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

[Missyrose]

On my quest to find an ‘Ohana ADR, I managed to snag a late-dinner one for the 14th. Instead of hopping to Epcot for Illuminations after DHS that day, we’ll now head to the Poly to watch Wishes from the beach and then head to a 9:40 dinner at ‘Ohana!

I’m still going to try for the ‘Ohana ADR on the 15th, so we can still fit in Illuminations on the 14th. But if that doesn’t work, we’ll still get our first taste of ‘Ohana on this trip! Yesssssss!

I also had been planning on eating breakfast at Roaring Fork each morning before heading to the parks (save for the last morning, when we have a Crystal Palace ADR).

Then it dawned on me that at Wilderness Lodge we’d have a boat to the Contemporary, which would give us easy access to the restaurants at that resort as well as the other ones on the monorail loop. So, with that in mind, I planned for a breakfast at Contempo Cafe and another at Capt. Cook’s.

When Franklin and I got home from dinner last night I wanted to show him the breakfast menus to make sure he was cool with the idea. When we started to click through the menus, I realized that with the Tables in Wonderland card we were planning to buy, the TS restaurants in those hotels would be the same price and may even be a couple of bucks cheaper than the CS (even with the automatic gratuity tacked on). We priced out some sample meals and sure enough, TIW saved us a few bucks at TS.

This meant more ADR’s! One for breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe and another for Kona Cafe, both are at 7:30 a.m. (oy! ). I looked at our schedule and realized that I’d booked us to go to GFC for BOTH breakfast and dinner on the 15th. Oops! So I swapped out the GFC dinner ADR for one at The Wave at the Contemporary.

I’ve heard really great things about all these restaurants I’ve added. And Franklin is super-excited to try the Tonga Toast at the Poly! What do you guys think about these new additions?

 

[natebenma]

Congrats on gettting the 'Ohana ADR and on breakfast at Kona- that is one of my all time favorite meals.

In fact I am going to post some morning food porn in my TR in response to your post...

I loved watching the fireworks from the Poly Beach (and the Electrical Water Pagent, too, it was very cute). It was so nice watching the shows without being surrounded by the massive crowds.

I have never eaten at the GFC or The Wave, but I have read great things about both of these places, so you are continuing along the path to a most excellent trip!

 

[Missyrose]

Congrats on gettting the 'Ohana ADR and on breakfast at Kona- that is one of my all time favorite meals.

In fact I am going to post some morning food porn in my TR in response to your post...

I loved watching the fireworks from the Poly Beach (and the Electrical Water Pagent, too, it was very cute). It was so nice watching the shows without being surrounded by the massive crowds.

I have never eaten at the GFC or The Wave, but I have read great things about both of these places, so you are continuing along the path to a most excellent trip!

Thanks for putting up the photos of your Kona breakfast. Oh my gosh! Thank goodness we looked at them right before going out to dinner, because they made us soooooo hungry!

I was going to keep trying for an 'Ohana ADR for the 15th instead of the 14th, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that doing 'Ohana late on the 14th would work out soooooo much better and create considerably less rushing than an early ADR on the 15th would. Now we can come back from DHS on the 14th and enjoy the resort/go swimming. Then shower and head to the Poly for Wishes/dinner!

I love it when the universe can outsmart this planner

 

[teekathepony]

Wow, how awesome, everything is coming together for you so well and so fast!

 

[Missyrose]

Wow, how awesome, everything is coming together for you so well and so fast!

Thanks! I really feel like someone sprinkled some serious Pixie Dust on me, everything is shaping up so well!

I'm woefully behind on your PTR, but I'm planning to catch up today. See you over there.

 

[Missyrose]

Now that my ADR’s are set I’ve been able to sit back and take a few deep breaths about the October trip. And it made me realize that Franklin and I are going to have quite a few “Disney firsts” on the trip. Let’s take a look, shall we?

First onsite stay:
This is the biggie! And so unexpected, too! Like I talked about waaaaaay back in an earlier post about where we’re staying in March, I’ve always wanted to stay onsite, but never had things come together for one reason or another. Now, they finally are. And not only am we staying onsite, we’re staying Deluxe, baby!

