"Do You Mind?" - Disney Adventures with Teens August Trip Report

[Native NYer]

We really don't need to go into details of what he will try. I thought you were keeping his name a secret.

That would be an interesting conversation.

Ehhh I decided to reveal his name. But it must never be spoken!

So I am reading an allears newsletter and it's talking about the "opening show" at DHS. I know there is an opening show at MK too. I have a question.

Can you see these opening shows and still be close to the front of the lines for big attractions at rope drop? Meaning: MK, for example, if we are at the train station for the opening ceremonies, does the rope drop happen immediately after? Does that mean we can't be at the rope to make the run for Space Mountain?

Same with DHS. Can we see the opening show and still make it to ToT or RNRC?

Chris and I were talking last weekend. We don't plan to go commando (in any sense of the word ); however, we aren't opposed to getting up early enough to make it to park openings to avoid longer lines later in the day. So I think we may get to experience some of these openings. I doubt the girls will. They are teenagers and need their beauty rest.

On past trips, we also valued our sleep more. We never wanted to get up early enough to make park openings. But now, even on weekends, we find ourselves up at around 7am, so making it for a 9am opening wouldn't be too big of a deal. Especially if it means less stressful touring time.

I have no idea I'm not the most organized planner.
But I would think you'd be able to make ToT and RNRC. They probably don't open until the little show is done.

 

[swwake]

That would be an interesting conversation.

Ehhh I decided to reveal his name. But it must never be spoken!



I have no idea I'm not the most organized planner.
But I would think you'd be able to make ToT and RNRC. They probably don't open until the little show is done.

Maybe we can have that conversation "elsewhere".

That's right - He-who-must-not-be-named.

Well, after reading more today, I think we will bee-line it for TSM when we get there, rather that ToT and RNRC. Apparently, that line gets ridiculous and it's possible that they may be out of FPs by 10am. Crazy!!

 

[Native NYer]

Maybe we can have that conversation "elsewhere".

That's right - He-who-must-not-be-named.

Well, after reading more today, I think we will bee-line it for TSM when we get there, rather that ToT and RNRC. Apparently, that line gets ridiculous and it's possible that they may be out of FPs by 10am. Crazy!!

We definitely can discuss that somewhere else!

Wait a minute! Out of FPs for TSM by 10am???? OMG!!!!! That's insane.
I hadn't heard that.

Note to self: Wear sneakers and be prepared to use T's stroller to push slow guests out of the way!

 

[swwake]

Wait a minute! Out of FPs for TSM by 10am???? OMG!!!!! That's insane.
I hadn't heard that.

Note to self: Wear sneakers and be prepared to use T's stroller to push slow guests out of the way!

From a reliable weekly newletter:

"In response to a tip in the 7/2/08 newsletter regarding the single rider line for the new Toy Story Mania. You need to be very careful with this. When we were there they closed the single rider line because there were too many waiting in the standby line. The cast members said that there were too many families trying to use the single ride line to bypass the long standby line, which defeats the purpose. The park opened at 9 a.m. each day and shortly after 10 a.m. all Fastpasses were gone. The standby line was at least two hours long for almost the entire day. My suggestion would be to head to this attraction right at 9 a.m. and obtain Fastpasses to prevent long waits or disappointments. I agree that this ride is tremendous and is a definite must-see when visiting Hollywood Studios. "

 

[Native NYer]

From a reliable weekly newletter:

"In response to a tip in the 7/2/08 newsletter regarding the single rider line for the new Toy Story Mania. You need to be very careful with this. When we were there they closed the single rider line because there were too many waiting in the standby line. The cast members said that there were too many families trying to use the single ride line to bypass the long standby line, which defeats the purpose. The park opened at 9 a.m. each day and shortly after 10 a.m. all Fastpasses were gone. The standby line was at least two hours long for almost the entire day. My suggestion would be to head to this attraction right at 9 a.m. and obtain Fastpasses to prevent long waits or disappointments. I agree that this ride is tremendous and is a definite must-see when visiting Hollywood Studios. "

I think I know which newsletter you got this from. I get it too, but have failed to read it.

I guess I'm going to have to speed walk to TSM.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

The trip as it was (and still is):[/B][/SIZE]
Friday the 8th - Chris, Susan, Katie, Caitlin and 2 dogs leave Austin and drive 11 hours to Jackson, TN.

Hey, Y'all, don't forget Grandma Bonnie!!!!! I've always feared that one day on a family trip I'll be like Grandma Griswald and be tied to a chair on top of the van.

 

[Native NYer]

Hey, Y'all, don't forget Grandma Bonnie!!!!! I've always feared that one day on a family trip I'll be like Grandma Griswald and be tied to a chair on top of the van.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

I am sticking with Grandma Bonnie on this one and I let you all make the decisions!

