BLT -- A Sandwich or a Resort? Nov 09 TR (12/9 Lessons Learned)

[Marshay]

I do! My middle name is Ann. So I've always gone by Beth Ann. Elizabeth is when I'm in trouble. "Elizabeth Ann" ... big trouble! GL with a nickname.

got it!!

 

[Marshay]

This is for my sister who says she lurks on my TR but doesn't post. C'mon, you got to post now to say how cute your nieces are...

 

[jenna]

Hi Marshay!

Glad you led me over here! The girls are just beautiful!!!!

Can't wait to follow along on your pre-trippie!

 

[Marshay]

Hi Marshay!

Glad you led me over here! The girls are just beautiful!!!!

Can't wait to follow along on your pre-trippie!

yeah!! thanks for reading along. There is not too much going on right now, so this will be an easy TR to read!

 

[Marshay]

Ok, on to some fun planning now.

Although I don't think we'll get to Animal Kingdom on this trip, here are the attractions we'll do if we get there.

Of course, any and all suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated...remember we'll have a 4 yo and 8 mo old (which reminds me I need to get a copy of the Unofficial Guide from our Library to see the kid's ratings for each ride).

ANIMAL KINGDOM
============

Priority - Kilimanjaro Safari

Seconds - Nemo or Lion King, TriSpin, Trails

"Go crazy and have fun" - Dinosaur Playground

Adult - Everest, Premeval Whirl

Food - Tusker House (TS), Yak & Yeti or Flame Tree


No plans for the parade at this time unless there is a EMH and we decide to go to the park later in the day.

 

[Marshay]

DISNEY STUDIOS

Priority - Toy Story Mania, Playhouse Disney

(we were lucky to be able to experience TSM before it opened last year. My DD3 loved it and we definitely want to go again. However, if I remember correctly, Elie would not be able to sit on my lap but would be buckled into the middle seat. I'm not sure how secure this will be for her, esp in the spins...also not sure if the spinning would scare an 8 month old. We may have to Child Swap this.)

Seconds - Muppets (but again, this may be too scary for an 8mo old. DD3 has not done this yet), Little Mermaid

Go crazy and have fun - It's Tough to be a Bug Playground

Food - Sci Fi (?) or Commissary or ???

(I know this gets bad reviews but the atmosphere may be enough to keep an 8 mo old occupied (?) and my DH is totally into the old, bad sci fi movies.)

This parade might be a fun one to do if we are in the park. I doubt we'll get to see Fantasmic this time since it'll be tough to keep 2 small kids occupied for an hour wait.

Beauty & the Beast show, if timing works out.

 

[Circusgirl]

Ok, on to some fun planning now.

Although I don't think we'll get to Animal Kingdom on this trip, here are the attractions we'll do if we get there.

Of course, any and all suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated...remember we'll have a 4 yo and 8 mo old (which reminds me I need to get a copy of the Unofficial Guide from our Library to see the kid's ratings for each ride).

ANIMAL KINGDOM
============

Priority - Kilimanjaro Safari

Seconds - Nemo or Lion King, TriSpin, Trails

"Go crazy and have fun" - Dinosaur Playground

Adult - Everest, Premeval Whirl

Food - Tusker House (TS), Yak & Yeti or Flame Tree


No plans for the parade at this time unless there is a EMH and we decide to go to the park later in the day.

This is a great plan! The tiger and gorilla trails are also great. (By Trails I was assuming you meant the character trails over at Camp Minnie Mickey.)

DISNEY STUDIOS

Priority - Toy Story Mania, Playhouse Disney

(we were lucky to be able to experience TSM before it opened last year. My DD3 loved it and we definitely want to go again. However, if I remember correctly, Elie would not be able to sit on my lap but would be buckled into the middle seat. I'm not sure how secure this will be for her, esp in the spins...also not sure if the spinning would scare an 8 month old. We may have to Child Swap this.)

