Chaos and Order - October '07

[DanMedix]

"From Chaos, comes Order."
- Neitsche (Philosopher)

"Ya know, Neitsche said "Out of Chaos comes Order". "
- Howard Johnson (Blazing Saddles)

" Aw, blow it out your ***, Howard!"
- Samuel Johnson (Blazing Saddles)



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Well, that's something we all have in common here, isn't it? We crave both the chaos and the order of a WDW vacation for ourselves, and our familes.

So, without further ado....I present..

October 27 - Nov 4! YAAAAY

Me (...guess my name!).....35yr old Paramedic for local Fire Department...in case you didn't know. Lifelong WDW fanatic, although I didn't even GO for my first time until 1993.

DW, Jen ...36 yr old teacher / librarian. Turned on to WDW during our honeymoon in 1994.

DD, Samantha...7, but will be turning 8 on the 27th of October, while we're there.

DS, Brendan...4, just reached 44" tall, and couldn't be happier.

Both children have inherited the Disney Gene from me.

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Due to our circumstances (financial, scheduling, etc etc), we try to go to WDW every 3 or 4 years, as you can see. In the downtime, of course, I'm on HERE, as well as getting my fix from MUSIC (....COUGH, anyone?).

SO, with months and months of deliberation, we finally came to the following conclusions:

- We're going, just the 4 of us. NO OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS!
- We wanted to go in the FALL, pre-Thanksgiving
- We wanted to try to go during my DD's B'day.


In all previous trips, other than our honeymoon, we've had extended family members come with us. (parents, siblings, uncles, etc etc). While we all indeed love our families, this can be a big pain in the hind end. Have you ever noticed how the SLOWEST among the group wants EVERYBODY to WAIT FOR THEM?!?!! Sorry....but with our kids, we're not gonna spend all of our vacation waiting for the family's equivalent of Forrest Gump (without the running part, of course).

The next part was choosing the resort. We decided to go with Pop Century this time. We got a discount code in the mail, and used it, getting a great deal on the hotel. This will be the first time I've ever booked a trip where I got tix and hotel separately. It's always been a package before, for me. Just seemed easier that way. Plus, there's usually some sort of perk or freebie involved there, too.

As for location requests in the hotel, I'm kinda not sure. I'm open to suggestions from you guys as to room requests. We don't mind being on a higher floor. No mobility issues. Nothing like that. Just 4 active people.

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For this trip, I took some very good advice, and looked at the DIS' old friend, Tour Guide Mike. While I won't divulge his info, everything he says makes perfect sense. For your next trip, take your butt over to his site, and pay for a membership. You won't regret it, even if you're the most seasoned WDW trip planner!

There are 2 big considerations for this particular trip. The first of which is DD's 8th Birthday. I want this to be a birthday for her to remember! She's been through so much so far, and seriously deserves it. Upon careful consideration and planning, here's what we've come up with...

- the first part of the day will be at MK, where we have PS for BBB in the castle at 9am sharp. Prior to arriving at BBB, of course, I want her to get a birthday pin from City Hall. After she gets her hair "dyed, fryed, and laid to the side", we'll hit the rest of MK as best possible.

- that afternoon and evening will be spent at Epcot. Her absolute favorite ride in ALL of WDW is Mission: Space. Now, I'm not talking about the green-no-spin version. When she was 5, she rode the full-blown-all-spin version, and absolutely fell in love!

She chose Teppan Edo (formerly Teppanyaki) for her Birthday Dinner. She loves hibachi-style restaurants, and has taken to Japanese food better than I'd have imagined. Mind you, she's far from trying sushi, but she's turning 8. She's got plenty of time!

Any ideas you guys have to help make her birthday a little more magical would be greatly appreciated!



The other consideration, is the fact that my DS will remember more of this trip than the previous one. He's older, and he's taller. That means, he'll be able to do more, too. I think he's at a great stage (4, almost 5) now, and this trip will really be great for him. On the day that we the FULL DAY of Epcot, we're doing a CANDY SAFARI at World Showcase. This is right up his alley. He's not afraid to talk to people (and yes, I've instructed both my kids on talking to the RIGHT people.....especially CM's!), and wouldn't hesitate to ask a CM for their candy recommendations.


