Disney all the way! My Pre-Trip-turned-Trip-Report!

[ThinkTink75]

The Mystery of the Missing Pre-Trip Report
So I began a PTR a few months ago, mostly just babbling alone. Only its not in my CP anymore and has seemed to disappear off the face of the Earth. Thats alright, though... Why? Because I am going to Walt Disney World from July 22-28 and I couldn't be happier to talk about it- AGAIN!

I AM SO EXCITED!
My name is Melissa. I am a Social Studies teacher (first year) in New York. My boyfriend (who is two years my junior) is finishing college (graduates May 08) and we are going on our second WDW trip together (he went twice when he was too young to remember and I have only been with him). When I graduated college around Christmas 2005 we went on a celebration trip after New Year's to Florida. We spent 10 days in Disney at All Star Movies and then 4 days at a condo by the beach on Anna Maria Island. It was perfect.
I have been secretly planning our return since we got on the plane to come home. He, on the other hand, just wanted to do something special for me for my birthday this year. We have been dating for about 6 years and since we are 22 and 24 the next big thing he will be buying for me is probably going to be an engagement ring. Have I mentioned that he is the sweetest dream-come-true of a boy I could have ever hoped for?
He also got me tons of goodies for our trip (plus in collaboration with my family they got me great WDW birthday gifts). So I ended up with not just a WDW trip for my birthday BUT also Disney Crocs (pearl with a pink strap), a deluxe passporter, the backpack I wanted to order from QVC for vacations, and almost $200 disney dollars! Oh and just recently he used WDW mail order and got me the Haunted Mansion Clue I had been wanting since our last visit because I found out that the ride is being refurbed this summer and he didn't know if I would be able to get it! I love him so much!

So that all being said, let me get to the good stuff...
For our return to Disney here are all of our vital statistics...
Arrival at Disney: July 22nd
Resort: Caribbean Beach Resort
Tickets: Magic Your Way plus Dining
Departure: July 28th
ADRs:
7/22 Cinderella's Royal Table (paid in advance instead of using two TS credits)
7/23 Le Cellier Steakhouse
7/24 San Angel Inn
7/25 Nine Dragons
7/26 Mama Melrose (Fantasmic Dining Package)
7/27 Coral Reef (I have set up the diver package to surprise the boyfriend- we are going to be sat by the tank and the diver is going to hold up a sign that says "Melissa loves Rob" with a big heart around it- all junior high style and all)
7/28 Ohana (Lilo & Stitch Character breakfast)We ended up changing this to a lunch at Sci Fi Dine In instead once we got to WDWBTW, our flight home is not until 7:50 on Sunday so we are getting up for an early check out, scheduling bell services to come grab our luggage and then spending the day in the park before returning to CBR for our luggage and Magical Express.


Besides calling Coral Reef to set up the diver package I have also ordered a gift basket to be delivered by Memories from Sarah to surprise him. A week in Disney World in a mod in the summer is worth many thank you presents and surprises! The gift basket has refill mugs, an Epcot passport, Pirate Mickey plush, Belle Minnie plush, and some snacks in it. I can't wait to surprise him- he deserves it.

So, all that being said, the only thing I have left to ponder is what to request for a room at CBR? Aruba? Jamaica? No location but a corner room? I just can't decide. Well, maybe that and the addiction to the gym I have to begin so that I can lose some of the weight that I have picked up since high school! I have only lost 5 of my 30 pound goal! Oh and I also ordered myself the new cookbook with the WDW recipes in it (I used laughingplacestore.com because I had a discount code but I am sure they sell it thru WDW mail order) so that I can countdown with recipes from our favorite places from our last trip.
That all being said, any comments, suggestions, or overall happiness to my excitement are welcome and appreciated!

Melissa

 

[ThinkTink75]

No replies... its all good.

I am getting excited as it get down to the wire for our vacation. We bought Mickey luggage (red) from DisneyShopping.com and Mickey bathing suits too! We didn't use our bathing suits at all last trip but I know we will this time around. I am excited about the quiet pools actually! We aren't going to bring beach towels thought because we will just use ones from the room- i think that was a waste of space in our suitcase last time around. Although, we bought Meet the Robinsons and Tinkerbell towels for $5 each in our online order.

