Does Pixie Dust Help with Decision-Making? A 2012 PTR! NEW! 6/30 pg.85

[DisMomAmy]

Woo hoo!! Double digits tomorrow!!

I hope things settle down next week so you can play!!

 

[mousescrapper]

I agree yay for 100 days and double digits tomorrow

I commented to my Mom how odd I thought it was that your Spring Break was after ours up here in Chicago (my cousins will be out next week too that live down by you)

But I hope you find some rest and play time to get ready for Disney


Love that castle picture!

 

[MegansMom]

YEAH!!! Happy 100 days kiddo!!! I totally get the busyness...same here!!! Oh how I can't wait for our GLORIOUS 10 day Spring Break!!! YAHOO!!!

I just realized though in your posting about 100 days, that I have TOTALLY missed posting our 100 day mark...I think we are somewhere around the 80 day mark!

Sending you a HUGE hug and lots of love kiddo! Hang in there!

 

[eandesmom]

I will be looking forward to lots of updates over spring break!

In a way it's kind of fun when you are too busy to plan and play...the trip seems to come up faster that way!

 

[Native NYer]

Yay!!! 100 days until Disney!

I hope the week goes by quickly so you can start your spring break!

 

[MHTeacher]

Hooray for 100 days!

Hope your last week before break goes quickly! Not too quickly, though---It's my spring break!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Happy 100 days!!

 

[jillyb]

Double digits!!!!

 

[MEK]

Woo Hoo - I missed the 100 day marker, so congrats on 98!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Yay for 100 days Jackie!

 

[Spartangirl]

Dancin' with you! Hooray for 100 Days...although it's a little bit less now!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Hope the soccer season is treating you and Charles well! How old are the girls you coach? Do Chelsea or Connor have any interest in soccer?

Yay for being under the 100 day mark!!!

Hope you have a terrific spring break! I have seven school days until mine...we get Thurs, Fri and Easter Mon off.

 

[MeMom]

Just a few more days until spring break

and having time to think Disney thoughts!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I feel you pain Jackie!! I tour the exact same way...do the rides I want in the morning and grab fastpasses for later in the day or evening when I go back...now I'm not sure what I'm going to do! We might have to have a powwow LOL!!!!!

A powwow is in order, I think!

Jackie,

I understand completely, and for some reason, I've been avoiding getting my touring plans together. I am certain that this will probably reduce the line at the fastpasses for Toy Story Mania, but I am really, really concerned about what it does to the standby line. I guess time will only tell.

I have started a rough sketch of touring plans -- I think I can make it work -- there are a couple of parks where it is going to be difficult.

Glad to see an update Jackie!! But I'm sorry it's about the stinky new FP enforcement rules! I'm anxious to see what people report this week as Disney makes the change.

Soon, you will be able to report firsthand how it is all working out.

As I wait for an avalanche of homework to be dropped by my online instructor.
I read your update....
Never fear!
We have Ridemax!!!

Ta Da!

What is this Ridemax you speak of???

So glad to have found your new trip report! I love reading trip reports and have followed quite a few usually as a lurker. But, I need to join this powwow too. We'll be arriving POR July 7th! You did score a nice discount for July! We tour the same way, as my gang doesn't to do RD, and we go at a leisurely pace relying on fastpasses. Oh me oh my!

Welcome! So glad to have you here and posting! We are almost at the three-month mark!

I am waiting see how this FP enforcement will all come down. If they will stick with it or will be a huge disaster.

I imagine it will work out just fine for most people -- I don't think many realize that you can go later than the times -- just us pros.

I was upset when I heard about the FP also. I guess we do what we can do, use the FP's when we have to & plan. I am anxious to see how it goes also.

Me too! I am hoping we are still able to fit in all our favorites.

Jackie - I did the exact same thing when I visited in the summer. It's much easier to go back in the evening and ride with FP's. It is going to be harder to work around this restriction in June. It's a bummer, but maybe more people will be giving out their unusable FPs.

