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

[BerrysGirl]

ON TO THE TRIP PLANNING!!!

As I've previously mentioned, for our first trip in September, we plan to attend the October 2 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I'm so excited about this because I've never done one of the extra-ticketed events and my parents did the Halloween party a few years ago and loved it

Matt and I have been going back and forth for quite a while now trying to decide if we want to dress up for the party. Basically I'm planning for my Halloween to occur at the beginning of October instead of the end this year so I figured, might as well go all out, right?

At first we found a quick and easy Halloween costume: t-shirts!

It turns out we both have M&M t-shirts and we thought it'd be really cute and easy to go as M&Ms.

I have the orange:

And Matt has the Blue:

No problem, right?

Well this summer we discovered our most recent unhealthy addiction:

Have you ever seen this show? Oh. my. gosh. Adorableness! One day while watching our new favorite brothers and their pet platypus Matt had a sheer stroke of brilliance. Why not go as Phineas and Isabella to the party?

For those of you not familiar with the show (and you should totally watch it, it's hilarious even if you don't have kids), Isabella is the local neighbor-girl who has a massive crush on Phineas. So how cute would it be if we went as the adorable little couple . We considered Candice and Jeremy as well, but come on Phineas and Isabella are just so much cooler!

So here's where the conundrum comes in. Matt's costume will be relatively easy:

He already has the blue cargo shorts, he was planning to buy a pair of blue boat shoes just because they look so darn comfortable and those will work really well for his shoes, and I'll just buy a cheap yellow-ish shirt and paint orange stripes on it with fabric paint. No problem.

Isebella, on the other hand, is a little more challenging:

I found a simple pink jumper from H&M for like $10 so I snatched that up (this isn't exactly the dress but it's the closest I could find on the website to demonstrate the style... just imagine it sleeveless):

I also have a white t-shirt, white socks, and pink converse sneakers so so far so good, right? The bow will be easy too. Just tie a ribbon in my hair, or clip one of those barrettes to it...

I have no idea what to do about that belt! Is it dark pink? Is it purple? There's a part of me that wants it to be purple because I'm finding some cheap purple belts easily enough but every time I look at it I always worry it's more pink than purple (I know, I worry about what really matters ).

I have finally admitted defeat and implore my faithful DIS friends to help me out with life's most important issues.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the belt to my Isabella costume?

Thanks for any help ANYONE can offer!!! ​

 

[dreamerchic33]

Hey !!!
fabulous updates!
so happy for bf! I hope he continues to have an awesome experience!
LOVE your custume ideas!!
I think the belt is purple! not hot pink!
I know old navy, target, kohls ans jcp had LARGE selections of belts!
hth!
xo

 

[beebeeryan]

OH man I've been away so much this summer I missed all this. I've been wondering if Matt was there and had started yet. YAY! Glad it's went well and he's settled in and he got placed in a spot he wanted and found decent housing. Did you read Mousetrapped by Catherine Ryan...good book about a CM's Disney tale. I enjoyed it, she didn't have good housing options though. OH and glad he doesn't actually have to shave in the middle of his shift, good joke, that would have been crazy and a little over the top even for Disney.

Phineus and Ferb is an awesome show, my boys love it and I actually will get caught up in it too. You'll have to go see them at DHS! Love the idea of dressing up as them and the belt is purple I'm pretty sure, I wouldn't worry about it too much though. Sounds like it'll look perfect. I can't wait to see pictures of it.

 

[mimiloveswdw]

AHH I've been all caught up for awhile but I guess I haven't commented Anyway, that's so cool about Matt's job assignment! That's a really good location! I'm sure it'll be a bit stressful during, say, breakfast around 8, but the rest of the day is pretty good! Not to mention AIR CONDITIONING! If I were to do the CP, I'd be so worried about getting an outside position. I would die haha!

Phineas and Isabella would be so cute! Your hair kind of looks like hers too! If you put the costume together, PLEASE post a picture?

