Gee, it’s good to be Together Again, Again! #AgainAgain2015 *Updated 3/1!*

[megveg]

Let’s try this again!
Hello! I’m Meghan and I’m heading Back to Disney this year!!!!

My most recent trip to Disney was for 1 day in November of 2014
which I tried to do a pre-trip/trip-report for but it was so whirlwind
and pretty last minute (for a planner like me, 3 weeks out is super last minute!)
that I just couldn’t juggle all of it
so now that I’m booked over 200 days out, I have the time and attention to fully plan this trip!
In November, my brother (Broha) and I hit all 4 parks in one day
and it was so quick and effective, but I just didn’t feel like I was at Disney.
It went by way too fast to enjoy the magic so I knew I had to return for an extended period of time
so I could be
Together Again, Again
with the Happiest Place on Earth!

The Low Down:
The goal of this whole trip is to experience the Halloween/Christmas crossover!
My original plans were Broha, and I
going October 30-November 9th,
flying from Boston & staying at All Star Sports
with a 10 Day PH and the DDP.
This is planning on the Last MNSSHP on Halloween
and the 1st MVMCP being Nov. 8th which we're going to!

Things have ALREADY changed for this trip, and I've only been booked for less than 2 weeks!
I can see many more changes and adjustments in the future too!
The 1DayStay in November was a great introduction to Magic Bands
and FP+ so I'm so glad I get to handle all that stuff for this trip!

I’m so excited for this trip and all the planning involved,
so if you’re ready….
“Hang on to them hats and glasses
cuz this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness.”


​

 

[megveg]

oo1; Cast of Characters
oo2; The Original Plans
oo3; Dining!
oo4; FP+
oo5; New Disboards!
oo6; MICKEY MAIL!
oo7; Life Update means Trip Update!

 

[megveg]

Cast of Characters:

Over the last few days, I read that ticket prices were going up in February,
so I called Disney to change our reservation
to tentatively include my brother's friends (NB) and his girlfriend (AW)
and my best friend (Ill call her Nancy)
so all of us had the placeholder of going even if they decide not to go


With 6 adults, I had to switch ASSp to AoA
which is beyond exciting because I've read so much about that resort
and it's 2nd on my list of Must Stay At ( Number 1 is WL <3)

So right now, the 6 of us are booked at AoA for
Oct 30-Nov 9th with 10 day PH's and the DDP.
I will know for certain if they're all planning on going within
the next 2 weeks or so.

but the ones Definitely going areeee...

Me! Meghan (25)

This will be my 6th trip and I think planning a trip to WDW
is almost as exciting and fun as actually going haha
Favorite Disney Movie(s): Dumbo, Nightmare Before Christmas, Tangled, Cars
Favorite Disney Song: I See The Light - I learned it on ukulele!
Favorite Ride(s); Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion & POTC!


Broha (22 will be 23 by trip time!)

This will be Broha's 3rd trip to Disney and he's excited that during our time
it'll be Food & Wine fest time. Broha works with food, so I'm glad we got
the dining plan so he can experience Disney Food!

NB & AW have been to Disney before so they know they deal
and enjoy the parks and
my dear BFF Nancy is a huge Disney fan like I am,
so she's definitely interested in going,
but may bow out in favor of a cruise (non-disney cruise most likely).
I'll add more information about NB, AW and Nancy once I'm 100% they're going!

________________________________________

Update 3/1: The trip is down to me and Broha and may end up being
a solo trip! Info in my Life Update post!
​

 

[megveg]

The Original Plans

For our 1DayStay, Broha and I spent time in Key West
and Homestead, FL for NASCAR Championship Weekend.
Broha really wants to get back to Key West for sure, but
since NASCAR Championship Weekend is the weekend
before Thanksgiving, we decided it's not necessary to go
to the race this year.

DBF didn't get to go with us to Florida in November and
he really wants to get back to visit his old neighborhood
and he wants to see me in "all your disney glory" (He
knows me so well ) The 3 of us are definitely
going to Florida in November, and we're definitely flying,
because as much as I love driving, we have no need to.
The reason I drove the past 2 times was because we needed
to bring tents and camping gear for camping at NASCAR.

At this point, I'm booked at Disney for 10 days in a row.
I'm going to try to see if I can fit Key West in for Broha,
but flights between Orlando and Key West are more expensive
than I thought, and then separate hotel and everything will be $$$$$$.
If we had a car of our own, the drive is still 6 hours
and thats precious vacation time. So I'm gonna focus on Disney
and if Broha needs Key West, I'll organize it so Broha can go and
Mike &I will probably stay at WDW.

I would absolutely love to visit the Wizarding World this trip, but part
of the reason I love WDW so much is that its all in the same spot, with
easy transport and stuff. I really don't want to rent a car for longer than I have to
or pay for Universal tickets and transport.
Is it bad I'd rather spend all that time at Disney?

