Biscuit's Grand Adventure 2 - Adventures in Opposites *TR NOW ACTIVE!

[GreatBiscuit]

Well greetings friends.

In reviewing this report I see I have pretty well failed in my attempt to deviate from the PTR norms.

Oh well, Beverly happens.

We are not officially at the 2 week mark. After months of planning, worrying, distractions, frustrations, business and diversion, it has finally happened. The Disney giddy has officially set in. It got started last weekend and has been slowly building all week. And today, when I climbed out of bed, the thought that I am going to Disney World in two weeks popped into my brain with a shout of nifty.

MUCH has changed in our trip since I first started this trip planning. I refer to this trip as Adventures in Opposites. And really, the name still applies. This trip will in no way, shape or form be a repeat of 2009.

Mostly.

We'll get to that.

So here is how the trip first began and got its name:
Driving instead flying
Off property instead of on.
No dining plan.
No table service restaurants.
No park hoppers.
5 days instead of 8.
2 days at Universal.
Digital instead of film.
No EMH.
No Fast Pass.
Kids are tall enough for the "big rides".
More days at Epcot.
Less time on Disney Transportation.
Separate bedroom for the kids.
1 Camera instead of 4.
Less stuff in the backpack.
No need for strollers.
Access to our own vehicle.
Independence Day fireworks.

EDITED ~ Okay...if you are reading up to this point, I am not done with this post...idiot dog just jumped up and licked the screen of the iPad right on the Send button of the DIS app and posted on my behalf.

I will continue in the next post.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Continuing....

Much has changed since then. Most notably, we added a night at the Pop Century at the beginning of the trip so we could use FP+. That turned into a night at the Wilderness Lodge which turned into two nights at the Wilderness Lodge which finally turned into three nights at the Wilderness Lodge. Disney later released FP+ for all guests, but I'm glad their policy "Forced me" to book 3 nights at The Lodge.

So instead of all off property, we have 3 nights on, followed by 5 nights off.

Of course that means we ARE doing FastPass+ now.

We also nixed the Universal Studios portion of the trip and replaced it with 2 more Disney days. Budget was the chief decision making officer of this trip and it is just FAR cheaper to do. As much as we would have loved US, I love having an extra day at Epcot and whatever other park we pick even more.

EMH is now happening at least once. Still no official word on if there will be EMH at MK on the Sunday of our visit. There is however EMH that Monday at DHS. We will be keeping a sharp eye out as the day approaches.

We have added a few table service options. Not many, but a few.

All in all, it will still be an Adventure in Opposites. There are enough differences between our trips that I have no doubt it will feel completely different. BUT I think there is just enough similarity between the two to sprinkle in a nice dash of nostalgia and tradition.

Speaking of tradition....

I do plan to write a TR.

But it is going to be a bit different.

In theory.

Famous last words I know...particularly considering the direction this thread has gone. I floated the idea by Millie (Hey Millie) a while back and have been tweaking it ever since. I still don't have it completely ironed out in my occasionally disjointed head yet, but I'm working on it.

I will also be doing live updates on Instagram. (same screen name as the DIS.)

OH and a final note about this trip, I will be using Touring Plans. I discovered their site about 8 months ago when I started listening to the WDW Today podcast. (SIDEBAR - I listen to the DIS Unplugged, WDW Today, & Communicore Weekly....LOVE all 3 podcasts, highly recommend them.) I have really enjoyed the Touring Plans app and their customizable plans, and have been playing around with them for few weeks now. I will let you know how it goes when we get back.

Technical data - Bringing 128 gigs worth of SD cards, Canon T2i with 3 batteries, 3 lenses (18mm - 55mm zoom, 50mm (Nifty Fifty), and 70mm-300mm zoom), the Zoom H4N, and the MacBook Pro to backup pics & videos every night.

Backpack will house ponchos, camera bag, Anker Astro Mini - iPhone battery booster, water bottles and extra sunscreen.

Daily plan is HIGHLY structured (Minute by Minute) thanks to Touring Plans, but can be easily updated on the fly thanks to the TP mobile app with the
Reoptimize feature.

