Is Mickey a Captain or a Jedi? Both! - May '15 Land & Sea ~ Updated 6/14: Trip Report Started!

[Imagineer5]

Final FP+ is on my band from 4:50-5:50pm at the Barnstomer. Izzy’s first roller coaster! I hope she loves it! I’m kind-of excited to ride something new too. We can also grab a Rider Swap, in case she likes it enough to go again.

Who is the rider swap for?? Izzy is tall enough to ride

When I feel inclined, I’ll park-hop over to the MK. I really have no agenda for this MK time. With the 24-hour event, I don’t feel comfortable planning anything concrete, as I have no idea what kind of lines I’ll be dealing with. I would like to see the 1am parade, though – so, I’ll have to leave Epcot in time for that. I don’t have to have a great view, so I’ll see what I see. And it wouldn’t be the end of the world if I missed it, but a 1am parade is pretty fun! Also, DIS-er Tracy161 will be solo in the MK, so we'll try to meet up sometime this late night.

1am parade

No matter what we do, I’ll have to get the car returned by 8am. So, no sleeping in after the late night (see why there’s a nap in the evening?) And then, on top of that, this is our big Deluxe Premium Feel the Force Package Day for SWW in DHS.

again

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s update where I said we’d try to ride the TTA: is anyone else hoping they add a Miles From Tomorrowland theme to this? Or, better yet, re-do Stitch’s Great Escape into a new Miles From Tomorrowland attraction?! That would be so much better!

That'd be awesome. Anything they change stitch to would be, in fact.

I covered the beginning of today as part of yesterday. Late night and/or early morning. Dug and I just talked about things and we’re thinking it’s unlikely that he will go over to the 24-hour-day wee hours. The next day, MK hours were extended to 1am and then 1-3am EMH. So, he could get his fill of the MK then and hopefully avoid the crowds of the 24 hour day. We’ll see what we think in a month, but that seems more reasonable. Then he will get plenty of sleep before the big Deluxe Premium Feel the Force Package day.

That sounds smart. Esp with the package going on and all the shows.

Dug was considering dressing up and/or putting Izzy in her Ewok costume, but not sure if we’ll do that.

That would be incredibly cute

 

[Gracefulskinny]

is anyone else hoping they add a Miles From Tomorrowland theme to this?

NO! Don't mess with the classic with something so new as this.

re-do Stitch’s Great Escape into a new Miles From Tomorrowland attraction?!

Now THIS I could go for!

In other news, I got some of my Jedi Mickey dinners transferred to other DISers. Glad to make some magic for others.

Yay!

o I think we can still make them all, even with the later lunch. Woo hoo!

Dug was considering dressing up and/or putting Izzy in her Ewok costume, but not sure if we’ll do that.

Oh I would think about it, maybe just for a picture or two but how cute would that be?!?!

 

[schmass]

Thanks for getting the Miles from Tomorrowland song stuck in my head! I do like your ideas, though!

I hope the rumor of the light sabres is true!

Please put Izzy in the Ewok costume - that would be too adorable!

If I don't respond for the next week or so, it's because I'm at WDW!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

In thinking of the upcoming Tomorrowland Movie and seeing the video that was circulating yesterday with combining Tomorrowland and attractions at the Worlds Fair as presented by Walt Disney makes me wish they build up the view of the land Tomorrowland at WDW to really resemble the view of the future as thought of in the 50's and 60's I think adding in a meet & greet with Miles (and the ostritch) or something like that would be good - not sure about major overlays for something that might not stand the test of time (although Stitch is pretty unpopular so if they could do something quick I'd be up for that

It would be cute to dress Izzy up for the parade - either as an Ewok or maybe as Yoda and then Dug could wear her in a bojrn like back-pack

I assume you remember my experience at the HBD - we loved the food but the meal took forever (also we well past our ADR by the time we were seated), so might want to keep that in mind and maybe Dug will have to leave early to get to the show while you finish your meal.

I totally get why they can't allow strollers into One Man's Dream, but when they are napping it would be a perfect place to go. Definitely need to figure out when to fit time into Darth's Mall - even just to check it out but I am sure they will have some cool stuff. You are early into the SWW so hopefully they still have some of the limited edition stuff.

Probably good that MK will be open late other days so you don't have to tire yourselves out at the 24 hour day to get your late night solo times in. Hope it works out. Also hope the Rebel Hanger works out - seems like a cool idea .... even though I am basing that opinion on almost no details

 

[Tracy161]

Yay for being able to spread some Jedi Mickey dinner love around!!!

Nobody really knows much about it, except that we all want to go there, of course.

Woohoo for the dessert party!!! I am seriously considering doing one on my next trip

Hmmm... interesting that MK is now open until 3am this night. You see... I have an extremely early flight (to the tune of 6am on Sunday, May 24 which means an absolutely awful ME pickup time of probably 4 something like I've had in the past ). If I just stay at MK until the wee hours... I wouldn't even have to go to bed...

 

[Dugette]

That would be awesome. DS LOVES that show. I just can't see them making a Disney Jr show have a big presence in MK though. The shows just don't have the longevity for an attraction. Just think if they'd have themed an attraction after Handy Manny or the Little Einsteins 8 or 10 years ago.

Izzy loves it too! I agree, it doesn't seem like something with the following (yet!) or longevity for a big MK attraction. However, it seems like they are trying to set it up as a possibility. I mean, they constantly talk about the TTA on there. It seems like we should at least peek into Miles' window along the route.

Well, at least it is something...

I keep stalking, but haven't been able to snag another yet. Here's hoping for some

Yeah, I'd think you'll be ok getting that as a 4th FP

I feel reasonably confident in that one.

