scooby9932
I Loves Me Some Disney!
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2007
- Messages
- 520
Pre Trip Report
Introduction:
Okay, I’ve been lurking on this site for awhile, but have never tried writing a trip report before, so bear with me. I get a little, well - wordy.
I’ve been a HUGE Disney fan my whole life.
My earliest memories are of Disneyland (born in L.A. (the city), then moved LA (the state)). Must have been there over a dozen times. I saw Disney World for the first time in December of 1971 – and believe it or not, at only 2 years old I have a few memories of this! ‘Course, I also remember the move mentioned above & I was only 2 then as well. Seems my memory is crystal clear until a few years ago & now I struggle to remember what I had for lunch! WhooBoy…
A little history of the cast:
Me (38) (Disney Fan(atic) For Life) – always a huge fan and an even bigger “Big Kid”
Nickname (given by DD): Dizzy Disney Fanatic (DDF)
DD (19) Disney Enthusiast – finally converted to Fan(atic) after last year’s Senior Trip
Nickname: Sparkly Princess (SP)
Backstory to This Year’s Trip
I have traveled to the Happiest Place on Earth many times over the years, but the trips started to get fewer & farther between once I became a mommy.
SP's first trip was when she was but a wee baby of 3 mo old. Needless to say SP has no memory of this. My parents, me & SP were traveling through Florida & only stopped for one day to see Epcot. I have the cutest pic of her sucking on Minnie’s nose in China! I’ll have to try to find that one in the big box of “Will Be Put in A Scrapbook Someday” box.
After that, my parents treated the two of us to a 3 day trip when SP was 8 years old. She had fun, but at the time was more impressed with the automatic toilets & faucets than anything else! Geesh!
Then there were the 2 trips (2000 & 2002) as “family reunions” with my sisters’ family...these are the trips that almost ruined Disney World for SP.
Every year around vacation planning time, I'd suggest Disney and she'd say, "Meh. How about..." I despaired I'd never see the mouse again!
But last year – LAST YEAR!!!! – I had the opportunity to take SP with me to Disneyworld for a whole week just the 2 of us! We are best friends & share many of the same tastes, so while there were the usual glitches of any vacation, this was the BEST trip ever!
I wanted to treat her to a grand Senior Trip. Of all the places we looked at (Europe, cruises, cross country road trip...), she finally said, “Mom, I want to go to Disney World with just you. I think it would be fun.” Imagine the Yahooty victory dance I did around the living room! Or, maybe you shouldn’t….it’s a bit embarrassing.
I was worried it might not be as fun as I wanted since I’m now disabled (Lupus & cancer – ick) & had to use a scooter to get around. I worried for naught. We went, we conquered, we had a BLAST!
We didn’t think we’d be going back for at least a couple of years. But – my cancer spread & I have had to go through a bunch of yuck since the last trip.
It’s incurable, only treatable now (no worries - it's "arrested" right now, so I try to make the most of my time). SP has been trying to cope with the diagnosis, too, and was feeling a bit down about things. I keep telling her I’m going to keep on living (really living) for as long as possible. I'm not going to take this sitting down! Grrr.
Ok – sorry for the LOOOONG story to get to this point! I was feeling down & SP was playing cards with me one day this past January when out of the blue she said, “You know what I think would make you feel better, Mom? Disney World!” I was surprised. I knew we’d had fun, but I didn’t realize she’d been so converted.
My response? “ALLLL RIGHT!!! When do you want to go?” SP, “How about recreating last year’s trip? Same week, same resort?” ME: Okey Dokey…sounds like a plan
We went the first week of May last year. OOOH! OH, Wow! Oh, the plans to be made! Luckily, I am a first rate plan junkie. I love it. Give me a spreadsheet, a DIS board, and Allears.net, and I’m cranking out the lists & having a ball!
So, this takes us up to the point of planning the trip. Here’s what’s in store:
We’re driving over (I’m restricted from air flight for health reasons) and taking our time. I have to be careful with how I use my energy, so we’ll take 2 days to get there like last year. Slow & easy wins the race as they say.
Depart:
Thursday, May 1 from Baton Rouge, LA
Stay at the Holiday Inn in Quincy, FL (just outside of Tallahassee) – about a 6-7 hour drive.
Friday, May 2 – Drive the remainder of the way (~4 hours) to Orlando
May 2 – May 9 – Port Orleans Riverside, Mansion Area (We were in room 9055 Oak Manor last year & LOVED it) Hoping for similar this year.
Here’s the day to day plan I have so far. I signed on with TGMike & tried to sync with the best times to attend the different parks. We had almost no worries last year, but I wanted to avoid the one day of overcrowding we had at MK, so I’m hoping this will work out for us.
May 2
Arrive Port Orleans Riverside & Check-in 3 p.m.
Pick up Scooter at Bell Services
Get Settled in Room/Eat Dinner/Downtown Disney- Disney Quest?
