I'm the coordinator- it's my job to plan early! July 2017 PTR!

[cbeeindisney]

Hi all! It's a crazy thing to do, but I am getting started planning my July-August 2017 trip- it's the teacher in me that has to plan everything early! My sister-in-law has dedicated me as the official Dis-coordinator for our next huge family trip to WDW. This is my first time going on a big family trip, as it is usually just my husband and I, and I am super excited and have already started to scour good deals, great ideas and perfect trip planning advice! Going with people that have not been to Disney in years and years...and years, and this is the list of characters-

Me- 30, kindergarten teacher, super, crazy, obsessed fan of all things Disney, including my favorite place on earth- DISNEY WORLD! Thankfully, I work with 5 year olds all day and they share in my enthusiasm!

DH- 30, supports my Disney habit (sometimes reluctantly)- can be found riding Splash Mountain until park close, enjoys singing along on POTC, and is known to buy at least 6 new hats around the World, every trip. If you see a guy in Atlantic City airport wearing mouse ears, an Uncle Sam hat, viking helmet, a fez, a safari hat, a beret, or a Chinese hat, you might know who he belongs to...

My parents-in-law

My sister-in-law and her husband with their very cute, very energetic twin boys- we will be celebrating their 4th birthday when we are there.

My parents...possibly- my mom is an avid enemy of heat and is reluctant, but she and my dad just retired and are looking for trips to go on and she is
looking forward to coming along!

Unfortunately, because I am a teacher, I am limited to when I can go to Disney, so August it is! That is totally ok, DH and I have only ever gone in July or August and it's very, very hot, but it's doable with lots of planning and prepping. Thinking about July 29- Aug. 5 at POP! I really loved POP when we stayed there in 2012 (our very magical engagement trip). It seems to have this cult following and I just love it! And really, where else can you get buttery, syrupy POP waffles?! Everywhere you go has Mickey waffles.

I know I am sorta nutty for planning this far in advance and I may just be the only reader of my own thread, but hey, I'm ahead of the game! So please read along, give advice, give your opinion, or share your super-early plans too and we can share in the craziness together!

See Ya Real Soon!

 

[jmccoy18]

Following! I am also planning a 2017 trip! We are going in March, though. I don't think I could handle the heat at the end of July/August, so more power to you! I'm excited to follow along in your planning!

 

[cbeeindisney]

Yay! So excited to have a fellow 2017 planner! Thanks for joining along!

 

[cbeeindisney]

My favorite part about a Disney trip might possibly be the planning- and there's really nothing better than when you finally get to your vacation and you can finally eat at the restaurant that you have been stalking online for the past 1 1/2 years, checking out the menus, drooling over the pictures of their meals on here, reading reviews on Disney Food Blog, it almost seems surreal when you can actually have the food for yourself. Well anyway, I have a pre-pre-preliminary idea of what I would like when it comes to this trip. My family has not been to any of the restaurants that my husband and I have been to, so I feel like him and I need to rewind and visit some of the ones that I feel they should see and try, being that this is their first trip since maybe the 90s. The two of us usually try to get to at least a few new ones and a few favorites on our trips, but this one will be different- one big change is that we will have kids with us (not that we don't frequent the character meals and enjoy being children ourselves)!

Here it is...

Arrival day is ALWAYS Downtown Disney (ahem..Disney Springs) day- so on this day, I thought we'd go to Raglan Road. A tried and true favorite for DH and I- hoping the family will love it also! I always love taking DH to Irish restaurants and having him love them, especially when he tries bashing Irish food and Irish culture (jokingly) every chance he can to get a jab in on me. Can you tell yet that he's not Irish and I am? Anyways- we love it and it's on the list for sure.

Favorite of mine- Keen Eye for the Shepherd's Pie- just yum! You will not be disappointed. Also, pay a little extra for a beer flight, I'm not a drinker, but it's a must here!

Magic Kingdom is a traditional first park day- isn't it for everyone though? This will be our 2nd time at Be Our Guest, but I thought this is a must do for the family and the kids. Not super impressed the first time around, but I know that character meals (and yeah, I kinda would think of it that way), is all about atmosphere anyway.

Had- the pan-seared chicken breast the 1st go around- it was good. Just good. But hey, can you go wrong with the grey stuff? No way, it's delicious!