Seconds - Muppets (but again, this may be too scary for an 8mo old. DD3 has not done this yet), Little Mermaid

Go crazy and have fun - It's Tough to be a Bug Playground

Food - Sci Fi (?) or Commissary or ???

(I know this gets bad reviews but the atmosphere may be enough to keep an 8 mo old occupied (?) and my DH is totally into the old, bad sci fi movies.)

This parade might be a fun one to do if we are in the park. I doubt we'll get to see Fantasmic this time since it'll be tough to keep 2 small kids occupied for an hour wait.

Beauty & the Beast show, if timing works out.

I had a much better meal at the Sci Fi in September than I expected. Your older daughter will like the part about sitting in the little car and your DH will definitely enjoy all the movie clips, cartoons, coming attractions and ads.

 

[Leger13]

Ok, on to some fun planning now.

Although I don't think we'll get to Animal Kingdom on this trip, here are the attractions we'll do if we get there.

Of course, any and all suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated...remember we'll have a 4 yo and 8 mo old (which reminds me I need to get a copy of the Unofficial Guide from our Library to see the kid's ratings for each ride).

ANIMAL KINGDOM
============

Priority - Kilimanjaro Safari

Seconds - Nemo or Lion King, TriSpin, Trails

"Go crazy and have fun" - Dinosaur Playground

Adult - Everest, Premeval Whirl

Food - Tusker House (TS), Yak & Yeti or Flame Tree


No plans for the parade at this time unless there is a EMH and we decide to go to the park later in the day.

I dunno anything about AK so I can't help you here.

DISNEY STUDIOS

Priority - Toy Story Mania, Playhouse Disney

(we were lucky to be able to experience TSM before it opened last year. My DD3 loved it and we definitely want to go again. However, if I remember correctly, Elie would not be able to sit on my lap but would be buckled into the middle seat. I'm not sure how secure this will be for her, esp in the spins...also not sure if the spinning would scare an 8 month old. We may have to Child Swap this.)

Seconds - Muppets (but again, this may be too scary for an 8mo old. DD3 has not done this yet), Little Mermaid

Go crazy and have fun - It's Tough to be a Bug Playground

Food - Sci Fi (?) or Commissary or ???

(I know this gets bad reviews but the atmosphere may be enough to keep an 8 mo old occupied (?) and my DH is totally into the old, bad sci fi movies.)

This parade might be a fun one to do if we are in the park. I doubt we'll get to see Fantasmic this time since it'll be tough to keep 2 small kids occupied for an hour wait.

Beauty & the Beast show, if timing works out.

Chris and I LOVE Sci Fi. When you're there you totally should get a Marsha's Martian (see you share your name with the BEST drink EVER!!) Since you're still nursing Elie I know you won't really be able to have it but your DH can enjoy it.

 

[Marshay]

This is a great plan! The tiger and gorilla trails are also great. (By Trails I was assuming you meant the character trails over at Camp Minnie Mickey.)



I had a much better meal at the Sci Fi in September than I expected. Your older daughter will like the part about sitting in the little car and your DH will definitely enjoy all the movie clips, cartoons, coming attractions and ads.

Actually I meant the animal trails...totally forgot about the Camp Minnie-Mickey thing...yes, I definitely need to put characters on my list for each park.

I think it was your TR that got me thinking about Sci Fi...

 

[Marshay]

I dunno anything about AK so I can't help you here.

Chris and I LOVE Sci Fi. When you're there you totally should get a Marsha's Martian (see you share your name with the BEST drink EVER!!) Since you're still nursing Elie I know you won't really be able to have it but your DH can enjoy it.

What? You've never been to AK? I didn't realize that. I actually really do like this park ... esp if you can take the time to relax and see all the animals (if you like that sort of thing).

Maybe they can make a non-alcoholic one for me!

Glad to hear another vote for SciFi! We haven't been here yet and I do like to try new restaurants each trip.