I have a feeling that we will be doing a lot more just relaxing with drinks and riding rides that aren't FP ones in the evenings.

I, too, feel your pain on the FP enforcements coming this week. We've always collected some for later use, but now.....?

I do wonder though, if this will keep the FPs from running out so quickly for some rides (like TSM, RnRC, Soarin'...). I mean, if you can only use them during the time window, then there will still have to be some to be given out at 7 or 8 p.m., won't there?

That would be nice! Fingers crossed that is the case!

I got a text from Ed at Toy Story Midway Mania, and he said 'they' (head guys, I guess) are going to be watching cast members VERY closely on letting people in only during the correct times. Don't know how well it will go, but I feel like at first, at least, they are going to be very strict about it.

I agree. I haven't heard a whole lot about how it is going, but then I have been out of the Disney loop lately.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I never knew that Disney honored Fastpasses until the end of the day! I've always been the one who was strict about return times! Well that's too bad. But I'm sure you'll figure out a great plan! You know your stuff girl!

I learned on the DIS that you could use them all the way up to the end of the day. The first time I did it, I was a little nervous.

What is the new fastpass system? I haven't heard anything about it.

I haven't heard a whole lot about what the new FP system will look like that is supposedly making it necessary to be strict about the return times.

I very much dislike this! While we don't do it all this often it really does give you the freedom for a pool break and the chance to still get on something that had a late return time.

Admittedly I did this a lot more when I was solo, than with the family but I still don't like it!

I agree. It's the whole eating into the afternoon break that I worry about.

It really is going to be interesting to see how the new times are enforced, and how the CM's will handle the sure-to-ensue annoyed guests! I think people have gotten so used to being able to return at any time, this really does shake up a lot of touring plans!

Agreed! I wouldn't want to have to deal with cranky guests -- they can be a bit overwhelming just standing near them. LOL!

You have to use your fastpass within the time frame printed on the pass. So no more collecting them in the am & then using them in the pm.

So sad.

However, you can now use it 5 minutes early (before you couldn't use your FP early but you could use it past the time printed on the FP) and you have until 15 minutes past your return time to use it. After that you're SOPD (sh___ out of pixie dust!)

SOPD may have to be my new phrase. LOL!

You don't go down w/ a tour plan


LOL JK ( ok that was too many initials in a row) kwim had to throw that one in

I hear your pain for the FP new law...but hey it could always be worse they could make you pay for that extra perk like some amusement places

I've been on/off in spurts lately too...working full time as a home child provider seriously cuts my Dis time and I've been happily organizing and updating my new and improved scrapping room


Hopefully we'll both find more time to Dis super soon

J

Hi, Julie! I used to have a super schedule of what ride when, but the more we go, the less strict I am about that. This trip will have to be a bit more regimented though.

Yes, hopefully, we will have more time to DIS soon!

It's funny; I think all of us who knew about the fp "glitch" will all know about the new enforcement. Hopefully, the CM's don't have to deal with too many indignant guests.

I am hoping that it will help reduce wait times overall. People using the fastpass at the right time should reduce the fast pass wait, and the standby line won't be as heavy.

The only ride this stresses me out about is Splash. I always like to get a fast pass so I can ride right before we exit the park...

You're right -- it's those rides we like to do at the end of the day that are going to stress me out.

I'm a little bummed about the FP thing too. We never cashed them in late on our first trip because I didn't know you could do that. We managed fine on that trip, but I do remember having to do a lot more criss crossing of the park, which I didn't like. Once I learned that you could come late, it made a huge difference on the next trip. We did a lot less walking back and forth and it just worked much better b/c I didn't have to worry about our return time interfering with our ADRs and things like that. Oh well, I guess we will all have to find a way to adjust our plans and make it work. I feel for you having to do that in the summer though because I know it will be more challenging. I guess you guys are going to have to be like Memom and get up at the crack of dawn and hit the big stuff early.

I can almost feel the heat beating down on us as we crisscross the parks. Hopefully, we won't have to do that too much.

