Countdown to the Clown! A September PTR - Updated 9/13 - TR LINK

[brookelizabeth]

I was going to post this yesterday...but good thing I didn't...some changes were made TODAY!


I have had some plans jotted down since the day after we booked this trip; and slowly, over time they have become slightly more detailed…things are still pretty loose, which will help me “live in the moment”, something I missed on the last trip. Part of me always wants to plan every single detail and stick to a complete agenda...but I know we work better this way, and Joe and I enjoy the trip more! All plans are subject to change on the fly.

I’m going to steal the popular idea, that I believe was created by Heidi (MRYPPNS) and her ever-awesome planning and advice giving and do the “Top 3” for each park. Three things are easy to accomplish, and when you only have your heart set on three, you don't worry about the details. Everything after the Top 3 is like that $20 bill you find in your winter coat, it's a nice bonus.

As you will notice my Top 3’s aren’t all about rides or attractions, but it’s more of a relaxed approach – which is the goal for the trip. And I asked Joe if he had any “must do’s” and he had one…rent a surrey bike. He’s crazy. I told him HE was gonna push that baby up the hills if we get stuck!


Arrival Day, Thursday, September 2

• Henry and I arrive at MCO at 1:07 pm
• Chik-Fil-A lunch in the MCO food court, 1st timer! Chicken nuggets and waffle fries are the plan (thanks to wdwgirl03 and SoonerGirl for the tips!)
• ME to BWV
• Do whatever we feel like doing! Ideas: Pool, arcade, visit Values for Henry to scope out the giant icons
• A 7:45 an “if it works out” meet with Liesa (All7OfUs) for Fantasmic! (popcorn WILL be purchased)

Friday, September 3
Animal Kingdom

We will sleep until my 3 year old auto-alarm clock wakes me up, quickly get ready, eat breakfast in the room (we are having some groceries delivered) and out the door!

3 Things

1. Rafki’s Planet Watch. Never done this and I think Henry is gonna love it.
2. Flights of Wonder. Another new one. Joe wouldn’t enjoy this due to his eye condition, so perfect time to go! (thanks to Tinkerbellarella for the tips on this!)
   
3. Boneyard. It’s hot in there, not as bad as HISTK, but still hot. But…Henry loves it.

Flame Tree BBQ will be closed….so I’m going to hope I’m comfortable enough still in the heat to eat lunch at Y&Y Counter. However, if I’m melting in the heat and we need a cool down, we’ll probably end up at Pizzafari AGAIN.


I fully plan to partake in a jalapeno stuffed pretzel and a frozen chai. A frozen lemonade also might be on the horizon.

Whenever we are feeling done with AK, we’ll do whatever for the rest of the evening until Joe arrives, which should be around 9:30ish.

Saturday, September 4
Magic Kingdom

We are planning for Rope Drop. Yes, you read that correctly. Rope Drop. Tthis family is planning a Rope Drop! Our first! I asked Joe what he thought about early mornings and he said he would be okay doing one – so I immediately chose MK. I want to see that opening show! I will NOT get upset if we are late for it, but I really hope we make it!

3 Things

1. DIS Meet with Liesa (and Tate) and possibly ClaireW at Casey’s for Corn Dog Nuggets. Claire we gotta firm that up yet! (Liesa, you cool with another DISer at the Corny Wiener Meet? I figure you are all about it, but thought I’d ask just in case!)
2. Dumbo
3. Tradition pictures with Henry at MK

As for eats, we’ll be doing dinner at the Corny Wiener Meet (Casey’s), I can see us possibly hitting CHH for that delicious tuna sandwich, or attempt for a walk-in ADR at The Plaza for lunch. The cream cheese pretzel and slushy Coke are on the list for snack time. The Wishes Dessert Party will round out the night.

Sunday, September 5
Epcot

Our auto-alarm will wake us up; we’ll either eat in the room, hit the Boardwalk Bakery, or Sunshine Seasons for breakfast. When we are all set, we’ll head through the Private Entrance (the International Gateway) to Epcot.

