Food & Wine & Friends, or 'Wishing a Year Away'. October 2012 PTR *NEW 11/18 TR link!

[Joyciemc]

I've been back from WDW since Thursday, and I am 100% ready to go back RIGHT NOW!! But since that can't happen, I've been thinking lots and lots about October. Did you notice that my ticker is now under 5 months???? This trip has been in some stage of planning for well over a year, so under 5 months is quite a nice thing to see!

My trip with Mark clued me in to a few key things to try to pay attention to when we travel with Hilde & Sebastian in October:
-Plan breaks, don't just assume we'll take them. And a nap break is not the same as a pool break.
-Pay attention to where I make ADRs vs. where we are before/after them. Sitting at home planning, it was easy to think traveling to DTD for dinner wouldn't be a problem. I didn't account for what would happen if we wanted to go back to a park after we ate.
-Have a good idea of what attractions are must-dos for everyone. There are a few things that I am in the habit of skipping when it's just Ben and I, but I need to find out if our friends want to ride them- cause if they do, we need to plan around them (I'm looking at you, Soarin' and Toy Story!)
-Have food in the room! Mark talked me out of this, saying we would just eat in the parks or on our way to the buses in the morning. More than once, I wished for a snack in our room and something to drink besides tap water!

I'm glad I am aware of these things now, hopefully everything will go nice and smoothly and all four of us will have an awesome time!

One more thing... I came home from WDW with this:

My annual pass!!! Getting it was more of a challenge than I wanted, but it all worked out. I am so to have it!
Ben will get his when we go in October, and we'll buy our TIW card then (Mark used his on this trip, so I didn't bother to buy one of my own)

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I got so behind on PTRs this last month or so...life just got super hectic.

Anyways, all caught up now.

Your wedding dress was beautiful!! Happy belated anniversary!

Yea for your bonus trip...boo that it is over (I am reading that TR too )

Yea for MNSSHP tickets! We are ordering ours at the end of May.

Yea for APs!!

 

[jenny105]

I can't believe how fast the trip is approaching! I've been planning this since last summer. I started reading your TR - looking forward to reading more.

Yay for your AP!

 

[Nermel9]

Yay your October trip is almost here!! I know what you mean about wanting to go back right now. It's weird, I feel like my May trip was planned so quickly, and I really didn't have that long to wait for it, and now that it's come and gone, I almost still feel like I have that feeling that it's just around the corner, and it's NOT! It's OVER! At least I have November, but that's a million years away!

I leaned some important things from my trip too, our touring style has changed a lot over the years, and I think this is the first trip I've been able to admit it to myself. We're no longer stay out really late and get up for rope drop people. As much as I want to be, it just can't happen every day anymore. Then again, I'm having the hardest time planning my November trip, because that's the way I've been planning for years, it's kind of aggravating!

 

[Imagineer5]

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

I've been back from WDW since Thursday, and I am 100% ready to go back RIGHT NOW!! But since that can't happen, I've been thinking lots and lots about October. Did you notice that my ticker is now under 5 months???? This trip has been in some stage of planning for well over a year, so under 5 months is quite a nice thing to see!

My trip with Mark clued me in to a few key things to try to pay attention to when we travel with Hilde & Sebastian in October:
-Plan breaks, don't just assume we'll take them. And a nap break is not the same as a pool break.
-Pay attention to where I make ADRs vs. where we are before/after them. Sitting at home planning, it was easy to think traveling to DTD for dinner wouldn't be a problem. I didn't account for what would happen if we wanted to go back to a park after we ate.
-Have a good idea of what attractions are must-dos for everyone. There are a few things that I am in the habit of skipping when it's just Ben and I, but I need to find out if our friends want to ride them- cause if they do, we need to plan around them (I'm looking at you, Soarin' and Toy Story!)
-Have food in the room! Mark talked me out of this, saying we would just eat in the parks or on our way to the buses in the morning. More than once, I wished for a snack in our room and something to drink besides tap water!

I'm glad I am aware of these things now, hopefully everything will go nice and smoothly and all four of us will have an awesome time!

One more thing... I came home from WDW with this:

My annual pass!!! Getting it was more of a challenge than I wanted, but it all worked out. I am so to have it!
Ben will get his when we go in October, and we'll buy our TIW card then (Mark used his on this trip, so I didn't bother to buy one of my own)

Laughing at the nap not equal to pool break. I'm very guilty of doing that. Sometimes in my scheduling I'll write "RELAX/or pool time/or Downtown Disney" my DH hates that! And definitely agree at having snacks in the room (including bottled water bc i can't stand tap). We usually pack some little snacks in the backpack too, because sometimes I just want something immediately and not to wait in a line or spend $5 on something.