 

[Marshay]

AK Amendment

My DD3 told me that she wants to do the Dinosaur ride since "she likes Dinosaurs". Hmmm, I'm wondering if this would be too intense for a 4 yo?

I haven't been on since 2003(ish), but I'm remembering that it was very dark, very bumpy and a bit confusing b/c you just zoom through.

I liked it but what age do you think would be appropriate for this?

 

[Leger13]

What? You've never been to AK? I didn't realize that. I actually really do like this park ... esp if you can take the time to relax and see all the animals (if you like that sort of thing).

Maybe they can make a non-alcoholic one for me!

Glad to hear another vote for SciFi! We haven't been here yet and I do like to try new restaurants each trip.

I have been to AK. We went for the first time in Sept '07. We did the Safari and the petting zoo and then I got claustrophobic/we were bored so we left and headed back to MK. I'm not big on walking around and staring at animals so it's just not my kind of park. I would like to go back over to AK this year and ride Kali and EE tho.

Well, if they did it would be basically a chocolate shake at that point Really the only alcohol that's in it is the Kalua and Baily's but you can't taste it so even with the Kalua in it tastes like a chocolate milk shake which is why I like it so much.

Here's what they have written on the menu for the drink
Marsha's Martian - Chocolate and vanilla shakes, mixed with Bailey's Irish Cream and Kahlua. - $9.50

BTW if you like ribs...the ones at Sci Fi are delicious!!

 

[Marshay]

I have been to AK. We went for the first time in Sept '07. We did the Safari and the petting zoo and then I got claustrophobic/we were bored so we left and headed back to MK. I'm not big on walking around and staring at animals so it's just not my kind of park. I would like to go back over to AK this year and ride Kali and EE tho.

Well, if they did it would be basically a chocolate shake at that point Really the only alcohol that's in it is the Kalua and Baily's but you can't taste it so even with the Kalua in it tastes like a chocolate milk shake which is why I like it so much.

Here's what they have written on the menu for the drink
Marsha's Martian - Chocolate and vanilla shakes, mixed with Bailey's Irish Cream and Kahlua. - $9.50

BTW if you like ribs...the ones at Sci Fi are delicious!!

Ah, thanks for the info. I'll definitely skip that...I'm not a Baily's/Kahlua kind of gal. But I do love milkshakes!!

 

[Leger13]

Ah, thanks for the info. I'll definitely skip that...I'm not a Baily's/Kahlua kind of gal. But I do love milkshakes!!

No problem. I love milkshakes too. Maybe you can just get one of those. I bet it's just as good w/o the alcohol

 

[Marshay]

We have decided we are not going to buy any points at BLT. Our traveling style is to go a week usually and we cannot afford to buy enough points to go for a week in summertimer at BLT 1BR with 11 months priority -- even if we'd go every 3 years. So we'll just have to use our existing points and hope to get in at 7 months.

I'm disappointed but this is a very practical decision for us. (And after going in Nov, if we really fall in love with it, then we can always reconsider...)

Since we still do need more points for summertime travels in our future, we plan to just add on more points at AKV so we can stay there a full week, with 11 months priority. I'm not sure when this will happen.

I'm hoping either DVC comes out with a really cool incentive at AKV or I'll just go through resale. So now I'm trying to check the resale boards each day to see what's around. When we get serious, I'll contact them to put in our request.

 

[Leger13]

We have decided we are not going to buy any points at BLT. Our traveling style is to go a week usually and we cannot afford to buy enough points to go for a week in summertimer at BLT 1BR with 11 months priority -- even if we'd go every 3 years. So we'll just have to use our existing points and hope to get in at 7 months.

I'm disappointed but this is a very practical decision for us. (And after going in Nov, if we really fall in love with it, then we can always reconsider...)

Since we still do need more points for summertime travels in our future, we plan to just add on more points at AKV so we can stay there a full week, with 11 months priority. I'm not sure when this will happen.