Epcot day is our absolutely, positively, our favorite restaurant on WDW property (alright, maybe next to Jiko and maybe California Grill). It's MARRAKESH in the Morocco Pavilion. Let me pause to dream about the crispy bread with goat cheese and kalamata olives and the bastilla ..........
so good! This is a bit hidden and it's NEVER crowded. The waiters have been the best we have ever had at WDW and we keep going back to the great service and the awesome food!

My favorite meal by about 10000- Couscous M'Rouzia Fassi. Just order by pointing to it like I do, because I can't begin to pronounce it. Couscous, raisins, prunes, braised beef in honey, sesame seeds, mmmmmm.....

Next 2 days... no sit down dinners, but two of my favorite character breakfasts...Tusker House and Ohana. While I would love to try Ohana for dinner, I just feel like it's not worth it. DH is allergic to pineapple, coconuts, melons, banana, macadamia and hazelnuts, etc, etc, etc.... basically the entire Polynesian Resort! So it just doesn't seem worthwhile to either of us. Nothing like an Epipen crisis in the middle of our vacation!

Finally, Biergarten for dinner on our last night. Even though this is a buffet, it's a pretty good one and the entertainment is alone worth the trip to Germany. I thought this would be a good dinner for all of us to get together and have a good time.

I still have some more to fit in, but I need to make room for some other favorites as well.... sprinkle in these great eateries somewhere.... Sci Fi Dine In, Boulangerie Patisserie, Spice Road Table, La Cantina, Casey's Corner

Good thing I have a lot of time!

 

[MamaMaleficent2016]

I'm also planning a 2017 trip. February. And my husband thinks I'm nuts! Wait til I tell him you are planning a July 17 trip. LOL!

Biergarten is a great choice for a large group!! What about San Angel Inn in Mexico? My kids always loved the view of the volcano, the river floating by, etc... So fun.

 

[Rickat96]

Planning early is a lot of fun, my family knew early we were going, they organized walks to trim and tone, little pixie dust on some promotions etc. Now we are down to 60 days (FP is TONIGHT!)

So it's never to early! Our count-down started at 385 days. I also think its better for the finances also.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Hello, I'm not planning a trip to Disney 2017, butI do see a beach spring break destination 2017 in my future.

I am planning a December 2016 trip with multiple family member in including myself, DH, our children two boys ages 4 and 6 at time of trip,my siter and her DH and son(4) and possibly my other sister and her two girls (7,8).My sister is a Disney virgin(her words),so she has given we full power over planning this whole trip. she will eat,sleep and tour where I want
We also like to start our Disney vacation at Disney Springs dinner and some shopping, a trip to legoland,boy playing with the water squirting Stitch.

 

[WDW_Diane]

I just returned from a February 3-7 trip (brrrrrr, never again) and am going to be planning a Spring Break trip for March 2017 to accommodate a family member request. I'm happy to serve and return to WDW as their tour guide!

Looks like we can't book any resorts yet for March 2017. I'll be bargain hunting for a moderate or deluxe resort at a great price. My dream resort is the Polynesian. Some day!

I was at the AKL the past three trips, want to stay someplace different next trip. I keep returning to AKL because of the different people traveling with me ...and it's a neat and unique place, but also because I keep staying there on great discounts. Can't pass those up!

I was with a convention group on this past trip (huge resort discount offered for AKL or Coronado) and rented DVC points from David's the other two times (big discount). I'm hesitant to rent points for the March 2017 trip because once you do, you are stuck.... No refunds, date changes, etc. For me personally, that's been fine, but when procuring rooms for others I don't know that I want to do that.

We used to stay at POFQ routinely, but after I discovered David's, have always rented points elsewhere. I enjoy the size of that resort and the boats that run over to Disney Springs. Oh, and the beignets!

We have also stayed at Swan and Dolphin a couple of times when their teacher discount was good, but timing hasn't been right to get that anymore. Plus, they're now adding a $25 resort fee... Not cool. You also don't get the free rides on the Magical Express with them. But I do love their locations near Epcot, so they're in the running even though they aren't truly Disney resorts.

Looking forward to planning our 2017 trips together!

