Have AnnualPass, Will Travel. 1st PTR *Update 10/04* The Trip Report is up!

[BerrysGirl]

Welcome to the Planning Event of a Lifetime!!!

So this is my first attempt at a PTR... hope it doesn't get too boring! I've been lurking around several PTR and TR recently and they've really gotten me excited about all the upcoming trips I get to take this year.

You see, my DBF, Matt (or ifightfortheusers here, except he's never on!) is participating in the College Program this autumn/winter. He leaves August 8 and I will, of course, miss him terribly but it will also give me an opportunity / excuse to visit my favoritest place in the world multiple times this year. Matt and I have been dating for over two years and this summer after he graduates from Wright State University we will be moving in together for the summer until he moves down to Orlando. So exciting! And also filled with LOTS of opportunities to plan as many trips as my savings account / frequent flier miles / travel rewards credit card will get me!

The first of these trips will take place September 29 - October 3, 2011. Luckily, this being my third trip of this year, I had the foresight to purchase an Annual Pass. So using some leftover money from my Tax Return this year, I went ahead and booked my flight! In my mind it's like a free trip (for now). We originally picked these dates because I've always wanted to be in the parks for an anniversary and this year just happens to be the 40th! How perfect! Not sure if they're doing anything this year yet but it will definitely still be magical to be there on such a historic date. THEN the dates for MNSSHP come out. September 30 AND October 2! WE CAN DO THAT TOO!!! Matt and I have never done a holiday party and my parents did MNSSHP 2 years ago and loved it. I'm so excited to do a Disney First for the both of us! These are few and far between with the number of visits we have under our belts. Then last night I happened to be pondering the ins and outs of the special Disney events. Flower Festival (check) MNSSHP (soon-to-be check) Star Wars Weekend (not check for me, check for him) MVMCP (not check) Food and Wine Festival (not check... hey, when does the Food and Wine Festival start this year?) So I do a little super sleuthing and *gasp* THE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL STARTS SEPTEMBER 30!!! We. Can. Do. That. Too!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously? Best trip ever! So without further ado I'd like to you to meet...

The Cast

BerrysGirl here, or Megan to my friends (and that's what everyone reading this will be too of course)! I'm 24 and currently am a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati getting my Master's in Anthropology. I am absolutely addicted to all things Disney... I have seen all the movies, know all the songs, and teared up at every Magical Moment and beautiful experience in the parks. Speaking of which, I have been to Disney World 10 times (so far!) in my life starting with my very first trip at only a few months old where I said my first word ("uh-oh") at the Garden Grill.
Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Ride: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Favorite Character: a tie! Piglet, Jasmine, and Jack Skellington

And here's ifightfortheusers, or Matt as he'll be referred to from here on out as he's NEVER on this site . Matt will be graduating this year (June 11 to be exact!) with a BA in Political Science. He's 28 and his dream job is to work... well... at Disney! He claims he doesn't care where, he just HAS to be an employee of the mouse. So the College Program is a GREAT way to start. He'll be working in Quick Service Food, which may not be the most glamorous job but it does pay a little more, and he could have the potential of selling my most favorite Disney treat of all. MICKEY BARS!!!
Matt is just as obsessed with Disney as I am (although I DO beat him at Disney SceneIt every time we play). His parents have been DVC members for 10+ years and he can't even count how many times he's been (although I'll keep pressing him to try until I get a number).
Favorite Park: Disney Hollywood Studios
Favorite Ride: Star Tours (he's a HUGE Star Wars nerd)!
Favorite Character: Donald

Up next? Where are we staying?!?!?
​

 

[BerrysGirl]

While the dates are set in stone, the destination (aka lodging) could be subject to change. We're waiting to book a room until Matt gets the elusive 40-60% room discount for being a CM. Basically since that means we won't be able to book until August we'll have to be a little flexible with dreams of resort-wonders. However, with only a 5 day stay and a Halloween Party, 40th Anniversary, AND Food and Wine Festival to enjoy I just want the resort to rest my weary head at night and probably not for much else. Although I am all for trying new resorts each and every time I go so, in honor of variety, I am strongly pushing for...

