*~* First Trip: 59 Years In The Making *~* 11/25 - PTR is now closed!

[DsnyMama]

Well, looks like we'll be choosing another resort.... We are upgrading to DxDDP, so we have to get FD to take care of the cost... I had another DISer price us out a package with her FD PIN she isn't using and LM rooms are booked for our dates w/ FD.... PoP is the plan unless a miracle happens and we can swing a mod. I know there's a slight chance a LM room will open up for FD, but I kinda highly doubt it!


Have to say I'm a little bummed - ok - alot bummed


There's always next time

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Ooohh! Link to the transfers? Can't wait to see your shirts!!

amy mickey dot com

 

[DizNee Luver]

We started our coundown chain!! 150 links went up last night and DD got to pull the 1st one off today!!

How fun!! We did that too for our trip to DL in 2005. It was the boys first trip & we were pretty excited. The chain went down the hallway & back up & into the front room.

PS: LOVE your dining room!!!

 

[RooRach0906]

Your countdown chain looks awesome!!!

Wow you have a lot of shirts planned out.

 

[Valgoof]

Hello??? I expected to see an update on here.... I am Valerie in the other group in case you hadnt figured that out. Didnt want you to think I was just a random stalker.

 

[DsnyMama]

Hello??? I expected to see an update on here.... I am Valerie in the other group in case you hadnt figured that out. Didnt want you to think I was just a random stalker.

Well hello there stalker! Was coming to post an update here now thank ya very much!

Your countdown chain looks awesome!!!

Wow you have a lot of shirts planned out.

Tell me about it! I have SOOO much work to do!!

And thanks!! 147 days!!!!!!!!!!!!

How fun!! We did that too for our trip to DL in 2005. It was the boys first trip & we were pretty excited. The chain went down the hallway & back up & into the front room.

PS: LOVE your dining room!!!

Thanks! It's actually at my mom's house - they have a huge 2500sq ft log cabin. The kiddos and I are staying here while DH is gone so much (he's a new truck driver)

amy mickey dot com

Thanks

 

[DsnyMama]

Change of plans!!! We've picked Coronado Springs instead of POP as our back up resort if we can't get free dining applied to our AoA LM room once FD is up for the general public.

Now for the big change!! I've been daydreaming all day today about our trip and keep coming back to the fact that my mom has dreamed of staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge since my husband and I honeymooned there in 2008. I decided to do a little pricing and a little hunting around on the DVC rent board. I figured out that we could drop our park tickets to 8 days vs 10 days (won't need park tickets on arrival day or Dec 1st which is our resort day), and we could rent points for 2 nights at AKV with DxDDP and only spend about $100 more! I decided to GO FOR IT!!!

We are now staying November 26-28 at Animal Kingdom Villas -Standard View at Kidani with Deluxe Dining!! I was told we can pick up tickets from packages 3 days in advance, so that works perfect for our park days on the 27 and 28th! I REALLY wanted to book Savannah View, but nothing was open for those dates.... I figured standard is better than nothing! I'm going to request a pool view if possible.

We'll then move to a standard room at CSR for 7 nights!

I'm *SO* excited! I'm not telling my mom at all, we are just going to show up to AKV on ME instead of CSR and let her be so surprised!!!

 

[RooRach0906]

That is so awesome that you did that for your mom!!!! Sounds like a great plan!!!!

 

[Valgoof]

I feel like I already knew this. Very cool!! Would love to stay at AKL someday!! Great surprise for your mom!! But if FD is available at AOA, you are still going to switch the CSR part or are you set with this plan? For now....

 

[DsnyMama]

That is so awesome that you did that for your mom!!!! Sounds like a great plan!!!!

Thanks! I'm SUPER excited!!

I feel like I already knew this. Very cool!! Would love to stay at AKL someday!! Great surprise for your mom!! But if FD is available at AOA, you are still going to switch the CSR part or are you set with this plan? For now....

I'm not really sure... With the LM rooms being already at 100% capacity (unless they are saving rooms for a future promo??) I'm worried the buses, ect will be PACKED. Wondering if we should let the 'new' die down a bit before staying there?? It would save $$$ though and I really want to stay there and so does DD - so if we can score FD there, we'll most likely stay there! CSR is just still the backup although I treat it as first choice since I'm almost certain I won't score FD for AoA.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Thanks! I'm SUPER excited!!



I'm not really sure... With the LM rooms being already at 100% capacity (unless they are saving rooms for a future promo??) I'm worried the buses, ect will be PACKED. Wondering if we should let the 'new' die down a bit before staying there?? It would save $$$ though and I really want to stay there and so does DD - so if we can score FD there, we'll most likely stay there! CSR is just still the backup although I treat it as first choice since I'm almost certain I won't score FD for AoA.

