Cruising, Wining, and Disney Dining - Two 2012 PTRs in One! **TR LINK UP**

[Dancegrl624]

I posted this on the FB group but I might as well post it here too. I applied for the Disney Visa a couple days ago and got approved. I've always wanted one! Do any of you have it? I know one of the big perks is if you charge a Disney vacation to it you get 6 months no interest which was a big selling point. I go to Disney enough where that's a definite perk. I also like that you get the special meet & greet with the characters in Epcot & the free photo. Soooo..where exactly is that in Epcot?

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

I LOVE my Disney Visa!!!! We've had it forever and I love the perks. The Visa Meet & Greet is inside Innoventions West (if coming from the front of the park, it's the Innoventions to your right). It's easy to find and we always love getting our free photo. We've met Mickey & Minnie a few times and once it was Minnie & Goofy!


LOVE your pics from your shopping trip. I'm about to post a clothing update too....I need help choosing shirts!

I too am obsessed with the Olympics! I remember staying up watching them with my dad and now me and Madison stay up and watch together. I'm so tired in the morning and my sister calls it the Olympics hangover! I do love the first week with all the gymnastics and swimming, but I love track & field too. I also enjoy the midday coverage...I've been watching kayaking, rowing, water polo, even ping pong (I mean table tennis). I'll be so sad when it ends next week. The closing ceremony always makes me sad. I love the summer Olympics way more than the winter.

 

[PixieMama]

I got the Disney Visa last year... they had a promo for a $200 Disney gift card! Uh, yeah... that was a no-brainer! That gift card paid for my meals during my trip last year, woohoo!

I did not, however, go to the special meet & greet at Epcot. Wanted to, but we just didn't have time. But I'm planning on getting there this year!

 

[oboedm]

Love all the fun plans for F and W! I love your reaction to the Dannon Yogurt! That seems ridiculous to me as well!

I have the same obsession with the Olympics. My attention is waning now that swimming and gymnastics seem to be wrapping up. The men's team was so hard to watch that night! And John O. the next night broke my heart! At least the other one got a bronze!

Can't wait to watch the event finals later today!

 

[silverhaze269]

Love the F&W list. I was actually thinking of doing something similar in my PTR, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I also had that reaction with the Danone yogurt...really, Disney?...really?!

Also, congrats on the Disney Visa!

 

[jenny105]

I LOVE my Disney Visa!!!! We've had it forever and I love the perks. The Visa Meet & Greet is inside Innoventions West (if coming from the front of the park, it's the Innoventions to your right). It's easy to find and we always love getting our free photo. We've met Mickey & Minnie a few times and once it was Minnie & Goofy!


LOVE your pics from your shopping trip. I'm about to post a clothing update too....I need help choosing shirts!

I too am obsessed with the Olympics! I remember staying up watching them with my dad and now me and Madison stay up and watch together. I'm so tired in the morning and my sister calls it the Olympics hangover! I do love the first week with all the gymnastics and swimming, but I love track & field too. I also enjoy the midday coverage...I've been watching kayaking, rowing, water polo, even ping pong (I mean table tennis). I'll be so sad when it ends next week. The closing ceremony always makes me sad. I love the summer Olympics way more than the winter.

Thanks! That makes it super easy to find. I can see it in my head. Isn't it scary we know these parks so well? Yet if you took me to the local Six Flags, I'd be lost.

I love your shopping posts

I stay up every night watching it too. The only track and field I've watched was the guy from South Africa with the prosthetic legs. I feel the same way - I love the summer Olympics. I could care less about the winter Olympics which is strange because I'm a huge hockey fan. You would think I'd be really into it. But since they use pros I usually end up rooting against Team USA because I can't stand half the people on the team due to the NHL!

I got the Disney Visa last year... they had a promo for a $200 Disney gift card! Uh, yeah... that was a no-brainer! That gift card paid for my meals during my trip last year, woohoo!

I did not, however, go to the special meet & greet at Epcot. Wanted to, but we just didn't have time. But I'm planning on getting there this year!

Wow, I wish I got a $200 gift card! I got $50 but hey, I'll take it. It's better than nothing right? I can use it at the food & wine carts.

Love all the fun plans for F and W! I love your reaction to the Dannon Yogurt! That seems ridiculous to me as well!

I have the same obsession with the Olympics. My attention is waning now that swimming and gymnastics seem to be wrapping up. The men's team was so hard to watch that night! And John O. the next night broke my heart! At least the other one got a bronze!

Can't wait to watch the event finals later today!

