FINALLY going to Florida - TOMORROW - Go to last page for more info

[PennyLane1084]

My plan is to go to Fantasmic! on either 10/20 or 10/23 but only if they add a second show which they most likely will since they did last year

I am going to be brave and go to MNSSHP on 10/21 I know it is a Friday nite but since it is a non-discounted party my thought is maybe the locals will hold out for one of the later parties closer to Halloween. Also I read that the non-discounted parties many times are not as crowded

I think we'll more than likely do Fantasmic on the 20th as well. Well see how my DF and I feel after the loooooong drive.

Yay, a new reader! Welcome to my PTR. Going to MNSSHP on friday, you are a brave lady.

 

[All7OfUs]

I think indeed, you are brave; I'd have done the 23rd. Hope it's not quite as busy as you anticipate and can do more than a few of things on your must-do list!!

 

[PennyLane1084]

I was just reading Magdelena's PTR (Flossbolna) and her post about going to IoA and Universal. As most of you know, but if you don't, I'm a HUGE fan of Harry Potter. Originally I was going to attempt to squeeze both IoA and Universal in one day, but I just had an idea.

What if we checked out of POP 2 days early and checked into a hotel near Universal

This way we can save gas money not driving back and forth from the Universal parks and back to POP. So what I think we'll do is check out of Pop on the 24th, drive to AK, Tour AK, Then Drive to our hotel near Universal Studios, check in there, and tour Universal City Walk at night. This way we can spend less time driving the morning we plan on tour IoA, and more time at WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER!!!!!

Now I'm just debating whether I want to splurge and stay on property at a Universal Hotel. Although they do include some great perks for staying on property. Here is an example of the perks I like the best:

• Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required)

• Universal Express SM ride access* to skip the regular lines in both theme parks - a FREE benefit worth up to $87 per person, per day^ (valid theme park admission required)

• Start your day with a wake-up call from one of your favorite Universal Orlando characters, options include Spider-Man ® , Cat in the Hat™, Betty Boop™ and more

• Complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses to make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time

There's the Hard Rock Hotel, we've stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in Downtown Chicago a couple of time and we love it. However, the HRH, in Orlando is $300 a night That seems a little nuts. That's one thing I don't like about Universal is that all their on site hotels are Luxury and UBER expensive. If we decide to stay at an on site hotel, then I REALLY can't swing MNSSHP! It's either one or the other. The Loews Portifino Bay is BEAUTIFUL but again OVER $300 FOR ONE NIGHT!

I know this my be silly but I've updated my tentative schedule post to reflect this change. Just keeping tabs on everything.

 

[PennyLane1084]

So I decided to see if I could get a table for Breakfast at Tusker house, I was able to snag one of 9:15 am on our AK day.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Great job on snagging an ADR for Tusker House. Can't wait to hear about that.

Hmmm...your idea of checking out early for Universal sounds like a good idea. I would definitely stay offsite in the Holiday Inn or Doubletree or the multitude other hotels that are close by and offer free shuttles to the parks.

Since you're going in October, I don't think you'll have to worry about getting that front of the line access anyways. Unless you're going during their Halloween Horror Nights then....that would be very busy. Forbidden Journey doesn't accept that express pass anyways. Might as well stay off site and save a lot of bucks.

 

[PennyLane1084]

Great job on snagging an ADR for Tusker House. Can't wait to hear about that.

Hmmm...your idea of checking out early for Universal sounds like a good idea. I would definitely stay offsite in the Holiday Inn or Doubletree or the multitude other hotels that are close by and offer free shuttles to the parks.

Since you're going in October, I don't think you'll have to worry about getting that front of the line access anyways. Unless you're going during their Halloween Horror Nights then....that would be very busy. Forbidden Journey doesn't accept that express pass anyways. Might as well stay off site and save a lot of bucks.

