Finally!! 3 1/2 years is too long!!

[rndmr2]

Hi everyone!

I thought I would do a small PTR for my upcoming trip in September. We will be at the World from Sept 25th until October 2nd. I apologize for the lack of pictures in these first couple installments but I promise more in the future ones, as well as in the TR I plan to do when we get home.

We had spent a good part of the year thinking that we wouldn't be able to do a Disney trip this year even though I REALLY wanted to, and had planned on a Fall 2014 trip since 2012. Earlier in the year there were a lot of things going on in the family, my DH's mom had a knee replacement, his brother was very sick and was in and out of the hospital and the prognosis wasn't good, he was requiring a lot of help and we just were reluctant to plan anything for fear that we would have to cancel it. Unfortunately my BIL lost his battle with Cancer at the end of May, leaving behind his wife and 2 little boys.

DH is also looking into having weight loss surgery and was thinking he should have it before the racing season ended while his work had full staffing (He works at a horse racing track/casino) but then the appointments that he needed for that kept getting pushed back (nutritonist, counseling, etc) and it was looking more and more like the surgery would be most likely not until the new Year, so the Fall opened back up for a trip.

With all the stress and sadness in our lives over the past few months, not to mention craziness at our respective workplaces, needless to say we both deserve a Vacation, and where else but the Most Magical Place on Earth?? I started researching dates and prices, hoping for Free Dining but the more my DH procrastinated (Men! ) on making a decision, that availability was less and less. So we finally booked a Room Discount at Pop and our trip was underway!! I made the Resort and airline reservations on July 20th and then right away set out to making our dining reservations. I knew that with not much time, the choices would be slim but I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to get just about everything I wanted, although some of the times were not as desirable.

 

[rndmr2]

The Cast of Characters:

First is, of course me! Danielle, I am a Home Care nurse, I work on call/evenings, which means I head out around 5pm and see a few people in the evening hours, usually overflow admissions or regular visits if anyone called out sick that day or if a Patient was an add on because they were having issues. Then I go home usually about 9 or 10pm and do my Computer notes/documentation and basically wait for the phone to ring. Usually I am lucky and it doesn't but sometimes I might have to go back out if someone has a catheter blocked, etc. I am "On call" till 8am. I don't have to stay awake but I usually do until about 4 or so doing notes and watching Friends Reruns on Nick at Nite (Love those! LOL). Since I don't work until 5pm, and I don't have to pick up DH from work until 3 or 3:30, I can sleep during the day some if I need to, which works out.

My DH, Tim, he is a cleaner at the local Racetrack/casino. He works normal Daytime hours. He has been very busy at work lately, sometimes working longer hours and extra days due to some special events they have there and Union negotiations (they are working on a new contract this year) so he will be thankful for the vacation too. We live in Western NY, not far from Rochester.

And last but not least is my Dad, Bob. He and my late mom are largely responsible for my love of all things Disney. All but 4 of the trips you see listed in my siggie are with him (87, 91, 2004 and 2010) He lives in Philadelphia and is still working full time at 73. He is retired Army (20 years, retired in 1980) and has worked as a civilian for the Dept of Defense at the local Navy Depot since shortly after he retired from the Army. We don't get to see him as often as we would like and when we do it is only for a weekend at a time so we are looking forward to spending some quality time with him on this trip.

DH and I had talked about the possibility of inviting others to join us but then thought with such short notice, the chances of anyone else coming would not be likely. A couple days later I was talking to my Dad and mentioned that we made the ressie and on a whim asked him if he wanted to come. He was reluctant at first due to his work schedule but when he heard our dates, said that those days actually work well for him because it is a slow time for him at work. (It will actually be real busy for him right after we get back). He will drive down and meet us there, he LOVES to drive and Hates to fly so that works out for him, He will leave on Wednesday the 24th, stay somewhere overnight about 3/4 of the way there and arrive at the Resort Thursday Morning sometime.

Here is a Pic of us on our last trip in 2011:



The other person in the Pic is my MIL, she was with us on the last trip, too, along with my SIL and her DH at the time and his Dad (check out the "May 2011" TR below if you are interested)

 

[rndmr2]

When I first made our plans it was going to be just Tim and I so I made all the ADR's for 2 people. I also was on a mission to try ALL new places this year, ones we have never done. One exception was made, Tim's one place he wanted to eat at was the Biergarten so I agreed to that one even though we have been 2 x before (my dad once), it is a fave.

The original list was:

Boma Dinner
Kona Cafe breakfast
Biergarten dinner
50's PTC Lunch
Yak and Yeti Dinner
Via Napoli dinner
Crystal Palace (dinner then became breakfast)


I got everything I wanted except Be Our Guest and Ohana. Luckily, I was able to get new ADR's for 3 people once we added my Dad to the list at most of my original places without any difficulty, then I cancelled the ones for a party of 2.

