****August, 2012!!!****

[Stan Solo]

QOTE!(Question of the Evening)
Where will YOU be watching Wishes and Illuminations?

Wishes from the Dessert party one time, from the left of the Castle and will try to get into the hub one night. The night we will try for the hub the crowd calendars has MK very low.

For Illuminations we plan on viewing from from UK or Canada one night and from China one night. After Illuminations we plan to take the long way around World Showcase. I love taking a trip around the World at night.

We are choosing these locations because they will be new locations for us.

 

[ashmarie06]

So disappointed! Last week got an email from our TA saying that the main pool at sports would be closed during our visit, that she would try to get into movies or my choice pop. I found out today, she can only get us into music. After reading reviews everyone seems to love it. Idk why I care so much. I'm still in Disney! Any opinions or thoughts?

 

[PoohsFan1]

QOTE!(Question of the Evening)
Where will YOU be watching Wishes and Illuminations?

We would be watching Wishes in a couple of places....one night will be in the little walk way between Main Street and Tomorrowland. It is the little area right infront of the Noodle Station. We love this area because it is not very crowded. Another night will be at the California Grill either at our table (if we get a good view) or out on the balcony.

As for Illuminations we like to watch it right in front of the Chefs De France restaurant.

 

[pigletto]

We don't typically stay for Wishes. Since we're rope drop fans we're usually too tired by then. Though, this is dd's friends first trip so I suppose we should build it in. The best place we've ever watched from was the TTC by the ferry launch because we could see and hear everything and get the heck out of dodge by the time the crowds dispersed.
The other spot that was great was the beach at the Poly when we stayed there.

Illuminations is our favourite. And since we just switched to the Yacht Club banana we will watch it from any of the countries on that side of the World Showcase because it's a leisurely stroll back to the room. Oh how I LOVE that resort area

 

[pigletto]

So disappointed! Last week got an email from our TA saying that the main pool at sports would be closed during our visit, that she would try to get into movies or my choice pop. I found out today, she can only get us into music. After reading reviews everyone seems to love it. Idk why I care so much. I'm still in Disney! Any opinions or thoughts?

Yes actually, I just stayed there and it was my favourite of the three allstars
It's landscaped a little nicer in my opinion. It wasn't as crowded as Movies was when we stayed there, and the section we were in was so quiet and peaceful!!
It was at the back but nothing was too far of a walk.
We've only stayed at each of the values for one night, but Music was the nicest stay we had of all of them

 

[beachmama3]

Yes actually, I just stayed there and it was my favourite of the three allstars
It's landscaped a little nicer in my opinion. It wasn't as crowded as Movies was when we stayed there, and the section we were in was so quiet and peaceful!!
It was at the back but nothing was too far of a walk.
We've only stayed at each of the values for one night, but Music was the nicest stay we had of all of them

Glad to hear this, I am staying there for a few days of our visit...I've never stayed at a value resort, but I think my sons (10, 8, and 5) will love All Star Music!

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

QOTE!(Question of the Evening)
Where will YOU be watching Wishes and Illuminations?

Well we will be watching from any of the handicapped sections that have room and not too squeezed in. We have a guest assistance card for my son who has autism. So we go to those sections so he doesn't have to deal with 5 layers of people touching/breathing on him. This will be our first time without a stroller since he is now strong enough to walk and not wander off. He is very bright and wonderful, but sometimes he gets lost in his own little world (did it 3 times on our last trip in 2010- and we had him in a stroller, but turn my back on him and he was bored and wanted to see something else, lawdy, thought I would have a heart attack right in Disney World, Yikes ). Here's hoping that this will go well.

 

[youcansmellit]

My Wife, two daughters and I will be down from Fri, August 24, 2012 - Mon, September 3, 2012 We are staying at CSR from 25th to the 3rd.

I was supposed to go see someone on the Friday but that has been canceled. That Friday is now open for anything outside the parks. I was think of a night at the Yacht Club. We could walk around the Boardwalk and have that great pool. Or I was thinking of staying over at Port Orleans Riverside and checking out Ye Haa Bob. We have never staid at ether place so they both sound like a good time.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I have a bunch of people's ADRs to add. I will get to that later today and post the updated list!

To answer yesterday's QOTD, I will most definitely be watching Illuminations, as it is my absolute favorite! Most likely, we will watch Wishes mostly because it's DH's niece's first trip so she has to see it! I also love it. We actually themed our wedding after the Wishes fireworks show.

On another note, I'm thinking of giving up my lunch ADR for Le Cellier. Is that crazy? I had been wanting to try lunch there for a loooong time and I've had my eye on that steak sandwich. For one reason or another, the past two trips just didn't work out for us to eat there so I was really looking forward to it this time. I just looked at the menu yesterday and the steak sandwich is gone! Boooo!!

