I didn't know the baby's powers so I covered the basics: An Oct. '11/March ‘12 PTR

[Missyrose]

Hi friends,
Franklin and I entered a contest on Disney Photography Blog. We need to collect as many votes as we can before Friday night, so please vote and get as many of your friends to vote as you can!

Go to this link.

Scroll down to the photos labeled with our names (Franklin Khamvongsa and Melissa Rosenberg) and click the like button next to our names.

Thanks so much guys!

 

[Missyrose]

Greetings all! I know, you probably think I forgot about this PTR, but I haven't! Life just got in the way a little. Let's play a little catch-up about where my Dising time has gone recently. There's the TR from October's trip. which I've vowed to finish before the March trip begins. And then there's the research I had to do before Franklin and I made a big decision... We're buying into DVC! We're buying a contract at Boardwalk Villas and should clear ROFR refusal any day now.

Now that you're all caught up on what's been happening with me, let's get back to the fun stuff -- there's a trip RAPIDLY approaching!

In fact, our March trip is exactly one month away, so let's start with our plans for arrival day. Just as a refresher, here's who is going on the trip: Me and Franklin, Franklin's mom (Kotkham), Franklin's sister (Lala) and her husband (Keith) and their son Tanner (the birthday boy and the STAR of our show!). Here's Tanner in his Winnie the Pooh jacket.

Our early-morning flight just got a bit earlier, we got an email from United saying they've moved our flight up a half-hour! Wuh-hoo for an earlier arrival

We'll pick up the rental minivan and head for our Windsor Hills rental house. A couple of us will run out to Publix to grab some basic grocceries and then it will be time for our first park: Animal Kingdom!

When we arrive, Franklin will go grab safari FPs for us

while we head toward Flame Tree BBQ for lunch. After lunch, the thrill junkies will head to EE and ride using the single rider line, while Kotkham and I will take Tanner to the Dig Site to play. The rest of the day, we'll have a few must-dos:
Triceratops Spin for Tanner
Festival of the Lion King (which I've never seen and am determined to see this time!)
Petting zoo at Rafiki's Planet Watch

The evening plans are still a bit up in the air because Lala and Keith have friends in Orlando they want to see for dinner one night while we're there, so the first couple of nights' worth of plans are in flux until those plans are shored up.

If they have dinner with their friends the first night, Franklin and I will probably head to Epcot where they can pick us up later (or we'll take a cab home). We've never seen Illuminations (sacrilege! I know ) so this could be a good night to finally see it. No real late night here, we've got rope drop to make the next day!

Now, since the 30-day countdown was so much fun for the last trip, I decided to bring it back again. This time I'll be counting down the

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World​

No. 30 -- People watching!

There's so much fun to be had just by parking yourself on a bench in one of the parks or in one of the comfy chairs in the lobby of one of the resorts and just watching the (Disney) World go by around you.

It's so much fun to see the fun others are having and the joy on children's faces as they experience everything WDW has to offer. It's no secret that as I get ready to turn 30, I've been contemplating the idea of having kids sooner rather than later. And people watching at Disney World gives you a good cross section of the experience of kids. There's the good: Seeing their faces light up when meeting their favorite character, hearing their giggles as Dumbo takes off in flight. But there's also the meltdowns: The screaming, the crying, the stomping of feet.

Sometimes you can rush around the parks so quickly to fit everything in, that you can forget to take a look around. One of my favorite times to people watch is when waiting for Wishes on Main Street. I pull up a seat on the curb with my favorite MK snack (funnel cake or Casey's corn dog nuggets) and just watch the hustle and bustle around me! Heaven. ​

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[natebenma]

Now, since the 30-day countdown was so much fun for the last trip, I decided to bring it back again. This time I'll be counting down the

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World​

No. 30 -- People watching!

There's so much fun to be had just by parking yourself on a bench in one of the parks or in one of the comfy chairs in the lobby of one of the resorts and just watching the (Disney) World go by around you.

It's so much fun to see the fun others are having and the joy on children's faces as they experience everything WDW has to offer. It's no secret that as I get ready to turn 30, I've been contemplating the idea of having kids sooner rather than later. And people watching at Disney World gives you a good cross section of the experience of kids. There's the good: Seeing their faces light up when meeting their favorite character, hearing their giggles as Dumbo takes off in flight. But there's also the meltdowns: The screaming, the crying, the stomping of feet.