 

[Just mousing around]

Hi all! It's a crazy thing to do, but I am getting started planning my July-August 2017 trip- it's the teacher in me that has to plan everything early! My sister-in-law has dedicated me as the official Dis-coordinator for our next huge family trip to WDW. This is my first time going on a big family trip, as it is usually just my husband and I, and I am super excited and have already started to scour good deals, great ideas and perfect trip planning advice! Going with people that have not been to Disney in years and years...and years, and this is the list of characters-

Me- 30, kindergarten teacher, super, crazy, obsessed fan of all things Disney, including my favorite place on earth- DISNEY WORLD! Thankfully, I work with 5 year olds all day and they share in my enthusiasm!

DH- 30, supports my Disney habit (sometimes reluctantly)- can be found riding Splash Mountain until park close, enjoys singing along on POTC, and is known to buy at least 6 new hats around the World, every trip. If you see a guy in Atlantic City airport wearing mouse ears, an Uncle Sam hat, viking helmet, a fez, a safari hat, a beret, or a Chinese hat, you might know who he belongs to...

My parents-in-law

My sister-in-law and her husband with their very cute, very energetic twin boys- we will be celebrating their 4th birthday when we are there.

My parents...possibly- my mom is an avid enemy of heat and is reluctant, but she and my dad just retired and are looking for trips to go on and she is
looking forward to coming along!

Unfortunately, because I am a teacher, I am limited to when I can go to Disney, so August it is! That is totally ok, DH and I have only ever gone in July or August and it's very, very hot, but it's doable with lots of planning and prepping. Thinking about July 29- Aug. 5 at POP! I really loved POP when we stayed there in 2012 (our very magical engagement trip). It seems to have this cult following and I just love it! And really, where else can you get buttery, syrupy POP waffles?! Everywhere you go has Mickey waffles.

I know I am sorta nutty for planning this far in advance and I may just be the only reader of my own thread, but hey, I'm ahead of the game! So please read along, give advice, give your opinion, or share your super-early plans too and we can share in the craziness together!

See Ya Real Soon!

I am an early planner as well! My family will be going in March 2017. I think we are going to be trying a Moderate Resort this time. I've been watching videos and reading reviews. I absolutely love the planning of a Disney vacation.

 

[knkmom]

Looking forward to following along with your PTR! I am planning our May 2017 trip now, just waiting until I can start booking things!

 

[jmccoy18]

I still have some more to fit in, but I need to make room for some other favorites as well.... sprinkle in these great eateries somewhere.... Sci Fi Dine In, Boulangerie Patisserie, Spice Road Table, La Cantina, Casey's Corner

Good thing I have a lot of time!

I love Boulangeie Pastisserie!!!! It is a must do every time we go. YUM!!!!

 

[DLmama]

Yay for early planning!

I'm a DL vet planning our very 1st trip to WDW for 2017 for our 10th anniversary in June! I'm so overwhelmed! I'm hoping following some threads will help me.

 

[katclicks]

Following along as well. I am planning a 11/17 (thanksgiving week) trip for my family (4), sil and her fam (4) and my mil. My family has visited a few times but none of the in laws have. I love the planning process too, I am a teacher as well, it must go hand in hand.

 

[cbeeindisney]

I'm also planning a 2017 trip. February. And my husband thinks I'm nuts! Wait til I tell him you are planning a July 17 trip. LOL!

Biergarten is a great choice for a large group!! What about San Angel Inn in Mexico? My kids always loved the view of the volcano, the river floating by, etc... So fun.

That's a good idea! I keep wanting to give San Angel Inn another chance, but the last two times we ate here, it hasn't been too great. The atmosphere is the best though!!

Planning early is a lot of fun, my family knew early we were going, they organized walks to trim and tone, little pixie dust on some promotions etc. Now we are down to 60 days (FP is TONIGHT!)

So it's never to early! Our count-down started at 385 days. I also think its better for the finances also.

I agree, it's much easier on our wallets when we have lots of time to save! So exciting- hope you got your FP picks!

Hello, I'm not planning a trip to Disney 2017, butI do see a beach spring break destination 2017 in my future.

I am planning a December 2016 trip with multiple family member in including myself, DH, our children two boys ages 4 and 6 at time of trip,my siter and her DH and son(4) and possibly my other sister and her two girls (7,8).My sister is a Disney virgin(her words),so she has given we full power over planning this whole trip. she will eat,sleep and tour where I want
We also like to start our Disney vacation at Disney Springs dinner and some shopping, a trip to legoland,boy playing with the water squirting Stitch.

That's exciting- love being the planner, I'm sure you do also!! Thanks for following along!

