Another surprise trip cause mamma ruined it-NOW THE ULTIMATE FANTASY DISNEY VACATION

[daisyduck7]

Good morning, Baby Girl ! Seriously, I am having to go the long way to get here at this one. When you stop by this afternoon to get Omicron's book bag, I need you to fix the link in my list of favorites, and show me what you are doing , so I can do it next time. Yes, Virginia, there will be a next time. As long as you are breathing, and can still put one foot in front of the other, there will be a next time. As far as home schooling goes, hang on to that dream. Maybe one day, say, by the time Tau starts school, it can happen. I guess I better get out of here for now, and at least act like I am working. Hey, everyone ! Welcome to my humble abode . I am really looking forward to reading everyone's comments. See ya !

 

[debraW76]

I'm onboard! I can never keep a secret -- I am surprised we make it through Christmas every year!

I am so glad you are here.

I am awful at Christmas. I think I get more excited about giving them their gifts and just break down. My husband isn't any better so Christmas is tough on both of us.

I love how you are trying to surprise the kids! They will be so excited. I wish someone would surprise me with a trip to WDW...although I'm too much of a planning freak for our vacations to not be in the know!

My DH and I are going with our good friends June 9 - June 18! Maybe I'll see you and your kids running around Although...if you do have to wait until Christmas I would be a little jealous of that. I have always wanted to go at that time. It sounds amazing!

Oh, and that villas you are staying in look absolutely amazing. If you aren't going to stay on property that looks like the place to stay!

We decided to def go in June. Maybe a Christmas trip in a couple of years ? Maybe when we are completely debt free I can quit my job and homeschool so we can go during December

Good morning, Baby Girl ! Seriously, I am having to go the long way to get here at this one. When you stop by this afternoon to get Omicron's book bag, I need you to fix the link in my list of favorites, and show me what you are doing , so I can do it next time. Yes, Virginia, there will be a next time. As long as you are breathing, and can still put one foot in front of the other, there will be a next time. As far as home schooling goes, hang on to that dream. Maybe one day, say, by the time Tau starts school, it can happen. I guess I better get out of here for now, and at least act like I am working. Hey, everyone ! Welcome to my humble abode . I am really looking forward to reading everyone's comments. See ya !

Oh, so that is where his book bag was He nearly missed the bus this morning looking for it. I almost had to push him out the door this morning telling him we would have to find it this afternoon. And he must have heard about the school's inclament weather hotline and insisted I call it like 20 times this weekend just to be sure they hadn't cancelled school.

Mom, you are killin me with your computer. I will try to stop this afternoon and bookmark it for you. And what do you mean act like you are working? Did you forget that you are the boss?

 

[debraW76]

I am getting really bummed about Disney's new park hours calendar. I should be planning our meals and touring plans but I can't because Disney hasn't posted their park hours for June yet. Heck, they haven't even posted hours for May. I just checked and it only goes to April 28th. - that is only 86 days out. If they keep this up my 90 day window will open for ADRs and I will have to guess at where we might be because I still won’t know the operating hours for my week.

For the touring, dining, budgeting planning obsessed this creates a real problem. Typically I use the park hours along with touringplans.com to plan what parks we will visit each day. Working in if we will do rope drop and what rides we need to at opening I will decide if our big meal will be breakfast lunch or dinner, the make ADRs. When they tell me there are no tables for the time/place I want to eat I readjust my schedule and so on and so on about 5 or 6 times until I have everything planned perfectly.

Then with my planning compulsive mind I realize I hadn't factored in bathroom breaks or perhaps I have too much on one day or can't afford such and such and then I get to re-do my plans again until I have it just right.

With Disney's new park hours policy they may actually cause me to forfeit my first 5 or 6 dozen no go plans and go with the first plan I come up with.

Disney, I ask you WHERE IS THE FUN IN THAT?

I can't do it. I just can't do it. I can't decide where to eat unless I know what park we will be in that day. And I can't decide what park to go to until I know their hours. I just cant do it.

Planning is my therapy, my vice, my escape from reality. My husband paints when he is stressed, my mom shops, my other friends go to the movies or to the spa. But not me - I plan things!

