brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
- Messages
- 11,271
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.
Im 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 3s arent all about rides or attractions, but its more of a relaxed approach which is the goal for the trip. And I asked Joe if he had any must dos and he had one rent a surrey bike. Hes crazy.
I told him HE was gonna push that baby up the hills if we get stuck!
Arrival Day, Thursday, September 2
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
Flame Tree BBQ will be closed .so Im going to hope Im comfortable enough still in the heat to eat lunch at Y&Y Counter. However, if Im melting in the heat and we need a cool down, well 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, well 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
As for eats, well be doing dinner at the Corny Wiener Meet (Caseys), 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; well either eat in the room, hit the Boardwalk Bakery, or Sunshine Seasons for breakfast. When we are all set, well head through the Private Entrance (the International Gateway) to Epcot.
3 Things
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 arent tired at lunch. By dinner time they are tired and are often harder to get to SIT. They dont eat a lot either. Why waste our money on a meal Henry wont eat??? Henry has always been really good in restaurants....until recently. So THANK YOU to Kristen! Its 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 well just hit up a snack stand and hope for the best! Hes 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 Im hoping he can just get the McQueen with milk since hes 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, hes not a fan), Mexico (if its 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 well sleep in letting the Henry-alarm wake usagain. 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!
), well eat breakfast in the room or at the Boardwalk Bakery and then hoof it over to DHS whenever we are ready.
3 Things
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 Writers 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? Well see!
The evening will consist of whatever we are feeling that night ideas are more DHS, back to the resort, resort hopping, Epcot since its 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 wont matter because H will wake us up in plenty of time for our 9:40 am breakfast ADR at Cape May. After the breakfast well 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 havent 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. Weve never done this, but Ive always wanted to since we became members. Im looking forward to it. That evening well 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 doesnt sound relaxing. So I told him he didnt 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 doesnt 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 itll be fine, and even if hes not hell 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 wont be until 4:00! Woot! Im assuming well 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 wont be heartbroken if these dont make it, but itd be great if they do!
Overall for the trip, 3 things:
Next up: Packing!
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.

Im going to steal the popular idea, that I believe was created by Heidi (MRYPPNS) and her ever-awesome planning and advice giving

As you will notice my Top 3s arent all about rides or attractions, but its more of a relaxed approach which is the goal for the trip. And I asked Joe if he had any must dos and he had one rent a surrey bike. Hes crazy.

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

3 Things
- Rafkis Planet Watch. Never done this and I think Henry is gonna love it.
- Flights of Wonder. Another new one. Joe wouldnt enjoy this due to his eye condition, so perfect time to go! (thanks to Tinkerbellarella for the tips on this!)
- Boneyard. Its hot in there, not as bad as HISTK, but still hot. But Henry loves it.
Flame Tree BBQ will be closed .so Im going to hope Im comfortable enough still in the heat to eat lunch at Y&Y Counter. However, if Im melting in the heat and we need a cool down, well 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, well 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
- DIS Meet with Liesa (and Tate) and possibly ClaireW at Caseys 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 Id ask just in case!)
- Dumbo
- Tradition pictures with Henry at MK
As for eats, well be doing dinner at the Corny Wiener Meet (Caseys), 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; well either eat in the room, hit the Boardwalk Bakery, or Sunshine Seasons for breakfast. When we are all set, well head through the Private Entrance (the International Gateway) to Epcot.
3 Things
- Disney Visa Meet & Greet. Weve 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!
- Soarin. Henry is currently 39. He just might make 40 by September 5. Ive introduced him to Soarin and explained it. I talk to him about it a few times a week, so far hes VERY interested and wants to try it. I just hope if he is able, he doesnt freak on the ride .!
- Test Track. Joe loves this ride and we didnt 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 arent tired at lunch. By dinner time they are tired and are often harder to get to SIT. They dont eat a lot either. Why waste our money on a meal Henry wont eat??? Henry has always been really good in restaurants....until recently. So THANK YOU to Kristen! Its such a smart idea.


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!!!

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, hes not a fan), Mexico (if its 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 well sleep in letting the Henry-alarm wake usagain. 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!

3 Things
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. H loves it, its pukin hot in there, but well
the things we do for our kids!
Plus, tradition picture!
- Star Tours. We like this ride and it closes the NEXT day for the refurb. Ill 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 Writers 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? Well see!
The evening will consist of whatever we are feeling that night ideas are more DHS, back to the resort, resort hopping, Epcot since its 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 wont matter because H will wake us up in plenty of time for our 9:40 am breakfast ADR at Cape May. After the breakfast well 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 havent 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. Weve never done this, but Ive always wanted to since we became members. Im looking forward to it. That evening well 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 doesnt sound relaxing. So I told him he didnt 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 doesnt 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 itll be fine, and even if hes not hell 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 wont be until 4:00! Woot! Im assuming well 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 wont be heartbroken if these dont make it, but itd be great if they do!
Overall for the trip, 3 things:
- DIS Meets (and the one with Liesa automatically means Corn Dog Nuggets, so that covers 2 must dos!
)
- Main Street Electrical Parade
- Watch the magic through my little boys eyes, which means rolling with it, stopping to watch the ducks, smell the flowers, play in the pool and the fountains. If we dont get to something, we dont get to it, and I will not let it bother me! (repeat to self, daily
)
Next up: Packing!