First time on DME:
Wednesday night at dinner, I was going over some of the schedule with Franklin. And when I was explaining the arrival day I said “we’ll get in and go to the Magical Express check-in.”
Franklin said, “Is that before or after we pick up our luggage?” Hahahaha, ye of little Disney knowledge...the DME will pick up our luggage FOR US, silly! It’s such a cool concept, that they’ll pick up your luggage and it will magically appear in your room a few hours later...so cool!

First Photopass CD:
We’ve just relied on the photopass photographers taking a photo with our camera on past trips, but this trip, we’ve decided to preorder a Photopass CD! Between the Halloween party (and all the character meet and greets that go along with it) and the fact that we have Kelley’s family to share the cost of the CD with us, it seemed like a no-brainer. For those of you who are Photopass veterans, what are some of your favorite magic shots to try?

First time relying on Disney transportation:
This one worries me a bit. I’ve read so much griping on these boards about the bus system over the years. But in putting together my schedule, I’m trying to cut down on the number of busses we need to take. I’m hoping the boat from WL to MK (and also the one to CR) are pretty good, because that gives us pretty good access to the Monorail, as well as Epcot and MK. Our only real “bus” day would be our DHS day. So readers, what are your thoughts on the Disney busses? Am I filled with trepidation for no reason?

First-time feasts:
All of my ADR’s are to places we’ve never been before! Well, technically we’ve been to Kona Cafe for dinner, but this time we’re going for breakfast, so I think it still counts as a first. I’m most excited to try Le Cellier, ‘Ohana and Cali Grill; though for the life of me, I can’t pick any of my ADR’s that I’m NOT excited to try.

First MNSSHP:
Even though we went to Disney in October last year, we didn’t get to a Halloween Party. This year, Kelley convinced us to go to the party on arrival day with them! Now that we’ve bought tickets, I’ve begun to read all those MNSSHP threads I’d ignored previously and I have to say, I’m pretty geeked out about the party. So far, the big things Franklin and I want to accomplish include the parade and fireworks (duh, that’s the whole point, right?), getting a photo with the dwarves and going to one of the villain shows/meet and greet. I’m sure as the first parties get underway and the details begin to leak out, we’ll add to our to-do list. But in the meantime, what are your favorite party activities?

First AP’s:
The math works out that it’s cheaper for us to get AP’s instead MYW tickets for each trip (or even no expiration tickets). This is awesome because it also will allow us to get a Tables In Wonderland card for all that fabulous dining we’ll be doing. It also gives me reason to dream of a bounceback offer so we can fit in one more trip before our AP’s expire next October.

First time going to Disney with friends:
Last year, though we had friends with us in Orlando, they never went to Disney with us. It was just Franklin and I on our Disney days. So to be going with Mike, Kelley and the boys on this trip is super-duper exciting. Not only do I have a buddy to do all my planning with, but I get to go to Disney with someone who loves the World as much as me! Plus, I can't wait to see her boys at WDW, they're gonna be soooooo cute!

So readers, those are the big firsts of my trip, what do you think? What are some of your favorite memories of your own Disney firsts?

 

[natebenma]

Now that my ADR’s are set I’ve been able to sit back and take a few deep breaths about the October trip. And it made me realize that Franklin and I are going to have quite a few “Disney firsts” on the trip. Let’s take a look, shall we?

First onsite stay:
My favorite onsite perk is the Extra Magic Hours- we always use the early hour for park guests only, but you may be more late EMH people

First time on DME:
There is no other description for this other than "WICKED AWESOME!"
Translation for those who are not from the Boston Area. DME ROCKS!


First Photopass CD:
Unsolicited Photopass suggestions:

Have the photographer take a photo with your camera also (our RocknRollercoaster photos never made it to our photopass account)

Take a photo of the back of your photopass card(s) in case you misplace one. You can easily access the photos on this card by knowing the number.

First time relying on Disney transportation:
The only issue we ever had with the bus system is the bus FROM DTD to any resort. This always takes forever. The rest of the time we have not had any issues.

I followed another TR (Dr Jones and the Spitting Camel)- she said that the WL shared a bus with the GF. This was a July trip. Have you heard anything about this? Have you started hanging out on the WL resort FAQ board?

First-time feasts:
Gonna be yummy!!!

First MNSSHP:
Never been

First AP’s:
Sounds great! Everyone I know who has the TIW card loves i!


First time going to Disney with friends:

Here's my input.

 

[teekathepony]

Now that my ADR’s are set I’ve been able to sit back and take a few deep breaths about the October trip. And it made me realize that Franklin and I are going to have quite a few “Disney firsts” on the trip. Let’s take a look, shall we?

