I can't wait any longer! ~UPDATE 5/25 I'm back!

[teekathepony]

Hahaha ironically, today it's gorgeous and sunny and warm... but no matter where you look, we're still surrounded by 4+ feet of snow.
The opening of the new wing at your museum sounds really exciting! And even more exciting -- you got everything you wanted!

 

[Nermel9]

Glad you got all the FP's you wanted!

No spring here yet, it snowed yesterday and today, sooo...looks like it will be winter a bit longer! That's ok, it will just make me appreciate the Florida sunshine that much more!

 

[Tracy161]

Hahaha ironically, today it's gorgeous and sunny and warm... but no matter where you look, we're still surrounded by 4+ feet of snow.
The opening of the new wing at your museum sounds really exciting! And even more exciting -- you got everything you wanted!

I'm glad you got some sun and warmth... even with the 4+ feet of snow. Let's hope that darn stuff will melt soon...

Thanks! It's been wonderful... but I'm a little relieved it's finally over (not that I'll be telling anyone at the museum that ).

I was SO excited - all my FP+s just worked out beautifully!

Glad you got all the FP's you wanted!

No spring here yet, it snowed yesterday and today, sooo...looks like it will be winter a bit longer! That's ok, it will just make me appreciate the Florida sunshine that much more!

Thanks, Jen! I'm very happy with them!

Yes, you're SO right - and May cannot come soon enough!

 

[Tracy161]

It’s Sunday and I’m writing an update – this can only mean one thing: I survived opening weekend at work! Thursday I worked 18 hours, Friday 16.5, but yesterday was a very relaxing day at only 8 (but in my defense, I don’t work weekends so that "relaxing" 8 hours was in addition to the crazy week I’d already had). All these extra hours will go a LONG way toward paying off the small portion remaining on this trip and saving for my next one [hopefully this fall, date TBD].

​

The opening festivities were absolutely amazing though! As you all know, I work in the library department of a glass museum; however, I was on a subteam that planned the entire opening weekend events so I posed as a member of the Events team almost entirely for the last few weeks (and in the planning stages for well over a year).

The highlight of the weekend was Friday night. Any Game of Thrones fans out there? Well, I just happened to be assigned to “band duty” that night for Break of Reality – the band that does the music for Game of Thrones! Best job ever!!! I got the band to and from the stage (which was the mezzanine level of our new Amphitheater Hot Glass Shop with live demonstrations going on below from two of Italy’s most talented and famous glassblowers), got them whatever they needed before, during, and after their 3 hour performance, and just generally tried to pick my chin up from the floor in the meantime. They were truly the best, so nice, fun, and down to earth. I had dinner with them and got to hang around on their breaks. I felt like a true roadie!

Here they are setting up. You can see the hot glass crew doing some work below as well.



Here's another shot of the amphitheater from another angle, earlier that day before guests had arrived.



Here's my outfit for that night - we were told to dress "festive"
and I figured I couldn't go wrong with sequins!

​

​

Here I am with the band at the end of the night (sorry for the crazy light effects over Patrick's head... yes, we're on a first name basis ).​

And one final shot - this one a live action one - from my vantage point:

​

​

I felt very proud to have been part of such a spectacular event.

* * * * * *​

​

So with all that done, I can finally return to my favorite pastime:
planning for my Disney trip and reading others’ PTRs and TRs!
And with that, on to my next update! I mentioned before that my FP+s have been scheduled and I’m so thrilled with my selections!

For this update, I’ll just list out what they are and in future updates, I’ll do a more detailed run-through of each day.​

Sunday, May 17 – I made my FPs for later in the day than I hope to arrive in EP; however, I wanted to be sure that I accounted for any travel related delays (let’s hope not!) and also I’ll be starving by the time I get to the park and can take some time to enjoy the Flower and Garden outdoor kitchens!

​

​

5:15-6:15pm: Spaceship Earth

6:50-7:50pm: The Seas with Nemo & Friends

8:00-9:00pm: Soarin’


Monday, May 18

9:50-10:50am: DINOSAUR

11:20am-12:20pm: It’s Tough to be a Bug!