I did end up making a few changes from our original plans, though. Originally I had an ADR for 50's Prime Time cafe for Lunch on the HS day but when I went to change it to 3 people, I didn't care for the times. Then on our AK day I had a 4:15 ADR at Yak and Yeti but changing it to 3, I could only get 3:00, so I talked it over with my Dad and we decided to scrap those and make an ADR at Artist Point. I had been thinking about the possibility of doing a Signature Restaurant someday so this was our chance. I really wanted California Grill but that was full for the dates we are there. My dad is really looking forward to this one (so am I)

I also originally had wanted to do a Character meal. My hope was for either 1900 Park Faire Dinner or Crystal Palace Breakfast or Dinner. I talked it over with Tim and he grudgingly agreed to Crystal Palace. When I mentioned it to my Dad, I did say I would cancel it if he Really didn't want to eat with characters (We are 3 adults without kids, after all, ) but he was OK with it. "If you want to go there, we will" (anything for his baby girl, LOL). When it was 2 of us I couldn't get a breakfast there but then when it became 3, somehow a breakfast time opened so I snapped it up.

Every day, I would go in and try different times to try and get one for Be Our Guest and Ohana and I was unable to. Well, one day, I still think it was just pure dumb luck, I had been in the middle of an attempt and the guys came to deliver a new washing machine to the house (ours had keeled over a few days before so we had ordered a new one) and when I went back to the computer, I went to the next time in the drop down and there it was!! a little tiny box with "6:10pm" I didn't even think, I grabbed it! We now had one more ADR than we had TS credits, That's when Crystal Palace got the Ax.

A couple days later I decided to try again for Ohana and miraculously there was an 8:30 one for our last night so I snapped it up! Now I had to make a decision. We again had an extra ADR, what to drop?? I really didn't want to drop any of what we had left. I actually did a Poll here on the DIS and one of the responses was to keep everything and pay OOP for our Kona Cafe breakfast so thats what we are doing. I really need to try Tonga Toast!! LOL

Ok, I have to run, but I'll be back later with our plans for each day.

 

[rndmr2]

We leave on Thursday September 25th. My Dad will leave from Philadelphia early in the AM on Wednesday the 24th and drive until he gets just over the Fla Border and then go the last couple hours Thursday morning. He is going to stop at the store on the way to pick up some breakfast things and bottled water for the rooms.

I am off work Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday is my normal day off and I took Wednesday as part of the vacation. I set it up this way so that I have 2 days to get all my work notes done and be able to turn in my Laptop before I leave, it's a work laptop so I don't feel comfortable taking it with me on a plane. Plus I'll have 2 days to pack any last minute things that aren't packed yet (like probably all of Tim's things, LOL) We also have to drop the Cat off at the Vet for boarding. Here he is:



Isn't he a cutie? I don't have a better one uploaded at the moment. He is an old man, he'll turn 16 right after we come home (on Oct 4th the same day as Tim's and my Anniversary ! )

Anyway, I plan to drop him off in the later part of the day Wednesday so we don't have to worry about cleaning litter or food bowls Thursday morning before we leave. Our flight leaves at 11:55am. I think we'll leave the house about 9:45am or 10. Our airport is a really small one and isn't generally a crowded one, lines aren't usually long and the walk from Security to the farthest gate is not far at all so we shouldn't have to do the 2 hour thing. We plan to park the car in long term parking (just inside the entrance) and take the shuttle to the entrance.

Our last 2 WDW trips when we left there were "Honor Flights" that were coming home those days. It was so nice and moving to see them. I checked and there aren't any on the day we leave, there is one on that following Sunday, though. If you don't know what that is, it's an organization that takes Veterans to see the Memorials in DC. There is info about it and some pics in the May 2011 TR below if anyone is interested.

Hopefully our flight will be on time, and that it isn't overly crowded so that we will be able to sit together, I did't pay the extra to get to choose our seats. Maybe I will when we check in online for the flight if it gives me the option to do it then. I haven't flown on Southwest since a trip to Vegas in 1998 or 99. I'm looking forward to free checked bags!! LOL

I'll call my Dad on his cell probably before we take off to see where he is and then when we are on the ME bus so he'll know a rough estimate of when we will arrive. Assuming that everything goes without a hitch, we should be seeing this soon:



I hope to get a better pic of the sign this time.

and then something like this:



After we check in, our rooms should be ready since it will definitely be after check in time. I'm really curious to see how these Magic Bands work. I assume that my Dad will be already checked in, hopefully our rooms won't be too far apart. I am thinking we will just check out the resort, maybe look at the store, the pool, etc and rest up for a couple hours then we will head out to our ADR over at AKL, I got a dinner ADR at BOMA for 8:15. Since my Dad will have his car, we'll just drive over there so we don't have to worry about park hours, and buses. I hope to go and check in a little early so we can see the resort and maybe some of the animals and maybe get in to eat earlier too. I want to get a good night sleep since I am hoping to get out the door as early as we can for all of our park days.

