Flowers, Disney Running, and a Dream Birthday Surprise!

[ash-n-brensmom]

Weather: So, in natural Disney obsessive planning fashion, I’ve began obsessing over the weather for our trip. On weather.com, I can only see March 4th so far and it is showing a high of 77 and a low of 55 with a 60% chance for showers. Accuweather.com is showing a high of 72 and a low of 50 with morning showers. Hm, not exactly how I want to start my trip but hopefully if accuweather is right and the rain is in the morning, it’ll make its’ way out before we get there at noon… We’ll see if it changes too, as it most likely will…

Sidenote: My brother has decided to definitely join us for part of the trip. Cougartown is filming “on location” somewhere for their season finale Feb 27 – March 7. Then, my brother will fly back to LA to pack for Florida before flying down to meet us most likely on March 9.

Day 4: March 7 – Off Day / Mom’s Birthday

After the crazy packed days we started our trip with, we’ll be taking the day off. Also, today is my mom’s birthday and as much as she loves the parks, I knew she’d appreciate the sleep more. So, we’ll sleep in as late as we want, then grab breakfast in our room. If the weather is nice, after breakfast we’ll make our way over to the pool. The afternoon will be spent lounging in the sun and cooling off in the pool. We’ll probably grab lunch somewhere near or at the hotel then enjoy more sun and pool time. After we’re nice and relaxed, we’ll head back into our room around 5:00pm to get ready. My mom’s dream resort in the Grand Floridian so for her birthday dinner, I book a reservation at Narcoossee’s for 7:40pm. We can enjoy a nice meal and then we can make our way outside at 9:00pm to watch Wishes from the terrace at the restaurant. After dinner, we’ll most likely head back to our resort for a good night’s sleep as tomorrow we’ll start our full packed days again.

That sounds like a wonderful Birthday for your Mom!
Awesome about your brother, I think he may be sick of airplanes by the time you guys see him, though!! And I have been obsessively watching the weather as well!! It has flip flopped so often, I don't know what to pack!!! I am in the middle of packing now, so far everything is sitting nicely ironed waiting to be placed in a suitcase...but I think I might wait until early next week before it actually finds it's way in...just don't know whether we will need more shorts or pants?

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

I'm not sure if I mentioned it yet but I actually registered for the Wine & Dine half on the 14th when registration opened. I will be running with my two college roommates! We haven't booked our hotel yet though... where are you staying? It would be so fun to meet up!!!

For now I booked four nights at All Star Sports and got a pretty good rate. The total was well under $400 with the fall room only special. But If they offer the 40% off Military rate again this year I'll most likely upgrade to at least a mod. I actually kind of like the Value resorts though. The lay out at all of them is much more convenient than some of the other places I have stayed. I'm definitely keeping this trip as inexpensive as possible.
That's awesome that you have some friends running with you. Having people to chat with on a long run makes the time go by so much faster.

 

[20thingamabobs]

For now I booked four nights at All Star Sports and got a pretty good rate. The total was well under $400 with the fall room only special. But If they offer the 40% off Military rate again this year I'll most likely upgrade to at least a mod. I actually kind of like the Value resorts though. The lay out at all of them is much more convenient than some of the other places I have stayed. I'm definitely keeping this trip as inexpensive as possible.
That's awesome that you have some friends running with you. Having people to chat with on a long run makes the time go by so much faster.

Right now, we're looking at only doing two nights Sept 30 - Oct 2 but we may decide to stay an extra night in the beginning. I think we'll definitely stay at a value resort in order keep things inexpensive. I'd like to stay at All-Star Music since it's the only value host resort that I've never stayed at but they only have preferred rooms available right now using the public discount and as cheap as it may sound, we don't want to spend the extra $25 so we may end up at all-star sports as well since they have standards available. If they offer an Annual Pass discount, I'll definitely re-price things to see if we can get into Music or otherwise, I would really like to stay at POFQ because it's so small and is still a host resort.