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Yeah! Another countdown!!!

It is surprising that you see just as many (if not more) meltdowns from adults than you do from the kids!

Does Franklin know where he is going to view (and photograph) illuminations from ???

 

[Missyrose]

Yeah! Another countdown!!!

It is surprising that you see just as many (if not more) meltdowns from adults than you do from the kids!

Does Franklin know where he is going to view (and photograph) illuminations from ???

Thanks for coming back! I was a little worried no one was going to read this anymore. Yes, the adult meltdowns can be quite entertaining (and plentiful).

Franklin and I were just talking about Illuminations this week, I told him he needs to figure out where he wants to shoot from. I'm sure there will be a protractor involved. I'll let you know what he comes up with.

Dee your family is totally commando tourers, what do you guys think about the new policy about no longer allowing use of late FPs? I'm really bummed and have to go back to the drawing board about some of our tour plans for next month.

 

[teekathepony]

Wow, just a month away? So exciting!
I also love people watching.

 

[natebenma]

Here's what I posted on the BC thread, where I learned about this news:

From WDWmagic.com

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Other/FASTPASS/News/06Feb2012-Big-changes-coming-to-FASTPASS-in-March.htm

Big changes coming to FASTPASS in March
Feb 06, 2012

Some big changes are expected to be implemented at all FASTPASS attractions next month. Starting March 7 2012, it is expected that the FASTPASS return windows will now be actively enforced, with a 5 minute early arrival and 15 minute late arrival to be allowed. Anyone arriving outside of those times will not be allowed entry to the attraction. The new validity windows will be required for the future roll-out of more advanced NextGen FASTPASS systems, which will require much tighter control of FASTPASS entry than what the current system offers.

The current FASTPASS system does not allow early arrivial times, but does allow late arrivals up to the end of the day. Many guests make use of the late arrival tolerance with the current system, so the new enforcement will be a significant impact to those guest's park touring plans.

ME NO LIKE!!!

This is going to devastate Mark! He loves working the FP system and that is a lot of his fun at the parks. Franklin prides himself in his amazing pictures. Mark's claim to fame is FP magic.

I don't even want to think about what it will be like waiting in line with 100 teenagers in June. Well, I will only be responsible for around 8 teenage boys, but they are going to be covered in AXE body cologne and that does not sound like fun in enclosed queues.

I'll be anxious to hear what your experiences are when(if) the times really are enforced in March. How many times can a person approach a FP CM and innocently claim "I didn't know the rules have changed..."


PS- I hope "FAST PASS" was not the Number 1 entry on your "things you love about Disney list"

 

[natebenma]

For what it's worth- this is info I copied from one of Robo's posts ages ago:

Illuminations Viewing
If you have VIP passes to see the show, you will be told where to see it in a "VIP Section."

But, you don't NEED to be in a "VIP Section" to see the show.

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase
that are wonderful in their own way that its futile to try to list them, so I will.

• Bridge between UK and France
• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Italy, near the Gondolas
• Mexico, at the outdoor Cantina
• Mexico, bridge to the right of oudoor Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)
• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)
• Many, many more great spots.

Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,
and watch out for any "islands" in the water
that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.

Best Tip:
Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.
So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.

 

[Missyrose]

This is going to devastate Mark! He loves working the FP system and that is a lot of his fun at the parks. Franklin prides himself in his amazing pictures. Mark's claim to fame is FP magic.

I don't even want to think about what it will be like waiting in line with 100 teenagers in June. Well, I will only be responsible for around 8 teenage boys, but they are going to be covered in AXE body cologne and that does not sound like fun in enclosed queues.

I'll be anxious to hear what your experiences are when(if) the times really are enforced in March. How many times can a person approach a FP CM and innocently claim "I didn't know the rules have changed..."


PS- I hope "FAST PASS" was not the Number 1 entry on your "things you love about Disney list"

I really dislike the change, and I REALLY hate the timing of it (smack dab in the middle of my trip, this thing is going to be a trainwreck!). It just stinks that you're going to have to plan things down to the minute at the parks. When all this broke last night (luckily it was a slooooow night at work )I had a small panic attack about the March trip and decided to subscribe to Ridemax for the first time in YEARS. I needed help coming up with touring plans that don't involve late FPs. I'm breathing a little easier this morning, but I'm still not happy.