So how much does Matt go to the parks, on average? I like to live vicariously through CP's haha! I stalk CP blogs on a regular basis

 

[ifightfortheusers]

So how much does Matt go to the parks, on average? I like to live vicariously through CP's haha! I stalk CP blogs on a regular basis

I actually haven't been the parks that much. I went Friday to HS, Epcot, and MK. It was my first actual day off since I have been here. My shifts start so early that I usually find myself with very little time in the evening before I have to go to bed.

I am holding out on some of the rides until Megan comes down. It just doesn't seem right riding them without her. That rule, of course, does not apply to Star Tours. I have been on it twice and was the Rebel Spy on Friday. I love the new ride.

 

[BerrysGirl]

Hey !!!
fabulous updates!
so happy for bf! I hope he continues to have an awesome experience!
LOVE your custume ideas!!
I think the belt is purple! not hot pink!
I know old navy, target, kohls ans jcp had LARGE selections of belts!
hth!
xo

Thanks so much
So far so good at the CP. I think it's an awesome experience for him and it couldn't be a better starting point for a WDW career!
Thanks so much for the belt recommendations! I'll have to go check them out

OH man I've been away so much this summer I missed all this. I've been wondering if Matt was there and had started yet. YAY! Glad it's went well and he's settled in and he got placed in a spot he wanted and found decent housing. Did you read Mousetrapped by Catherine Ryan...good book about a CM's Disney tale. I enjoyed it, she didn't have good housing options though. OH and glad he doesn't actually have to shave in the middle of his shift, good joke, that would have been crazy and a little over the top even for Disney.

Phineus and Ferb is an awesome show, my boys love it and I actually will get caught up in it too. You'll have to go see them at DHS! Love the idea of dressing up as them and the belt is purple I'm pretty sure, I wouldn't worry about it too much though. Sounds like it'll look perfect. I can't wait to see pictures of it.

I'll have to check that book out (or maybe point Matt in that direction and then he can just fill me in ).
Alright, that's two votes for a purple belt... guess I have some shopping to do. Darn!
DBF has checked out the P&F meet-n-greet and says it talks about the roller coaster the boys made right next to a "coming soon" sign. Is there a ride in the boys' future?

AHH I've been all caught up for awhile but I guess I haven't commented Anyway, that's so cool about Matt's job assignment! That's a really good location! I'm sure it'll be a bit stressful during, say, breakfast around 8, but the rest of the day is pretty good! Not to mention AIR CONDITIONING! If I were to do the CP, I'd be so worried about getting an outside position. I would die haha!

Phineas and Isabella would be so cute! Your hair kind of looks like hers too! If you put the costume together, PLEASE post a picture?

So how much does Matt go to the parks, on average? I like to live vicariously through CP's haha! I stalk CP blogs on a regular basis

He says the slowest day he's had working for the Mouse (which was his first day) was still the busiest day he'd ever worked in his life (up until that point). He seems to REALLY love it though. I think his favorite part is interacting with the guests. He's always wanted to be the one passing out that Disney magic
If you decide to do the CP, just be sure NOT to request Food & Beverage: Outdoor Vending. Those are the poor souls that get put at the ice cream / popcorn carts. If you get Quick Service / Table Service more likely than not, you'll be inside a big, air conditioned building.
The Halloween costumes are coming along really nicely. I have mine completely together (minus the appropriate belt... I had found a hot pink one at Goodwill for $.50 but I need to find a purple one now).
I'm currently working on painting Matt's shirt and it looks AMAZING! The orange is coming out so nicely and it's crazy how much it looks just like the cartoon. It takes FOREVER for the paint to dry though, so pictures are coming (promise! ) they're just a few weeks away!

I actually haven't been the parks that much. I went Friday to HS, Epcot, and MK. It was my first actual day off since I have been here. My shifts start so early that I usually find myself with very little time in the evening before I have to go to bed.

I am holding out on some of the rides until Megan comes down. It just doesn't seem right riding them without her. That rule, of course, does not apply to Star Tours. I have been on it twice and was the Rebel Spy on Friday. I love the new ride.

