Hoping to be Spoiled By a MOD! POFQ, here comes the FAM!!!

[ShannonMB]

DAY 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hollywood Studios Monday, 11/16
Park Hours: 9am-8pm No EMHs
Unofficial Guide crowd prediction: 6 out of 10

This is one heck of a hard day to plan with our group, because there are so many things that appeal to different interests! I have no interest in Lights, Motor, Action, for example, and it might be one of Andy's faves. LOTS of stuff like that to contend with when planning this day!!!! It's also hard not knowing what the show schedules will be! So a lot of this day is going to be winging it! But here's what we know:

Upon entering the park, get a show-time schedule!!!

We all head to Toy Story Mania and ride it right when we get there/rope drop.

Great Movie Ride (right close by, will be a walk-on) We really should all do this!

Everyone who wants to try RocknRollerCoaster head over to Sunset Blvd (I'm thinking this is Janie, Andy, and me? -- Anyone else??). Me and Andy get Fast Passes to ride Tower of Terror.

Everyone who wants to try it gets in standby for RocknRollerCoaster.

GRRRRR, planning this park sux!!!

So, those who won't try RocknRollerCoaster need to have something else to do at this time. Muppets 3D? American Idol? Voyage of the Little Mermaid show?

Then we can all meet back up at the big hat so I can get my girl back. At that time, we should split up again.

Billy will probably want to hang with Janie and Andy, because they will want to do:
Journey to Narnia
Indiana Jones Stunt Show (need show times)
Lights, Motor, Action (need show times)
Star Tours

Me and Lily aren't interested in those, we will probably go to:
Animation Courtyard to meet some characters
Possibly Beauty and the Beast Show (need show times)
Possibly Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Star Tours

Carol/Mom/Nania, you pick which sounds better (you, too, Billy).

Now, to make matters more complicated, we are all meeting at 50s Prime Time Cafe for our late lunch at 1:40pm. So work that in to your showtimes, people!!!!!

Okay, other than that, you all have the rest of the afternoon till about 5pm to get the rest of your stuff done, because we should get in line for Fantasmic! around then for the 6:30pm show!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really probably going to be necessary to wait that long to be sure we get seats, but don't worry, the time will fly and most of it will be seated in the auditorium getting excited and doing the wave! And maybe eating

After Fantasmic! we will head over to the Osborne Spectacle of Lights in the Streets of America. Now, since the park doesn't close till 8, we could *always* hit Tower of Terror again if there's no line like last time after Fantasmic! If that's the case, I could do Andy a favor ()and ride like crazy with him for a few before meeting the rest over by the lights. We can play that by ear!

We might not all get to do everything we want on this day, even with splitting up (it's hard planning around those dang show times!), so everyone just kinda have your priorities ready. OR, if you don't really care what you do, just go with the flow!

Whew, that was a workout! And it still sux!

 

[mcdowelj]

great job Shannon! It is a tricky park! I am already feeling sorry for myself. I want to see the Beauty and the Beast Show and Muppets 3D with you guys but I want to see the Stunt Show, etc. with Andy.

We'll make it work out though and if I have to miss some stuff this time, I'll just catch it next time! It will all work out somehow!!

I think the 2 primary ones for Andy are Narnia (which gets bad reviews) and Indiana Jones. He could probably skip Lights, Motor, Action and we can all do Star Tours together. We'll figure it out when we're there. No matter what happens, we'll all be having fun!!!

CAN'T WAIT FOR FANTASMIC!!! I LUUUUUUV FANTASMIC!!

 

[ShannonMB]

great job Shannon! It is a tricky park! I am already feeling sorry for myself. I want to see the Beauty and the Beast Show and Muppets 3D with you guys but I want to see the Stunt Show, etc. with Andy.

We'll make it work out though and if I have to miss some stuff this time, I'll just catch it next time! It will all work out somehow!!

I think the 2 primary ones for Andy are Narnia (which gets bad reviews) and Indiana Jones. He could probably skip Lights, Motor, Action and we can all do Star Tours together. We'll figure it out when we're there. No matter what happens, we'll all be having fun!!!

CAN'T WAIT FOR FANTASMIC!!! I LUUUUUUV FANTASMIC!!

Yeah, we'll get the first stuff knocked out, then see where the day takes us. I really (to be honest) hardly care what we do there as long as I get on Tower of Terror at least once, eat a good lunch (great reviews for 50s Prime Time Cafe), and see Fantasmic! and the extra treat of the lights being there! But being the DISer I am, I have to at least lay it all out there -- if nothing else, it gets us thinking about what all there is to do there. I do love this park.