12:50-1:50pm: Kilimanjaro Safaris (side note: many of you will NOT believe this. I have never done this attraction. I know, I know, shame on me. As part of my plan to spend more quality time at AK, I'm making sure I do lots of things I don't typically do... this being one of them).


Tuesday, May 19

(excuse the horrible blurriness)​

9:40-10:40am: Soarin’

10:55-11:55am: Turtle Talk with Crush

12:40-1:40pm: Mission: SPACE (unfortunately this will be taking place on the Green side... the last time I rode Orange it wasn't pretty... though I did manage to avoid any truly, um, embarrassing moments ... and I'm sure with a reasonable imagination you can imagine what one of those might be!)


Wednesday, May 20

​

10:25-11:25am: Tower of Terror (again, gonna hope Dramamine does its job for this one. It's been years since I've be on this but I can't wait any longer!)

12:20-1:20pm: Toy Story Midway Mania!

1:55-2:55pm: Star Tours (hoping the Dramamine is still working).

Side note: any fellow motion-sickness sufferers reading? I've tried Scopolamine before but got vertigo shortly thereafter and was worried it was related and haven't tried since, though it was effective. Dramamine tends to make me drowsy (even the non-drowsy kind) and loopy (more than is typical ) so that doesn't thrill me either. Any helpful hints would be welcome!

Thursday, May 21 (can you believe it’s not until Day 5 that I have MK FPs scheduled!? Just the way the cookie crumbled this trip. I do, however, plan to be at MK plenty of times before this day though!)

​

9:10-10:10am: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (woohoo, this will be my first ride, providing I don't sneak on before Day 5 that is!)

10:45-11:45am: Space Mountain

12:45-1:45pm: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

*this is also the day that I decided to go to Be Our Guest! So I have that reservation at 11:55am (I finally cancelled my other two “accidental” ADRs there just this morning); incidentally, I have my second (and final) ADR this same evening at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, but not until 8:20pm so I’ll have plenty of time to work up another appetite!


Friday, May 22

1:40-2:40pm: Jungle Cruise

3:15-4:15pm: Peter Pan’s Flight

5:05-6:05pm: Space Mountain


Saturday, May 23

​

10:35-11:35am: Captain EO

11:50am-12:50pm: Soarin’ (can you tell I’m a HUGE Soarin’ fan… this is my 3rd FP+ for this ride this trip!)

1:25-2:25pm: Spaceship Earth


I decided that I’d use Single Rider at the rides I could rather than use FP+s for those attractions. As a solo traveler, that should be easy enough to do!

Now that the opening is over, I feel like May will be here any moment!!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

It looks like opening weekend and your planned events were a big success! I LOVE your sparkly dress!

Hooray for getting all the FP+ attractions you wanted! I'm a bit nervous about doing this myself - I was a champ at the old FP- system, but this will be a whole new ballgame! I'm glad it went so smoothly for you - hopefully I'll be as lucky!

I'm thrilled you're going to try Kilimanjaro Safari - I love the safari and I'm sure you will, too!

I'm afraid I can't be of any help in the motion sickness department - thankfully that's an issue I've never had. I hope others have good ideas for you!

 

[Sailormoon2]

Glad you survived (and looks like THRIVED!) through your busy week. Hooray for Fastpass and obviously a lot of park hopping! Good times all around! As a fellow motion sickness sufferer I'm keen to hear in your TR how the dramamine plays out. I know what you mean about the drowsy loopiness, my husband has come to expect it on any of our theme park trips. How do you manage sourin' without anything? I find the motion sims are the worst.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, that is a rough couple of days Tracy. I think a trip to Disney is due. And as luck would have it...

I haven't seen Game of Thrones since I refuse to buy cable TV, but certainly I am familiar with its popularity. That is so cool to be on "band duty" with the band. What a great experience.

And Damn Girl, you looked amazing!!

Hey, there are lots of attractions even the most seasoned Disney travellers haven't experienced. I'm actually a little jealous you get to enjoy the Safari for the first time.