Wow, that's odd. I'm surprised you could do that.

You don't happen to have a separate, unlinked MDE account to do this do you?

Don't worry, I won't say anything. I don't have one either...

I don't, actually! Though the thought did cross my mind when I let that Beaches & Cream go - I was like, how can I still have this? Seems too complicated to me, though. However, I was curious, so I asked on the dining boards if this was a glitch or if the buffer is really that short - and the person who responded said at least an hour apart. And this was that plus 5 minutes, so NOT a glitch.

Cool!

I thought so. Nobody is expecting anything fancy, but any sort of light saber to play with is a bonus!

Sounds very reasonable to me. That should work out well.

A lot less stressful for him, I think.

You have to do that. Cuteness overload. If that doesn't get some extra special character attention at the parades and character meets, then I don't know what will.

As long as she cooperates and it's not too hot, I think we'll try it. I mean, who can resist this:

DHS is hard enough on a normal day to work FP+ in around the show schedules, I can only imagine how confusing it must be to keep track of it all and plan it during SWW.

I'm going to lose my mind. If I haven't already. Details on that in the next update.

That could be awesome. Or a total flame out. Hard to tell since they really aren't letting anybody know what it is.

Exactly! Supposedly there might be more info and/or reservations starting May 1st. We'll see.

 

[Dugette]

Who is the rider swap for?? Izzy is tall enough to ride

And this is why I do these posts and get feedback! I can't believe I didn't notice that! Yes, you're right, we'll have to forego the Rider Swap (unless we find some "friends" with a baby nearby ). I guess it just stuck in my mind that we got one for you and Aria, but didn't occur to me that it was due to Izzy. I think maybe Dug and I will both get 4th FP+ for this and either we can all ride together (I was concerned he might not fit comfortably, but with me and Izzy together he'd have his own seat, so might be fine) or else Izzy and I can use his FP+ to ride again if he doesn't.

1am parade

Someday they'll start a sunrise parade for you! I love late nights! (Clearly, for anyone who checks my DIS time-stamps. )

again

Yeah, I'm not loving the early morning so much.

That'd be awesome. Anything they change stitch to would be, in fact.

I agree. They can basically put anything in there and it will be an improvement. They could just turn off the attraction and put Stitch in there for meet and greets and it would be 4000% better.

That sounds smart. Esp with the package going on and all the shows.

I think it would be wiser. And he doesn't feel like he'd be missing much by skipping the late-night of the 24-hour day.

That would be incredibly cute

See post above for cuteness.

NO! Don't mess with the classic with something so new as this.

Haha, I love the Peoplemover, so I do agree. I wouldn't want it to be drastic. Maybe just go by a few scenarios on the ride. Or have Miles wish us a safe journey?

Now THIS I could go for!

I'd love this! Part of me wants to go back and do this attraction again on a solo night, solely because I've only done it once (2009) and I want to refresh my memory of what it's like. But I do remember that it was awful and painful, so I am fighting this urge.

Yay!

It's fun to make someone's day!

Glad something worked out right!

Oh I would think about it, maybe just for a picture or two but how cute would that be?!?!

Super cute. So long as she doesn't lose her mind. She's so picky about what she wears lately.

Thanks for getting the Miles from Tomorrowland song stuck in my head! I do like your ideas, though!

Haha, you're welcome. It is WAY too catchy.

I hope the rumor of the light sabres is true!

It sounds like it's pretty solid info from a CM who is directly involved. But we'll see.

Please put Izzy in the Ewok costume - that would be too adorable!

I think you guys have convinced me to at least pack it!

If I don't respond for the next week or so, it's because I'm at WDW!

Yay!!! I hope you have a magical time! Can't wait to hear about it!

 

[hokieinpa]

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s update where I said we’d try to ride the TTA: is anyone else hoping they add a Miles From Tomorrowland theme to this? Or, better yet, re-do Stitch’s Great Escape into a new Miles From Tomorrowland attraction?! That would be so much better!

That would be perfect!! The boys love Miles so they would be all over it. Nate gets so excited every time we watch it. "They live in Tomorrowland and we WENT to Tomorowland!"

Ideally, two for the 3pm parade would come up and we could keep our LTT lunch and do the parade then.

Fingers crossed it all works out with FP+ and your lunch!

I just snagged a 1pm LTT ADR. AND it didn’t make me cancel my 11:55am. Until we get FoF worked out, I’m going to hang onto both options. Yay! I also was able to shift back our FP+ for the coasters just a bit, so I think we can still make them all, even with the later lunch. Woo hoo!

All this juggling makes my head spin!

Oh, one more thing: at the Sci Fi Galactic Breakfast, they are rumored to be giving out lightsabers to everyone! Extra bonus!

How completely AWESOME!!!!

Dug was considering dressing up and/or putting Izzy in her Ewok costume, but not sure if we’ll do that.

Izzy Ewok sounds so adorable! I think you must do it!!

That’s the only one I think I’d like to go to (and take Izzy…and snacks for Izzy).

Endless snacks are the key to getting kids through a show!

I did look up characterpalooza and am bummed that it doesn't happen on SWW days.

I was right - too adorable for words!


I've heard so many wonderful things about SWW fireworks so I know they will be amazing!

 

[Dugette]

In thinking of the upcoming Tomorrowland Movie and seeing the video that was circulating yesterday with combining Tomorrowland and attractions at the Worlds Fair as presented by Walt Disney makes me wish they build up the view of the land Tomorrowland at WDW to really resemble the view of the future as thought of in the 50's and 60's I think adding in a meet & greet with Miles (and the ostritch) or something like that would be good - not sure about major overlays for something that might not stand the test of time (although Stitch is pretty unpopular so if they could do something quick I'd be up for that

I agree with all of this. I'd love a Miles and Merc meet!

