Glennbo’s City, Sand, and Savanna PTR - TR Link (pg 73)

[MaryAz]

Hurray for adding in Harry!!! I bet everyone will love it. Lazy days are over rated

 

[glennbo123]

Hooray for WWoHP! I'm sooooooooo jealous. I'm dying to go...just never seem to be able to squeeze it in!

What if you wrote a book about it? Research'd be necessary, right?

So, I finally have the time to write something more than 0 Judy - but I just could not let that chance go by!!

I completely understand! The window to collect points can be pretty slim.

I think it is great that you are all taking the plunge and try out IoA! Katharina and I really enjoyed it a lot! For the seniors I think it won't be too bad, because you can tour it all in just one circle, so if you are sensible about it, you can cut down on the walking quite a bit.

I imagine we'll spend most of our time there, so maybe the walking won't be so bad. Epcot on the other hand....

It is a shame that you have to leave early, because from what I hear, evenings at WWoHP are often the best time as they are least crowded.

I'm sure that's true, and it probably works out great if you're staying on-property and can take a break mid-day. l don't think we'll want to be there that long.

And I still have to get to it in my TR, but we had such a fantastic meal at Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort that I would really recommend that for dinner! It is a very nice restaurant, but wasn't more expensive than our meal at Kona Cafe.

I look forward to your review then. Maybe someday we'll stay on-property, so it may still be something I'll need to keep in mind.

The pros definately outweigh the cons so glad you'll be able to enjoy it!
And you will enjoy it!!! FJ is an amazing ride- I usually get motion sick on these kinds of rides but I like it so much I suck it up. I ride once while DH and boys ride twice in a row

Thanks, I'm sure we will.

How old are your boys? I'm wondering if James will like FJ, and Poppy and Gram for that matter.

I'm sure you've researched and know already that the HP area is not big at all so that's good for being able to do everything before heading back to WDW.
Have a Blast!

It looks like a few rides, but lots to look at in the various shops and things. I'm hoping we can get enough done before we need to leave.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Thanks, I'm sure we will.

How old are your boys? I'm wondering if James will like FJ, and Poppy and Gram for that matter.



It looks like a few rides, but lots to look at in the various shops and things. I'm hoping we can get enough done before we need to leave.

My boys are 10 and 14.
There is definately lots to look at. It's really amazing how the books come to life!
Really makes me want to go back this year.

 

[glennbo123]

That is all.

Thanks.

Wow, if a little bit of peer pressure is all it takes to get you to go to IoA, I wonder what else we can get you to do?

Oh yeah, I buckle pretty easily. Maybe that's why Judy won't let me go on any message boards other than the DIS?

Looks like a good plan, I'm sure you guys will have a great time.

It should be good!

I am with the ones having issues with the Dis !!I got sooooo frustrated I just stayed off and now I have a lot of catching up to do !!!!Glenn I think you will enjoy Universal !!Carol and I are going this year either May or September looks like I am hoping for September and Disney in October . I am also sooo hoping that later this year or next I can do a SOLO trip or one without being an escort or having the family with me !!!!

I hope you get to go soon Rosie. When was your last solo trip? When you met up with Jordy and Winkers?

That last one was the deciding factor, wasn't it?

Yep-er. We are a vapor, my friend.

Can't wait to see what you think of it! Who knows, maybe you'll convince us to visit...

I probably will....I convinced you stay at Kidani Village didn't I?

Hurray for adding in Harry!!! I bet everyone will love it. Lazy days are over rated

Aw, thanks Mary. Yes they are! We'll rest later...like on the drive home! (The non-drivers, of course.)

 

[glennbo123]

My boys are 10 and 14.

Just like it says in your signature, right?

Well, in my defense I couldn't see that when I was doing replies.

Maybe I won't give James any inkling that it might be scary. I think he gets more worried about what it might be. Once he goes on the thrill rides (SM, EE, RnRC) he's fine, but before-hand he works himself into a tizzy.

There is definately lots to look at. It's really amazing how the books come to life!
Really makes me want to go back this year.

I can't wait to see it!

