Don't Blink! Super Quick June 2014 Trip! Let's Call the Whole Thing Off Update 3/16

[Suziannie]

The "We" I'm talking about is me, Suziannie. My husband Ben and my daughter.

Here we are in early Dec of 2013:

So you can see we "just" got back from Disney World, but somehow it doesn't seem like we were there recently. Funny how the times flies when we are away from WDW isn't it?

Our original plan for this trip was that it was going to be a true week of R&R for our little family. Our vacations are typically cruises or WDW so the idea of just sitting on the beach with a book was almost decadent....however.

I can't seem to bear the thought of being in the same state as a Disney resort so we looked at the week, looked at some of the things we missed, skipped and just didn't a chance to do in December and decided that we could probably spend a day or two catching up with Disney.

I mean really, what were we going to do swim and get sun-tans for 7 days straight?

So with that...I booked Shades of Green for two nights...and the Navy Lodge Pensacola for the rest of the week.

I made some ADR's and started a countdown clock to the day when we can add our Fastpass+ reservations.

We're ready....Walt Disney World here we come!

photo was the result of a Google Image search. Lovely isn't it?

Link to Itinerary, Pre-Trip Purchases & and other Trip-Prep Goodies!​

 

[Suziannie]

This trips itinerary so far looks like this:

Day 1: Leave Dallas Texas for Vicksburg Mississippi as our first stop.
Day 2: Head to Pensacola beach
Day 3: Enjoy the beach and what the area has to offer
Day 4: Head down to Orlando but more importantly...Magic Kingdom!
Day 5: It's a long one but it's going to be an awesome day! Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom!
Day 6: Animal Kingdom
Day 6 Part 2: Snacking around the World
Day 7: Updated: Breakfast at the Grand Floridian and then???
Day 7 Part 2: Ok...this time we're really going back to the beach
Day 8: Last day at the beach!
Day 9: The long drive home.

The One Where I Have Second Thoughts

ADR List as of 2/17

Pre-Trip Purchases and DIY Projects

Budding Photographer

 

[Suziannie]

We’re packing up and heading out of Dodge (well Dallas) early. Our ride for the trip…

My shiny, not so new anymore car. Trips like this make me miss the SUV I traded in for this, but I do love my little VW.

Our first stop on our trip will be to appease the Civil War fan that is my darling husband. We’ll be stopping here:

photo is from: http://www.battlefieldinnms.com/

Right now we’re planning on a picnic lunch (either food we’ll pack and bring or something we pick up). And then time permitting we may head over to the Confederate cemetery.


My husband has been tasked with learning about this area and some things he’s specifically like to see so we don’t end up wandering aimlessly around. He was also in the Army for several years and is now in the Navy so he’s got a soft spot for this sort of thing. I suppose I do to, although I have to admit all I know about the civil war I learned through reading/researching things brought up in Gone With The Wind.

To get him fired up, this was his Valentine's Day gift:

And that book is doing it's task. If it wasn't for House of Cards Season 2 he would have finished it already I think.

Vicksburg is pretty much the half way point for us so I think it will be a good stopping point. My daughter and I drive down to Galveston fairly frequently so 5 hours in a car is something she’s familiar with.

Then of course…dinner, hotel. Rest. Sleep.

 

[Suziannie]

We will probably get up at our normal time, have a nice breakfast somewhere and then head off to the beach. It’s right at a 4 hour drive so I think we’ll be ready to that over with too.

Once in Pensacola we’ll stop for lunch. I’m hoping to find a cute little beachside place. Any suggestions?

Our hotel for the night is on base since the prices are nice and I’ve heard good things about the beach there.

Photo is from a Google Images search.

Can’t go wrong with a beach like that I figure!

I hope our room has a view like this…

Photo is from a Yelp review I saw.

Once there we’ll hit the Commissary and pick up some groceries. Not every meal will be in the room/cooked by me but most will be. The room will have a kitchen and I think I'll bring basic cookware-a pot, a pan and some utensils. I love to cook and I’m looking forward to making a few things that I haven’t had the time to do so since adding Motherhood to my skill set as well as trying some new things out.