I had to do a double take when I saw the yogurt. That just seems silly to me.

I can't believe Maroney didn't win the gold during the vault last night! She fell and I actually gasped. I was so sure she was going to blow away the competition. Felt so bad for her but at least she has the team gold medal.

Love the F&W list. I was actually thinking of doing something similar in my PTR, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I also had that reaction with the Danone yogurt...really, Disney?...really?!

Also, congrats on the Disney Visa!

If I see someone buying a yogurt from the Greek cart I'm going to have the same 'Really?!' reaction. Out of all that yummy food, you're getting a yogurt you could by in the grocery store?

Thanks!

 

[jenny105]

OMGosh you guys! I just realized we are 8 weeks away from Disney World! I posted our daily plans awhile ago but things have changed and become more solid since then so I'm posting again! I'll post our plans for each day every week. That way it works out to be kind of like a countdown.

Day 1 - 9/30

We'll be driving to the airport the night before and staying in a Courtyard near the airport. I got a really great rate of $49 for the night. They offer a shuttle so I can leave my car there free of charge. Our flight leaves at 11:25 and since the airport is only 5 minutes away we'll probably catch the shuttle around 9:30 or so. I've never flown out of ISP before and from the looks of it it's very small so hopefully security will be a breeze. We'll probably get breakfast at the airport before we board.

Our flight lands at 2:10 PM. We are renting a car since I found a great rate from Hertz ($157.46 including tax and fee). I was planning on letting DME take our luggage. I'm thinking they will do this whether I take the bus or not but I'm worried our stuff will just be left at the airport if we don't take the bus. Has anyone done this?

I'm hoping we will get to AKL around 3-3:30. After checking in, we'll go to the room (hopefully with a Savannah view!) and freshen up a bit. I'm sure we'll want to walk around the resort & check everything out & take some pictures. By then I'm sure we'll be hungry for lunch/dinner. I'm not sure if we'll eat at the Mara or when we get to MK.

Which brings me to the next step in our plans...MNSSHP! It doesn't officially start until 7 but I know they'll let us in at 4. We'll probably get there sometime between those two times. I've been to the party before, back in 2009, but Kris never has & I'm so excited for him to experience it. I hope he loves it as much as I do. I definitely want to see Hallowishes and the Boo To You parade. That parade is one of my favorites in all of WDW. I'm not sure what the first ride of the trip will be. Maybe Haunted Mansion since it's the Halloween party! I'm sure we'll be tired since it's a travel day but I know we'll push ourselves to stay until the end of the party. I purposely scheduled it at the beginning of our trip so we'd have candy to much on the rest of the week!

And that's day 1! 55 days to go!

 

[khertz]

I have read on the boards of people doing what you are thinking with DME. I think they just pick up the luggage with tags regardless of whether or not you're on the bus. If you are really worried about it though, maybe one of you could go get the car while the other one rides the DME bus? Just make sure whoever goes to get the car is the one whose credit card it is/may be reserved under! I saw some guys at the rental car place trying to pick up a car a few years ago, but their MIL had been the one to reserve on her CC and they wouldn't allow either of the guys to pick up the car!

Sounds like a really FUN first day! Maybe you will be able to catch a nap before MNSSHP. Good call on riding HM first, sounds like a perfect way to start off the Halloween party.

 

[princess_momma]

59 days to go!

I have some character stuff. That dress obviously, a Mickey spiderweb shirt that I'm planning on wearing to MNSSHP, and another tshirt with Mickey on it. I also have a Grumpy/Sleepy and Disney Nerds nightshirt. I wear those all the time but usually only wear my other stuff when I'm in the parks or on vacation. I also have Mickey sandals! And Jack Sparrow flip flops. Man I have a lot more than I thought I did.

Do you live near where the shootings took place? Anytime I see anything about CO I think of you.

I fell asleep during gymnastics last night! I found out the guy won the bronze though. I'll defintely be watching the women's all around tonight. The Olympics have consumed my nights!

I was doing the same thing when I asked the question...not thinking I have a lot, but then it turns out I do!! I think it just sneaks into our life so slowly we don't even realize it until we are completely surrounded!!

I live about 6-7 miles away from where the shootings take place. It was a theater I hadn't been to in years, but frequently went to growing up. So sad. We have been in the news a lot lately, but most of it has been sad.

Oh Olympics!! Love them and all the hoopla around them. Like Ryan Lochte's mom. And $3000 drinks at the VIP place for gold medalists. And Michael Jackson bathing suits.