Next up: Day # 2 Epcot.

 

[rndmr2]

Day # 2 Friday Sept 26th, EPCOT




I plan to try to get up as early as possible. In the past trips we always had good intentions but something always kept us from getting to the parks early, sometimes it was us, others it was other people we had with us. Well my Dad is an early riser and a big proponent of Rope Drop so I don't thnk we will have any issues this time. It's funny thought because it used to be that he could sleep with the best of them. Also years ago on our trips we never got out early.

The park is open until 10 which is when Illuminations will be shown.

We have an ADR at Biergarten at 7:30.



Our FP+ times are:

Mission: Space - 10am to 11am
Soarin' - 11:45 to 12:45
Maelstrom - 1:35p to 2:35p

I have a few ideas on what we should do this morning, assuming we actually do get there at rope drop or soon after. Due to the FP+ Tier system, I was not able to get FP's for both Soarin' and Test Track, so I picked Soarin'. I have one for TT on the 2nd Epcot day. I thought if the guys want to we can go right to TT at opening and either ride standby if the line isn't too bad or Single Rider.

Another thought is to just go the The Living Seas (I can't stop calling it that) and ride the Nemo ride and see the exhibits there,




then head to Mission Space for the FP+ at 10.



Although looking at the Map it looks like Plan A would be less criss crossing.


Then I thought we would do the Living with the Land boat ride while we waited for the Soarin' FP's to be ready. Maybe we will eat Lunch at Sunshine Seasons if it's not too crowded. And as much as I want to try different things this trip, I might not be able to resist this:




I really want to try some of the Food and Wine booths while we are there too, since we are going to be there for the Festival. I was there once for it in 2004 but I didn't know much about it at the time and we didn't fully appreciate it (We did see Blake Shelton at one of the Eat to the Beat concerts, though so that was cool). I am thinking we will do Lunch at the Festival on our 2nd Epcot day but I might do a snack there this first day.

I am thinking we will head over to World Showcase after we finish at the Land to be ready for the Maelstrom at 1:35p.



Depending on how we feel, (and how hot and crowded it is) we may take a break at the resort at this point, our dinner ADR is at 7:30 so I think that would be enough time for a short rest.

After we come back from our break if we do take one, we'll need to get right to Germany. I hope there will be time to go here:



to get some of these:



to take back to the room.

Then we will be eating the delicious Buffet dinner here:



After Dinner, we will probably come out while people are going to be starting to wait for This:



Hopefully I can get some better pics this time. We will be heading out after this, hope the lines for the bus aren't too crazy.


Up next, Day 3, Magic Kingdom and some more firsts

 

[rndmr2]

Day # 3 Sat September 27th, Magic Kingdom


Today we need to get up even earlier than usual because I made a 7:45 am breakfast ADR at Kona Cafe. I probably could have gotten later but I still hope to get to MK as close to Rope Drop as we can. We are going to drive again today because of the timing logistics with the fact that with the new hours, the monorail doesn't start until 8:30 and I don't think the boat does either. I figure it would just be easier to drive to the TTC and walk to the Poly, then we can monorail over to the MK after breakfast.

I really want to get Tonga Toast at Kona, I have been seeing pics and hearing all about it for a couple years now and this is the first chance I have had to do a breakfast. Hopefully it will be as good as I think it will be. the pineapple macadamia nut pancakes appeal to me as well but I have to give the edge to the Tonga Toast. Maybe my dad or DH will order those and I can try it that way...

Our first FP+ isn't until 10:40-11:40 at Big Thunder.



I am thinking if it is not chilly we can do stand by at Splash first, the line shouldn't be too bad that early.



I don't know if my Dad will want to do this one or not, sometimes he will and sometimes not. Hopefully he will this time.

After these I want to see how the lines are for Jungle Cruise



--The BACK of water!! (Love that part, )

and/or Haunted Mansion



and do one or both of those, maybe the Hall of Presidents if there's time before we head into Fantasyland for our next 2 FP's which are Little Mermaid at 12:40-1:40 and the Mine Train from 2p to 3p yay

After that I really don't have anything else planned before dinner except the new parade at 3 if Tim and my Dad want to do that, I really want to see it but I can miss it if they realy don't want to. We are doing a lot on this trip that I know they are only doing for me so I'll let them have their way on this one.

maybe we'll see what else we can see in Fantasyland hopefully not long lines, maybe we'll see what other FP's we can get at that time of day. I definitely want to see Carousel of Progress and the Peoplemover which shouldn't have long lines.



