*Girls Trip Round 2 November 2016* Pre-Trip

[Whit64130]

Hello All!
Disclaimer: This is my very first thread on the DIS and I am by far not an English major so bear with me!
I am your fearless leader Whitney


Here are the basics!
Who: Me, my cousin Chelsy and her sister Miranda
What: 7 night trip to WDW
Where: All-Star Sports
When: November 5-12, 2016

A little background info on the girls...

First Miranda (not Pictured) who is a Disney Virgin and does not know a thing about this trip yet! She is currently in nursing school and will graduate in May. This trip is a surprise present from her sweet sister Chelsy!

Next is Chelsy! This will be her 8th year in a row to travel to the World! Last year was our first trip together (hence the title round 2). Out of all my trips it was my most favorite. We are a lot alike in so many ways when it comes to Disney. It was just us two doing as we please!

Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Ride: Test Track or (thanks to much bribing from me for us to be brave and ride it again) Rockin Rollercoaster
Favorite Character: Minnie
Favorite Restaurant: Chef Mickey's or Planet Hollywood

Last is your truly, (Hi Everybody!)
I am a 5 year old trapped in a 28 year old's body (which is debatable, I certainly feel older) when it comes to Disney. I am a wifey to Nick for 3 years now. He has no desire whatsoever to travel to Disney, but luckily he doesn’t mind if I do! He may be in for a surprise next year. His entire family is taking a big family vacay to…any guesses?? Haha. He probably will most likely be forced to go by our cute little nieces and his mom!
I have been a nurse for 6 years now and this has helped me to get to know Miranda better since she has been in school and worked in the hospital I work at.
I blame my mother for my addiction to Disney. We have family that lives just south of Disney and of course we had to go visit every year when I was little which almost always included a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. My earliest memory of Disney is me barely peering over the car at the Tomorrowland Speedway. We went every year until I started playing sports in junior high school, then came the drought season. 11 years between me and Disney! The next trip came when I was invited along with my husband’s family (we only had been dating for 3 years at this point). Remember how I said he had no desire to go? Well he didn’t go. But I love and get along with his family so well it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. We stayed for 9 glorious nights at the Wilderness Lodge Villas and it was ahhhhmazing! This is the moment I would be lost in the Disney Bubble forever! I have been planning a trip ever since. Anyways that is me and I hope this is a little insight on who your host is!



Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Thrill Ride: All time favorite is Splash Mountain followed by Everest (I finally got brave enough this trip to ride it and the evidence is below)
Favorite Non-Thrill Ride: Haunted Mansion
Favorite Character: Sulley
Favorite Princess: Ariel
Favorite Disney Restaurant: Whispering Canyon

Now to leave you with some pictures from our last adventure!













Thanks for checking in!​

 

[ariane37]

Hi Whitney I think you're off to a fantastic start! And I think you'll find that writing PTR's (and TR's) IS just as fun as reading them

Looking forward to following along as you continue planning your girls trip. I'd love to do one of those one day!

 

[brb1006]

If the characters from Zootopia ever show up at WDW sometime this year. Then you have got to meet them especially Judy Hopps.

 

[Whit64130]

Hi Whitney I think you're off to a fantastic start! And I think you'll find that writing PTR's (and TR's) IS just as fun as reading them

Looking forward to following along as you continue planning your girls trip. I'd love to do one of those one day!

Thanks for stopping by! Not much to update as of yet! Having something to write helps me pass the time until the actual trip!

If the characters from Zootopia ever show up at WDW sometime this year. Then you have got to meet them especially Judy Hopps.

I'm hoping they add some more character meets. Our last trip we actually took the time to meet some and it was more fun than we thought!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Following along from my PTR!

Sounds like such a fun trip! Can't wait to see all you girls have planned!

 

[Whit64130]

I haven't had too much to update recently. We are finalizing our dining selections because our ADR day is in 32 Days! We still have a lot of variables to consider when booking ADR's. Park hours have still not been released and the possibility of Free Dining is out there. Last year it worked out better for us to book Free Dining than a room discount. We just paid the upgrade price from QS to the regular dining plan. This year it might end up being a bit trickier since not all November days have been included in the past which may result in us changing our dates. Also since we are traveling with three we might be better off to upgrade to a moderate resort. If/when Free Dining is announced our plans will be easier to make. But for now we have certain restaurants we are planning on regardless of dates.