OK, I'm so glad you said you're planning some MK time before day 5, because I would have to throw a fit otherwise.

 

[KatMark]

Wow...that was a busy couple of days and it looks to have been a huge success.

Great job on the FP+ selections and the park plans. I can't believe you've never done the safari. You are a braver girl than me...I can't even do the green side of Mission. I'm so happy you are trying TOT again.

 

[Dugette]

Wow, what a cool event! I showed Dug the pic with the band, as he watches Game of Thrones (I don't) and he thought that was awesome! Glad everything went well and you can get back to a bit more normal schedule now. Of course, all those extra hours go a long way when paying for a Disney trip!

Glad your FP+ acquisitions went well. Sounds like you made some good selections! And, if it makes you feel better, we don't actually have MK FP+ until the very LAST full day of our trip! There are good odds of at least Izzy and I wandering over there some earlier times in our trip (while Dug possibly stays at DHS for SWW shows), but we'll have to try for same-day FP+ then. The only time I see where we might overlap with you is one of those times - the afternoon of the 24-hour day (Friday, May 22). We have (unimportant) FP+ scheduled for DHS, but Izzy and I may hit MK instead and Dug needs to wait and see what the SWW show schedule looks like before knowing if he'll come with us.

 

[pkondz]

I survived opening weekend at work!

Congrats!

Thursday I worked 18 hours, Friday 16.5, but yesterday was a very relaxing day at only 8 (but in my defense, I don’t work weekends so that "relaxing" 8 hours was in addition to the crazy week I’d already had).

Holy cow!

Here's my outfit for that night - we were told to dress "festive"
and I figured I couldn't go wrong with sequins!

Umm.... Uh....
I'm just going to say it... My dear, you look absolutely stunning.

(And I'm quite impressed at your arm flexibility. I know I couldn't get my hand on my shoulder like that. )

Side note: any fellow motion-sickness sufferers reading?
Any helpful hints would be welcome!

Sorry, can't help you. Anything I try to take makes me feel sick.
I avoid tea cups, Mission Space Orange and limit my Star Tours time.

 

[Tracy161]

It looks like opening weekend and your planned events were a big success! I LOVE your sparkly dress!

Hooray for getting all the FP+ attractions you wanted! I'm a bit nervous about doing this myself - I was a champ at the old FP- system, but this will be a whole new ballgame! I'm glad it went so smoothly for you - hopefully I'll be as lucky!

I'm thrilled you're going to try Kilimanjaro Safari - I love the safari and I'm sure you will, too!

I'm afraid I can't be of any help in the motion sickness department - thankfully that's an issue I've never had. I hope others have good ideas for you!

Thanks SO much!!! It really was such a successful weekend! But all the same... I'm glad it's over! And thanks again!!! I love that dress - and I love dressing up in general. That being said, I'm not sure I'll be putting on high heels again anytime soon... I think my feet are still yelling at me!

Yes!!! I was really thrilled with my selections, thanks! I always get so nervous leading up to the actual selection process but it couldn't have been easier or gone any smoother. But I hear ya... I too was a champ at the old system. I'm wishing you all the luck as well!!!

I'm excited too! I can't believe it's taken me this long to go on it... the shame!

You're so lucky with the motion sickness department - I'm jealous!!! Thanks, I'm also keeping my fingers crossed!

Glad you survived (and looks like THRIVED!) through your busy week. Hooray for Fastpass and obviously a lot of park hopping! Good times all around! As a fellow motion sickness sufferer I'm keen to hear in your TR how the dramamine plays out. I know what you mean about the drowsy loopiness, my husband has come to expect it on any of our theme park trips. How do you manage sourin' without anything? I find the motion sims are the worst.

Thank you so much!!! Yep, lots of park hopping for this girl - it's my park style for sure! Ugh, sorry to hear that you're also a motion sickness sufferer It really is the worst. My last trip I did a bunch of rides I probably shouldn't but thankfully I was able to recover quickly. My poor sister wasn't as lucky on a trip many years ago. One ride on ToT kept her laying down miserable for hours after. I felt so terrible for her! For some reason Soarin' doesn't ever bother me! While it makes little sense, I'm not complaining! It has been about 15 years though since I've braved Star Tours so we shall see how that plays out.

