Doesn't everybody have Disney on speed dial? Seriously? Mickeystoontown does! 5/14

[Woth2982]

Oh my I think I am dizzy with all your ADRs lol. I do the same thing with the notebooks and my itinierary in front of me. I am so visual I need it all in front of me. Your plans sound great so far! I have never done Winter Summerland either, but it is always something I have wanted to do. Maybe next year. Although Next year I think we are doing a land/sea trip so we will see what happens haha.

 

[AwkwardTurtle]

Mini golf is amazing, I think you guys are going to have so much fun. We did the Fantasia Gardens course last time we were there, and I think it was my absolute favorite thing from the whole trip. We will for sure be hitting the putt-putt again this time around, trying to decide if we want to try Winter Summerland or stick with Fantasia Gardens.....

 

[rndmr2]

Nice plans so far. You will have fun at Mini Golf, Tim and I have done that course twice, in 2004 and 2011, we did the winter side both times because we let the family pick which side the last time. We did it before going into the water park, though then cooled off inside.

We did the wave Pool then the lazy river, had lunch and then Tim and my BIL wanted to go on slides so I went with them, but the one that Tim really wanted to do was the toboggan one where you go down face first and halfway up the steps I was dying (it was Real Hot that day) and I really don't like to go face first so it wasn't worth it to me to kill myself to go on one I didn't like so I gave up and went back to the lazy river, LOL

I really like the regular water slides (whether you are in a tube or not) but I will not go on that crazy Summit Plummet! That chair lift takes you to the top where all the best slides are. If you are ok on steps you can do those but there are lots of them to get up there, so the lift makes it easier. Just get on, hold on tight and close your eyes till you get to the top! LOL

 

[Kathy Jetson]

We have only been to Typhoon Lagoon too. I'd like to try Blizzard Beach but no way no how am I ever getting on Summit Plummet

I always call T-Rex directly for reservations and just give them my name and we have never had a problem getting in at the right time. I know what you mean about the confusing check in though.

I can't believe all your adr changes. I don't think I've ever changed one after I made them

 

[Mommy Poppins]

Another great update, Lisa! Glad your ADR switcheroos all worked out! I keep changing mine around as well--and I don't even know if we will be able to be in the parks!!! LOL

I didn't realize Hunter's birthday was the 24th! That is also my grandmother's birthday, she will be 94!!! Also the day that we are having DD's graduation party this year! Hmmm.......not sure how she got to be a senior! Goes sooo fast!

Can't wait to read about your trip!

 

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

Hey Lisa,
You are one heck of a planner - my head was swirling getting my mind wrapped around your ADR changes. But everything looks fun!

We've never been to Blizzard Beach either, but it's on the list to do someday. Winter Summerland is a blast - I love the Christmas music they play on the course. We went at night once, and after I hit my ball in one of the holes I went to fish it out - but I grabbed a frog, who must have been hiding out in the hole. I screamed and he hopped out and my family was laughing at me.

Thanks for your advice about the cruise and taking time to explore the ship as well as pointing me to Jensieb's trip reports. I've been reading them and have found them very helpful.
Hi Jen, if you're reading - you take great pictures!

Oh, and in regards to your question about getting to Fantasia Gardens - you can walk there from the Epcot resorts (it's closest to the Swan/Dolphin though). Maybe you can take a bus to one of those resorts from the parks?

I'm sure you're counting down the days to your trip, I know I am.

 

[wendy3]

I’ve read several trip reports that included a visit to Winter Summerland and it looks really cute and fun. It seemed only right with Winter Summerland being so close to Blizzard Beach that we walk over and give it a try. Plus, we have the water park and more option so it’ll be included with our tickets.

!

Is this true? We have the water park and more option and plan on going to Fantasia Gardens for mini-golf. I didn't think mini-golf was part of the WP&M option, but YEAH! if it is

We are going to be at WDW the same time you are, and our park days are pretty similar to yours. Epcot on 5/26, MK on 5/28, DS on 5/29, waterpark on 5/30 (we go to Typhoon Lagoon) then mini golf @ Fantasia, T Rex at 6:00. Great minds think alike, apparently!