Our dining list includes:

• Arrival Night- Whispering Canyon...We ate here last year and it was by far on of our most favorite meals. We decided this would be a really good arrival night meal because we need to be super hungry!
  
  Our dinner from last year! Way to much food but very tasty! the apple pie was the best I had all week and I tend to search out the apple desserts!

• MVMCP day-3:30ish Crystal Palace with a late QS at Casey's Corner. This works out well for us because we want eat before the party and not spend party time sitting down eating. Also last year after the Halloween party we ended the night with Casey's and enjoyed it very much! It was great to be able to let the crowds exit and let us be able to take our time leaving the park.

• Hollywood Studios Day- Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic Package. Not sure on QS this day. We ate at Hollywood and Vine last time and will be repeating it this year. Looking forward to it being a character meal though!

• EPCOT day- Lunch at Food and Wine. This was a mistake for us last year, we did not enjoy the Food and Wine festival like we should have. Now dinner is not 100% for sure yet. Chelsy loves Planet Hollywood. My meal last year was really good. but there are other places I would like to try. So the plan is for Miranda and Chelsy to have a sister night and I will venture out on my on this night. I'm open to suggestions. The 2 options I have thought of are either BOG dinner or O'hana. I have never ate at either for dinner. Chelsy doesn't really have a desire to and this is why I am taking this opportunity to have a little solo adventure. I am not an adventurous eater. Mainly meat and potatoes (yes I know). Not big on seafood at all. O'hana intimidates me a bit because of it is served "family style" and well O'hana does mean family. No sure if would be something I would enjoy dining alone. I could totally see myself doing BOG dinner alone though. But any other suggestions are greatly appreciated!

• Animal Kingdom day-We are planning on QS at Flame Tree or Restaurantosaurus and TS at Rainforest Cafe. I have ate at Rainforest Cafe before and I know its similar to Planet Hollywood, but it works out better with our plan to stay in animal kingdom this whole day.

• Magic Kingdom day- QS-Pinocchio Village Haus I was able to sub my dessert for these amazing garlic pesto knots! TS- Chef Mickey's

• Hopper Day- Possibly a pre-park Crystal Palace breakfast and QS where ever we end up for the day!

Now on to snacks...
Some of my favorites from last year:

• Custom Rice Krispie Treat From Goofy Candy Co. I chose the white chocolate dipped in peanut butter morsels with chocolate drizzle
• Churros (last year was a first time trying these)
• Blue Raspberry/ Strawberry Slush From DHS

New snacks/Drinks I have on my list for this year are:

• Funnel Cake with apples from American Pavilion in EPCOT
• Nutella and Fruit Waffle from Sleepy Hollow
• Cinnamon Roll from Gaston's Tavern
• Dole Whip with rum from AK
• Drink from Trader Sam's

Look forward to updating and finalizing plans after we can book ADR's!

 

[Whit64130]

Following along from my PTR!

Sounds like such a fun trip! Can't wait to see all you girls have planned!

Thanks for following along! I'm hoping to get to more planning once ADR's are made!

 

[ariane37]

The 2 options I have thought of are either BOG dinner or O'hana. I have never ate at either for dinner.

I'm going to suggest BOG since you've never been there for dinner. We've had dinner there 6x and LOVE IT! Six great experiences We've done 'Ohana dinner twice and while everyone else really likes it, I *think* as a solo I myself would feel more comfortable at BOG. But of course that's my opinion......even so I much prefer BOG dinner!

Custom Rice Krispie Treat From Goofy Candy Co. I chose the white chocolate dipped in peanut butter morsels with chocolate drizzle

I cannot believe in all our trips we've NEVER made our own RC treats there! HAVE to put it on our list for this Nov.......