The Pop! I've never stayed at Pop Century but it just looks so bright and colorful I can't resist. I loved All Star Movies and I just think Pop will be a further compounding of that awesomeness! Not knowing much about the resort besides walking around it once and seeing pictures I have superficial preferences (none of which I'm willing to put into writing to Disney... yet).
So here, ranked in order are my desired themed wings...

(#5) 1950's Both of my parents were born in the 50s so it'd be fun to see all the nostalgic memorabilia from the decade they were born, but the 50s have never done much for me. Besides Grease, the decade of sock hops, soda fountains, and jukeboxes feels a little so-so. Plus the colors of the wing are on the mild side of Pop and I want a wing with little more... well... POP! On a more practical note, this wing seems quite far away from the bus stop.

(#4) 1990's Now this is my decade! I was born in 86 so I remember lots of the 90s so it would be fun to relive my youth. And the wing appears to be quite close to the bus stop. Score! But the decorations seem "eh" at best and I'm quite happy with the cell phones and laptops of today. Not yesterday.

(#3) 1960's This seems to be the iconic area of Pop. The images, the colors, the Hippy Dippy Pool all add up to a legendary Pop experience. I don't have too much to critique about this wing. The location seems great, I find the decorations adorable, and I wouldn't complain about being that close to a pool. There are just two other decades that seem more fun to me. And they are...

(#2) 1980s The location seems awesome, it is my birth decade after all, and I love me some rubiks cubes (for all of 5 minutes before I get frustrated and throw it across the room). But I want to stay here for Roger Rabbit. No other reason really. Who Framed Roger Rabbit will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. And seeing this guy every morning before I head out for the day would just make feel all sunny inside.

And finally (hmm... I wonder what her top choice could be...)

(#1) 1970s I want to stay here!!! It could entail a bit of a trek in the morning but while at Disney you walk approximately 10 miles every day anyways so what's a few more steps? I love the 70s. If I could be reborn for any decade, it'd be the 70s. The music, the culture, the history. Oh yes, oh yes. Mind you, the early 70s... none of that disco crap (no offense). Plus who can say no to sleeping so close to a GIANT Mickey phone?

My "decade list" is purely superficial of course and I'll be happy wherever we stay but it's sure fun to dream! My one caveat is that I would really prefer a Preferred Room (ha!). When I stayed at All Star Movies we had to split the reservation between a Standard and Preferred Room (we added an extra night later on so had to check out then check back in). The Preferred Room was awesome! Toy Story wing, adorable decor, and silence, silence, SILENCE. I was in love. Then we switched to the Love Bug which was the standard. Still adorable decor but along with the Love Bug came volleyball teams. Lots and lots of RUDE volleyball teams. My best friend and I ran into 4 girls sitting in a hallway who refused to move their legs that were stretched across the entire walkway. We had to step over complete strangers because the girls were too $#&*# lazy to move! The rest of the night was filled with adolescent shrieks and giggling as they ran up and down the paths outside our room. No thank you, not again. So if we already get such a phenomenal discount why not splurge on a slight upgrade? I'm so excited to experience this resort together for the first time (*ding ding ding* we found another first)! Neither of us have stayed here before and I think it'll just be awesome.

Coming Soon: We're hungry. But where's dinner?​

 

[BerrysGirl]

Just for fun! Because it's this or thesis research...

I'm most like Belle!