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When we arrive by air on the 27th of Oct, and when we're checked in, we're hitting MGM for the remainder of that day. Our dining reservations are at Sci-Fi. Our kids love the idea of the ambience, plus my DW and I haven't been there since our honeymoon.


More of the itinerary later, of course. Heeheehee....


All in all, I'm SO ready for this to hurry up and get here.

 

[meriann]

dh did our honeymoon in Oct of 94! We can't wait to take our kids back and spend time enjoying it all.

It sounds like your DD is going to have the BEST birthday at Disney. I can't wait to hear more!

 

[medicgirl911]

Howdy! I am a former paramedic and now an ER nurse, so I just had to check out what your plans were!! TGM is awesome I have used his info on our last two trips and again for my upcoming one (we leave Friday ), we have never waited in line more than 15 minutes, you will like his recommendations!!! Are you going to try and do MNSSHP???

 

[melsmom12]

Most definitely subscribing! I love that you're taking your DD right to the BBB, she'll feel like a princess all day long.

I envy how much time you're going to have in WDW, 8 and 4 are perfect ages for your kids, you're going to have so much fun.

We HM'd in WDW also, it was amazing!

 

[DanMedix]

Well, with part 2 of this installment, let's review some of the details of our particular itinerary, shall we?

When we last left our intrepid, fearless heroes (?), we'd been introduced to the crew, and given an overview of our main objectives.

So, Here's how it's all gonna go down...
(...or at least, we hope)

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On the morning of the 27th, my family is going to pick me up from my station. From there, we go directly to the airport. (Talk about leaving work to go on your vacation!) Flying from MEM to MCO nonstop usually takes a little more than an hour. With kids, it might feel like it's taking longer. But, that's why we're carrying our laptop and my Zune (heeheehee....COUGH?)

We'll arrive about 11am Eastern time to MCO. This trip will also be our first experience with Disney's Magical Express. How were your experiences? Good? Bad? Otherwise?

My kids absolutely love the pictures of POP, and can't wait to check in. Of course, with the latest news that WDW is COMPLETELY SCRAPPING the "Legendary Years" portion of it, and I'm hoping the other side of the bridge doesn't look like a nuclear bomb hit it.

That day, like I said earlier, we're starting off at MGM. Although my DS is only 4, he's the biggest Star Wars nut you could ever find. He's actually quite adept with a lightsaber (with a little help from his DS and I), and it's kind of a let down that we've heard NOTHING about the full-time Jedi Academy. Anyway, he was too little to ride Star Tours when we were there last (and he got one of those "starspeeder pilot" licenses last time. He saw it recently, and started pining about going on Star Tours. This time, he'll be ready, and I'm sure it will be one of the highlights of his entire trip.

For dinner, our PS's are at Sci-Fi Dine In, mostly for the feel of it. My kids both love the drive-in theater, and even though I'll have to explain what the cheesy movie titles are, I'm hoping they'll have a good time.

The next day, the 28th, is of course, my DD's 8th Birthday. Like I stated earlier, we're doing MK early in the AM (and it just so happens it's LOEMH at MK that day too), so we're going to be there for rope drop. Actually, this will be our first official rope drop, as we've NEVER made it to any rope drop in time (thanks in part to sluggish relatives, like I discussed previously). I really do want to make this an extra-special birthday for her. Getting the pin will be a good start, and we should have about 30-40 mins before we have to check in at BBB at the castle.

I know there are some FGIT's on the DIS, and it seems the folks are all happy with everything you've done. My DD's kind of low-maintenance for a 7(8) yr old princess, but can be impressed if you put a little feeling behind what you're doing. What should I do to get her ready for this appointment?

After her appointment, we're gonna pretty much be thrown off from all of our regular itinerary recommendations. SO, we're gonna play it by ear until about 11-11:30 or so. Any suggestions? (especially as it pertains to the DD portion?)