It would be cute to dress Izzy up for the parade - either as an Ewok or maybe as Yoda and then Dug could wear her in a bojrn like back-pack

Ha, cute! I think it's more likely to be an Ewok in a stroller, though, due to Dug's back pain. She did dress as Yoda on her first Halloween (1 month old). I think that hat is too small now, but I should check.

I assume you remember my experience at the HBD - we loved the food but the meal took forever (also we well past our ADR by the time we were seated), so might want to keep that in mind and maybe Dug will have to leave early to get to the show while you finish your meal.

I do and I'm hoping we can avoid it by just sticking with the salad and maybe something else that shouldn't require much prep/cooking time. I hope!

I totally get why they can't allow strollers into One Man's Dream, but when they are napping it would be a perfect place to go. Definitely need to figure out when to fit time into Darth's Mall - even just to check it out but I am sure they will have some cool stuff. You are early into the SWW so hopefully they still have some of the limited edition stuff.

No clue if they'll have lots of stuff in stock at Darth's Mall, but should be fun to look at. Dug got a small payment for speaking at a conference recently and he's using that as his shopping budget.

Probably good that MK will be open late other days so you don't have to tire yourselves out at the 24 hour day to get your late night solo times in. Hope it works out. Also hope the Rebel Hanger works out - seems like a cool idea .... even though I am basing that opinion on almost no details

I'm glad there are a lot of late night MK opportunities. I'm really curious what the Rebel Hangar is going to do to our plans.

Those are AWESOME! Love the lightsaber battle!

Yay for being able to spread some Jedi Mickey dinner love around!!!

It's been fun coordinating with other DISers. One was so happy that she wanted to get me a Disney Store gift card. (I told her it was my pleasure and just to have fun...and to keep an eye out for ADRs that worked for me. )

That SWW thread is so funny to follow because the second any new thing is mentioned, everyone wants in, even though they usually don't know anything about it.

Woohoo for the dessert party!!! I am seriously considering doing one on my next trip

I'm super excited. The Frozen one was really fun! Which are you thinking of doing?

Hmmm... interesting that MK is now open until 3am this night. You see... I have an extremely early flight (to the tune of 6am on Sunday, May 24 which means an absolutely awful ME pickup time of probably 4 something like I've had in the past ). If I just stay at MK until the wee hours... I wouldn't even have to go to bed...

Wow! If it were me, I would totally do this! Plus, I'd cancel my last night's hotel and have extra cash! But I think you have a package and dining plan, so probably not something easily done. I think I'd rather stay out late and play and then sleep on the flight back vs. get up so early.

 

[Dugette]

That would be perfect!! The boys love Miles so they would be all over it. Nate gets so excited every time we watch it. "They live in Tomorrowland and we WENT to Tomorowland!"

Aw, that is so cute!

Fingers crossed it all works out with FP+ and your lunch!

Hoping I can snag a second parade FP+ and make our lives easier!

All this juggling makes my head spin!

Oh, just wait until the next update.

How completely AWESOME!!!!

I thought this was great news and a nice bonus! Even if it ends up being a trinket or something, still a bonus!

Izzy Ewok sounds so adorable! I think you must do it!!

She is a pretty cute Ewok.

Endless snacks are the key to getting kids through a show!

That's what I'm thinking. Now I just need to figure out what snacks last a long time, aren't messy, aren't noisy, and will make her happy.

I was right - too adorable for words!

Aw, thanks!

I've heard so many wonderful things about SWW fireworks so I know they will be amazing!

I'm super excited to see this show! The Frozen one was great too. Just seeing a new/different fireworks show at WDW is pretty awesome.

 

[Dugette]

One Month from Today – Sunday, May 24th

Disney just does not want to leave well enough alone with our touring plans! So, today, I take a peek at the SWW thread and there are gasps of excitement because some/most of the SWW shows are now coming up as Tier 2 attractions vs. Tier 1 attractions for FP+!

Well, naturally, I had to get on that train. Because we are doing the package the second weekend, it wasn’t a concern there because all of the shows are included (that was why we decided to do the package). However, for the first weekend, we had both of our Tier 1 FP+ on the 15th being used for shows for Dug. If I could switch those both to his Tier 2, that would free up our Tier 1s. So, worth the trouble to try.

So, in case you are wondering (as I was), when you go into MDE and choose to replace your existing FP+ (vs. just making changes), you will NOT lose your existing ones unless you go all the way through and finalize/complete your selections. I only mention this because I was terrified that I’d lose them by doing it this way, but I couldn’t make the adjustments I needed by just going in and making changes. I actually did a test run with my departure day FP+ selections (that I don’t intend to use unless our flight is delayed) – figured it wouldn’t be a big loss if those went away. Well, they didn’t – so feel okay about making new selections, despite the scary warnings that you will be replacing/losing your old ones. Hope that makes sense. I only mention it, as it scared me and I couldn’t find info on how it would work.

After confirming that I could take this approach, I went into the 15th and got Dug both shows on his Magic Band. The only issue was that one of them was still a Tier 1, but the other was indeed now a Tier 2 (other DISers confirmed the same experience). Better than it was, so I booked it! I kept his third FP+ as the Frozen Sing-along that we have together midday. What this did for us, besides allowing him to use his own band for shows, was free up my Tier 1 FP+ for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (9:25am)! I am so happy, as we couldn’t work it into our FP+ before and were looking at doing Standby/Single Rider. And we once had a VERY bad Single Rider experience there (significantly longer wait than Standby), so I was nervous about it. FP+ and Rider Swap will be great! I dropped Tower of Terror (8:45am) for this, as we have it FP+ on our other two DHS days. I kept the morning Star Tours at 8:25am, after meeting Chewie.