OK 2 things:
I see some alcohol on your snacks list Have you ever tried the Grey Goose Slush from France? If not you MUST I'm not a huge Vodka drinker but it is like a slushie, delicious lemonade!
Second, and I know you haven't gotten to FP's yet lol, but are you guys planning to see RoL at AK? Only asking because since they haven't released any info. yet on FP's or dining packages, I'm kind of wondering if having a dining package will work out better. For us anyway since we have the kids. Might be easier for you guys if they do offer it stand-by. Just a thought that went through my head when I looked at your AK dining plans!

 

[Whit64130]

I *think* as a solo I myself would feel more comfortable at BOG. But of course that's my opinion

I agree I think I will feel more comfortable at BOG. I had lunch there last trip and did fine solo. O'hana is a bit more intimidating. I've also been toying with the idea of Yatchsman or well anything really. I come up with a new place to try every time I search through the list of restaurants.
I've stayed away from the Grey Goose Slush since I'm not a huge fan of vodka drinks. May have to try it though!
I have thought about the ROL dinner package. I wouldn't mind switching to Tusker House for a dinner package if there weren't any FP available for ROL, but we would probably use a FP rather than dinner package if it is available. Hope early November crowds aren't too much more than September. We tend to make it to rope drop and do a lot within the first few hours so we save our FP for the evening.

 

[Whit64130]

Plans Always Change...ha​

Ok pretty much scratch our entire plans for this trip. We were able to change our dates to take advantage of Free Dining. It didn't save us as much as last year but I guess every penny helps. Good news is that our new dates of 11/14-11/22 works out better for us anyways. We were able to book FD at both Coronado Springs and All-Star Music. We talked about it later that day decided instead of going moderate for 7 days we could just add on an extra day at All-Stars. And really who doesn't want to spend another day at Disney?? Especially since we are upgrading to AP's. So new plans including our dining hopes are:

Arrival day:Currently have All-Star Music booked for room only since FD starts on the 15th. Also we didn't want to arrive on the 15th because we wanted to do the Christmas party that night. We knew we couldn't make driving 10+ hours and then stay out all night for MVMCP. We play to eat at Planet Hollywood using coupons to help with the cost. It isn't one of my favorites but I do like it and figured it would be our cheaper option since we were paying out of pocket. Then we will enjoy DTD for the night.

Day 1:Magic Kingdom and MVMCP- Crystal Palace pre-party dinner

Day 2: Epcot- Whispering Canyon dinner

Day 3: Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom-Pre-park Crystal Palace Breakfast (if available and based on park hours), Tusker House dinner (we changed from Rainforest in hopes of a ROL dinner package)

Day 4: Hollywood Studios- Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic Package

Day 5:Animal Kingdom/Magic Kingdom- Chef Mickey's dinner

Day 6: Hollywood Studios/Epcot-1900 Park Fare dinner

Day 7: Which ever park we decide on that day- We originally planned to just do Quick Service and not commit to anything. But I am pretty determined I want to try BOG dinner. Like I said in my last update my cousin has no desire to try this but I really wanted to try it or O'hana. After thinking about it BOG sounded more single diner friendly than O'hana and I loved lunch there. So I will do the math closer to time and determine which I should pay out of pocket.

I know we have a lot of character meals/buffets planned but we are a pretty picky bunch and love the character interactions. There are several other places I would like to try but I want to stay with the group for the most part. Plus I am going back in early 2017 so I will have another chance to eat at some new places

Since this was so word heavy and I don't really have any interesting pictures that pertain to this so I will add some from past trips.

From my first visit 1995:​

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Not sure the year maybe 1997?:


2011 with husband's family:


2012 with my family:


Not vacay picture but it is Disney related. My Wedding from 2012. I wore a Alfred Angelo Disney Princess gown, Tiana edition


PS...How do I make my images smaller??? I've tried re-sizing them on photobucket with no luck.​

 

[ariane37]

First of all I love all your old pictures and your wedding picture/gown are beautiful

PS...How do I make my images smaller??? I've tried re-sizing them on photobucket with no luck.