It will probably be getting close to dinner by now, our ADR is at 6:10p at Be Our Guest

I am really looking forward to this meal, I really don't know what to order though, I have seen a couple things on the menu that I would like I think I'll end up getting the Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops although I really want to try the Braised Pork, but maybe I can talk Tim into getting that so I can taste it even though he would probably prefer the pork Chop or the steak. My Dad will probably get the shrimp and scallop thing too, He loves Scallops and usually will order them any chance he gets.

For dessert I am torn on what to get, the lemon cupcake, the strawberry cupcake, and the Master's Cupcake all appeal to me. My dad and Tim will probably both get the Chocolate one.

After dinner we'll just play the rest of the night by ear, just seeing how the lines are, maybe look in some stores. I want to see the MSEP and Wishes as well as the new Castle show but I don't know how long I'll want to specifically line up for them, we'll see how my dad and Tim feel. I think this is the only night we can see them though because we'll be at Ohana for our 8:30 dinner on our other MK day.

Next Up! Day #4 - Hollywood Studios

 

[rndmr2]

My Mickey Mail came today!! One step closer!

 

[rndmr2]

Our Magic Bands have shipped!! The tracking thing said we should get them by Thursday, I guess they are taking longer due to the holiday, Can't Wait for them to arrive!

Hope to do another installment soon

 

[rndmr2]

Less than 3 Weeks!!




Day # 4 Sunday Sept 28th, Hollywood Studios




Today is our Hollywood Studios Day (although My Dad and I both have a hard time not calling it MGM).

We will probably get an early start again today although if there's one day we could sleep in, this would be it. Rope Drop is not a big necessity here because We won't go on TOT or RnRC and we have a FP+ for TSM and Star Tours. We may want to just go to TSM and wait stand by if we want to go on more than once. I want to see the Beauty and the Beast Show and I would like to see the Magic of Disney Animation (we haven't done that one in years) and maybe try the animation Academy.


We'll probably see the Little Mermaid show while we are in the area and maybe by then it might be time for our TSM FP+. If we get there at Rope drop then we will probably have more time and then I want to see One Man's Dream. I was so glad that the Frozen Summer was extended, this will be the last day of it, I really don't need to see the opening show or parade, I only want to see the Singalong show and the Fireworks. Maybe look in Oaken's Trading Post to see the things in there.


After TSM we'll probably want to eat lunch, no clue where we'll end up, we don't have an ADR this day so we will be doing CS. (Today's credit will be combined with tomorrow's for our 2 Signature dinner tomorrow). Maybe Starring Rolls where we can get one of these for dessert:






Probably by now it will be time for our FP+ for Star Tours 1:55p to 2:55p. I was never a huge fan of this ride but I would go on it, it's a fun ride even though I usually got a headache afterwards. I am really looking forward to it this year, though, since I haven't been on it since the refurb a couple years ago. We were in the world the day it re-opened but we weren't in HS that day. If we get on this in the earlier part of our FP window we might have time for something else before the next FP+ but if we are at the end, I will want to head right over to the Premiere Theater for the Frozen singalong. I am looking forward to this, Hope my Dad and Tim don't hate it too much, LOL (Tim did see Frozen in the theater with me and liked it so I think he'll be ok)

Depending on how we feel at this point and how many things we still want to do, we may head out for a break and maybe have dinner at the resort and head back for the Frozen Fireworks and maybe Fantasmic.


Up Next: Day #5 AK

 

[MEK]

I just realized you has a PTR and that you are in Disney NOW!!!! Woo hoo! I hope you are having a fabulous time!

 

[MEK]

Just read through your whole PTR. Love all the pics. So sorry to hear about your BIL.

So you do home care and you really do stay up at night in case you get called? I respect home care nurses. Your job can not be easy.

So tomorrow you will be spending the day at Epcot. I hope you have a great time. I just love it there and I am totally going to miss it this fall! Boo!

 

[rndmr2]

Just read through your whole PTR. Love all the pics. So sorry to hear about your BIL.

So you do home care and you really do stay up at night in case you get called? I respect home care nurses. Your job can not be easy.

So tomorrow you will be spending the day at Epcot. I hope you have a great time. I just love it there and I am totally going to miss it this fall! Boo!

Just saw that you had commented

Thanks for the condolences

I stay up a lot of the time. I can go to sleep but I tend to get a lot of stuff done during those early morning hours then when I take my husband to work I go back to bed and sleep usually until I have to go back to get him.

We did have a great trip!! LOTS of rain though. I do plan to write a TR at some point, hopefully soon.