HI Ho! Hi Ho! it's back to WDW I go!! a PTR! *completed*

[2xcited2sleep]

I just got off the telly with WDW-DINE. I decided to cancel my Coral Reef Ressie. I switched the day of Yachtsman from Friday to Tuesday. And added Mama Melrose's on Friday.

Why??? Do you ask???

Well... the nighttime Fireworks/parades have been DECIMATED for February

I knew that WDW was going to cut them back... but get this, Illuminations is ONLY on Weds 2/4... and Spectro is ONLY on Thurs 2/5.... Fantasmic is ONLY on Friday 2/6!!

All the shows are down to 1 or at most 2 days/week. The AK parade is not scheduled AT ALL while I'm there either... I planned to see it too

I got 2 chances for Wishes, Thurs and Fri.... but with Fantasmic on Friday only... that puts my only Wishes opportunity on Thursday




So my schedule is now being dictated by which shows I HAVE to see...vs which ones I feel I can skip. I'm quite put out about it.


As those of you who followed my last TR know, Fantasmic is my favorite nitetime show, followed by Wishes. So those 2 are definately being worked into my plans. I missed Fantasmic in October, and have really bummed about it since. My original Yachtsman ADR was Friday at 5:35... I didn't think there was any way I could make it to DHS for 7pm Fantasmic. Fortunately, Yachtsman has oodles of ADR times available for Tuesday...my arrival day.

My next post, I'm going to put up a rough itinerary plan. I'll tell you now, 4 days is NOT enough... I wish I had added an extra day. But my AP expires on 2/6... so if I'd have stayed on til 2/8, I would have had to renew for the 7th, skipped the parks, or paid for a 1 day tix.... I didn't like any of those options. I want to get my new AP when we go in July... so that I'm good til 7/2010 right before DH and I go to Alaska, giving me more time to squeeze in another trip

Paula

Funny... I was just contemplating a call to WDW-DINE myself. And I was thinking about Mama M. I should really have it on speed dial! That stinks about the reduction in opportunities to see the shows. But at least you realized it early and can plan accordingly. I tell you, I still haven't seen Fantasmic... I'll have to fix that someday!

Did I know you and DH were planning on Alaska? That sounds fun! And yes, another AP gives you plenty of opportunity for other trips (plural!!)

 

[ILuvCrush]

Funny... I was just contemplating a call to WDW-DINE myself. And I was thinking about Mama M. I should really have it on speed dial! That stinks about the reduction in opportunities to see the shows. But at least you realized it early and can plan accordingly. I tell you, I still haven't seen Fantasmic... I'll have to fix that someday!

Did I know you and DH were planning on Alaska? That sounds fun! And yes, another AP gives you plenty of opportunity for other trips (plural!!)

I'm glad I decided to do some serious itinerary planning today, and pulled up the WDW calandar!! I had to rearrange a bit to make it work, but I think it'll be OK.

I'll need the AP anyway, cause we'll be there 10days in July AND 10 days in November next year. The DVC AP is only $369 (I think...way less than #2 10 day tix. Plus it'll make it easier to do that Flower and Garden Girl trip in the spring of 2010!!!!

DH and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary in Jan 2010. We wanted to take a nice trip, just the 2 of us. We considered Hawaii, in January, but its alot to ask of my inlaws to get the kids to/from school AND all their activities. So we decided to wait til school was out instead. Hawaii is beautiful year round (so I hear...never been there). Well, Tom and I have always said that we wanted to see Alaska, and planned to do it for our 25th anniversary, a decision made back when we got married. Since this trip is in the Summer, we came to the conclusion that we'd rather see Alaska over Hawaii anyway...so that's where we are going. We're tentitively planning 3 weeks that August. The general plan is we are renting a vehicle and touring the state, staying in mostly bed and breakfasts. We have a few good books on road trips up there, so we are starting to sketch out the plan.

Paula

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi Paula,

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!! You've been busy with ADRs! Good for you!!! I swear, I had the ADR memorized, I dialed it SO much for about a month straight trying to get things done. It's a lot of work!! Looking forward to hearing what else is new!!