Also, I made a decision today- I am going to request a corner room at CBR and that is it. If we end up way out in the boons like in Trinidad South then we will just take the internal bus to breakfast on the muggy mornings and when we get to the resort to check in- we should be getting to check in a few hours early- I will just ask if they have corner rooms available in Jamaica or Aruba. I just don't want to get my hopes up, ya know? I looked at the LiveSearch view of CBR online and I think there are advantages and disadvantages to wherever you are- obviously I will get a room as close as possible BUT the farther away islands are more secluded looking.

In any case, I guess I will call the TA Monday morning about the request and try to come up with other things to pass my time while waiting for vacation!

 

[Kim321]

Hi Melissa,

I'll write to you! (I've been writing a pre-trip to myself, too, and know how silly it feels! )

It is our first time going, and we'll be there July 21 - 28, at POR.

I hope you get your room request! I'll look forward to hearing!

 

[ThinkTink75]

Thanks for the reply, Kim! Planning vacations is so much fun!! Especially at WDW!

I can't believe it is still so far away! Better for me anyways I guess. I mean, I am not quite in summer shape anymore and I just recently started getting back in the groove again! I am hoping to spend the countdown time losing weight, burning calories, and getting in shape! Yeowza! that seems like there isn't enough time when I write it out!

I only have 22 more teaching days left in school and I am getting nervous as I approach the end of my first year part time that the full time position for next year might just fall through. I am also getting nervous for my boyfriend since he still had a year of college and is starting to take his civil service exams this summer. (I think he is going to go into corrections.) I just want to work hard, get through the next 9 weeks and have all of our loose ends tied up before we board the plane for Disney! Have him all prepared and signed up for the exam with his summer classes done and passed, have me get a great end of your eval and sign my paperwork for next year, and maybe the both of us loose some extra poundage that we gained in the last year and a half.

Suddenly 9 weeks doesn't seem so far afterall.......

 

[ThinkTink75]

All Other Things Disney...

Today, was interesting. I signed my boyfriend up for Disney Movie Club so we could get some free movies and when the package came today from DMC he thought I ordered him something cool from the DeLorean Motor Company (he is a big fan of the car)- apparently he did not find Disney DVDs as cool. lol. Nonetheless he played Disney Dogs with me (very cute- settings for adults or kids) and we watched Dinosaur. I wish I had seen this one when it would still have been impressive for me, ya know? It was cute and all but if it had been longer than 80 minutes I wouldve gotten bored. No harm done, I feel like in the future if we have a son it will be a good addition to the collection. I think his first purchase towards his fulfillment is going to be Cinderella III... I am not big on sequels because for the most part, my whole life they have been cheap knock-offs. But since Disney isn't making as many animated features as they once did the quality of sequels has improved... I have Lady and the Tramp II, Brother Bear II, and Fox and the Hound II- I am still picky but they have all been great animation and voice talents. I didn't even know there was a Cinderella II, although it probably just fit into the not-so-good category.

In any case, today my mom finnally gave me my package from Disney Movie Rewards- it took almost 6 months! But I go my piglet figure, its called "Reading Takes You on Small Adventures" and features Piglet reading on a pile of books. I can't believe I got it just for buying movies I would have gotten anyways AND for free! It retails for like $25! We had a pretty disney-filled day. Although, the rest of my disneyshopping.com order was supposed to come this afternoon and got delivered about an hour after I left so I have to wait till tomorrow to see our new bathings suits and beach towels. Oh well.

Only 2 months and 9 days! Everyday we are that much closer to the ultimate in Disney- Walt Disney World!

 

[ThinkTink75]

Where's the love?
LoL! If anyone is reading this- HI!
I am such a rambler! Oh mi oh my! Anyways, I can't believe I have almost made it to the two month mark! I can not wait for Disney! Our bathing suits are awesome!

I have to call the travel agent today to get some things done. I want to change our request (it still shows the requests we made before we went from Pop to CBR) and double check our flights. Our original flight out was 8:50pm so we figured we would have to get back to CBR for around 5ish, grab a quick meal and go. Then it was changed to 8:50am and I thought that was ridiculous so our TA changed us to a different airport so we could keep the later departure and get our last day in at the parks like we'd planned. Now, it has changed once AGAIN to a 7:50pm departure. I am getting agravated. I had my heart set on 8:50. We have a 10:50 breakfast ADR at Ohana so maybe we will just head back to CBR around 3 for the lunch and grab dinner late too? Idunno... my boyfriend and I arent totally against buying food on planes but its like $10 for a turkey sandwich. I would just skip a meal or something. He will go into food withdrawl like a 6 year old. LOL. That should be interesting.

