"I Want To Go Back!!!"....a Sept 2010 PTR(upd 10/12-TR Started!)

[Dancegrl624]

Hello Readers! After a very crazy weekend, I have returned to you. Before I talk Disney, I'll fill you in on my weekend.

Saturday
As I mentioned in my intro, I'm a member of a professional dance team. Before the game on Saturday, we hosted a dance clinic for girls ages 7-17. It went from 11am-3pm and we had about 35 girls show up. They learned one of our sideline routines, some basic stunting (even though we're not cheerleaders) and some dance/cheer technique. They got to eat lunch with us, "perform" on the field in front of their parents and they each received a mini duffel bag with our logo embroidered on the side of it. Madison came with me and she, like all the other girls, had a ton of fun.

After the girls left, we had field practice (where we run through our 4 dances for the game) from 3:30-4:30pm. We then retreated to our dressing room and most of us took a nap!!! It had already been a very long day and we still had a game to prepare for. Once the game started (at 7:30pm) we had all gotten our second wind and we danced great. Plus, our team won!!! After the game, we head out to the post game party at a restaurant/bar not far from the arena. We decided to bring Madison with us since she had been at the game and she wanted some of the players autographs. She got to meet her 2 favorite players! We didn't get home until after midnight and we all fell asleep quickly.

Sunday
Maddie decided to wake up at 7:30am, but I made her go back to her room and lay down or read. That only lasted about an hour. So, by 9am, we were all awake (kind of). We hung out for awhile but then I had to get ready for an appearance. Myself and 3 other girls from the dance team went and performed at a little girls cheerleading banquet. It was a lot of fun and they were so cute! Upon returning home, I managed to take a quick nap. It didn't last long because I then had to get myself and Madison ready to go see "Riverdance." We were both so excited and the show did not disappoint. She really enjoyed watching all of the Irish dancers. It was a late night again for her because we didn't get home until almost 10pm!!

So there you have it folks. My ridiculously long and exhausting weekend. Now, onto Disney:

I've been trying to put together a schedule for our trip and it is really hard. We really want to see "Fantasmic" on this trip because none of us have ever seen it. It's only being shown twice while we're there, so it doesn't leave us many options. We are definately planning on doing MNSSHP and again, it's only on 2 nights. We've decided to do the one on Friday night because the other option is the night before we leave. I know that Friday will be busier than Tuesday, but we don't really have a choice. We also HAVE to see IllumiNations and Wishes. It's not a trip to Disney without them. Sooo....I'm now trying to fit all of our ADR's around all of those things I just listed. Once I get my list in better order, I will be sure to post it for all to see. Thank you all SO much for all of your input.

 

[swwake]

Sounds like a VERY busy weekend! Whew!

How did you find out the dates for MNSSHP? I have been looking for them (as well as the F&W dates.

 

[klacey1]

Congrats to Madison for getting to dance! I have tried to be proactive with GAD, but of the 10 places I intiated contact with, only one emailed me back. I submitted a formal application to them-- nothing. I emailed them again two weeks later, saying that I never heard back from them. Still nothing. So I'm kind of sour on the program-- glad that it worked out well for your family!
Whew-- it was one of "those" weekends for us, too. Just constant go-go-go! Sounds like you had fun, though! I saw Riverdance when I was in middle school in the city and LOVED it-- glad you guys enjoyed it, too!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Whew, that's a busy dancing weekend! I know you love it though!

That is interesting about the GAD promotion ending. I know I did hear something about 1,000,000...maybe on the planning DVD? When you think about it, though, the value of the tickets to Disney is theoretically in the neighborhood of $75 million (I know, people stay for a whole week, and sleep and eat and shop, but still). I wonder how many people used the free birthday tickets last year?

Ah scheduling can be a challenge. Sooo fun, though!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

wow, I'm tired just reading about your busy weekend!

It really is hard to plan the ADRs and all when you want to see evening shows at certain parks on certain days! We have done the Fantasmic package one year (Jan 09) and did not do it in Dec. 09. But, it was very crowded in December and we lined up (I want to say there were two shows - they changed the schedule rather late) with the masses. Because we were with two people that had scooters, we got to sit up in the top rows (center!) where the handicapped spots are. I think we waited about 1/2 hour for the show. Maybe a bit longer. But it's a great show and so worth it!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Congrats on the GAD promotion, we just complete it! It was such a good project, we just mailed our package this morning. I"m hoping I did everything right and we get our tickets.

Yea!!! I think it's a great promo and I'm glad to see that it has really motivated people to get out there and volunteer.

Sounds like a VERY busy weekend! Whew!

How did you find out the dates for MNSSHP? I have been looking for them (as well as the F&W dates.