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Wow! Just found your PTR and I am on page 22. You have a heck of a following. Ok, here is my quick 2 cents:

NY for your wife and daughter sounds like great fun. I think my mother, daughter, and I are doing a long weekend in May after she is done with school but before the pool opens. As my brother works in St. Louis, but lives in NYC, we do have a free place to stay, so we don't have to worry about lodging. Good thing as our DVC points could not take it. The Wicked ticket situation is a little scary as DD wants to see it. Might have to look into that. Thanks for the bringing up that situation. Let us know what Judy thinks of the accommodations.

Your trip sounds like great fun. I am sure your park time will be plenty. We did seven day hoppers for our week trip last March. It was way too much park time, even though the days 5-7 were really cheap. We are going back to the 10 day no expiration hoppers in the future. By using 3-4 days per trip and adding in specials like MVMCP, MNSHP, or WP&M as well as resort time I think it is a much better option for us. Will be interested in your thoughts when you return.

If you can get to WWOHP go. We were there in December with out three college aged kids. Like you say, that may have been our last family vacation for a while and I wanted us all to see it. I loved it and the kids were really impressed. We did one day park hoppers and stayed on property. It was worth every penny to get the extra hour at WWOHP and to just walk to the front of the line on most attractions. If you can swing it I think you will enjoy it.

Vero Beach looks very nice. Have been to HH, but not Vero. Will be interested to hear your thoughts.

Lastly, can't wait until the trip report. We are not going back until October 2013 (and want to stay at AKL if I can get in at 7 months otherwise VWL it will be) and I will need to get lots of Disney fixes to keep me going for that long!

Have a great trip!

 

[Native NYer]

Yay for adding WWoHP! I'm sure it's going to be amazing!

 

[glennbo123]

Wow! Just found your PTR and I am on page 22. You have a heck of a following.

Disneybuckeye!! I'm sorry it didn't show up on your radar sooner, but that's okay, we still have more ground to cover.

Ok, here is my quick 2 cents:

NY for your wife and daughter sounds like great fun. I think my mother, daughter, and I are doing a long weekend in May after she is done with school but before the pool opens. As my brother works in St. Louis, but lives in NYC, we do have a free place to stay, so we don't have to worry about lodging. Good thing as our DVC points could not take it.

You are fortunate to have lodging available!

The Wicked ticket situation is a little scary as DD wants to see it. Might have to look into that. Thanks for the bringing up that situation.

Yes, it looked like seats were getting snatched-up. If that's a high-priority, I'd recommend buying them soon.

Let us know what Judy thinks of the accommodations.

Will do. The location looks fantastic, so I'm sure they'll like it.

Your trip sounds like great fun. I am sure your park time will be plenty. We did seven day hoppers for our week trip last March. It was way too much park time, even though the days 5-7 were really cheap. We are going back to the 10 day no expiration hoppers in the future. By using 3-4 days per trip and adding in specials like MVMCP, MNSHP, or WP&M as well as resort time I think it is a much better option for us. Will be interested in your thoughts when you return.

Yeah, I'm sure we'll get plenty of park time. It just will feel weird that you "can't" go for only an evening or some small window like that, when it would use up a whole days' ticket. I'm with you -- 3 to 4 days per trip, especially when adding some other events is good enough for a fulfilling trip.

If you can get to WWOHP go. We were there in December with out three college aged kids. Like you say, that may have been our last family vacation for a while and I wanted us all to see it. I loved it and the kids were really impressed. We did one day park hoppers and stayed on property. It was worth every penny to get the extra hour at WWOHP and to just walk to the front of the line on most attractions. If you can swing it I think you will enjoy it.

We're going to try to swing it, but we won't have those Front of the Line passes, so I hope that's not an issue.

Vero Beach looks very nice. Have been to HH, but not Vero. Will be interested to hear your thoughts.

I'll let you know when we get into the trip report!

Lastly, can't wait until the trip report. We are not going back until October 2013 (and want to stay at AKL if I can get in at 7 months otherwise VWL it will be) and I will need to get lots of Disney fixes to keep me going for that long!

Have a great trip!

So if I can stretch the trip report out until October 2013, that'd be perfect, right?

Thanks! Thanks for joining in.

Yay for adding WWoHP! I'm sure it's going to be amazing!

I'm really looking forward to it, and I know the kids will absolutely love it.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Yep-er. We are a vapor, my friend.

Indeed. That's one of my big motivating factors.

I probably will....I convinced you stay at Kidani Village didn't I?

Your pictures certainly presented a very powerful argument.