Congrats on the AP - I'm assuming you'll cover why it was such a challenge to get in your TR?!?! I'm also going to have to get one on our trip! Though I'll be getting the voucher sooner than that.

 

[Joyciemc]

I got so behind on PTRs this last month or so...life just got super hectic.

Anyways, all caught up now.

Your wedding dress was beautiful!! Happy belated anniversary!

Yea for your bonus trip...boo that it is over (I am reading that TR too )

Yea for MNSSHP tickets! We are ordering ours at the end of May.

Yea for APs!!

I am sad that the May trip has already came and gone. BUT it was just an extra trip really, and the true fun is still to come!

I can't believe how fast the trip is approaching! I've been planning this since last summer. I started reading your TR - looking forward to reading more.

Yay for your AP!

Seriously fast! With all the plans I already have for summer, I feel like it's practically fall already! Not that I am trying to wish away my life, but Disney trips have a way of doing that!

Yay your October trip is almost here!! I know what you mean about wanting to go back right now. It's weird, I feel like my May trip was planned so quickly, and I really didn't have that long to wait for it, and now that it's come and gone, I almost still feel like I have that feeling that it's just around the corner, and it's NOT! It's OVER! At least I have November, but that's a million years away!

I leaned some important things from my trip too, our touring style has changed a lot over the years, and I think this is the first trip I've been able to admit it to myself. We're no longer stay out really late and get up for rope drop people. As much as I want to be, it just can't happen every day anymore. Then again, I'm having the hardest time planning my November trip, because that's the way I've been planning for years, it's kind of aggravating!

November is just behind October- not so far at all!!

I know what you mean about planning differently- I always am thinking about what we can do at night, but then also want rope drop in the morning. Something has got to give, and I am thinking about starting my plans over to see what I come up with.

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Laughing at the nap not equal to pool break. I'm very guilty of doing that. Sometimes in my scheduling I'll write "RELAX/or pool time/or Downtown Disney" my DH hates that! And definitely agree at having snacks in the room (including bottled water bc i can't stand tap). We usually pack some little snacks in the backpack too, because sometimes I just want something immediately and not to wait in a line or spend $5 on something.

Congrats on the AP - I'm assuming you'll cover why it was such a challenge to get in your TR?!?! I'm also going to have to get one on our trip! Though I'll be getting the voucher sooner than that.

It's true- I really, really wanted to enjoy the pool on our breaks. But we would go to the room to change, and end up passing out for a nap. There wasn't time for both!

Yup, the AP challenge is in the TR- gotta leave somethings to keep it interesting!

 

[jenny105]

Seriously fast! With all the plans I already have for summer, I feel like it's practically fall already! Not that I am trying to wish away my life, but Disney trips have a way of doing that!

Definitely! We have so many things planned for June - two weddings, the cruise, gotta help my sis move. I know it's going to fly by and I don't mind one bit! But I also know the trip is going to fly by and that makes me a little sad. Is it crazy to be sad 4 1/2 months before your trip???

 

[klacey1]

Yay for getting an AP! We're big proponents of having snacks in the room-- things like breakfast bars, etc. It's all about the convenience of being able to get some food in your stomach while you're getting ready. Running down to the food court is not always convenient.
Hopping over to your TR now!

 

[Nermel9]

November is just behind October- not so far at all!!

I know what you mean about planning differently- I always am thinking about what we can do at night, but then also want rope drop in the morning. Something has got to give, and I am thinking about starting my plans over to see what I come up with.

No, I guess November isn't that far away, but I'm so ready to go back like NOW!

I had to make my ADR's for my November trip this past Saturday, and I was trying to plan things differently, but I couldn't! I went back to my old, familiar ways and planned things like I always do and I'm just NOT happy. We will be there for 8 days and I have no rest day scheduled, no time for Universal...EMH nights and rope drop mornings...I'm going to have to re-do the whole thing I think. I don't want to be totally tired out halfway through the trip, I want to try something different this time, but I don't want to miss anything either!

 

[Joyciemc]

Definitely! We have so many things planned for June - two weddings, the cruise, gotta help my sis move. I know it's going to fly by and I don't mind one bit! But I also know the trip is going to fly by and that makes me a little sad. Is it crazy to be sad 4 1/2 months before your trip???

Not crazy at all- I'm already thinking about it being over!
But there will always be another adventure later!

Yay for getting an AP! We're big proponents of having snacks in the room-- things like breakfast bars, etc. It's all about the convenience of being able to get some food in your stomach while you're getting ready. Running down to the food court is not always convenient.
Hopping over to your TR now!

I have now learned: snacks are non-negotiable! Especially if you are at a resort that doesn't make you go by food on your way to the buses. If I don't eat in the morning, I get realllllll angry right before lunch time

No, I guess November isn't that far away, but I'm so ready to go back like NOW!