I don't actually know the "offical" dates. I'm just basing it on the park hours. Since the party goes from 7pm-Midnight, I think it's safe to say that the party will be held on days the MK closes at 7pm. I think F&W starts on Oct 1st this year.

Congrats to Madison for getting to dance! I have tried to be proactive with GAD, but of the 10 places I intiated contact with, only one emailed me back. I submitted a formal application to them-- nothing. I emailed them again two weeks later, saying that I never heard back from them. Still nothing. So I'm kind of sour on the program-- glad that it worked out well for your family!
Whew-- it was one of "those" weekends for us, too. Just constant go-go-go! Sounds like you had fun, though! I saw Riverdance when I was in middle school in the city and LOVED it-- glad you guys enjoyed it, too!

That really stinks that the organization never got back to you. The craziness continues for us this weekend. Madison is in a parade on Sat and Sun, then she has 2 shows on Monday evening. It will be a weekend filled with lots of Irish dancing!

Whew, that's a busy dancing weekend! I know you love it though!

That is interesting about the GAD promotion ending. I know I did hear something about 1,000,000...maybe on the planning DVD? When you think about it, though, the value of the tickets to Disney is theoretically in the neighborhood of $75 million (I know, people stay for a whole week, and sleep and eat and shop, but still). I wonder how many people used the free birthday tickets last year?

Ah scheduling can be a challenge. Sooo fun, though!

I would love to know how many people took part in the free admission on their birthday last year (I did!). I realize that a one-day park ticket is close to $80 and that's a lot of free tickets to give away, but not everyone uses them for that. I know that we will opt for the fastpass option since we'll get our tickets with our package.

wow, I'm tired just reading about your busy weekend!

It really is hard to plan the ADRs and all when you want to see evening shows at certain parks on certain days! We have done the Fantasmic package one year (Jan 09) and did not do it in Dec. 09. But, it was very crowded in December and we lined up (I want to say there were two shows - they changed the schedule rather late) with the masses. Because we were with two people that had scooters, we got to sit up in the top rows (center!) where the handicapped spots are. I think we waited about 1/2 hour for the show. Maybe a bit longer. But it's a great show and so worth it!

Even with an 8-day, 7-night vacation, it's very hard to fit everything in. A trip just isn't complete without certain things for me (Wishes, IllumiNations, a trip to DTD) and fitting in time to eat is tricky.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Yup...I'm back with my 2nd update today. While eating dinner tonight, I went over a rough schedule with Tony & Madison and I'm feeling much better than I was earlier. The stress is gone and I'm feeling good. So..I decided to come back to my wonderful readers and post the ADR's that I'm hoping to get and a rough outline of our plans for the week. Here it goes!

Sept 22nd-No idea what time we will leave Buffalo; Want to go to AK for EMH (5-8pm) because we've never been at AK past 3pm!! We're always done so early there; No ADR's for this day

23rd-MK AM EMH; Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg; Fantasmic at 8pm

24th-Sleep in a bit; Chef Mickey's for a late bfast; DTD?; rest up for MNSSHP that evening

25th-DHS AM EMH; either Tutto or Coral Reef for dinner; IllumiNations at 9pm

26th-Crystal Palace before the MK opens; maybe head to Epcot, DTD or go back for a swim; MK EMH (8pm-11pm); Wishes at 8pm

27th- AK AM EMH; 50's PTC for dinner; DHS EMH (7-10pm)

28th- EP AM EMH; 'Ohana for a later bfast; hotel for a swim?; back to Epcot; Cape May for dinner; maybe IllumiNations again?

29th-Departure day ; since we don't have airfare yet, I have NO idea what we'll do this last morning

So there you have it! Tutto Italia, Coral Reef and Cape May are at the top of the list for our Epcot evenings. A very close 2nd is Garden Grill or Teppan Edo. I guess it all depends on what I can get once my 180 days comes. Let me know what you guys think!

 

[lexmas]

subbing! I'll be back later to read the rest!

 

[tinkgurl]

Sept 22nd-No idea what time we will leave Buffalo; Want to go to AK for EMH (5-8pm) because we've never been at AK past 3pm!! We're always done so early there; No ADR's for this day: You HAVE to do AK evening EMH! You know we love it.

23rd-MK AM EMH; Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg; Fantasmic at 8pm: That's going to be fun. Mama Melrose is good, and we loved the Fantasmic pkg. Just make sure you get there when they tell you that they start letting people in for the pkg.

24th-Sleep in a bit; Chef Mickey's for a late bfast; DTD?; rest up for MNSSHP that evening: That would be a fun day. Plus, since you want to take it easy before MNSSHP, DTD would be a nice way to relax.

25th-DHS AM EMH; either Tutto or Coral Reef for dinner; IllumiNations at 9pm: I can't wait to find out which one you end up going with.

