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

[MEK]

Congrats on almost finishing your first time home buying course. Good for you for getting educated before you make that leap. Way to go! It does sound like a good time to move ahead with that purchase.

You first day plans sound fun. Too bad for the big layover in Philly. Nothing fun there, that's for sure. It's my closest airport but I like Baltimore better. It's prettier and Maryland has a better state flag.

Yay for a meet with Dugette. That sounds like so much fun. It will be good to be busy until its time for you to leave. That will make the time go so much faster!

 

[THEDISNEYTHREE]

We will be at F&G a few days before you. We are dedicating the weekend to SWW. I am glad to hear we will enjoy it! If I spot ya somewhere I will yell out a big Hi! Again, I hope you have a fantastic time!!

 

[Tracy161]

Yay! Congrats for making it through your crazy week! So excited for you...so close to the trip! Woohoo!
Your arrival day looks AMAZING!

Thank you! I'm SO relieved it's over! And tonight's final homebuyers class was the final piece before I can officially breath a sigh of relief and actually turn things to Disney planning again! Thank you - I'm super happy with how my first day has shaped up!

Amazing what you can do with a little Photoshop these days.

So true!

Woo hoo!! Two weeks to go That is so very exciting! I love a direct flight to Disney--no layovers for this girl! Sounds like your first day will be perfect! I love that you were able to get Soarin' FP+s for three different occasions. Soarin' is one of my favorites, too!! I am really looking forward to seeing what it's like when they finish the update.

I know!!! So hard for me to believe still! Direct flights are the best, but hard to come by where I live. Yay - another Soarin' fan!!! I'm anxious to see it post-update too!

Congrats on almost finishing your first time home buying course. Good for you for getting educated before you make that leap. Way to go! It does sound like a good time to move ahead with that purchase.You first day plans sound fun. Too bad for the big layover in Philly. Nothing fun there, that's for sure. It's my closest airport but I like Baltimore better. It's prettier and Maryland has a better state flag.
Yay for a meet with Dugette. That sounds like so much fun. It will be good to be busy until its time for you to leave. That will make the time go so much faster!

Thank you, Mary Ellen! I'm now officially through the course and have the certificate to prove it! The state flag is as good of a reason as any to choose one airport over another
I'm so excited to meet @Dugette!!!

We will be at F&G a few days before you. We are dedicating the weekend to SWW. I am glad to hear we will enjoy it! If I spot ya somewhere I will yell out a big Hi! Again, I hope you have a fantastic time!!

Yes, please do stop and say hello if you spot me!!! I wish you a wonderful trip as well!!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

In case you forgot… I’m Tracy… and I am finally on the other side of a crazy busy week.

Tell me about it. I'm going to have to post like a crazy person to get my "pre-trip" posts in before my trip.

Your first day plans sound great! I'm so jealous of your direct flight - other than flying certain days on a smaller airline, there are NO direct flights to Orlando from our airport.

An afternoon at Epcot (with Flower and Garden!) and the evening at Magic Kingdom? Sounds like a great day to me!

 

[Tracy161]

TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY
MONDAY, MAY 18
This day is a park day I consider “sleeping in” because there are no morning EMHs anywhere. I’ll start my day at AK with the plan to be there by 9am (keep in mind that I’m an early riser, my idea of really sleeping in on weekends is 8am and on week days I’m up by 5:30 to start my workout). Yeah, I know, I'm crazy...
So 9am openings are my “easy” days!
​

I’ll probably hit up Expedition Everest upon arrival
(once will do me just fine – sorry, Rob!).
I’ll also hit up Dinosaur and ride that as much as I can
(I can’t get enough of this ride and surprisingly it’s kinder on my motion-sickness than other rides).



