Back to Back trips in August-The How Could You's Ride Again!- Final Thoughts 4/14

[KatMark]

I love the characters at Cape May (the food not so much).

there's that scary clown pool That is the only reason I am NOT looking forward to staying there in 42 days (luckily I probably won't be sleeping).

Fun "photo op" at DHS while you were all by yourself. I want to do that one day...just walk around a park and take pictures and people watch all day.

What was with that refrigerator guy anyway? I don't think he took his happy pills at all while you were there.

Glald you got to DTD for a little shopping before you had to hit the ME.

Thanks for the shout out on the Starbucks photos. I do like my ocld ones as well when it is hot out.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

GAH - I'm so glad there is a second half!!!

Your CM breakfast looked so fun - nice that they made a big deal of DNephew's birthday.

Loved the DHS photos - such a pretty park when you take the time to look around a little.

It was great of them to do that for DNephew. He was very happy with his birthday cupcake and card. DHS is a fun park to photograph! And I am glad there is another half to this report as well-and the next half has over a thousand photos to choose from.

I love the characters at Cape May (the food not so much).

Absolutely the food is Meh, at best. But it is one of the more entertaining character spots.

there's that scary clown pool That is the only reason I am NOT looking forward to staying there in 42 days (luckily I probably won't be sleeping).

Or you'll be sleeping with one eye open!

Fun "photo op" at DHS while you were all by yourself. I want to do that one day...just walk around a park and take pictures and people watch all day.

Soooo fun. I think I could easily do a solo trip!

What was with that refrigerator guy anyway? I don't think he took his happy pills at all while you were there.

He needed an attitude adjustment for sure-he had to have flunked the Four Keys class.

Glald you got to DTD for a little shopping before you had to hit the ME.

I was glad I was coming back in a few weeks because I was in need of more shopping time myself!

Thanks for the shout out on the Starbucks photos. I do like my ocld ones as well when it is hot out.

You are most welcome! I thought of you at every Starbucks I saw!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

This portion of the Back to Back trips got its beginning way back in the fall of 2012. (And I am hoping K2s mom will come out of lurkdom and contribute to this story telling along the way.) Our girls are in dance together and have been since 2004/5. Here they are together in 2007 (I blocked out the faces of the other girls as I do not have their permission to use their photo online.)

We took a trip with ballet in 2006 for the girls to dance at Orlando Ballet School. Then I did a mom's only trip in 2009 and 2012 that K2's mom was unable to join us in. So it was always in the back of our minds to do a mother/daughter trip. Last fall, we were waiting for the girls to finish at dance one evening and we just casually threw out the idea to take a trip the next fall. The idea stuck, and I put in a request for vacation at work for the last week in August-we wanted as uncrowded as we could get as well as trying not to disrupt DD schooling. K2 is homeschooled, so it wasn't a worry as much for her. But then, you will see, she had other fantastic issues to try to work around.

FF to spring of 2013, my vacation is granted for the last week of August. The school schedule comes out and now, instead of just missing a half day and 2 full days, DD will end up missing the first full week of school as the Board amended the schedule to accommodate a bunch of odd off days/conference days and moved up the start of school by a week. Oh well. We'll deal with that later.

Now we have to decide where to stay. DD wanted to try the Royal Rooms at POR as she's never had a stay there. Now "P", you'll have to correct me because we switched out so many times that I forget where it all started until where it all ended. But I believe we started with these rooms, then the VISA discount came out and we switched. Originally P and K2 were going to arrive before DD and I due to a need to leave for a Viola audition for K2. So they were going to leave on Friday and DD and I would stay til Sunday. We were arranging our stays based on what would work best with the least amount of moves. So they were planning to start at AKL because K2 really wanted to stay there, then move to POR for a stay with us, then DD and I were going to move to AoA Little Mermaid section when they left. Then I asked DD if she would just prefer to stay at AKL since we do that resort. She was OK with that, so we dropped our POR stay. Then, K2 audition dates changed and instead of arriving before us, they were going to stay longer than us. We tried to switch it to stay at AKL with the new dates and DD and I move to AoA LM but something was up with the availability of AKL dates so we had to move things around again. There was a discount available at AoA for the Suites and the idea came about to make a split stay there and AKL. We started with AKL first followed by AoA, but then that would mean K2 and her mom would need to switch again at the end as they couldn't do the cost of the suite for the last few nights by themselves. I suggested a switch to AoA first followed by AKL, which actually benefitted us $$$ because the weekend days at AoA were much more than AKL and K2 and her mom could just stay put after DD and I left. Do you have all that now? And then, a nice AP discount came out which provided us another little bit of savings.

So here is the plan. Arrival day Sunday, 8/25 with DME pickups and a stay here....

until Thursday, 8/29 when we would move to here....