For meal budget, picked out all of the restaurants (CS and TS) we are planning on visiting and did a "mock order" just to get an idea of what we might reasonably expect to spend.

Things I am most looking forward to: Checking into The Lodge, Riding E-ticket thrill rides with the girls, New Test Track & Star Tours, Space Mountain (closed last time).

Thats about it for now.

Take care friends!

 

[Steppesister]

Hey GB!

So many changes since I read this thread like what... months ago. Yeah, I'm that busy.

But all in a good way, wedding plans, nursing school, yard re-do, graduations, and all that stuff I like to call real life. Good, amazing even, but just no time to sit still for very long.

But I do love all that you've added. I was terribly worried you'd miss at least one good TS (my heart screams "pick Boma for you!"), and that you'd be lost in crowds thicker than the stack of mail I can't get through. But you've got that covered well, I think.


Not that I'm going to get back to Disney anytime soon, I am actually very interested in that app from TP that 're-optimizes' on the fly. Very cool sounding.

Ok, off to catch up on some other TR's.

Ok, off to catch up on some other TR's.

 

[glennbo123]

Your planning is coming along great, and the excitement is building right on schedule.

Just one camera this time? Wow, that is a change.

I might have to look into an iPhone battery booster.

You can do a bit different TR this time around...as long as every chapter begins with "Previously on Biscuits Adventures in Opposites...". I always loved that.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Hey GB!

So many changes since I read this thread like what... months ago. Yeah, I'm that busy.

But all in a good way, wedding plans, nursing school, yard re-do, graduations, and all that stuff I like to call real life. Good, amazing even, but just no time to sit still for very long.

But I do love all that you've added. I was terribly worried you'd miss at least one good TS (my heart screams "pick Boma for you!"), and that you'd be lost in crowds thicker than the stack of mail I can't get through. But you've got that covered well, I think.


Not that I'm going to get back to Disney anytime soon, I am actually very interested in that app from TP that 're-optimizes' on the fly. Very cool sounding.

Ok, off to catch up on some other TR's.

Ok, off to catch up on some other TR's.

Thanks for dropping by! Many changes, mostly good ones! No Boma....YET.

Just one camera this time? Wow, that is a change.

Indeed...I'm not sure how I'll cope with that one.

You can do a bit different TR this time around...as long as every chapter begins with "Previously on Biscuits Adventures in Opposites...". I always loved that.

I'm sure I can accommodate that one.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Dear Front Right Tire,

I appreciate you having the decency to deflate yourself overnight in the comfort of your own driveway rather than doing it a week from now in the middle of I-10. However, I do feel that you should have been more forthcoming regarding your name. When I purchased you one year ago for our trip to Minnesota, I was not aware that Goodyear referred to the length of useful service that you intended to render. Perhaps this may explain why your particular model is no longer produced, thus leaving my warranty claim in limbo for the next 8 hours while a suitable tire of equal value is located and transported from another store. May you find comfort in your next life as landscaping mulch or road filler. We have had some good miles together and I wish you well.

Bubba T. Biscuit

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Sounds like a great plan, GB. Looking forward to your trip report!

 

[PrncessA]

Dear Front Right Tire,

I appreciate you having the decency to deflate yourself overnight in the comfort of your own driveway rather than doing it a week from now in the middle of I-10. However, I do feel that you should have been more forthcoming regarding your name. When I purchased you one year ago for our trip to Minnesota, I was not aware that Goodyear referred to the length of useful service that you intended to render. Perhaps this may explain why your particular model is no longer produced, thus leaving my warranty claim in limbo for the next 8 hours while a suitable tire of equal value is located and transported from another store. May you find comfort in your next life as landscaping mulch or road filler. We have had some good miles together and I wish you well.

Bubba T. Biscuit

Ode to a flat tire!

So glad that it happened to you now and not on your trip though!

Getting so close! FYI (and I hope the rehab is done by the time you get there) but when we stayed at the WL a couple weeks ago they had the bridge and water feature in lobby closed off and hidden by potted trees for rehab. The kids were heartbroken!! I didn't ask when the refurb would be completed!