I had to make my ADR's for my November trip this past Saturday, and I was trying to plan things differently, but I couldn't! I went back to my old, familiar ways and planned things like I always do and I'm just NOT happy. We will be there for 8 days and I have no rest day scheduled, no time for Universal...EMH nights and rope drop mornings...I'm going to have to re-do the whole thing I think. I don't want to be totally tired out halfway through the trip, I want to try something different this time, but I don't want to miss anything either!

I know what you mean- I tried creating a whole new, blank itinerary to start from scratch. But with tours, must-do meals, and MNSSHP, it came out pretty much the same as the original I do have one 'rest' day, but we are planning on visiting other resorts and exploring (and drinking, I'm sure!), so not too much of a rest, probably!

Just bite the bullet and put a rest day (or half day) in there. You may end up going to a park instead, but you also may end up loving the relaxation!

 

[Joyciemc]

I need some help, please!
Ben and I never bring a bag to the parks. He carries my ticket, ID, etc. in his wallet and anything extra goes in his cargo pockets. We don't have to go through bag check, and in the hot weather, it helps us stay a little cooler not to have a backpack hanging off of us.
But this also means my DSLR ends up sitting in our hotel room, unused and lonely because I don't want to carry it around. The bag I have for it is cute, but more of a handbag style- it can't be worn across the body or even over the shoulder, really. I think I am ready to consider a park bag for this trip.

I tried looking at the Baggalini site and got crazy overwhelmed... so I'm hoping to get suggestions that might narrow down my search. Looking for a crossbody, not a backpack, something that will keep my hands free. Ideally, just big enough for a DSLR and an extra (not too big) lens or two.

Anyone? Please?

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm not going to be much help with what you asked for, bc i don't like cross-body bags and my DH carries a backpack so I don't have to worry about carrying anything LOL. Though, my DSLR usually just stays on my shoulder until we go on any water rides or *maybe* space/rnrc/etc.

We use a Pacsafe backpack that is super light and the zippers lock and stuff. We got it for a trip to Italy but it's just the right size (ie pretty small) and not heavy at ALL. It's nice to be able to bring our own waters/few snacks into the parks. And it helps bc I can fit a sweater or something like that in it for the evenings.

 

[Joyciemc]

I'm not going to be much help with what you asked for, bc i don't like cross-body bags and my DH carries a backpack so I don't have to worry about carrying anything LOL. Though, my DSLR usually just stays on my shoulder until we go on any water rides or *maybe* space/rnrc/etc.

We use a Pacsafe backpack that is super light and the zippers lock and stuff. We got it for a trip to Italy but it's just the right size (ie pretty small) and not heavy at ALL. It's nice to be able to bring our own waters/few snacks into the parks. And it helps bc I can fit a sweater or something like that in it for the evenings.

Your backpack sounds great! But I am a sweaty beast (gross, but true!), and backpacks make my back sweat even more than usual. And since it's my idea to carry a bag, I can't make DH carry it- he's happy just stuffing things in his pockets- maybe I should just get him pants with bigger pockets!

 

[jenny105]

I'm a fan of the Vera Bradley hipster thanks to DIS. I hardly even notice I have it with me in the parks!

 

[drlaurafsu]

Just popping in to say hi! I just read through your PTR...all 37 pages (well maybe I skipped a couple) We are also going in Oct although a very different trip from you...lots of families, lots of kids. But my son has the same B-day as you. I didn't realize until you posted it that it will be 10/11/12. How fun!

You are going to love MNSSHP! We went 2 years ago and had a blast. Looking forward to going again and I'm even thinking about taking DS a second time...so we can do more character stuff that night.

As far as camera bags...check out crumpler. I just got one a couple of months ago and love it. Very roomy and nice cross body bags. They have several sizes so you can pick what works best for your needs. DH has a smaller one than mine since he carries less gear. We both love them.

Laura
Oct 2012 PTR

 

[annmarieda]

Love your realizations! Those are all very good points. I think I may have to keep them in mind for my fall trip.

 

[ziggystardust]

I tried looking at the Baggalini site and got crazy overwhelmed... so I'm hoping to get suggestions that might narrow down my search. Looking for a crossbody, not a backpack, something that will keep my hands free. Ideally, just big enough for a DSLR and an extra (not too big) lens or two.

Anyone? Please?
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I used to use one like this http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/product_info.php/waxed-canvas-city-lights-bag-p-374

I literally would only take it out for Disney trips. But I wear prescription sunglasses that have a crazy giant case that would fit but sometimes not easily. So I upgraded to a Jack Spade bag that I found at the outlet store. Its bright orange and small but larger than the one I linked too. Both are great quality and have lasted me years. Also, both usually go through bag check pretty quick b/c the security guards don't have a million pockets to go through. Not sure if an SLR would fit in there, but you might be able to find something comparable on that site.