3 Things

1. Disney Visa Meet & Greet. We’ve never done this, but Henry is now very into wanting to meet the characters and this will be a great spot to cover several of them with a minimal wait! Plus a free pic? Woot!
2. Soarin’. Henry is currently 39”. He just might make 40” by September 5. I’ve introduced him to Soarin’ and explained it. I talk to him about it a few times a week, so far he’s VERY interested and wants to try it. I just hope if he is able, he doesn’t freak on the ride….!
3. Test Track. Joe loves this ride and we didn’t get to it in December.

For lunch we will be dining at 12:05 at Rose & Crown! This was originally a dinner reservation but earlier today I moved it to a lunch as per the awesome advice of Kristen (princess&her4princes). Little ones eat better at lunch; they behave better at lunch, and aren’t tired at lunch. By dinner time they are tired and are often harder to get to SIT. They don’t eat a lot either. Why waste our money on a meal Henry won’t eat??? Henry has always been really good in restaurants....until recently. So THANK YOU to Kristen! It’s such a smart idea. The one thing we are loosing with changing this to a lunch ressie is Illuminations from the restaurant which would provide a good seat for Henry to be distracted with dessert – i.e. child will be corralled. But, I think we’ll just hit up a snack stand and hope for the best! He’s usually pretty good, and we can easily figure out ways to entertain him.

During lunch at Rose & Crown I plan to purchase Henry a $7 drink so he can get a light-up McQueen attached to his cup (the things we do for our kids!!! ) They serve flavored lemonade here for the kids, but I’m hoping he can just get the McQueen with milk since he’s not entirely likely to drink the lemonade. Anyone know if they will put it on a different drink?

Dinner that night will be completely flexible to whatever is nearby when we are hungry. Perhaps Via Napoli if we think Henry can handle it, Morocco CS (though, not for Joe, he’s not a fan), Mexico (if it’s open), or Sunshine Seasons. Or maybe something entirely different! Snacks - so many to list…one I forgot on the snack list was Kaki Gori. I REALLY want to try it, and it would be a refreshing light snack on a hot day.

Monday, September 6
No Parks

Today we’ll sleep in letting the Henry-alarm wake us—again. We have no solid plans today except an ADR, a possible DIS meet, and the MSEP.


We have our GF Tea at 3:30 and may be meeting ClaireW here for a dip in the GF pool (that is where they are staying). We will just roll with whatever the day presents to us. Mini golf, DTD, pool time, shopping, a park, renting a surrey bike…who knows! That night we will go see the MSEP at MK.

Tuesday, September 7
Hollywood Studios

The little alarm will wake us again (see a pattern? We like to sleep on vacation! ), we’ll eat breakfast in the room or at the Boardwalk Bakery and then hoof it over to DHS whenever we are ready.

3 Things

1. Toy Story Midway Mania
2. Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. H loves it, it’s pukin’ hot in there, but well…the things we do for our kids! Plus, tradition picture!
3. Star Tours. We like this ride and it closes the NEXT day for the refurb. I’ll probably be picture happy in there.

Lunch will be a 12:15 reservation at Mama Melrose – this again was a dinner ressie, but was changed to lunch. I am thinking the carrot cake cookie from the Writer’s Stop might be had for a snack (another I forgot on The List). And dinner will be eaten wherever…Pizza Planet? Starring Rolls? Out of the park? We’ll see!

The evening will consist of whatever we are feeling that night…ideas are more DHS, back to the resort, resort hopping, Epcot since it’s so close to the BWV...

Wednesday, September 8
A bit of MK and a bit of AK

This morning we will probably have an alarm set, but it won’t matter because H will wake us up in plenty of time for our 9:40 am breakfast ADR at Cape May. After the breakfast we’ll make our way to MK. We have a DIS meet with LL to ride HM, my first ride!! I'm excited!! And also a potential meet with Liesa for a ride on Splash…which I haven’t done since 2006!! At 4:00 pm we will attend “Welcome Home Wednesday” at the BW, which is a weekly get together of DVC members. We’ve never done this, but I’ve always wanted to since we became members. I’m looking forward to it. That evening we’ll head to AK to hit up EE and whatever else.