I don't know if I could run a half without someone to talk to (even with all the Disney entertainment), I just really enjoy having someone to share it with. My boyfriend and I are completing the 2nd part of the coast to coast challenge in the beginning of September at the Disneyland half marathon so I'll actually be running the Wine & Dine half only 27 days after it. I hope it goes ok! Who all have you been talking to about meeting up to run the W&D? I'd love to get together with all of you! That'd be so fun!

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

I had mentioned getting together with Jenny(Dismagiclover), Carissa (Carissaanboys), and Amy (Drmomof3) but so far only 1 maybe from Jenny. I'm most definitely going and I think we can convince Jenny! Did you follow her marathon TR?

 

[jenseib]

Where do you find out about all the marathons at?

 

[20thingamabobs]

Day 5: March 8 – Hollywood Studios

After a nice relaxing day on the 7th for my Mom’s birthday, we’ll be heading back to our long park days. The 8th is a Fantasmic! Day at Hollywood Studios so I know this will pick up the crowds quite a bit so the plan is to hit the big rides early and use Fast Pass as much as possible. So here are our plans…

7:40am – Arrive at the park to check-in
8:00am – Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine (yes, I know I’m a little old for Playhouse Disney but I love meeting all the characters and I especially love Handy Manny. That being said, I am not at all familiar with the Little Einsteins and will need to do some research before going…)
After breakfast… head to Toy Story Mania! Grab a fast pass then ride
Great Movie Ride
I go fast pass Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Animation Academy
Ride Tower of Terror
Snack
Use R’n’R Fast Passes (hopefully)
Maybe Lights Motor Action?
3:00pm – NEW Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade
3:55pm – Mama Melrose Fantasmic! Dinner Package
Cars Meet & Greet?
Use Toy Story Mania! Fast Passes
Animation Academy or explore new attractions
6:15pm – Head to Fantasmic! With reserved seating from dinner package
7:00pm – Fantasmic!
Exit Fantasmic!
7:30-9:00pm – Ride ToT and R’n’R??

We don’t have a lot of attractions that we like to do at this park. So we typically try to ride a couple things several times. I definitely want to try and do the cars meet & greet this trip because I read a report that they’d be replacing it in May? I always want to see the new parade even though I actually never really saw the old one? But, that’s pretty much our HS day… after we’re done, we’ll head back to the hotel to get some sleep before enjoying our last full day at the parks the next day… I know you’re wondering why tomorrow is our last full day when we’re only at the half way point but that’s where the dream birthday surprise comes in so we’ll get to that in a couple days!

 

[20thingamabobs]

I had mentioned getting together with Jenny(Dismagiclover), Carissa (Carissaanboys), and Amy (Drmomof3) but so far only 1 maybe from Jenny. I'm most definitely going and I think we can convince Jenny! Did you follow her marathon TR?

No, I didn't read it yet but I just did a search and found it so I'm going to read through it now. I did read Drmomof3's PTR though and I've seen Carissaanboys around on the boards several times. I think we should definitely do our best convincing! I'm definitely going as well and it would be so fun to have a DIS group to motivate each other. My two roommates don't live close by so I can't train with them and they don't really "get it" when it comes to Disney so it be fun to have someone to "train" with that does!

Where do you find out about all the marathons at?

Um, it depends on which race it is/was. I learned about my first half marathon from the DIS and then doing a google search to find the official website. I learned about the ESPN 5k from the back of the brochure for Holidays Around the World in December. But, now I just use the official runDisney website for everything. I've already registered to complete the Coast to Coast Challenge by doing the Disneyland half marathon and then I'm also going to run the Wine & Dine half marathon. Here's the website if you want to check it out:

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney/

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Looks like a good day at DHS! I know what you mean about there not being a lot of rides that you HAVE to do. We usually try to get at least 2 rides of TSM in, and we swap with DD 10 on RNRC , DH wants to to TOT, but he's alone in that. We are into the Scifi thing and are bummed about Star Tours being closed still, but other than that we may try for more shows than last time. The parade looks disappointing so we may take a nap at the hotel...there's that nap again!!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Well I'm late to the party but I'm here! All caught up and can't wait to hear about the big surprise!