May 3
Animal Kingdom 9 a.m.
Hollywood Studios? Only if MUST see Fantasmic late p.m.
Fantasmic! 8:30 p.m.
May4
Epcot 9 a.m.
Future World Morning
Magic Kingdom Early Evening
Spectromagic Parade - View from Frontierland/Liberty Square 11p.m.
Wishes 10 p.m.
Note: MK E-Night (11p.m. - 2 a.m.)
May 5
Epcot All Day
World Showcase 11 a.m.
May 6
Hollywood Studios a.m.
New Parade - Block Party - Interactive 3 p.m.
No Fantasmic Today, Early Close 7 p.m.
May 7
Magic Kingdom All Day
No Spectro Today
Wishes 9 p.m.
May 8
Epcot? Or Repeat Something
Fantasmic if missed on 5/4 9 p.m.
May 9
Drop off scooter by 9 a.m. (Bell Services) 9 a.m.
Check out of hotel 11 a.m.
Leave for Pensacola
May 10
Leave Pensacola & Drive Home
Stop by in Biloxi so SP can get beach fix?
Arrive Home
We’ve decided against the DDP since SP has the weirdest habit of feeling full from activity.
Meaning:
* Spend a day on the couch watching Gilmore Girls DVDs = Nom! Nom! Tons of Food!
* Walking for miles in the parks = poptart in the a.m., small meal at night when DDF insists. Tons of water, though, so at least she’s not dehydrated!
Me? I’d eat my way through the parks (especially EPCOT) if I could, but I don’t mind not being tied down to a strict schedule since we’re already slowed down by my health concerns.
I am going to make a couple of ADR’s if I can. One for the night of arrival & one sometime during our stay. SP has been out of town on a photography internship, so we haven’t decided on restaurants yet. I know, I know! I’m a bad DISer leaving it so late!
Hopefully we’ll be able to secure at least a couple of TS meals. If not, no biggie.
Next up, ADR's, packing, trying to contain the excitement!!
Introduction:
Okay, I’ve been lurking on this site for awhile, but have never tried writing a trip report before, so bear with me. I get a little, well - wordy.
I’ve been a HUGE Disney fan my whole life.
My earliest memories are of Disneyland (born in L.A. (the city), then moved LA (the state)). Must have been there over a dozen times. I saw Disney World for the first time in December of 1971 – and believe it or not, at only 2 years old I have a few memories of this! ‘Course, I also remember the move mentioned above & I was only 2 then as well. Seems my memory is crystal clear until a few years ago & now I struggle to remember what I had for lunch! WhooBoy… A little history of the cast:
Me (38) (Disney Fan(atic) For Life) – always a huge fan and an even bigger “Big Kid”
Nickname (given by DD): Dizzy Disney Fanatic (DDF)
DD (19) Disney Enthusiast – finally converted to Fan(atic) after last year’s Senior Trip
Nickname: Sparkly Princess (SP)
Backstory to This Year’s Trip
I have traveled to the Happiest Place on Earth many times over the years, but the trips started to get fewer & farther between once I became a mommy.
SP's first trip was when she was but a wee baby of 3 mo old. Needless to say SP has no memory of this. My parents, me & SP were traveling through Florida & only stopped for one day to see Epcot. I have the cutest pic of her sucking on Minnie’s nose in China! I’ll have to try to find that one in the big box of “Will Be Put in A Scrapbook Someday” box.
After that, my parents treated the two of us to a 3 day trip when SP was 8 years old. She had fun, but at the time was more impressed with the automatic toilets & faucets than anything else! Geesh!
Then there were the 2 trips (2000 & 2002) as “family reunions” with my sisters’ family...these are the trips that almost ruined Disney World for SP.
Every year around vacation planning time, I'd suggest Disney and she'd say, "Meh. How about..." I despaired I'd never see the mouse again!But last year – LAST YEAR!!!! – I had the opportunity to take SP with me to Disneyworld for a whole week just the 2 of us! We are best friends & share many of the same tastes, so while there were the usual glitches of any vacation, this was the BEST trip ever!
I wanted to treat her to a grand Senior Trip. Of all the places we looked at (Europe, cruises, cross country road trip...), she finally said, “Mom, I want to go to Disney World with just you. I think it would be fun.” Imagine the Yahooty victory dance I did around the living room! Or, maybe you shouldn’t….it’s a bit embarrassing.
I was worried it might not be as fun as I wanted since I’m now disabled (Lupus & cancer – ick) & had to use a scooter to get around. I worried for naught. We went, we conquered, we had a BLAST!
We didn’t think we’d be going back for at least a couple of years. But – my cancer spread & I have had to go through a bunch of yuck since the last trip.