Lunch, dinner and snacks are all up in the air for this day.

Side note: Liesa and LL – when I told Joe these plans he made a face at me. “2 parks in a day doesn’t sound relaxing.” So I told him he didn’t have to come. But he said he would, so he and H could go do something after we all meet up. However, I just want to say if he is having a frazzled morning or something, it might just be me at the meet – OR, I might have to postpone it as well. I hope that doesn’t happen, but our number one goal is to not rush and just have a “chill” trip. I am gonna let him call the shots. Chances are it’ll be fine, and even if he’s not – he’ll be fine with me coming....but just wanted to let you know.


Thursday, September 9
Absolutely NO plans for this day…other than the ME back to MCO. Our flight is around 7:00 pm, so ME won’t be until 4:00! Woot! I’m assuming we’ll end up back at MK, we really have liked in the past doing MK – even for a short bit – on our last day.

Loose plans that I hope fit in somewhere are a bit of resort exploring, Beaches & Cream, and Via Napoli. I won’t be heartbroken if these don’t make it, but it’d be great if they do!

Overall for the trip, 3 things:

1. DIS Meets (and the one with Liesa automatically means Corn Dog Nuggets, so that covers 2 must do’s! )
2. Main Street Electrical Parade
3. Watch the magic through my little boy’s eyes, which means rolling with it, stopping to watch the ducks, smell the flowers, play in the pool and the fountains. If we don’t get to something, we don’t get to it, and I will not let it bother me! (repeat to self, daily )
   

Next up: Packing!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Whoa there missy! Put the brakes on that crazy talk! That's the sort of thing that could get a feller kicked out of the DMC!

Okay...just PM me a pic. I won't tell, I PROMISE.

I think i am gonna get the Crocs!! I can always return them if need be. Plus, I can wear them to work so it makes it easier to justify the purchase (they are very picky about what kind of shoes we can wear here, I work in a lab) .

I am not a Nike person, the shoes don't work for me. But if you are interested in something to track distance, pace and time, you might look into a Garmin Forerunner. I have an older model and keep thinking I will upgrade. But my old one still works so I can't make myself shell out cash for a new one. It is basically a GPS watch so it tracks your runs and then you can download all the info and keep track of your workouts. I LOVE it!

Let me know what you think of them! I hope they work out well for you. I really like mine. My Mom tried a pair though and she didn't like them at all...but I think she just tried the clogs. Maybe if she tries a different style...Hmmm...anyway, if you are a 1/2 size, go UP a size, I made this mistake with the silver ones, at first they would rub after a while of wearing them.

Oooh, that Garmin Forerunner sounds really interesting too. So many neat gadgets to look into!

 

[Flossbolna]

The Nike chip sounds really interesting. Does it map where you ran and the distance? I would like this sort of thing, just out of curiosity. I try to count blocks, but I always seem to loose count.

No, unfortunately it does not do that, even though I think the Iphone ought to be able to do it... It does calculate distances by counting steps, so it is like a pedometer. I calculate my distances with this great website: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ It is not absolutely accurate, but neither is GPS or a pedometer. The only way to be really accurate is measuring it with a device on the ground. But I don't mind!

I am not a Nike person, the shoes don't work for me. But if you are interested in something to track distance, pace and time, you might look into a Garmin Forerunner. I have an older model and keep thinking I will upgrade. But my old one still works so I can't make myself shell out cash for a new one. It is basically a GPS watch so it tracks your runs and then you can download all the info and keep track of your workouts. I LOVE it!

I can't wear Nike shoes either, that's why I have such a little pouch to attach the chip to my wonderful Asics shoes!

I was thinking about getting one those GPS watches with heart rate monitor since I had to get a new heart rate monitor recently, but I just thought that they were far too expensive for me. But I would love to have one!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Oooh, that Garmin Forerunner sounds really interesting too. So many neat gadgets to look into!

Yes, running can become quite an expensive hobby: not only gadgets, but also shoes (however, this is an area where one really should not be frugal, but go to a good store and get some help in picking out the right pair!), cute clothes and then of course Disney trips to run a Disney Half Marathon!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Your plans looks AWESOME Brook! Wish I was one of the DISers that were meeting up with you guys, sounds like so much fun!!!