I would just like the record to show that I am NOT the one promoting Matt's lack of park attendance
The only thing he is not allowed to do until I get there is go to a Halloween party without me, or see the new Muppet Movie before I come down in December. All other lack of park attendance is done on his own accord
Matt, I do think you should post the picture of the "I Am the Rebel Spy" pin you got. Inquiring minds want to know!

​

 

[BerrysGirl]

Now that Matt is happily settled and indulging in the CM tradition of EPCOT (Every Paycheck Comes On Thursday) we finally get to the REAL trip planning!

My apologies to all my readers but I probably should have started this PTR NOW instead of months ago... because basically EVERYTHING has changed... it's all part of the magic though, right?

FIRST UP: the place.

Originally I wanted to stay at Pop Century... we needed a cheap option and we've never stayed at the Pop before.

When Matt finally got his adorable name tag and all the privileges and perks it entails, one of the very first things he did was go to the Cast Member building and start enquiring on reservations and discounts...

It turns out all YOU PEOPLE must really like the Pop too... because CM's couldn't get rooms on the dates we were going (darn you, you full-price paying patrons ).

SO we had to go to Plan B... what rooms really were open during our stay?

The three cheapest options were...

#3 Coronoado Springs Resort

#2 Caribbean Beach Resort

#1 All Star Sports Resort

Well I was inclined to throw Coronado Springs out of the running right away because I'M GOING BACK TO DISNEY December 4th for my birthday and I want to stay there then. And admittedly, I wasn't thrilled with the idea of the All Star... I already stayed at All Star Movies, and while I certainly didn't hate it, I kinda wanted to try something different.

DBF totally understood and went ahead and booked us for...

*all photos courtesy Mr. CM Matt*

CARIBBEAN BEACH!!!

I mean really, how much easier of a commute could you ask for?
Wake up, roll out of bed, and walk around the block to work!

I really like the idea of staying at the CBR... it's like an intimate view of Matt's experiences with the CP. I LOVE it!

So we're all booked and ready to go! But there are more changes in the air... *cue ominous music*​

 

[brookelizabeth]

Now I am a little hazy on some of the details of his job but it looks like the actual QS is named Old Port Royale and his exact job description puts him at Market Street (if anyone knows the difference please let me know ). From what I've figured from my internet research it looks like the entire dinning area is called Market Street but some of the areas have different names???

​

Old Port Royale is the building's name - it's the main building (but not check-in) of CBR. The QS area is Market Street with it's several food stations.

I wish I had seen your message on FB (or here) that Matt was working there while we were touring, I would have looked for him! CBR is SO PRETTY, you'll LOVE IT!

I also looooooove your costume idea! I think Isabella's belt is purple!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Now that Matt is happily settled and indulging in the CM tradition of EPCOT (Every Paycheck Comes On Thursday) we finally get to the REAL trip planning!​

This made me laugh because my mom was just telling me about how my sister heard this too. Gotta love knowing a CM.

YAY for changing your resort! I would love to take advantage of the CM resort discount but for us, no matter how good it is, DVC is better since we don't have to pay for the room. But boy, staying at the Polynesian again is so tempting...

 

[ifightfortheusers]

Hey everyone. Just wanted to share my Disney Pin purchases as of today. I went to the Character Premiere Outlet and bought some discounted pins and will be trading them later today. So far, I have these five.

Note: I love the Rebel Spy one because I was the Rebel Spy on my second tour.

 

[BerrysGirl]

Old Port Royale is the building's name - it's the main building (but not check-in) of CBR. The QS area is Market Street with it's several food stations.

I wish I had seen your message on FB (or here) that Matt was working there while we were touring, I would have looked for him! CBR is SO PRETTY, you'll LOVE IT!

I also looooooove your costume idea! I think Isabella's belt is purple!