I'm hoping either DVC comes out with a really cool incentive at AKV or I'll just go through resale. So now I'm trying to check the resale boards each day to see what's around. When we get serious, I'll contact them to put in our request.

bummer on not buying into BLT but for getting more points at AKV!!

 

[Marshay]

EPCOT

Priority - Soarin, Test Track, Nemo, Mexico, Spaceship Earth and Imagination Fountain Family Photo

(For those of you who have followed my past TR, you know that this Family Photo is really important to me. We get one every trip.)

Seconds - Imagination, The Land Boat Ride, Norway

Go Crazy and Have Fun - ?? or Innoventions

I can't recall any playground at Epcot. I know they have some areas where you can play in the water fountains or misters, but in November these may not be practical.

Adult - Mission Space and Shopping in World Showcase, Voices of Liberty

Food - Coral Reef, Germany, Garden Grill, Le Cellier, Sunshine (The Land) or Morrocco CS


Illuminations if we're in Epcot at night.
=================

As you can see, we have lots of stuff to do in Epcot. This is probably my favorite park.

 

[Circusgirl]

AK Amendment

My DD3 told me that she wants to do the Dinosaur ride since "she likes Dinosaurs". Hmmm, I'm wondering if this would be too intense for a 4 yo?

I haven't been on since 2003(ish), but I'm remembering that it was very dark, very bumpy and a bit confusing b/c you just zoom through.

I liked it but what age do you think would be appropriate for this?

I love the ride, but it is VERY dark and VERY loud. It's even too intense for some adults! The super loud roaring of the dinosaurs may be as scary as the darkness. I would suggest you or DH ride it first (maybe while the other stays with the kids at the Boneyard) and see what you think.

 

[Leger13]

EPCOT

Priority - Soarin, Test Track, Nemo, Mexico, Spaceship Earth and Imagination Fountain Family Photo

(For those of you who have followed by past TR, you know that this Family Photo is really important to me. We get one every trip.)

Seconds - Imagination, The Land Boat Ride, Norway

Go Crazy and Have Fun - ?? or Innoventions

I can't recall any playground at Epcot. I know they have some areas where you can play in the water fountains or misters, but in November these may not be practical.

Adult - Mission Space and Shopping in World Showcase, Voices of Liberty

Food - Coral Reef, Germany, Garden Grill, Le Cellier, Sunshine (The Land) or Morrocco CS


Illuminations if we're in Epcot at night.
=================

As you can see, we have lots of stuff to do in Epcot. This is probably my favorite park.

All of those are musts for me too except for Mexico

I think there is a playground now. Or at least there was one this past weekend during the flower and garden fest. Not sure if it's up year round If it is it's right where the world show case starts.

I haven't been to many of the restaurants in EPCOT so I can't give you much insight there either. I went to the restaurant in England....two thumbs up and I've been to Sunshine.....not as good as it once was but fun for the kids since it spins and has characters.

 

[Marshay]

Magic Kingdom

Priority - Dumbo, Haunted Mansion (swap?), PoC, Splash Mountain (swap), BTMRR (?), Buzz Lightyear, Goofy's Barnstormer (swap), Tea Cups

Seconds - Peter Pan, IASW, Carousel, Jungle Cruise, Country Bears, Tiki Room

Go crazy and run - Tom Sawyer Island, Playgrounds

Adult - * soft opening of Space Mountain *??

Food - Caramel-nut Apple, Pecos Bill, Cosmic Ray's or {gasp } Crystal Palace for breakfast.

Yes, I'm seriously considering going to CP since everyone gives it wonderful reviews and I figure we better go while the girls are still young.

I'd like to do the 3pm parade, spectromagic and wishes.

Our special picture for this park will be DH and I jumping in front of the castle...here's the one we did last May

==========
I think we'll be in MK at least 3 different times in our 5 days there. We just have so much to do and see.

Oh, and DD3 said she wants to do a show where she can be in it (like the Sword in the Stone, etc)...do you know of any others? I'll have to research this.