I guess I am going to have to join Instagram now! I have been having a silent protest against joining another social media site.... that is all out the window. I hope your happy!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Sounds like a great plan, GB. Looking forward to your trip report!

Thanks Marita! If you wind up doing cross U and see a fat grinning Texan when you are "On Stage", give a shout of howdy!

Ode to a flat tire!

So glad that it happened to you now and not on your trip though!

Me too! Especially being a hard to find tire size. That would have KILLED me to miss a day of vacay sitting in a tire store half way there.

Getting so close! FYI (and I hope the rehab is done by the time you get there) but when we stayed at the WL a couple weeks ago they had the bridge and water feature in lobby closed off and hidden by potted trees for rehab. The kids were heartbroken!! I didn't ask when the refurb would be completed!

Thanks for the heads up. I just called the resort to get the skinny. They aren't done yet, and they can't give an exact date, but they did say the alert is set to expire in their system on Sat the 21st and they are nearing completion. Though they couldn't make any gurantee, she thought it would be back to normal by the time we arrive.

I guess I am going to have to join Instagram now! I have been having a silent protest against joining another social media site.... that is all out the window. I hope your happy!

You're welcome.

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Can't wait to hear all about the trip. Glad that the Disney Giddiness is finally settling in!

 

[Poolrat]

Dear Front Right Tire,

I appreciate you having the decency to deflate yourself overnight in the comfort of your own driveway rather than doing it a week from now in the middle of I-10. However, I do feel that you should have been more forthcoming regarding your name. When I purchased you one year ago for our trip to Minnesota, I was not aware that Goodyear referred to the length of useful service that you intended to render. Perhaps this may explain why your particular model is no longer produced, thus leaving my warranty claim in limbo for the next 8 hours while a suitable tire of equal value is located and transported from another store. May you find comfort in your next life as landscaping mulch or road filler. We have had some good miles together and I wish you well.

Bubba T. Biscuit

I am glad the sense of humor has not left you!!!! Yes be thankful for small things like it protesting the long long drive in he driveway instead on I-10.

I hope the WL is all set up and pretty for you when you arrive.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Can't wait to hear all about the trip. Glad that the Disney Giddiness is finally settling in!

Met too! Thought is punctuated with random fits of rage.

I am glad the sense of humor has not left you!!!! Yes be thankful for small things like it protesting the long long drive in he driveway instead on I-10.

I hope the WL is all set up and pretty for you when you arrive.

Thanks! It was even more joyful finding out the warranty didn't cover my particular ailement and that I needed 2 special order tires and not just one. That's a happy moment a week before WDW.

 

[glennbo123]

Loved the "good year" line! Nice one.

If it's any consolation, I had to buy 4 tires a week ago. Not special order though.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Loved the "good year" line! Nice one.

If it's any consolation, I had to buy 4 tires a week ago. Not special order though.

Being a grownup sucks sometimes.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

One more sleep and then we hit the road.

I am currently a confusing blend of and

I am excited to depart but as we say in these parts, I'm plumb wore out. It's been a LONG week so far and it is only Wednesday.

(It is Wednesday isn't it?)

All the last minute packing and stowing has me stressing. Plus we are transporting PC's between campuses at work today so there is a lot of hot and heavy lifting.

It's all making me feel like I'm NEVER gonna get to I-10 East.

So a few final thoughts as I sit and wait for the delivery truck to show up.

First, MK has changed their posted park hours for this Sunday not less than 3 times in the past month.

You may recall my mention of this being the only Sunday all summer without a posted evening EMH. MK then increased the evening hours until midnight so I was getting over being disgruntled. The hours then changed again to 11 PM and I my gruntlement again was dissed. Then they added morning EMH and now I'm partially gruntled with a side of confusion. I don't recall ever seeing a Sunday morning EMH at the MK. I'll be keeping an eye on it this week to see if it changes again.

Second, I am still thrilled beyond containment about staying at The Wilderness Lodge. I know some see no value in the on property resorts. I could certainly serve up compelling arguments on both sides of the coin. But at the end of the day, I am beyond stoked about it and cannot WAIT to be there.