And trust me I have needed it lately. Baby Tau is recovering from an ear infection, Omicron is having stomach troubles, Our server crashed at work and we lost 2 months of work, my husband wants to find a job closer to home, And this whole SECRET keeping business is just not for me. I find myself biting my nails when the kids ask me 'when are we going to Disney again?'

Please, oh please give me something to plan! Please Disney post your park hours for June! Have Mercy on a planning obsessed soul such as myself!

Coming up...Attractions we haven't done at Animal Kingdom

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am the same way -- this has been the hardest trip to plan because there are no hours yet!!! Hopefully by the beginning of March we will have an idea of opening and closing times.

 

[debraW76]

I am the same way -- this has been the hardest trip to plan because there are no hours yet!!! Hopefully by the beginning of March we will have an idea of opening and closing times.

Hopefully! Funny, you were posting here the same time I was reading your TR

 

[debraW76]

Since this is our 3rd time going as a family in the last two years (plus Chi and I went for her Birthday) we are trying to mark off all the rides/attractions that we haven't experienced. So here I give you our list of attractions we are putting priority on seeing. Since we will likely go to Animal Kingdom first (Sunday) I give you our list of must see's at Disney's Animal Kingdom.


Attractions we have not experienced

• Wildlife Express Train
• Conservation Station & Affection Section
• Flights of Wonder
• Maharaja JungleTrek
• Camp Minnie Mickey (only if the kids want autographs)
• Jingle Jungle Parade

and hit our favorites again

• Safaris
• Everest
• Kali River Rapids
  
  Now food... I am seriously considering trying for an 8AM tusker house breakfast ressie. We ate the dinner last year and it was really good. After reading Charleston princess' TR and all the benefits of an early breakfast in the park I think it may work for us. Hunny is onboard after I told him we could take pictures of buildings without people in the picture. (He's an architect and he takes lots of pictures of buildings and things). Plus, we would be in the back of the park when the safaris opens.
  

Coming up...Attractions we haven't done at EPCOT

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ahhh, thanks for the shout-out -- those photos of our early morning in Animal Kingdom are among my favorite from the trip. I haven't even scrapbooked them yet because I want the paper and stuff to be perfect.

Tusker House breakfast is super yummy -- we are going to do it again this June!

We haven't done the Wildlife Train or Conservation Station before either -- I want to make sure we do it this trip. Of course, we adore the Safari, Kali, and Everest -- can't wait to see the Yeti again!

 

[debraW76]

Ahhh, thanks for the shout-out -- those photos of our early morning in Animal Kingdom are among my favorite from the trip. I haven't even scrapbooked them yet because I want the paper and stuff to be perfect.

Tusker House breakfast is super yummy -- we are going to do it again this June!

We haven't done the Wildlife Train or Conservation Station before either -- I want to make sure we do it this trip. Of course, we adore the Safari, Kali, and Everest -- can't wait to see the Yeti again!

I took Chi and Omicron to then 'Rafikis planet watch' now Conservation Section when they were real little but we haven't been as a family. Last year we rode Everest 8 or 9 times during Evening EMH. It is the kids (and mine) favorite coaster. Delta likes Kali best. Lion King is my favorite show but I am not sure if I can drag my family there again. they thought it was just ok.

can't wait to try the tusker house breakfast!!! I even dreamed about it last night.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I took Chi and Omicron to then 'Rafikis planet watch' now Conservation Section when they were real little but we haven't been as a family. Last year we rode Everest 8 or 9 times during Evening EMH. It is the kids (and mine) favorite coaster. Delta likes Kali best. Lion King is my favorite show but I am not sure if I can drag my family there again. they thought it was just ok.

can't wait to try the tusker house breakfast!!! I even dreamed about it last night.

I haven't seen FOTLK yet -- that is my absolute must-do -- I love the movie and have the CD of the Broadway musical. I hear so many wonderful things about it!

 

[debraW76]

I haven't seen FOTLK yet -- that is my absolute must-do -- I love the movie and have the CD of the Broadway musical. I hear so many wonderful things about it!

WHAT! You haven't seen Festival of the Lion King? That is my absolute favorite show in all of Disney! it has fire for the boys and ballet for the girls. Singing, dancing, stilt walkers, audience participation... Absolutely wonderfully exciting!