And then?

And then we relax.

 

[Suziannie]

Purchases:

1) A new DSLR. I’d love this, and I don’t think the budget will allow for it…but I have heard about a company that offers rentals while visiting WDW so I may check that out.

Projects:
1) Sundresses! Specifically for my daughter. Last trip I got some cute t-shirts on sale at Disneystore.com and some cute bows to coordinate. This time though, it’s going to be summer…so I’m thinking we’ll keep simple sundresses as our Disney outfits. I’d like to do a Minnie themed dress for our Chef Mickey breakfast sure, and maybe even something sort of safari themed for our Animal Kingdom day. I need an idea still for our Hollywood Studios day. I think it will depend on who her favorites are. Our ADR that day is Hollywood Brown Derby so no characters there. But we are going to Fantasmic that night so maybe a Sorcerer Mickey themed dress? Might be fun! Either way…I’m heading to the fabric store and dusting off my sewing machine soon I think!

2) Autograph book. Last trip I bought a super cute book on Etsy but the crafter in me thinks I can do one and save a teeny bit of money. I’d like to set it up so each page is character specific. Since this trip is so short, other than Sofia the First and possibly Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc we’re planning on skipping most character lines. We’ve loaded up on Character meals so I think we’ll be ok! Anyways, I like something with a page for the characters we’re planning on as well as a few generic ones I can pull out if not used. Guess I’m heading to Hobby Lobby and Michaels soon too!

On these projects though if anyone has any examples or suggestions they would like to show off I’m ready for them! I love seeing how other people craft for Disney related stuff.

 

[Suziannie]

For the last few months I've been working at trying to improve my skills with a camera.

I decided back in Nov 2013 not to buy a DSLR since it was overwhelming me a bit...and now I kind of regret it. So I'm planning on another camera purchase but I don't think I'll be ready financially until after this next trip. So I'm spending some time learning more and more about framing shots, about the editing software it came with and about the camera's manual features.

I thought I'd post these here and if anyone has any tips to share I'm happy to listen!!

Last night we went to the Chinese Lantern Festival and I think I'm improving a bit:

This was taken outside, while standing in line. The line was huge and people were everywhere so I didn't want to step further away but I'm really happy with how it turned out.

This one was my favorite of the whole night. At least it is right now.

Both shots I didn't use my Tripod. Since my camera isn't a DSLR I haven't really found too many settings (except dark rides and fireworks) where I really need it given the limitations of the camera.

Anyways...I'm also considering renting a DSLR while there through Kingdom Cameras. Seems like it might be the best of both worlds.

By which I mean I get to use a fancy camera without really paying for one. Has anyone rented from there before?

 

[Suziannie]

This is our first trip at Disney as adults (AKA We're footing the bill) and since we're technically staying off site-although our hotel is closer than most of the WDW hotels....we don't have a dining plan. Scary stuff!!!

We thought about doing counter service only. But then decided that we don't eat a lot of fast food normally and that really the prices aren't that bad when you consider experience and portion sizes. Also my daughter is 2 so she's still free and plate sharing with a 2 year old is ok at the buffets.

It took a few days...but we're all set.

I think. We'll see how often I update this (One so far!!):

Day 1:
Planning on a lunch time arrival, but you know what they say about best laid plans so no ADR for lunch. We'll wing it.

Dinner:
Kona Cafe. Super excited about this, and I think I've got it timed so that we can see the torch lighting ceremony before dinner.

Day 2:​

Breakfast: Hollywood & Vine. Did I mention we've got a two year old? She's going to love this one I think.

Lunch: Sci-Fi Dine-n Theater Restaurant We were originally going to have a nice dinner with the Fanastmic package at Hollywood Brown Derby we moved some things around to get the breakfast with Disney Junior characters in.

Dinner: That pork shank from Gaston's Tavern is calling our names again I think. Not sure if that's a definate yet or not but...we've got big dessert plans made so dinner will be light I think

Dessert: Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for the Dessert and Fireworks Party! ​

Day 3:​

Breakfast: Tusker House. One of my absolute favorite WDW breakfasts!! MY husband is a huge Donald Duck fan and our daughter is in a Donald Duck and Goofy phase so this should be a crowd pleaser I think.