The next 3 weeks are gonna scream by, as my baby is graduating from HS. We will be there before we know it!! WHOO HOO!!!!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Another ADR change!?!?! Somehow I am not surprised!

Though I completely understand fiddling with things until they feel right! I am glad you got everything you wanted when you wanted it!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Yes we are. FP+ times are: 9:40 - 10:40 for the Safari, 2:30 - 2:50 for Finding Nemo and 3:45 - 4:45 for Kali River Rapids.

I'm going to look at my FP+ times and see if we can coordinate a meet-up even if it's a short one.

Whew!! You got my head spinning with all of those ADR changes. Sound like you have a couple great days planned. I hope we can get to the water parks someday. But I have a blonde and a red head with fair skin who burn if they walk outside for 5 minutes, so we will have to see!! Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeves!!

I burn quite easily too but intend to slather on the sunscreen.

Oh my I think I am dizzy with all your ADRs lol. I do the same thing with the notebooks and my itinierary in front of me. I am so visual I need it all in front of me. Your plans sound great so far! I have never done Winter Summerland either, but it is always something I have wanted to do. Maybe next year. Although Next year I think we are doing a land/sea trip so we will see what happens haha.

I was dizzy myself and was scared to cancel anything until I had my new itinerary right in front of me.

Land and sea! Where are you going?

Mini golf is amazing, I think you guys are going to have so much fun. We did the Fantasia Gardens course last time we were there, and I think it was my absolute favorite thing from the whole trip. We will for sure be hitting the putt-putt again this time around, trying to decide if we want to try Winter Summerland or stick with Fantasia Gardens.....

"We enjoy mini golf but have never worked it into our Disney plans. It sounds like we need to go to Fantasia Gardens too.

Nice plans so far. You will have fun at Mini Golf, Tim and I have done that course twice, in 2004 and 2011, we did the winter side both times because we let the family pick which side the last time. We did it before going into the water park, though then cooled off inside.

We did the wave Pool then the lazy river, had lunch and then Tim and my BIL wanted to go on slides so I went with them, but the one that Tim really wanted to do was the toboggan one where you go down face first and halfway up the steps I was dying (it was Real Hot that day) and I really don't like to go face first so it wasn't worth it to me to kill myself to go on one I didn't like so I gave up and went back to the lazy river, LOL

I really like the regular water slides (whether you are in a tube or not) but I will not go on that crazy Summit Plummet! That chair lift takes you to the top where all the best slides are. If you are ok on steps you can do those but there are lots of them to get up there, so the lift makes it easier. Just get on, hold on tight and close your eyes till you get to the top! LOL

Thanks so much for the info! I really needed to know more about both Blizzard Beach and Winter Summerland. It's sounding more and more like I will be skipping Summit Plummet. I'm so very scared of heights.

We have only been to Typhoon Lagoon too. I'd like to try Blizzard Beach but no way no how am I ever getting on Summit Plummet

I always call T-Rex directly for reservations and just give them my name and we have never had a problem getting in at the right time. I know what you mean about the confusing check in though.

I can't believe all your adr changes. I don't think I've ever changed one after I made them

I may chicken out when I see Summit Plummet for myself. Did you do the slides at Typhoon Lagoon?

You are one good woman if you make your ADRs just one time and they stick. For some reason, this year's ADRs did a number on me.

Another great update, Lisa! Glad your ADR switcheroos all worked out! I keep changing mine around as well--and I don't even know if we will be able to be in the parks!!! LOL

I didn't realize Hunter's birthday was the 24th! That is also my grandmother's birthday, she will be 94!!! Also the day that we are having DD's graduation party this year! Hmmm.......not sure how she got to be a senior! Goes sooo fast!

Can't wait to read about your trip!

It's good to hear that I am not the only one who changes her ADRs around so much. I think that I'm done though. I like the way they look now.

Yep, his birthday is the 24th! You be sure to tell your grandmother Happy Early Birthday for me.