 

[20thingamabobs]

Looks like a good day at DHS! I know what you mean about there not being a lot of rides that you HAVE to do. We usually try to get at least 2 rides of TSM in, and we swap with DD 10 on RNRC , DH wants to to TOT, but he's alone in that. We are into the Scifi thing and are bummed about Star Tours being closed still, but other than that we may try for more shows than last time. The parade looks disappointing so we may take a nap at the hotel...there's that nap again!!

Yea, we usually try to get in at least two rides on TSM and two or more on RnRC and TOT. I used to hate ToT until last April when my brother bribed me to ride it and I ended up loving it. In fact, I even rode it by myself during my half marathon trip. I'm excited to see Star Tours reopen because I want to see the new improvements I've been reading about. Have you ever tried the Jedi Training Camp?

I haven't seen too much on the new parade but since you said that, I think I'll definitely look more into it before I spend the time finding a seat and watching it.... You are making nap time sound nice though

Well I'm late to the party but I'm here! All caught up and can't wait to hear about the big surprise!

Hi Tracy! Welcome! Better late than never! I have one more day to get through and then tomorrow I'll be revealing the big surprise!

 

[20thingamabobs]

Before I start, I need to add a member to my cast of characters. For anyone who had read my reports, you'll recognize who is about to join us. But first, let's recap who will be present when currently...

First, my mom and I will be there for the whole trip and every part of it. My dad will be flying down with us and taking part in all the Disney portions Fri-Sun. Mon-Wed, he'll be attending golf school and will only be present in the evenings. My brother is filming the season finale episode of Cougartown "on location" and will be flying back to Los Angeles on Tuesday before flying to FL to join us on Wednesday for the remainder of our trip.

Now finally, our addition...meet Chris. Chris went to school with my brother for a couple years but over time has become a friend of family. He joined my mom and I for part of our Nov/Dec trip as well. You see, during his sophomore year of college, he received an internship working with Disney and he never returned. He is now employed by them as an Imagineer. He technically lives in CA but they send him to WDW constantly to do work (which is why he was there during our Dec trip). Anyone been in the new queue area for Winnie the Pooh? Well, he did dominate amount of work on the honey wall. And, helped fix up Buzz when his face projection wasn't working, he added the endless staircase inside Haunted Mansion and all kinds of other stuff. He's currently there working on a new interactive queue line for the Haunted Mansion. But, here he is:

And here he is finishing up Buzz:

 

[jenseib]

Oh yes, I remember Chris!!!

 

[20thingamabobs]

Sorry about the different sizing.. I was having trouble with the pictures.

Anyway, on with the plans...

Day 6: March 9 - Magic Kingdom (I love MK because we always follow the same plan and it works)

Arrive at park by 8:30am
Watch Rope Drop Opening Ceremony
Grab Fast Pass for Peter Pan's Flight
Head to Frontierland
Ride BTMRR
Head to Adventureland
Ride Pirates of the Caribbean
Head to Liberty Square
Ride Haunted Mansion
*I'll go Fast Pass Space Mountain
Head back to Fantasyland
Mickey's Philharmagic
Tea Cups
Maybe Winnie the Pooh?
Lunch
Head to Tomorrowland
Buss Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Use Fast Passes
5:00pm- Dinner at 1900 Park Fare (mom and Whitney only)
Ride Splash Mountain
8:00pm- Main Street Electrical Parade
9:00pm- Wishes
Explore Main Street shops on way out

*Now, I also would like to do the Woody & Jesse meet & greet in Frontierland right when it opens (get in line a little early) but I'm going to judge this one once I'm there and see a Times Guide.

After Wishes, we'll take some time to walk through the shops before making our way out of the park. The next day, my mom will be receiving her "dream birthday surprise". Stay tuned...

 

[Harters2WDW]

We're there March 4-12!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Now we have a double chance of running into each other, that's our second MK day too!! I was bummed when they shortened the hours, but then I realized that we aren't late night folks and this should keep the crowds down a bit!