I’ll also venture over for some breakfast at Pizzafari – I love their oatmeal!​

​

My FP+s are for the following:

9:50-10:50am DINOSAUR

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

12:50-1:50pm Kilimanjaro Safaris

I’d also like to hit up Festival of the Lion King and/or Finding Nemo. It’s been several years since I’ve seen Nemo so that might be the priority this day.
I’d also like to take a good chunk of today to explore more of AK – in the past, I’ve typically gotten in, done EE, Dinosaur, ITTBAB, sometimes FOTLK, sometimes Nemo, and gotten out. Don’t ask me why, I’ve just never given AK the proper time it deserves. Today will be my day to do that!
Likely, I’ll have lunch at either Yak and Yeti (QS) or Tamu Tamu
(I believe Flame Tree BBQ will still be closed one final day on this day).
My tentative plan is to head over to Epcot mid to late afternoon. At some point I want to do the Disney Visa Character Meet ‘N’ Greet since I’ve been a cardholder for nearly a decade and haven’t ever taken advantage of this! This may happen on this day! I also plan to see Illuminations at 9pm and go where the wind takes me until then. Epcot is my favorite park for QS dining options so I won’t be at a loss for finding something this night. Likely, I’ll hit up Tangierine Café, Lotus Blossom, or Yorkshire County Fish Shop. Epcot closes at 9pm and MK is open until 11pm but I’ll likely head back after Illuminations since the next day is a morning EMH at Epcot...
and if you know me at all at this point you know it'll be an early morning for this girl! ​

 

[Tracy161]

Tell me about it. I'm going to have to post like a crazy person to get my "pre-trip" posts in before my trip.

Your first day plans sound great! I'm so jealous of your direct flight - other than flying certain days on a smaller airline, there are NO direct flights to Orlando from our airport.

An afternoon at Epcot (with Flower and Garden!) and the evening at Magic Kingdom? Sounds like a great day to me!

Thanks!!! I'm so excited to just get ON property!!! A direct flight is a rare thing here as well And even this airport is 2+ hours away but it's about 10 minutes from where my sister lives and I'll be there Saturday for my nephew's birthday party so it all works out perfectly!!!

We'll have to coordinate about a meet up - I'll be posting that day in a little bit so stay tuned!

 

[hokieinpa]

I'm glad your next few weeks will be stress free! All the better to focus on preparing for your Disney trip!

Your arrival day plans sound great! Having a nonstop flight is amazing - we can usually catch one out of Pittsburgh and I love arriving before 10! I love the idea of heading to Epcot and catching as much of F&G as you can. Soarin' is my favorite Epcot ride so I'm jealous to hear that you are going to get at least 3 rides on it this trip!

Sounds like a fun night at MK! The parks will hopefully empty out some for the late night. And a fun DIS meet too!

I'm an early riser as well, so I'm with you on 9:00 being a "late" start to the day! I would love to have more time to explore AK - checking out the Discovery Trails and the Tree of Life! And another fun night at Epcot - wandering the WS at night sounds perfect!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Yay!! Two week mark!! Sounds like a great first day at WDW!!
I think you should go for it and buy a house! We did so a year and a half ago and it's the best feeling ever. Although I'm pretty hopeless at home decor, I love feeling the home is really ours. WDW will always be there for you no matter when you visit!

 

[aacvacation]

Can't believe you are coming so soon! I finally caught up and it seems so much has happened with you! Glad to see you are well and feeling better after all that you have suffered through, I mean WOW!!

 

[Tracy161]

I'm glad your next few weeks will be stress free! All the better to focus on preparing for your Disney trip!

Your arrival day plans sound great! Having a nonstop flight is amazing - we can usually catch one out of Pittsburgh and I love arriving before 10! I love the idea of heading to Epcot and catching as much of F&G as you can. Soarin' is my favorite Epcot ride so I'm jealous to hear that you are going to get at least 3 rides on it this trip!

Sounds like a fun night at MK! The parks will hopefully empty out some for the late night. And a fun DIS meet too!

I'm an early riser as well, so I'm with you on 9:00 being a "late" start to the day! I would love to have more time to explore AK - checking out the Discovery Trails and the Tree of Life! And another fun night at Epcot - wandering the WS at night sounds perfect!

My thoughts exactly!!! I would have been so stressed out if my week last week was this week instead!

Thank you! I'm so excited to have a non-stop on the way down - arriving at an early hour is awesome! Soarin' is just the best, isn't it?!

I'm hoping the same for MK that night! And yes, SO excited to see Dugette!!!