 

[ThinkTink75]

So, I went with just requesting a corner room at CBR. Screw it if we have to walk or take internal buses (I am sure they have AC)- I don't want to get my heart set on one thing before we even can tell if its a possibility, ya know?
My boyfriend is starting to get excited. We both got our Disney Visa Rewards Cards in the mail this past week or so. His has $20 and mine $98, plus we got like $150 in Disney dollars for our birthdays. Hopefully with the almost $300 there and because of DDP we won't have to use much out of pocket money for the trip. I think (since I am a teacher and have my pay set up so I get money taken out each check all year and then given to me in one big check for the time) with my last paycheck I might go and pick up like $50 Disney Dollars just for a buffer. And then we will have plenty and not have to worry about cash and blowing the bank. We recorded some show on our DVR at like 3am last night that is some guide to Disney World on the Discovery Channel so I am going to wait until he gets back from work and watch it. Ahhhhh... the fun of planning a vacation! I can't believe we have less than two months! In any case, I will posts some pics up here soon!

 

[Kim321]

Hi Mel,

I think we recorded the same 3 a.m. Disney vacation show that you did!

I was rereading your first post -- what is an Epcot passport? Something that you have signed or stamped at each of the countries?

Time is going to fly; our trips are going to be here before we know it! How many more days left of school for you?!

later!

 

[hayanyujah847]

7/27 Coral Reef (I have set up the diver package to surprise the boyfriend- we are going to be sat by the tank and the diver is going to hold up a sign that says "Melissa loves Rob" with a big heart around it- all junior high style and all)


Besides calling Coral Reef to set up the diver package I have also ordered a gift basket to be delivered by Memories from Sarah to surprise him. A week in Disney World in a mod in the summer is worth many thank you presents and surprises! The gift basket has refill mugs, an Epcot passport, Pirate Mickey plush, Belle Minnie plush, and some snacks in it. I can't wait to surprise him- he deserves it.

I'm excited to read your TR!!!

Now, my questions, how do you get the diver to hold up a sign?? That is such a great idea!
Second, where is the gift basket delivered? And how did you get one? Thanks

 

[ThinkTink75]

Hi Mel,

I think we recorded the same 3 a.m. Disney vacation show that you did!

I was rereading your first post -- what is an Epcot passport? Something that you have signed or stamped at each of the countries?

Time is going to fly; our trips are going to be here before we know it! How many more days left of school for you?!

later!

We haven't watched our WDW show yet, we have such a busy weekend thank goodness we have Monday off! lol! In any case, an Epcot passport is probably geared a bit more towards kids then, well, a 24 year old- but its a litte kit that has a "passport" in it that comes with stickers and an epcot button and you can go around the world showcase and ask CMs and they will stamp to indicate each country you visited. I love getting my pictures taken with characters but I am not so into the whole autograph book thing so I thought this would be a cool addition. I am not sure on the specifics but I will let you know when I figure it out.
Oh and 14 teaching days and 19 till I am done for the summer!

I'm excited to read your TR!!!

Now, my questions, how do you get the diver to hold up a sign?? That is such a great idea!
Second, where is the gift basket delivered? And how did you get one? Thanks

You have to called the Coral Reef restaurant directly. I know there are some times and dates that they won't do it but depending on when your ADR is they can more than likely accomodate at some time. For example, I called back in like March, and spoke to Meredith at Coral Reef. She helped me figure out what I wanted to do for the sign and gave me her email address so I could send her some pictures so that she could make a commemoritive menu for us as well. When we go to our ADR, it will be hilighted for the CM so they will know to seat us by the tank in a certain place. Then during our meal the diver will come out. I hope that helps.
And I ordered my gift basket at MemoriesBySarah.com- she is awesome! She has been super helpful, we must have emailed 50 times before I settled on what I wanted for my basket. She is very flexible and helpful and she charges you the cost of the items you chose plus a $25 fee for her services. The baskets get delivered right to your room! I can't wait!