Third, I am keenly aware of the shift in dynamics of this trip compared to last. By that, I am referring specifically to the girls and the way they are looking at this trip. It is a whole new world this time around compared to last. My youngest (and natural thrill junkie) is finally able to ride all the rides. My oldest got over her fear of coasters last summer and is ready to ride everything in the park. The three of us have been on a thrill ride planning hootenanny for the past few weeks. I cannot WAIT to take the girls on the mountains, RNRC (starring Aerosmith you know), Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Mission Space, Test Track....all of the things they were unable to do last time.

Fourth, I have taken advantage of driving and filled an entire rubbermaid full of delectable delights. Over the weekend I whipped up a batch of home made beef jerky. I procured 2 bags of Julios Tortilla Chips. (Sidebar...the joy of that last item cannot be conveyed to the un-initiated. They are chips so freakishly good, you don't even need salsa....of course I HAVE salsa, lets not get radical...two jars of it...but you COULD do without.) I also threw together a batch of trail mix, grabbed some granola bars, picked up a case of water, added several cans of caffeinated splendor, got a case of the individually bagged tater chips, a couple of packs of individually packaged breakfast cereal, and added two bags of Jolly Ranchers for good measure.

Fifth, I packed my speedo and shaved my back. Okay not really, I just wanted to know who was paying attention.

Sixth, I STILL don't have a plan for dinner after AK closes on day 3. Or is it day 4?

Seventh, Rain is in our future. Ponchoed we be.

Eight, I have been experimenting with HDR photography. We'll see if I get a chance to try it out this trip.

Ninth, I have a craving for biscuits and gravy.

Tenth, I plan to update as often as I can on Instagram.

Eleventh, I only want one item for myself this trip....a coffee mug for work. All other souvenirs are dead to me.

Twelfth, Having three bedrooms, living room and full washer & dryer makes me look forward to our off property condo SO much more than I thought I would.

Skipping 13 in case the elevator falls.

Fourteenth, we have made a decision on our 4th of July Park. It will be....DHS. Based on several things, but the projected crowd level is chief among them. Our final days shaped up to be: July 3 - MK (Viewing special super duper patriotic Wishes), July 4 - DHS (Viewing their Rocking 4th Fireworks thingadoober), July 5 - Epcot (Viewing Illuminations for the 2nd or 3rd time just because.)

Fifteenth, I am talking to a Mississippi dwelling friend this week who is in the parks now and has had less than stellar luck with MDE and FP+ Kiosks. The combination of the app stalling out and hour long waits at the kiosk stands have pretty well kept them from being able to change any existing reservations or add any more FP+'s after their 3 are done. They are also reporting that on those rare occasions they have gotten the app to work, there is nothing left to choose from. I had initially planned on just having 3 a day to begin with so I don't know that it really changes a lot about the way our trip will go, but it is something to bear in mind.

Sixteenth, I thus far have loved Touring Plans. Can't wait to use it in the parks.

Well I reckon that about covers it all.

Hope you are all having a great day. If I don't get a chance to shout out before I leave, I'll see you all on the flip side.

 

[ddstratton]

Wishing you all a wonderful trip, and looking forward to hearing all about it!!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Skipping 13 in case the elevator falls.

Perfection.


And there is nothing else to say except HAVE THE MOST MAGICAL TRIP!

 

[PrincessV]

Oh good - I managed to get caught up before you leave! A coupla things...

I love - LOVE!!! - Touringplans. I used their original, tear out of the back of the book, plans way back in the day, then played guinea pig when they first rolled out a website form which you could create personalized plans, beta-tested the Lines app when it came out... yeah, I'm a bigbig fan. And yes, I continue to use their stuff for planning, even as an easygoing local. It's not always 100% accurate... but it's pretty darned close pretty darned most of the time. (NOMDE)

I'm giving you a on DHS for July 4. We try to avoid the parks entirely that day after 11am, but if I were to be in one, that would be it.

A coffee mug for work, you say? A re-release of resort-specific mugs, I say! No guarantees, but take at peek at WL; I got an SSR one last week and the CM said they're rolling out to all resorts, so maybe!

Have an AWESOME trip!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Have a safe and FABULOUS trip! Looking forward to your reports

 

[glennbo123]

Enjoy!