First onsite stay:
This is the biggie! And so unexpected, too! Like I talked about waaaaaay back in an earlier post about where we’re staying in March, I’ve always wanted to stay onsite, but never had things come together for one reason or another. Now, they finally are. And not only am we staying onsite, we’re staying Deluxe, baby!
I love love love love love on site. Oh man, I stayed off once, and won't do it again if I can help it haha. Some day I'm gonna try a deluxe too!

First time on DME:
Wednesday night at dinner, I was going over some of the schedule with Franklin. And when I was explaining the arrival day I said “we’ll get in and go to the Magical Express check-in.”
Franklin said, “Is that before or after we pick up our luggage?” Hahahaha, ye of little Disney knowledge...the DME will pick up our luggage FOR US, silly! It’s such a cool concept, that they’ll pick up your luggage and it will magically appear in your room a few hours later...so cool!
My first experience, they lost my luggage. My mom and dad's suitcases both showed up and they had lost mine. They found it late the next day, but I had no clothes/toiletries/etc for that first night and morning. I was mad. The next two times using it however, everyone's luggage arrived and far earlier than expected! So I guess my first time was just a glitch.

First Photopass CD:
We’ve just relied on the photopass photographers taking a photo with our camera on past trips, but this trip, we’ve decided to preorder a Photopass CD! Between the Halloween party (and all the character meet and greets that go along with it) and the fact that we have Kelley’s family to share the cost of the CD with us, it seemed like a no-brainer. For those of you who are Photopass veterans, what are some of your favorite magic shots to try?
I'm not personally a fan of the magic shots, I just want pictures. If I had kids, I would probably like them a lot more. I've done baby simba and tinkerbell, and the princess and the frog (which was cute, I'll admit).

First time relying on Disney transportation:
This one worries me a bit. I’ve read so much griping on these boards about the bus system over the years. But in putting together my schedule, I’m trying to cut down on the number of busses we need to take. I’m hoping the boat from WL to MK (and also the one to CR) are pretty good, because that gives us pretty good access to the Monorail, as well as Epcot and MK. Our only real “bus” day would be our DHS day. So readers, what are your thoughts on the Disney busses? Am I filled with trepidation for no reason?
I love the Disney transportation. It's just so easy! They navigate for you, no parking, no maps! I guess it depends on whether you're easy going or in a rush. I tend to relax and let others go ahead of me if they're pushing -- we're all going to get there eventually and I have no need to get there first. So I just take my time waiting for buses -- looking around at scenery or people watching. Some people complain when they have to wait just 5 minutes and some people hate to see another resort or park get two buses before they get one. But you'll certainly never please everyone. I've never waited more than the promised 20 minutes (except once when we had a rushed ADR and the bus broke down. ) and usually the wait is much less. Sometimes you get a seat and sometimes not, it never bothered me since the rides are always short.

First-time feasts:
All of my ADR’s are to places we’ve never been before! Well, technically we’ve been to Kona Cafe for dinner, but this time we’re going for breakfast, so I think it still counts as a first. I’m most excited to try Le Cellier, ‘Ohana and Cali Grill; though for the life of me, I can’t pick any of my ADR’s that I’m NOT excited to try.
Exciting indeed! The only one of those I've done is Le Cellier and it was amazing. (One of the servers graduated high school with me, so I had a fun time as well as loving the food!)

First MNSSHP:
Even though we went to Disney in October last year, we didn’t get to a Halloween Party. This year, Kelley convinced us to go to the party on arrival day with them! Now that we’ve bought tickets, I’ve begun to read all those MNSSHP threads I’d ignored previously and I have to say, I’m pretty geeked out about the party. So far, the big things Franklin and I want to accomplish include the parade and fireworks (duh, that’s the whole point, right?), getting a photo with the dwarves and going to one of the villain shows/meet and greet. I’m sure as the first parties get underway and the details begin to leak out, we’ll add to our to-do list. But in the meantime, what are your favorite party activities?
I didn't enjoy the MNSSHP when I went with my parents, but I think I just didn't understand how it all worked. The parade I watched was ridiculously crowded and I just didn't see enough to make it worth the extra money. However, I went to the MVMCP last year against my own judgment and adored it. I think the difference was that I wasn't with my dad who tends to complain and make the worst of things. So my biggest piece of advice is to thoroughly enjoy what you're doing! lmao Other things we did differently were that we did the later parade and just chilled out, enjoying the different sights and little shows and characters. So yeah, it's all about what you make of it.