Lunch: Sanaa. I'm looking forward to the view there.​

Dinner: Snack Crawl at the World Showcase!

Day 4​

Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare. Super excited about Mary Poppins and Alice! The Grand Floridian seems like a great setting for these characters too. I also have to admit I love that we're staying so close to this restaurant. We won't have to leave over an hour in advance for breakfast for a change!

Lunch: ?? Not sure about the actual food...but we'll be heading out fairly early in the day so it might be in a park...and it might be on the road. But either way...we won't head out without making a stop for some beach treats at Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney first!​

 

[Suziannie]

Mostly I'd like to take it really slow and easy this day. But here's what I'm day dreaming about:

Waking up extra early and heading out to the beach with a bucket and seeing what sort of creatures and neat shells we can find.

Then maybe a a light breakfast back in our room so we can head out for the morning.

I'm sure my Civil War-Sailor husband would enjoy a tour of Fort Barrancas

After lunch I'm thinking about "sneaking" away during nap time and getting a manicure and pedicure. This is something I'd normally do before a beach trip but I think I might appreciate the time to myself.


Afterwards I hope we can squeeze in some beach time. Once on the beach. Sandcastles. Swimming. Sun. A trashy book for Mommy perhaps?

And then maybe we'll head off for dinner somewhere fun. One of my co-workers suggested Peg Leg Pete's and I checked Trip Advisor and it looks like a fun place to go to me!

That night we're planning on having a few drinks in the room. I have a recipe from a cruise we went on for something called a Love Potion #9. It's one of those cool, fruity, creamy drinks that goes down easy after a day in the sun!

I think this will set a nice tone off for the week!

 

[Suziannie]

Right now our plan is to get up early, check out and head right over to Orlando. Mapquest and Google keep telling me it's a 6+ hour ride so hopefully we'll be on the road no later than 8am. The planner in me is shooting for 7am though. Any earlier than that and I'll have to promise my husband a nap when we arrive so I'll need to be careful with getting too excited.

We all love a car trip though so soon enough I'm sure we'll be driving under a daytime version of this wonderful sign:

And heading right over to our hotel.

Last trip we arrived late at night so I'm looking forward to driving up the drive way to it. It's a really beautiful resort.

(Photo from Trip Advisor.)

It's a great hotel and I'm grateful that we're able to stay here.

Once we're checked in I'm planning on heading right into the room. We didn't get to reserve a poolside room this time so I'm making the request (as well as checking periodically for cancellations) that we're in a room as close as possible to the garage which I know means we'll be trading a view for convenience purposes most likely BUT... after a long day in the park I can't see us walking around the resort very happily. So close to the parking it is! We'll assess the need for a nap before we get there but usually my daughter's fairly well rested after a car trip so I'm not too worried about it.

We don't have dinner until 6:30 so that's a LOT of arrival day pressure off of us I think. However...our dinner is here:

And 6:30 ADR means we might be able to catch the torch lighting ceremony so we're going to shoot for being at the Poly in time for that. Ideally we'll grab a drink and hang out relaxing for a bit first. But we'll see. I'm going to NOT stress about time line once I'm on this trip.



Right...
Anyways... after dinner I'm pretty sure we'll not be able to contain ourselves any more and we'll hop right on this:

(Photo from a Google search.)

And soon enough this will be my view...

I've heard conflicting reports on whether or not we'll be able to use our Magic Bands from our last trip to secure Fastpass+ reservations or not. We're going to get our tickets ahead of time just in case though.

And if we can't that's ok too.

But anyways, our Fastpass+ plans for this night will be:

(Photo from Google image search)
Seven Drawfs Mine Train

(Photo from Google Image Search)
Space Mountain

(Photo from Google Image Search)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

We've got an early ADR so it won't be a late night but since we didn't get a chance to ride It's a Small World because it was down on our last trip we HAVE to do that according to my husband, and I'll have to go see these guys I think...