Jackie I logged in today to read up and thought for sure I must be pages and pages behind....but YAY you are just as busy as me, so I am right on track with your update!


oh that's a good thought ME - that would be nice if people got an FP and as soon as they realize they cant use it, they give it away. I think more likely people won't realize till too late though.

I really think that is active DISboard and other boards like DIS that knew you didn't have to follow the posted times. All told, it will likely not be as much of a big deal to the general "unaddicted" Disney-goer. I really don't mind this new enforcement because we did always stick to the return times. Being with a law enforcement officer for over 20 years, I tend to be more of a rule follower.

Jackie - are you a touring plans member? they offer some decent touring advice . We generally look at touring plans for the crowd level, and then I have used their customized planner to tour effectively the way we like to tour, which is back of the park first and then work our way around based on any ADRs or top choice rides/shows.

Hi, Moira! I have used touring plans in the past. I liked their crowd levels, but then I discovered they pretty much choose their parks based on which ones don't have EMH. That's what we do now.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am not thrilled at all with this new FP policy. It was just so handy to ride, collect and then return after a break. What a bummer! I wonder why the big change? Boo.

It supposedly has to do with a new FP system they will be installing soon.

Jackie, I booked POL Riverside for our trip in September. This will be our first time at this resort. I will be especially interested in your TR when you finish your trip. I put in a request for a Mansion room as I hate those rooms with the stick furniture.

I tried for a room at PORFQ, but none were available in standard.

LOL! I am not a fan of the stick furniture either.

Good morning, Jackie! Hope you have some down time this weekend. I'm hitting the highway to Huntsville in a few minutes. Gonna crank up the Disney music and rock my way down the road! I am just that cool! Just wanted to come over and visit you for a second before I left. Have a great weekend!

I think I might actually get some downtime this week. It just took three months to get some. LOL!

Yeah - I hope you have time for an update soon, too!

Coming soon! Like tomorrow soon! I have a paper to work on for my class today.

Good morning Miss Jackie..and all our other wonderful DIS friends that I know read along this PTR too!!! Sending out HUGE hugs to all of you!!!! It has been WAY too long, and you all have been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO thoroughly missed! My health has returned, and so I now have the time to DIS! YEAH ME!! I am so bummed that our trips are just a little over a week apart from each other...hate that we will be missing each other, but I promise to leave some pixie dust for you all! I started a new PTR/TR too...the link is in my siggie...to capture the fun of our upcoming trip and share some highlights of our last trip last July!

Can I just say that this FP thing has me seriously worried...like I might lose sleep over it worried!!! I haven't even been able to wrangle up the nerve to tell Tom...our resident FP MASTER! Do you think they are really doing this already? Has anyone heard from anyone who has been there recently how strict they are with the return time?!?!! EEEKK!!! I think we are going to have to become overplanners!!!! ACK!

Hi, Jen! I am so glad you are back on the DIS! I am very pleased that your health is better! You know Tom was the one we learned our FP strategy from! He is the FP Master!

I have read on other threads that they are being extremely picky & following the time on the FP's very strictly!!

I figured they would be...

Hi Jackie!
Hope all is well and you're getting some time to relax this weekend!

Not sure I know how to do that anymore, Jen. LOL! Is it summer yet?

Woo hoo!! Double digits tomorrow!!

I hope things settle down next week so you can play!!

It is quieter, but somehow there is still a to-do list. How did that happen?

I agree yay for 100 days and double digits tomorrow

I commented to my Mom how odd I thought it was that your Spring Break was after ours up here in Chicago (my cousins will be out next week too that live down by you)

But I hope you find some rest and play time to get ready for Disney


Love that castle picture!

Thanks, Julie! It seemed like our spring break took FOREVER to get here, but when we return, we will only have six more weeks of school.

YEAH!!! Happy 100 days kiddo!!! I totally get the busyness...same here!!! Oh how I can't wait for our GLORIOUS 10 day Spring Break!!! YAHOO!!!

I just realized though in your posting about 100 days, that I have TOTALLY missed posting our 100 day mark...I think we are somewhere around the 80 day mark!