First AP’s:
The math works out that it’s cheaper for us to get AP’s instead MYW tickets for each trip (or even no expiration tickets). This is awesome because it also will allow us to get a Tables In Wonderland card for all that fabulous dining we’ll be doing. It also gives me reason to dream of a bounceback offer so we can fit in one more trip before our AP’s expire next October.
That is exciting and something I want to look into myself.

First time going to Disney with friends:
Last year, though we had friends with us in Orlando, they never went to Disney with us. It was just Franklin and I on our Disney days. So to be going with Mike, Kelley and the boys on this trip is super-duper exciting. Not only do I have a buddy to do all my planning with, but I get to go to Disney with someone who loves the World as much as me! Plus, I can't wait to see her boys at WDW, they're gonna be soooooo cute!
I'm excited for this too, in September it will be my first time going with friends also! I'm anxious to see what kind of difference it will make, I'm sure it's going to be a blast for us, and for you too!
So readers, those are the big firsts of my trip, what do you think? What are some of your favorite memories of your own Disney firsts?

My favourite ever Disney first was kind of not mine. I wish I had caught on video my DH's first time seeing Epcot. He just stopped and stared and his jaw fell open and he pointed to Spaceship Earth and said "that's it!" and I knew exactly what he meant. What a great moment.

Oops! Sorry for the novel here.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm here and subscribing! Can't wait to go back and read about your plans!!!

 

[rafikifan2911]

Missy---

Ive having so much fun reading your ptr!!! I hope we can meet up at the halloween party!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Now that my ADR’s are set I’ve been able to sit back and take a few deep breaths about the October trip. And it made me realize that Franklin and I are going to have quite a few “Disney firsts” on the trip. Let’s take a look, shall we?

