Fiance's First Disney Experience!

[DisneyLifer87]

This is my first time making a pre-trip report, but I thought it would be fun. This is my fiance's first trip and we're celebrating our engagement. I'm on a crime mission... the perfect crime one might say. I intend to steal my fiance's heart and place it in Disney. I'm going to make a DisneyMAN out of him! Anyway, let's introduce the scene of the crime and the culprits!

Scene of the Crime: WDW All-Star Music Resort
Dates: 1/11/2009 - 1/16/2009

Case File #1: Meagan (me!) 21 year old college student graduating in the summer of '09 with a bachelor's in English Literature. Obsessive-compulsive in planning and nit-picky about the details. In charge of planning everything while taking a full course load. I have been to WDW 3 times in my lifetime, though not since 2002 and never on my own! Basically I'm trying my best to plan the ultimate disney trip for a first-timer. Perhaps you can see my plans and make suggestions? I'd love the feedback!

Case File #2: Matt (the non-disney committed) 20 years old taking online classes for a degree in Law Enforcement. Lazy and overall willing to be told what to do instead of deciding for himself which makes the entire trip that much more difficult to plan. Typically a hard-to-please grump who hates being embarrassed by my excessive energy. Strong fear of heights here which makes a few rides off-limits unless massive amounts of persuading and begging are put behind it!

The Background: We've been together for 3.5 years and got engaged in February of 2008 (so a late engagement celebration). We live together in Minnesota with my two kitties who are Disney namesakes (Simba and Nala) and have been under my care since they were kittens. They are now 14 but still big babies!

The plan of action to come soon!

 

[kayla87]

Can't wait to hear more

I'll be there Jan 2-10. I'm also a college student, and I'm going right before the spring semester starts. So I have to ask, will you be missing a week of class? Or does the semester start ridiculously late?

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Plan of Action!

Sunday, January 11th: Travel Day --Leaving the lovely northern city of Duluth, MN and driving to the cities where we will be carted to the airport by my jealous mother. Avoiding parking at the airport was a must! Our flight leaves at 4:30pm central time, arriving in Orlando at 8:30pm. We are lined up with the Disney Magical Express and will ride over to the All-Star Music Resort where we have a standard room. From here we'll use our DDP on a quick-service dinner in the food court. No Disney plans for today (we need to sleep for the week!)

Monday, January 12th: Dinner Reservation at Hollywood and Vine, 4:00pm Today is a Hollywood Studios Day! We plan to head out and arrive at park opening (9am). First stop will be the GMR followed by Star Tours - I have heard these are less crowded at opening. After that we'll wander till 11am then catch an early DDP quick-service lunch to tide us over until dinner. Matt's looking forward to Indiana Jones Stunt Show whereas I am totally psyched for RnRC. At night we will hit Fantasmic! which will have a reserved section from our dining package. We're planning on getting in line around 5:45pm with the show starting at 6:30pm. After the show we will head to the Disney Boardwalk for some shopping and perhaps a late second dinner at the ESPN club.

Tuesday, January 13th: Dinner Reservations at Cap'n Jack's, 6:45pm Animal Kingdom highlights today, weather permitted of course. I'm a big animal lover, so I'm excited for the safari! We will be heading there ASAP to get our spot. From there it's a day of wandering and collecting the occasional fastpass. We're not sure of where to have lunch here. Matt is planning on sitting out of Expedition Everest due to his fear of heights. I'm out of ideas to convince him, but flying solo may not be so bad! After Mickey's Jungle Parade we will be heading out to Downtown Disney for another night of shopping and dinner!

Wednesday, January 14th: Dinner Reservations at Garden Grill, 5:40pm Epcot is the focus today. Matt and I are both pumped for the Test Track! We'll be heading there first thing to get our speed on. Lunch is undecided here as well. I'm pretty clueless for good quick service places. Suggestions for the 4 parks? Anyway, we will be staying for illuminations because it is beautiful!

Thursday, January 15th: Dinner Reservations at Tony's Town Square, 6pm The last Disney-filled day of our magic vacation will be Magic Kingdom. I'm excited to eat at Tony's because it sounds very romantic and casual, which fits us! With the parades and fireworks, I have a feeling this will be our romantic celebration day where I may just cry. Matt is excited for the Buzz Lightyear ride as well as Pirates, but myself, I'm psyched for Space Mountain and Mickey's Philharmagic!

Friday, January 16th: We head home and reflect on our [hopefully] amazing experiences. Our flight leaves at 1pm so after a quick brunch we will be on our way back to the snow of MN.

 

[DisneyLifer87]

the MN University system starts on January 20th. Very ridiculously late but it works lovely for trip planning!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

How it all began:

We've been trying to plan a nice way to celebrate our engagement since it happened. But wait... hold the phone.. I know some of you saps are wondering how he proposed? Ah, well, it's actually a unique story...