Take care!!
Kristen

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am right there with you about being frustrated over Disney's calendars. Pfffft. I'm going to save my ranting for my PTR though.

Fantasmic is awesome, Christine, you must go see it. Did I know you haven't seen that yet? Because you need to see it. End. Of. Story.

I really love the ring to the words, "Flower and Garden Girl trip in the spring of 2010". It's like a lovely melody in my ears.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I know I should know this but where online do I find the Wishes, Illuminations etc. times? I know where to find the park hours but haven't seen the specific event times.

 

[Alarose]

WhohoooOhooO! I bet it feels just amazing to book your airfare. SET IN STONE! NO turning back.

about going in February for reasearch for your Nov. family trip. LOL, I see how it would be very helpful to be there, but it still sounded good

Hats off to you for going on a potentially solo trip ! I don't think I could ever go all by myself... I hate going places alone...shopping, groceries...eak! I plan on reading your last trip report next. It sounds like you had an amazing time.

I'm sorry your dd probably isn't able to go...maybe something will change.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I know I should know this but where online do I find the Wishes, Illuminations etc. times? I know where to find the park hours but haven't seen the specific event times.

I usually use wdwinfo. If you go to their parks hours, they have all the show times.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi Paula!!! I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!!!

Wonderful news that your set in stone now!! I just saw that they changed everything around in January and Febuary!! I have to go take a look!! I hope me well laid, ocd plan isn't totally destroyed!!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Well friends, I think I have a rough itinerary planned. Tell me what you think!

Day 0, Monday... I think I'm going to do the park and fly again. The weather in western PA in February.... uggghhh!! No telling what I may encounter

Day 1, Tuesday: Flying via Southwest into MCO. Should be arriving about 11:45. Late for me... but again, it's Feb in PA...ice and cold could easily cause earlier flights to be delayed anyway, and this one was the best price

I'm taking ME to SSR. With any luck, I'll be there around 1 or 1:30. That reminds me... I still need to call and give Disney my flight #s.

I don't know if I'll hang around at SSR or go over to MK for the afternoon. I've never been to SSR and I'd love to explore the resort. I'd also like to slip into the DVC sample AKV Kidani rooms. I'd like to take some pics to show DH. I also would love to take a pic of the very cool elephant light in the kitchen...for LL's thread

Regardless, I'm definately going to EAT LUNCH when I get to SSR!! I'm not going to mess that up again I didn't eat right away on my last trip and then messed up the rest of my day because of it . So food is high on the priority list!!

No matter where I end up for the day... I have a ressie for Yachtsman Steakhouse at 7:10. MMmmmmm!! Having the Filet and maybe the brulee...or the key lime pie... or both for dessert. Then back to SSR for a good night sleep!!


Day 2, Wednesday: I'm thinking Epcot in the morning. Soarin was a casulty on the last trip...I will not miss it again, so I'm heading there first. After that, I'm not sure what I'll do/see. I skipped Ellen the last time too, and i like it, so I may catch that... and probably Fast Track, just to use the singles line I'll be in WS soon after it opens. I plan to START in Mexico. Its the opposite direction as I went last time. I've found that I'm good til I get to the American Pavillion, then I get tired, and don't do as much as I do in the beginning. I'll find an early lunch (before 12) somewhere along the way.

I have a dinner ADR today at 5:30 at Maya Grill at the CSR. I've never been to this resort, except passing thru on the ME bus. I'd like to check it out a little, either before or after my dinner. I'm looking at the RIBS for dinner. I love ribs I don't know what they have for dessert for some reason it isn't listed on the allears menus. I'll have to lurk around more and see if I can find out what my options are.

After dinner, I intend to go to AK for PM EMH. I did the PM EMH there in October...and I just LOVED the feel of it! not to mention. EE is AWESOME in the dark!! If that's not enough of a reason to go, all the parks close very early this week. AK: 5pm, DHS: 7pm, MK:8pm every day!! Too early for me to call it a night. By doing AK tonite... that means no Illuminations this trip. That's OK with me. I like Illuminations, but I can live without it.