Wow, that is a rough couple of days Tracy. I think a trip to Disney is due. And as luck would have it...

I haven't seen Game of Thrones since I refuse to buy cable TV, but certainly I am familiar with its popularity. That is so cool to be on "band duty" with the band. What a great experience.

And Damn Girl, you looked amazing!!

Hey, there are lots of attractions even the most seasoned Disney travellers haven't experienced. I'm actually a little jealous you get to enjoy the Safari for the first time.

OK, I'm so glad you said you're planning some MK time before day 5, because I would have to throw a fit otherwise.

It was indeed a couple of rough days! I woke up yesterday morning to my mom calling and reported "I feel like I've been hit by a truck!" Feeling much better today though! And yes, I wholeheartedly agree: a Disney trip is due!

I, too, haven't ever seen Game of Thrones since I, too, refuse to buy cable. I've been told I'd love it, so perhaps one day I'll get to catch up. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience to work with the band. Very far removed from my "day job", that's for sure!

Awww, thanks, Rob! That's so sweet of you!

It's so much fun to see a Disney attraction for the first time! I'm really looking forward to the safari!

And a fit would have been more than deserved had I neglected MK before Day 5 - that just doesn't happen in my world! EP is a very close second, but MK has my heart completely. I actually plan on scooting over to MK after EP closes on arrival day. It'll be strange to start a trip with a park other than MK - I know you can also relate to that.

 

[Tracy161]

Wow...that was a busy couple of days and it looks to have been a huge success.

Great job on the FP+ selections and the park plans. I can't believe you've never done the safari. You are a braver girl than me...I can't even do the green side of Mission. I'm so happy you are trying TOT again.

It really was, Kathy! Thank you!!!

I know! I have no idea how I've let so much time go by before getting myself on the safari. Better late than never though!

It's been a few years since I've braved even the green side of Mission but I don't remember a disaster happening when I did, so I'll see how I fare this time!

Thanks! I'm so excited about ToT! I've been known to youtube the ride from time to time just so I can experience it to "some" degree. Looking forward to the real thing though!

Wow, what a cool event! I showed Dug the pic with the band, as he watches Game of Thrones (I don't) and he thought that was awesome! Glad everything went well and you can get back to a bit more normal schedule now. Of course, all those extra hours go a long way when paying for a Disney trip!

Glad your FP+ acquisitions went well. Sounds like you made some good selections! And, if it makes you feel better, we don't actually have MK FP+ until the very LAST full day of our trip! There are good odds of at least Izzy and I wandering over there some earlier times in our trip (while Dug possibly stays at DHS for SWW shows), but we'll have to try for same-day FP+ then. The only time I see where we might overlap with you is one of those times - the afternoon of the 24-hour day (Friday, May 22). We have (unimportant) FP+ scheduled for DHS, but Izzy and I may hit MK instead and Dug needs to wait and see what the SWW show schedule looks like before knowing if he'll come with us.

Thanks! It was SO much fun to be a part of. Awesome! So glad that Dug appreciated the band shot - I can't imagine how excited I would have been had I actually been a fan of them (or the show) to begin with! Yes, those hours sure do go a long way towards paying for Disney trips!

We'll have to see how our plans unfold when our trips get a little closer. I'd love to get a chance to run into you!!!

Congrats!

Holy cow!

Umm.... Uh....
I'm just going to say it... My dear, you look absolutely stunning.

(And I'm quite impressed at your arm flexibility. I know I couldn't get my hand on my shoulder like that. )

Sorry, can't help you. Anything I try to take makes me feel sick.
I avoid tea cups, Mission Space Orange and limit my Star Tours time.

Thanks!!! Though it's such a relief to have it all behind me.

Aww, you're too kind, thank you!!! This girl does love a good excuse to dress up! Yes, I'm also a contortionist, haven't I mentioned that?!

Ugh, that's my problem, anything I try just makes me feel worse! I need to put some more research into solving this problem... I'm certain there's got to be something...