Well, this success made me think about our plans on the 23rd (the package day I just wrote about last night). I had been unhappy with the scheduling of Voyage of the Little Mermaid and the Disney Junior Live show. First, one was on Dug’s band and I didn’t want to have that conflict with when he was in a SWW show – just in case it would be an issue. Second, I had been afraid to mess around too much with the FP+ and change things between us. Knowing I could start fresh, though, I gave it a shot. And it worked. I was able to put Tower of Terror on Dug’s band and Disney Junior Live on my band. I had to move ToT from 9:05am to 8:45am, but I don’t see an issue – we have to check in for our package by 10am anyway. Once I had both VotLM and DJL on my Magic Band, I played with moving them around. I was able to switch them to DJL for 1:10-1:25pm and VotLM from 4:05-4:20pm, which would still get us out in time to get to the Warwick Davis/Ewok show. That should work much better to allow Izzy enough naptime in between FP+.

So, I was pretty proud of myself, making all these changes. But I saw a comment on the SWW thread that Warwick’s show was boring for kids. And here I was thinking it would be cute because…Ewoks. So, I asked the SWW expert what show would be best for a non-SW-freak and a 2-year-old to attend. Sounds like neither will be super intriguing to Izzy, but Obi Wan & Beyond (with James Arnold Taylor) would probably be more interesting to me. I watched a few minutes of each on You Tube and I agree with that assessment. Obi Wan is much more lively and about voice acting. Plus, if that’s the one I attend, it frees up more of the prime character meet time of the day. So, I think we’re going to plan on that, just knowing that if Izzy gets restless and snacks don’t help, she and I will bail.

In other news, I did some online shopping today. Man, these trips make me buy things! I finally got our Fish Extender ordered for the cruise (why, yes, we are cutting it close ). I went with a custom made 2-pocket one on Etsy, since it’s less than a 3-pocket and I’m guessing a lot of the mom/dad gifts are shared anyway (well, if others did it like I did). I’ll post a pic when it arrives. While I was at it, I saw custom embroidered pillowcases with a Disney cruise theme. And you can have those signed on the ship (drop with Guest Services and they come back with character signatures). And easier to transport than a photo mat. And Izzy loves pillows, so I thought that was a reasonable souvenir. Will post pics once I get that too. Of course, I also had to order some fabric markers. And while I was on Amazon for that, I picked up a portable potty seat and a few more Fish Extender gifts. I’ll try to do a separate post on FE sometime after I’ve done all these daily posts. So, anyway, more packages are on the way!

One more random: Dug was talking to one of his co-workers that lives near WDW today and she told him about a super-secret viewing spot she has for Illuminations. But he also swore to her that I wouldn’t post about it on the DIS. We will probably try it out on our trip, however.

Let’s get on with the day’s plans, though…

Sunday, May 24th

We start this day with a pre-park-opening Akershus ADR at 8:15am (Epcot opens at 9am). I’m assuming we can get in around 8am through the International Gateway? Can anyone confirm? Assuming that is the case, we’ll stroll over from the Boardwalk Villas and enjoy a quiet World Showcase on our way to Akershus.

I am excited for this breakfast! I like trying out new places and I’ve heard lots of good things about both the food and the princess interaction. Izzy is a Disney princess expert these days – she can rattle off their names like they’re old friends. So, I’m hoping she’ll get a kick out of chatting with them. When I looked up the info on which princesses appear, it seemed to indicate it may vary. Which princesses would you experienced Akershusians expect we would meet?

After our delightful breakfast, we’ll make our way across a not-yet-open World Showcase to use our FP+ in Future World. We have one Soarin’ and one Test Track, both 9:30-10:30am. Normal plan to get Rider Swaps – though it’s a pain at Soarin’, trekking all the way through the Land without a stroller and with a young kid.

At 10:30am, our Figment FP+ opens up. I guess this is actually helpful these days. So strange, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a line for this.

You know, I just remembered that Dug said something about a Tomorrowland movie exhibit/preview in the Captain EO space. I just looked it up now and it’s making me want to see the movie (watched the trailer). I’m pretty sure we shouldn’t drag Izzy to a midnight movie on the Dream, though, right? Anyway, Dug might want to see this exhibit – not sure if this day or on our first weekend, before potentially seeing the movie.

Our last FP+ is for the Character Spot at 11:50am. This isn’t necessarily a must-do, as I believe Izzy will have met a lot of characters over the course of the trip, but it’s still nice to have. After that, we’ll head to lunch. Wherever that may be.

So, here’s a prime example of why this trip has been so hard for me to plan. Everything is contingent upon everything else. And the SWW info was not available when we had to make all those original plans. So, the results are that we might have lunch while wandering around World Showcase this day (I do need to get a Cronut sometime!) OR we might hop over to DHS to eat lunch at Mama Melrose at 1:10pm to get the Fantasmic package for later that night. I’m hoping we can stay in Epcot. But we need to eat dinner at Jedi Mickey's H&V one night and see Fantasmic - we originally had both on the 23rd, but then got the Feel the Force package, which conflicted - I gave that ADR away.

But here are the different scenarios for this and the next day:

1.) This is the current plan, but not the “best” plan. We have lunch in Epcot. We head back to the BWV for some resort and pool and naptime. I mean, we’ve got to check out the creepy clown sometime, right? Then we head over to DHS for a 6:00pm dinner at Mama Melrose. Again, Fantasmic package (yes, I currently have a lunch and dinner MM F! package this day ). We’ll hang out at DHS between dinner and the 9pm show, see Fantasmic, then head back to BWV to sleep. The next day, we’ll have our planned (though slightly late) dinner at Jedi Mickey’s Hollywood & Vine at 7:50pm, which allows us time to enjoy Stormalong Bay that afternoon (we check into Beach Club Villas for that last night). We spend the morning/early afternoon in MK. If we can do Festival of Fantasy on the 22nd vs. this day, it will allow us to leave earlier to get to the pool. Do you see what I mean about contingencies?!