First onsite stay:
This is the biggie! And so unexpected, too! Like I talked about waaaaaay back in an earlier post about where we’re staying in March, I’ve always wanted to stay onsite, but never had things come together for one reason or another. Now, they finally are. And not only am we staying onsite, we’re staying Deluxe, baby!
Our first DVC rental was at OKW and it prompted us to go ahead and become members! A choice we have not regretted since we have continued to add-on and add-on....:laughing:
First time on DME:
Wednesday night at dinner, I was going over some of the schedule with Franklin. And when I was explaining the arrival day I said “we’ll get in and go to the Magical Express check-in.”
Franklin said, “Is that before or after we pick up our luggage?” Hahahaha, ye of little Disney knowledge...the DME will pick up our luggage FOR US, silly! It’s such a cool concept, that they’ll pick up your luggage and it will magically appear in your room a few hours later...so cool!
DME so magical when you arrive, so hateful when they take you back to the airport.
First Photopass CD:
We’ve just relied on the photopass photographers taking a photo with our camera on past trips, but this trip, we’ve decided to preorder a Photopass CD! Between the Halloween party (and all the character meet and greets that go along with it) and the fact that we have Kelley’s family to share the cost of the CD with us, it seemed like a no-brainer. For those of you who are Photopass veterans, what are some of your favorite magic shots to try?
I would be sure to ask every photo pass photographer what magic shots they have, and go for them! You can never have enough pictures on your card!
First time relying on Disney transportation:
This one worries me a bit. I’ve read so much griping on these boards about the bus system over the years. But in putting together my schedule, I’m trying to cut down on the number of busses we need to take. I’m hoping the boat from WL to MK (and also the one to CR) are pretty good, because that gives us pretty good access to the Monorail, as well as Epcot and MK. Our only real “bus” day would be our DHS day. So readers, what are your thoughts on the Disney busses? Am I filled with trepidation for no reason?
I'm just not a fan of Disney transportation. I understand the need for it but I see it as a giant black hole of wasted time. I beg, beg, beg, for a rental car. A good GPS with the right program will get you around with no problems at all! If you play your cards right you can get a really good deal on a rental. With our DVC we have free valet parking and free park parking so that's a perk!
First-time feasts:
All of my ADR’s are to places we’ve never been before! Well, technically we’ve been to Kona Cafe for dinner, but this time we’re going for breakfast, so I think it still counts as a first. I’m most excited to try Le Cellier, ‘Ohana and Cali Grill; though for the life of me, I can’t pick any of my ADR’s that I’m NOT excited to try.
I'd be super excited for them too! Sci-Fi is fun to see but I wasn't a fan of the food. I know you will enjoy the experience! Here's a tip on one of my favorite lunches at DHS. Sharing the Cobb Salad for two at Hollywood Brown Derby and having my own Creme' Brule! If you are on the dining plan, just pay OOP.
First MNSSHP:
Even though we went to Disney in October last year, we didn’t get to a Halloween Party. This year, Kelley convinced us to go to the party on arrival day with them! Now that we’ve bought tickets, I’ve begun to read all those MNSSHP threads I’d ignored previously and I have to say, I’m pretty geeked out about the party. So far, the big things Franklin and I want to accomplish include the parade and fireworks (duh, that’s the whole point, right?), getting a photo with the dwarves and going to one of the villain shows/meet and greet. I’m sure as the first parties get underway and the details begin to leak out, we’ll add to our to-do list. But in the meantime, what are your favorite party activities?
We don't trick or treat, the candy isn't very good. We much prefer spending time on the character greets. Don't miss out on the dance party at Diamond Horseshoe over in Frontierland! Fun! Fun!
First AP’s:
The math works out that it’s cheaper for us to get AP’s instead MYW tickets for each trip (or even no expiration tickets). This is awesome because it also will allow us to get a Tables In Wonderland card for all that fabulous dining we’ll be doing. It also gives me reason to dream of a bounceback offer so we can fit in one more trip before our AP’s expire next October.
We LOVE our APs! Always a reason to take one more trip! No more dining plan for us unless we are taking a large group like at Christmas. We are going with nine.... We have the TIW card and always use it!
First time going to Disney with friends:
Last year, though we had friends with us in Orlando, they never went to Disney with us. It was just Franklin and I on our Disney days. So to be going with Mike, Kelley and the boys on this trip is super-duper exciting. Not only do I have a buddy to do all my planning with, but I get to go to Disney with someone who loves the World as much as me! Plus, I can't wait to see her boys at WDW, they're gonna be soooooo cute!
We travel with a friend, Jen. She is a blast to go with. We also have several other friends that meet us in the world. Next summer we have friends, MeMom and crew, that will meet us in Vero Beach and stay with us for a night or two, so we have booked a two bedroom villa!
So readers, those are the big firsts of my trip, what do you think? What are some of your favorite memories of your own Disney firsts?

I think you are going to have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[Missyrose]

First onsite stay:
My favorite onsite perk is the Extra Magic Hours- we always use the early hour for park guests only, but you may be more late EMH people

I was sooooo looking forward to being able to do EMH, but none of it works for our schedule! The ONLY evening EMH during our dates is on the 17th at MK, but EMH will start a couple of hours AFTER we take off from MCO, boo!

There's a couple of morning EMH's at AK, but we're not planning on going to that park. And DHS works better in our schedule on its non-EMH morning, so oh well, just another reason to plan a return trip (onsite again!).

The upside to not having morning EMH's to rush off to is we're going to have some nice TS breakfasts at the monorail resorts!

First time on DME:
There is no other description for this other than "WICKED AWESOME!"
Translation for those who are not from the Boston Area. DME ROCKS!

I know DME is Disney's way of keeping you in their "bubble" with no means of escape, but it is a VERY cool service they provide.

First Photopass CD:
Unsolicited Photopass suggestions:

Have the photographer take a photo with your camera also (our RocknRollercoaster photos never made it to our photopass account)

Take a photo of the back of your photopass card(s) in case you misplace one. You can easily access the photos on this card by knowing the number.

Thanks for the tips! I need all the Photopass help I can get.

First time relying on Disney transportation:
The only issue we ever had with the bus system is the bus FROM DTD to any resort. This always takes forever. The rest of the time we have not had any issues.

I followed another TR (Dr Jones and the Spitting Camel)- she said that the WL shared a bus with the GF. This was a July trip. Have you heard anything about this? Have you started hanging out on the WL resort FAQ board?

I LOVED Cynthia's TR! Yes, from the research I've done, it looks like WL does share buses with FW (which makes sense) and GF (seems totally random).

I think I've managed to create a schedule where the only times we will be truly reliant on the bus is on our DHS day. Otherwise, I'm hoping to utilize the boat to MK and the boat to CR (to then hop on the monorail).