26th-Crystal Palace before the MK opens; maybe head to Epcot, DTD or go back for a swim; MK EMH (8pm-11pm); Wishes at 8pm: Wishes at 8? That's just so funny to me because I'm used to Wishes being at 10. LOL

27th- AK AM EMH; 50's PTC for dinner; DHS EMH (7-10pm): Ahhh...DHS evening EMH's is where we JUST missed each other in June!

28th- EP AM EMH; 'Ohana for a later bfast; hotel for a swim?; back to Epcot; Cape May for dinner; maybe IllumiNations again?: Since you're going to Epcot for AM EMH, you can just ride the monorail over to the TTC and walk to the Poly for your Ohana ADR. Just a tip.

 

[Dancegrl624]

subbing! I'll be back later to read the rest!

Thanks for subbing!

Sept 22nd-No idea what time we will leave Buffalo; Want to go to AK for EMH (5-8pm) because we've never been at AK past 3pm!! We're always done so early there; No ADR's for this day: You HAVE to do AK evening EMH! You know we love it.

23rd-MK AM EMH; Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg; Fantasmic at 8pm: That's going to be fun. Mama Melrose is good, and we loved the Fantasmic pkg. Just make sure you get there when they tell you that they start letting people in for the pkg.

24th-Sleep in a bit; Chef Mickey's for a late bfast; DTD?; rest up for MNSSHP that evening: That would be a fun day. Plus, since you want to take it easy before MNSSHP, DTD would be a nice way to relax.

25th-DHS AM EMH; either Tutto or Coral Reef for dinner; IllumiNations at 9pm: I can't wait to find out which one you end up going with.

26th-Crystal Palace before the MK opens; maybe head to Epcot, DTD or go back for a swim; MK EMH (8pm-11pm); Wishes at 8pm: Wishes at 8? That's just so funny to me because I'm used to Wishes being at 10. LOL

27th- AK AM EMH; 50's PTC for dinner; DHS EMH (7-10pm): Ahhh...DHS evening EMH's is where we JUST missed each other in June!

28th- EP AM EMH; 'Ohana for a later bfast; hotel for a swim?; back to Epcot; Cape May for dinner; maybe IllumiNations again?: Since you're going to Epcot for AM EMH, you can just ride the monorail over to the TTC and walk to the Poly for your Ohana ADR. Just a tip.

I'm very excited to see AK at night. It's such a gorgeous park and I'm sure it looks even more amazing when the sun goes down. We will be sure to line up for Fantasmic when we're told to do so! I'm a very prompt person to begin with. I think we will definately need to rest up for the Halloween party. I plan on staying for the entire time! I will need to sit down with my DH to decide which Epcot area restaurants he likes the best. I don't want to dictate EVERY place we eat at! It will be strange to see Wishes at 8pm. I don't remember what time Wishes was in Jan. I'll have to go back and read my notes. I still can't believe we just missed each other at DHS last June!!! That is so nuts. I do plan on walking from the TTC to the Poly. I want to see as much of the Poly as possible! It just looks so beautiful.

 

[xoktenox]

23rd-MK AM EMH; Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg; Fantasmic at 8pm We did this in April, it worked out really well and MM is yummy!

24th-Sleep in a bit; Chef Mickey's for a late bfast; DTD?; rest up for MNSSHP that evening Never done a CM breakfast or MNSSHP...great choices though!

25th-DHS AM EMH; either Tutto or Coral Reef for dinner; IllumiNations at 9pm Really wanna try Tutto but we opted for Biergarten again. Can't wait to hear how you like it!

26th-Crystal Palace before the MK opens; maybe head to Epcot, DTD or go back for a swim; MK EMH (8pm-11pm); Wishes at 8pm Yummm CP!

27th- AK AM EMH; 50's PTC for dinner; DHS EMH (7-10pm) Ohhh you will love 50s PTC!!

28th- EP AM EMH; 'Ohana for a later bfast; hotel for a swim?; back to Epcot; Cape May for dinner; maybe IllumiNations again? Yummm to 'Ohana, can't wait to try the breakfast there! And I've always wanted to try Cape May!

Great choices Meghan!!

What a crazy weekend you had! Everytime I hear about all your dance performances and stuff, it makes me miss it even more!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Sept 22nd-No idea what time we will leave Buffalo; Want to go to AK for EMH (5-8pm) because we've never been at AK past 3pm!! We're always done so early there; No ADR's for this day

23rd-MK AM EMH; Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg; Fantasmic at 8pm - I'm sure you already know this, but they have the pkg seating off to the right side as you look at the stage. But I'd still get there early to get in closer to the middle and as far down as you want to be.

24th-Sleep in a bit; Chef Mickey's for a late bfast; DTD?; rest up for MNSSHP that evening Good idea to take it easy during the day. CMs is yummy!!