Time flies doesn't it? It doesn't seem like Hunter should be turning 17.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hey Lisa,
You are one heck of a planner - my head was swirling getting my mind wrapped around your ADR changes. But everything looks fun!

We've never been to Blizzard Beach either, but it's on the list to do someday. Winter Summerland is a blast - I love the Christmas music they play on the course. We went at night once, and after I hit my ball in one of the holes I went to fish it out - but I grabbed a frog, who must have been hiding out in the hole. I screamed and he hopped out and my family was laughing at me.

Oh my goodness! I bet you were shocked when you pulled out a frog. I am not afraid of them but if I accidentally picked one up, I would have screamed too.

Thanks for your advice about the cruise and taking time to explore the ship as well as pointing me to Jensieb's trip reports. I've been reading them and have found them very helpful.
Hi Jen, if you're reading - you take great pictures!

Jen takes wonderful pictures! She has some great tips too.

Oh, and in regards to your question about getting to Fantasia Gardens - you can walk there from the Epcot resorts (it's closest to the Swan/Dolphin though). Maybe you can take a bus to one of those resorts from the parks?

I'm sure you're counting down the days to your trip, I know I am.

That's what I thought we would do. Take a bus to one of hte Epcot resorts and walk over.

Is this true? We have the water park and more option and plan on going to Fantasia Gardens for mini-golf. I didn't think mini-golf was part of the WP&M option, but YEAH! if it is

We are going to be at WDW the same time you are, and our park days are pretty similar to yours. Epcot on 5/26, MK on 5/28, DS on 5/29, waterpark on 5/30 (we go to Typhoon Lagoon) then mini golf @ Fantasia, T Rex at 6:00. Great minds think alike, apparently!

The next 3 weeks are gonna scream by, as my baby is graduating from HS. We will be there before we know it!! WHOO HOO!!!!

Yep, it's true. Check out this link:

http://allears.net/pl/ticket.htm

It does sound like we great minds think alike. We have a lot of similar plans.

Congrats to your baby for graduating!

Another ADR change!?!?! Somehow I am not surprised!

Though I completely understand fiddling with things until they feel right! I am glad you got everything you wanted when you wanted it!

I didn't figure anybody would be surprised by yet more ADR changes. I can't seem to help myself.

But, now I feel like everything is like we want it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Will Ace Ventura be joining you today? I saw his Jeep parked out front!

Saturday: May 31st

Animal Kingdom day!

Fastpasses for the day:
Safari: 9:05 to 10:05 a.m.
Expedition Everest: 3:05 to 4:05 p.m.
Dinosaur: 4:25 to 5:25 p.m.


As you see from the info I just posted, we’ll be at the Animal Kingdom on the 31st. I could wander the trails all day long but John, on the other hand, is just as happy going into an attraction or two and then settling down to people watch. Can you believe that? There’s so many animals and cool things to see at the Animal Kingdom and he wants to people watch? Hunter? Well, he likes to wander too so while John’s popping a squat, Hunter and I will probably leave him be and do our thang. To each his own, I guess.

Our first Fastpass is for Kilimanjaro Safari which is always one of my favorites. I say that but then think “what isn’t one of my favorites?” I pretty much like anything and everything in this park and the others as well.

Kathy, I need to go back and look at your safari FP+ time. This may be a good opportunity for us to stop and say HI and hug each other’s necks for the first time. We’ve been Dis friends for so very long and it would be wonderful to actually meet each other face to face. And, I’ll get to see Mary and the girls again. It’s been a few years since I first met them in Epcot during a Dis meet. I can tell from the pictures that they have grown like weeds (but are much prettier than a weed ).

Since our safari is first thing in the morning, I hope that the animals will be up and about.







Unlike these guys who are usually lazing around letting us gawk at him:



When I made our FP+ selections, at first, I had them all one right after the other. After thinking about it, I tried to factor some “let’s wander the trails” time and It’s Tough To Be A Bug time in. That’s the reason, there’s a gap in the FP+s.