I have started hanging out on the WL FAQ thread, everyone there is so nice and so helpful!

First MNSSHP:
Never been

You'll get to go to an MNSSHP soon, I know it!

First AP’s:
Sounds great! Everyone I know who has the TIW card loves i!

We're loving the fact that alcohol is included in the 20 percent off!

First onsite stay:
I love love love love love on site. Oh man, I stayed off once, and won't do it again if I can help it haha. Some day I'm gonna try a deluxe too!

Since I'm now planning both an onsite trip AND an offsite trip, I have to say it seems like very different vacations. It does seem like I have to plan more for the onsite stay, since we have no car we'll be captive to Disney for all our meals -- which has meant more ADR's than we have for our trip in March.

I'm so excited to go Deluxe! Though I'm a little worried it might spoil me for future onsite stays.

First time on DME:
My first experience, they lost my luggage. My mom and dad's suitcases both showed up and they had lost mine. They found it late the next day, but I had no clothes/toiletries/etc for that first night and morning. I was mad. The next two times using it however, everyone's luggage arrived and far earlier than expected! So I guess my first time was just a glitch.

I'm definitely planning to pack anything I may need for the first day in my carry-on. I know there aren't many glitches with DME, but I want to be prepared anyway!

First Photopass CD:
I'm not personally a fan of the magic shots, I just want pictures. If I had kids, I would probably like them a lot more. I've done baby simba and tinkerbell, and the princess and the frog (which was cute, I'll admit).

I am a little worried about looking stupid while we shoot magic shots, maybe we'll save those for when Kelley's boys are around.

First time relying on Disney transportation:
I love the Disney transportation. It's just so easy! They navigate for you, no parking, no maps! I guess it depends on whether you're easy going or in a rush. I tend to relax and let others go ahead of me if they're pushing -- we're all going to get there eventually and I have no need to get there first. So I just take my time waiting for buses -- looking around at scenery or people watching. Some people complain when they have to wait just 5 minutes and some people hate to see another resort or park get two buses before they get one. But you'll certainly never please everyone. I've never waited more than the promised 20 minutes (except once when we had a rushed ADR and the bus broke down. ) and usually the wait is much less. Sometimes you get a seat and sometimes not, it never bothered me since the rides are always short.

Thanks! It's nice to hear that not EVERYONE hates the bus system!

First-time feasts:
Exciting indeed! The only one of those I've done is Le Cellier and it was amazing. (One of the servers graduated high school with me, so I had a fun time as well as loving the food!)

Sooooo excited about Le Cellier, though Franklin and I have already talked about not going overboard with eating at that lunch because we still want to have room for F&W noshing that afternoon.

First MNSSHP:
I didn't enjoy the MNSSHP when I went with my parents, but I think I just didn't understand how it all worked. The parade I watched was ridiculously crowded and I just didn't see enough to make it worth the extra money. However, I went to the MVMCP last year against my own judgment and adored it. I think the difference was that I wasn't with my dad who tends to complain and make the worst of things. So my biggest piece of advice is to thoroughly enjoy what you're doing! lmao Other things we did differently were that we did the later parade and just chilled out, enjoying the different sights and little shows and characters. So yeah, it's all about what you make of it.

I'm sorry to hear you didn't like MNSSHP, I can see how it would be difficult to digest if you didn't really know what you were doing. Kelley and I have already planned to sit down once the first parties happen and create a game plan for our evening so we'll know what we want to do. Yes, we're planning to make a plan...thank goodness we both love planning!

First AP’s:
That is exciting and something I want to look into myself.

I'm excited to get our AP's, though they do make it so tempting to plan extra trips.

First time going to Disney with friends:
I'm excited for this too, in September it will be my first time going with friends also! I'm anxious to see what kind of difference it will make, I'm sure it's going to be a blast for us, and for you too!

My favourite ever Disney first was kind of not mine. I wish I had caught on video my DH's first time seeing Epcot. He just stopped and stared and his jaw fell open and he pointed to Spaceship Earth and said "that's it!" and I knew exactly what he meant. What a great moment.

Oops! Sorry for the novel here.

Novels are good! I all the help I can get from my awesome readers!
I felt the same way when I took Franklin on his first trip to the World in 2009. Just seeing everything through his first-timers eyes made me really appreciate everything even more!