Hey Yuki, Have you seen this picture from Tim's (That's Nice) most recent TR

What a perfect little outfit for Mr. McDuff!!

wdwinfo.com has a deal for the Double Tree by US, for $99. That's where we're going to stay. I love Double Tree's, They are very nice hotel, have uber comfy beds AND they give you a cookie when you check in to boot! Any place that gives you free cookies is awesome in my book! Supposedly it's in walking distance from the theme park but we'll have to see. The term "Walking Distance" is relative IMO.

 

[PennyLane1084]

Ever since my surgery back in February, I've been having a bad relapse with my Rheumatoid Arthritis. This past weekend, I had to walk A LOT at a convention, IT KILLED ME! All I kept thinking is "what the heck am I going to do in Disney?"

I recently switched doctors and this new guys is like a Saint among men. He also said that I've been really under dosed on my most important medication for my RA. I know have to inject my medication twice a week as opposed to only once a week. I'm hoping this increase in my meds will have me walking and feeling better soon. Lately my joints have been very painful and walking long distances have been hard. I've also been VERY fatigued.

If my walking doesn't get better by the time my trip rolls around, I may have to rent an ECV. Although my Mom has MS and she has a scooter that she doesn't use at all, she's been in remission for about 7 years. So I may borrow that one, plus if I do have to use it, maybe I can decorated for the parks.

So now I need to call Disney and have them change a few things with my room:

• I'll need to request a fridge for my room to store my meds
• I may need to request an accessible room, if I do in fact need to rent a ECV or use my mom's scooter

I've been doing research on the Disability board just in case.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Pennylane, I finally managed to check out your PTR! And found out that I had quite an impact on your plans!

I think your idea about staying at Universal is great! Did you check out the Universal pages on wdwinfo.com (the website part of the DIsboards)? I think they have some offers for nearby hotels.

From my reading on the Universal board it seems that Wednesday through Sunday are Halloween Horror Nights which tend to make the parks very busy, but if I understand your dates correctly, you wouldn't be at Universal at those days?

I hope your doctor will be able to help you with your joints! Not being able to walk at Disney/Universal wouldn't be nice. But then fortunately they are both very accomodating for people with all kind of problems. If you are reading the DISablility board, I am sure you already found out that maybe you could get a GAC for you anyway to eliminate long times of standing which I guess might be a problem.

Well, perhaps you have already discussed these issues, I must confess that so far I only read the last two pages of your PTR, but I will catch up over the next few days!

 

[PennyLane1084]

Can you tell thing have slowed down at work.

Just wanted to say I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day!

But Between read The Belle Battalion TR and the East meet West TR - I was thinking, How fun would it be to do a girl trip - Yuki? Crissy? and maybe even Liesa....

Maybe next year for Flower and Garden......

I dunno, It's just a thought.

 

[PennyLane1084]

Hi Pennylane, I finally managed to check out your PTR! And found out that I had quite an impact on your plans!

I think your idea about staying at Universal is great! Did you check out the Universal pages on wdwinfo.com (the website part of the DIsboards)? I think they have some offers for nearby hotels.

From my reading on the Universal board it seems that Wednesday through Sunday are Halloween Horror Nights which tend to make the parks very busy, but if I understand your dates correctly, you wouldn't be at Universal at those days?

I hope your doctor will be able to help you with your joints! Not being able to walk at Disney/Universal wouldn't be nice. But then fortunately they are both very accomodating for people with all kind of problems. If you are reading the DISablility board, I am sure you already found out that maybe you could get a GAC for you anyway to eliminate long times of standing which I guess might be a problem.

Well, perhaps you have already discussed these issues, I must confess that so far I only read the last two pages of your PTR, but I will catch up over the next few days!

Yay! Magdelena! You're here. Happy to have you.

I think I'm going to go with that Double Tree for $99/night deal over on the WDWinfo Universal page. As much as I love Disney, one of the main reasons for this trip is WWoHP!! So I want to get as much time there as I can. Plus it looks like I'll be back at WDW in September of '12 for a Disneymoon

Maybe we can plan a Dismeet while you and Katherina are still around. That would be lovely!