I absolutely cannot help you with this, as I've tried a few times to re-size mine on photobucket and it doesn't work! I guess for now we'll have to be the big-picture people

Your schedule looks good! Since I'm being really lazy about making ours, I only know where I want us to be our first 2 days, the 19th/20th. It looks like we'll be in MK on the 19th with you so when our trips get closer we'll have to look at possibly meeting up that day

 

[Whit64130]

Thank you! I had picked it out from a picture before we were ever engaged and just knew it was the one!

Well I am on a different computer tonight and some images are smaller. Oh well

EEEKKK exciting! We couldn't miss MK EMH that day!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Ah yes, the plan changes! Happens on every trip we go on!

But the changes sound great, and who doesn't love an extra day at WDW?!

 

[Whit64130]

Shop til I drop...
So when I have around 9 months to plan for my next Disney trip I tend buy a little more than I probably need. I have already collected several things for this next trip and future trips since we will be upgrading to AP's. I do not have kiddos yet so I don't feel as guilty buying stuff for myself especially since this will probably be the only year I will be able to have an AP. I decided what better to pass the time than to make a post about it!
Well let's get started!
I have a new found obsession. Disney Vera Bradley! This also isn't helped by my regular Vera obsession. This is my favorite print in the Disney line! It is called Perfect Petals. I also have many pieces in the regular Vera Line in Flower Shower and Shower Vines.


Notice the ears???

I ordered these off of Etsy from PlayitbyEars! I am in love with these!

Then I have my these pieces from the other Disney Vera Collections


Next on my list is shoes. I had the worst problem with shoes last year. I took several different pair and rotated them but still got the worst blisters of my life. The best shoes that worked for me were my Merrell's. I am a nurse so I get the 12 hours+ walking a day but Disney is a different type haha. I am still on the look out for some Merrell's like the ones that got me through the last trip but I have yet to find a similar pair. I also am trying out Birkenstocks this time. I have talked with several Disney-goers to get some opinions on feet comfort and a lot said Birkenstocks were the way to go! I used to love wearing them for comfort way back when. I found these gems on Poshmark for a steal!

I am not exactly sure what I am going to wear with them but I guess I will figure it out closer to time. I have also purchase some plain brown and black Birkenstocks to try.

I also found this dress on Poshmark. It was only $10! It is a Disney Park's dress and pratically looks brand new! The fit was perfect.


I recently took a 2 hour drive to Nashville for a short day trip. While I was there I stopped in at the Disney Outlet and found this adorable Disney Parks hat! I think I only paid $13. The tag had $34.95 on it. I also had ordered this red with white dots Magic Band from the Shop Parks App.


These next two also came from the Shop Parks app. I was very pleased with the ordering process. It automatically applied my Disney Visa discount and I received it within a week. The Animal Kingdom hoodie is even more pretty in person. Although I was a little disappointed with how light weight it is. I was expecting a little thicker but oh well I really like it so it is a keeper!



I ordered the next few items from DisneyStore.com
With it being November I figured I needed a go to sweatshirt I could wear so what better than the Haunted Mansion?!?!


And I couldn't resist this classic Minnie Shirt


This was the first villain shirt found that I really liked!


I also found these cute matching Mickey shirts for the three of us!



I also purchased the Vera Ultimate campus backpack for this trip and others compared to the campus bag that was just way too big to tote around last year. After a few days with a backpack by the end of the trip I was pretty much only carrying my mini hipster.



ADR day is 6 days away! ​

 

[ariane37]

Holy CRAP you've been shopping!!

I do not have kiddos yet so I don't feel as guilty buying stuff for myself

Um, so.....are you saying I should feel guilty about all the stuff I've bought already since I have kids Because I don't!

I found these gems on Poshmark for a steal!

Wait, those are Birkenstocks? Those are adorable! So is that dress you got from the same place.

this adorable Disney Parks hat!

Love the hat! I find the cutest things at the Disney outlet, things I don't ever remember seeing in the actual Disney store or online.
Having a sweatshirt or 2 is a good idea. While we wore shorts every day last Nov. we did switch to jeans a couple nights and put sweatshirts on, too. The weeks before we went were HOT, like 90's, but (luckily) it cooled down to low 80's/high 70's during the day by the time we got there. The nights ranged from low 70's to one in the high 50's

 

[Whit64130]

Holy CRAP you've been shopping!!