Missy---

Ive having so much fun reading your ptr!!! I hope we can meet up at the halloween party!!!

Afton! Thanks for joining in! I hope we can meet up too.

First onsite stay:
Our first DVC rental was at OKW and it prompted us to go ahead and become members! A choice we have not regretted since we have continued to add-on and add-on....

Hi Wigdoutdismom! Thanks for joining in! I saw your treasure trove of TR's that I want to start to wade through. Do you have a favorite trip that I should start with?

Staying onsite is clearly the first step in a journey toward DVC. What you described is what I fear: Once you start, you just can't stop!

First time on DME:
DME so magical when you arrive, so hateful when they take you back to the airport.

I'm NOT looking forward to the Magical Depress taking us back to the airport.

First Photopass CD:
I would be sure to ask every photo pass photographer what magic shots they have, and go for them! You can never have enough pictures on your card!

Thanks for the great tip!

First time relying on Disney transportation:
I'm just not a fan of Disney transportation. I understand the need for it but I see it as a giant black hole of wasted time. I beg, beg, beg, for a rental car. A good GPS with the right program will get you around with no problems at all! If you play your cards right you can get a really good deal on a rental. With our DVC we have free valet parking and free park parking so that's a perk!

This trip will be our experiment to see how we do without a car. We've never minded having to drive to and from the parks before. But now we'll see if that's something we actually prefer!

First-time feasts:
I'd be super excited for them too! Sci-Fi is fun to see but I wasn't a fan of the food. I know you will enjoy the experience! Here's a tip on one of my favorite lunches at DHS. Sharing the Cobb Salad for two at Hollywood Brown Derby and having my own Creme' Brule! If you are on the dining plan, just pay OOP.

I've headed all the warnings about Sci-Fi's kinda blah food. I know we're only really going for the experience and not for "the greatest meal we've ever eaten." We've done 50's PTC twice in two trips, so it was time to try something new.
The Brown Derby lunch sounds amazing and Franklin's absolute FAVORITE dessert is creme brulee! I'll have to keep that in mind for another trip.

First MNSSHP:
We don't trick or treat, the candy isn't very good. We much prefer spending time on the character greets. Don't miss out on the dance party at Diamond Horseshoe over in Frontierland! Fun! Fun!

Thanks for the trick-or-treating tip. I hadn't even thought about doing the dance party, was it fun for adults as well as kids?

First AP’s:
We LOVE our APs! Always a reason to take one more trip! No more dining plan for us unless we are taking a large group like at Christmas. We are going with nine.... We have the TIW card and always use it!

The dining plan never really appealed to us because we'd rather eat where we want. So TIW seems prefect!

First time going to Disney with friends:
We travel with a friend, Jen. She is a blast to go with. We also have several other friends that meet us in the world. Next summer we have friends, MeMom and crew, that will meet us in Vero Beach and stay with us for a night or two, so we have booked a two bedroom villa! I think you are going to have a wonderful trip!!!

Wow! That sounds like an awesome beach trip you have planned. I'm excited to experience the World with friends. Franklin and I just traveled to Europe this summer and we met up with friends in a couple of different cities and it made for some really fun adventures!

 

[natebenma]

We enjoy eating at the Sci Fi. Mostly for the atmosphere. The food is not gourmet- but decent enough hamburgers. The Reuben sandwich was good.

Under no circumstances are you to order the shrimp pasta. This was the worst thing I have ever eaten at the World! Nasty! Why did I get it? IDK

And better still- an incredible Hot Fudge Sundae makes up for any woes!

 

[natebenma]

Server issue- duplicate post. Sorry!

 

[PirateKate]

Hi! That's a lot of firsts to be excited about in October. I think the most exciting might be staying onsite for the first time. There's nothing like being on Disney property for the entire time. I always loved Disney transportation, because it's so easy, but when you travel with babies, it's better to drive.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Missyrose]

We enjoy eating at the Sci Fi. Mostly for the atmosphere. The food is not gourmet- but decent enough hamburgers. The Reuben sandwich was good.

Under no circumstances are you to order the shrimp pasta. This was the worst thing I have ever eaten at the World! Nasty! Why did I get it? IDK

And better still- an incredible Hot Fudge Sundae makes up for any woes!

Hot fudge sundae!! They're my favorite! I don't care what I eat for lunch as long as I get finish my meal with one of those.