 

[nania]

I can roll with most of it, but I do love the 3D and am not crazy about the little action shows... like Indiana Jones and such.... so I'll just go with whoever... wherever....
But.... as I was looking at the reviews to the restaurants....which I haven't quite gotten around to all of them yet... I did notice someone complaining about La Celleier (sp) remember what a nightmare that place was.....

I also, by chance, mind you.... not looking.... noticed that there actually IS a bar at EVERY Park.... in fact.... one real close by to Yak and Yeti..... a FAB place! NOt that I was planning on drinking my way through Disney...haha.... but for those that might want a beer after a "ball cap slappin, bad word muttering ride " there is the opportunity available....
Cant wait for Boma!

 

[ShannonMB]

I can roll with most of it, but I do love the 3D and am not crazy about the little action shows... like Indiana Jones and such.... so I'll just go with whoever... wherever.... yeah.
But.... as I was looking at the reviews to the restaurants....which I haven't quite gotten around to all of them yet... I did notice someone complaining about La Celleier (sp) remember what a nightmare that place was..... Haha, I didn't know you thought it was a nightmare. I have a bad taste about it, too -- is it cause we waited so long to get in, in that tiny lobby stuffed full of people? I remember the food was good, and Lily got a glow cube in her drink, but overall, thumbs down. And I wasn't crazy about the atmosphere, either. You'd be surprised how people go nuts trying to get reservations there, definitely one of the hottest tickets around. I don't get it!

I also, by chance, mind you.... not looking.... noticed that there actually IS a bar at EVERY Park.... in fact.... one real close by to Yak and Yeti..... a FAB place! NOt that I was planning on drinking my way through Disney...haha.... but for those that might want a beer after a "ball cap slappin, bad word muttering ride " there is the opportunity available.... Now I don't know where you are getting your information, but just so you know there is NOT a bar at the Magic Kingdom. They do not sell alcohol there at all. Go anywhere on the DISboards and ask about the bar at the MK and they will laugh at you. I'm telling you! I'm sure you could get some suds at any of the other parks, though.[/B] [/COLOR]
Cant wait for Boma!

yeah, me too, about Boma. Are we going to try at least one bite of every single thing on the buffet like last time? And it will be a different menu this time! Remember that freakin' awesome banana bread pudding that I liked with the vanilla sauce and you liked with the chocolate sauce? I could have me a dish of that right now!!!! I'm pretty sure the desserts are the same all the time -- at least I hope so. Woohoo

 

[mcdowelj]

I can't wait for Boma. Being a vegetarian, I don't even care if they put meat in their food - it's that good!

Last night I had a dream that someone broke into our house. In the dream, I woke Andy to alert him and reached for the phone to dial 911. Just as I was reaching for the phone, I saw a shadow on the ceiling - scrolling letters...

When you wish upon a star It was real pretty cursive writing.

So I guess I'm turning into a Disney addict!
Turned out the burglar was just Aidan - she needed a place to stay and had been hiding in my house for a week!!

 

[ShannonMB]

Last night I had a dream that someone broke into our house. In the dream, I woke Andy to alert him and reached for the phone to dial 911. Just as I was reaching for the phone, I saw a shadow on the ceiling - scrolling letters...

When you wish upon a star It was real pretty cursive writing.

So I guess I'm turning into a Disney addict!
Turned out the burglar was just Aidan - she needed a place to stay and had been hiding in my house for a week!!

WoW! You have the craziest dreams, but yeah, I think you are getting hooked. That is just wild!

3 weeks from this Saturday and we're THERE!

 

[nania]

Was it really Aidan? She can stay at my house or her dads... no need waking up your glorious dream....
I had a dream last week that I was dating Paul McCartney and someone called.... Ticked me off! Not as bad as the time I was dating Rob Lowe tho....(in the dream of course)

The funny part of the beer story was supposed to be Billy slapping his hat

 

[ShannonMB]

Was it really Aidan? She can stay at my house or her dads... no need waking up your glorious dream....
I had a dream last week that I was dating Paul McCartney and someone called.... Ticked me off! Not as bad as the time I was dating Rob Lowe tho....(in the dream of course)

The funny part of the beer story was supposed to be Billy slapping his hat Yeah, I got it, hahaha

I heard Aidan dropped out of school and didn't want to tell you guys, that's why she's been hiding out in Janie's basement for a week without anyone knowing!!!