We're wanting to do a light CS lunch, so I was thinking something like Pinnochio Village Haus. Any other suggestions here?

After a little afternoon re-charge of our batteries at POP, it's time to hit Epcot! Should I switch Birthday pins from MK to Epcot upon entry?

Of course, after that, our first attempt will be M:S, as it's my DD's favorite. This will also be the first time my DS will ride. My DD handled the "uncensored" version like a champion when she was 5. I'm wondering about my DS, though. Maybe it's just me.

Like I said, our PS ressies for her birthday dinner are at Teppan Edo at about 5:30. We should have a good bit of time between then an Illuminations.....

.......which brings me to ANOTHER point.

Since I started my own (...COUGH COUGH COUGH...) collection, my DS's absolute favorite music is from ILLUMINATIONS. I want to get a great place for little ones to see the show. The last 2 times, we were at Rose & Crown. The first time was a BLAST (our seats were perfect). The 2nd time, somebody let the cat out of the bag, because EVERYBODY AND THEIR BROTHER was at Rose & Crown that night! SO....I'm begging for suggestions here too. Not just for DS, but as a great end to DD's 8th B'day.

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The next morning, the 29th, we're going to concentrate on EPCOT a bit more. Rope drop for us, of course! From there, FW will be our morning target. There are a few good things there that I still haven't done! (Soarin', parts of Innoventions, Imagination!, etc). I'm also hoping there's some leftover Pixie Dust from the 25th anniversary

we're looking at an informal CS lunch about 11:30 at Sunshine Seasons at THE LAND. ....ya know, when DD was 2, we took her to an Ice Cream Social at THE LAND. I've heard it's not there anymore. Any suggestions on something similar?

After a brief time-out for us all, it will be time to head to WS. This one will be particularly fun, as it will be part of my kids' CANDY SAFARI. We're going to each country, in search of their best candy, most popular candy, and CM's recommendations for their faves. During this, our PS's for dinner are at San Angel Inn. (This is a favorite of DW, and the first time we're going to be there with the kids.). I'm hoping the kids will get passports too, to add to the adventure. Any other recommendations here?

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Tues, the 30th. Suggestions tell us to hit MGM, so that's what we're doing. (At least to finish it out.) DD definitely wants to see HSM pep rally, DS would probably want to do Star Tours again (and again and again), and they both will want to hang out with their friends at MuppetVision (another favorite in the car). Any recommendations for CS lunches here?

We're hoping and praying it won't be TOO bad tonight at MK. Because after dinner at POP, we're going to try and get into MNSSHP tonight! My kids haven't mentioned too much about what they'd like their costumes to be. I, of course, will probably be coming as "Me. Only Taller." But, I've heard this is a "suicide night", much like the 31st. Any truth to this?

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Wednesday, actual Halloween.

It's the big day for MK! Even though they open the gates at 9, we have PS's for 8:30 at CRT. DD and DW have already been. This will be the first time for me and DS.

Of course, a certain tour guide's recommendations will be followed from here. After we hit the MK so hard that our vibrations are picked up on the Richter Scale, we're looking at (yet) ANOTHER light CS lunch. Any word on someplace like Pecos Bill's or Columbia Harbor House?

After a quick time-out, it's back to MK action! I know WISHES won't be on for that night......but dont' worry...I'm workin' on it.
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November 1st. This will be our Animal Kingdom day. WEEEEEEE! (well, I didn't say WEEEE, my DD, who is looking over my shoulder, just said it, in response to my typing this. Heeheehee)

As for lunch, since Tusker House is undergoing refurbishment, I'm open for CS suggestions.

Our dinner PS's will take us (for the first time) to AK Lodge, and to BOMA's. I 've heard so many great things about this place. Plus, I SO want to do some sightseeing around this resort. (and other cool hotel properties at WDW too, like Boardwalk, GF, Poly, etc)

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the 2nd is a Friday, so I was wanting to hit DTD early, and beat the afternoon and evening crowds. But, I'm open here too. We have PS's at Planet Hollywood this evening, so that's the only thing set in stone for this day.