Cinderella:
[ ] One of your parents is dead
[X] You are expected to do a lot of chores
[X] You love to dress up
[X] You love animals
[ ] You are waiting patiently for your Prince Charming
[ ] Your mom is really strict
[ ] You have sisters who seem kind of jealous of you
[X] You’re afraid to speak your mind sometimes
[ ] You have left your shoes at a friend’s house before
[ ] You have blonde hair
TOTAL: 4

Belle:
[X] You’ve kissed someone your friends didn’t like
[X] You’ve been lost in the forest
[X] You love to read
[ ] You are not shy at all, and not afraid to speak your mind
[X] One of your family members is a bit weird
[X] You have done volunteer work
[X] You have a wild imagination
[X] You love to take care of people in need
[ ]You’ve had guys like you only because they think you’re pretty
[X] You’ve rejected at least one person when they’ve asked you out
TOTAL: 8

Jasmine:
[ ] Your dad is very rich/important
[X] You are very clever
[X] You’ve been with someone way different from you
[X] You’re unique and different from everyone else
[X] You’d never marry someone just because they were rich
[X] You have set a lot of goals for yourself
[X] You don’t have a lot of friends
[X]You’re independent
[ ] You are wealthy
[ ]Your parents try to control your life
TOTAL: 7

Ariel
[ ] Your parents expect a lot from you
[ ] You really try to follow the rules, but it’s hard for you
[ ] You’re a bit of a trouble maker
[ ] You’re the youngest in your family or in the last 2
[ ] You have a lot of sisters (3 or more)
[X] You collect something
[X]You have/had long, hair
[X] You have/had a pet fish
[X] You’re extremely curious
[ ] You believe everything people tell you/you’re a bit gullible
TOTAL: 4

Snow White
[ ] You know that you’re beautiful
[ ] Sometimes it seems like your mom is jealous of you
[ ] You’ve almost been killed
[ ] You have at least seven good friends
[X] You’ve had food poisoning
[X] You have/had short hair
[X] You get along with almost everyone
[X] All of your friends are different
[X] You love to have a good time
[ ] You’re happier when you’re out of the house than in
TOTAL: 5

Mulan
[X] You can be a tomboy sometimes.
[ ] People wish you could be a bit more girly
[X]You’ve pretended to be someone you’re not
[ ] You’ve had a physical fight with someone
[ ] You have/had considered running away from home
[ ] Your parents try to plan your life out
[X] a lot of your friends are boys
[ ] You sometimes find yourself in bad situations
[X] You love your family so much that you’d do anything to protect them
TOTAL: 3

Aurora
[X] You live/have lived with someone other than your parents
[ ] You almost died at a very young age
[X] You are gentle, loving, and/or thoughtful
[X]You have a decent singing voice
[X] You like to sleep in late on the weekends
[ ]You spend most of your time outside [try to]
[ ] You’re adopted
[X] You’re very romantic
[ ] Pink is one of your favorite colors
TOTAL: 5

Pocahontas
[X] You love to walk around and explore big cities
[X] You are more spiritual than religious
[ ] You’ve been in an interracial relationship
[ ] One of your family members is dead (mum, dad, sister, brother, grandma, grandpa)
[ ] Your parents are very protective of you
[X] Someone you know has been in war
[X] You love nature
[X] You have/had black hair
[X] You would love to move somewhere exotic and beautiful
[X] You’re very adventurous
TOTAL: 7

Take the princess’s name that you got the most in and repost…if you have more than 1, play eeny meany myny moe with them until you get an answer and…
Repost this as, If I were a Disney Princess, I’d be _____

 

[melmar136]

Hi Megan! (great name btw! ) Following you over from my PTR!
So exciting that Matt will be doing the CP, AND that you'll have lots of reasons to go visit him!
That's great that you'll be there on the 40th anniversary, AND get to go to the MNSSHP!

Btw, I would be Cinderella, based on the quiz! That's about right...I am waiting for my Prince Charming after all!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Hi Megan! (great name btw! ) Following you over from my PTR!
So exciting that Matt will be doing the CP, AND that you'll have lots of reasons to go visit him!
That's great that you'll be there on the 40th anniversary, AND get to go to the MNSSHP!

Btw, I would be Cinderella, based on the quiz! That's about right...I am waiting for my Prince Charming after all!

Can't wait to read more!

Yay I have a reader too!
I'm glad you liked the quiz!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Hello All!

