Dole Whip is a Dish Best Served Cold. A Sept PTR- 10/2 - TR POSTED!

[teekathepony]

Loving the Harry Potter time. You should really be okay with crowd levels for Harry Potter and not really have to worry about long waits at all. When we went in October everything was basically walk on in WWoHP...which was awesome considering this time I was not staying on property and had early access to the park.

I'm not concerned with the older section, but I am worried about the new part being as crazy as the old part was when it was brand new. Oh well, we'll see what we see I guess!

 

[teekathepony]

Howdy folks!

It's been a little while since my last update, but there's not much new to report. One bit of good news....

We got our 8:00am reservation for Crystal Palace!​

I'm really excited about that one, I can't wait to get into MK early and get some empty park family photos.

So as of now, our entire meal lineup looks like this:


Saturday, September 20th: Arrival (no meal planned)
Sunday: T-Rex @ 3:30
Monday: (no meal planned)
Tuesday: (no meal planned)
Wednesday: 8:00 @ Crystal Palace
Thursday: (no meal planned)
Friday: (no meal planned)
Saturday, September 27th: Departure (no meal planned)



Quite the list! Looking at this makes me realize just how different this trip is going to be. The rest of our meals in Disney will be quick service, and we do plan to have some groceries in the condo for breakfasts and snacks and maybe the odd dinner.

Since Johnny and I will be there more than everyone else, I suggested to him that we could get some table for 2 meals if we wanted, but then we agreed that our time in WDW is going to be so limited that we'd rather spend our time in the parks than in the restaurants.

One more little piece of news that made me VERY happy...

"MagicBands roll out to all Walt Disney World guests, soon adding FastPass+ park hopping and more passes per day"​

You may have seen this announcement. Basically day guests will be able to use FP+ now too, and although we don't automatically get MBs, we can buy them (or use old ones, I think!) and link them and use them normally. Also, they're looking at having the option to pull more FP+ once you use your pre-booked three, and you can park hop too!

It was something I was pretty nervous about -- the inability to use fastpasses on a very time-restricted trip! Now that has changed (and is changing still) for the so, so, so much better. I loved bits and pieces of the new FP+ system, but there were some serious flaws. In my review of the system to WDW I asked them why I would bother spending extra to get park hoppers if I could not use the FP system at more than one park per day. They listened! They listened to me!

No matter who they listened to, the changes are very much in our favour for my first off site visit.

That's all for now, hope to be back with some more definitive plans soon. I have noticed that I'm not good at keeping up with two reports, so I might slow down on this (since there's not much to report yet) and speed up my TR.

 

[emmysmommy]

Job well done! Now if you can expand the 3 Disney days to 4 you wouldn't have to worry about park hoppers!! ha ha! Glad they are taking your lead on that since you are the Disney authority of the group.

Ahhhh Crystal Palace pre-park open, that is so perfect. I've not been to T-Rex but I imagine Rainforest Café with dinosaurs. Close? Sounds like great choices.

How exciting to book your Germany flights! Makes the reality of the trip so much closer. Happy planning with that.

I would comment on the US part of your trip but having only been to the California version I have not context. Especially for the WWoHP. NO clue. Other than trip reports I've read - Rob.

Enjoy your weekend!

You updated as I was posting!

Yay for Disney listening to you! For $12.95 for the off site MB I wonder how many people would take advantage of that. Glad to see things changing - for the positive. I want more than 3 FP options and don't want to give up any to be able to park hop.

 

[BridgetR3]

YES!!! I'm so excited about the additional fastpasses and the park hopper additions.

Congrats on the 8a.m. Crystal Palace ADR!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great work on the 8:00am ADR for Crystal Palace! Those empty Main Street scenes are awesome. Or I should say mostly empty Main Street.

I was ecstatic as well about the FP+ expansion news except they conspicuously left out the statement that you could make the 4th and onward FP+s on your phone. I really enjoy not having to be the FP runner with the new system but if I have to visit a kiosk to add additional Fps.....grrrrr.

