DIS Dads DDC XXVIII: Stormin’ The Castle Since 2007!

[Twin Dad]

I probably should have been more specific & said that it would involve renting an RV if we did that. No way I'd invest that much $ into an RV! That would take too much money away from The Mouse!

I hear ya. There is a big jump from a nice camper to an RV. Although a class B RV would be real nice when we retire.

 

[Goofy + 3]

Congrats on the New ticker...

Thanks!! I might even be able to add a second one soon! I'm starting to feel like Dave.

DW I had first serious talk about our 2014 trip tonight. She wants a 1-bedroom to allow us to put DS to bed and we can stay up for a bit. So, I started looking at off-site and just can't bring myself to do it. I know lots of folks do it and it works just fine for them. For us, total Disney immersion is part of the overall experience of going on vacation to WDW. So, I then started looking at renting DVC points at Boardwalk or something similar with "lower" point requirements. We'll see how it works out...

Any of you fellas ever rent points? Don't want to get too far off topic here as I know there is a dedicated DVC rental board, but just wanted to see what the guys I've come to know and trust think.

I agree. Onsite and being in the Disney bubble is the way to go. That being said, my trip in Dec is going to be offsite (almost free with my mom's time share). We tried to rent points from one of the point rental companies. The process is easy enough. The problem is whether or not they have enough owners willing to rent the amount of points you need. We wanted a 2BR and studio in Bay Lake Towers. The rooms were available but there was no owner with enough points to make that reservation for us. We didn't give 11 months notice though. Next time we will. They said that will greatly increase the chances of them finding an owner with enough points. So this year we'll save a ton of $$ on accommodations and have that much more to spend next year.

Participating Attractions: Space Mountain; Splash Mountain; Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin; The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; Rock ‘n Roller Coaster; Expedition Everest; and Dinosaur.

Participating Character Dining Locations: 1900 Park Fare; 'Ohana (breakfast only); Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show; Chef Mickey’s; Cinderella’s Royal Table; Tusker House (breakfast only); Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue; and Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Thanks!

Mick - RainX is a must for any long road trip we do. We can be flying through WV at 75 mph in a rain storm and watch everyone else start to slow down. It's almost like you don't even have to use your wipers.

Just follow the application instructions and it'll work great. We usually do two coats and all windows of our vehicle.

Careful. That's how I wiped out last week.

 

[scott2997]

Careful. That's how I wiped out last week.

Did I say "We fly along at 75mph..." That should've been read as "my wife".

This is why I take a dramamine and pass out in the back seat while she's driving.

 

[afwdwfan]

Morning from Shropshire, UK. Left Miami at 6:30 pm on Monday, arrived at Heathrow at 7 am on Tuesday. The trip was a bit of a bear, crowded and long. Weather in London was a chilly and a drizzling. Good day though. Lots of laughs and good cheer.

Today we go to my Brit friend's sister's place. She has horses and her husband owns a small brewery. The Pirate Princess does not know it yet but she will be riding. She is going to love it. I will be touring the brewery. Win on both sides.

Can't catch up on the posts but will try later. Have a good Wednesday.

As someone who has been around hay burners his whole life, I want to know... How is riding a horse considered a "win"???

I'm glad you've both got something fun lined up. Have a great time!

In prep for the drive down to Florida starting Thursday, I bought a bottle of Rainex, and put that on the front windshield.

Anyone have any experience with it? Only cost like 4 bucks, so if it does not work than it's not a huge deal.

My wife actually bought some washer fluid that says it has rainex in it, so that it always reapplys itself when you wash your windows... Hmmm.. Really??

But anyway, I have done everything I can think of to prepare for the trip.

I love Rain-X. I've been using it for so long that I can't stand to drive a vehicle without it.

I've had good luck with the washer fluid myself. Basically, 1 application of Rain-X to the windshield will have you ready to go, and as long as you're using the Rain-X washer fluid. You'll never need to re-apply.

Seems I’ve been AWOL for a few days here.
(Have I mentioned before that work $@(&s?...
If not I’ve been remiss.)

It does, indeed.

We did succeed in getting our young’en graduated this weekend though. It was a nice calm respectful ceremony (I may punish y’all with a picture or two later on).