 

[Volunteer]

Glad to hear your event went so well - and more importantly, that it's in the rear view mirror. Now you can focus on more important things - like your trip!

You look great in your dress, I'm sure you were the "Belle" of the ball!

Nice job with the FP+ selections. I always reserve Soarin over Test Track in Epcot because 1. I like it a lot better, and 2. Test Track has single rider. One of the great benefits of solo traveling - single rider lines and usually if the ride doesn't have a single rider line, Cast Members are usually looking for them at the end to fill seats (I've been pulled ahead in line at Soarin and ToT countless times - it's great! )

 

[Tracy161]

Glad to hear your event went so well - and more importantly, that it's in the rear view mirror. Now you can focus on more important things - like your trip!

You look great in your dress, I'm sure you were the "Belle" of the ball!

Nice job with the FP+ selections. I always reserve Soarin over Test Track in Epcot because 1. I like it a lot better, and 2. Test Track has single rider. One of the great benefits of solo traveling - single rider lines and usually if the ride doesn't have a single rider line, Cast Members are usually looking for them at the end to fill seats (I've been pulled ahead in line at Soarin and ToT countless times - it's great! )

Thanks so much! That's an excellent description, John - so glad it's now in my "rear view mirror"!

Aww, thanks so much!!!

Exactly what my thoughts were on the Soarin'/Test Track debate - I've usually found great luck being pulled ahead as a "filler" in my solo travels! Here's hoping my May trip will also see that happening!

 

[deedee2177]

As my 3 year old son says, "OOOOOOOOOO LA LA"....love the dress! So glad your event went well and I agree with Rob I think that deserves a Disney Trip!

Love the FP selections and I agree with Soarin', it is definitely one of my favorites. One of the "problems" with my upcoming trip is my DH does NOT like Soarin' at all. He has issues with flying/heights and he did give it a try in 2012 when he went on it with our daughter, but my DH was white as a sheet so it is a no go for him. My plan is to make a FP for him on Mission Space (which is my No GO...even the Green side) while I make a FP for me on Soarin'.

I will be interested in reading what others suggest for motion sickness treatment because I might be able to handle EE and Mission Space if I used some myself. My only thought was the motion sickness bands/patches. Have you tried those?

Again, congrats on your successful weekend at work!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

It’s Sunday and I’m writing an update – this can only mean one thing: I survived opening weekend at work! Thursday I worked 18 hours, Friday 16.5, but yesterday was a very relaxing day at only 8 (but in my defense, I don’t work weekends so that "relaxing" 8 hours was in addition to the crazy week I’d already had).

My goodness you must be exhausted!

I felt very proud to have been part of such a spectacular event.

looks like it turned out great!!

I made my FPs for later in the day than I hope to arrive in EP; however, I wanted to be sure that I accounted for any travel related delays

Smart move!

12:50-1:50pm: Kilimanjaro Safaris (side note: many of you will NOT believe this. I have never done this attraction. I know, I know, shame on me. As part of my plan to spend more quality time at AK, I'm making sure I do lots of things I don't typically do... this being one of them).

But thats the main reason to go to AK!!!!!!

12:40-1:40pm: Mission: SPACE (unfortunately this will be taking place on the Green side... the last time I rode Orange it wasn't pretty... though I did manage to avoid any truly, um, embarrassing moments ... and I'm sure with a reasonable imagination you can imagine what one of those might be!)

No shame in the green side. I can't ride it at all! You can imagine why...

Side note: any fellow motion-sickness sufferers reading? I've tried Scopolamine before but got vertigo shortly thereafter and was worried it was related and haven't tried since, though it was effective. Dramamine tends to make me drowsy (even the non-drowsy kind) and loopy (more than is typical ) so that doesn't thrill me either. Any helpful hints would be welcome!

Motion sick meds don't seem to work for me much. however, Omeprozole is an acid reducer and may work to cute down on the nausea. Ask a pharmacist.

an you believe it’s not until Day 5 that I have MK FPs scheduled!?

however, plan to be at MK plenty of times before this day though!

Well, I suppose then.