 

[MEK]

8 am ADR - I am VERY impressed. They are not easy to get.

That's cool that you can recycle your old bands if you are staying off-site. I didn't know that.

Your plans are shaping up nicely. I guess I will be making ADRs soon for my October trip.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

What an awesome reservation you got! I love reading TR's and seeing those early morning photos.

 

[teekathepony]

Job well done! Now if you can expand the 3 Disney days to 4 you wouldn't have to worry about park hoppers!! ha ha! Glad they are taking your lead on that since you are the Disney authority of the group.

We're working on it! We've got the trap set -- a 5 day base ticket is cheaper than a 3 day park hopper! Well, since we've got a 5 day ticket anyway, we might as well ad another day... We'll see how it goes.

Ahhhh Crystal Palace pre-park open, that is so perfect. I've not been to T-Rex but I imagine Rainforest Café with dinosaurs. Close? Sounds like great choices.

Oh I love CP pre-opening, and it's going to be so fun with kids for a change!
Rainforest with dinos, yep! You nailed it!

How exciting to book your Germany flights! Makes the reality of the trip so much closer. Happy planning with that.

I forgot my passport was up so flights are on hold until I get that back! Hahaha we're cutting it closer than we would ever cut a Disney trip (should say something about our priorities!)

I would comment on the US part of your trip but having only been to the California version I have not context. Especially for the WWoHP. NO clue. Other than trip reports I've read - Rob.

As much as I LOVE Disney, a trip to see the WWoHP is always worth it for me, I'm a huge Harry Potter fan.

Yay for Disney listening to you! For $12.95 for the off site MB I wonder how many people would take advantage of that. Glad to see things changing - for the positive. I want more than 3 FP options and don't want to give up any to be able to park hop.

Yeah I can't see many people buying a MB, but since I already have mine, I'd like to use it! Definitely some positive changes.

YES!!! I'm so excited about the additional fastpasses and the park hopper additions.

Congrats on the 8a.m. Crystal Palace ADR!

Oh me too, it was the one big thorn in my side about the whole new system.
Thanks!

Great work on the 8:00am ADR for Crystal Palace! Those empty Main Street scenes are awesome. Or I should say mostly empty Main Street.

It's alllll about the photos with this ADR!

I was ecstatic as well about the FP+ expansion news except they conspicuously left out the statement that you could make the 4th and onward FP+s on your phone. I really enjoy not having to be the FP runner with the new system but if I have to visit a kiosk to add additional Fps.....grrrrr.

Hmmm I had assumed that you could make your additional ones on your phone! I hope you don't have to find a kiosk.

8 am ADR - I am VERY impressed. They are not easy to get.

Ah thank you lol, Johnny and I both attacked it with three different devices. We were determined!

That's cool that you can recycle your old bands if you are staying off-site. I didn't know that.

I'm pretty sure you can, I definitely read that somewhere but I'm hoping it was somewhere official now that I think about it...

Your plans are shaping up nicely. I guess I will be making ADRs soon for my October trip.

Yay! I have to admit that making my ADRs wasn't as fun this time around haha, I already can't wait until my next Disney trip so I can do it properly.

What an awesome reservation you got! I love reading TR's and seeing those early morning photos.

Ahhh we were so excited! We've done it once before and it was so awesome getting in the park before anyone else I love those photos too!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I just found this PTR! What a nice family trip you have planned The condo looks beautiful but it is hard to know that you could stay onsite so cheap. I stayed offsite once in recent memory and hated it, but I know that there are others who really enjoy it so I hope that it works well for you!

 

[KatMark]

Wendy, okay, I'm here (better late than never ), but I'll have to come back to read later. I do want to compare our plans so that we can set up a meet since we are there over the same time frame (I'm the 19th - 26th).

***Okay, I said the heck with work and caught up on your PTR. It sounds like a great trip and the condo looks absolutely lovely.