Not as good as the broadway show (of which Omicron was 2 and decided at intermission he had enough and wasn't going back in). But it is still good. In my opinion Lion King is way better than Nemo that everyone else likes. But that is just me.

Jackie, while you are here can you please tell me if you can see the animals if dining at Boma's? We want to dine there on Saturday night and was hoping we could see some activity on the savanna. If so is there a good/best time to see the animals? Can you see from the restaurant or do you have to go semewhere else in the AKL? TIA.

 

[Charleston Princess]

WHAT! You haven't seen Festival of the Lion King? That is my absolute favorite show in all of Disney! it has fire for the boys and ballet for the girls. Singing, dancing, stilt walkers, audience participation... Absolutely wonderfully exciting!

Not as good as the broadway show (of which Omicron was 2 and decided at intermission he had enough and wasn't going back in). But it is still good. In my opinion Lion King is way better than Nemo that everyone else likes. But that is just me.

Jackie, while you are here can you please tell me if you can see the animals if dining at Boma's? We want to dine there on Saturday night and was hoping we could see some activity on the savanna. If so is there a good/best time to see the animals? Can you see from the restaurant or do you have to go semewhere else in the AKL? TIA.

Oh, I am insisting that we make it to FOLTK after reading your description! It sounds breath-taking!

There are public viewing areas at AKL. At Boma, you won't be able to see any animals -- there is a bank of windows but it looks out on some vegetation and a little stream -- still very pretty. When you are done eating (or before) at Boma, go back up the stairs, across the lobby towards the giant glass window, down those stairs, and out the door. That will bring you to a big rocky outcropping with animal viewing areas. Our dinner reservation last year was at 5:00, so after dinner (close to 6:00), we saw zebras and giraffes. So neat! Don't forget to check out the resort gift shop, Zawadi, on your way in or out. In my opinion it is the best resort gift shop -- lots of unique items from Africa.

 

[debraW76]

Oh, I am insisting that we make it to FOLTK after reading your description! It sounds breath-taking!

There are public viewing areas at AKL. At Boma, you won't be able to see any animals -- there is a bank of windows but it looks out on some vegetation and a little stream -- still very pretty. When you are done eating (or before) at Boma, go back up the stairs, across the lobby towards the giant glass window, down those stairs, and out the door. That will bring you to a big rocky outcropping with animal viewing areas. Our dinner reservation last year was at 5:00, so after dinner (close to 6:00), we saw zebras and giraffes. So neat! Don't forget to check out the resort gift shop, Zawadi, on your way in or out. In my opinion it is the best resort gift shop -- lots of unique items from Africa.

Thanks for explaining that to me. I can't wait to try a zebra dome. I have no idea what one is but I have heard everyone talking about them. We thought about doing our grand 1 yacht cruise that night but I think our first night after a long car ride we will need something where the kids can walk around a bit more. I think that dining at Boma's and viewing the animals plus maybe a dip in the pool will be a great first day!

Oh and the Lion King - when we went they had a 9:30 show. We arrived at AK right at 9:00. We took our own sweet time to the theatre while everyone else was rushing to the safaris. Pocahantas was outside signing autographs too!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks for explaining that to me. I can't wait to try a zebra dome. I have no idea what one is but I have heard everyone talking about them. We thought about doing our grand 1 yacht cruise that night but I think our first night after a long car ride we will need something where the kids can walk around a bit more. I think that dining at Boma's and viewing the animals plus maybe a dip in the pool will be a great first day!

Oh and the Lion King - when we went they had a 9:30 show. We arrived at AK right at 9:00. We took our own sweet time to the theatre while everyone else was rushing to the safaris. Pocahantas was outside signing autographs too!

That was what we did on our first night and it was a great start to our vacation! I could live on zebra domes! Mmmmm.

I am making a note to go to the first performance -- I think we are doing two days at AK, so it should work out well.

 

[debraW76]

That was what we did on our first night and it was a great start to our vacation! I could live on zebra domes! Mmmmm.

I am making a note to go to the first performance -- I think we are doing two days at AK, so it should work out well.

If you have a fast mover in your group you could possibly send one to get FP for safaris before the show

 

[debraW76]

Looks like EPCOT is the front runner for Monday. So here is my list of must see attractions for EPCOT.