 

[pinkle]

Is anyone concerned about the weather (hurricanes??) or am I paranoid!!! 49 more days

 

[mrstomrice]

Is anyone concerned about the weather (hurricanes??) or am I paranoid!!! 49 more days

I have been to Disney 6 times in August recently. The only problem I ever had was TS Faye a few years ago. It actually wasn't really a problem! We ventured to MK for the day and it was great! We just put on our ponchos and went for it! Also, I know that pm storms are frequent in Disney, but we seem to rarely have a problem with those either!

 

[ashmarie06]

Is anyone concerned about the weather (hurricanes??) or am I paranoid!!! 49 more days

No, your definitely not paranoid. I'm extremely worried also. I don't mind rain... But I would enjoy some sun. And I definitely don't want any tropical storms . Is it to early to stalk the weather channel? Lolol

 

[Aliceacc]

Shamelessly copied from a response I posted on another thread:

A little gift for those of us going during Hurricane Season.

First of all, don't sweat it. Orlando is inland, not on the coast. And the Disney resorts have been built to withstand storms; it's said that the locals go to Disney resorts if they're concerned.

But when Tropical Storm Faye visited on our last day in 2008, I was understandably a bit concerned. We kept an eye on the news. But all the information concerning watches and warnings were listed by county, and without a map I had no idea which county we were in.

So print this up and bring it along, just in case:
http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/county-map/florida.shtml

Thanks to answerbag.com, I can tell you that "The Walt Disney World Resort is within the boundaries of two counties: Orange County and unincorporated Osceola County."

You'll probably never need that information. But on the off chance that a tropical storm does coincide with your trip, it's nice to know.

For what it's worth, Faye brought us our BEST day-- the parks all opened early (anticipating an early closure) and the parks were totally empty. We donned our ponchos (brought from Walmart, though the dollar store sells them too... I bring 3 apiece) and had a marvelous time.


Did I mention that we leave 4 weeks from tomorrow???? We have reservations for the Dessert Party, we loved it last time. And this will be our first time staying at the Beach Club... my 12 year old has been salivating over STorm Along Bay for over a year!

And this year, for the first time, my kids are taking YES classes. I'm looking forward to that!

Funny, I was second guessing our lunch at Le Cellier as well. It's on our last full day... I was thining that maybe we would want the freedom of a day without reservations. But it's our favorite restaurant, so I'm guessing I would be facing a mutiny.

I am most definitely into full psychotic planning mode!!!

 

[jm106]

I am not really concerned about the dangers of hurricane as much as a weeks vacation in the rain. We did it in '09 and I really fear having another week like that.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Love it! Can't believe we will be in Disney next month. and the kids still don't have a clue. Hoping not to tell them until the morning we leave.

Finally finalized our ADRs, I think:

Monday 8/27 CRT 4:45 pm
Wednesday 8/29 O'hana 6:45 pm
Thursday 8/30 Le Cellier 5:15 pm
Friday 8/31 Chef Mickey 9:15 am

our ADRs ( as of today)
8/5 Marakesh 6:00
8/6 Boma 6:10
8/7 California Grill 7:15
8/8 Raglan Road 7:15
8/9 50 Prime Time 5:40/ Kouzina 5:25 can't decide
8/10 Ohana 8:25
8/11 Le Cellier 2:10

Please remind me what page the list is on. Thanks!!!!

33 DAYS

Here are our ADR"s:

8/17 Paradiso37 @6:15pm
8/18 Tusker House @8:05PM
8/19 1900 Park Fare @5:35pm
8/20 Akershus @8:05am
8/21 Sci Fi Diner @5:10pm
8/22 Planet Hollywood @1pm
8/23 Whispering Canyon Café @5:15pm
8/24 50’s Prime Time Café @5:10pm
8/26 O’hana’s @8am
8/27 Garden Grill @5:15pm
8/28 Chef Mickey’s @8:10am

Would love to say Hi to another Team August member is anyone is going to be at the same place at the same time!

As for ptrs/tr's just look at my signature. Everyone is invited to those! And yes, I do plan on writing the tr when I get back. I always keep a travel diary going so I can remember what I did.

All added! The updated list is on the top of page 89.

 

[Weluvdisny]

QOTE!(Question of the Evening)
Where will YOU be watching Wishes and Illuminations?

They have opened up the BLT viewing area to DVC members so I was thinking about going there to watch Wishes.

And Illuminations we will probably watch from Mexico so we can have some churros while we wait.

 

[jm106]

All added! The updated list is on the top of page 89.

Thanks for making the list! Im First
I have one month to go.........

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Is anyone concerned about the weather (hurricanes??) or am I paranoid!!! 49 more days

*hand up* I am!