And since K2 and her mom would be staying on a few more days than DD and I, that meant DD and I would have a home to stay in until our later departure!

Whew! That is a lot of backstory. Now that we had our homes all figured out for the week, it was time to get some dining set up. And yes, yes I do have food photos for this trip!!! True Disney addicts don't mind waiting until the photo is taken to eat their food (nor do they think it's weird)!

Next up.....deciding on our dining ressies, calling for some info on those Magic Bands, and getting all our tickets in one place!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, I'm going to admit, I'm totally confused as to who is who, but I know where you are staying so I think I'm okay.

This sounds like a fun trip and can't wait to read about it.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Sorry, Kathy. Didn't mean to confuse anyone. I will recap the participants of the mother/daughter trip. I should have done that to begin with.

And now, for the participants of the August 25th-Sept 1st trip.

myself, DD, her friend K2, and K2's mom. They are seasoned Disney travelers and enjoy Epcot most. DD and I are DHS fans so we had trouble deciding how to divide our time and sometimes needed to split up to keep everyone happy.

K2's mom is here on the boards but I am at a loss for her DisBoard's name as she mostly just lurks.

 

[pamelasu1]

Here I am....the LURKER!!!! Guilty as accused, LOL! I am the other mom from this trip. And I am amazed at your ability to recount our resort plans, tiggerrn! : Holy cow, I am even confused at it, and I was the one who did a good part of the changes. I remember some early discussion about BC or YC, too...but that got axed when we saw the prices for our dates. So glad we ended up with the 2 resorts we had!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Here I am....the LURKER!!!! Guilty as accused, LOL! I am the other mom from this trip. And I am amazed at your ability to recount our resort plans, tiggerrn! : Holy cow, I am even confused at it, and I was the one who did a good part of the changes. I remember some early discussion about BC or YC, too...but that got axed when we saw the prices for our dates. So glad we ended up with the 2 resorts we had!

Yay!!! You joined me!! You'll have to help my memory along and fill in the parts when you and K2 went in other directions.

 

[pamelasu1]

I will try my best to fill in...even though I have no notes seem to have some kind of memory loss these days!

 

[KatMark]

Here I am....the LURKER!!!! Guilty as accused, LOL! I am the other mom from this trip. And I am amazed at your ability to recount our resort plans, tiggerrn! : Holy cow, I am even confused at it, and I was the one who did a good part of the changes. I remember some early discussion about BC or YC, too...but that got axed when we saw the prices for our dates. So glad we ended up with the 2 resorts we had!

Welcome lurker...glad to have you here.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

So now that we have made our resort reservations, it's time to plan some dining!! Since we were using the room only discount, we opted not to do a dining plan. We just didn't think it would be a good value for us (as we would all be adults on their dining plan), and we really didn't want to lock ourselves into being on the clock.

DD wanted 'Ohana, but I was sort of through there after the boys' trip. I told her if it was a must, we would try to figure something out, but for the money, we could do something much nicer. She was OK with that. K2 really wanted Coral Reef (and after eating there on our Mom's only trip last fall, I was eager for a return-lobster soup, MMMmmmmmm!). I was hoping to try someplace new, and after hearing so much about Kona, I thought that would be a good option. We put that on a lunch option for adults only during a day we thought the girls would head to a water park. Pam suggested Sci Fi or 50's PrimeTime for our DHS day, and it had been a long time since I'd done either of those. We all wanted to go to Be Our Guest but could never manage a dinner ressie-we were keeping our fingers crossed for a short wait for lunch on our MK day. I was hoping for a return to LeCellier-really I only wanted the soup and some pretzel bread. And Sanaa figured in well on our move day to AKL.

With those thoughts in mind, we set about trying to get some reservations situated. You will see how that all plays out as we go along.

We printed up a calendar from a planning site that gives suggestions on which park is going to be least crowded on which days, lists parade and fireworks shows, and gives an idea of how crowded the week would be. The last week in August looked promising. It also looked like it would be HOT again! Then we set about picking our park days and figuring in our dining plans to match up.

Somewhere during the last weeks before our departure, we learned about the FP+ testing here on the DisBoards. Pam and I both kept checking in on our MDE (so confusing with DME and MDE-they need a new name ) pages and I noticed the ability to link our tickets to the page. So I did that on my MDE and linked mine and Kellie's tickets. Pam had made the resort ressies and I had made the dining ressies. We tried to link both our MDEs, but for whatever reason, that just wasn't working out. We were able to get my ticket onto Pam's site, but it took quite some doing to move Kellie's ticket over. I should mention that I had an AP and Kellie's ticket was one I ordered from a reputable travel/ticket seller months before. Pam was finally able to get the ticket loaded (but I don't think we ever knew what we actually did to make it happen). I had to take the ticket off of Kellie's name and assign it to Pam and then she had to reassign it to Kellie. That site is not the most user friendly when you are trying to share your vacation with another group. Something we learned even more a little later on!