 

[20thingamabobs]

Oh yes, I remember Chris!!!

Yea, I was so excited when he let me know that he was going to be there! It's so fun touring the parks with him.

We're there March 4-12!! Enjoy your trip!

Thanks! You too!

Now we have a double chance of running into each other, that's our second MK day too!! I was bummed when they shortened the hours, but then I realized that we aren't late night folks and this should keep the crowds down a bit!

Yea, I'm really hoping it keeps crowds low too! Especially since I think this is most likely our only full day at MK so there's a lot I want to get done! I'll be wearing my Lime Green Mickey Head on my Purple Punch Vera Bradley Backpack if you see me around!

 

[20thingamabobs]

First things first, I let Chris know that we were planning on doing DiveQuest on March 5 and asked if he wanted to join us since he's a certified diver also and he called and rebooked the reservation using his CM discount which is a really good deal! Can't wait to wave at everyone through the windows!

Ok, time for an update...

Day 7: March 10 - A Dream Birthday Surprise

The night before, we will need to pack up all of our stuff and will be checking out of Sheraton Vistana this morning. After we check-out, we will be heading over to the Polynesian for breakfast. We have a 9:00am reservation at 'Ohana's Best Friend's Breakfast. I the juice there!

After breakfast, we'll be heading towards my Christmas present / my mom's birthday surprise... So, where are we going??










To Port Canaveral to board the Disney Dream!!!!

(internet picture)

We will be taking a 3-night Bahamian Cruise in a Deluxe Ocienview Stateroom with a Verandah. But, there's a downfall... When I booked the room back in early December, I onlybooked it for 3 people (my mom, dad, and I). We picked this room and it said it slept 3 or 4 so I assumed that meant it could fit either. Well no, they literally sleep 3 OR 4 so when my brother realized he could come and wanted to... we couldn't fit him. Well my dad being the "parent" said that my brother could take his spot. I feel horrible but the ship is sold out and there's nothing to do... So my dad will be driving us to port and then heading back home.

Once we check-in and board, we'll spend some time exploring our room and the ship before heading to the pool deck to take a ride on the Aqua Duck. We'll spend the day relaxing and enjoying the ship before heading to our room to get ready for the evening. We're scheduled to see the 7:00pm shows and the Second Seating for dinner. After dinner, we'll probably check out the stores and Adult Only areas of the ship before heading to bed.

Stay tuned to hear about our plans for our first day in port!

 

[jenseib]

How are you surprising your mom with the cruise?

 

[20thingamabobs]

How are you surprising your mom with the cruise?

That's a good question... we haven't exactly figured it out yet... We told her we were going to visit family and that's why we're leaving Disney and we just wait until we get to the ship and be like "oh, yea, by the way.." or we may do something while we're at breakfast since the Poly is so tropical, we may be "hm, it'd be nice to go somewhere tropical right.. let's do to the bahamas" but we'll see...

 

[20thingamabobs]

Day 8: March 11 - Nassau, Bahamas

Today will be our first day in port and I knew I wanted to do some type of excursion. I would have loved to go diving here but my dad and I didn't want to leave my mom and now I won't go by myself. So, we chose Blackbeard's Cay Stingray Adventure.

We're due to arrive in port at 9:30am and our excursion runs from 9:45am-2:45pm. They meet you as you exit the ship and there's a 15 minute walk to the boat. Then you take a 20 minute boat ride to Blackbeard's Cay. Then you spend your day swimming, snorkeling, and feeding/petting the stingrays. Lunch is included with the tour and after we'll take the 20 minute boat ride back to the main port. We'll probably spend a little time exploring the port before making our way back on the ship. Then we'll probably spend some time by the pool and riding the Aqua Duck before heading to our room to get ready for dinner. We'll see the 7pm show tonight and have Second Seating for dinner. From everything I've read, I believe the Pirates IN the Caribbean party should be tonight. So, I'm sure we'll put on our pirate attire and make our way to the top deck to enjoy the show and fireworks. After, we may spend some time in the adult only areas before heading to bed. Tomorrow is another port day.