Thanks for the vote of confidence in CBR... I've heard some so-so things about it and, well, with DBF working there he's had some occasional so-so things to say as well (but I guess that's mostly about your few but far-between trouble guests more than anything else). I am so excited to see the Nemo decor!
I can't remember if I told you this already, but one day Matt was at DHS and saw a little red-headed boy with two brunette parents and thought maybe, just maybe it was you guys! How awesome would that have been? But alas, it was not to be, because upon consulting facebook, I saw you were in fact at another park that day...

This made me laugh because my mom was just telling me about how my sister heard this too. Gotta love knowing a CM.

YAY for changing your resort! I would love to take advantage of the CM resort discount but for us, no matter how good it is, DVC is better since we don't have to pay for the room. But boy, staying at the Polynesian again is so tempting...

It's funny because DBF and I share a calendar on Google so we know when we are working / studying / playing and he has recently updated it with a recurring event every Thursday that simply reads EPCOT
And I totally understand your conundrum. Stay in a totally awesome resort vs free resort... awesome or free, awesome or free? Yeah, free would win out for me too!

Hey everyone. Just wanted to share my Disney Pin purchases as of today. I went to the Character Premiere Outlet and bought some discounted pins and will be trading them later today. So far, I have these five.

Note: I love the Rebel Spy one because I was the Rebel Spy on my second tour.

The Figment pin is totally mine! Matt originally saw it on his roommate's work lanyard and after he hadn't traded it for a week I made Matt go to the Outlet store to buy a cheap pin to trade for it.
I am totally a Figment Fiend ​

 

[BerrysGirl]

There are even more changes in store for our itinerary but I wanted to take a quick break to make a special announcement...

I'm doing the double digit dance!!!

That's right in exactly 99 days I will be going BACK to Disney for another wonderful vacation with my favorite CM. I haven't talked a lot about this trip yet but it will be short and sweet... only 4 days. I will be celebrating my 25th birthday in style! The details, however, are for another day... and another PTR

Back to THIS trip's planning.

Day 1
Day one hasn't changed all that much.
My flight still leaves at 7:00 am and I plan to be landed in MCO and sitting on the Magical Express by 9:30 am (please oh please oh please oh please MCO gods, may my flight be on time! )
Then I will make it gracefully to CBR where I will see my little CM happily employed for the mouse (he works the morning shift... normally around the hours of 7 - 3 so he'll probably still be working when I arrive).
I'll check-in MAYBE our room will be ready, MAYBE I'll unpack. Or maybe I'll wander around our resort for a while.

My plan is still to head over to Epcot first. There should be a soft opening of F&W and I really want to check that out. Depending on how long Matt works I'll either wait for him to get off, or just head to Epcot at 11 and meet him there when he's done.

I follow a blog that has been posting updates for F&W plans, including these illustrations of the displays. I think they look amazing!

I will also still be trading Vinylmations for the first time but I have good news... I don't have to pay for them!
You see, in 2009 my mom discovered Vinylmations and bought two... just because. We opened the mystery boxes Christmas Day to discover we got:

and

Well, now they just sit on a shelf in my Mom's Mickey bathroom so I thought trading them for some new ones for her would be the perfect opportunity to play my game but still have a useful end-point.

After we trade some Vinylmations, eat some food, and drink some wine we may stay for Illuminations... or we may just head back to the resort for some rest and relaxation. It will be a long but exciting day!

Day 2 coming soon!​

 

[wdwgirl03]

Oh cool, I like the artwork for the F&WF! Another fun thing about going when there's a special event going on.

I love vinylmations but have never traded them before. That should be fun!

 

[mimiloveswdw]

I actually haven't been the parks that much. I went Friday to HS, Epcot, and MK. It was my first actual day off since I have been here. My shifts start so early that I usually find myself with very little time in the evening before I have to go to bed.

I am holding out on some of the rides until Megan comes down. It just doesn't seem right riding them without her. That rule, of course, does not apply to Star Tours. I have been on it twice and was the Rebel Spy on Friday. I love the new ride.

I see. It's great that you went to three parks that day, though!