In my head, the plan goes like this:
Friday Oct 30: Fly into MCO late, head to AoA.

Saturday Oct 31: Rent a car, drive to Mike's old neighborhood, then MNSSHP.

Sunday Nov 1 - Friday Nov 6: These days arent really planable
yet without park hours but I know I want at least 2 days at Epcot
for F&W and a night at DHS for Fantasmic. I think we'll probably
reduce park ticket days and spend a rest day somewhere. I really
want to spend time at WL and the Poly. I've never visited FW and
I'd like to because the chance for tent camping there sounds like
something definitely possible for a future visit! (Always planning
that next trip haha!)


Saturday Nov 7: Sleep in, resort hop, have a nice ADR somewhere, then MVMCP

Sunday Nov 8: Need park hours but probably Wishes tonight if flight on Monday doesnt allow park time

Mon Nov 9: Depending on flight time, park then flight, or just airport day





​

 

[megveg]

Dining!

My longest trip to Disney has been 5 days/4 nights, and I’ve only ever had
the regular Dining Plan. This trip will be 10 whole days worth of dining credits.
I have a few places I definitely want to try, and I'm pretty sure we won’t be doing
any 2 credit meals, except maybe HDDR if I can convince the boys into going!

The one place I absolutely MUST go is Ohana breakfast. I love love love Stitch
and the juice there is too good! Mickey waffles never disappoint and I know DBF
likes a traditional breakfast spread with sausages and eggs and stuff so I know
he'’ll like it.

Broha will be harder to convince with dining places, but I know he wants to eat
at Via Napoli because we couldn’t get in for our 1DayStay so he told me he
definitely wants to eat here this time around.

I know we’ll definitely get corn dog nuggets from Casey’s a few times and some
delish chicken nuggets. I’d like to do an early morning ADR in AK and/or MK to
get in the park early. I don’t think the boys will be into character dining, so I think
Ohana and one more will be more than enough for them haha I want to eat at
Rose & Crown for Illuminations because I’ve actually never seen it >.< but I don’t
want to have to camp out for a spot. I’d love to go back to Cape May Cafe for dinnerbut again, I’m sure multiple character meals will drive the boys crazy.
I know I wantat least one table service meal for just Mike & I
but if the trip ends up just the 3 of us,
I hope Broha is okay being by himself for a bit.

I definitely want to try BOG and I'm hoping
they implement ordering ahead for more restaurants.
Columbia Harbor House seems like it'll satisfy the boys and I’m not
leaving MK without getting a dole whip!
I’d also like to try the Tomorrowland dessert
party but it’s not a must do.

I'm sure that whatever ADRs I do make, will change a million times
so I'm not even thinking of anything specific until park hours are out! ​

 

[teekathepony]

Hello! I jumped from my PTR and am joining in!

 

[megveg]

Hello! I jumped from my PTR and am joining in!

Wooooo! Thank you! I felt so lonely being the only one on my thread haha

 

[megveg]

FastPass + ​

The 1DayStay would never have worked out so well if it wasn’t for FP+.
I know there are lots of people that don’t like FP+ but it worked perfectly
for Broha and I, and paired with short wait times anyway, we got everything
we wanted to do at all 4 parks in 1 day, so I’d say it was pretty effective.

The only rides we had FP+ for and didn’t use was Kali River Rapids because
when we woke up on our disney morning, it was 50 degrees and drizzly.
It was our first FP+ of the day and we just let the time go by, then used
our EE FP and then the Safari, then got one for Dinosaur. We then hopped to
DHS but couldn't schedule our new set of FP+ till we got to DHS which was
fine, because we got RNR, TOT and Star Tours. We didn’t use our TOT one cuz
we both decided we didn’t want to ride it, but with F and short wait times, we got
RNR done 3 times. I thought FP+ helped us even if it was only for 1 park at a time.

This trip, we’re hoping for lower crowds again, and mixed with FP+, we should get
everything done without a problem. We won’t be using FP+ spots for m&g or parade
spots, but may use one for Wishes depending on when we plan on seeing it. I
also don’t think we’ll be using any for any shows either. I’ve never seen the Nemo
musical or FotLK, but I can always see them when I travel in warmer times (love
that AC haha)

I know that My must Dos and Broha’s are about the same. I’m going to slowly be
telling Mike what’s available and have him tell me what he thinks sounds good.

We’ll see how things go! Just waiting for Party dates to be released and park
hours for Oct/Nov!

Must Dos!

These are attractions that Offer FP+ but I wouldn't consider using a FP+ for each of them.
This is a list of the FP+ rides I definitely want to ride,
regardless of using a FP for it.