2.) My ideal plan that I can’t get the crucial ADR for. Find a Jedi Mickey’s H&V WITH Fantasmic Package for sometime before 7:30pm this evening. With that, we could cancel MM lunch, stay at Epcot to eat, and still have the F! package. The next night, we don’t need to go back to DHS because we’ve done H&V. That night was when I had Beaches & Cream and I had to cancel it for the contingency. I’d love to get it back, but that’s probably going to be tough. Maybe being a guest of that resort will help, I don’t know. We could potentially do Beaches & Cream for lunch after Epcot, but nothing is available, of course.

3.) Close enough to the ideal. Get Jedi Mickey’s H&V dinner WITHOUT Fantasmic before 7:30pm this night (I had one at 7:55pm, but it’s just too late to get to F! without really rushing this expensive character meal). Keep our MM F! lunch, so we’ll have dinner package F! seating. Try to get Beaches & Cream for dinner the next night.

4.) Not ideal, but I still have it. I actually tried to give it to a DISer last night, but it didn’t work (party of 4 couldn’t keep the Fantasmic), so I took it back. I have a 4:55pm Jedi Mickey’s H&V WITH Fantasmic for the next night. I don’t like it because it basically eliminates the time we have for Stormalong Bay. However, if by some long shot our BCV waitlist for the whole weekend comes through at the last minute, we could do SAB the day before and this would actually work for us. So, I may just hang onto it. Unless someone asks for it. I don’t know.

Can you see why planning this trip has been such a headache for me? I feel like it’s an impossible puzzle and the pieces keep changing on me. Ugh.

So, based on that, you can tell the rest of the day is in limbo. Will probably involve some pool time and an ADR and a Fantasmic show. Unless it doesn’t.

Again, we do need to get to bed at a reasonable time, as we have MK pre-park-opening dining the next morning – in the castle!!

 

[MEK]

Love your latest uber planning update. It's so well planned that my head is spinning.

Not being a SW junkie its sort of hard for me to comment on all the great opportunities you have planned.

Having just eaten as Askerhaus I will tell you one surprising thing - I thought the women's room was in really poor shape. It needs a renovation. I was just shocked because its probably the worst looking bathroom I have seen at Disney. Not that it really matters because you are still going to have a great time with the character interaction and I'm sure Izzy will love it!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad you got things sorted out/better for your FP+ reservations. You should write up a separate post about SP+ lessons learned in general on the theme park board or something after all you have gone through and learned.

I've read some reviews of the Warrick Davis show and seems like he talks about all his roles (including giving wand flicking lessons from his time as Prof. Flitwick) so I think if that sort of thing interest you, you would like it - but I could see Izzy not being super into it.

Oh, good that you got a portable potty. We have one we keep in the car and have used it quite often so I think that will be great to have on the cruise and just to have.

The pillowcase sounds like a great idea! I was thinking of a photomat, but the transport is definitely the issue. And I am sure you could just frame the pillow case if you wanted to keep it nice

We've done Akershus 3 times (twice for lunch and once for breakfast). We enjoyed it all the time but if I had to pick I'd say we liked breakfast better - the food is just consistently better (some of lunch was great, some not as much - but not bad or anything). The cheesy potatoes at breakfast are great!. As for princesses, you always meet Belle at the beginning and then we had Cinderella, Ariel, Arora, and Snow White all times I think. I think Jasmine can some times be there. If interested, here is my post from our breakfast there: http://www.disboards.com/threads/oo...-were-going-back.3182545/page-4#post-49945967

so what you are saying is that planning this trip has been a breeze and everything has been set in stone for months now, right? Also, to confirm, this is a vacation right? Not some sort of weird test to see if you qualify for some advanced planning degree or something?

You probably feel a bit like this a this point:

One good thing is that there are a lot of good food options at EPCOT so even if you just do lunch at Sunshine Seasons or Tangerine Cafe or something it isn't like you are really slumming it or something. Hope things work out and that no matter what you get settled with, once you actually arrive you don't worry about it at all and just enjoy your time there.

 

[StephanieE]

Ok, so Izzy dressed as an Ewok is one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my entire life! I hope the weather cooperates (and she does ) so that she can wear it! That will create some solid memories for sure!

We are eating at Akershus for the first time on this trip too. It seems very interesting and I'm looking forward to trying a few new restaurants this trip! We usually do Coral Reef but it was a tad disappointing on our last trip so we decided to take a trip off. I'm sure we'll try again in the fall but there are just so many fun restaurants that we haven't been to yet though. So who knows?

The H&V dinner is causing me trouble too! We know that we absolutely want to do it and I do have 2 reserved right not but am probably going to cancel one tonight. It is the only day that I was able to get CRT as well and we love eating there! I keep hoping that another one will pop up so I can keep the H&V for that night but it isn't looking good! I have another one booked but it was a night we didn't plan to go to HS at all. I think we are just going to keep that one and do some park hopping!

Also I officially booked our extra night and we are coming down on the 16th! The extra crazy part is the AP discount was booked up for the standard rooms that night but available for Club level with a Theme Park view! Changing our flights actually saved us a bit of $$ and the AP rate for that room was still cheaper than a non-discounted Standard room so we went for it! We are celebrating our 10th Anniversary so I figured why not? We def cannot afford club level for the whole trip and are looking at POFQ for our fall trip to save a ton of $. But if I'm already splurging for the Poly.... why not just spend more?