I have been to Disney 6 times in August recently. The only problem I ever had was TS Faye a few years ago. It actually wasn't really a problem! We ventured to MK for the day and it was great! We just put on our ponchos and went for it! Also, I know that pm storms are frequent in Disney, but we seem to rarely have a problem with those either!

Are we travelling on the same week? I hope so.....I like your track record!

No, your definitely not paranoid. I'm extremely worried also. I don't mind rain... But I would enjoy some sun. And I definitely don't want any tropical storms . Is it to early to stalk the weather channel? Lolol

I will stalk with you, sister! We have two days (at least) planned for Aquatica with cabana rentals and a day at Discovery Cove (also with a cabana). Sooooo hoping that there's some fun in the sun on this vacay and not a complete wash-out!

Shamelessly copied from a response I posted on another thread:

A little gift for those of us going during Hurricane Season.

First of all, don't sweat it. Orlando is inland, not on the coast. And the Disney resorts have been built to withstand storms; it's said that the locals go to Disney resorts if they're concerned.

But when Tropical Storm Faye visited on our last day in 2008, I was understandably a bit concerned. We kept an eye on the news. But all the information concerning watches and warnings were listed by county, and without a map I had no idea which county we were in.

So print this up and bring it along, just in case:
http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/county-map/florida.shtml

Thanks to answerbag.com, I can tell you that "The Walt Disney World Resort is within the boundaries of two counties: Orange County and unincorporated Osceola County."

You'll probably never need that information. But on the off chance that a tropical storm does coincide with your trip, it's nice to know.

For what it's worth, Faye brought us our BEST day-- the parks all opened early (anticipating an early closure) and the parks were totally empty. We donned our ponchos (brought from Walmart, though the dollar store sells them too... I bring 3 apiece) and had a marvelous time.


Did I mention that we leave 4 weeks from tomorrow???? We have reservations for the Dessert Party, we loved it last time. And this will be our first time staying at the Beach Club... my 12 year old has been salivating over STorm Along Bay for over a year!

And this year, for the first time, my kids are taking YES classes. I'm looking forward to that!

Funny, I was second guessing our lunch at Le Cellier as well. It's on our last full day... I was thining that maybe we would want the freedom of a day without reservations. But it's our favorite restaurant, so I'm guessing I would be facing a mutiny.

I am most definitely into full psychotic planning mode!!!

I have printed off your map.....thanks for posting that for the rest of us to use!

 

[OneBadApple]

QOTE!(Question of the Evening)
Where will YOU be watching Wishes and Illuminations?

My answer:

Illuminations is usually viewed by us in front of Norway, but I am on the hunt for a better spot this time as this is my FAVORITE fireworks display

Wishes- Im trying for a Casey's area spot this time. If not, we're okay with the Liberty Square area as long as there arent trees in the way

Cheers!

For Illuminations, we usually find a place near Germany.
This year for Wishes, we will probably try to book a night in the AAA preferred viewing area. Normally, we just find an available spot where ever we can.

We don't typically stay for Wishes. Since we're rope drop fans we're usually too tired by then. Though, this is dd's friends first trip so I suppose we should build it in. The best place we've ever watched from was the TTC by the ferry launch because we could see and hear everything and get the heck out of dodge by the time the crowds dispersed.
The other spot that was great was the beach at the Poly when we stayed there.

Illuminations is our favourite. And since we just switched to the Yacht Club banana we will watch it from any of the countries on that side of the World Showcase because it's a leisurely stroll back to the room. Oh how I LOVE that resort area

One night on our last trip, we could hear and see some of Wishes while waiting for the monorail. It made waiting much more fun.

So disappointed! Last week got an email from our TA saying that the main pool at sports would be closed during our visit, that she would try to get into movies or my choice pop. I found out today, she can only get us into music. After reading reviews everyone seems to love it. Idk why I care so much. I'm still in Disney! Any opinions or thoughts?

Oh no, hopefully you will be able to get in one of the ones you want.

Is anyone concerned about the weather (hurricanes??) or am I paranoid!!! 49 more days

A little, but not overly.

 

[RetroCOTfan]

Is anyone concerned about the weather (hurricanes??) or am I paranoid!!! 49 more days

I'm not worried from a safety standpoint. I grew up on the Gulf Coast (20 miles inland), so I've seen much worse than what Orlando would get because it is so far inland. Like a PP said, it's safe at Disney.

I am concerned about the interruption that it may cause my plans. But like we learned this past week with TS Debby, lots of heavy rain won't shut things down, it will just make it somewhat (or very) miserable. I'm okay with the daily afternoon shower. I don't want to have to shuffle 2 kids (or myself) through drenching rain for days.

If push comes to shove, though, we're at Disney and we'll adjust our expectations on what we can get done, then slog through the rain and enjoy (hopefully) smaller crowds and less heat!