 

[ShannonMB]

OKAY, with Mom's misinterpretation of Janie's Disney dream out of the way, let's get back to planning, shall we??

DAY 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magic Kingdom....Tues, 11/17
Park Hours: 9am-7pm (no EMHs) (MVMCP we're NOT going to)
Unofficial Guide crowd prediction: 4

Okay, after careful studying of the park map and previous experience, I have come up with a step-by-step (ride-by-ride) of the Magic Kingdom. In my humble opinion, this guide will give us the opportunity to see everything I like without a lot of silly backtracking and with no standing around trying to decide what's next. I am counting on low crowds for this day at the MK, as evidenced by putting biggies like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in the middle of the day. But with the UG predicting a 4, and everyone on the DIS saying the crowds will be lighter during the day of a Christmas Party, no magic hours, and Tuesdays generally being a great day for MK anyway, I think we should be in great shape. Notice I said everything *I* like. That means that anything not on the list that someone else wants to do, by all means, let's do it!

Fantasyland
Peter Pan's Flight
Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Snow White's Scary Adventure
Mad Tea Party
Mickey's Philharmagic
It's a Small World

Toontown
Goofy's Barnstormer
Also Mickey and Minnie's houses in this area if we want to pop in.
Toontown doesn't open till 10am, so this is assuming it's 10 by the time we get Fantasyland done. If not, all the more time to ride the Teacups for Carol!

Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion
Hall of Presidents

Frontierland
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

We'll have to wait and see what the wait times are for Splash and Big Thunder Mountain, but I'm thinking if we need to get Fastpasses, we can get them and those wanting to ride can do it during the parade (if they don't mind missing the parade, which I don't this time).

Parade 3pm

Adventureland
Get FP for Jungle Cruise if needed.
Pirates of the Carribean
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House or sitting on a bench while whoever wants to, goes up!
Ride Jungle Cruise

Cosmic Ray's for CS dinner

Lily really likes their fries dipped in the cheese sauce from the fixin's bar, so we gotta go there at least once!

Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Carousel of Progress Snooze-fest or must do -- you decide! hahaha

The Christmas party is at 7pm, so we need to skeedaddle then, so it's a day of lofty expectations! Again, from experience, we can do it if we tour with purpose! Of course we want to take time to smell the roses (yada yada yada), but I really can't see skipping anything, it's all SO GREAT!!! Now if we do come up short, we are going back to Magic Kingdom on Thursday for our Christmas Party, so we will surely have time to see anything we missed or go back on our FAVES. We aren't spending any time in toontown for the formal character greetings, since Lily and I will have time to meet lots on other park days and we have some character meals. BUT, I already promised myself (and her) that if we come across someone she is dying to meet or someone she considers "rare", I will stop for her.

Any thoughts on this plan??

 

[mcdowelj]

My FAVORITE DAY - Magic Kingdom DAY!!
It all sounds good to me! I feel like I wouldn't want to miss a parade to do the other things and same for Andy but I'm sure he wouldn't mind missing a parade and we'll see plenty while we're there I suppose.

We'll fit it all in - and I think if you have a well oiled plan like this - others can deviate as necessary to accomodate their needs/wants. And since we're going to Magic Kingdom a 2nd Day - THANK GOODNESS! We'll get to do some again! I can't wait!!

I'm already getting worked up about the possibility of Andy missing out on something that we KNOW is awesome, but I just have to remember, whatever he's doing that's causing him to miss it - that will be awesome too!

It's getting so close, I can't WAIT!!

 

[ShannonMB]

My FAVORITE DAY - Magic Kingdom DAY!!
I'm already getting worked up about the possibility of Andy missing out on something that we KNOW is awesome, but I just have to remember, whatever he's doing that's causing him to miss it - that will be awesome too!

It's getting so close, I can't WAIT!!

I KNOW, that's I think the whole reason why people start to go 3 times a year, so they don't have to have that feeling of "missing something" while they're there! There's no way to see it all, but I still feel like I have to TRY, especially with someone who hasn't been in so long! Next time we should go for 2 weeks!!!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hmm, how 'bout an Illuminations cruise? hahaha So original! Maybe he'd like that Richard Petty driving thingy?