I'm really looking forward to it and know that the other nights will be just a nice once we switch rooms! I'm looking forward to the lounge for the short time that we'll have it!

 

[Dugette]

Love your latest uber planning update. It's so well planned that my head is spinning.

Me too!

Not being a SW junkie its sort of hard for me to comment on all the great opportunities you have planned.

Eh, I'm not a Star Wars junkie either, but I do enjoy Disney planning (well, usually - this trip is kinda giving me a headache ). I know just enough about Star Wars to not look entirely silly around the fans.

Having just eaten as Askerhaus I will tell you one surprising thing - I thought the women's room was in really poor shape. It needs a renovation. I was just shocked because its probably the worst looking bathroom I have seen at Disney. Not that it really matters because you are still going to have a great time with the character interaction and I'm sure Izzy will love it!

Wow, that's surprising for a popular place like that! Especially with a newly potty-trained toddler, that's good to know. I guess that explains why I think they're building a new structure with restrooms nearby? I'm excited to see if she converses with the princesses there! Tonight, she was using a toy phone to make calls to princesses (or so she told me).

Glad you got things sorted out/better for your FP+ reservations. You should write up a separate post about SP+ lessons learned in general on the theme park board or something after all you have gone through and learned.

Eh, I don't think I've got the time for that. And I'm sure someone's got it covered better anyway. I can barely find time to plan my own trip.

I've read some reviews of the Warrick Davis show and seems like he talks about all his roles (including giving wand flicking lessons from his time as Prof. Flitwick) so I think if that sort of thing interest you, you would like it - but I could see Izzy not being super into it.

I don't think either Izzy or I would be terribly into it, from what I saw. I think we're making a good switch by doing the other show. Hopefully.

Oh, good that you got a portable potty. We have one we keep in the car and have used it quite often so I think that will be great to have on the cruise and just to have.

I'm excited to get it. Could have used it tonight, unexpectedly eating out with my dad and stepmom. She used the big potty okay, but having a seat would be helpful.

The pillowcase sounds like a great idea! I was thinking of a photomat, but the transport is definitely the issue. And I am sure you could just frame the pillow case if you wanted to keep it nice

Yeah, pretty versatile, I think. And I'd just worry about keeping a photo mat in good condition with such a long trip and multiple luggage transfers.

We've done Akershus 3 times (twice for lunch and once for breakfast). We enjoyed it all the time but if I had to pick I'd say we liked breakfast better - the food is just consistently better (some of lunch was great, some not as much - but not bad or anything). The cheesy potatoes at breakfast are great!. As for princesses, you always meet Belle at the beginning and then we had Cinderella, Ariel, Arora, and Snow White all times I think. I think Jasmine can some times be there. If interested, here is my post from our breakfast there: http://www.disboards.com/threads/oo...-were-going-back.3182545/page-4#post-49945967

I'll check out that post, thanks! Glad you enjoyed the breakfast. Sounds like an excellent princess line-up!

so what you are saying is that planning this trip has been a breeze and everything has been set in stone for months now, right? Also, to confirm, this is a vacation right? Not some sort of weird test to see if you qualify for some advanced planning degree or something?

Totally. I hope it actually feel like a vacation by the time we land at MCO.

You probably feel a bit like this a this point:

Nice!

One good thing is that there are a lot of good food options at EPCOT so even if you just do lunch at Sunshine Seasons or Tangerine Cafe or something it isn't like you are really slumming it or something. Hope things work out and that no matter what you get settled with, once you actually arrive you don't worry about it at all and just enjoy your time there.

That is very true! Could be a chance to try out Tutto Gusto or Spice Road Table.

Someone was having a good time with Star Wars smilies! Cute!

Ok, so Izzy dressed as an Ewok is one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my entire life! I hope the weather cooperates (and she does ) so that she can wear it! That will create some solid memories for sure!

Aw, thanks! I hope it works out for at least a few pictures. We'll see, never know with a two-year-old.

We are eating at Akershus for the first time on this trip too. It seems very interesting and I'm looking forward to trying a few new restaurants this trip! We usually do Coral Reef but it was a tad disappointing on our last trip so we decided to take a trip off. I'm sure we'll try again in the fall but there are just so many fun restaurants that we haven't been to yet though. So who knows?

We've never tried either of those. I totally agree about there being so many fun restaurants to try, though. Hard to narrow down the choices each trip. Hope we both have a great experience with Akershus!

The H&V dinner is causing me trouble too! We know that we absolutely want to do it and I do have 2 reserved right not but am probably going to cancel one tonight. It is the only day that I was able to get CRT as well and we love eating there! I keep hoping that another one will pop up so I can keep the H&V for that night but it isn't looking good! I have another one booked but it was a night we didn't plan to go to HS at all. I think we are just going to keep that one and do some park hopping!

Such a pain, isn't it? It's so annoying to me that they make you book ADRs so long before they release any schedule info (SWW). I had H&V booked right when they opened the window (a few of them, actually) and here I am, just a few weeks until I'm there, trying like a crazy person to get an ADR that I was up at midnight booking like a good DISer.

Also I officially booked our extra night and we are coming down on the 16th! The extra crazy part is the AP discount was booked up for the standard rooms that night but available for Club level with a Theme Park view! Changing our flights actually saved us a bit of $$ and the AP rate for that room was still cheaper than a non-discounted Standard room so we went for it! We are celebrating our 10th Anniversary so I figured why not? We def cannot afford club level for the whole trip and are looking at POFQ for our fall trip to save a ton of $. But if I'm already splurging for the Poly.... why not just spend more?