Today is rainy and quite cold compared to what it has been so to make myself feel better I'm currently dreaming sunny dreams of Florida, Mickey, and fine dinning.

Matt and I only have two ADRs at the moment. Mostly because we're still entirely unsure of our schedule. This will be a much different trip than I'm use to taking. Normally things can be finalized months in advance and I can just sit back, relax, and watch my countdown get smaller and smaller and smaller. But with Matt being in the CP, a lot of our plans will have to do with his work schedule. I think I'm more worried about this point than he is. He keeps telling me we'll make it work and it'll be fine. I keep worrying that he'll have to work the entire time I'm down there and I'll never get to see him. But I guess that contradictory thought process just defines our relationship!

However, even with this fear I've gone ahead and made two reservations. Basically as a symbol that I am definitely going to Disney World in 149 days!!! My reservations are based off of two criteria. Location. And experience. Like I said, Matt and I have both been to Disney a lot and it's getting a little hard to find things that neither of us have done before. This being the theme of this trip, I've decided to hunt down eating establishments that neither of us have been to. This list will probably increase but for now my two definite reservations are:

October 1 (6:45 pm)
Tony's Town Square
No it doesn't get the greatest of reviews. No the food isn't that unique but we haven't eaten there yet. *Added bonus* If you notice our reservation is on October 1... The 40th! Our plan is to stay in the park from Rope Drop until the park closes. So Tony's works perfectly!

October 2 (5:00 pm)
The Wave
We've never eaten here obviously since it's fairly new. My parents tried it in March and loved so I can't wait to try it too. Matt and I are budding wine connoisseurs so this is another reason this place is right up our alley. Additionally, we're planning to try to go to this MNSSHP (the two they will be having while I'm there are on the 30th and the 2nd). Our plan is to get our wristbands at MK at 4, head to dinner, and then make it back for the party to starts (MNSSHP veterans if this sounds unpractical please let me know!). I'm so excited to try The Wave. I love the Contemporary (my parents are DVC members at Bay Lake Tower) and this restaurant seems like such a lovely addition.
So that's it for now as far as ADRs.

-------------------------------------------

However, I'd love to also try:
Sanaa

Kimonos

(best sushi on park? yes please!)

Citricos

... Maybe not this trip but someday.

-------------------------------------------
There are some foods that do not require ADRs that I KNOW we'll be having:

Not a new experience, but one that has to be enjoyed!

Blasphemy, I know but Matt and I have never tried Dole Whip before! This will change on our next trip. I particularly want to try the float. It looks so tasty!

I mean come on. Our first Food and Wine Festival? You KNOW we'll be stuffing our faces!!!

 

[beebeeryan]

Oh wow, how exciting about the CP, you'll get lots and lots of visits in! It's incredible that even going so many times, you can still always find things you've never done before. Gotta love that about Disney

You'll have to let us all know where Matt is working come August so we can say hi when we're there.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Great plans so far!

I also want to do the CP someday!

You will LOVE your Dole Whip Float!

I'm most like Ariel, by the way, which is great because she's my favorite princess!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[melmar136]

I have never tried the Dole Whip either! Shocking, I know! Meg loves them, so I'll be getting a sip/bite of hers this trip!

 

[ifightfortheusers]

Hello all, and thank you for following this thread. This site is awesome. To see all these people who are just as excited about Disney as we are. Megan has found so many new experiences on this site that I just can't wait to try. I will try to post more and more, becoming a little less shy with each post.

 

[ifightfortheusers]

May the 4th be with you all!!!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Hello all, and thank you for following this thread. This site is awesome. To see all these people who are just as excited about Disney as we are. Megan has found so many new experiences on this site that I just can't wait to try. I will try to post more and more, becoming a little less shy with each post.

Sure, now he proves me wrong

I have never tried the Dole Whip either! Shocking, I know! Meg loves them, so I'll be getting a sip/bite of hers this trip!

I think Matt and I may have to share one too. They look huge! Does Meg have any recommendations for the perfect one?