Um, so.....are you saying I should feel guilty about all the stuff I've bought already since I have kids Because I don't!

Haha absolutely not! When I showed a few of the girls at work they tried to make me feel guilty and blah blah blah. I always tell them I don't have kids yet and I am going to enjoy my money however I feel like it before I have to give it all to pampers and Johnson&Johnson! Reality is they've never been to Disney and need a little pixie dust in their britches! Ha!

Wait, those are Birkenstocks? Those are adorable! So is that dress you got from the same place.

Yep! Poshmark is an app that you download and it's a closet clean out site. Mainly for women but the more people that use it more men's stuff and random items show up. I've sold a lot of my clothes, purses etc on there and it has helped to pay a chunk of my Disney trips. Some stuff if new with tags, or slightly used. I really like the app because both the buyer and seller are protected. If you aren't happy with an item you have the choice to send it back without penalty. I also bought the silver ears in the picture from there and paid $8. Practically brand new and saved $15 from buying used.

Love the hat! I find the cutest things at the Disney outlet, things I don't ever remember seeing in the actual Disney store or online.
Having a sweatshirt or 2 is a good idea. While we wore shorts every day last Nov. we did switch to jeans a couple nights and put sweatshirts on, too. The weeks before we went were HOT, like 90's, but (luckily) it cooled down to low 80's/high 70's during the day by the time we got there. The nights ranged from low 70's to one in the high 50's

They had just got a new shipment from Disneyland so they had a lot to pick from. I am actually going back Saturday with some friends so I will have to run in there and check out what they have this week! I figured I would be ok for the most part during the day but if it's 60 and below I might as well drag out my fleece jacket and some gloves. Being from Alabama I do not handle cold very well!

 

[ariane37]

I don't have kids yet and I am going to enjoy my money however I feel like it before I have to give it all to pampers and Johnson&Johnson

You keep doing exactly that Because you're right, once you have kids the $$ all goes to them lol. Although I'll tell you, buying Disney toys and clothes for them when they were little was really fun!

Poshmark is an app that you download and it's a closet clean out site. Mainly for women but the more people that use it more men's stuff and random items show up. I've sold a lot of my clothes, purses etc on there and it has helped to pay a chunk of my Disney trips. Some stuff if new with tags, or slightly used. I really like the app because both the buyer and seller are protected. If you aren't happy with an item you have the choice to send it back without penalty. I also bought the silver ears in the picture from there and paid $8. Practically brand new and saved $15 from buying used.

I am going to have to check this out. I sell a lot on Ebay and I have sold some Disney clothes, but I don't do so well with them for some reason.

I figured I would be ok for the most part during the day but if it's 60 and below I might as well drag out my fleece jacket and some gloves. Being from Alabama I do not handle cold very well!

Steve and I were the same way in January! Even being from NY and being used to weather in the 40's, for whatever reason the 40's felt colder in Fla. We had our NorthFace jackets on a few days and I bought one of those head band thingy's for my ears, while others were walking around in shorts! Honestly in Nov. I think it was one night that was like 58 and the other nights were warmer. Most nights were low 70's, and then besides those and the 58 they were mid to high 60's

 

[MissMaryQC]

You found such cute stuff! And for some great prices!

Hope ADRs went well!

 

[Whit64130]

Although I'll tell you, buying Disney toys and clothes for them when they were little was really fun!

Anytime I buy for my nieces or friend's kids I always try to find something Disney related. I love those little people Disney sets. They are just to darn cute! Even if the parents aren't Disney nuts I hope Auntie Whitney can rub off on them a little bit.

Hope ADRs went well!

They were better than I expected! Need to find time to do an update

 

[ariane37]

I love those little people Disney sets. They are just to darn cute! Even if the parents aren't Disney nuts I hope Auntie Whitney can rub off on them a little bit.

LOL I buy those Little People Disney sets for anyone I can every chance I get!