Not too long after that, I noticed the ability to obtain FPs for our dates and our stay at AKL. I called Pam and she called Disney to inquire. Sure enough!!!! We were eligible for FPs during the last portion of our stay. They were on their way!! It was some time after that (maybe a week or so) that Pam got the actual invitation on her MDE site. Good thing we are avid Disers and up on all that is going on! Thank You, DisBoards!!! And Thank You Shaun Thompson for your review of the MagicBands that started me on the quest!

These arrived August 13th. We were so excited we couldn't hardly stand it!

Now just to wait another 12 days!! Of course, we had little get togethers to try to firm up plans. There were some switching of flights for Pam and K2 to get us on the same flight going out now that we were arriving on the same day.

We had some issues with DME tags. I had received the ones to take me to AoA for the Little Mermaid ressie we had at first. Then Pam received the AKL ones for her initial reservation. Pam kept trying to call to arrange the right ones. Then she started thinking a thought that had been in the back of her mind for some time. A rental car is really nice to have. She kept checking prices and discounts and looking at all the options. I really have to her props for her persistence!! She ended up finding a great price for the 10 days they were going to be there. We split the cost for the portion of the week that Kellie and I were sharing. So, no more worrying over those DME tags. Good thing because that never did get straightened out. I guess that's a risk you take with being part of the resort changers!

OK, our plans are set, we have Magic Bands, we have a car! Let's get on with the trip, shall we?!!!


Sorry for the lack of photos in this update. There was a whole lot of this going on but not much picture taking.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

We left off getting ourselves together the couple of weeks before our trip. We had a couple of planning sessions to set up our FP+ options for the AKL portion of our trip. Initially, it was just ride options available, but shortly before our departure, Pam called to tell me some of the nighttime entertainment options were cropping up on the site! We set about looking to grab those as we knew we could always catch the rides at a low wait time during our early mornings.

We had the first non-stop flight out on Sunday the 25th-flying Southwest via Air Trans. This meant an early morning at our house. But no worries. Disney mornings come with a "get right out of bed with no hassles" pass. In fact, I was awake before the 4am alarm went off. Pam's awesome DH had offered to bring us to the airport, so we just needed to be ready to go by 5:15am.

We both showered and threw our last minute items in our carry-on bags and we were on our way to the airport.

DD had a little birthday gift for K2 which she just couldn't wait to give her. So while we waited for our flight, she gave K2 her present.

You can sort of see K2's necklace (the gift) in this photo. We grabbed a bite to eat while we waited for our flight.

Our flight was on time and uneventful and we were riding the faux monorail by 11:38am Orlando time!

We headed down to the rental car area and out to the drive and go cars, selected a car, and away we went!! Oh, yes. This car was a brand new vehicle that required no key to start!! Gave us quite a challenge to remember to grab the key when we exited in order to not lock ourselves out!

On the road by 11:57am!! We hit 2 tolls (one for a $1 and the other for $1.25). Really, you'd think they could come up with something to pay in one spot at an exit to avoid the stop and go of the flow of the toll road traffic.

We needed to make a grocery stop. We went to Target first and picked up some water, cereal, granola bars and Diet Pepsi (since Mickey's place is loyal to Coca Cola). Now I have to say, a Target near WDW is an awesome Target, indeed! Lots of Disney "stuff". We spent some time browsing the cheap shirts, and picked up a couple for the girls. I also have to fill you in here that I had the WORST cough known to man on our arrival in WDW. So I also grabbed some Robitussin in hopes of keeping that cough from disturbing others. Then we ran across the street to Publix to grab my morning must-have (Lipton Sweet Tea-no lemon) and some milk.

By 1:02 pm we were on our way to our resort!! The plans for today were to explore the hotel and rest a bit before enjoying EMH at Magic Kingdom!!

Note the "no stopping" sign!! Perhaps Disney should build in a "Kodak Picture" spot for all those people trying to get that perfect sign photo!!

Almost there!!

Ahhhhhhh! We made it!!

 

[RGirl]

I'm so excited to read about your girls trip!!! Your plans sound great, and everyone looks so happy to be getting to Disney!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Linda! I am finally caught up but it looks like that won't last long. You re doing awesome at getting your posts up!

Going wayyy back... I loved your BW area photos... the boys look like they had a lot of fun and it was so funny that they would rather swim and shop than go to a park. That weather near the Epcot resorts during your meal at Big River Grille definitely was ominous. Glad to know you didn't get drenched.

Your last day was pack full of activities so it's good that you didn't have an opportunity to be sad about leaving.

Now for the start of the girl trip portion - I'm glad to be caught up on that. And hi to K2's mom for jumping in.