I just returned from a February 3-7 trip (brrrrrr, never again) and am going to be planning a Spring Break trip for March 2017 to accommodate a family member request. I'm happy to serve and return to WDW as their tour guide!

Looks like we can't book any resorts yet for March 2017. I'll be bargain hunting for a moderate or deluxe resort at a great price. My dream resort is the Polynesian. Some day!

I was at the AKL the past three trips, want to stay someplace different next trip. I keep returning to AKL because of the different people traveling with me ...and it's a neat and unique place, but also because I keep staying there on great discounts. Can't pass those up!

I was with a convention group on this past trip (huge resort discount offered for AKL or Coronado) and rented DVC points from David's the other two times (big discount). I'm hesitant to rent points for the March 2017 trip because once you do, you are stuck.... No refunds, date changes, etc. For me personally, that's been fine, but when procuring rooms for others I don't know that I want to do that.

We used to stay at POFQ routinely, but after I discovered David's, have always rented points elsewhere. I enjoy the size of that resort and the boats that run over to Disney Springs. Oh, and the beignets!

We have also stayed at Swan and Dolphin a couple of times when their teacher discount was good, but timing hasn't been right to get that anymore. Plus, they're now adding a $25 resort fee... Not cool. You also don't get the free rides on the Magical Express with them. But I do love their locations near Epcot, so they're in the running even though they aren't truly Disney resorts.

Looking forward to planning our 2017 trips together!

Looking forward to it too! Would love to stay at Poly too, maybe someday- right now it's just wishful thinking!

Looking forward to seeing which resort you choose!!

I am an early planner as well! My family will be going in March 2017. I think we are going to be trying a Moderate Resort this time. I've been watching videos and reading reviews. I absolutely love the planning of a Disney vacation.

Me too!!! So fun- I think it's the best part of a Disney vacation!!

 

[cbeeindisney]

I love Boulangeie Pastisserie!!!! It is a must do every time we go. YUM!!!!

Ah- me too! MUST DO!!! We get a tray-ful between the two of us and binge!

Yay for early planning!

I'm a DL vet planning our very 1st trip to WDW for 2017 for our 10th anniversary in June! I'm so overwhelmed! I'm hoping following some threads will help me.

Early planning is the only way to go, especially being so overwhelmed and a WDW first-timer! So excited for you!! Lots of luck!

Following along as well. I am planning a 11/17 (thanksgiving week) trip for my family (4), sil and her fam (4) and my mil. My family has visited a few times but none of the in laws have. I love the planning process too, I am a teacher as well, it must go hand in hand.

Yay! Another teacher! Anytime anyone says how crazy I am for planning so early, I just explain that I'm a teacher and it seems to be a reasonable response for everyone- so it definitely goes hand in hand! Thanks for following along! I have always wanted to do a November trip, but it's a super crazy month at my school- especially with conferences being that week! That'll be so fun for you!

 

[cbeeindisney]

So I've been out of the loop a little bit, but I was so happy to see new readers and followers! Yay, thank you!

We have been searching for a new dog to adopt and that has pretty much taken over our weekends, visiting dog adoption events and shelters. Being the Disney geek I am, I think - what are we going to do when we go to Disney?! We could just have my parents watch him/her or board them at the local kennel OR we could bring them along and have them have their own little vacation! Has anyone had any experience with the Best Friends Pet Care in WDW? I know it will probably be as much as our vacation, but it is SO cute!! I mean, story time with 101 Dalmations and an ice cream break and turn down service, come on!! Why isn't this my job?! Disney and dogs- I'm in!! But alas, my perpetual need to plan in advance has gotten to me again- maybe we should get the dog first, right? Just making sure all my bases are covered!

Not WDW related, but Disney related- we also went to go see Aladdin on Broadway! Oh my goodness- greatest show ever! Has anyone seen this yet? We've seen Little Mermaid, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast (Lion King is on the list to see)- this was probably the top show! Of course we had to leave with a blanket, Moroccan tea set, an ornament, why not? My mom says I'm an easy target for Disney and my apartment is a good testament to that!

I don't know about my fellow 2017 planners, but I feel like I'm at a stand still with planning! I just want to book it- I'm ready, let's go! Even though we are for sure going, it seems a little bit more REAL and within reach when it's booked and I can start paying it off little by little! Almost there....a. few. more. months. I find myself chatting it up with CMs on Disneyworld.com to get my "Have a magical day" fix- I'm not the only one right?! Right? Speaking of dealing with the state of limbo between vacations, what is your go to approach for getting your Disney fix?