Now that the opening is over, I feel like May will be here any moment!!!

Oh I know! I even got an email yesterday about magic bands needing to be finalized! Apparently they ship soon?!?

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Cool event! I would be proud, too!!

All you fps look great, and fun!!!

There's a few rides I've never been on ( Kali rapids, splash, and a few others).

Your trips making me excited for mine coming up!!

 

[Tracy161]

As my 3 year old son says, "OOOOOOOOOO LA LA"....love the dress! So glad your event went well and I agree with Rob I think that deserves a Disney Trip!

Love the FP selections and I agree with Soarin', it is definitely one of my favorites. One of the "problems" with my upcoming trip is my DH does NOT like Soarin' at all. He has issues with flying/heights and he did give it a try in 2012 when he went on it with our daughter, but my DH was white as a sheet so it is a no go for him. My plan is to make a FP for him on Mission Space (which is my No GO...even the Green side) while I make a FP for me on Soarin'.

I will be interested in reading what others suggest for motion sickness treatment because I might be able to handle EE and Mission Space if I used some myself. My only thought was the motion sickness bands/patches. Have you tried those?

Again, congrats on your successful weekend at work!

Awww, thank you so much!!! I love to dress up, though I find I'm in NO hurry to do so again any time soon! I think I agree with you and Rob... I definitely deserve a Disney trip!

That's too bad that your DH can't do Soarin' - I feel so terrible for him as I can't imagine not being completely and entirely obsessed with that ride (probably to a ridiculous and maybe even unhealthy degree! ) Good call splitting up for the FP+ selections so you can both hit up something you love. I, too, am interested in others' thoughts on motion sickness - I'm really hoping I find something that works for me!!! I haven't actually tried the bands/patches - good call! I'll do some research on the best ones! Thanks!

My goodness you must be exhausted!
looks like it turned out great!!

Smart move!

But thats the main reason to go to AK!!!!!!

No shame in the green side. I can't ride it at all! You can imagine why...

Motion sick meds don't seem to work for me much. however, Omeprozole is an acid reducer and may work to cute down on the nausea. Ask a pharmacist.



Well, I suppose then.

Oh I know! I even got an email yesterday about magic bands needing to be finalized! Apparently they ship soon?!?

I was SO exhausted!!! I even fell asleep on the couch yesterday afternoon which is unheard of for me! Whenever I've napped in the past, I wake up miserable and upset that I napped to begin with - I'm even more tired and inexplicably grouchy I guess I just really needed it yesterday!

I know! I think 99% of the TRs I read have included at least one safari trip... it's high time I fix this situation!

Why yes, I can imagine why you won't ride even the green side!

Thanks so much for telling me about Omeprozole - I'll definitely check that out!

WOOHOO on your email!!! Now that we're down to the "1+ month range", it feels like the days are just flying by!!!

Cool event! I would be proud, too!!

All you fps look great, and fun!!!

There's a few rides I've never been on ( Kali rapids, splash, and a few others).

Your trips making me excited for mine coming up!!

Thanks so much!!! It really was such a special weekend to be a part of.

I'm really looking forward to using my FPs!!! And making the selections makes the trip feel so much closer!

I think I could go to Disney 10 times a year and still not experience it all! That's the beauty of the place... each time, each experience is different.

Glad I can help with your excitement!!!

 

[hokieinpa]

It's so good to hear that your event went well! I don't watch Game of Thrones but that sounds like such a cool experience! And of course, your dress is just perfect!

I like your FP+ selections! I've never done Mission Space but I think I would totally be green all the way! Soarin' is my favorite ride at Epcot so I love that you have 3 FP+ for it!

Do you have any plans for the 24-hour event? Is that at the end of your trip?

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Oh my DH would go nuts. He loves Game of Thrones. I've watched a few here and there but haven't caught on yet.
I love your FP+ selections, I'm still learning about these. I didn't realize there were different categories for them. Such a newbie moment. Lol=) DH takes Ondansetron for his nausea. I think it has a sleep side effect as well but he can fall asleep anywhere anytime so he's not a good judge on that one. Can't wait to keep reading.