You know what I like about you, OhioDisneyLover? That you cried when your sweet hubby gave you a handful of pixie dust. *Most* people laugh when I tell them I cried when Mickey Mouse blew me a kiss at the Jammin' Jungle Parade. But I bet you would, too! That's what I call a true magic feeler!

I was thinking about the Illuminations Cruise and still considering it. The only thing about it that bothers me is that I hear that there are many times when people get soot from the fireworks on them due to where the boats have to be and the direction of the wind that night. So, not sure what to do.

Yep, I nearly cried when I got the pixie dust and I would have if Mickey would have blown me a kiss.

Joe would love to do the Richard Petty thing but he's a pretty large dude and over the limit. Honestly, it is SO HARD to find clothes for someone that wears a size 58 suite coat!!

Your plans for DHS and MK are certainly ambitious! Wow! We find that we can do DHS in a day if we plan it right but there are things that we don't do like LMA, RRC, ToT and Indiana Jones. With DH's back problems there is no way he can ride RRC or ToT and we've seen LMA and IJ enough to last us a lifetime. I think that is the only reason why we can do it in a day.

When I read your plans for MK, my first thought was WOW, they'll be exhausted!!! We normally split it up into two days and do Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square one day, and then the rest of the park the second day. I can't wait to read your trip report to see how much you covered in a day.

 

[ShannonMB]

I was thinking about the Illuminations Cruise and still considering it. The only thing about it that bothers me is that I hear that there are many times when people get soot from the fireworks on them due to where the boats have to be and the direction of the wind that night. So, not sure what to do. Ew, I never thought of that, but it does make sense - you're right there in the lagoon where they're letting them off!

Yep, I nearly cried when I got the pixie dust and I would have if Mickey would have blown me a kiss.

Joe would love to do the Richard Petty thing but he's a pretty large dude and over the limit. Honestly, it is SO HARD to find clothes for someone that wears a size 58 suite coat!! Hmmm, this is a toughy. I'm sure there's something great you can surprise him with, but I think you might have already done THE most awesome one. Oh, how about LaNouba -- have you guys done it yet?

Your plans for DHS and MK are certainly ambitious! hahaha Wow! We find that we can do DHS in a day if we plan it right but there are things that we don't do like LMA, RRC, ToT and Indiana Jones. With DH's back problems there is no way he can ride RRC or ToT and we've seen LMA and IJ enough to last us a lifetime. I think that is the only reason why we can do it in a day. Yeah, we'll see how it goes. There's gonna be a lot of splitting up at DHS, I think, because I saw the Indy show once, never seen LMA, and I think I'm pretty much set for life on those!

When I read your plans for MK, my first thought was WOW, they'll be exhausted!!! Yes! We normally split it up into two days and do Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square one day, and then the rest of the park the second day. I can't wait to read your trip report to see how much you covered in a day. Lily and me put a hurtin' on Magic Kingdom on our last trip, so we have a lot to live up to, especially with this big of a group. Our last trip was super "craptastically" exhausting, and I got sick the last day from wearing myself out, I think. But we'll give it our best shot!

Thanks for staying tuned. Gotta hop over to your TR and see the latest updates. It's almost over.

 

[mcdowelj]

Hey Disney boss,
are we going to see anymore plans before we leave?
Been checking every day and hoping to see something new!!! Need more - it keeps me going!
Only 10 days after today! woo hooooooooooooooo!

 

[ShannonMB]

Hey Disney boss,
are we going to see anymore plans before we leave?
Been checking every day and hoping to see something new!!! Need more - it keeps me going!
Only 10 days after today! woo hooooooooooooooo!

As a matter of fact, I was up very late last night lying in bed thinking about our AK plan, so it's up next!

 

[ShannonMB]

DAY 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Animal Kingdom Wed 11/18
Park Hours: 9am-5pm (no EMHs)
Unofficial Guide Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10

Okay, so I have been just letting the Animal Kingdom day simmer in my mind for a little while, especially after Billy's email about having time to do a lot of the zoo stuff and not having to worry about "following some lame a** schedule". Hahahahaha For anyone following along at home who wasn't privvy to the email thread, he did concede that of course Disney does take planning and he appreciates the efforts. Nevertheless, I've been trying to figure out a good plan for this day, all the while creating the illusion that there is no "lame a** schedule" in sight. Bottom line -- I am making a plan (lame a** or not, everyone can make their own decision on that). I personally think it ROCKS! And it came to me in that weird period between waking and sleep, which is when your consciousness is most open to the energy of the universe, so it's bound to be a winner! Biggest consideration -- NO BACKTRACKING a million times (like we did on our first trip), while still seeing A LOT of the park!!!!!