We miss you at the Magic Kingdom on the 24th (we have our breakfast on Tuesday, the 23rd, at CP at 8 a.m.). But I'm hoping one of our park days we will be at the same place. I'll be carefully watching your plans and will let you know if we are at the same place. Unfortunately, there is NO way I can start a September PTR with doing the May one now...I'd really get confused. If I get time, I could just send you the dates and which parks we will be at.

 

[teekathepony]

I just found this PTR! What a nice family trip you have planned The condo looks beautiful but it is hard to know that you could stay onsite so cheap. I stayed offsite once in recent memory and hated it, but I know that there are others who really enjoy it so I hope that it works well for you!

Hello and Thanks for stopping by!
I have the same experience as you unfortunately, one less than stellar off site stay. I sure hope we can change that this year!

Wendy, okay, I'm here (better late than never ), but I'll have to come back to read later. I do want to compare our plans so that we can set up a meet since we are there over the same time frame (I'm the 19th - 26th).

Hi Kathy! So glad to have you!
Yes please, I'd love to set up a meet.

***Okay, I said the heck with work and caught up on your PTR. It sounds like a great trip and the condo looks absolutely lovely.

Hahaha I'm doing the same thing now -- saying the heck with work!
The condo does look nice, (I hope it's enough to keep DH and I from missing Disney too much! )

We miss you at the Magic Kingdom on the 24th (we have our breakfast on Tuesday, the 23rd, at CP at 8 a.m.). But I'm hoping one of our park days we will be at the same place. I'll be carefully watching your plans and will let you know if we are at the same place. Unfortunately, there is NO way I can start a September PTR with doing the May one now...I'd really get confused. If I get time, I could just send you the dates and which parks we will be at.

I have the plans all ready, I will be posting them soon (maybe this evening if I get a few minutes!)

 

[teekathepony]

 

[teekathepony]

How are you all today? It's actually quite nice here today, 15 degrees and sunny! Our snow is finally melting!

We're getting close to booking our flights for this trip. My MIL/Travel Agent is having a cow because we're waiting so late. Johnny and I aren't worried -- if we can't fly down on the same day, we'll go a little early.

We are 60 AirMiles away from having enough. We would have them already if we had booked our Germany flights (waiting on my passport -- forgot it was up this year! oops!) so we're on hold with both of our trips. Carolin, my German, is getting worried because we haven't booked yet. We will, people! We're not usually procrastinators with our vacations!

I thought I'd start to lay out a basic schedule for this upcoming trip. Things could change, mostly depending on our flights, but this is how we're looking at things now:

Saturday, September 20:

Travel day.

I live far from Disney and therefore this takes up nearly a whole day sometimes. We can get flights that get us there at 1pm, so we're hoping for that. Until we know our flights, nothing is booked or planned for this day, just in case. We get in, settled, etc.

Sunday, September 21:

We have this day set aside for (to quote our notes) "explore Florida". Translation: Find a mall.

ADR: 3:30pm -- T-REX (Downtown Disney)

I'd like to get to DTD early, get a little shopping in, look around, generally soak in the Disney atmosphere as much as I can. I'm going to need to take it where I can get it this trip!

Monday, September 22:

Here's where things start getting sticky.

Yes. Already.

I have a set of plans laid out for two different circumstances. If (A) we get two day park tickets, (not likely) then this will be a down day. I don't do well with down days. Down days = I could have done this at home days. If, however (B) we get three day park tickets (a definite for Johnny and I, almost sure for Billy, Shellie and the kids, but definitely not for MIL and S-FIL... see, told you things started getting confusing already!) then this will be a day for...

First thing in the morning. We will hit the big rides -- EE, Dinosaur, and the safari top my list, as well as FotLK (assuming it's re-opened, I haven't seen any dates.) I have no FP+ planned for this morning though, (this could change with their changes to the system!) because as soon as we finish at AK we have to park hop to...