 

[PennyLane1084]

I'd like to intro someone else who will be coming along on the trip with my DF and I.

He's small......

He's Green....

He speaks in backwards sentences.....

Introducing....

YODA

"Nice to meet you, it is"

Playing some Dominion with Yoda on a Hot Lazy Sunday afternoon

 

[smileycrissy]

That Yoda is adorable!!! Where did you get him? Are you going to try to take some memorable pics with him like Tim did with MJ?

 

[YukiPhnx]

Kristin, those Duffy's are SO CUTE!!! I just got him a new outfit from Build a Bear. He has a t-shirt with a skull and crossbones with headphones on and these sweet new jeans.

Which con did you go to? I just went to a con this weekend too! I'll be posting up pics soon.

I sure hope those meds do work better for you! How's your research going?

OMG, Yoda is ADORABLE!! Where did you get him? Looks like a Happy Meal toy.

A girls trip would be SO nice. Not sure when would be a good year...Since I'm already planning a Universal trip and a cruise for next year.

 

[PennyLane1084]

That Yoda is adorable!!! Where did you get him? Are you going to try to take some memorable pics with him like Tim did with MJ?

Oh Yoda is going have a blast on his trip to Disney!!

Kristin, those Duffy's are SO CUTE!!! I just got him a new outfit from Build a Bear. He has a t-shirt with a skull and crossbones with headphones on and these sweet new jeans.

Which con did you go to? I just went to a con this weekend too! I'll be posting up pics soon.

I sure hope those meds do work better for you! How's your research going?

OMG, Yoda is ADORABLE!! Where did you get him? Looks like a Happy Meal toy.

A girls trip would be SO nice. Not sure when would be a good year...Since I'm already planning a Universal trip and a cruise for next year.

That outfit sounds soooo cute!!! What Con did you go to? Did you cosplay? I can't wait to hear about it!

My meds are starting to work. I'm beginning to feel a little better. I have my good days and I have my bad days. I did find out that I can get a mini fridge for my room at no extra cost since it's for medical purposes. And I can put pop and stuff in there too!! I just need to find out if I need some kind of letter from my doctor, which I'll ask when I call Guest Services to make the request.

The Convention I went to was ACEN. I didn't stay for the whole weekend the year. I decided to change things and opt for Chicago Comic Con instead, which will take place in August. I'm really looking forward to that and considering cosplaying Penny from Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog since Felicia Day is going to be there!! I love her. ACEN, IMO has been slowly going down hill every year. It just wasn't worth the money for guests that I've never heard of and standing in line 2 hours to get into a panel. I usually send most of my time in the dealers' hall anyways which means spending money to get in, just to spend more money. Most of the dealers I like are going to be at Comic Con anyways. What I like the most about ACEN is hanging out with our friends and looking at awesome cosplay, which I achieved by just hanging out in the lobby of the main Con hotel for free.

I will be doing another TR about Chicago Comic Con, so keep and eye out for that!!

Where did I get my ADORABLE Yoda?
This is a new set of awesomely cute Star Bobble heads. They starting selling them at the Border's book store where Steve works and he surprised me with my new little friend as soon as they were in stock. He bought himself Darth Vader, which looks a lot like Stewie Darth Vader from the Star Wars Family Guy movies.

We also bought bobble heads of Han Solo and Princess Leia for out bridal shower cake!! We've decided to go with a Star Wars Theme.

 

[PennyLane1084]