Proud parent pictures are always welcome. Congratulations to Max.

Oh, and by the way… Work $@(&s!

I think someone just said that...

But according to my ticker… in a couple of days I get to leave even that foolishness behind.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh…

Curse you, nemesis...

 

[Swissdog2010]

Hola Dadmigos. Well another anniversary trip is in the history books (7-14 May). An excellent trip that included good weather, okay crowds except sunday at Epcot, and good eats at our favorite resturants. Only issue was coming home. Funky winds at Newark had us on the ground at Orlando for an extra ninety minutes. Now waiting on Octobers trip which this year will be a roadtrip (DWs decision). Pray for me.

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

So did they just rename the old photopass "PhotoCD"? And is Photopass+ just the same thing with ride photos and select dining photos included? Anyone know what dining locations would be in there?

Thanks!

We decided to go the + route this year since Audrey is tall enough for everything except RnR, we can get "family photos" on all the rides, we added a couple of dining options (Mainly Park Fare) to stretch it out even further. Keep in mind you automaticly get the pictures in Akershus regardless.

With our last CD, by the time DW played around with the borders and various "enhancements" you can do with pictures, we had nearly 600 pics on a couple of CDs

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

Hola Dadmigos. Well another anniversary trip is in the history books (7-14 May). An excellent trip that included good weather, okay crowds except sunday at Epcot, and good eats at our favorite resturants. Only issue was coming home. Funky winds at Newark had us on the ground at Orlando for an extra ninety minutes. Now waiting on Octobers trip which this year will be a roadtrip (DWs decision). Pray for me.

Sounds good, except the crazy winds. October is an awesome time to go. Roadtrips can be a lot of fun, I loved ours back in 2003, and admit I am super excited for this years.

Epcot I heard is a rough weekend-park during the Food and Wine Festival, as more locals come out to enjoy. Try to hit it on weekdays to make the crowds more manageable.

 

[AirGoofy]

Epcot I heard is a rough weekend-park during the Food and Wine Festival, as more locals come out to enjoy. Try to hit it on weekdays to make the crowds more manageable.

Yup, been in October for 4 or 5 years now, and it is a great time, skipping Epcot on weekends. I just hope to be one of those Florida locals with season passes one day.

Hola Dadmigos. Well another anniversary trip is in the history books (7-14 May). An excellent trip that included good weather, okay crowds except sunday at Epcot, and good eats at our favorite resturants. Only issue was coming home. Funky winds at Newark had us on the ground at Orlando for an extra ninety minutes. Now waiting on Octobers trip which this year will be a roadtrip (DWs decision). Pray for me.

Glad you had a great anniversary trip. We've driven every trip now (12 to WDW?), so I get ya there loud and clear.

Did I say "We fly along at 75mph..." That should've been read as "my wife".

This is why I take a dramamine and pass out in the back seat while she's driving.

I drive 75 all the way as well. Those aren't bad roads to travel.

Heading up to beautiful Grand Rapids, MI today. Some big storms for the Midwest later today, stay safe everyone.

Safe travels for you. Don't drive 75 in the rain.

Morning all&

Seems Ive been AWOL for a few days here.
(Have I mentioned before that work $@(&s?...
If not Ive been remiss.)

We did succeed in getting our youngen graduated this weekend though. It was a nice calm respectful ceremony (I may punish yall with a picture or two later on). :

Yes, work does $@(&s?...

Good to hear about the graduation, but terrible to hear about the metal detectors. It is sad that children have to live that way. Our educational system stinks here, but not to that level. I can only imagine it is difficult to concentrate on your education when you are worried about being a crime victim.

Off to the big city for a couple of meetings. Time for Donuts!

Mmmmmmmm........donuts. Safe travels.

 

[Disneyferris]

Leaving work at noon. DW just texted me that both DD'rd are not feeling better so she made appointments for them at 1. That was to be our departure time. So I'm not even home yet and am going to be behind schedule. Plus we have the weather that is coming our way.

 

[RMColosimo]

Leaving work at noon. DW just texted me that both DD'rd are not feeling better so she made appointments for them at 1. That was to be our departure time. So I'm not even home yet and am going to be behind schedule. Plus we have the weather that is coming our way.