(Photo from Google image search)

I'd really like to be on the monorail heading back to the Poly before Wishes...and I'd like to try watching it from the beach before calling it a night and going back to Shades of Green. We'll see.

One of the reasons I want a poolside room at Shades of Green is because this was our view last trip we were there:

And my husband and I wouldn't mind sitting outside the door a little bit (there were chairs) and having a drink while our daughter sleeps before we call it a night. So as much as I want a short walk...I'm going to keep trying for a poolside room I think.

That all seems pretty awesome for an arrival day if you ask me...the next day will be fantastic!!

 

[Suziannie]

Stuidos that is...
Waking up early will be our first order of business so we can head over to have breakfast with this lovely Princess and her Toy Dr friend:

Photo from Google image search.

I have a two year old, who obviously loves Sofia and just recently really started to enjoy Doc McStuffins. Which may have something to do with the Doc McStuffins play set I got her at Christmas....

Anyways...I've been to Hollywood & Vine for both dinner and lunch but never breakfast. I've never been disappointed there. In fact most Disney buffets are great as there's always something that's tasty.

We've got a fairly early ADR that should put us in the park itself early enough that we can stay ahead of the crowds a bit.

I'm really not too sure where we'll go from there but I'm sure we'll have an excellent time. I'm debating going to see Buzz & Woody as well as the other Pixar characters. It's a really short trip and if I'm standing in a line, I'd prefer it to be for a ride.

Either way we'll have a good time I'm sure. After a busy morning we're going to take a load off and enjoy lunch in one of these bad boys at the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater:

Photo from Trip Advisor. I actually was searching for the car photos-since we're a party of three I wasn't sure how it would work with us in these "tables" but hopefully we'll be seated in a three seater like this one and not squeezing into a seat all together.

After lunch I think we'll get in one or two more attractions or rides depending on what we got done. But it won't be long that we'll be able to head back to our room and take a break. I'll probably rest for a bit, but leave my husband and daughter napping while I go enjoy a book sitting next to this:

Photo from a Google image search.

My daughter doesn't really like pools so I'm not going to push family swim time, but I'll see how that plays out once (If?) spring every comes to Texas and we can start swimming again. We're going to be taking it fairly easy this night though. No dinner ADR to rush off to but a rather late night planned so I want to make sure we're all well rested.

Eventually (maybe around 6 or so) we'll head over to Magic Kingdom and probably stop in here for a quick bite to share.

Afterwards I'll probably head over to Haunted Mansion and my husband will ride It's a Small World with my daughter again and again until I join them for a few spins on it.

Afterwards we may head over and see how the lines are to see this guy:

My daughter is still deep in her Goofy phase and we're watching a bunch of Goofy videos day and night. Hopefully we'll be able to catch at least some of the electrical parade but we're going to be keeping our eye on the clock because we've got plans that include some tasty refreshments while we stare at this:

This one I took-and I'm hoping to improve upon it a bit this trip.

Yep! I've got a ADR for the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert & Fireworks Party. I made it a few weeks ago now and I have to say since I had to wait so long to book it last trip I was surprised it was up so fast this trip. But anyways...we're all looking forward to at least one plate of some delicious treats.

This was the view from our table:

I love this party and I think it's an exceptional value for those who don't want to do one of the signature meals that offers viewing.

After Wishes we'll play it by ear. I'm going to catch the Kiss Goodnight that night and my husband isn't nearly so excited about that. I checked and he's ok with taking our daughter back to the hotel. I may or may not use the "alone" time to perfect my dark ride photo skills (which are barely beginner level) on Haunted Mansion. I'm also toying with the idea of just getting a drink and sitting on a bench in the hub and people watching the night away while taking in the sights.

But over all...it's a pretty good plan for a full day in the park I think!

 

[Suziannie]

Finally we come to our Animal Kingdom day. Even though this is rarely more than a half day park for us, I always love it here. We're starting our day off right with breakfast in one of my WDW favorites...

Photo from Google image search

Between the characters and the location and the food-it's a great meal. I'm excited because it will be my husband's first time to eat there. He's a bit worried it will be too "exotic" but I reminded him that no Disney breakfast buffet is without Mickey waffles so he's in.