25th-DHS AM EMH; either Tutto or Coral Reef for dinner; IllumiNations at 9pm TSM first thing right?? We really enjoyed Tutto in Dec. and are planning to try Coral Reef in July!

26th-Crystal Palace before the MK opens; maybe head to Epcot, DTD or go back for a swim; MK EMH (8pm-11pm); Wishes at 8pm You may need a break mid day if you're going to be at MK early and late! CP is a great breakfast. It's so cool to go in the park early too! That may be one of the hardest ADRs to get.

27th- AK AM EMH; 50's PTC for dinner; DHS EMH (7-10pm) Ooh, another early morning (you sound like us!) and late night. I've never been to PTC and I'm anxious to hear how Madison likes it. My girls would probably cry if they got scolded for not eating their veggies!

28th- EP AM EMH; 'Ohana for a later bfast; hotel for a swim?; back to Epcot; Cape May for dinner; maybe IllumiNations again?
I like this day! I'd do the same thing!
29th-Departure day ; since we don't have airfare yet, I have NO idea what we'll do this last morning

So there you have it! Tutto Italia, Coral Reef and Cape May are at the top of the list for our Epcot evenings. A very close 2nd is Garden Grill or Teppan Edo. I guess it all depends on what I can get once my 180 days comes. Let me know what you guys think!

I recommend Teppan Edo for a good alternative to any of your Epcot choices, but I don't have any negatives about what you picked. Is Cape May a character meal at dinner? I know it is at breakfast. It's just a hop skip and jump from the international gateway at Epcot, so it would be easy to get in and out of Epcot.

 

[Pluto_fan]

Sounds great, Meghan!
Your family sounds like mine...arrive early, stay late!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Great choices Meghan!!

What a crazy weekend you had! Everytime I hear about all your dance performances and stuff, it makes me miss it even more!

Thanks! As much as I want them to announce free dining asap, I kind of would like them to announce it AFTER March 26th (my 180 day mark!). Dancing is just the greatest thing ever!!! I'm so happy I've found a way to continue performing.

I recommend Teppan Edo for a good alternative to any of your Epcot choices, but I don't have any negatives about what you picked. Is Cape May a character meal at dinner? I know it is at breakfast. It's just a hop skip and jump from the international gateway at Epcot, so it would be easy to get in and out of Epcot.

We are definately early risers and late night people on vacation. We will probably play it by ear for the days when there is no AM EMH. If we're tired, we'll go take a nap. Last year in Jan when we stayed off-property, we were at the park from open to close. It also wasn't as hot, so we weren't worn down by the humidity. Cape May doesn't have characters at dinner. As soon as I mentioned to Tony that they had seafood, he was onboard!!!

Sounds great, Meghan!
Your family sounds like mine...arrive early, stay late!

We are exactly like that! It is nice to go back to the hotel and rest/swim, but I always feel like we're missing precious time in the parks!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I was just looking over the crowd calendar (thank you touringplans.com) and I am totally loving what I see! However, I'm wondering why they are predicting a crowd level of 8 on the Saturday that we'll be there. Seems strange because the rest of the time (make that the entired month of Sept & Oct) the crowds are 4's or 5's. Isn't that strange? Is there something going on Sept 25th that I don't know about?

 

[stacikristine]

Hi Meghan! I haven't been able to catch up yet, but I want you to know I'm here and I've subbed! Can't wait to hear about your plans!

 

[jenniferkeala808]

hello!! i'm here!! Your madison is soooo adorable..i love that name. it's one of the names on my list of names for when I have children!! Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hi Meghan! I haven't been able to catch up yet, but I want you to know I'm here and I've subbed! Can't wait to hear about your plans!

I'm so glad you made it over Staci! Don't worry...I haven't posted too much yet, so you'll be able to catch up when you have the time. Ever since we officially booked, I've been showing Madison many of the pics from your TR. She is so excited to see MK all decorated for fall.

hello!! i'm here!! Your madison is soooo adorable..i love that name. it's one of the names on my list of names for when I have children!! Can't wait to hear more!!

Thank you for reading! I've always loved the name Madison and I'm so happy my DH did too. Madison was my top girls name and Olivia was his top name so, we just put them together!

 

[swwake]

I was just looking over the crowd calendar (thank you touringplans.com) and I am totally loving what I see! However, I'm wondering why they are predicting a crowd level of 8 on the Saturday that we'll be there. Seems strange because the rest of the time (make that the entired month of Sept & Oct) the crowds are 4's or 5's. Isn't that strange? Is there something going on Sept 25th that I don't know about?

Hmmm - I wonder what's up Sept 25th? Is it a big night for MNSSHP?

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hmmm - I wonder what's up Sept 25th? Is it a big night for MNSSHP?

It's a Saturday, so there is no MNSSHP that evening. There is one planned for the night before (I'm guessing, since MK closes at 7pm on Friday). It's just so strange!