Actually, my dad was the same way at ST. I was with him and we were going to wait for my mom/sister but he couldn't take it anymore. I'm pretty sure if I had asked to wait, he would have left me outside

He says the slowest day he's had working for the Mouse (which was his first day) was still the busiest day he'd ever worked in his life (up until that point).

Wow That's nuts.

If you decide to do the CP, just be sure NOT to request Food & Beverage: Outdoor Vending. Those are the poor souls that get put at the ice cream / popcorn carts. If you get Quick Service / Table Service more likely than not, you'll be inside a big, air conditioned building.

Thanks for the info! Even though I'll most likely not do it (insert disappointed in my logic smiley here) any CP tips are appreciated

The Halloween costumes are coming along really nicely. I have mine completely together (minus the appropriate belt... I had found a hot pink one at Goodwill for $.50 but I need to find a purple one now).
I'm currently working on painting Matt's shirt and it looks AMAZING! The orange is coming out so nicely and it's crazy how much it looks just like the cartoon. It takes FOREVER for the paint to dry though, so pictures are coming (promise! ) they're just a few weeks away!

WOOHOO! Can't wait for pictures! I was on the Disneystore site today and I found the official adult costumes (not the "dirty" princess costumes, which I find so disgusting) and they're so cute! I would wear them all the time

I would just like the record to show that I am NOT the one promoting Matt's lack of park attendance
The only thing he is not allowed to do until I get there is go to a Halloween party without me, or see the new Muppet Movie before I come down in December. All other lack of park attendance is done on his own accord

I would die being that close. But I also can't imagine how busy it must be.​

 

[BerrysGirl]

Oh cool, I like the artwork for the F&WF! Another fun thing about going when there's a special event going on.

I love vinylmations but have never traded them before. That should be fun!

I'm also really excited for F&W because I FINALLY get to try the Cheddar Cheese soup from Canada. We have tried and tried to get a reservation but always strike out! I've heard whispers that it won't be so hard anymore since Le Cellar's going to the more expensive price-bracket on the Dinning Plan but still. My first Cheddar Cheese soup experience is just 30 days away!

I'm so excited to start trading! I've never gotten into trading... be it pins or vinylmations, but since I've made a game out of it I think I'll be more inclined to do it. And I can't wait to see what I get. Admittedly there are a few that if I get I won't be trading. Tron, Some of the Star Wars, or the Little Green Alien from Toy Story are just a few that come to mind!

I see. It's great that you went to three parks that day, though!

Actually, my dad was the same way at ST. I was with him and we were going to wait for my mom/sister but he couldn't take it anymore. I'm pretty sure if I had asked to wait, he would have left me outside

I would never expect DBF to wait for me to ride Star Tours. The suspense would kill him! And I totally understand your resignation of not doing the CP. I tried to fit it in a summer once but it never seemed to work out. See, your best strategy would be to convince your sister to do it... then you can just visit her all the time! Right, wdwgirl03?

Am I sensing another person planning a Disney-themed Halloween costume? Who do you want to be?
​

 

[BerrysGirl]

Day 2

Friday's when the changes start. I plan to get up bright and early. Matt will more than likely have to work since he's requesting the next day off so I plan to head over to...

Animal Kingdom!!!

AK has EMH so I'll go and hit up the few things I NEED to do.

Including:

Expedition Everest

Finding Nemo: The Musical

And one of the things I have NEVER experienced before...
Festival of the Lion King

Currently disneyworld.com has FOTK's first show of the day starting at 10:00 am but no times listed for Nemo Any ideas? I haven't heard anything about Nemo going away...

That's all I have to do... I think I'll skip the Safari this time. There's only so many times I can see a lion sleeping on a rock before I need to take a break.

Right after FOTK I think I'll grab a snack. And I know exactly what I have in mind...

The Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzel. I've recently been capable of upping my spice intake (at Thai restaurants I use to order the "1" now I order a "3" or "4") and Jalapenos have really been hitting the spot. Plus I love love love soft pretzels (have you SEEN the pictures of the disneyland import of the Mickey-shaped pretzel nom nom nom nom).