 

[eandesmom]

Here's what I found. Basically we just showed it everywhere and got the discount. LOL!

AAA Discount Save 10% at select CityWalk dining and merchandise locations.
Restrictions Discount not available at Emeril's Restaurant Orlando, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market, AMC Universal Cineplex 20 and Cigarz at Citywalk. Participating CityWalk venues subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

No parking discount though.

In addition to the great online savings members receive for purchasing here online or in AAA branch offices, members can also show their AAA membership cards at the theme parks and CityWalk to receive the following:

Universal Orlando Resort® -

Save $5 on your multi-day ticket at the front gate (Maximum of 6 tickets)
AAA/CAA members receive a 10% discount^ at participating merchandise and restaurant locations within Universal Studios®, Universal’s Islands of Adventure® and Universal CityWalk®.

Save 15% at the Mandara Spa®† (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel).
Save up to 20% at the Palm Restaurant††† (Hard Rock Hotel®).*

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Just like it says in your signature, right?

Well, in my defense I couldn't see that when I was doing replies.

Maybe I won't give James any inkling that it might be scary. I think he gets more worried about what it might be. Once he goes on the thrill rides (SM, EE, RnRC) he's fine, but before-hand he works himself into a tizzy.

I can't wait to see it!

I didn't think you could see their ages- I understand
My DS14 is exactly the same way! The less he knows the better!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

So EXCITED Just talked my parents into giving Uni/IOA ticket to my boys for an early B-day gift. They really don't need anything for their birthday and were really bummed when we weren't going to WWoHP this year.
I guess all this talk about Harry got me thinking. Plus my mom really wanted to see it. So thanks glennbo!!!
The only thing I'm not happy with is we won't be staying on property this time so a little nervous on how the touring's gonna go since we've always stayed at HRH when we go there. We'll just have to stay the whole day w/ out any pool breaks. We have a late ADR at Cali Grill that night that we need to get to but that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[glennbo123]

Indeed. That's one of my big motivating factors.

You're doing great....I know that road trip from this summer made some lifetime memories.

Your pictures certainly presented a very powerful argument.

I rest my case.

Here's what I found. Basically we just showed it everywhere and got the discount. LOL!

That's what I'll attempt then!

AAA Discount Save 10% at select CityWalk dining and merchandise locations.
Restrictions Discount not available at Emeril's Restaurant Orlando, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market, AMC Universal Cineplex 20 and Cigarz at Citywalk. Participating CityWalk venues subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

No parking discount though.

In addition to the great online savings members receive for purchasing here online or in AAA branch offices, members can also show their AAA membership cards at the theme parks and CityWalk to receive the following:

Universal Orlando Resort® -

Save $5 on your multi-day ticket at the front gate (Maximum of 6 tickets)
AAA/CAA members receive a 10% discount^ at participating merchandise and restaurant locations within Universal Studios®, Universal’s Islands of Adventure® and Universal CityWalk®.

Save 15% at the Mandara Spa®† (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel).
Save up to 20% at the Palm Restaurant††† (Hard Rock Hotel®).*

Thank you very much for supplying the list! I'm bummed that there's no parking discount and apparently none for single day tickets.

I didn't think you could see their ages- I understand

I saw them the second after I submitted my reply asking what their ages were (and felt pretty dumb).

My DS14 is exactly the same way! The less he knows the better!!

We'll keep 'em in the dark for their own good.

So EXCITED Just talked my parents into giving Uni/IOA ticket to my boys for an early B-day gift. They really don't need anything for their birthday and were really bummed when we weren't going to WWoHP this year.
I guess all this talk about Harry got me thinking. Plus my mom really wanted to see it. So thanks glennbo!!!

I'm glad we brought this discussion to the forefront! It's done a world of good! (And since I steered some business their way, the Universal people really should give me a discount on my tickets at least.)

The only thing I'm not happy with is we won't be staying on property this time so a little nervous on how the touring's gonna go since we've always stayed at HRH when we go there. We'll just have to stay the whole day w/ out any pool breaks. We have a late ADR at Cali Grill that night that we need to get to but that shouldn't be a problem.

That sounds exactly like our plan! Your visit to IoA will be in April right?....you'll have to tell me what order you hit the various attractions and how it worked out.

 

[glennbo123]

Game Question - (and this should be an easy one) I've planned Dates, Resorts, and Park Days....where does my Planning attention go next? All of this rounds points will go to first person with the correct response.