ARRIVE ~ 9am when park opens.

Africa

Kilimanjaro Safari first thing for all!!!

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, also all of us.

10am -- Janet, Lily, and me Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House.

While we are at our Breakfast, Carol, Billy, and Andy should go to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This is an area none of us have seen before. It may or may not have a lot to offer us, but we all decided we want to make the trek out there this time to see! Janet especially is hoping to meet Jiminy Cricket there, and Lily will be happy to see ANY characters!

When we get out of our breakfast, we will take OUR turn to go to Rafiki's while Billy, Carol, and Andy have lunch at 11am at Yak and Yeti. YUM!

BEFORE WE SPLIT UP, WE WILL GIVE THE YAK AND YETI PEOPLE OUR PARK TICKETS SO THEY CAN GET FAST PASSES FOR EVERYONE FOR KALI RIVER RAPIDS!!

ASIA

After the meal, we will hook back up in Asia, and we will stay in Asia until we have done everything we want to do there. We need to get our Fast Passes for Expedition Everest when our window opens up. So while we are waiting to get fastpasses AND/OR waiting for our return time, we can see:

Maharaja Jungle Trek
Flights of Wonder if we have time, or those who won't brave Everest can do this.

Ride Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest with our Fast Passes.

DINOLAND

Grab Fastpasses for Dinosaur as soon as we get to the area, then hang out in Dinoland playing games and/or riding Primevil Whirl and Triceratops Spin until Dinosaur time.

TREE OF LIFE

It's Tough to Be a Bug!! 3D show!

Find a spot for the 3:45pm Parade somewhere close to Pizzafari so we can swing right over to

CAMP MINNIE-MICKEY


For the last showing of Festival of the Lion King at 4:30pm.

Hit the bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Boma at 6:30pm!!!

I know this is a lot for a day. But I totally think it's possible based on our last experience at AK during President's Week (actually, President's DAY, when the crowd level was a 9 and it was very BUSY!). If we get lucky with crowds at all, it can be done. And there is just nothing on this list I want to miss, so let's DO IT! Woohooo!!!

 

[mcdowelj]

Sounds great to me! I can totally skip Rafiki's. I only wanted to see Jiminy and if he's not there it'll be a wasted trip for the most part. No sense trecking all the way over there if we can't see him. I don't know what other characters are there that Lily might want to see. I guess we can play it by ear. Sounds like a fun day for sure!

 

[nania]

Sounds great to me to ... especially the Yak and Yeti part. could you forward me Billy's snarky email.... just for laughs....

 

[ShannonMB]

DAY 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!) - Thur, 11/19 7pm-Midnight!

We have our dinner this evening at 4:45pm at 1900 Park Fare!
We will get to meet Cinderella, Prince Charming (did I get your attention with that one, Mom? ), Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella (wicked stepmother and stepsisters) I really can't wait to try this, neither can Lily! We should arrive early to make sure we don't have to wait long for a table, so we can get out of there and get over to the party!

The party is at the Magic Kingdom, and we can get in with our party tickets any time after 4pm -- which really doesn't matter, because we will have an extra park ticket anyway so we can go whenever we want.

Side note: We don't have any other plans for this day before our dinner, so anyone who wants can go hit a park, hang at the pool, sleep, Downtown Disney, or whatever they want before dinner.

At 6:30pm, Cinderella's Christmas Wish starts (the ceremony during which they light up the castle with millions of icicles! -- they will also do this on Tuesday when we have to leave by 7pm, so we can try to see it right before we leave that day, too, if we want).

Celebrate the Season Show on the castle stage 7:45, 10:05, 11:30

Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 8:15pm and 10:30pm

Christmas Wishes (fireworks) 9:30pm

Everyone says to go to the second parade (less crowded as people begin to leave with littler kids). Here's what I'm thinking...

See the castle light up at 6:30pm...It snows on Main Street when the party starts at 7pm!
Head into the park and do any rides we missed or want to ride again, see characters, get free hot chocolate and cookies, hang out in general...
Get a good spot for the fireworks that start at 9:30pm, stick around that area possibly for the Celebrate the Season Show at the castle stage and/or get a spot for the 10:30 parade. Then stay as late as we want doing more rides, etc!

Really, if I see the parade and fireworks and a bunch of rides with no lines, I'm good!!!!!!!

Fun, fun, fun!!!!!