 

[pamelasu1]

The only thing I have to add is that it seemed like it took me 10 minutes to figure out how to start that silly car! Finally figured out that you put your foot on the brake and then press the little round "start" button. And then it took me a another couple of minutes to figure out how to open the trunk again after I started the car. Obviously, we have nothing as fancy as that at home, lol!

 

[KatMark]

I'm caught up again.

Cute necklace your daughter got her friend.

You did really good on time arriving at airport, getting your car and then driving to Disney. I hate that whole toll system (much like Illinois')

Can't wait to see what your room looks like.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I'm so excited to read about your girls trip!!! Your plans sound great, and everyone looks so happy to be getting to Disney!

We were excited to go to Disney!! I think the moms were even more excited than the girls.

Great update!

Thanks.

Hi Linda! I am finally caught up but it looks like that won't last long. You re doing awesome at getting your posts up!

Thanks. I try every couple of days to work in a little something.

Going wayyy back... I loved your BW area photos... the boys look like they had a lot of fun and it was so funny that they would rather swim and shop than go to a park. That weather near the Epcot resorts during your meal at Big River Grille definitely was ominous. Glad to know you didn't get drenched.

I think the BW may need to be my next Deluxe stay.

Your last day was pack full of activities so it's good that you didn't have an opportunity to be sad about leaving.

We were too afraid we were going to miss our bus to the airport to be sad about leaving.

Now for the start of the girl trip portion - I'm glad to be caught up on that. And hi to K2's mom for jumping in.

Can't wait to tell you all about the girls' trip.

The only thing I have to add is that it seemed like it took me 10 minutes to figure out how to start that silly car! Finally figured out that you put your foot on the brake and then press the little round "start" button. And then it took me a another couple of minutes to figure out how to open the trunk again after I started the car. Obviously, we have nothing as fancy as that at home, lol!

I wouldn't mind having that car at home, though.

I'm caught up again.

Cute necklace your daughter got her friend.

Found it from another Diser. It says "Remember who you are" and has a lion charm on top of the circle. She's going to be a famous Violist one day. We wanted to remind her of her Disney beginnings!

You did really good on time arriving at airport, getting your car and then driving to Disney. I hate that whole toll system (much like Illinois')

Can't wait to see what your room looks like.

Hope to get an update later this evening.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I left off as we arrived at AofA.

But I want to take a moment to share some of K2's photos on our trip. She took 1000s as well. She had some cute ones from the airport and arrival.

En route!

We arrived at our resort and headed on to check in!

Welcome to Art of Animation!!

K2 photo

I just love all the sketches on the walls. I spent a lot of odd time just wandering and looking at these between our trip this year and last summer's resort tour.

Waiting for our turn at the check in desk. And I think this CM got us started on his I Pad. Right, Pam? And you can see K2 with her camera. She has a much better eye (than I) and takes some really beautiful photos.

While the big girls were checking in, the young ones went off to explore. See?

The Gift Shop!

next up.....welcome to our room!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

We had reserved a Nemo Suite. We got building 4, 2nd floor, room 4632. And it was ready! It was a nice location overlooking the lake. We thought it would be nice and quiet. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Come on, let's go check it out!

image from the internet

Had to pass around the pool.

K2 photo

At 1:39pm we reached our final destination!

As you walk in the door...and I want one of these, just saying. (and I know the clock says 1:59-these photos are in order of room layout but not the order they were taken)

and as a bed (and I slept here, and it was sooooo comfy)

The kitchenette/living room area

Facing opposite the couch..

The shared sink area

and the bathtub/shower in the toilet/tub room

the bedroom

K2 photo

The dresser area and TV in the bedroom. And these dressers had charging stations in them for phones/laptops.

the walk in shower in the bedroom/bath

and the large sink area-loved the shelf off the floor under the sink.

And our "products"

Our only towel animal

And our view

I did miss a balcony. It would be an awesome view to sit out on a balcony and relax in the early morning or late evening.

Some more of K2's fun photos...

someone here loves the light fixtures

And I remember emmysmommy saying there was a wet area in their room at AKL when they first arrived. Well, we had a wet area here as well. : I grabbed some towels off a housekeeping cart in the hall and did the "Happy to be Here" dance and soaked it up. Best we could guess was a housekeeper spilled her bucket?

We dropped our stuff and got it a little organized. And then decided it was time to go eat.
Next up....lunchtime!!!

 

[pamelasu1]

Yes, I do believe that guy started checking us in (or something???) on his Ipad. I also remember the CM at the actual desk was from Havana, which was of interest to me because my DH is Cuban. I think I had a conversation with her about that? Someday, maybe I will take notes and pictures and save my receipts as well....probably not, though! And since I remember very little in my old age, we will just go with whatever Tiggerrn says we did, lol!

Great update...so much fun to re-live our trip!