.. and since we're arriving late, I'll need to have my TSM FP+ ready to go! Again, we have a little bit of cutting to do at this park since we only have half a day, but if I can get TSM, RnR, and I think the kids will want to do ToT, then I'll be happy. Also we want to see Fantasmic! I'm admittedly not a fan (flame throwers: ON!) but I want Billy, Shellie and the kids to see it, being their first time there and all.


Tuesday, September 23

This entire day is dedicated to:

My favourite!

Usually. Magic Kingdom can give it a run for its money.

It's going to be a long day with no real break so we've got lots of time to hit all the headliners (Soarin and Test Track) as well as take a nice long break off our feet (Ellen's Energy Adventure!) Food and Wine will be going on, so I'd like to tour World Showcase early in the afternoon before the crowds roll in. All meals will be quick service and we have nothing planned, although I'd like to get myself to Sunshine Seaons (but Johnny's not a fan and he's gone there twice in a row for me!) We definitely need to grab an early spot for:

IllumiNations! I'm so excited to show off my favourite show in my favourite park to some first timers.


Wednesday, September 24

Up early and straight here:

Because we've got...

ADR: 8:00am -- Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)

I'm excited to get in early with such limited park time. We have another full day at MK and I'm so glad, there are even more new things since we were there last, especially the Mine Train Coaster!

Lunch will be here:

Shellie told me she's very excited for this one for herself, which just makes me so happy because she's definitely got the right attitude for Disney.

New parade is another must, along with every ride we can squeeze in. Johnny and I offered to save places for parades and shows while the first timers do some rides so they can maximize their time in the park.

Dinner is wherever we can grab it!

That night we will be sure to find a good spot for:

Wishes!!

I'm so excited to show off my favourite show in my favourite park to some first timers.

Wait... didn't I say that already?

After that? Things get a little hazy.

Thursday and Friday are slated for Universal.

All other party members have already got their two day park tickets. Johnny and I only plan to get a one day park to park. On the other day, we will probably go to Disney while they go to the dark si- I mean, Universal.

I really need to do both sides of Harry Potter.

I'm kind of a Harry Potter fanatic.

(Shhh! Don't tell Mickey!)

Other than that... I don't honestly care what I do. I'll do the rides, don't get me wrong, but I mainly go for Harry and the gang. And the Forbidden Journey.

Thursday evening we are thinking of doing Capone's dinner theatre. We're about 75% sure on this one.

The final day is Saturday, and that's the day we travel back home! So no plans then.

As you can see, a pretty tight schedule but also not quite firmed up yet. I hope to make it a little more solid and soon. Oh! And flights! I'll hopefully be back with news of flights next time!

 

[MEK]

Your plans look great!

Yay for a mall! It's a lot more fun when you are staying off site. And don't forget about the wonderful Vera Bradley outlet down there.

We are def going to Universal in October although I just read that the Hulk has not aged well and is now really rough. Not so sure how that will be. I really want to ride the Forbidden Journey.

 

[BridgetR3]

We don't care for Fantasmic either so I'm not flaming at all!

Your week sounds fast and furious but it will be amazing to be there with first timers!

 

[ZehnJahren]

May I respectfully suggest CHH for dinner at MK? My favorite!

You look pretty darn busy but hey, that's an Orlando vacation no matter where you're staying or where you're going!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Your plans look great!

I have no desire to go to Universal, except for HP. I love me some HP lol

I really love the picture of the BOG sign, how you made sure to get the castle framed in the arch - just gorgeous!

 

[teekathepony]

Your plans look great!

Thanks Mary Ellen! We actually worked pretty hard to make them work! LOL

Yay for a mall! It's a lot more fun when you are staying off site. And don't forget about the wonderful Vera Bradley outlet down there.

Ohhh I haven't forgotten, I can't wait to see it for myself!

We are def going to Universal in October although I just read that the Hulk has not aged well and is now really rough. Not so sure how that will be. I really want to ride the Forbidden Journey.

Yes I read that in Danielle's TR. That's too bad because I used to find it smooth. I'll probably try it again anyway this year.
Forbidden Journey is really incredible, it's my favourite ride ever.