Wow, just a month away? So exciting!
I also love people watching.

I know, I'm so excited about having another trip right around the corner! :yay:

For what it's worth- this is info I copied from one of Robo's posts ages ago:

Illuminations Viewing
If you have VIP passes to see the show, you will be told where to see it in a "VIP Section."

But, you don't NEED to be in a "VIP Section" to see the show.

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase
that are wonderful in their own way that its futile to try to list them, so I will.

• Bridge between UK and France
• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Italy, near the Gondolas
• Mexico, at the outdoor Cantina
• Mexico, bridge to the right of oudoor Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)
• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)
• Many, many more great spots.

Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,
and watch out for any "islands" in the water
that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.

Best Tip:
Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.
So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.

You are the best! I'm emailing this list to Franklin right now!

 

[Missyrose]

A month from now, we'll be waking up for our first full day in Disney! And where else would you take a 1-year-old on their first full day at Disney? Why, Magic Kingdom, of course!

We'll spend plenty of time in Fantasyland and visit some of our old faves:

Winnie the Pooh

Peter Pan

It's a Small World

Along with Mad Tea Party and Mickey's Philharmagic. We'll also swing by Tommorowland for a Speedway ride and a spin on Buzz. We have a noon ADR at The Plaza for lunch. This is a new restaurant for me and Franklin, so I'm pretty excited to try it. After lunch, we'll probably head for Frontierland and Adventureland. I'll stare longingly at my favorite ride, Big Thunder Mountain, which will be covered in refurb scaffolding. But I'll keep my chin up because there's plenty of MK fun ahead! We'll visit:
Jungle Cruise

Haunted Mansion

Pirates

And maybe swing by the Country Bears and Aladdin's Magic Carpets (if their refurb is done). Throughout the day, we'll sprinkle in some big kid rides on Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.

We have a dinner ADR at Cape May Clambake at Beach Club. Which given Franklin's family's love of seafood should be a BIG hit. Franklin and I have never been here either, so it's another restaurant to cross off our Disney Bucket list. The plan would be to mosey over to Epcot after dinner for Illuminations (so Lala, Keith and Tanner would get to see it). And now, for today's countdown entry...

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 29 -- Empty Parks at Rope Drop

Here's something you have to know about me. I work at night (usually 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., sometimes later), so mornings don't exist in my universe except for when I'm at Disney. The allure of empty parks is enough to get me up REALLY early.

And here's a scene from my new favorite Tumblr: Simple Disney Things

There's just so much you can get done when you get to the parks when they open. It's so nice to enjoy the parks before the masses descend and the bonus is it's usually quite a bit cooler temp-wise early in the a.m.​

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[natebenma]

We have a dinner ADR at Cape May Clambake at Beach Club. Which given Franklin's family's love of seafood should be a BIG hit. Franklin and I have never been here either, so it's another restaurant to cross off our Disney Bucket list. The plan would be to mosey over to Epcot after dinner for Illuminations (so Lala, Keith and Tanner would get to see it). And now, for today's countdown entry...

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 29 -- Empty Parks at Rope Drop

Here's something you have to know about me. I work at night (usually 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., sometimes later), so mornings don't exist in my universe except for when I'm at Disney. The allure of empty parks is enough to get me up REALLY early.

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I'm an early riser by nature (I'm awake by 5 am every day/weekends/holidays/vacation), so I also Love Love Love Rope Drop at the Parks!

Even better if it is EMH.

Of course it was PERFECT when you could collect FP all morning long, but even with that taken away, early birds still won't have to deal with crowds.

You have an exciting, ambitious day planned for Tanner and family at MK!

I'm glad to hear you are going to the Cape May at the Beach Club (one of my happy places). They are closing for refurb in July, for about a month, and people over on the BC board traveling in the summer are

 

[teekathepony]

A great first day plan! Definitely going to check out that Tumblr...