Yay for an extra night! And Club Level Theme Park view at the Poly!? That's going to be amazing! Back in Dec. 2010, we ended up getting a giant dose of pixie dust and stayed (garden view) in the Hawaii/Club building. We LOVED it! And it's our 10th anniversary year too (not till October for us). Happy anniversary! Do we have any overlapping park time? I can't keep everyone's schedule straight anymore (barely can keep my own straight ).

I'm really looking forward to it and know that the other nights will be just a nice once we switch rooms! I'm looking forward to the lounge for the short time that we'll have it!

We loved the lounge. So nice to just relax there with a snack and drink. We were just a few doors down on the same level, so it was really handy. Even just stopping through on the way to the parks to grab a drink for the road was nice. We had really great help from the concierge desk there too.

 

[Dugette]

One Month from Today – Monday, May 25th

First off, we started this morning with a small tribute to Sleepy Hollow’s waffle sandwiches. I had seen someone talking about the nutella/fruit waffle sandwiches in a PTR (sorry, I forget which one ) and it made me think – why don’t I just make one of these at home? We have a waffle maker and the toppings are not hard to acquire. So I did! I made one with strawberries, bananas, and nutella (well, Target’s owned-brand version of it), then I made a ham and cheese waffle, since we had leftover ham from last night. They were both yummy (especially the fruit/nutella one):





We also got more Mickey mail. I guess we all got a set of red Magic Bands too:



I honestly don’t remember what the third set will be, so I guess we’ll be surprised when that one shows up. I guess that’s what I get for picking them out so long ago.

We also got the Bonus Gift Card from using the Disney Vacation Account to accumulate our Disney Gift Cards in, then pay out stuff for the trip with it:





You can find more info on the Budget Boards or the DVA website, but the quick version is that you can get $20 as a bonus for each $1000 you spend from your account. I spent somewhere between $2k-$3k (couldn’t use it for renting DVC, since that’s not directly through Disney, but can use it for cruise fare and tickets), so I got $40. I’ll take it! Another nice thing is that you can get your remaining balance sent to you on Disney Gift Cards (max of $1k at a time, I think) before your trip. So, I put $990 in $50 and $100 Disney Gift Cards in there recently (all bought at Target for 5% off with my Red Card) and they are going to send me a $500 and a $490 Disney Gift Card back. I like this, as I don’t have to lug a ton of cards along and have the CM run dozens of cards to pay off my balance. Should save some time. We’ll use these (plus some more $100s that I’ll get – Target just started offering the $100s! ) to pay off our room charge balance, which will be mostly our dining expenses.

One other note, before we get into this day’s plans: I’ve been stalking for a better H&V ADR time, as you know. I came downstairs this morning to find Dug on Disney’s website. Guess what he was doing? Stalking H&V ADRs too! We haven’t got anything yet, but double the manpower now!

On to our plans for a month from now, though. This is a pretty fun day!

Monday, May 25th

We’ve got to be up and at ‘em early this day so we can enter the Magic Kingdom before rope drop. Park has a 9am opening and we have an 8:20am ADR. That should give us maybe 20 minutes to take empty-ish Main Street/castle pictures, if we play our cards right. I love to have that opportunity!

Originally, we had a Crystal Palace ADR at 8:15am. And we were very happy with that, as we love CP breakfast, especially pre-park-opening. However, when I saw a Cinderella’s Royal Table pop up on MDE for that time, I had to grab it. I mean, we’ve never been in the castle and Izzy loves princesses these days and she’s still free and breakfast is the “cheapest” way to eat in there. So, why not?

After we finish our royal breakfast, we’ll walk right out into Fantasyland and get in as much as we can with short morning lines. No particular agenda, but just things that we can all enjoy together. I’m thinking attractions like Under the Sea, Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Barnstormer (if we haven’t yet), meeting Ariel, etc.

Our first FP+ is for the Mine Train at 10:15am. Dug and I both have one, just to ensure we both get at least one ride. We will try to get Rider Swaps, though, so we can have a second turn too. We’ll spend more time getting in family-friendly attractions after that until lunchtime. One other thing on my mind is the Frontierland Hoedown, as it's probably the only place that Izzy can see Clarabelle Cow (she loves her on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). My understanding is that this is not a set time and we won't know when this will take place until that day or shortly before. It seems like it often happens later in the day, so we may be out of luck. Hoping they have a morning one this day and we can see it. Oh, I'd also like to have Izzy meet Jessie & Woody at some point during our MK days. She loves them!

For lunch, we go to another castle – we’ve got Be Our Guest at 12:25pm. Again, saw that ADR pop up and couldn’t resist snatching it up. We had lunch there on our first trip with Izzy and really enjoyed it, so happy to go back again.

Right after lunch, we have our FP+ for Anna and Elsa at 12:50-1:50pm. If we meet them on the cruise and feel satisfied with that, I might change this to something else, like Pirates or whatever we haven’t gotten to yet. But I’m holding it for now, since it’s harder to get than everything else.

As the day stands right now, we have our third FP+ for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, 2:45-3:05pm arrival window. I am really hoping we can knock this one out on the 24-hour day instead and change this FP+ to something else for the morning. Again, hanging onto it until I have a second FP+ for the other day in my hands, but hoping we don’t have to wait until this day to see the parade.