I timed the ADR so we'll be getting out right around the time the park is open so we should still be able to take advantage of a shorter wait time, and cooler morning on this:

Google image search photo.
And then what?

Well I'm not really too sure. Obviously we'll do Everest. And I'm sure we'll stop in and see Nemo

Photo from Google image search.

One of my favorite 3D movies is at Animal Kingdom too...

another Google Image search.
BUT...our two year old isn't really into bugs, so unless I start playing the movie a bunch I can't see us doing this. And really even if she does fall in love with the movie I'm really not sure it would be a good idea to try taking her on this one. So we may skip it.

In December when we went we got really tired of the child swap process. I'm not knocking it at all-but it got old fairly quickly for us so we ended up switching to swapping for the most important rides and then doing what we could as a family. So it probably isn't going to happen.

I set up an ADR for lunch outside of the park. It's not far but I think the break will be good if we decide to return to Animal Kingdom afterwards-which all depends on how the morning goes.

So where are we going? It's a new one for us...

I'm really looking forward to it too! I really hope we get a window seat.

After we eat I'd like to explore the resort here a bit as we evaluate what to do next. I'm leaning towards heading back to the hotel for a cool break though.

 

[Suziannie]

Well no matter what we end up doing after our lunch at Sanaa (although I'm pretty sure it will be heading back to Shades of Green and relaxing for a few hours) we've decided we'd like to hit up the World Showcase for a few treats...

I'd like to also try to park at the Boardwalk and walk over that way. I've never been and I'd like to check it out. We'll pick up a snack on the way to fortify our walk to the International Gateway I think. Maybe a cupcake? I've also heard good things about the pizza too.

Once inside we're going to enjoy some snacks in a few locations. We tried a small version last trip and loved it! So much more fun than an ADR and you see so much more. So in no order here's what we want to try...some are new and some are old favorites.

In Japan, this savory pancake:

Google image search photo

There's a lot we want to try/have again in France so we'll be planning on a couple stops. In no order:

A very special macaron and ice cream sandwich

We both didn't have room for this last trip and want to try it, so we're planning on splitting it. It's a ham sandwich with butter and cheese and it looks fantastic!

Yummy photo from a Google image search

And then we'll wash it down with these:

Lovely shot right? Google Image search!

My husband doesn't go to EPCOT without stopping in here for a pretzel:

I want to see if we can end up at Rose & Crown around the time that Illuminations starts. We'll be sharing either this or the fish and chips depending on how full we're feeling. Actually there's a chance we might just be having drinks at this point. We'll see! But this does look yummy I think.

And that's it!

Of course we'll stop into my Homeland's pavilion (Canada!) and pick up some Coffee Crisp for the long walk back to the car.

We also have a late breakfast so we might be out late. I'm not opposed for stopping for a night cap on the boardwalk somewhere too. Depends on my daughter's mood of course but last time she was a peach and always up or everything-even if she did sleep through a lot of photos and rides!

 

[JessicaRabbitInTN]

My DBF lived in Pensacola growing up and we took our 1st family trip
last summer. We went for 5 nights and stayed at the Hilton right on the beach. There are 3 restaurants that I recommend but I can not remember the name of 1. Peglegs & Flounders. Each has a sand area where the kids can play and Peglegs has a playground. I believe flounders does as well. Food was decent and price were what you would expect at the beach. Flounders has a snow cone counter in the "walk way" to the restaurant. We went here almost every day. It was only when my DS tried to order a gummy bear flavored snow come that I found out that they had the ability to put flavored liquor in them. Gummy bear vodka?!? Yes please! This blew my mind and I will say that this mommy enjoyed many snow cones afterwards! LOL!

I will look up the 3rd restaurant and let you know. Make sure to take a few hours and go to Fort Pickens. Your husband will love it. The drive (5-8 minutes) is the most beautiful view ever!! You are on a small narrow road with the ocean on either side! It is so pretty. Another great day trip is the National Aviation Museum. From the beach, it is 15-20 minutes. If you are staying on base then you are right by it. It is free and so worth the drive. We take the kids to see the Blue Angels every year so they loved seeing their home base.