 

[Missyrose]

First some good news... Disney waived its ROFR on our Boardwalk Villas contract. For those of you not totally familiar with the DVC-buying process. If you're buying a contract via resale, once your offer is accepted by the seller, the contract is sent to Disney for review. If Disney believes the contract is being sold for below market value or if Disney has buyers who want to buy points for that home resort directly through Disney, Disney can exercise a first right of refusal. Luckily for us, they waived ROFR and now we can move on to closing! Time for a little celebration dancing.

And now, it's time for our plans for Thursday, March 8.

We'll start the day with breakfast at Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Franklin and I rented DVC points to stay there next October and we've never set foot in the resort, so we wanted to see it on this trip. Breakfast seemed like the perfect way to just pop in.

After breakfast, we'll mosey over to Epcot. We'll start the day off with a little flight.

Then take a spin around the Track (which Lala and Keith will because their passion is cars!).

And maybe a quick trip to Mars.

Of course, we'll hop on a few Tanner-friendly rides. He'll meet Figment for the first time.

And glide through Spaceship Earth.

And we'll definitely visit some friends in the Character Spot.

We have a lunch ADR at Le Cellier so I can get another bowl of...

Seriously, I have had dreams about the cheddar cheese soup. CANNOT WAIT!

We'll spend a good chunk of time during the afternoon exploring the Flower and Garden Festival and scoping out all the fun Disney topiaries! That evening we'll hop over to MK for the Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes. I have a feeling Tanner is going to LOVE the parade with all the lights. And now, on with the countdown...

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 28 -- Hot Fudge Sundae at Sci-Fi Dine-In

This one is totally thanks to Dee. She told me this dessert could NOT be missed and she was totally right. It was so yummy. The perfect cool-off snack on a hot day. Now, I've heard good things about the sundaes at The Plaza at MK, I can't wait to do a comparison test next month! ​

 

[natebenma]

on the Hot Fudge Sundae. I'm so glad I didn't steer you wrong on that one.

Your Thursday plans sound like a lot of fun! I can't believe you have never been to the AKL. So you are grabbing a CS breakfast at Mara? The breakfast buffet at Boma is really good. No characters, no chaos, regular breakfast items plus some with African flair. But if you have a lunch planned at Le Cellier, I can see going easy for breakfast.

I love the pictures you posted of attraction signs. I do that too!

 

[Missyrose]

on the Hot Fudge Sundae. I'm so glad I didn't steer you wrong on that one.

Your Thursday plans sound like a lot of fun! I can't believe you have never been to the AKL. So you are grabbing a CS breakfast at Mara? The breakfast buffet at Boma is really good. No characters, no chaos, regular breakfast items plus some with African flair. But if you have a lunch planned at Le Cellier, I can see going easy for breakfast.

I love the pictures you posted of attraction signs. I do that too!

I really, REALLY wanted to go to Boma for breakfast, but the extended family didn't relish the idea of a $25 breakfast buffet, so the compromise was Mara. I still get to see AKL, everyone gets a yummy breakfast. I will just have to wait until October to try Boma and its delicious offerings.

 

[Missyrose]

A month from now, it will be Friday March 9... our DHS day! We'll start the day with a quick breakfast at the rental house and get to DHS for rope drop. We'll take part in the running of the bulls, er, dash to Toy Story Mania. Franklin will grab the FPs, then we'll all hop in the standby line (which shouldn't be too long yet) for our first ride.

The big kids will take turns on the thrill rides.

Tower of Terror

Rock-N-Rollercoaster

And my personal fave, Star Tours.

We've got an early lunch ADR at Sci-Fi Dine-In.

An early lunch leaves our afternoon open for a couple of shows. One will definitely be Lights, Action, Motor (remember, Lala, Keith and Franklin love cars)

-- though I'm opting out of that show, I really don't want to sit through it again. I'll either head for the Animation Academy (which I've never done) or to Little Mermaid.

We'll head out of DHS and over to the Poly, where we have a 7:05 dinner ADR at 'Ohana!

And now for today's countdown entry!

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 27 -- Ice cream sandwich at Main Street Bakery

This snack is as ginormous as it is delicious. It's so big, the only real way to eat it is with a knife and fork.

 

[natebenma]

Make sure you have someone or someones to share that ice cream cookie sandwich. I attempted this during some solo MK time. SUGAR RUSH!