 

[merbobear]

Idk what to suggest for a park/camera bag, but I can tell you what I did this year and why I won't do it again!

I have individual lens bags (padded zip shut cases) for each of my lenses and I put them all in a back pack along w/ my camera. Also my video camera has a bag and that went in too. And then I have a 4 year old dd, so her autograph book, a sharpie and some random things went in the bag too. I did sometimes hang it from our stroller (problem with that is that the weight of the bag would tip the stroller over when she jumped out of it). I also had a tote bag that had waters and sunblock in it (stayed in the bottom of my stroller).

As far as fitting everything I watned to carry, we were fine. The issue was at bag check on our way in....you have to unzip every single bag and compartment every time. 1 tote, 3 lens cases, 1 video camera bag, 1 backpack (with 4 compartments that zip open). Do the math..itwas a major pain to unzip all of that every time we entered a park.

Hopefully by our next trip I will come up with a better solution!

 

[Joyciemc]

I'm a fan of the Vera Bradley hipster thanks to DIS. I hardly even notice I have it with me in the parks!

Not noticing it is the key thing I am looking for! I'll check out VB store at the mall... thanks!

Just popping in to say hi! I just read through your PTR...all 37 pages (well maybe I skipped a couple) We are also going in Oct although a very different trip from you...lots of families, lots of kids. But my son has the same B-day as you. I didn't realize until you posted it that it will be 10/11/12. How fun!

You are going to love MNSSHP! We went 2 years ago and had a blast. Looking forward to going again and I'm even thinking about taking DS a second time...so we can do more character stuff that night.

As far as camera bags...check out crumpler. I just got one a couple of months ago and love it. Very roomy and nice cross body bags. They have several sizes so you can pick what works best for your needs. DH has a smaller one than mine since he carries less gear. We both love them.

Laura
Oct 2012 PTR

Welcome!! Thanks for reading- I did pop over to your PTR but didn't get a chance to finish. From what I read so far, it sounds like a very fun trip!

Awesome that your DS has the best B-Day ever!
I spent some time on the Crumpler website, and they look great- I'm just having a hard time visualizing how big they are... do you know which style you have? What can you fit in it?

Love your realizations! Those are all very good points. I think I may have to keep them in mind for my fall trip.

Hope they can help your trip go smoothly!

I used to use one like this http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/product_info.php/waxed-canvas-city-lights-bag-p-374

I literally would only take it out for Disney trips. But I wear prescription sunglasses that have a crazy giant case that would fit but sometimes not easily. So I upgraded to a Jack Spade bag that I found at the outlet store. Its bright orange and small but larger than the one I linked too. Both are great quality and have lasted me years. Also, both usually go through bag check pretty quick b/c the security guards don't have a million pockets to go through. Not sure if an SLR would fit in there, but you might be able to find something comparable on that site.

So many great bag recommendations... I have so much poking around to do- good thing I've got almost 5 months to do it!

Idk what to suggest for a park/camera bag, but I can tell you what I did this year and why I won't do it again!

I have individual lens bags (padded zip shut cases) for each of my lenses and I put them all in a back pack along w/ my camera. Also my video camera has a bag and that went in too. And then I have a 4 year old dd, so her autograph book, a sharpie and some random things went in the bag too. I did sometimes hang it from our stroller (problem with that is that the weight of the bag would tip the stroller over when she jumped out of it). I also had a tote bag that had waters and sunblock in it (stayed in the bottom of my stroller).

As far as fitting everything I watned to carry, we were fine. The issue was at bag check on our way in....you have to unzip every single bag and compartment every time. 1 tote, 3 lens cases, 1 video camera bag, 1 backpack (with 4 compartments that zip open). Do the math..itwas a major pain to unzip all of that every time we entered a park.

Hopefully by our next trip I will come up with a better solution!

Good point!! That is exactly what I want to avoid- if we have to go through bag check, I want it quick and easy. I'm just realizing that I need to check with our friends- Sebastian is pretty into photography so there's a good chance he'll be bringing his equipment. I wonder if he's thought about a plan for a bag? I'll have to tell him to minimize zippered pockets!!

 

[drlaurafsu]

I have the Crumpler 7m$ bag. It holds my DSLR with a 70-200, flash, 28-70, 100 macro, 16-35, 50 and a few other small items. Its probably overkill for most people.

The 5m$ bag is what DH has and its pretty good for what he needs (which sounds a lot like your request). He has a DSLR and 2-3 lens. No external flash for him and it holds extra batterys, cards, etc. If you look on the Crumpler site and click on the 4, 5, 6m$ bags and then scroll through the pics (click the small dots on the photo) you can see some pics of what they hold.

One of the best features is they are lined with really bright colors which makes it easy to see whats in it. Helps finding things and also with security lines.

Hope that helps.