Thats what we are doing...letting the newness die down a little bit!

 

[DsnyMama]

Working on itineraries! Not touring plans - still have to do those, but a general where we have to be and when!


Reservation #1 - Animal Kingdom Villas, Standard Studio - DxDDP 6 Dining Credits, 4 Snack Credits

Monday November 26th - No park today
* Arrival day! Unsure of transportation at this point. Either flying from Charlotte,NC to Orlando, FL or Greenville, SC to Orlando, FL. If we don't fly, we'll be driving from South Carolina!
* Hoping to arrive at Animal Kingdom Villas around noon, check in, and get settled.
* Late lunch at either Mara or Saana - I can't decide! Leaning towards Saana! (1 of 6 credits)
* Explore AKV - animal viewing areas, lobby, ect..
* Pool time (if warm enough!) at both Kidani and Jambo!
* Take advantage of the kid's activities, storytelling, ect around AKV
* Making an ADR at Jiko (Disney Dining down, have to make later) (3 of 6 credits)
* Short walk to our room and bed!

Tuesday November 27th - MK/MVMCP - easyWDW "Most Recommended" and a 1.4/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 6:15 am
* Bust stop to MK by 7:00 am
* Pick up package tickets early at Guest Relations
* ADR at Crystal Palace 8:20 am (4 of 6 credits)
* Tour Fantasyland until 12:30 pm
* Snack Credits for Lunch
* Bus stop MK to AKV by 1:00 pm
* Pool time/rest/relax
* Bus to MK by 4:00 pm
* Boat or Monorail to GF
* ADR at 1900 Park Fare 5:05 pm (5 of 6 credits)
* Boat or Monorail to MK for MVMCP
* Bus to AKV after MVMCP

Combo Reservation #1 and #2 day (using dining credits from both!)

Wednesday November 28th - Hollywood Studios - easyWDW "Most Recommended" and 3.8/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 6:15 am
* Check out of AKV and have Bell Services transfer luggage.
* Bus to Hollywood Studios by 7:15
* ADR at Hollywood & Vine 8:25 am ( 6/6 credits)
* Tour Hollywood Studios
* Leave group at Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground while I go check-in at CSR. New dining plan begins!
* ADR at 50's Prime Time Cafe 1:10 pm (1 of 21 credits)
* Pixar Pals Parade 3:30 pm (or is it 3pm? Need to check!)
* Continue touring Hollywood Studios
* Maybe Fantasmic 6:30 pm (still not sure on this.. Worried it will scare DD and I want to leave enough time for the lights! BUT we've never seen it...)
* Osborne Lights by 7:15 pm
* Leave DHS. Bus to The Poly.
* ADR at 'Ohana 9:25 pm (2 of 21 credits).
* Monorail to MK from Poly, bus to CSR.
* Make sure any remaining snack credits are used from Reservations #1!!




Up Next: Reservation #2

Thursday November 29th
Friday November 30th
Saturday December 1st
Sunday December 2nd
Monday December 3rd
Tuesday December 4th
Wednesday December 5th

 

[DizNee Luver]

Looking good so far. I'm so glad I don't have to figure out all that transportation stuff. I will map out & figure times between places....but I think having our own vehicle is going to pay off in the long run.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Yea AKV! It looks so beautiful during the holidays in the pics I have seen

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Thats the only place we havent booked a place to eat! I just cant give up Tusker Nouse for Boma and we have the MVMCP that night so its pointless to go to AKL this trip....maybe next one we will get there to see the animals!

 

[RooRach0906]

Plans sound great so far!!!

 

[DsnyMama]

Looking good so far. I'm so glad I don't have to figure out all that transportation stuff. I will map out & figure times between places....but I think having our own vehicle is going to pay off in the long run.

I hear ya. And we may end up having our own car if we drive - BUT I'm REALLY hoping flights come down and that we don't... We'll see! It's a little annoying have to bus to a park and then a hotel for ADRs.. The worst part is when parks close early and you have a late ADR and you have to take a bus to DTD to get back to you hotel. Those buses can be SOOOO slow!

Yea AKV! It looks so beautiful during the holidays in the pics I have seen

I'm SOOOOOO excited! Every piece of me wants to tell my mom NOW, but I will wait!

Thats the only place we havent booked a place to eat! I just cant give up Tusker Nouse for Boma and we have the MVMCP that night so its pointless to go to AKL this trip....maybe next one we will get there to see the animals!

You'll definitely have to get there - it is SUCH a wonderful place!

Plans sound great so far!!!

Thanks! It's chuggin' along! Harder to make all these plans than one would think? Glad I LOVE doing it!