Sending you a HUGE hug and lots of love kiddo! Hang in there!

Thanks, Jen! I feel like I accomplished great things just making it to spring break with my sanity intact. LOL!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I will be looking forward to lots of updates over spring break!

In a way it's kind of fun when you are too busy to plan and play...the trip seems to come up faster that way!

I predict there will be a couple of updates during spring break.

Yay!!! 100 days until Disney!

I hope the week goes by quickly so you can start your spring break!

We got through it -- hopefully this week will go very, very slowly.

Hooray for 100 days!

Hope your last week before break goes quickly! Not too quickly, though---It's my spring break!

I am hoping this week crawls by!

Happy 100 days!!

Thanks, Stringbean!

Double digits!!!!

We are very excited about those double digits!

Woo Hoo - I missed the 100 day marker, so congrats on 98!

Thanks, Mary Ellen!

Yay for 100 days Jackie!

I must confess, it kind of snuck up on me!

Dancin' with you! Hooray for 100 Days...although it's a little bit less now!

Yes, I think we are in double digits now, but we can dance about that, too. LOL!

Hope the soccer season is treating you and Charles well! How old are the girls you coach? Do Chelsea or Connor have any interest in soccer?

Yay for being under the 100 day mark!!!

Hope you have a terrific spring break! I have seven school days until mine...we get Thurs, Fri and Easter Mon off.

Thanks, Debby! We coach the middle school girls who range in age from 12 to 14. They did awesome this year and won the Region Championship. We are so proud of them!

Chelsea and Connor played when they were younger but didn't want to stick with it.

It is very nice to finally be on spring break.

Just a few more days until spring break

and having time to think Disney thoughts!

Isn't it nice! I loved getting up this morning and not having to rush around.

 

[teekathepony]

Hello! I'm jumping in a little late but I have caught myself up and am in for the rest of the party!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hello! I'm jumping in a little late but I have caught myself up and am in for the rest of the party!

Welcome!!! So glad to have you here! New post coming right up!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Since I have been doing about zero on the trip planning front lately what with teaching, school classes, and soccer season, I have decided the next few updates are going to be more interactive.

I think that will be a lot of fun for all of us.

So, today’s question is…

What is Your Favorite Time of Day in a Disney Park?

I had two, but one won over the other.

I love early morning in a park before things get really busy and crowded with the whole day’s worth of adventures stretching forth all sparkly and glittery. You know, that time of day before everyone starts whining and the sweat plasters the t-shirt to your back? Being a morning person, I really like that time of day.

But there is a time of day that I like even more in a Disney park.

Twilight.

Specifically twilight in the Magic Kingdom.

When the sun is starting to go down and the sky is turning a million shades of blue, gray, and purple.

When the heat is finally seeping away and you find your steps heading into Adventureland.

The jungle drums beating and pirates and cruises along the rivers of the world beckoning.

Ahhhh. I love, love, love it.

(Not my picture, but doesn’t it just make you want to be there Right. This. Minute? I found it on a website called Tours Departing Daily. Very cool.)

Some of my fondest memories growing up are heading into the Magic Kingdom when the sun was setting.

Once back in 1987 or 1988, it was my brother’s first trip to Disney, and we stayed at the Contemporary. Being not quite one or two (I can‘t remember which year it was, and I am too lazy right now to go search it out), his days were rather short. Being a teenager, I was champing at the bit to do something other than sit around the hotel room. My mother sent my dad and me to the Magic Kingdom for the night. It turned out to be one of my favorite memories of all-time. Just my dad and me riding all my favorite rides (and his) including 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (he was a submariner, so we always had to ride that when we went to the Magic Kingdom). Afterwards, we bought root beer floats and sat watching the world go by in Fantasyland. Which I spilled on myself -- I guess that is where my kids get their propensity for getting sticky with ice cream at the Magic Kingdom. LOL! I had totally forgotten that happened to me until I was typing this.

Funny how life comes full circle, isn’t it?

Your turn!