So after a morning of wandering around with the animals, I'll head back to CBR relax for just a bit, meet up with matt, catch a bus to MK, and then the monorail (because I love me some traveling on the highway in the sky) to...

The Garden View Tea Room

We will enjoy our tea, relax a bit, and then get ready for the main event...

MNSSHP!

Here's where the changes really start. We decided to move our party up because, frankly, the Friday party was cheaper than the Sunday one. And why not save a couple bucks? Plus we'll be in the park on Midnight for the 40th (and then turn around and be back 9 hours later for RD!). The one detail I haven't worked out yet is our costumes. Do we wear them to tea? I know afternoon tea isn't exactly fancy schmancy but I don't know if Matt'll want to wear his outfit inside the Grand Floridian (he once was self-conscious wearing his oversized Dopey winter hat in December in the lobby). We could always pack the costumes in a bag and change after we finished tea. But I don't really want to carry a bag around during the party... it'll take away from the costumes! We could rent a locker but that does cost $$$ Sigh... decisions decisions. Any thoughts on my options? I guess we could also run back to CBR, change, then make it back. We wouldn't get there at 4 for the initial wristband distribution but we should get there with plenty of time to get in line for...

(excuse the picture... I found it online and wanted to use it because the person had blocked out their family members with... flowers?)

The Seven Dwarfs! I think this Meet-n-Greet is super cute and I KNOW the line forms quickly (thank you DIS ) so we'll get that over with quickly.

Next up will be:

Hopefully it will be dark because I do like the look of the carriage at night better but I also know if we want this pic to do it quickly before the line gets ridiculous.

Hopefully we can get these two things out of the way quickly and move on to the 7:45 showing of the Villain Mix-n-Mingle.
I have one photo op in mind after the show:

Dr. Facilier!
After meeting the Villains we'll do a little shopping, pick up a pin, enjoy the decorations and sights, and maybe get some trick-or-treating sweets before staking out our spot for:
HalloWishes!

Me? Excited? Noooo.

We'll stay exactly where we are (if it's a good parade spot) and relax and wait patiently for the Headless Horseman to ride and see the parade!
I cannot WAIT to see the Haunted Mansion float.

After the parade I know we'll have a little time before the party's over so we'll head over and ride HM... just to stay festive and to see the decorations.

The party will probably be winding down after that so we'll head back to the room for a good night's sleep.

We'll have another big day ahead of us on Day 3!​

 

[kokotg]

Just getting started on your PT, but I'm subscribing so I remember to come back tomorrow and catch up

Sorry I kept you out of Pop this year, because I think your decade preferences were right on. We were in the 70's last year, and I LOVED it. We were overlooking the foosball guys. I've already told DH I want to specifically request rooms "overlooking the foosball guys" again this year, and he thinks I'm crazy

 

[ifightfortheusers]

Hey everyone. I just finished my second big day off and headed into the parks to help my roommate experience some attractions. Oddly enough he picked Hollywood Studios and we headed out. He has never been to WDW and this was a first for a lot of things. We did RRC, ST, IJSS, AIE, GMR, and dined at the Back-lot Express QSR where it took me 15 minutes to get a salad(It is interesting watching other QSR locations).

The main theme of the day were missions.
#1 mission: Find all the hidden mickey figment pins.

Mission Accomplished. It took only four days, but I did ask every CM I saw. I also picked up the CB Resort Hidden Mickey Pin (on top). That is for me.http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42453090&posted=1#post42453090

#2 mission: Find vinylmations trading spots.

Mission Accomplished. First one is in HS Villians shop and the second is in Mouse Gears. Had to ask CM's, and not all CM's knew what I was talking about. Was even told that they don't do that anymore.

It was a pretty successful day. I learn something new everyday down here. It is such a great experience. Can't wait for Megan to get here to show her all I've learned.

P.S.
My favorite moment so far was talking with a little girl who was waiting for her pancakes. Her favorite Princess is Belle and asked if she saw Bell's new castle being built. She shook her head. I told her that Bell was getting a little cramped in Cinderella's castle so we were building her own in fantasy land. She got very excited and asked her dad if they could go back to MK. Made my day.