Great plans so far!

I also want to do the CP someday!

You will LOVE your Dole Whip Float!

I'm most like Ariel, by the way, which is great because she's my favorite princess!

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks so much! I'm super excited! Send me a PM if you ever have any questions about the CP, Matt would be happy to help!

Oh wow, how exciting about the CP, you'll get lots and lots of visits in! It's incredible that even going so many times, you can still always find things you've never done before. Gotta love that about Disney

You'll have to let us all know where Matt is working come August so we can say hi when we're there.

I'll definitely keep everyone updated. We should know in August. Maybe he can cook up a Magical Moment for you and your boys!

​

 

[beebeeryan]

Dole Whip, YUM...I did end up trying that on my trip, sent DH and the boys back to swim and I stayed in the MK to shop and tried a Dole Whip. It was HUGE, I couldn't finish it, but it was good.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Thanks so much! I'm super excited! Send me a PM if you ever have any questions about the CP, Matt would be happy to help!
​

I will! If I think of any, or when it gets closer to the time I would apply, I will DEFINITELY send you one!

 

[BerrysGirl]

So after a weekend of Disney Discussions , Matt and I contrived a pseudo-plan for our trip. I'm not super commando about Disney plans but I like to get a general feel for the trip before heading out. So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you our tentative vacation plans:

Thursday: September 29

Epcot! With my flight landing in Orlando at 9 am, I imagine I could make it to Epcot for the afternoon. Thanks to some savvy geniuses on this very site, I have discovered that most years they do a soft opening of the Food and Wine Festival before opening day. So hopefully we can catch most of the booths and tasty treats before the crowds arrive. Matt and I are considering getting the Quick Service dining plan for this trip, especially if he can get a CM discount (not idea if this is actually offered). One way or another I could never pass up an Epcot opportunity.
I will also use my first day as opportunity to try something new.

Admittedly I've always thought Vinylmations just look plain weird. Trust me, when Matt reads I want a Vinylmation (because I haven't told him yet) he'll be thoroughly confused . But after I just finished reading someone else's TR, I discovered the mystery boxes and I will admit, I am intrigued. So I decided to make a game out of it for myself. At Epcot on my first day I will purchase my very first Vinylmation. I will promptly open my Vinylmation. On each consecutive day at the park I will trade my Vinylmation at each Mystery Box we encounter. Then at the last day, at the last trading spot I will take whatever Vinylmation I end with happily home with me (or maybe spread some PixieDust and give it to someone else to start their own trading adventure, I haven't decided yet).

Friday: September 30

Friday is Animal Kingdom's EMH so I think we'll start there. I have no intention of spending a lot of time there. Perhaps only Expedition Everest and Festival of the Lion King and call it a successful day. More likely than not I will want to spend the rest of the day back at Epcot for the F&WF. Even though I've never been, considering we go to our local Whole Foods every Friday for their Wine Tasting I imagine I will love the event.

Saturday: October 1

This is it! The day I've been waiting for! We're getting up to make sure we make it to RD for the Magic Kingdom's 40th anniversary. Rope drop is, shockingly, something I have never experienced so this really is a must. The only other plans for the day is to enjoy the park all day (we are not leaving), have our first ever Dole Whip, and dinner at Tony's. At the very least I want to stay until the park closes (10 pm, to be exact) but ideally I'd love to stay behind for the notorious Kiss Goodnight that I've only just discovered existed (thanks again Dis)!

Sunday: October 2

I know, it's not Christmas but it's the only photo I could find.
Sunday will start at DHS. Once more, I'm not too concerned with seeing everything. I'd love to get a quick bite at the Writer's Stop since I've never tried it before.

Matt's excited for Castle, not the Writer's Stop. He'd leave me for Nathan Fillion, I'm sure.
The only other thing I HAVE to do here is ride the new Star Tours. My apprehension is great. I don't like change and I don't handle nauseous-inducing rides too well either and this new 3D version promises to be a doozy. This will prove to be a short day at DHS, which is good because we have our ADR at the Wave at 5. But before that, we have to scurry over to MK to get our wristbands for...