I am following along on your trip report. Thank you from my family to yours for your husbands service to our country.

Have a great trip! Happy planning : )

 

[Suziannie]

Thank you for all the tips!

I've actually heard really good things about both Peg-Legs and Flounders from a few co-workers so they're on our list I think.

We'll be checking out the aviation museum for sure. My husband really wanted to join the Air Force but with his eye sight he knew he'd never make the cut to be a pilot so he went another route. Now he's attached to a Marine Corps field artillery unit though so he doesn't even get to go on ships now!

 

[JessicaRabbitInTN]

Go early and request a table by the play area. Be sure to bring a change of clothes for your DD. Eating at these restaurants forced me to relax. All 3 kids played in the sand area after ordering our food. When our food came, my then 9 year old DSD came and ate and then 5 y/o DS and 8 y/o DSD proceeded to take turns burying each other in the sand. We boxed their food up to go. It was nice to sit down and eat with my oldest DSD and DBF while the younger 2 played. Our DS just asked me what I was doing and after I told him, he said to tell you to make sure to go to the Popsicle place by the ferris wheel. I forgot about that place. They make Popsicles in house with fresh local ingredients. Soooo yummy!

 

[Suziannie]

Go early and request a table by the play area. Be sure to bring a change of clothes for your DD. Eating at these restaurants forced me to relax. All 3 kids played in the sand area after ordering our food. When our food came, my then 9 year old DSD came and ate and then 5 y/o DS and 8 y/o DSD proceeded to take turns burying each other in the sand. We boxed their food up to go. It was nice to sit down and eat with my oldest DSD and DBF while the younger 2 played. Our DS just asked me what I was doing and after I told him, he said to tell you to make sure to go to the Popsicle place by the ferris wheel. I forgot about that place. They make Popsicles in house with fresh local ingredients. Soooo yummy!

Awesome tips! Thank you so much!

 

[Suziannie]

I'll just come out and say it...the castle and hub construction is giving me second thoughts about going to WDW. I'm not saying this because I hate the ideas-quite the opposite in fact. One of my favorite Walt Disney quotes is the one from Meet the Robinsons, "Keep moving forward". I'm actually excited about the moat and hub changes.

I do see the need for it. Not only does Disney need to create a better way for traffic to move around the park, they need more "standing room" seating for parades and fireworks. As much as this changes things...this is sorely needed in my opinion and probably about 15 years over due. But in any case I've been thinking about skipping either MK or just caning the whole trip. I'll try poking around for end dates for the construction though. If it's close to when I'll be there it might not be that bad. If I'm there during the height of it, we might be spending the entire week in Pensacola and making a quickie trip in October-when the crowds and weather will be far less offensive.


Having said that, on our last trip I took this photo from inside the Swan Boat dock during the Christmas party and its one of my favorites from that trip.

It actually makes me a little sad that I won't get a chance to re-shoot this though, because I think this area is going away. But score for me hanging back and getting this shot (and 9 others that are very similar but not quite as nice)

Anyways...between the giant crane that right now appears to be painting the castle tower roof sliver? And the rest of the hub being torn up and moat drained. Ugh.

However...I also heard about this IllimniNations Sparkling Dessert Party thing and I could probably call Disney and trade out the Wishes dessert thing for this. Not sure about that though.

But it does look awesome. Also, Mine Train will be open. And we have all those lovely ADRs and there's already a few hundred dollars in Disney gift cards (my preferred method of "saving" spending money for Disney) sashed away at my house so... it looks like I've got some thinking to do.

I just haven't decided yet.

 

[scrpbookr]

It was fun to see your name pop up on my trip report! I'm making a June trip for a conference but will get some park time in, too. What are your dates? I arrive on the 20th and leave the 26th.

About the crane.... When we were there in March for Spring Break it was up during the day but they did take it down later in the day for the castle shows. I'm assuming they do this each night. It was a little disappointing but I wouldn't change trip plans for it.