 

[beebeeryan]

Plans are coming along great. I love the Matt's story about the little girl waiting for her pancakes, so cute! I hear you on the safari, we ended up doing it twice, kids picked to go back there on the last day and we did it again. Ugh! The were just obsessed with animals this trip.

 

[melmar136]

Day 2

Friday's when the changes start. I plan to get up bright and early. Matt will more than likely have to work since he's requesting the next day off so I plan to head over to...

Animal Kingdom!!!

AK has EMH so I'll go and hit up the few things I NEED to do.

Including:

Expedition Everest

Finding Nemo: The Musical

And one of the things I have NEVER experienced before...
Festival of the Lion King

Currently disneyworld.com has FOTK's first show of the day starting at 10:00 am but no times listed for Nemo Any ideas? I haven't heard anything about Nemo going away...

That's all I have to do... I think I'll skip the Safari this time. There's only so many times I can see a lion sleeping on a rock before I need to take a break.

Right after FOTK I think I'll grab a snack. And I know exactly what I have in mind...

The Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzel. I've recently been capable of upping my spice intake (at Thai restaurants I use to order the "1" now I order a "3" or "4") and Jalapenos have really been hitting the spot. Plus I love love love soft pretzels (have you SEEN the pictures of the disneyland import of the Mickey-shaped pretzel nom nom nom nom).

So after a morning of wandering around with the animals, I'll head back to CBR relax for just a bit, meet up with matt, catch a bus to MK, and then the monorail (because I love me some traveling on the highway in the sky) to...

The Garden View Tea Room

We will enjoy our tea, relax a bit, and then get ready for the main event...

MNSSHP!

Here's where the changes really start. We decided to move our party up because, frankly, the Friday party was cheaper than the Sunday one. And why not save a couple bucks? Plus we'll be in the park on Midnight for the 40th (and then turn around and be back 9 hours later for RD!). The one detail I haven't worked out yet is our costumes. Do we wear them to tea? I know afternoon tea isn't exactly fancy schmancy but I don't know if Matt'll want to wear his outfit inside the Grand Floridian (he once was self-conscious wearing his oversized Dopey winter hat in December in the lobby). We could always pack the costumes in a bag and change after we finished tea. But I don't really want to carry a bag around during the party... it'll take away from the costumes! We could rent a locker but that does cost $$$ Sigh... decisions decisions. Any thoughts on my options? I guess we could also run back to CBR, change, then make it back. We wouldn't get there at 4 for the initial wristband distribution but we should get there with plenty of time to get in line for...

(excuse the picture... I found it online and wanted to use it because the person had blocked out their family members with... flowers?)

The Seven Dwarfs! I think this Meet-n-Greet is super cute and I KNOW the line forms quickly (thank you DIS ) so we'll get that over with quickly.

Next up will be:

Hopefully it will be dark because I do like the look of the carriage at night better but I also know if we want this pic to do it quickly before the line gets ridiculous.

Hopefully we can get these two things out of the way quickly and move on to the 7:45 showing of the Villain Mix-n-Mingle.
I have one photo op in mind after the show:

Dr. Facilier!
After meeting the Villains we'll do a little shopping, pick up a pin, enjoy the decorations and sights, and maybe get some trick-or-treating sweets before staking out our spot for:
HalloWishes!

Me? Excited? Noooo.

We'll stay exactly where we are (if it's a good parade spot) and relax and wait patiently for the Headless Horseman to ride and see the parade!
I cannot WAIT to see the Haunted Mansion float.

After the parade I know we'll have a little time before the party's over so we'll head over and ride HM... just to stay festive and to see the decorations.

The party will probably be winding down after that so we'll head back to the room for a good night's sleep.

We'll have another big day ahead of us on Day 3!​

I really want to get to WDW for the MNSSHP! Someday!
AND the Food & Wine Festival! Ooooh, I'm jealous!