 

[DsnyMama]

Reservation #2 - Coronado Springs - DxDDP - 21 Dining Credits, 14 Snack Credits
Note: 3/21 credits were used on the previous day after checking into CSR

Thursday November 29th - EPCOT - easyWDW "Most Recommended"and 2.8/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:30 am
* Bus to MK by 8:30 am, monorail or boat to The Polynesian
* ADR at Kona Cafe at 9:30 am (4/21 credits)
* Explore the Poly a bit
* Walk to TTC, Monorail to EPCOT
* Tour Future World
* ADR at Coral Reef 2:35 pm (5/21 credits)
* Bus to CSR
* Pool/rest/relax
* Bus to EPCOT by 6:00 pm
* ADR at Tutto Italia OR Via Napoli at 7:30 pm (6/21 credits)
* Illuminations at 9:30 pm
* Bus to CSR
* SLEEP!


Friday November 30th - Animal Kingdom - easyWDW "Most Recommended" and 3.3/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 6:30 am
* Bus to AK by 7:15 am
* ADR at Tusker House 8:20 am (7/21 credits)
* Tour AK
* ADR at Yak & Yeti 1:00 pm (8/21 credits)
* Tour AK
* Mickey's Jammin' Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45 pm
* Bus to CSR
* Rest/relax/pool time
* Bus to MK by 7:00, Monorail or walk to Contemporary
* ADR at California Grill 8:50 pm (10/21 credits)
* Monorail or walk to MK, bus to CSR
* Bed!!

Saturday December 1st - Resort Day!
* Wake up WHENEVER!
* Breakfast buffet at Pepper Market (11/21 credits)
* Pool if warm enough
* Bus to EPCOT. Walk through EPCOT to Boardwalk area.
* Explore Boardwalk area Resorts (YC/BC/BW)
* Lunch at Captain's Grille at the YC (12/21 credits) *need to make ADR
* Walk through EPCOT, catch bus to AoA or POP
* Explore AoA and POP, catch any park bus
* Catch any park bus, catch bus to POR/POFQ
* Catch bus back to MK, boat to WL
* Boat back to MK, bus to CSR
* Bus to MK by 6:45
* Boat or Monorail to GF
* ADR at Narcoossee's at 7:50 pm (14/21 credits)
* Monorail or Boat to MK, bus to CSR
* BED!

Sunday December 2nd - EPCOT - easyWDW "Recommended" and 1.2/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:00 am.
* Bus to EPCOT by 8:00 am
* Walk through EPCOT to BW area (hmmm will this be an issue with WSC not opening til 11am??)
* ADR at Kouzzina 9:30 am (15/21 credits)
* Back to EPCOT via a short walk
* Tour World Showcase
* ADR at Chefs De France 1:00 pm (16/21 credits)
* Tour World Showcase
* Tour Future World (repeats and missed attractions)
* ADR at Biergarten 6:30 pm (17/21 credits)
* Few rides til closing

Monday December 3rd - Magic Kingdom - easyWDW "Not Recommended" and 7.0/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:30 am
* Bus to MK by 8:30 am
* Snack credits at Main Street Bakery for breakfast
* Bibbity Bobbity Boutique Reservation at 10:20 am
* Tour Fantasyland/Pictures after BBB
* ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table 1:05 pm (OOP)
* Dreams Come True Parade - 3:00 pm
* Tour MK
* ADR at either CP or BOG *need to make (18/21 credits)
* MSEP at 7:00 pm
* Wishes at 8:00 pm
* Evening EMH until 11pm - tour MK
* Bus to CSR
* SLEEP!

Tuesday December 4th - Animal Kingdom - easyWDW "Highly Recommended" and 3.8/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 8:00 am
* Breakfast in room, from home
* Bus to AK by 9:00 am
* Tour AK
* ADR at Rainforest Cafe 2:00 pm (19/21 credits)
* Tour AK
* Leave AK at closing (5pm). Bust from AK to CSR.
* Bus from CSR to DTD by 7:00 pm
* ADR at Raglan Road 8:00 pm (20/21 credits)
* Shop in DTD
* Bus to CSR
* BED!

Wednesday December 5th - Departure Day! Unsure of plans - plans will vary depending on if we fly or drive. At this point, plans reflect that we will fly! Magic Kingdom - easyWDW "Recommended" and 1.5 /10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:00
* Bus to MK by 8:00 am
* MK Rope Drop 9:00 am
* Tour back to all favorite MK attractions
* Counter service lunch (21/21 credits)
* No plans from here - will fill in once flight is booked or the decision to drive is made!