 

[silverhaze269]

I always thought you had to be taking the ME in order for them to take your bags...but I could be wrong on that. It's just that the ME package you get comes with the luggage tags and the booklet that's got the vouchers they need to scan in order for you to get on the ME, so I guess you could tell them your flight info, get the package, put the luggage tags on, and then just not take the bus??? I dunno.

Also, yay for only 8 weeks/55 days!

 

[Imagineer5]

Hehehehe glad you copied and pasted the F&W menus!! I think you even kept some of the comments, looks like we have some things we both want to taste! Maybe we'll run into each other at the booths

I have a Disney Visa! Use it for, I think 10% off purchases? At the WoD at least. I haven't done the meet & Greet either, but hope to this time!

Great Day 1. You've inspired me to go find a cheaper rental car...

 

[jenny105]

I have read on the boards of people doing what you are thinking with DME. I think they just pick up the luggage with tags regardless of whether or not you're on the bus. If you are really worried about it though, maybe one of you could go get the car while the other one rides the DME bus? Just make sure whoever goes to get the car is the one whose credit card it is/may be reserved under! I saw some guys at the rental car place trying to pick up a car a few years ago, but their MIL had been the one to reserve on her CC and they wouldn't allow either of the guys to pick up the car!

Sounds like a really FUN first day! Maybe you will be able to catch a nap before MNSSHP. Good call on riding HM first, sounds like a perfect way to start off the Halloween party.

I have a friend who works for Hertz so I know how strict they are! I'll definitely be the one to pick up the car since it's under my name but I'm not sure if Kris will go for riding DME alone. If anything we'll just grab the luggage ourselves.

I think I'm going to be too excited to nap!

I was doing the same thing when I asked the question...not thinking I have a lot, but then it turns out I do!! I think it just sneaks into our life so slowly we don't even realize it until we are completely surrounded!!

I live about 6-7 miles away from where the shootings take place. It was a theater I hadn't been to in years, but frequently went to growing up. So sad. We have been in the news a lot lately, but most of it has been sad.

Oh Olympics!! Love them and all the hoopla around them. Like Ryan Lochte's mom. And $3000 drinks at the VIP place for gold medalists. And Michael Jackson bathing suits.

I'm glad you don't go to that movie theatre! It's so terrible what happened. I loved that Christian Bale went & visited all the victims. Good guy right there.

Michael Jackson bathing suits?

I always thought you had to be taking the ME in order for them to take your bags...but I could be wrong on that. It's just that the ME package you get comes with the luggage tags and the booklet that's got the vouchers they need to scan in order for you to get on the ME, so I guess you could tell them your flight info, get the package, put the luggage tags on, and then just not take the bus??? I dunno.

Also, yay for only 8 weeks/55 days!

Actually you don't even need the vouchers to get on ME. As long as you're on the master list, you can use it. A lot of my clients sign up for it last minute and don't get the packet on time and they have no problem using it without it. I have to search around the DIS and see if anyone has pulled this off. I don't want to post a question about it because people on here are nuts and will jump down my throat for not following the rules.

Hehehehe glad you copied and pasted the F&W menus!! I think you even kept some of the comments, looks like we have some things we both want to taste! Maybe we'll run into each other at the booths

I have a Disney Visa! Use it for, I think 10% off purchases? At the WoD at least. I haven't done the meet & Greet either, but hope to this time!

Great Day 1. You've inspired me to go find a cheaper rental car...

Did I? LOL. It seems like we both want to try a lot of stuff so I think we will be seeing each other!

If you need help with the rental car, let me know. I can look up every place in the airport in seconds. The joy of being a travel agent LOL.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Michael Jackson bathing suits?

The Russian synchonized swimming duo wore bathing suits with a sparkly Michael Jackson on them for day 1 of qualifying. They showed some highlights on the Today Show this morning. I love watching synchro but it hasn't been on tv at all.

 

[Imagineer5]

K I'll take you up on your offer HEHE

My current rental car is for Oct 4-14 pick up at 4:30, drop off at 9AM and cost about $220. It was through Dollar, which is at the airport and I'd like to avoid a shuttle if possible but could be pursuaded otherwise!

Thank you!

 

[jenny105]

The Russian synchonized swimming duo wore bathing suits with a sparkly Michael Jackson on them for day 1 of qualifying. They showed some highlights on the Today Show this morning. I love watching synchro but it hasn't been on tv at all.

Ooooh ok. I haven't watched any pool stuff besides swimming. Diving bores me because China always wins.