And yay for the lunch time ressies! I can't believe I got a shout out!! LOL!! I hope it works out as well for you, as it does for us!!

 

[KristiMc]

The plans look great Brook. I would like to have a trip where we take a more relaxed approach.

Beaches & Cream is pretty good.

 

[ptcrn]

Your plans sound great!! Very relaxed and go with the flow. I need to repeat that mantra to myself as well!! I tend to get a little crazy when my OCD plans don't get met! It's good to remember that it's all about the experience for the kids, and watching them have fun is really the best part!

On that note, I wish I had thought about planning more lunch ADR's than dinner ones. The only one I'm really worried about is Le Cellier, which of course I really don't want to miss! Most of the rest are buffets, which should be easy to keep David entertained.

During lunch at Rose & Crown I plan to purchase Henry a $7 drink so he can get a light-up McQueen attached to his cup (the things we do for our kids!!! ) They serve flavored lemonade here for the kids, but I’m hoping he can just get the McQueen with milk since he’s not entirely likely to drink the lemonade. Anyone know if they will put it on a different drink?

I don't know about getting the light up toy attached to a milk, but I'm hoping they can, cause I was going to do the same thing! Just to warn you though, I heard that they retired McQueen and now have Buzz- which should be fine with Henry!

Wow- Henry is 39 inches already?! He is tall! David was only 37 when I measured him (not super accurately though!) I'm just hoping he can go on the Barnstormer!

I may just have to steal your idea on the autograph book- that is really cute!! I've been looking on etsy and ebay for good ones, but I think one that can keep them entertained during long waits might be the best!

Can I take you up on your offer of a postcard? I think David would really love it and it would get him excited for our trip- not that he needs any help! Today he has asked me no less than 10 times- "are we going to Dizzy world today? And ride the racecars, and get a balloon?" Soo funny! I'll PM you my address.

 

[ClaireW]

I've just seen my name more than once - will reply to your PM soon I promise!

And I like the lunch time ressies tip - might just be going back through my own list in a minute!

 

[Lady Lallie]

No worries on our meet. I really hope it happens but if things change, we can change it up. I do want to meet you though, so hopefully something will work out.

We will land around 10AM, so I hope to head over to MK by 12 after ME and checking in. Hopefully that time will work for you.

Your plans sound really great!! A great mix of plans and relaxation.

 

[Flossbolna]

I just missed the long update you posted just before my reply...

A few comments:

Wow, Henry is nearly 40 inches. That does open up a lot of rides for him!! You could even take him on Test Track or Splash!

I think with the playgrounds it might be actually worth it to head there first thing in the morning (at DHS after getting fastpass for TSM) to avoid the heat. I think you are there during a very slow time, so don't worry about wait times to much!

For your last day my guess would be that you end up going to Epcot: so much easier to just walk to a park on your last day.

I love Sunshine Seasons for dinner, it is not crowded at all there in the evening. Also my tip for Illuminations would be: go to the area at the lagoon just where the walkway from Future World arrives, between the two small buildings with shops in them. There is plenty of space, you can sit on the ground while you wait and have a great view, even if you are further in the back. There might be more room for Henry to move around a bit while you are waiting. Also, my educated () guess would be that Epcot is fairly empty on the day you are there and during my trips in January when Epcot was uncrowded I found plenty of space in this area even 10 minutes before show time. However, sometimes there are private events in that area, so better check that beforehand.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I love ALL of your Top 3's. They gave me the warm and fuzzies.

 

[moparop]

That looks like a great plan! I hope you have a super short wait at Visa Meet and Greet. We ended up waiting close to an hour. DH was NOT impressed! And that was at the end of January. So far he says we'll never do this again. So, please go, have a short wait and tell me it was fabulous!

I also think you should try out Via Napoli. I have looked over the menu half a dozen times, made out several mental orders and thought about calling for an ADR once or twice. HEaring what you think would be awesome!