The reason I want to change is that this is the day we check into the Beach Club Villas (so, we’ll have to leave our luggage with Bell Services to transfer before we go out in the morning). While staying at BCV, a main objective for us is to use Storm-along Bay (the amazing pool area). We stayed there once, back in Nov. 2010, pre-Izzy, and loved it. There are some great areas for her, like a sand-bottomed play area, so we want to get some time there for us all to enjoy it. And, because we leave early the next day, this is our only chance. If we have to stay in MK for the parade, that puts us back at BCV fairly late. Our plan would be to have Izzy nap in the stroller between Anna/Elsa and the FoF parade (and we do the Pirate Adventure or something?), then see the parade, then get back to BCV and check-in and have pool time. I think the earliest we could expect to be there is about 4pm. And that is do-able, as our current H&V ADR that night is 7:50pm, so it gives us time. Originally, we had Beaches & Cream at 8:20pm, which would have been a great way to end our night, but we can’t miss H&V, so it is what it is, I guess.

If we manage to see the parade on the 24-hour day, we can leave the MK right after lunch this day. Or maybe squeeze in a loop on the train first, if we haven’t yet. I want to take Izzy on that at some point.

Then we can go check in at BCV and have Izzy nap – either in the room or in the stroller while Dug and I trade off pool time. When she wakes up, she can join us. She might have about the same amount of pool time with either scenario, but Dug and I get more this way.

Again, dinner plans are currently to trek back to DHS and say hi to Jedi Mickey at Hollywood and Vine at 7:50pm. If I can get that meal on the previous day, I will do my best to change this dinner back to Beaches & Cream. Otherwise, we can pick something else in the Boardwalk area. Or even World Showcase, I suppose. Then we’ll want to get Izzy to bed. DHS is open until midnight (EMH) this night, so one of us could stick around there if we wanted to. We might be all DHS'ed out by now, though. MK is also open until midnight. We’d probably be wise to just both rest up, though, as we have an early breakfast and a travel day on the horizon. Boo, almost time to go home! (My update tomorrow should be pretty easy – yay! )

 

[MEK]

Those waffles look amazing. I had the ham and cheese one last May and now I am a total addict. I am a fan of nutella, too, but haven't tried that version.

Good for you for racking up some free gift cards and working the Target system. I know a lot of people do that, I just don't shop at Target that much because ours is in a very busy mall and I can't stand to go there after work. The parking is too much of a mess.

So funny that you have a breakfast ADR with Cindy and a lunch ADR at BOG. That's exactly what Cynthia and I did in May. It was castle overload. Just kidding - like THAT could ever happen.

Yay for BCV. I am sure you will be excited to use SAB. Great plans!

 

[StephanieE]

And it's our 10th anniversary year too (not till October for us). Happy anniversary! Do we have any overlapping park time? I can't keep everyone's schedule straight anymore (barely can keep my own straight

I know what you mean about keeping your own schedule straight! I started writing it out so I can make sure that I'm not missing anything and won't accidentally keep reservations that I don't need!

I had a minute and ran back through your plans. We are spending the 16th in Epcot and DTD so we may be there at the same time. We may skip or cut short our time at DTD just to enjoy the resort though. It seems like there is plenty to see just at the Poly!

And then we are spending the majority of the 17th at HS as it is our package day and then some of the evening at Magic Kingdom. BUT the craziest thing happened - I noticed that we have the same ADR for 50's!!

I'm still working on our dinner that day and we may need to move it but if not then maybe we'll see you in the waiting room!

 

[Dugette]

Those waffles look amazing. I had the ham and cheese one last May and now I am a total addict. I am a fan of nutella, too, but haven't tried that version.

We had the ham and cheese one a few trips back and it was really good! (better than my homemade one, as I just did plain ham and a slice of cheese) The homemade nutella/fruit one was really good. I actually had one again this morning, as I'd made extra waffles, so I just toasted one and threw on the nutella and fruit - delicious, even leftover!

Good for you for racking up some free gift cards and working the Target system. I know a lot of people do that, I just don't shop at Target that much because ours is in a very busy mall and I can't stand to go there after work. The parking is too much of a mess.

Aw, that's too bad about the Target location. You can order them online too - still get 5% off if you pay with a Red Card. I actually used to get a much better deal, as I work for a subsidiary of Target - we used to get Team Member discounts on Disney Gift Cards, but they took that benefit away.

So funny that you have a breakfast ADR with Cindy and a lunch ADR at BOG. That's exactly what Cynthia and I did in May. It was castle overload. Just kidding - like THAT could ever happen.

Nothing like dining in all the Fantasyland castles in one day! Great minds think alike.

Yay for BCV. I am sure you will be excited to use SAB. Great plans!

Just wish we could have gotten more than one night at BCV - I guess there's still a chance our wait list could come through, but not counting on that. We'll enjoy whatever time we get there.

 

[Dugette]

I know what you mean about keeping your own schedule straight! I started writing it out so I can make sure that I'm not missing anything and won't accidentally keep reservations that I don't need!

Yep, I have just been so overwhelmed by all the changes in plans that I have to keep looking at my Excel sheet to keep everything straight!

I had a minute and ran back through your plans. We are spending the 16th in Epcot and DTD so we may be there at the same time. We may skip or cut short our time at DTD just to enjoy the resort though. It seems like there is plenty to see just at the Poly!

Well, if you're still in Downtown Disney during the afternoon, keep an eye out for us! Totally understand the lure of the Poly, though.

And then we are spending the majority of the 17th at HS as it is our package day and then some of the evening at Magic Kingdom. BUT the craziest thing happened - I noticed that we have the same ADR for 50's!!

Wow, it sounds like we're planning a similar day this day! That's crazy about the 50's! You will have to look for us (I don't think you have any pics up, so not sure who I'm looking for). Maybe we will get to say hi in the 50's "living room".

I'm still working on our dinner that day and we may need to move it but if not then maybe we'll see you in the waiting room!

Oh, okay, I know how that ADR musical chairs can go. Well, if you end up keeping the 50's, definitely keep an eye out for us!