As far as the trails go, I have got to go to trail to visit the gorillas. Every year, we have been lucky enough to see them in their environment and I captured some awesome pictures:





Another trail that we simply must take is the Maharajah Jungle Trek. It’s become a tradition to take a picture of Hunter with one of the hidden Mickeys. Way back when I first started the pictures, he was a little tyke. He’s grown so tall now that he points down to the Mickey. This picture is from a couple of years ago:



And, every year, he stops to say a prayer under the prayer flags:



For lunch, I am sure that we’ll have to stop at Pizzafari so that Hunter can get his pizza fix:



After lunch, we’ll head over to the Tree of Life to see It’s Tough To Be A Bug:





I hate that the Festival of The Lion King will still be closed when we arrive. It’s always a must-do on our Animal Kingdom day list.

It should be about time to use our Expedition Everest FP+ by this time so we’ll head back to Asia. Now, this may be one that John skips out on. I may even have trouble getting Hunter to ride. John said that it hurts his back and Hunter doesn’t like the drops. But, when I asked if I needed to use the FP+ on something else, they said no. I may hold their feet to the fire and make ‘em ride:





I am pretty sure that we’ll skip the Nemo show. It’s just not something that John will want to sit through. Truth be told, it confuses me. I don’t know if I am supposed to be looking at the puppets or the people. I feel like I’m constantly watching the performers lips. So, if we skip it, we’ll live with it.

Our last FP+ for the day is for Dinosaur. I hope that we’ll have time to ride it before we need to leave the park. We have dinner at Downtown Disney and, as I said in an earlier post, we need to have time to freshen up after a hot sweaty day in the park. If we feel like we need to skip Dinosaur, then we just have to skip it but I don’t wanna. I also don’t want to have to skip Prime Evil Hurl. It scares the dickens out of me but I like it.

We’ll walk over to the bus stop and catch a bus back to our resort. We have a dinner ADR at Planet Hollywood. This is one of the restaurants that I had to move around in order to accommodate our Ohana reservation. It’s also a meal that we will pay for out of pocket. I’m thankful that there’s a $10 off voucher that comes with our package. You can be sure that I’ll use it. Hey, $10 is $10!

Are ya’ll wondering where the “Will Ace Ventura be joining you? I saw his Jeep parked out front.” reference came from? ‘Cause Ace has parked his safari jeep right outside of Planet Hollywood. See:

It has been several years since John and I have eaten at Planet Hollywood. Hunter and Lacey ate there the Spring trip before she got married while John and I went to the Grand Floridian for an early anniversary celebration.

Ya’ll keep your fingers crossed that they don’t try to seat us upstairs near the middle of the restaurant. They tried to do that one year, and, I am not kidding you, I thought that I was going to have to get down on my hands and knees and crawl towards the wall. My fear of heights was going at it and I was having anxiety. Lacey must have seen the fear in my eyes because before I could say anything, she asked if we could have a different table by the wall. Thank you baby girl!

Again, depending on what time of the evening we are done, we may walk around Downtown Disney for a while. Just taking in the sights and sounds and smells. Lovin’ the fact that we are back at our happy place!

**Up next: What started out as an empty “do nuttin’” day turns into a pooh puff filled day!

 

[eandesmom]

HOLY CANNOLI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. I didn't realize you'd started this PTR
2. You started it what, 3 weeks ago?
3. You are already on what, page 20?

And the amount of changes, plans, sheer volume of phone calls, emails, spreadhseets....


I am DIZZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But wow, a lot of amazing things you have planned. If I can keep straight what is, and isn't still in the plan.



Didn't help that our band trip was smack in the middle of your planning frenzy.

I am about the mousekeepers but to you for handling it appropriately and for Disney's response!

Cute about the star wars dinner suprise.

 

[KatMark]

I like your plans for May 31...because it means you and I are FINALLY going to meet. Our FP+ for the Safari is 9:40 - 10:40. So maybe we can meet right after you get off if you go right at 9:05? Or maybe you can change yours to 9:40 or maybe Mary can change ours (although 9:05 might be pushing it with the girls) and we could ride together?