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!

Monday: October 3
I don't want to plan anything for this day. My flight doesn't leave until 9 pm so I basically have a full day. We've discussed hitting DTD, touring resorts (I love doing that for some reason), or just heading back to his apartment so I can see the area he's living. Basically I can imagine I won't care much what we do on this day because we'll just want to be together considering I'd be leaving and we'd be going back to being long distance. So something low-key, more face-to-face, less face-to-screen or face-to-wind, will probably be exactly what we'll want. Ugh I don't like to think about this day. It will be so much sadder than normal-Disney leaving (and trust me I am normally pretty darn sad when we leave). So it's back to looking forward to the happy, not the sad!

144 days left!​

 

[BerrysGirl]

Or should I say change of ADRs! Shocking but I added on to our ADRs. Thanks of course to getting all my work done this morning and having nothing to do this afternoon but peruse the DIS TR By the end of this trip Matt may really start to hate this place for giving me too many good ideas!

So our third official ADR for this trip will be...

The Garden View Tea Room!

I can't tell if Matt's actually excited to do this (he loves tea) or if he's just humoring me. But at 2:10 on September 30 we will be heading over to the Grand Floridian for some afternoon tea. This will be ANOTHER Disney first for us! That's the remarkable thing with Disney. It doesn't matter how many times you go, you can ALWAYS find something new to do. And for the record, I finally got Matt to tally up his visits (thanks largely in part to this PTR) and he's been 21 times

I love that we're finding so many new things to do together! Looking at the Tea Room's menu on allears.net I can't decide if the Princess Breakfast Tea or the Mad Hatter sounds more appealing I'm sooo excited!

​

 

[Disneyfreak616]

We also have an ADR for the tea room in August! My DStepdad won't be going though, he'll go back to CSR for a swim and a nap, while my DMom, DSis and I have our tea. SO excited!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm joining in! I love your writing-you crack me up woman! And I also love your DBFs DIS name. My little guy (Henry, if you remember from my TR) is obsessed with Tron!!!! He calls DH "user".

Anyway-loving your plans. The Garden View Tea Room is LOVELY. I have wanted to get back there for several trips, but it has not worked out. Even if your DBF is humoring you, he'll end up enjoying it I'm sure! The food is yumm-o.

 

[ifightfortheusers]

And I also love your DBFs DIS name. My little guy (Henry, if you remember from my TR) is obsessed with Tron!!!! He calls DH "user".

Anyway-loving your plans. The Garden View Tea Room is LOVELY. I have wanted to get back there for several trips, but it has not worked out. Even if your DBF is humoring you, he'll end up enjoying it I'm sure! The food is yumm-o.

That is awesome. We need all the Tron fans we can get for another movie. I love the Tronorail. I had a terrible time trying to see it last trip, was always missing it. Finally got to ride it and take a picture next to it.

I am also looking forward to the Garden View Tea Room. Megan is so great at introducing me to new experiences.

 

[BerrysGirl]

We also have an ADR for the tea room in August! My DStepdad won't be going though, he'll go back to CSR for a swim and a nap, while my DMom, DSis and I have our tea. SO excited!

That would be my dad too! It's not wonder I've never been to afternoon tea yet since he's the one who does the planning for our trips. Let me know how it is when you go in August!

I'm joining in! I love your writing-you crack me up woman! And I also love your DBFs DIS name. My little guy (Henry, if you remember from my TR) is obsessed with Tron!!!! He calls DH "user".

Anyway-loving your plans. The Garden View Tea Room is LOVELY. I have wanted to get back there for several trips, but it has not worked out. Even if your DBF is humoring you, he'll end up enjoying it I'm sure! The food is yumm-o.

Thanks for stopping by! I showed Matt your video of Henry finding out he was visiting "Mickey's House" that day. We loved it!