Day 3, Thursday: AK in the morning. I love taking pictures here! I need to have some time to wander about. I also love FOTLK and the Safari. I'll have some lunch before I leave there, I think. I'm going to head to MK in the afternoon. Its an AM EMH day, so I expect it will be busy. I'll just do whatever I can that has low waits, and maybe try to FP BTMRR (my fave)
Dinner is going to be at Columbia Harbor House... I love the BLT salad! Spectro at 7 and Wishes at 8pm to round out the day.


Day 4, Friday: MK at rope drop and thru early afternoon. Sare (Faerieprincess) and her sister Jess are planning on MK that day too...so we are going to figure out a time/place to meet up! I'm very excited about that!! So I have no plans for what I'm doing that morning, or where I'm having lunch...at least not until Sare and I come up with our meet plans first


I'm thinking about adding CP breakfast prior to rope drop for today... i like getting in early, AND I love a nice Breakfast... i'm just not sure I want to do a character breakfast alone


Sometime in the early afternoon, I'm going to hop over to DHS. DHS is my least fave park... but it DOES have my fave show...Fantasmic!! I missed Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and the GMR last time. So I'm going to try to catch a couple of them. I have an early 4:40 ADR at Mama Melrose's for a little Chicken Parm and Tiramasu I LOVE chicken Parm and tiramasu.

Fantasmic is at 7:00

Epcot has PM EMH from 8-11 tonite, so I may take the boat over and hang out there for the rest of the evening.... depends if I'm too tired or not.


Day 5, Saturday: Flying home at 9:30... which means a bright and early ME time (6:30ish) .

I REALLY hope this trip keeps me sane as I start to plan the 2 BIG trips for next year!! I get to make DVC ressies for both of them on December 21st.... I don't even have rooms yet for them, but am already a nervous wreck, hoping I get everything perfect!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your itinerary looks great!

I think that CP is "quiet" for those 8AM ADR's. It wasn't even half full when we went and our ADR was for 8:20. I would be comfortable doing a solo meal at CP for sure. And it's worth it to get into the park early!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Hi Paula,

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!! You've been busy with ADRs! Good for you!!! I swear, I had the ADR memorized, I dialed it SO much for about a month straight trying to get things done. It's a lot of work!! Looking forward to hearing what else is new!!

Take care!!
Kristen

Hey Kristen!! Thanksgiving was nice... it was the first time I was off work for it in 6 years!! One of the downsides of my schedule is I have to work any holiday that falls during my week. It takes 5-6 years for holidays to switch weeks. I had 6 Xmas in a row too... but now I'm off for 6

I think its sorta fun to play with the ADRs... makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something

I am right there with you about being frustrated over Disney's calendars. Pfffft. I'm going to save my ranting for my PTR though.

Fantasmic is awesome, Christine, you must go see it. Did I know you haven't seen that yet? Because you need to see it. End. Of. Story.

I really love the ring to the words, "Flower and Garden Girl trip in the spring of 2010". It's like a lovely melody in my ears.

I know that with ressies down and the economy, that WDW would need to make a few cuts... I just hate it though It is one big plus to going over and over... i'm not nearly as annoyed as I would be if this was my only 09 trip

Yes Christine... listen to LL... figure in Fantasmic, soonest

We keep saying it... F&G Spring 2010 will be in our tickers... really, madame Lolita TOLD me!!

I know I should know this but where online do I find the Wishes, Illuminations etc. times? I know where to find the park hours but haven't seen the specific event times.

I use the WDW official site... I like the calandars on there and I always figure they must be accurate, since it's their 'official site' Walt Disney World Resort

WhohoooOhooO! I bet it feels just amazing to book your airfare. SET IN STONE! NO turning back.

about going in February for reasearch for your Nov. family trip. LOL, I see how it would be very helpful to be there, but it still sounded good

Hats off to you for going on a potentially solo trip ! I don't think I could ever go all by myself... I hate going places alone...shopping, groceries...eak! I plan on reading your last trip report next. It sounds like you had an amazing time.