MK:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad might use a FP for
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Jungle Cruise
Space Mountain might use a FP for
Splash Mountain might use a FP for (depends on weather too)
Journey of the Little Mermaid
Pirates of the Caribbean might use a FP for
Haunted Mansion might use a FP for
Tomorrowland Speedway
Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Epcot:
Soarin’ Will use a FP for
Test Track Will probably use a FP for
Spaceship Earth
Mission: SPACE

DHS:
Toy Story Mania Will use a FP for
Rock n Roller Coaster Will use a FP for
Tower of Terror might use a FP for
Muppet*Vision 3D
Star Tours might use a FP for
The Great Movie Ride

AK:
Dinosaur
Kali River Rapids might use a FP for (depends on weather)
Kilimanjaro Safaris Will use a FP for
Expedition Everest Will use a FP for


​

 

[ursalita]

Joining in. I am amazed that you and your bro visited for one day and saw all four parks. And it sounds like you did a lot of what you really wanted to do. Awesome.

Now you're going for 10 whole days with park hoppers. It's going to be such a different experience.

 

[megveg]

Joining in. I am amazed that you and your bro visited for one day and saw all four parks. And it sounds like you did a lot of what you really wanted to do. Awesome.

Now you're going for 10 whole days with park hoppers. It's going to be such a different experience.

hello and thanks for joining! Ill be making an update (or a few) about the 1DayStay! It took a lot of focus and a lot of quick walking but we went during a slower time of year and FP+ was helpful!

 

[megveg]

New Disboards

New Disboards layout is going to take some getting used to!
I'm home in another huge snow storm, reading TRs and planning my updates.
I have all day tomorrow off and I'm going to do my best
to recount my 1DayStay for you guys
I didn't take any notes for that day because it was so quick and focused!

I hope all of you are doing well, and if you're in the Northeast,
I hope you're warm and inside!

The picture attached is from the first morning of the Florida trip
Broha and I went on in November, we drove from MA to Key West
and made it there at 4am after 28 hours of driving.
The picture is just before the sun came up on the southernmost beach.

<3

Also: CONGRATS TO MY SUPERBOWL CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!


(ETA: I dont like the whole added pictures at the end so
I think I'm gonna stick with photobucket!)​

 

[teekathepony]

I have had different experiences with FP+. A bad, then a pretty good, then a really bad. I am still on the fence. Glad you find it works for you though! Sounds like a great list of must-dos!
Yeah... not a fan of the new layout here yet. Actually I'm just not a fan of change.

 

[megveg]

I have had different experiences with FP+. A bad, then a pretty good, then a really bad. I am still on the fence. Glad you find it works for you though! Sounds like a great list of must-dos!
Yeah... not a fan of the new layout here yet. Actually I'm just not a fan of change.

If it wasn't FP+, my 1DayStay wouldn't have worked as well as it did, it also helped I went in slow November.
this trip I'm going to use our FP+ to gently structure our days. Since we'll be there for 10 days, I'll place multiple
repeat FP+'s for the Must Dos on different days so we definitely have a chance to get everything in, even if its
not the 1st time around

 

[megveg]

I got some Mickey Mail today! ​

​

I got a little booklet outlining our reservation information!
Its got the info from when it was just Me, Mike and Broha
going and staying at All Star Sports, but that's okay with me
because the most important part was the last page!

I had already calculated my ADR date, but it's nice to see it on paper.
By Valentine's Day, I will know for sure who's going and who's not,
I wonder if Disney will send me another booklet since
I changed to AoA and added people?

If/when I change again, I'll switch it back to just
Broha, Mike and I but I may keep AoA in a Cars suite
to keep some space between us.
For our 1DayStay, Broha &I stayed at ASSports
and Broha snores like a rhino so having a separate space for
Mike and I will be helpful! haha

If I can make ADRs on May 3rd, I'm hopeful that
park hours will be out in April at some point which will be helpful.

Broha hates having to plan stuff but there are things I need
his imput on. He knows I've booked for 10 Disney days,
but I know he's still thinking about Key West.

Within the next 2-3 weeks, I want to know who's definitely going
and what Broha's plan is. I want to know people numbers before
park hours come out and 100% before ADRs have to be booked.

Still stuck in over 2 feet of snow here in MA, so all I can do to
stay sane is read the DIS and watch the Disney Parks
series on Hulu! Currently watching Saving Mr Banks and
about to search out some MNSSHP threads on here for research!

I figure with park hours coming out in April, that party dates
won't be too far behind. I'm planning on getting some Disney gift
cards in the next 2 weeks for party ticket costs so I will
definitely have the Halloween night MNSSHP taken care
of and also the 1st MVMCP the following week.

I'm going off last years timing for parties. Since Halloween is on a Saturday,
I assume the first Christmas party will be the following Saturday. If the first
MVMCP isn't before the 9th, then I'll reserve to just miss it which means
I may change dates for a second MNSSHP or cut a few Disney
nights out and do the Key West thing or possibly the Wizarding World.