Until next time!

 

[yeheyprincex2]

So I've been out of the loop a little bit, but I was so happy to see new readers and followers! Yay, thank you!

We have been searching for a new dog to adopt and that has pretty much taken over our weekends, visiting dog adoption events and shelters. Being the Disney geek I am, I think - what are we going to do when we go to Disney?! We could just have my parents watch him/her or board them at the local kennel OR we could bring them along and have them have their own little vacation! Has anyone had any experience with the Best Friends Pet Care in WDW? I know it will probably be as much as our vacation, but it is SO cute!! I mean, story time with 101 Dalmations and an ice cream break and turn down service, come on!! Why isn't this my job?! Disney and dogs- I'm in!! But alas, my perpetual need to plan in advance has gotten to me again- maybe we should get the dog first, right? Just making sure all my bases are covered!

Not WDW related, but Disney related- we also went to go see Aladdin on Broadway! Oh my goodness- greatest show ever! Has anyone seen this yet? We've seen Little Mermaid, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast (Lion King is on the list to see)- this was probably the top show! Of course we had to leave with a blanket, Moroccan tea set, an ornament, why not? My mom says I'm an easy target for Disney and my apartment is a good testament to that!

I don't know about my fellow 2017 planners, but I feel like I'm at a stand still with planning! I just want to book it- I'm ready, let's go! Even though we are for sure going, it seems a little bit more REAL and within reach when it's booked and I can start paying it off little by little! Almost there....a. few. more. months. I find myself chatting it up with CMs on Disneyworld.com to get my "Have a magical day" fix- I'm not the only one right?! Right? Speaking of dealing with the state of limbo between vacations, what is your go to approach for getting your Disney fix?

Until next time!

what is your go to approach for getting your Disney fix?

I visit the Disney store, we have two close to us and one was remolded so its nice right now, Ill visit my favorite Disney blog sites and look at pictures, look at resorts I want to stay at, talk Disney at home(we are all Disney fans in this house so it not a problem to talk Disney all the time), I listen to Disney music while I clean, fold clothes . I buy Disney clothes and kitchen items form Disney store. WOW I totally sound Disney obsessed

 

[jmccoy18]

I get my disney fix by planning early (been planning our March 2017 trip since last year,) visiting the DIS boards, and having movie nights with the family! Movie nights are a new tradition and I love them! We have only had 2 so far (you can click on my PTR in my siggy to see about them) and they have been so much fun!

 

[cbeeindisney]

I visit the Disney store, we have two close to us and one was remolded so its nice right now, Ill visit my favorite Disney blog sites and look at pictures, look at resorts I want to stay at, talk Disney at home(we are all Disney fans in this house so it not a problem to talk Disney all the time), I listen to Disney music while I clean, fold clothes . I buy Disney clothes and kitchen items form Disney store. WOW I totally sound Disney obsessed

It's ok...you're safe here!! The Disney store closed in our mall, so sad! The new I Love Disney album is pretty good to check out for Disney music! Oh and I forgot to mention Etsy for Disney clothes, I'm totally obsessed with buying little things here and there, bows, shirts, etc.... LOVE!

I get my disney fix by planning early (been planning our March 2017 trip since last year,) visiting the DIS boards, and having movie nights with the family! Movie nights are a new tradition and I love them! We have only had 2 so far (you can click on my PTR in my siggy to see about them) and they have been so much fun!

So fun, I'll have to check it out! Unfortunately, I'm the only Disney movie lover in the household- DH is exclusively a WDW lover and that's about as far as that Disney addiction goes for him! It doesn't stop me from forcing him to sit, stay, watch! He'll get there eventually! I guess Stars Wars is now Disney so that counts! He loves those (so do I)! Thanks for the cute idea!

 

[stitchfan75]

Yay!!! I'm not the only one!!!
I haven't been on the boards a lot lately due to work being crazy but we are going in June 2017 for my dd's sweet 16. We just went in Sept of 2015 and as much as I would love to go every year it doesn't work with how we like to vacation. We stayed at AKL and we loved it but dd gets to pick and she wants POFQ. I can't wait to book because then it will be more real!
I'm following along!