Yay!! Two week mark!! Sounds like a great first day at WDW!!
I think you should go for it and buy a house! We did so a year and a half ago and it's the best feeling ever. Although I'm pretty hopeless at home decor, I love feeling the home is really ours. WDW will always be there for you no matter when you visit!

I'm seriously considering it! We shall see, and I'll keep you all posted of course! And true... WDW isn't going anywhere

Can't believe you are coming so soon! I finally caught up and it seems so much has happened with you! Glad to see you are well and feeling better after all that you have suffered through, I mean WOW!!

I know!!!!!!! And I still can't get over the fact that you LIVE there!!! So jealous!!! As you are checking out my daily plans you'll have to see what might work best for you - we must meet up!!!

 

[ElenaJane]

It is getting real!! You are so close to the magic! I like your plans so far. My usual flight to WDW is a 7am flight, direct to MCO, landing at 9am. There is something awesome about being in WDW before some people even wake up!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

So 9am openings are my “easy” days!

I am sometimes the same way. I can understand this.

I’ll probably hit up Expedition Everest upon arrival
(once will do me just fine – sorry, Rob!).

At some point I want to do the Disney Visa Character Meet ‘N’ Greet since I’ve been a cardholder for nearly a decade and haven’t ever taken advantage of this! This may happen on this day!

They closed Innoventions West last I heard. I'm not sure what that means for the Visa Meet and Greet.

 

[deedee2177]

I'm right there with you about AK. We usually hit the major things, have lunch and then done. I can't really explain why though, I do enjoy the Park but we have always made it a 1/2 day park in the past. So, it's mine and Keith's mission to dive a little deeper, and we also plan on going back later in the week during our trip (haven't got to that part in my PTR...so you just got a sneak peek). I adore Epcot as well, it is easily my 2nd favorite park, can't really explain why but I love it!

 

[pkondz]

(keep in mind that I’m an early riser, my idea of really sleeping in on weekends is 8am and on week days I’m up by 5:30 to start my workout).

Yup. We're the same way (Well, except for those days when I'm not working "Day" shift.)
Except we're up at 4:30 (DW) and 5:00 (me).
And no workout.


But the sleeping in 'til 8am... us too!

Yeah, I know, I'm crazy...

Yes. We know.

(once will do me just fine – sorry, Rob!).

But keep in mind he only went on twice, last trip.
Me too, actually... Weird.

(I can’t get enough of this ride and surprisingly it’s kinder on my motion-sickness than other rides).

I get that.
Jerky = okay.
Spinning = protein spill.

I’ll also venture over for some breakfast at Pizzafari – I love their oatmeal!

I've never ordered oatmeal in a restaurant.
I don't mind oatmeal, but it just doesn't feel like restaurant food.

But I have to admit, that looks good!

I’ve just never given AK the proper time it deserves. Today will be my day to do that!
....

My tentative plan is to head over to Epcot mid to late afternoon.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

My idea of sleeping in is until 8/8:30, if I'm lucky!!

That oatmeal looks yummy!! I've never eaten breakfast at AK!

We usually go into AK, do our must dos, any fps, and leave.

I can ride EE multiple times, but can't ride dinosaur at all!

 

[KathyM2]

Love your AK morning plans!!! That's interesting that you said Dinosaur is easier on your stomach..I'm still torn about whether or not to take DD (and me) on it in October...as I do have motion sickness issues and she is nervous to go on new rides she hasn't tried...but it does look like fun! I look forward to hear about how you are going to spend more time appreciating AK...because I was planning more of a quick in and out as well...but maybe that will change...

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

on week days I’m up by 5:30 to start my workout

Nah, you're not crazy Tracy. I have totally heard of workouts.

I’ll probably hit up Expedition Everest upon arrival
(once will do me just fine – sorry, Rob!).

That's ok, I understand. Once is still better than 0.

I’ll also venture over for some breakfast at Pizzafari – I love their oatmeal!

HAHA I don't know why this made me giggle. I guess when I think of "Disney food", oatmeal usually isn't one of them.


I think a lot of people have spent the least amount of time at AK, especially Park Hoppers. I usually do AK and head to another park mostly for a night time show. But maybe you'll have time for some of the walking trails, and you absolutely should see Lion King. But hey, it's all up to YOU.
As for "where the wind takes me" at Epcot... if the wind doesn't take you to the Voices of Liberty, then you're facing the wrong way.