Things are still up in the air, which as a planner is driving me nuts
Being cooped up inside due to weather is also making me loopy

While I wait for hours, I'm gonna keep reading the DIS
and start collecting movies to watch. I'm planning
on having a countdown schedule made with
movie nights included.


Only 269 days to go now!
​

 

[cynditech]

Hey Meg! I'm following along!!! I was just thinking about getting some giftcards to be ready for when the MNSSHP tickets go on sale! We've been cooped up due to weather here too. So I keep making list after list after list of Disney things - ADR's, FP, packing lists, etc.

 

[KatMark]

Meghan, I am here. I want to save my spot and I will be back to read after I do my recap on my TR and a brief update on my PTR. My plan is to spend most of my day tomorrow catching up on all my subscribed threads here on the DIS...yours included.

 

[teekathepony]

Woohoo! I love Mickey Mail!
Hahaha oh I can appreciate having the extra space in the Cars suite.
Oh the snow lately. And more coming! We should be seeing it tomorrow, so my guess is that you are probably getting it tonight? Yeesh. Hope it lets you off easy. We've been lucky, a lot of what you got as snow, we got as rain so we're not completely buried.

 

[KatMark]

Okay...it took me a bit longer than I planned to get back here, but I'm finally here.

I LOVE your plans...they sound great. We've never done Key West (we got as far as Marathon, Florida, in 2012 on a business trip; I couldn't take the time away from our best friends on Marco Island so we didn't make it to Key West).

I love that you are getting a crossover for the Halloween and Christmas Party (beware that the party on Halloween itself if a zoo). When booking Rose & Crown, please remember that you are not guaranteed outdoor seating for Illuminations, but there is a spot near there that you can go and stand to watch it. Also, Cape May Cafe is NOT a character meal at dinner (only breakfast).

 

[megveg]

Hey Meg! I'm following along!!! I was just thinking about getting some giftcards to be ready for when the MNSSHP tickets go on sale! We've been cooped up due to weather here too. So I keep making list after list after list of Disney things - ADR's, FP, packing lists, etc.

Welcome!
Im anxiously awaiting tickets being released and park hours to come out too! I just realized Oct 30-Nov 9 is Jersey Week (heard the term before but never rea
I feel like I'm getting cabin fever from all this snow! We got another 14 inches of fluff yesterday. My car battery was so cold, my car didnt start this morning! CRAZY weather, I am definitely Florida Dreamin these daysss!

Woohoo! I love Mickey Mail!
Hahaha oh I can appreciate having the extra space in the Cars suite.
Oh the snow lately. And more coming! We should be seeing it tomorrow, so my guess is that you are probably getting it tonight? Yeesh. Hope it lets you off easy. We've been lucky, a lot of what you got as snow, we got as rain so we're not completely buried.

I LOVE EXTRA SPACE. I felt cramped in the All Star Sports room with just my Brother so more space is great! There's more snow in my yard than I have ever seen in my entire life. We have NO WHERE to put anymore snow >.< We're getting another 3-6 inches on top of the 3 feet already on the UNTOUCHED parts of my yard! The piles from where the plows are pushing the snow are SO HUGE! Ill be looking at snow until August! haha!

Okay...it took me a bit longer than I planned to get back here, but I'm finally here.

I LOVE your plans...they sound great. We've never done Key West (we got as far as Marathon, Florida, in 2012 on a business trip; I couldn't take the time away from our best friends on Marco Island so we didn't make it to Key West).

I love that you are getting a crossover for the Halloween and Christmas Party (beware that the party on Halloween itself if a zoo). When booking Rose & Crown, please remember that you are not guaranteed outdoor seating for Illuminations, but there is a spot near there that you can go and stand to watch it. Also, Cape May Cafe is NOT a character meal at dinner (only breakfast).

Key West was worth every single one of the 28 hours of driving (we went pretty much straight through driving) it is BEAUTIFUL and so incredibly relaxing! The way our drive timed out, we parked at the garage on Key West, walked 20 mins to the southern most beach, and watched the Sun come up. My brother and I decided last minute while we were down there to stay another night! I want to go back so badly, but coming from Snowy Massachusetts, Id much prefer to visit Key West in Jan/Feb/March to escape winter.

I'm so ready for the crossover season. I love Halloween so much and I love the fall decorations at MK. I remembered after I posted that Cape May breakfast is the character dining haha I think I'm going to choose Ohana as our character meal unless the boys are interested in getting into MK early by eating IN the park but Im sure they don't care where they eat, they just want breakfast foods! I just want to see Stitch


​

 

[deedee2177]

Joining in as well! We are going in November too! I love AoA we stayed there in November 2012 in the Little Mermaid rooms....such a great resort!!

Feel free to tag along with my PTR if you want to