 

[BDL]

Reservation #2 - Coronado Springs - DxDDP - 21 Dining Credits, 14 Snack Credits
Note: 3/21 credits were used on the previous day after checking into CSR

Thursday November 29th - EPCOT - easyWDW "Most Recommended"and 2.8/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:30 am
* Bus to MK by 8:30 am, monorail or boat to The Polynesian
* ADR at Kona Cafe at 9:30 am (4/21 credits)
* Explore the Poly a bit
* Walk to TTC, Monorail to EPCOT
* Tour Future World
* ADR at Coral Reef 2:35 pm (5/21 credits)
* Bus to CSR
* Pool/rest/relax
* Bus to EPCOT by 6:00 pm
* ADR at Tutto Italia OR Via Napoli at 7:30 pm (6/21 credits)
* Illuminations at 9:30 pm
* Bus to CSR
* SLEEP!


Friday November 30th - Animal Kingdom - easyWDW "Most Recommended" and 3.3/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 6:30 am
* Bus to AK by 7:15 am
* ADR at Tusker House 8:20 am (7/21 credits)
* Tour AK
* ADR at Yak & Yeti 1:00 pm (8/21 credits)
* Tour AK
* Mickey's Jammin' Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45 pm
* Bus to CSR
* Rest/relax/pool time
* Bus to MK by 7:00, Monorail or walk to Contemporary
* ADR at California Grill 8:50 pm (10/21 credits)
* Monorail or walk to MK, bus to CSR
* Bed!!

Saturday December 1st - Resort Day!
* Wake up WHENEVER!
* Breakfast buffet at Pepper Market (11/21 credits)
* Pool if warm enough
* Bus to EPCOT. Walk through EPCOT to Boardwalk area.
* Explore Boardwalk area Resorts (YC/BC/BW)
* Lunch at Captain's Grille at the YC (12/21 credits) *need to make ADR
* Walk through EPCOT, catch bus to AoA or POP
* Explore AoA and POP, catch any park bus
* Catch any park bus, catch bus to POR/POFQ
* Catch bus back to MK, boat to WL
* Boat back to MK, bus to CSR
* Bus to MK by 6:45
* Boat or Monorail to GF
* ADR at Narcoossee's at 7:50 pm (14/21 credits)
* Monorail or Boat to MK, bus to CSR
* BED!

Sunday December 2nd - EPCOT - easyWDW "Recommended" and 1.2/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:00 am.
* Bus to EPCOT by 8:00 am
* Walk through EPCOT to BW area (hmmm will this be an issue with WSC not opening til 11am??)
* ADR at Kouzzina 9:30 am (15/21 credits)
* Back to EPCOT via a short walk
* Tour World Showcase
* ADR at Chefs De France 1:00 pm (16/21 credits)
* Tour World Showcase
* Tour Future World (repeats and missed attractions)
* ADR at Biergarten 6:30 pm (17/21 credits)
* Few rides til closing

Monday December 3rd - Magic Kingdom - easyWDW "Not Recommended" and 7.0/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:30 am
* Bus to MK by 8:30 am
* Snack credits at Main Street Bakery for breakfast
* Bibbity Bobbity Boutique Reservation at 10:20 am
* Tour Fantasyland/Pictures after BBB
* ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table 1:05 pm (OOP)
* Dreams Come True Parade - 3:00 pm
* Tour MK
* ADR at either CP or BOG *need to make (18/21 credits)
* MSEP at 7:00 pm
* Wishes at 8:00 pm
* Evening EMH until 11pm - tour MK
* Bus to CSR
* SLEEP!

Tuesday December 4th - Animal Kingdom - easyWDW "Highly Recommended" and 3.8/10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 8:00 am
* Breakfast in room, from home
* Bus to AK by 9:00 am
* Tour AK
* ADR at Rainforest Cafe 2:00 pm (19/21 credits)
* Tour AK
* Leave AK at closing (5pm). Bust from AK to CSR.
* Bus from CSR to DTD by 7:00 pm
* ADR at Raglan Road 8:00 pm (20/21 credits)
* Shop in DTD
* Bus to CSR
* BED!

Wednesday December 5th - Departure Day! Unsure of plans - plans will vary depending on if we fly or drive. At this point, plans reflect that we will fly! Magic Kingdom - easyWDW "Recommended" and 1.5 /10 Touring Plans
* Wake up! 7:00
* Bus to MK by 8:00 am
* MK Rope Drop 9:00 am
* Tour back to all favorite MK attractions
* Counter service lunch (21/21 credits)
* No plans from here - will fill in once flight is booked or the decision to drive is made!

Thursday December 6th
*Collapse in a heap

Friday December 7th
*See doctor about physical exhaustion and dehydration

 

[mandas08]

Joining in Found your PTR in the December board. I am having the issue that you had. We are booked at AOA in a LM room and are now thinking of changing to Pop to try to get free dining when it comes out. I was really looking forward to staying there, but I guess we can always walk over for dinner or to explore from Pop.

Time to go back and get all caught up on your report now!