It’s incurable, only treatable now (no worries - it's "arrested" right now, so I try to make the most of my time). SP has been trying to cope with the diagnosis, too, and was feeling a bit down about things. I keep telling her I’m going to keep on living (really living) for as long as possible. I'm not going to take this sitting down! Grrr. Ok – sorry for the LOOOONG story to get to this point! I was feeling down & SP was playing cards with me one day this past January when out of the blue she said, “You know what I think would make you feel better, Mom? Disney World!” I was surprised. I knew we’d had fun, but I didn’t realize she’d been so converted.
My response? “ALLLL RIGHT!!! When do you want to go?” SP, “How about recreating last year’s trip? Same week, same resort?” ME: Okey Dokey…sounds like a plan We went the first week of May last year. OOOH! OH, Wow! Oh, the plans to be made! Luckily, I am a first rate plan junkie. I love it. Give me a spreadsheet, a DIS board, and Allears.net, and I’m cranking out the lists & having a ball!
So, this takes us up to the point of planning the trip. Here’s what’s in store:
We’re driving over (I’m restricted from air flight for health reasons) and taking our time. I have to be careful with how I use my energy, so we’ll take 2 days to get there like last year. Slow & easy wins the race as they say.
Depart:
Thursday, May 1 from Baton Rouge, LA
Stay at the Holiday Inn in Quincy, FL (just outside of Tallahassee) – about a 6-7 hour drive.
Friday, May 2 – Drive the remainder of the way (~4 hours) to Orlando
May 2 – May 9 – Port Orleans Riverside, Mansion Area (We were in room 9055 Oak Manor last year & LOVED it) Hoping for similar this year.
Here’s the day to day plan I have so far. I signed on with TGMike & tried to sync with the best times to attend the different parks. We had almost no worries last year, but I wanted to avoid the one day of overcrowding we had at MK, so I’m hoping this will work out for us.
May 2
Arrive Port Orleans Riverside & Check-in 3 p.m.
Pick up Scooter at Bell Services
Get Settled in Room/Eat Dinner/Downtown Disney- Disney Quest?
May 3
Animal Kingdom 9 a.m.
Hollywood Studios? Only if MUST see Fantasmic late p.m.
Fantasmic! 8:30 p.m.
May4
Epcot 9 a.m.
Future World Morning
Magic Kingdom Early Evening
Spectromagic Parade - View from Frontierland/Liberty Square 11p.m.
Wishes 10 p.m.
Note: MK E-Night (11p.m. - 2 a.m.)
May 5
Epcot All Day
World Showcase 11 a.m.
May 6
Hollywood Studios a.m.
New Parade - Block Party - Interactive 3 p.m.
No Fantasmic Today, Early Close 7 p.m.
May 7
Magic Kingdom All Day
No Spectro Today
Wishes 9 p.m.
May 8
Epcot? Or Repeat Something
Fantasmic if missed on 5/4 9 p.m.
May 9
Drop off scooter by 9 a.m. (Bell Services) 9 a.m.
Check out of hotel 11 a.m.
Leave for Pensacola
May 10
Leave Pensacola & Drive Home
Stop by in Biloxi so SP can get beach fix?
Arrive Home
We’ve decided against the DDP since SP has the weirdest habit of feeling full from activity.
Meaning:
* Spend a day on the couch watching Gilmore Girls DVDs = Nom! Nom! Tons of Food!
* Walking for miles in the parks = poptart in the a.m., small meal at night when DDF insists. Tons of water, though, so at least she’s not dehydrated!
Me? I’d eat my way through the parks (especially EPCOT) if I could, but I don’t mind not being tied down to a strict schedule since we’re already slowed down by my health concerns.
I am going to make a couple of ADR’s if I can. One for the night of arrival & one sometime during our stay. SP has been out of town on a photography internship, so we haven’t decided on restaurants yet. I know, I know! I’m a bad DISer leaving it so late!
Hopefully we’ll be able to secure at least a couple of TS meals. If not, no biggie. Next up, ADR's, packing, trying to contain the excitement!!
I'm such a proud mom! 
I'll get them up as soon as my *gasp* dial-up connection lets me. 
rincess: 
:
It took them 7 hours to get out there!!! 
Hi there, 
for the comments!
Yeah, the tree thing really was scary. The contractor is starting today with the new roof. Whew! It'll be less of a worry having it fixed before we head off. Only 21 days to go!
'Cause, you know, I'm not at all excited about this trip or anything. 
Well.....Last year, SP had her first real taste of EPCOT. She LOVED it!
I hit wal mart every chance I get so they keep growing!
Deb.
So, I've got 
For all of you having to do this on a regular basis - 
four days without it 
while it was repaired, 
some pixie dust for luck. 
to you!
We stopped by the 
mini plush & she picked a 
. We plan to stage them in photos throughout the world.
! I'll need it to meet all the work deadlines. At least I feel a bit better about being prepared for the trip and that's a real relief.
, it should save us quit a bit with 12 people. We're on the dining plan but we plan to do breakfast in the rooms.
We're so excited! 
