will kick into overdrive!!

 

[jaycns]

Due to AKL having to bump us (no more deluxe concierge rooms left at AKL period) we are now going to be staying at:
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AKL still!!! But in two standard concierge rooms (connecting). I am happy with the switch. I can tell you I was not happy with the first offers that Disney threw out there. But in the end, where we end up is all that matters, right?! And on the upside of matters we will now have two rooms! Which means...TWO SHOWERS/MIRRORS to get ready with! Oh the heaven! Maybe Mickey was looking out for us after all?!

My only worry is that having two rooms will make it hard on the food end of things. We won't have all of the credits on any one room...so will we have to pull out two cards to charge every meal? Will I not be able to wait in line alone to get food? I will need dh or one of the kids with charing privillages to be with me in line? Hmmmm. I have heard they now seperate kids and adult credits...so this is a bit perplexing. What to do. What to do.

Any ideas? Anybody else done this? Am I being a worry wart?

The excited energy is really starting to flow here! In just a month and a half we will be at WDW! WOO HOO!