Hope they are feeling better. Our trip starts at 3am, so I feel for you!

 

[Disneyferris]

Hope they are feeling better. Our trip starts at 3am, so I feel for you!

Just don't pass me up on your way.

 

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

Leaving work at noon. DW just texted me that both DD'rd are not feeling better so she made appointments for them at 1. That was to be our departure time. So I'm not even home yet and am going to be behind schedule. Plus we have the weather that is coming our way.

Hope the kiddos are feeling better soon and this is just a quick little bug they need to work out of their system.

Safe travels Kris!

 

[Disneyferris]

Just don't pass me up on your way.

We are supposed to make it to Bowling Green tonight. That's looking further and further away.

 

[twokids0204]

Was hanging around the Toronto Airport this afternoon, and ran into this guy!!!

Had a quick lunch, and a nice get to know you face to face time.

Was a pleasure meeting you Darcy.

 

[Goofy + 3]

An actual Disney question...

For our trip in December, four of the six nights we are there are going to be nights when MK has the Christmas Party. The two days that are not party nights are also days that I happened to pick as non-park days. The problem is that I would feel like our trip would be incomplete if we didn't get to see Wishes at some point. If I were going in to MK on the non-party nights, that would be easy to do, but for a variety of reasons that is not an option.

Since our MK days are going to be days when the park is "closed" to non-party people at 7, what are my options for seeing Wishes? Enjoy the park until 7 and then goof off with no rides for a couple hours until Wishes begins? How does that even work on party nights anyway? Do they kick non-party people out? How's that enforced? One idea is to get an ADR at BOG for 6:30 or 7:00 and eat there. By the time we're done we could catch a parade and wishes following that. That's assuming they follow the usual 8:00 and 9:00 for parade and fireworks.

Any thoughts?

 

[AirGoofy]

An actual Disney question...

For our trip in December, four of the six nights we are there are going to be nights when MK has the Christmas Party. The two days that are not party nights are also days that I happened to pick as non-park days. The problem is that I would feel like our trip would be incomplete if we didn't get to see Wishes at some point. If I were going in to MK on the non-party nights, that would be easy to do, but for a variety of reasons that is not an option.

Since our MK days are going to be days when the park is "closed" to non-party people at 7, what are my options for seeing Wishes? Enjoy the park until 7 and then goof off with no rides for a couple hours until Wishes begins? How does that even work on party nights anyway? Do they kick non-party people out? How's that enforced? One idea is to get an ADR at BOG for 6:30 or 7:00 and eat there. By the time we're done we could catch a parade and wishes following that. That's assuming they follow the usual 8:00 and 9:00 for parade and fireworks.

Any thoughts?

Easy answer, yes, they kick you out. At the MNSSHP, they give you bracelets and when the party starts, CMs are out checking to see if people are wearing them. Now, if you had a 7:00 PM ADR, then you could finish your meal, but then would be ushered towards the exits. I guess you can try to sneak by as i'm sure many have. But, if the CMs see you, they will ask you to leave. One customer in line last year tried to purchase a Pin at the store after 7, and the CM would not sell it to her because of no party ticket. She was then advised to leave or purchase a ticket. For us, we stayed at BLT, so we could watch wishes from there. I know it is not completely the same as inside the parks, but could you watch from the CR terrace?

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[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I hear ya. There is a big jump from a nice camper to an RV. Although a class B RV would be real nice when we retire.

I’ve considered an RV as the primary home for the retirement years.
A trailer would alleviate the need for hauling an extra vehicle.
(I just need to get better at handling trailers… not a lot of experience there… yet…)

Proud parent pictures are always welcome. Congratulations to Max.

Thanks and I’ll pass that on.

Not a great pic, but here’s one for the festivities…

I hope to get a better version of that in four more years.

Curse you, nemesis...

Of course you realize that I am headed down there just to spite you.

Hola Dadmigos. Well another anniversary trip is in the history books (7-14 May). An excellent trip that included good weather, okay crowds except sunday at Epcot, and good eats at our favorite resturants. Only issue was coming home. Funky winds at Newark had us on the ground at Orlando for an extra ninety minutes. Now waiting on Octobers trip which this year will be a roadtrip (DWs decision). Pray for me.