Mission Log

Agent K

Sunday, June 5

1300 Hours

I stepped in the cavernous Home Improvement Center on a mission. The air was not much cooler inside than the blistering heat on this Sunday in June. My companions think we are for here to purchase a small gas grill to cook on later than evening, but I had other matters on my mind. Would I find them in time without having to give away my plan? My group succeeded in procuring our first item, a gas powered cooking apparatus. We then needed to find propane to power it, which turned into another hurdle in itself. We walk past isle after isle to find some assistance for our new mission. I acted as though I was still helping in the mission, but headed towards the flooring department. Would my ultimate goal be located in this section? I scampered off and acted as if I was assisting in finding an employee. No. My ultimate goal was not here. I must press on, time was growing short. My companions succeeded in finding an employee who knew could help us locate the propane. He inevitably ended up helping me in the end. As we rounded the corner was walked past an open area where I spotted my coveted item from 20 yards away. AHA! The paint samples! I stealthy separated myself from the group again with my goal in sight. There they were, like a shinning beacon. The skies parted and the angels sang "Hallelujah." I immediately grabbed the most important lime green variety. For this was need to create the sacred talisman for my journey to the World. While I was there I took advantage my location and snatched a few more colors: Blue & Red. The Orange was a little more difficult to acquire. This almost brought my mission to a crashing halt as I pushed them out of their sheath and orange paint samples rained down upon me. There was one more sample I wanted to acquire, however the yellow paint samples were out of reach! Bugger and Blast!!!! I was getting too greedy for my own good. I would leave them for now and return another time. I need to keep my cool and look unsuspecting. Next time, I will bring will bring a partner of taller stature. I needed hurry along and return to my group before they questioned my whereabouts. Upon my return the others had located the propane we required.

Status: All Mission Successful

 

[PennyLane1084]

So, I'm considering adding the QS Dining plan to my res. What do you guys think? I figure it might make our vacation a bit or hassle free. Currently I only have the Hotel Res booked and I'm going to get our park tix from Undercover Tourist. So We shall see.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Haha, congrats on getting those Lime Green Mickey heads!

Hm....I don't think the QSDP would be worth it for the two of you. Sure, it's more convenient, BUT you are definitely not going to eat as much for it to be worth it.

When it was just Andrew and I, I really considered getting the QSDP cause I had been waiting for an alternative to the regular DP (it's about time!), but knowing how little I ate on my last trip. A child's meal was enough for me.

If you want to keep it hassle free, you can set yourself a food budget and then load it up onto a gift card to use just for dining. I mean, the food prices are at Allears anyways.

 

[Flossbolna]

Another vote against the quick service dining plan. I think Yuki's advice with the gift card is really good if you want to go for that prepaid thing.

I think every dining plan just takes too much flexibility out of your vacation. What if you don't want dessert? What you feel tired and hot and not like feeling much and rather would want to get just a side dish and no entree?

 

[PennyLane1084]

Haha, congrats on getting those Lime Green Mickey heads!

Hm....I don't think the QSDP would be worth it for the two of you. Sure, it's more convenient, BUT you are definitely not going to eat as much for it to be worth it.

When it was just Andrew and I, I really considered getting the QSDP cause I had been waiting for an alternative to the regular DP (it's about time!), but knowing how little I ate on my last trip. A child's meal was enough for me.

If you want to keep it hassle free, you can set yourself a food budget and then load it up onto a gift card to use just for dining. I mean, the food prices are at Allears anyways.

Another vote against the quick service dining plan. I think Yuki's advice with the gift card is really good if you want to go for that prepaid thing.

I think every dining plan just takes too much flexibility out of your vacation. What if you don't want dessert? What you feel tired and hot and not like feeling much and rather would want to get just a side dish and no entree?

Thank you for the advice ladies. I don't think I will do the QSDP. Usually Steve and I end up getting some kind of meal that includes a side and a drink, and then an extra entree by it's self when we eat at fast food places. I'm sure we can do the same while we're in Disney.

Yuki, the gift card is a really good idea. I should start a budget now, off to Allears.net to do some research.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Awww, thanks you guys! I wish I could've done that, but using our KTTW card was pretty good for us.

Andrew and I never bought anything other than the entrees. We should just get one entree to share and ask for a cup of cold tap water. We ate at off-times to beat the crowds and had 3-4 mini-meals as opposed to 2-3 big meals. It worked really well for us and we could try out so many different kinds of food, which is what we really liked doing.

You should make ADRs at 1 or 2 of the TS places that you want to try, it's your birthday after all!