I'm sorry your dd probably isn't able to go...maybe something will change.

Welcome aboard Alarose!!! I liked my last solo trip. I'm glad I took the leap of faith and just went for it I'm sorry Allison is going to probably miss it too.... I'm thinking I may need to do a mommy and me with her AND seperately with Ellie at some point. That would be fun

Hi Paula!!! I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!!!

Wonderful news that your set in stone now!! I just saw that they changed everything around in January and Febuary!! I have to go take a look!! I hope me well laid, ocd plan isn't totally destroyed!!!

I hope that they didn't trow too many wrenches in your plans If I was staying a whole week, I'd have had a little more flexibility, but those short trips, and limited shows is a rough combo!!!


Paula

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think your plans look AWESOME!

Exploring SSR sounds fun. Maybe you could pop into the spa? Or be-bop on over to Downtown Disney? I have been coveting Yachtsman since Samantha Brown dined there on one of her specials. And it gets great reviews here on the DIS. Filet and key lime pie is exactly what I would order!

Soarin is a definite must. Lots of good counterservice options in WS for lunch. Plenty to choose from between Mexico and the American Adventure!

You can live without Illuminations? But on the other hand your nighttime pics of AK were awesome!

In addition to not having seen Fantasmic I have also never seen Spectro! I am a veteran of old Main St Electrical Parade, however.

I'm glad you'll get to do a meet with another DIS'er!

SO exciting that you'll have two more big trips behind this one. Oh the planning fun we'll have! No stress! Not allowed! It will be perfect b/c it's Disney!!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I think your plans look AWESOME!

Thanks

Exploring SSR sounds fun. Maybe you could pop into the spa? Or be-bop on over to Downtown Disney? I have been coveting Yachtsman since Samantha Brown dined there on one of her specials. And it gets great reviews here on the DIS. Filet and key lime pie is exactly what I would order!

oh.. the SPA... I need to go check that out. Great Idea!!
I need to find this Samantha Brown Chika... I've never heard of her before I started DISsing!

I think that Yachtsman looks REALLY good... I may end up getting the brulee, and taking the key lime pie for breakfast

Soarin is a definite must. Lots of good counterservice options in WS for lunch. Plenty to choose from between Mexico and the American Adventure!

Sunshine seasons is good... They have a fruit and custard tart that I LOVE

You can live without Illuminations? But on the other hand your nighttime pics of AK were awesome!

I'm planning... shhhh to schedule the Illuminations dinner.. in November. There will be 8 of us so we can qualify as a 'grand gathering' Here's what it entails.....

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception" -- There's no need to jet around the globe to experience dining around the world. At Epcot, international culinary favorites are on the menu for adventurous groups looking for a storybook ending to their day. Children can join in the dinner's special storytelling experience, which is punctuated with a surprise character appearance. A special viewing area is reserved for the evening finale, the nighttime Epcot spectacular "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." Ages 10 and older, $59.99; ages 3-9, $19.99.

Sounds neat

In addition to not having seen Fantasmic I have also never seen Spectro! I am a veteran of old Main St Electrical Parade, however.

You REally need to step out of your "habit box"

SO exciting that you'll have two more big trips behind this one. Oh the planning fun we'll have! No stress! Not allowed! It will be perfect b/c it's Disney!!!

i'm so glad I have you guys all to help me Solo trips are EASY...I can do whatever I want, family trips with MY Kids are not too hard either...cause I know what THEY like. Planning a FIRST time trip for my Bro and his family

Paula

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Check your listings. Samantha Brown Disney Holiday special on this week on the Travel Channel.

That special Illuminations dinner sounds fantastic for November!

Yes- I do need to step out of the box on a few things.