• Soarin -I have been to Disney three times since Soarin opened and still haven't ridden it.
• Body Wars (if open)
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends - I have done the divequest twice but haven't been back since they put in Nemo
• Turtle Talk with Crush - same sad story as above
• the Land - and Zeta wants to take the behind the seeds tour - ok he is just messing with my budget now.
• Spaceship Earth -again very embarrassing that we haven't been in three trips

And hopefully a revisit to Test track (our kids' favorite)
Plus we are planning on walking through world showcase and let the kids each pick one country to visit. I'm hoping for Mexico because mainly it is air-conditioned.

Zeta wants to take the segway tour and has asked for this every trip we have been on. And I hope he is not reading this but I just might have a surprise planned for him before we go to Orlando

For dining we are still undecided to dine lunch at LeCellier or to just snack our way around the world



Coming up...Attractions we haven't done at Magic Kingdom

 

[Charleston Princess]

Good idea about sending a runner for FPs!

You haven't ridden Soarin' before??? You MUST! It's my favorite ride at Epcot -- nothing else compares!!! You will love it! You will forever remember the smell of oranges fondly -- and that's all I am saying.

Spaceship Earth is a lot of fun, too, and a nice way to get off your feet for a little bit. The second half that is kind of interactive is very funny.

 

[debraW76]

Good idea about sending a runner for FPs!

You haven't ridden Soarin' before??? You MUST! It's my favorite ride at Epcot -- nothing else compares!!! You will love it! You will forever remember the smell of oranges fondly -- and that's all I am saying.

Spaceship Earth is a lot of fun, too, and a nice way to get off your feet for a little bit. The second half that is kind of interactive is very funny.

I know, I know. I have been to Disney 3 times since Soarin opened and still haven't ridden it. I have ridden Spaceship earth but not since the refurb. Chi and Omicron rode it when they were really young (2 & 4). The others have not ridden it at all.

OT: Last night I was getting all excited about our trip. And during dinner I told the kids about a restaraunt in a hotel that has an African theme. It is called Boma's. I also told them that behind the resort was a savanna that afterward dinner you could step out and watch some animals graze.
I asked what they thought about it and if they wanted to try it during our vacation?

Alpha said he wanted to go to the beach this summer but if we couldn't go to the beach he wanted to go to DIsney. Chi, Omicron, and Delta all said they were not interested in Boma's because they only wanted to go to Disney.

Then last night I was reading Tau his train book to him. It has a picture of a monorail. I taught him to say ' I wanna go to Disneyworld and ride the monorail" It was so cute!! Monorail sounded more like mo-aray.

4 more months of keeping a secret!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Over on the food thread this morning, someone posted a beautiful close up of a zebra dome. I snagged it for you:

That is an adorable story about Tau learning how to say monorail, and your other children's comments about Disney!!! How are you able to hold it all in???

 

[debraW76]

thanks for the food porn. I am drooling now

Tau used to say "I wanna go to Disneyworld see my goofy" but now it is to ride the monorail.

 

[debraW76]

Right now it is looking like Magic Kingdom will be our park on Wednesday. We have spent the most time in MK and there isn't a lot we haven't done (except for those that have height restrictions that baby and Delta haven't done).

NEVER SEEN BEFORE ATTRACTIONS AT MAGIC KINGDOM

• The Fairies in toontown
• Ariel's grotto (funny story: When we were dining in the castle and the princesses were making their rounds I heard my husband say 'Oh?' and looked down. Upon further investigation I saw that his face was completely red. I asked what's wrong and he said nothing. When I looked up there was Princess Jasmine in her normal attire. Apparently he was caught off guard and got embarrassed. I wonder how he will react to Ariel?)
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Hall of Presidents (but we still wont get to see this trip either since they will be putting in Obama)
• Liberty Bell Riverboat (which I still have no reason to see this trip either)
• Carousel of Progess

other than that we have experienced all the other attractions at MK. We still plan to hit our favorites (Thunder RR & Splash Mt, but Space Mt will be closed

For dining we may just do Counter service or maybe Crystal Palace Bfast. Still undecided on that one.

Also, Considering the Disney's Family Magic Tour.


Coming up...My nerdiness shows in my spreadsheet of Disney Dining