 

[Elevationist]

12 days to go, holy crap!!!

keep in mind that I’m an early riser, my idea of really sleeping in on weekends is 8am and on week days I’m up by 5:30 to start my workout

So, basically, you're waking up about the time I'm finally falling asleep. I'm nocturnal to a fault.

I’ll probably hit up Expedition Everest upon arrival

I approve! (But really, with that single rider line, it's SO convenient!)

I’ll also hit up Dinosaur and ride that as much as I can
(I can’t get enough of this ride and surprisingly it’s kinder on my motion-sickness than other rides).

REALLY? That's super surprising. It's so bumpy and jerky, I would imagine this would H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks for somebody with motion sickness issues!

I’ll also venture over for some breakfast at Pizzafari – I love their oatmeal!

I'm not a big oatmeal person, but that photo you posted DOES look pretty tasty.

It’s been several years since I’ve seen Nemo so that might be the priority this day.

Do you know I've *never* seen Nemo? I usually only make time for one show at AK, and it's always FotLK!

I’d also like to take a good chunk of today to explore more of AK – in the past, I’ve typically gotten in, done EE, Dinosaur, ITTBAB, sometimes FOTLK, sometimes Nemo, and gotten out. Don’t ask me why, I’ve just never given AK the proper time it deserves. Today will be my day to do that!

Oh, honey! You're missing out! Maharajah Jungle Trek is one of my favorite things in the whole park! (Granted, I have an affection for tigers.) But the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is wonderful, also... They have the most adorable baby gorilla on exhibit right now! And the train up to Rafiki's Planet Watch is cool to see the backstage animal housing areas, and a peek inside the veterinary clinic. And no Kilimanjaro Safari on that list, either?!

(I believe Flame Tree BBQ will still be closed one final day on this day).

Actually, yes and no. The real Flame-Tree BBQ will be closed, yes. But a lot of their menu items have been moved to a nearby kiosk, I saw it while I was there last week. So if you got a hankering, I bet you could follow your nose to it!

 

[Tracy161]

It is getting real!! You are so close to the magic! I like your plans so far. My usual flight to WDW is a 7am flight, direct to MCO, landing at 9am. There is something awesome about being in WDW before some people even wake up!

It's getting SUPER real! Like, panicking over what I'm bound to forget real But SO exciting too! And you aren't too much longer after me! I'm SO jealous of your typical flight to MCO - this 10:50am arrival is a rare treat for me... and I'm SO happy for it!!! I know what you mean - some people haven't even started their day yet and we're strolling on in...

They closed Innoventions West last I heard. I'm not sure what that means for the Visa Meet and Greet.

Oh that's right! I'm going to have to dig up some details on this... thanks for the reminder!

I'm right there with you about AK. We usually hit the major things, have lunch and then done. I can't really explain why though, I do enjoy the Park but we have always made it a 1/2 day park in the past. So, it's mine and Keith's mission to dive a little deeper, and we also plan on going back later in the week during our trip (haven't got to that part in my PTR...so you just got a sneak peek). I adore Epcot as well, it is easily my 2nd favorite park, can't really explain why but I love it!

I know! I can't explain why either... I guess I'm just typically in a rush to get to the other parks since AK - as much as I love it - is definitely Park No. 4 on my list, I hate to say. Maybe this trip will change that! Yay - thanks for the sneak peek!!!

Yup. We're the same way (Well, except for those days when I'm not working "Day" shift.)
Except we're up at 4:30 (DW) and 5:00 (me).
And no workout.

Yikes! 4:30 and 5:00?! Somehow 5:30 now feels like sleeping in compared to that!

Yes. We know.

I get that.
Jerky = okay.
Spinning = protein spill.

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!

I've never ordered oatmeal in a restaurant.
I don't mind oatmeal, but it just doesn't feel like restaurant food.