Hope that helps for everyone! Feel free to ask away, I love to talk about my trip and be helpful if I can! but speaking of questions. I have a few for any of you listeners out there- there are a few photo ops I have heard about but wasn't sure exactly where any were located inside the parks. Anyone know how I can specifically find any of them:
1. The car in MGM that is rigged so you can lift it
2. The umbrella in MGM that you can hold onto and drips water
3. The birds in AK that "pose" for pictures
And does anyone know if the Sword in the Stone is out of commission for good?

 

[hayanyujah847]

Thanks so much for all of the info.!! I wish I could help with your questions, but I have no idea about any of them.

 

[ThinkTink75]

So, I have been wanting to add some pictures up here. Here is my first addition- pictures from our first trip. I put many of these (since they are already in my photobucket album) in my trip report when I first became a DIS regular but hopefully they are new to most people!

Our resort! All Star Movies!

Belle's Akershus Princess Dinner!

After riding Splash Mountain!

My first (kinda silly looking) pic in front of the castle.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights!

At Sci-Fi Dine-In

Animal Kingdom!

Hope everyone enjoys! At least its a better picture of us and our Disney World fun!
Hopefully the next pics will be of upcoming Disney stuff!

 

[MandaPerry]

Hi melissa I guess we are neighbors . I just wanted to say hi I am enjoying your pre-trip report I also just started my first one and it does feel kinda weird but I think it will be a good way to work the whole trip out and get some of the bugs out of it hope to read more

 

[ThinkTink75]

Ok this was a weekend of big Disney decisions.....

drum roll please
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We are going to see the TA this week and changing our CBR room from standard to preferred! It is about a $100 difference and it seems like that best way to beat the heat!

AAANNNNDDD.... we are thinking of changing our fantasmic dining package ADR from Hollywood and Vine to Mama Melroses.... both will be done by the end of the week!
Unbelievable! Disney World is getting so close!
All who read here- go and find the poll I am going to go and post right now as to the preference- Mama's or Hollywood!

 

[mermaid86]

loving your TR... me and my DBF are going soon too! i also did the diver and menu for him at coral reef.. so excited to see it!!!

i had the fantasmic package at hollywood and vine.. but after hearing bad reviews of it.. and tonys town square.. i called and cancelled them and cashed those 2 for california grill (we're on the DDP)

would love to talk more with you about your trip!!! sounds like we're around the same age and both going with our boyfriends!

 

[DreaGirl]

Just found your pre-trip! Sounds like you have everything under control! Love the pics. I'm on board!!

 

[veryblessed]

Oh I bet your getting so excited!! I have 79 days till our first trip this year and I can barley stand it!!!! Good luck with your last few weeks!!

 

[ThinkTink75]

loving your TR... me and my DBF are going soon too! i also did the diver and menu for him at coral reef.. so excited to see it!!!

i had the fantasmic package at hollywood and vine.. but after hearing bad reviews of it.. and tonys town square.. i called and cancelled them and cashed those 2 for california grill (we're on the DDP)

would love to talk more with you about your trip!!! sounds like we're around the same age and both going with our boyfriends!

I am so glad to have found another young Disney couple!
I am so jealous that you have less than two weeks to go!
Talk to you soon!

Just found your pre-trip! Sounds like you have everything under control! Love the pics. I'm on board!!

I am usually a very organized person. But this time, I wanted to be a Disney World afficionado so that everything would be wonderful. We have a lot of other things to accomplish in life before WDW trip #3! lol! I will def get more pics up soon too!

Oh I bet your getting so excited!! I have 79 days till our first trip this year and I can barley stand it!!!! Good luck with your last few weeks!!

Our first trip was in January of 06- two weeks after I graduated from college. I was counting down from the start of my last semester! lol! WDW is so worth the wait and so much fun to plan! Is this your first trip ever? Or just this year?

 

[veryblessed]

Just my first trip this year! My husband and I have been twice since we have been married. We planned our annual trip for the end of Sept. this year and two weeks later found out that my parents wanted to take the whole family to Disney!! So we are lucky enough to be going twice this year..and very close together!!

All I talk about is Disney.... all my husband can do is roll his eyes!!

 

[veryblessed]

Also, we LOVE Mama Melrose!! We go each time we are in Disney! I have never been to H&V so I can't say if it is good or bad, but if you like Italian food I really think you would enjoy Mama Melrose. Check out their menuhttp://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=88