K I'll take you up on your offer HEHE

My current rental car is for Oct 4-14 pick up at 4:30, drop off at 9AM and cost about $220. It was through Dollar, which is at the airport and I'd like to avoid a shuttle if possible but could be pursuaded otherwise!

Thank you!

Well you got a great deal because everything I'm seeing is higher than that! Advantage was the least expensive at $260 so you did good!

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Great plans for Day 1! You're definitely making me want to visit during Halloween!

I am seriously considering renting a car this trip, too! Especially since we have Emma and may need to leave quickly (and not wait on the buses for standing room only!). Let me know what you find out about the luggage thing. I don't see why it would be a problem, honestly. I mean, your luggage will still take a couple of hours to get to your hotel. It's not necessarily on the DME bus with you unless you picked it up. I was honestly planning on doing that, but let me know if you hear it's a no-no.

Can't believe your trip is so close!!

 

[Imagineer5]

Well you got a great deal because everything I'm seeing is higher than that! Advantage was the least expensive at $260 so you did good!

Thanks so much for looking!! I'm glad I got a great deal, though still wish it was cheaper of course! haha

 

[klacey1]

I'd definitely just pick up your bags-- I'd hate to be worrying if ME did or not. Shouldn't delay your journey to WDW by too much time!
I'm sure you'll be able to last until the end of MNSSHP! I always seem to get a crazy boost of energy on Disney traveling days!

 

[jenny105]

Great plans for Day 1! You're definitely making me want to visit during Halloween!

I am seriously considering renting a car this trip, too! Especially since we have Emma and may need to leave quickly (and not wait on the buses for standing room only!). Let me know what you find out about the luggage thing. I don't see why it would be a problem, honestly. I mean, your luggage will still take a couple of hours to get to your hotel. It's not necessarily on the DME bus with you unless you picked it up. I was honestly planning on doing that, but let me know if you hear it's a no-no.

Can't believe your trip is so close!!

I've had clients who have asked me if they can do the same thing & I've told them I don't see why not. But I've never gotten feedback from any of them either way! I'd post it on the boards but I don't want to get flamed by the uber-crazy Disney rule fanatics. You know they're out there!

Thanks so much for looking!! I'm glad I got a great deal, though still wish it was cheaper of course! haha

No problem!

I'd definitely just pick up your bags-- I'd hate to be worrying if ME did or not. Shouldn't delay your journey to WDW by too much time!
I'm sure you'll be able to last until the end of MNSSHP! I always seem to get a crazy boost of energy on Disney traveling days!

I'll probably send Kris to get the bags while I get the car. If I do online check-in for Hertz, I should be able to skip the counter and pick up the keys. It was that easy last time...although my friend who picked up the car WORKED for Hertz so maybe that's why it was so easy.

 

[jenny105]

7 weeks from tomorrow we will be in Disney World! 50 days to go. Time for Day 2 plans

Day 2 - 10/1

Today is Epcot's 30th anniversary and Kris & I plan on being there. MK is my favorite park and Epcot is his. Since we're spending our first night in MK for MNSSHP we decided to spend our first full day in Epcot.

I'd like to get there as early as possible but it all depends on how we're feeling after travel day/MNSSHP. If we get there by 11, I'd consider that good enough. If we get there earlier, we'll do some rides in Future World before heading over to WS when it opens. Kris really wants to explore the countries this trip and since we have two Epcot days I figure it makes sense to devote one day to WS and the other to the rides in FW. I'm not sure if we'll be stopping at the character spot for Disney Visa cardholders this day or our other Epcot day. Can you get a free picture both days or just once during your trip? If you can get more than one, we'll be stopping there both days!

I think for lunch we are just going to eat around the world at the F&W carts. I'm planning on getting a F&W passport and noting what I'd like to eat & just hit the booths as we go. I'm sure we'll be able to squeeze a ride in on the Fiesta Tour and Maelstrom as we work our way around. Kris didn't get to experience those last trip.

My favorite client Barb (I book all her Disney trips!) will be at Epcot this day too so I'd like to meet up and say hello if we can. Her son Derek is big into pin trading and I'd like to buy him a 30th anniversary pin. He's such a great kid! I hope I see them while I'm there.

Eat to the Beat features Sugar Ray that night and I'd like to take in the earlier show before dinner. We have an ADR for Biergarten at 7. I'm hoping we'll be done in time before the start of Illuminations so we can catch that and then head back to AKL. This day is 100% devoted to Epcot!

And that's day 2!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Today is Epcot's 30th anniversary and Kris & I plan on being there.

Us too! But we're gonna head over to MK later that night after our 'Ohana reservation since MK is open until Midnight because of EMH!