I am sure there is a lot of pressure planning a first time visit. But at least on the DIS you have all of us self-proclaimed experts who can at least give you opinions/options. And then I think (easier said than done) you have to do your best planning and then let go and if they appreciate every last detail great but if they don't understand the significance of whatever special treat you have planned then you just have to enjoy it enough for everyone!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Yep I called WDW DINE again...today!! I decided to add Crystal Palace for an 8:05 breakfast on Friday. I'll be able to get some early am pics along Main Street and still be finished in time for official opening

Thanks LL!! You're right... bfast that early, shouldn't be too crowded. What the heck, I love Eeyore!

Paula

 

[faerieprincess]

Yep I called WDW DINE again...today!! I decided to add Crystal Palace for an 8:05 breakfast on Friday. I'll be able to get some early am pics along Main Street and still be finished in time for official opening

Thanks LL!! You're right... bfast that early, shouldn't be too crowded. What the heck, I love Eeyore!

Paula

We're going to be meeting sooner than you planned, Paula...or waving at least..... our CP ADR is for 8.25am

 

[ILuvCrush]

We're going to be meeting sooner than you planned, Paula...or waving at least..... our CP ADR is for 8.25am

I forgot that you were going there too Did you tell Jess that there's characters there yet?? Or are you a much better secret-keeper than me??

BTW... I saw on your PTR that you liked reading Twilight. Did you finish New Moon yet??? Did you break down and buy the last two books???? I never heard of the series until about 2 weeks before the 4th book came out in August. I read about it in "Entertainment Weekly". Since then I've read the entire 4 book series 5 times I loved the movie too Is is showing in Canada??? If so... I highly recommend seeing it

Paula

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Yep I called WDW DINE again...today!! I decided to add Crystal Palace for an 8:05 breakfast on Friday. I'll be able to get some early am pics along Main Street and still be finished in time for official opening

Thanks LL!! You're right... bfast that early, shouldn't be too crowded. What the heck, I love Eeyore!

Paula

I love those early morning and late night MK shots!!! So few people and so beautiful!!

 

[faerieprincess]

I forgot that you were going there too Did you tell Jess that there's characters there yet?? Or are you a much better secret-keeper than me??

BTW... I saw on your PTR that you liked reading Twilight. Did you finish New Moon yet??? Did you break down and buy the last two books???? I never heard of the series until about 2 weeks before the 4th book came out in August. I read about it in "Entertainment Weekly". Since then I've read the entire 4 book series 5 times I loved the movie too Is is showing in Canada??? If so... I highly recommend seeing it

Paula

i finished New Moon on the drive back from Montreal - i actually finished it about ten minutes before it got dark, so it was perfect timing. i did enjoy it but not as much as the first book. No, i haven't bought the last two books yet, because it's too close to Christmas and they're only available in hardcover so far. i'm too cheap! i put them on my Christmas list and am currently re-reading Twilight (slowly, savouring it). i haven't seen the film yet (though it is playing here, yes) but i am hoping to sometime soon. The only nights i can really go are thursdays or fridays, and i seem to be booked solid i'll get there eventually

No, i haven't told Jess about the characters at any of the breakfasts yet. i'm hoping that going to CP and meeting them won't tip her off about Chef Mickey's and 1900 Park Fare - i'd like to have each one be a fresh surprise. Will depend on how good an actress i am, i guess

 

[Alarose]

Wow, your plans look about perfect...especially after I saw you are going to sneak in Illuminations also. How about Wishes? Maybe i missed it...that is one of my personal favorites. You are right though, Fantasmic is the best. I was about ready to cry when they moved it just to one night...so, because we aren't going to park hop....HS is goingn to be crazy busy that day. That's why we are doing 2 days at MGM (lol, havnt even announced that in my PJ yet). The first we are mostly staying out of MGM except for lunch and Fantasmic and spending most of the day hotel touring or DTD. The second we will focus morre on the shows and attractions.

Ohhh I think it would be just amazing to go just by yourself...even for a few days. You get to do what you want, when you want. I bet you also get into some good conversations with other people.

Looks good!

LOL, I'm reading this kind of backwards. I am poking through yourr last report as I finish reading the plans for this one. Lots of Spoilers! lol