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Well.....lemme tell you about Saturday, the 3rd. We were originally departing on this day. But since AirTran changed our flights, we're now staying this night too.

I wanted to do WISHES on this night. So far, I've heard the suggestions of:

- see them from the WDWRR upstairs
- see them from the beach outside OHANA at Poly
- see them from Narcoose's boat dock at GF

Any other suggestions for our final "kiss goodbye" ??

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The fun thing about staying at WDW during the fall time change, is that we get an extra hour of sleep, and will still be on schedule! But, if all goes according to the way DME says it does, we'll probably be boarding our bus about 5am, EST. From there, flying back (with a single connection) to MEM.

...here's the funniest part. From here, we get in our car, and drive....TO MY FIRE STATION (arriving at probably 11am or so), where I will relieve my off-going medic, and assume duty, once again, on the clock. (I don't have enough vacation days to take this day off)


I'm starting my WDW vacation from work, and ending it WITH work.

...go figure.


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So, there you have it. Any suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Great report! I've been thinking about joining TGM for our upcoming trip and you've made a great case for it!

I'm not sure what the "Ice Cream Social" was in The Land but they do have the Nestle' Toll House Cookie exhibit there now. We haven't done this yet but the kids get to bake cookies and where a little chef's hat.

I love the Candy Safari idea for WS. I've been trying to think of something to find/buy at each country that is not ridiculous and that sounds great!

 

[hjd0411]

Sounds like a great trip!! You leave WDW on my birthday.. I'll be living it up at MGM that day!! (Sorry - I don't mean to gloat - really!!!)

Another TGM convert here, too! I have only been to WDW once before and never knew of it then, but this time I have devoured all I can!! It all makes perfect sense to me, and I'm hoping that my research works!!!

Have a great vacation - I look forward to hearing more.

Heather

 

[DanMedix]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions, comments, etc so far! MedicGrl911, good to see you on here. Ya know, I'd thought about going for my RN, but after all these years, I find that I'm still a street junkie, if you know what I mean



Anyways, today, I wanted to introduce you to a few of the members of my cast. Mind you, some of these pix were taken during our LAST WDW vacation (as it brings out the silly photogenicness in all of us).


.....Photogenicness. Is that a word?


Anywho, here we have:

DS, Brendan. He's 4 1/2. He just grew to 44 inches.

Ya see those mouse ears? He took those to show-and-tell at his school the other day, bragging about how he's going to WDW next month. (He's in pre-k at the same school his sister goes to.) He's just as excited as anyone else. The only problem, is that he does get scared of loud noises easily. So, for any possible upcoming fireworks issues, I'm packing my set of ear protectors (the ones I use at the shooting range), which enables him to sit through just about anything, and not break a sweat.

It's weird. His favorite music is from ILLUMINATIONS, but he gets scared of fireworks. Go figure....



Moving on....

DD, Samantha. She's 7, going on 17. She's the one that will be the birthday girl during our trip. Combine a Disney Princess, Hannah Montana, and Spongebob, and you've got HER. Her first trip to WDW was when she was 2....and she still remembers parts of that trip (and not just pictures, either). She loves the idea of the POP pools. Her mom just bought her a couple of new bathing suits for the trip..........

.....but the girl is starting to "bloom". I don't know if I'm ready for that!

She loves planning this trip just as much as I do, though. Plus, she loves the pix that folks put up on the DIS, especially of things she hasn't been on or seen yet. It really gets her imagination working.

DW, Jen...seen here with Samantha during our last trip, at 1900 Park Fare. They both share a very common trait: the urge and drive to be THE BOSS of...well, just about everything they get their hands on.

Fun times for me, eh?

And, finally, me. Your host through this chaotic endeavor. I'm the one in the red.

NO, NOT POOH! The one holding my (then-2-year-old) DS.

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Last night, my kids wanted to watch the planning DVD again. Since I have it cut down into sections on my computer, we watched it on here.