You are welcome to be on MY team anytime. It's not often that I am recognized for my widom.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Katie and I went shopping today. Everything we bought (except one shirt I bought for work) could conceivably be considered a Disney Vacation purchase.

I went shopping today. I bought two pair of flip flops for the trip. I'm going to wear them every day until we leave so they will be well broken in before I hit the WDW gates.

No pictures to show them. You'll just have to look for them in Susan's TR.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Math and calendars are 1st grade concepts.

Wrong!! Susan. Kindergarteners have Calendar Math every morning. Don't they, my teacher friends?

 

[Native NYer]

Wrong!! Susan. Kindergarteners have Calendar Math every morning. Don't they, my teacher friends?

You are correct Grandma Bonnie!

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

And you ARE!!

Nope. I don't know what I'm going to do. I will be at a local conference the 28-29th, then in Napa for our partner meeting until the 4th. Then only here the 5th-7th, which will be those busy work days before you go on vacation. Then we leave the 8th. I am thinking of trying to book a pedi in Memphis on the morning of the 9th, since our flight doesn't leave until 1:30pm. But I am afraid of adding stress.

I'll be in Austin while Susan is in Calif. So Katie wants me to go with her to her doctor and dentist appointments. If I had $100 for every time I've taken a grandchild to an appointment in the past 16 years, I could pay for everyone on this thread to go with us to WDW!

I think I'll get my mani/pedi while I'm in Austin and Susan is in Wine Country.

 

[swwake]

I'll be in Austin while Susan is in Calif. So Katie wants me to go with her to her doctor and dentist appointments. If I had $100 for every time I've taken a grandchild to an appointment in the past 16 years, I could pay for everyone on this thread to go with us to WDW!

I think I'll get my mani/pedi while I'm in Austin and Susan is in Wine Country.

I'm getting the lavender/mint body wrap and the aromatherapy massage while I'm in Wine Country.

Still thinking I'll get my pedi on Monday the 4th.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Welcome back Grandma Bonnie, I hope all is well with you!

Thanks, dddisrunner. I'm well, just tired from all the family excitement these past few weeks. But, all this stress will just make WDW that much more enjoyable.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

So when are you gonna add your comments?

Patience, my darling, is a virtue.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Thanks for all the info. I think maybe you're right. We will go for convenience and not claim our luggage. Maybe we'll pack our bluezoo clothes for the flight, or just wear something on the plane we can wear at bluezoo (not sure what "business casual means" but I think we could get by with jeans and flops, what do you think?). Then just pack a swimsuit in the carry-on - it won't take much room - just in case we decide to do those Typhoon Lagoon EMH that night. Otherwise, we can just wear whatever we wear to bluezoo wherever we decide to go.

I think that makes sense. Let's see what Mom chimes in.

Mom usually brings some sort of carry-on. (Hopefully she will leave her ridiculous fanny pack at home. I have to figure out something more fashionable than a fanny pack for her in the parks.)

I haven't yet decided exactly which capris and top I'll be wearing on the plane, but they are going to have to look good for all day and night and be comfortable.

Remember, I always taught you to just act like you know what you are doing and that you are supposed to be where you are and no one will question how you look or where you are.

I promise I won't embarrass you with a fanny (tummy) pack since I'm getting an appropriate replacement as a birthday gift. But.....I'm NOT going to promise to point out to you everyone in the park who is sporting a fanny pack. Maybe we can count them and make it a substitute for ZIP.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Welcome back to the thread!

Thank you. It's good to have a few minutes to spare.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Are you into Disney collectibles? I really love the Disney Precious Moments.

As Susan noted, I collect Christmas ornaments of places I've visited. I also ask friends and family who travel to bring me an ornament from 'wherever'. So I have ornaments from all over the world and it's so much fun unwrapping them each year and remembering all the great memories. I have so many ornaments that I need multiple trees to display them. I don't know what I'm going to do moving from a four bedroom house to a smaller condo. But the teacher in me will get creative and figure some way to display them.

I also buy Disney t-shirts, hats, pencils, pens, notepads, etc. to give family and friends upon my return.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

I think that you can get "fur" ears at the make your own store in MK. Of course, if I remember properly, the fur may have been pink.

Great idea! I don't remember this store. Is it new? Is it on Main Street?

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Oh no. Watch out! Mom's going to be creating "Magical Moments" all over WDW. This is the Year of a Million Dreams - not the Year of a Million Nightmares, Mom. haha - just kidding.

Who's laughing? I'm serious. If the music moves me, I'm going to move. One person's dream may quite well be another's nightmare! But who cares? We'll be in Disneyworld where everyone's a kid!!!!