The picture of the gorilla with his butt in the air had me Did Hunter say something to him?

 

[mickeystoontown]

I like your plans for May 31...because it means you and I are FINALLY going to meet. Our FP+ for the Safari is 9:40 - 10:40. So maybe we can meet right after you get off if you go right at 9:05? Or maybe you can change yours to 9:40 or maybe Mary can change ours (although 9:05 might be pushing it with the girls) and we could ride together?

The picture of the gorilla with his butt in the air had me Did Hunter say something to him?

Woo Hoo! It's going to happen one way or the other. I'll message you on Facebook and we'll exchange numbers.

Knowing Hunter, he DID say something that made the gorilla give us a view of his backside.

 

[mickeystoontown]

HOLY CANNOLI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. I didn't realize you'd started this PTR
2. You started it what, 3 weeks ago?
3. You are already on what, page 20?

And the amount of changes, plans, sheer volume of phone calls, emails, spreadhseets....


I am DIZZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But wow, a lot of amazing things you have planned. If I can keep straight what is, and isn't still in the plan.



Didn't help that our band trip was smack in the middle of your planning frenzy.

I am about the mousekeepers but to you for handling it appropriately and for Disney's response!

Cute about the star wars dinner suprise.

Welcome Cynthia! You've been a busy traveling woman so I can see how you'd miss me starting the pre-trip report.

Yeah, I could have done without walking in on the mousekeepers lounging around but Disney handled it well. I wasn't expecting any sort of compensation but I sure wasn't going to turn it down.

 

[hhockman]

Okay, caught up. Liking your plans. Jealous that you are so close.

I have to admit I'm completely confused with all the ADR changes. My brother and I decided on park days and restaurants in one conversation and I made the reservations. I changed a time once and then once I figured out how to do it (I couldn't find the option on the app) I changed our Mama Melrose so that we had Fantasmic. That's all the changing I've done. Oh, wait, I think I had to add a person once. But we're sticking with what we have now. I think. Unless I can find an earlier TRex.

I've done both mini-golf places and we prefer Winter Summerland. It's been a while since we were there, but we always enjoy it. I love Blizzard Beach but I'm a water park person. We've done both that and Typhoon Lagoon several times. For some reason Typhoon Lagoon seems to have more to me, but it probably doesn't. As far as Summit Plummet, I didn't think I'd EVER ride it, but when my 7 year old insisted he was going I figured I'd better go too. It wasn't that bad, but your bathingsuit does end up coming out your nose if you're a girl.

You're going to all my favorite restaurants. We won't have time to get everything in this time because we're spending three days at Universal (just me and the boys, my brother is staying at Disney). I'm seriously thinking about letting the boys skip school on Friday so we can leave earlier and stay an extra night and have an extra sit-down meal. And by "seriously considering" I mean, when I get the money in August that I'm using to add dining and park-hopping I will be adding an extra night to our stay.

Looking forward to your next post!

 

[Clarf]

Wow, all your ADR switching made my head spin! Glad you got everything you wanted and have it all figured out!

Blizzard Beach looks awesome, but we never do the waterparks as we live in the "Waterpark Capitol of the World" aka Wisconsin, so we just can't justify the $$$ on something we do here all the time. I'd love that huge slide, though!

Winter Summerland looks fun! Maybe we'll try that this year!

And you AK day is awesome. I love the walking trails there. Your trip is so close!

 

[racefanof88]

Page 20? How in the world have I missed 19 pages? I am going to be trying to catch up for hours......... .

 

[bigsis1970]

This thread is great! I am glad however it's not me planning all these ADR's. Hubs said if we want to extend our trip drop the Tbl service. So for an extra 3 days there I'll deal with counter service!! Plus we are going during the food and wine

 

[BridgetR3]

We are in AK on the 31st as well!!!

And our FP+ for Safari is 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.!

So if you hear some crazy woman hollering, "HEY LISA!!!" it may be me!

Your plans look great! I also miss FOTLK!!