Speaking of solo time, great call on ditching LMA. I agree that once, or once every few years, is enough for this show.

I would love to see the results of your visit to Animation Academy. I have never done this, but would love to. Maybe I can get our group of 14 year old boys to skip a ride on RockNRollerCoaster to draw Donald Duck. What do you think?

I'm sure your group will have a blast at 'Ohana.

 

[Missyrose]

Make sure you have someone or someones to share that ice cream cookie sandwich. I attempted this during some solo MK time. SUGAR RUSH!

Franklin and I couldn't even finish the ice cream sandwich in the pictures. Maybe with five adults, we'll have a shot at making a dent.

Speaking of solo time, great call on ditching LMA. I agree that once, or once every few years, is enough for this show.

I would love to see the results of your visit to Animation Academy. I have never done this, but would love to. Maybe I can get our group of 14 year old boys to skip a ride on RockNRollerCoaster to draw Donald Duck. What do you think?

I wouldn't have high hopes for the my finished product at Animation Academy, I don't have an artistic bone in my body. When you ask the boys about AA, could you take some video of their reactions?

I'm sure your group will have a blast at 'Ohana.

Oh, my group will LOVE 'Ohana, it's a whole bunch of people who love to eat. It's the perfect setup.

 

[Missyrose]

Sigh, our month-out look brings us to the saddest day of any Disney trip -- departure day. But we have a dinner-time flight, so plenty of time left for Disney fun that day.

First up? A breakfast with Mickey and the gang at Chef Mickey's. It's a first-time restaurant for everyone, so it should be a lot of fun. Lala loves Mickey, and she is totally excited for the character breakfast.

The rest of the day is totally up in the air. We have an early breakfast ADR (7:30 a.m.), so we could easily make it to MK for rope drop if there are any lingering ride requests. Or we could spend some time in the World Showcase enjoying the Flower and Garden festival. At some point, we'll make our way over to DTD for some lunch and a little shopping.

And then, far too soon, it will be time to head to the airport. Another magical Disney vacation in the books.

I promise the countdown entry will more than make up for the lack of pictures thus far in the chapter....

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 26 -- The shows

One of the things that truly sets Disney apart from other parks is its spectacular shows. The sets and costumes are gorgeous. The songs are always incredible. The shows also make a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. And the remarkable thing is that I love the Disney shows this much BEFORE I've even seen the one everyone says is the best (Festival of the Lion King)!

And now, a look at my favorite shows...

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Beauty and the Beast

Finding Nemo

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[Missyrose]

30 Things I LOVE About Disney World

No. 25 -- Exploring the resorts

When you grow up visiting Disney and staying at offsite hotels, you think “a hotel is just a hotel, right?” But once you see the magic that is the Disney resorts, that whole thought flies right out the window. The Disney resorts are gorgeous and so wonderfully detailed. I love exploring new hotels and can’t wait to add two more to my list in March: Animal Kingdom Lodge and Beach Club! But here are some shots of the resorts I’ve already explored.

Contemporary Resort

Polynesian

Grand Floridian

Boardwalk

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[natebenma]

I wouldn't have high hopes for the my finished product at Animation Academy, I don't have an artistic bone in my body. When you ask the boys about AA, could you take some video of their reactions?

Right after the boys and I do Animation Academy, I'll suggest that we head over to Little Mermaid or Beauty & the Beast. They can choose.

Shows: This is one of my biggest trip bummers!!! My normal travel companions, my DH and two sons, prefer the rides to shows. I had to beg them to see Lion King and bribe them (with a Disney trip) only if they would go see Finding Nemo (we already had the trip booked. BWAHAHAHA) I think I can just forget about ever seeing Flights of Wonder (have you seen this? I hear it is really good).

At least I will have amazing show pictures to look at when you get back from your trip!

Resort Hopping: COOL!!! I love the atmosphere at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is absolutely breathtaking. I'll have to see if I can come up with some interesting Beach Club/Yacht Club tidbits for you. Here's two:

There is a globe in the Yacht Club lobby. Try and find the Hidden Mickey.

There is a bank of 4 elevators in the hallway of the BC lobby on the way into the BC Marketplace. One of these elevators is a false front. There used to be a switchboard office positioned behind it.