We don't care for Fantasmic either so I'm not flaming at all!

Ahhh glad I'm not the only one! (Sometimes it feels like I am! )

Your week sounds fast and furious but it will be amazing to be there with first timers!

It's funny you should say that because you're so right, but it's so opposite to what MIL had originally planned -- a relaxing family vacation around the pool!

May I respectfully suggest CHH for dinner at MK? My favorite!

Ohhh good call. I know a lot of people really like it there and I've never been! We're not seafood lovers which is why we've never tried, but we'll eat some and I had a look at the menu, it looks pretty good!

You look pretty darn busy but hey, that's an Orlando vacation no matter where you're staying or where you're going!

Very busy indeed! MIL thought we were going to relax this trip --

Your plans look great!

Thanks!

I have no desire to go to Universal, except for HP. I love me some HP lol

Yup, I'm pretty much the same. A few of the rides at Universal are pretty good, and I will ride them, but if I never saw the rest of the park again I wouldn't worry. But Harry keeps me coming back!

I really love the picture of the BOG sign, how you made sure to get the castle framed in the arch - just gorgeous!

Thank you!

 

[teekathepony]

Hello everyone! Having a good weekend?

Just a couple of small updates today.

We are now just 45 AirMiles away from the total we need!

We figure we should have those Tuesday since we did some shopping this weekend, and our AirMiles credit cards miles should be on then. Then it's flight time!

Close enough!

What we hope to get is Sydney to Toronto, then Toronto to Orlando, leaving Sydney at 5:55am and arriving in Orlando at 1:00pm. It's by far the best option for us, if we can get it. The problem is with 6 other people already booked, leaving on the same day and already with those flights, the AirMiles allotted seats may be sold out.

We'll see. If that happens we may need to take later flights or even arrive a day early. (Or two. I mean, if we go three days early we could sneak in a few nights at Pop Century for not much more... )

Aaaaaaaaaaanyway...

In other sort of trip-related news, I'm hoping I've found this year's sandals. I've tried many types and had good luck and bad. I had a $30 gift certificate, so I finally set aside my cheap scrooge side and bought Birkenstocks.

Those ones, to be exact. I have a podiatrist friend who swears there is literally nothing better for your feet, so I'm giving it a try. I've been wearing them to break them in today (tough work!) and they're actually getting better already.

Johnny got a pair too:

He says he likes them, but he's never had open back sandals before and I'm not so sure he'll be comfortable in them.

Finally, and not at all related to this trip...

We started planning our November 2015 trip (yes, you read right! We're planning 19 months in advance!) It's for our 5th anniversary and we've been sort of planning it since our honeymoon. The one thing we knew was that we wanted to stay at the Boardwalk, but this weekend we got looking at the Beach Club and Yacht Club and we pretty much changed our minds. I mean, seriously, dat POOL!

That's a long way off, but if I didn't already have two reports going I'd definitely start one for that trip. We have more plans for that one than we do for this one coming up!

Gotta run, dinner at the in-laws is soon. Have a good weekend everyone!

 

[khaleesi]

That Kermit animation is making me giggle. And yes, I totally read it in his voice

I'm so glad you got the ADR you wanted!! I think it would be really cool to be in the park before it opened! No way I'd be able to CLOSE the park, but I could absolutely OPEN it! Hehe. I like what you said a few posts back about not wanting to spend too much time in a restaurant instead of being out doing stuff. I had to really fight with myself to not overschedule the restaurants for that very reason.

I love that those Birkenstocks have a design on the strappy thing. Hopefully they work out really well for both of you! Nothing worse than walking ten miles a day with sore feet

I'm not a huge fan of going to the mall, unless it's somewhere other than where I live. Then I find them fascinating!

And a SUPER HUGE YAY (great English!) for your 2015 trip!!!! I really really want to go for Christmas 2015 and I'm sorely tempted to start planning it!