Is Henry 39 inches with or without shoes? You have that going for you if your measurements have been done with the shoes off. We took Doug on Soarin at 3 and he loved. At 4 he wouldn't go near it. Goofy kid!

I love the MK rope drop! Great choice! In fact, I had to watch it again after you said you were going. My kids crowded around the computer and asked all about it. It totally puts me in my Disney place. We also really liked the lunch ADRs on our last trip. We were there in August and just as everyone was hot, sweaty amd tired - along came A/C, a long time to sit and good food!

Love the Top 3 idea!! You'll see it in a PTR soon I am guessing!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Posting from my new phone!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Posting from my new phone!!!

Woooohooo!!!!!!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Your goals look great! That's the approach I like to take to park touring as well.

 

[disneydusted]

Hi Brook! All of your plans look wonderful! Isn't it fun to plan??
I wanted to tell you that when we were at the BWV's we found that the line at the bakery got quite long in the morning and we always wanted to get a move on so we would buy a bakery item from the parks the night before and have that for breakfast. I don't know if that is helpful to know....
Here is a funny thing to get a good laugh at... I was telling DD and DS about getting a Steve McQueen postcard for Henry.. they said, ah mom, who is Steve McQueen??? I said you know, that car from Cars. They both just laughed at me and said, it's Lightening McQueen! Wow... I am just sitting here laughing to myself! Good grief!!! I could tell you all about Pirates and Jack Sparrow, guess I need to see Cars again!

 

[claryche]

You plans look great. Super relaxed. My plans never seem that relaxed. We tend to plan alot in the morning, because my DS typically wakes at 6:30 or 7, so why not get up and get moving.

Henry being close to 40 inches is exciting. My DS was tall enough for all the 40 inch rides last time, and we had a blast. He rode BTMR 3 times and has already said that he wants to ride it 5 times in November.

My DS loves Star Tours, and since it is the last day it is open, hopefully Henry will make the cut. When my DS just turned 3 he made the cut for Star Tours and not Soarin'. And with Henry's love for cars, I'm sure he would get a kick out of Test Track. In case you haven't heard this, I have read on here that if your child is really close, then go on the rides early in the morning. Supposedly you are just a little bit taller in the morning, because something to do with your spine compressing or something. Don't know if it is true, but maybe worth a try. Also have him start praticing standing up big and tall. Because sometimes a child might be tall enough, but they don't stand up big and tall and therefore is too short. Of course if he doesn't make the cut, it's no biggie. You'll be back.

 

[jenseib]

You plans look great. Super relaxed. My plans never seem that relaxed. We tend to plan alot in the morning, because my DS typically wakes at 6:30 or 7, so why not get up and get moving.

Henry being close to 40 inches is exciting. My DS was tall enough for all the 40 inch rides last time, and we had a blast. He rode BTMR 3 times and has already said that he wants to ride it 5 times in November.

My DS loves Star Tours, and since it is the last day it is open, hopefully Henry will make the cut. When my DS just turned 3 he made the cut for Star Tours and not Soarin'. And with Henry's love for cars, I'm sure he would get a kick out of Test Track. In case you haven't heard this, I have read on here that if your child is really close, then go on the rides early in the morning. Supposedly you are just a little bit taller in the morning, because something to do with your spine compressing or something. Don't know if it is true, but maybe worth a try. Also have him start praticing standing up big and tall. Because sometimes a child might be tall enough, but they don't stand up big and tall and therefore is too short. Of course if he doesn't make the cut, it's no biggie. You'll be back.

Thats true. I had my older DD measured at a park years ago.She was borderline and they gave her a bracelet to wear. One ride wouldn't let her on, and I asked to have a manager come. I said whats the point of an official measure if they don't honor it. And the manager said she could ride. The spind compresses with the more rides you ride, so you get shorter during the day. LOL!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love your Top Three's!!! Heidi should really patent that! I think we have all used her advice on picking three main things for each day!

Hurray for figuring out how to post from your new phone! That means updates during your trip, right?

 

[KristiMc]

Posting from my new phone!!!

Yay!! Are you loving it??