Okay, this is so funny. You see, I grew up in a restaurant - literally. My family has owned a family restaurant since 1979 (sadly, we sold just last year). My dad would always pick on the people that came in and ordered oatmeal saying "who orders OATMEAL at a restaurant?!" But... the reason for me ordering oatmeal at Pizzafari is twofold: 1) I love it! and 2) I eat rather, um, unhealthy whilst on my Disney vacays so this at least starts the day off right. People tend to confuse "workout girl" with "healthy eater girl" and for me that's not always the case... especially at Disney!

Okay, okay, I see you caught me. Old habits die hard man!

 

[Tracy161]

My idea of sleeping in is until 8/8:30, if I'm lucky!!
That oatmeal looks yummy!! I've never eaten breakfast at AK!
We usually go into AK, do our must dos, any fps, and leave.
I can ride EE multiple times, but can't ride dinosaur at all!

It's SUPER yummy! I highly suggest it!
Isn't it strange how different people react completely differently to rides? I can barely make it through EE without a... shall we say, "situation"?

Love your AK morning plans!!! That's interesting that you said Dinosaur is easier on your stomach..I'm still torn about whether or not to take DD (and me) on it in October...as I do have motion sickness issues and she is nervous to go on new rides she hasn't tried...but it does look like fun! I look forward to hear about how you are going to spend more time appreciating AK...because I was planning more of a quick in and out as well...but maybe that will change...

Thanks, Kathy! Dinosaur is SO much fun! It's hard to explain why this doesn't bother me as much, you'd think the movement and unpredictable nature of this ride would be a no-go. Don't get me wrong, it's not without stomach unease, but just not as much as other rides for some reason. I will report on my AK time and let you know if I enjoyed spending the extra time there.

Nah, you're not crazy Tracy. I have totally heard of workouts.

Thanks for the confirmation on that, Rob!

That's ok, I understand. Once is still better than 0.

Absolutely!

HAHA I don't know why this made me giggle. I guess when I think of "Disney food", oatmeal usually isn't one of them.

I don't blame you at all there... it IS funny! But, as I explained to @pkondz, I do oatmeal on AK mornings because 1) I love it and 2) my eating habits at Disney aren't exactly healthy so it helps to justify said unhealthy eating when I can start the day with oatmeal.

I think a lot of people have spent the least amount of time at AK, especially Park Hoppers. I usually do AK and head to another park mostly for a night time show. But maybe you'll have time for some of the walking trails, and you absolutely should see Lion King. But hey, it's all up to YOU. As for "where the wind takes me" at Epcot... if the wind doesn't take you to the Voices of Liberty, then you're facing the wrong way.

So true. And I really need to change this!
YES!!! Absolutely, Voices of Liberty is a must-do!!!

12 days to go, holy crap!!!

I KNOW!!!!!!!!! Single digit dance is coming along quick!

So, basically, you're waking up about the time I'm finally falling asleep. I'm nocturnal to a fault.

Alright, soul sister, we've gotta be a little different to make us each unique, right?! This is definitely where we differ! I have a hard time staying up past 11... on weekends!

I approve! (But really, with that single rider line, it's SO convenient!)

So true!!!

REALLY? That's super surprising. It's so bumpy and jerky, I would imagine this would H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks for somebody with motion sickness issues!

I know! It doesn't make logical sense! But I'll take it

Do you know I've *never* seen Nemo? I usually only make time for one show at AK, and it's always FotLK!

Wow! It's been years since I have so it might be time to do that one again

Oh, honey! You're missing out! Maharajah Jungle Trek is one of my favorite things in the whole park! (Granted, I have an affection for tigers.) But the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is wonderful, also... They have the most adorable baby gorilla on exhibit right now! And the train up to Rafiki's Planet Watch is cool to see the backstage animal housing areas, and a peek inside the veterinary clinic. And no Kilimanjaro Safari on that list, either?!

I know! I really need to fix this on this trip! The Maharajah Jungle Trek is definitely on my must-do list! I have a FP+ for the Safari, don't worry!

Actually, yes and no. The real Flame-Tree BBQ will be closed, yes. But a lot of their menu items have been moved to a nearby kiosk, I saw it while I was there last week. So if you got a hankering, I bet you could follow your nose to it!

Oh, good! I read that they did but I wasn't sure how "involved" the kiosk would be... good to know!