Good to hear from you and better to hear that the trip was a success.

Not so much on the weather…
and even worse the bit about actually having to come back to reality

Good to hear about the graduation, but terrible to hear about the metal detectors. It is sad that children have to live that way. Our educational system stinks here, but not to that level. I can only imagine it is difficult to concentrate on your education when you are worried about being a crime victim.

In this instance, I think that the metal detectors were being used to relieve the folks that
operate the stadium of any liability. That school is a little bit rougher then ours but not
really dangerous per say (although there are some in the city that actually are). Mostly it
was a huge difference in decorum and style.

Leaving work at noon. DW just texted me that both DD'rd are not feeling better so she made appointments for them at 1. That was to be our departure time. So I'm not even home yet and am going to be behind schedule. Plus we have the weather that is coming our way.

That’s no good. May they get to feeling better…
Quickly…

Was hanging around the Toronto Airport this afternoon, and ran into this guy!!!

Had a quick lunch, and a nice get to know you face to face time.

Was a pleasure meeting you Darcy.

Nice!

 

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

An actual Disney question...

For our trip in December, four of the six nights we are there are going to be nights when MK has the Christmas Party. The two days that are not party nights are also days that I happened to pick as non-park days. The problem is that I would feel like our trip would be incomplete if we didn't get to see Wishes at some point. If I were going in to MK on the non-party nights, that would be easy to do, but for a variety of reasons that is not an option.

Since our MK days are going to be days when the park is "closed" to non-party people at 7, what are my options for seeing Wishes? Enjoy the park until 7 and then goof off with no rides for a couple hours until Wishes begins? How does that even work on party nights anyway? Do they kick non-party people out? How's that enforced? One idea is to get an ADR at BOG for 6:30 or 7:00 and eat there. By the time we're done we could catch a parade and wishes following that. That's assuming they follow the usual 8:00 and 9:00 for parade and fireworks.

Any thoughts?

Chris,

Not sure how it would work with an ADR, but for those who are just "in the park" on party nights, the park closes at 7PM. For those with the special tickets, I remember getting some sort of arm band and seeing them "sweep" people out. I guess it's done the same way they'd close the park on any other night with the exception people with MVMCP tickets get to stay.

But your idea with the ADR's is an interesting one and would be interested to see what others have found.

 

[AirGoofy]

Leaving work at noon. DW just texted me that both DD'rd are not feeling better so she made appointments for them at 1. That was to be our departure time. So I'm not even home yet and am going to be behind schedule. Plus we have the weather that is coming our way.

I hope they are feeling better, or the doc can give them some Meds and they will get better as you drive towards WDW. I had a sick kick one year (stomach virus), which wasn't fun on the drive down or first two days at WDW. Fortunately, she got better. Good luck.

Hope they are feeling better. Our trip starts at 3am, so I feel for you!

That is brutal. I do much better just driving thru the night that getting up that early. Stay safe out there.

We are supposed to make it to Bowling Green tonight. That's looking further and further away.

Bowling Green, KY or the one that doesn't matter. If so, you are an hour from my house. Honk as you drive by.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Goofy + 3]

Easy answer, yes, they kick you out. At the MNSSHP, they give you bracelets and when the party starts, CMs are out checking to see if people are wearing them. Now, if you had a 7:00 PM ADR, then you could finish your meal, but then would be ushered towards the exits. I guess you can try to sneak by as i'm sure many have. But, if the CMs see you, they will ask you to leave. One customer in line last year tried to purchase a Pin at the store after 7, and the CM would not sell it to her because of no party ticket. She was then advised to leave or purchase a ticket. For us, we stayed at BLT, so we could watch wishes from there. I know it is not completely the same as inside the parks, but could you watch from the CR terrace?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Not what I was hoping for, but I'm actually glad that they kick people out. I had two clients go to the Halloween and Christmas parties last year and both were disappointed that people were not being asked to leave. If you pay for the exclusive party, I think you should get it.

CR or Poly are options I have considered. Cool, but not quite the same. Actually, the water pageant would be good. Do they still do that? What time? If that were immediately followed by fireworks, then the beach at Poly might be good. I know other dads have done that.