Hi! That's a lot of firsts to be excited about in October. I think the most exciting might be staying onsite for the first time. There's nothing like being on Disney property for the entire time. I always loved Disney transportation, because it's so easy, but when you travel with babies, it's better to drive.

Can't wait to read more!

Hi Kate! I've been slowly making my way through your TR, your boys are soooo cute! Those blonde curls!
I'm impressed you could deal with two kids on your own in the World, even just for a few days.
Thanks for reading.

 

[Missyrose]

So Kelley and I have been getting together for Tuesday lunch/Disney planning dates as our trip grows closer. I can’t believe we’re only 50 days away!!!!

Yesterday, we had a bigger goal than just Disney planning -- we had a project to work on: decorating our Mousekeeping envelopes!

I bought plain white envelopes from Michael’s and a ton of Disney stickers. The plan was Kelley would write “Thank You Mousekeeping!” on each envelope and I would help her twin boys, Ryan and Jack, "decorate" with the stickers.

They turned out great! And this was waaaaay more fun than printing out pre-made Mousekeeping envelopes.

Once she put the boys down for a nap, we got down to the planning. At work on Monday night, I had a bit of a planning panic. You see, we have a Sci-Fi ADR for 12:20 on October 14th. But I finally got around to looking up showtimes for DHS and saw that there are only two Lights, Action, Motor shows a day: one at 1:20 and the other at 4:30.

Neither Franklin and I, nor Kelley and her family were planning to be at DHS late enough into the day to go to a 4:30 show. So 1:20 was the only option for the Lightning McQueen-crazed boys in our group (Franklin, Ryan and Jack).

There’s no way we’d get seated and finish lunch at our 12:20 ADR in time to get seats for a 1:20 show, so luckily, I was able to grab an 11:05 a.m. ADR for Sci-Fi, which should give us a good cushion for the show. Phew, crisis averted.

As we got to talking about Kelley’s parks plan, the whole house began to shake. It was an earthquake. Crazy! It ended up being the first sizable quake in the D.C. area since the 1800’s. I’d lived through one in Los Angeles when I went to school out there, but this was the first for almost everyone I know. Luckily everything was fine with my house and everyone I know and love. Though some buildings in downtown D.C. are closed because of damage, including the Washington Monument.

So what started as a pretty routine afternoon of Disney planning, turned a little epic. But we still got our Disney work done!

What do you guys think of the Mousekeeping envelopes? Do you usually leave tips for Mousekeeping? And if you don’t mind sharing, how much?

 

[wigdoutdismom]

The dance party is fun if you know the line dances. Last year it was the Toy Story Gang and so much fun...
I'm thinking it was Cotton Eyed Joe, Cha Cha slide, and Cupid Shuffle...

 

[Missyrose]

The dance party is fun if you know the line dances. Last year it was the Toy Story Gang and so much fun...
I'm thinking it was Cotton Eyed Joe, Cha Cha slide, and Cupid Shuffle...

That sounds like fun! I think we just might have to check it out.

I have big news coming, so stay tuned for the announcement this afternoon...

 

[Missyrose]

The crazy, whirlwind planning continues... Franklin and I got the chance to switch our reservation to the Poly and we grabbed it!

I'm a little bummed because I'd heard such wonderful things about Wilderness Lodge, but being AT THE POLY will totally make up for it! Right now we're booked in a Garden View room for the first night and then a Lagoon View room for the rest of the stay, hopefully a Lagoon View room will open up with our discount between now and check-in, but if not, we'll make it work.

I'm sooooooo excited to be at a monorail resort, it's going to make getting everywhere so easy! And I'm putting in a request for the Tahiti building, which will put us less than two minutes away from the TTC... direct access to MK and Epcot, baby!

We were already scheduled to eat at the Poly twice during our trip, so the move makes that even more convenient. And everyone seems to love, love, LOVE this resort, so I'm excited to see why.

Now I've got even more reading to do -- I've started to plow through the 1,000+-post Poly thread over on the resort boards and I'm hoping to track down a couple of TR from people who stayed there.

My totally awesome TA (Hi Brook ) suggested that now that we're using an AP discount we could add the dining plan if the numbers work. So now I'm off to figure out if that's at all worth it. Anyone out there have any thoughts or concerns about figuring out whether to use the DDP? I'm so freakin' lost, I'll take any help you guys can give. Thanks!