The proposal We were sitting in our rented house which was empty - a hard to find situation when you live with 4 roommates like we did at the time. We were watching Beauty and the Beast because I had had a rough exam and Disney just brightens my day. More specifically I love Belle as I feel she and I have a lot in common (English major here...). Anyway, I was starting to get drowsy and laid down on the couch. Matt covered me with a blanket as it was a cold and snowy day in MN (we got 8 inches that night). He sat by my feet and rubbed them a bit to warm them up. As the movie was close to ending he left the room without a word. I did not think much on it until he returned with his hands in his pockets. He walked over to me and knelt down so he was eye level with me (who was still laying down). He smiled awkwardly and I knew something was up. The dialogue proceeds as such:
"Meagan... you know I love you right?"
"Yeah...." picture the raised eyebrow
"Well... you know, we've been through a lot in the almost 3 years we've been together and I really think that I wouldn't be who I am without you."
"Uh.." trying to figure out why he's on his 'soap box' tonight
"I know you wanted something extravagant, but I'm not much for public displays so..." -pulls out the ring- "will you marry me even if I'm plain?"
Of course I said yes and laughed a lot at his attempts. Honestly, I feel this was the perfect way to be proposed to.

So now you know how we came to be. Currently we are renting in our own place (thankfully) but nothing has changed. We're still plain and goofy. But it works for us! It's time for me to head to work. Look forward to the hectic story properly entitled "Where should we go on vacation?"

 

[bettyann29]

Im in!!

Cant wait to hear more....

We are heading that way Jan 24-31 and then hoping to do a cruise while in Florida.. We stayed at Allstar Music earlier this year and I think it was my favorite Value resort.. I think you will love it..

 

[Lei]

Awh, Meagan, that was a sweet proposal. It has a bit of Disney touch too! (while watching Beauty & The Beast and all ). Good luck on converting your fiance! You guys will be traveling in one of the best time to go, or so I've heard...

anyways, can't wait to hear more!

Btw, I was an English major student myself. It was extra hard when English is not your 1st language

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Where to go

After the engagement we decided that we needed to celebrate it somehow. Given that it was February and school was in full session for both of us, this was near impossible. We decided to begin saving and plan for a vacation the following winter break. The problem? Where were we going to go?! The DH wanted someplace warm and given our last blizzard of 4 ft. I couldn't agree more. Yet there was the issue of rental cars. In July, 2008 I turned 21 which opens up many options for car rental. Again, though, came the issue of prices! 21 years old may mean I can rent, but it also means I pay a pretty penny to do so. In May, 2008 we began our move into a one bedroom apartment. I was packing up the closet when I stumbled upon photos from my first WDW trip in 1998. I had to admit my embarrassment in some of them (I was 11, come on now...) but I reluctantly showed them to the DH and suggested a WDW trip. At this point I began my happy dance as I realized I was possibly going to see the mouse for the first time in 8 years! (*note that 1998 was one of 3 WDW trips, the others noted in my siggy). Now to only convince the DH that the money would be well spent and worthwhile. Not to mention the fact that I would have to find the 'kid' in him... something that doesn't exactly appreciate Disney. Well, let me tell you, he fought long and hard about the trip. I showed him the Attractions (Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, Toy Story Mania!) and he was still hesitant. I decided to try a little harder persuasion and showed him my favorite aspect of Disney -- FANTASMIC! He seemed slightly more interested, yet still not convinced. I began with the begging and pleading promising a great time with lasting memories. Finally... 3 weeks later as September rolled around and school started up one more time....success! He broke down and agreed to let me quote a vacation. The happy dance ensued from where it had left off 2 months prior.

The only problem..... we had very little to no money saved!

As it's election night (I hope you voted!) I will continue with the next installment while watching the updates!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

The plan was set in motion, but the problem became money. As poor college students, we were struggling for cash. Disney dreams were placed on hold as we looked into our Savings Account and found $900.. nothing more. I began quoting vacations, but couldn't figure out what to do. For 5 weeks we scrambled to find a method while I prayed for Disney magic. In October, 2008 (last month) I saw an ad for the Disney Visa which would give me 6 months interest free if I used it to book a vacation. I got anxious and applied, crossing my fingers for approval [hard to get with little to no credit] but within minutes I was given a and we were ready to plan! The vacation came out a bit over $2000 with Park Hopping and the DDP. After the savings account is emptied, we're set with $200 a month to pay it off before interest. Needless to say the happy dance came around once more. WDW here we come!

But hold on.... HOLD ON! Our meals are planned... but what do we do about souvenirs?! This is the DH's first WDW experience so we can't not get any keepsakes. I vented my frustrations to my mother who immediately met my concerns with a big I can't deny I was surprised and a bit upset but she quickly informed me that we were leaving after Christmas. What was to stop her from giving us $300 in spending money? After I thanked my sweetheart of a mother, I realized that other family members may wonder what the DH and I would want for Xmas. Souvenirs? Check. Who needs presents when you have Disney?!