Dumb Question - Lauren asked me last night if she needs to take pictures on her New York City trip, to go along with the trip report. She's very happy to write about it, but isn't into taking pictures. So...if you'd like pictures with your trip report, please reply and let me know. (C'mon, let's overwhelm her with the sheer number of people who are eagerly awaiting to read and see her trip. )


Link to next chapter

 

[eandesmom]

Game Question - (and this should be an easy one) I've planned Dates, Resorts, and Park Days....where does my Planning attention go next? All of this rounds points will go to first person with the correct response.


Dumb Question - Lauren asked me last night if she needs to take pictures on her New York City trip, to go along with the trip report. She's very happy to write about it, but isn't into taking pictures. So...if you'd like pictures with your trip report, please reply and let me know. (C'mon, let's overwhelm her with the sheer number of people who are eagerly awaiting to read and see her trip. )

Uhh ADRS!

And yes on the pictures..DUH!

 

[glennbo123]

Uhh ADRS!

Cynthia got it!

Point recap:
Dan - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Pat - 1 Judy-sighting win
Molly - 1 Judy-sighting win
Magdalene - 1 Judy-sighting win
Rosie - 1 bonus question win
Cynthia - 1 bonus question win

And yes on the pictures..DUH!

Okay, that's 1.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Game Question - (and this should be an easy one) I've planned Dates, Resorts, and Park Days....where does my Planning attention go next? All of this rounds points will go to first person with the correct response.

Dang, Cynthia beat me! Oh and zero Judys...

ADR planning is so fun!

Dumb Question - Lauren asked me last night if she needs to take pictures on her New York City trip, to go along with the trip report. She's very happy to write about it, but isn't into taking pictures. So...if you'd like pictures with your trip report, please reply and let me know. (C'mon, let's overwhelm her with the sheer number of people who are eagerly awaiting to read and see her trip. )

Dear Lauren, please take lots and lots and lots of pictures. I can't wait to read about your trip!

 

[marvali]

I am actually looking at doing some days at US/IoA on our upcoming trip. Still trying to plan when that might be around Matthew's potential time off before his ship deploys in July. The two youngest had already mentioned the HP stuff and just basically something different to do anyway.

Understand your Pros and Cons, but crowds and ticket prices for one day are playing too much in my decision I guess. I am looking at staying the first two or three nights at a Universal related resort so we get the hour early entry benefit and also getting the multi-day passes so it at least doesn't "seem" that expensive per day. More time to let everyone tour the parks a little slower and hopefully get the full experience. Then we will move on to DVC and Disney the rest of the trip. At least it will save us some of our DVC points to maybe do a short trip around New Years again.

I certainly understand with the rest of your plans and extended family why you are going with your choice though for sure. I know that "how much longer will we be able to all go together as a family" feeling first-hand. Our trip last summer just didn't quite feel right being the first one without Matthew. The funny thing is, when I mentioned to him about possibly doing Universal also while he can go with us, his response was "sounds like fun BUT.......after so many trips as a family spending so much time at Disney, it will probably feel strange taking that time away from the Disney parks."

If you haven't used those tickets yet at all, you might still be able to change your 7 day tickets into 8 day tickets. As far as I know you can upgrade any ticket until 14 days after first use.

I can't remember the details about your specific tickets, but if you have not used the tickets yet you may also want to investigate the possibility of adding park hopper or non expiration to them. You need to check on this before you use them to find out the specifics just in case.

As for adding days to the tickets, we did this once before. After about five days the rates drop to about $3 or $4 dollars for each day added to a ticket (haven't looked at prices lately to see exact amount, but it is significantly lower than those first few days cost per day). However, when we did this a few summers ago, you had to actually use the tickets at least one day before you could upgrade them. As long as they weren't completely used up (at least one day's park entry still left on them), you could still add days to them.

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia got it!

Point recap:
Dan - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Pat - 1 Judy-sighting win
Molly - 1 Judy-sighting win
Magdalene - 1 Judy-sighting win
Rosie - 1 bonus question win
Cynthia - 1 bonus question win




Okay, that's 1.

Well since I always forget to note any Judy sightings, at least I can take the easy one (due to pure luck and timing!)

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

Love the intro and can't wait to sign-up and catch-up (though it might be in reverse order).