...and again.

...and again.

I think that kids of DIS'ers are some of the most organized children in the world. One of my many wishes is that they grow to their full potential, and turn out to be who they really are, as people, as kindred hearts, and as citizens of this world. Something Walt himself would approve of. Of course, we love our children all the same....even if they act like knuckleheads when you're trying to get them ready for school!

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OH, BTW....if you haven't looked there lately....um...

....COUGH.....

now you people have ME listening to Soarin' over and over and over and over again....

 

[MOMMIEW/2BOYS]

I too am heading to WDW OCT 27 - NOV 3. Me, my mom, my 6 yr old Brendan and my 6 yr old Joshua. Joshua will turn 6 on the 23rd of Oct and Brendan will turn 7 on the 28th of Oct, so we are celebrating both their b-days while we are there....too funny..we too will be at POP CENTURY..LOL

 

[mistydoodles]

I am enjoying your trip report. It is getting me really excited about my upcoming trip. I leave 5 days after you return.
Boy I can't wait!!!!

Keep up the good work and I can't wait to read more.

 

[mistydoodles]

Hi there!!!!

I too am heading to WDW OCT 27 - NOV 3. Me, my mom, my 6 yr old Brendan and my 6 yr old Joshua. Joshua will turn 6 on the 23rd of Oct and Brendan will turn 7 on the 28th of Oct, so we are celebrating both their b-days while we are there....too funny..we too will be at POP CENTURY..LOL

 

[DanMedix]

Hi there! Thanks for reading! This is gonna be a very exciting trip, for us all, it seems. You'll probably be seeing us at POP, driving each other crazy, and loving it at the same time...

 

[DanMedix]

ok ok ok ....as of today, DS and DD have a new reason for wanting to go to WDW so bad......Jedi Training Academy. I told them today that it's officially there, and they went completely.....well......

They both are quite skilled with their "training" lightsabers at home. Well, it kinda helps both their mom and I trained in Kendo/Iaido back in college, not to mention DS, DD, and I try to get together and re-enact scenes from the movies. (DS's favorite saber scene to do is the beginning of Episode 3, with Anakin/Obi-Wan vs. Dooku).

I certainly hope they get called up. They want to SO bad. But...I hope my son doesn't stop using the lightsaber, and "use the force" like he does at home...

 

[DanMedix]

Mkay, three days to go!



you thought we were going nuts BEFORE?!?!?!


You ain't seen NOTHIN' yet!! LOL



The reality that in three days time, we'll be checking into our hotel at POP, hasn't quite set in with me, though. While I KNOW it's here, it still doesn't feel like it. Perhaps it's the rain that's hit this area for the past few days. Maybe it's all the cleaning, etc, that I'm trying to do before we leave.

....or maybe it's the fact that DS and I are both starting to feel the weather's effects....in the form of TRYING TO FIGHT OFF ILLNESS!!!!!

Yep, that's right. Our bodies think it's time to get sick! I keep telling mine "AW, HELL NO!", though. Plus, I'm making darn sure I've got a good stash of Vitamin C, Claritin, and Mucinex with me, for all of us!!



On another note, our MNSSHP plans have changed. We will be going AFTER halloween, on 11/2. There's a few DIS'ers going , from what I've seen. But I'm seriously hoping that the crowds won't be as bad.

The rain looks like it's on its way. But I'm hoping that if it rains, it won't last long. Plus, my family ain't afraid. We'll just put our ponchos on, and keep on going! A little drizzle won't stop us!



Well.......here's hopin'!

 

[hjd0411]

Hi Dan - hey have a great trip!! I look forward to hearing how it all went. I won't be able to catch up until I get back, but by then you should be well into your trip report!! Hint, hint!!!
So to all your family - safe travels, and we'll hear from you on your return.

Oh, and by the way and for you and your son to not get sick!!!

Heather

 

[mistydoodles]

I am looking forward to your trip report. I hope you are having a great time and the rain doesn't cause you any problems.

Have a good trip!!!!