My life was touched with Disney Magic and a ton of Pixie Dust to make this trip a reality. But it still wasn't complete. We were leaving, but our "kids" were staying. Where oh where could I find a sitter for and ??

 

[bettyann29]

Im loving reading about how your trip "came to be".. like I always say "where theres a will, theres a way"..

That is definitely one advantage of going right after the holidays.. family can get you giftcards or just money for your trip.. sounds like its all coming together!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Leaving the Kitties and Planning Excessively

Disney was and the DH and I could not have been happier. Or, well, I was happy... the DH was content. Immediately, however, I realized that and would be staying home by themselves meaning someone would have to love them and feed them for the week. Living in a college town I realized that all of my family was 2.5 hours away so that option could not be used. In addition to this let down, my DH's family is 3 hours away, so we were out of luck in that realm as well. I quickly send out emails and text messages to the realm of my college friends attempting to find someone that would be in the area over winter break. As you can imagine this was a slim option because majority was going home. As things began to look very bleak once more, I received a text message from my best friend who was unable to take part in this vacation due to budget, but was originally intending on tagging along. She informed me that she would be in the area and would love to watch the babies if I gave her a souvenir when I returned. Who can say no to that? Now only to think of a good souvenir.... (ideas?)

Following this joyous news the party began! The DH immediately took himself out of the realm of planning. He was still (and still is) lacking in enthusiasm about the trip. I gathered information via the WDW site and the DIS (of course) and have molded down the itinerary that you see above (Post #2). It's not perfect and things are still confusing, but here we are. 67 days are left in the countdown and I'm still frantically trying to figure out everything.

If you've stuck with me through this lovely story, do hang out while I announce Disney-mail call and strive to find recommendations for how to do it all in 4 days! I'd love love love love feedback and ideas.

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Since the Vacation was booked on 10/30/08 I have received two pieces of Disney mail!

First was the invoice which, even though it said nothing regarding the trip, still got my heart beating faster than you can imagine! Second arrived yesterday which was my lovely customized maps which I adore. They're huge and so full of detail! I highly recommend taking advantage of this free offer from Disney. Very worthwhile even if they seem to be too big and too special for the parks. It's a great free memory to keep at home!

So now I come to the part of my pre-trip report that I ask for some solutions/tips/tricks/ideas etc. Here's the issues I find myself facing:

1. With an incoming flight at 8:30pm and taking the magical express, would wandering Downtown Disney be a good, or plausible option?
2. Hollywood Studios has so much to do and so little time to do it with a 4pm dinner reservation and a 6:30pm fantasmic show. How can I possibly do this!?
3. On the line of Disney's Fantasmic! how early should I arrive if I have the dinner package with the reserved seating area?

I'm sure more questions will come, but this is all on my mind thus far. I'm trying not to stress out too much over this!

 

[kayla87]

What was to stop her from giving us $300 in spending money?

Both of our parents are fully aware that we are going to Disney a week after Christmas

1. With an incoming flight at 8:30pm and taking the magical express, would wandering Downtown Disney be a good, or plausible option?
2. Hollywood Studios has so much to do and so little time to do it with a 4pm dinner reservation and a 6:30pm fantasmic show. How can I possibly do this!?
3. On the line of Disney's Fantasmic! how early should I arrive if I have the dinner package with the reserved seating area?

1. I don't know how much stays open late. If you get to the hotel by 9:30-10, then check in, then get on a bus, that doesn't leave much time.

2. I've finished DHS by 5. We don't do everything, but the number of times we ride Tower of Terror probably makes up for that. We also use The Unofficial Guide touring plans.

3. With the package, you have to arrive 30 minutes before. However, I've heard in passing that they have changed some stuff with the package, and there is less seating, so you might consider getting there earlier. Maybe another reader has more direct knowledge.

 

[DisneyLifer87]

2. I've finished DHS by 5. We don't do everything, but the number of times we ride Tower of Terror probably makes up for that. We also use The Unofficial Guide touring plans.

Best Advice Ever! Went out to get the guide and am in love with it. The one day touring for Adults fits almost everything we want to see with a few things we don't leaving us more time! I feel much more relaxed

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Disney's New 2009 Deal!

So after a long couple of hours on the phone with Disney I have extended our trip! And the best part?! I extended it and Disney is still refunding me $100!!

So we are now staying at the POP from 1/11-1/18 with the DDP and parkhopper 7-days. We switched our airfare since the flight on the 18th through Sun Country wanted us to arrive back home at 11:40pm. So now we're flying AirTran which was cheaper, hence the refunded $100. Add that to our $200 giftcard and you have one happy diser

 

[DisneyLifer87]

So I've been considering collecting autographs but I am not creative enough to make my own book. Anyone know of a place that customizes? Or maybe of a person?

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Alright so photo happy! Time to introduce the crew face-to-face

Me and the future DH: (taken Xmas of last year)

And the two babies being left behind: (my personal lion king and queen)

Hooray for 2 months to go!