It's a SO-LO PTR (Nory makes it a tradition!)! Oct '10: More Solo WDW Madness!

[norybell]

OK, I'm going to share something here that I've been too shy to admit to anyone other than my closest family and friends (funny how the Internet lets you be brave about these things, isn't it?).

I have decided to try writing a YA novel set in the Magic Kingdom.

I have no idea if I can actually do this. I haven't done any creative writing in probably 15 years. And after being a book editor for so long, and being married to a writer, I'm under no illusions that writing is easy. Which is why I'm not really telling people about it -- if, after a few months, it's really not working out, I can let it go without getting too hard of a time.

But I'm pretty excited to try! I've been in love with YA novels my whole life, (especially the fantasy ones) -- Narnia, Harry Potter, Laura Ingalls, Philip Pullman, etc. And I just read the first Kingdom Keepers book, and was so disappointed with it; I think maybe, just maybe, I can write something at least as good as that.

Anyway. I bring it up here because IT'S TOTALLY MESSING WITH MY PLANS! I hadn't planned on too much MK time during my October trip, since it's F&W and under so much construction and everything. But now I think I need to squeeze as much in as possible. For research!

OK. Here are my (nearly) original plans in black, and my new plans in blue. What do you think?:

Day 1 - Wednesday

• 10:00 - arrive MCO
• ~11:30 - arrive CSR via ME
• ~12:30 - Epcot (FP Soarin', F&W lunch)
• ~2:00 - back to CSR, get room, explore resort, relax/nap
• ~5:00 - Epcot (Soarin' w/ FP, Eo)
• 7:00 - Nine Dragons ADR
• 9-12 - Epcot EMH (Illuminations, Spaceship Earth)

New version: Exactly the same, no changes for this day

NOTES:

1. I probably won't stay for much of the EMH; I'll be too tired and will have a (hopefully) early morning the next day.
2. I will probably cancel my Nine Dragons ADR, as I'm not particularly excited about it. I just wanted to have the opportunity for a sit-down meal, as I know how those can really revive me when I'm exhausted!
3. I'd like to milk as much CSR-exploration time as I can in there, somehow, so I might cut some of the Epcot time shorter, depending on how I feel.
4. I thought about going to MK right away, instead of Epcot, but it just made it too crazy.

Day 2 - Thursday - Original Plan

• ~8:00 - breakfast at PM, bus to AK
• 9:00 - AK RD (Everest lots of times)
• by 11:00 - back to CSR, check out, taxi to Poly, check in
• Epcot - F&W lunch
• back to room in afternoon, nap
• MNSSHP

Day 2 - Thursday - Revised Plan

• ~7:00 - check out, leave bags with Bell Services to be delivered to Poly, bus to MK
• 8:00 - MK EMH RD
• by 11:00 - monorail to Epcot
• 12:00 - Chefs de France ADR
• by 3:00 - back to Poly, get room, nap
• 5:05 - Kona ADR
• MNSSHP

NOTES:

1. I'm a little petrified of a morning EMH...I usually avoid them at all costs! But it would give me some lovely MK morning time, and would give me more time at Epcot. Of course, if I'm ridiculously exhausted in the morning, I'll just skip it and it won't be the end of the world.
2. I'm also petrified of having Bell Services deliver my bags to the Poly. Usually I'd take a cab with them, because I really don't like not knowing where my stuff is. But it makes absolutely no sense for me to return to CSR just to get my bags. If I can drag myself outta bed super early, maybe I'll take a taxi to the Poly before RD, but I'm guessing that just won't happen.

Day 3 - Friday - Original Plan

• room service breakfast
• 9:00 - DHS RD
• 11:40 - Brown Derby ADR
• walk through Epcot
• open afternoon - maybe pool, maybe visit WL, maybe MK, nap
• 7:40 - Citrico's ADR
• Hallowishes on Poly beach

Day 3 - Friday - Revised Plan

• room service breakfast
• 9:00 - DHS RD (TSM, TOT, RNR, Animation)
• 11:40 - Brown Derby ADR
• walk back through Epcot
• open afternoon
• 4:30 - Plaza ADR
• MNSSHP

NOTES:

1. That's right...I'm going back to MNSSHP for a second night! I decided this was the easiest way to get more MK time.
2. This does mean I have to cancel my lovely Citrico's ADR and relaxing evening on the Poly beach. But that's OK. There's always next time.
3. I have to treat myself to a room service breakfast once on every trip. It always feels so decadent! Maybe I'll finally try that famous Tonga Toast!

Day 4 - Saturday - Original Plan

• 8:30 - leave bags with Bell Services
• 9:00 - MK RD
• 12:00 - Crystal Palace ADR
• ~3:00 - ME to MCO

Day 4 - Saturday - Revised Plan

• relax at resort, leave bags at Bell Services sometime before 11:00
• MK or AK
• 12:00 - Crystal Palace ADR or Flame Tree
• ~3:00 - ME to MCO

NOTES:

1. Since I'll have hit two MNSSHPs and one EMH MK RD, I no longer feel the need to get up early on this day before I check out. Hooray!
2. You may have noticed that AK is glaringly absent from my itinerary thus far. I spent so much time there during my last two trips, all I really want to do there this time is ride Everest over and over. But I really want to ride Everest over and over! So we'll see how I feel this morning, and whether or not I feel the need for more MK research time.

Whew! That was a lot, and a lot of changes! What do you think?

 

[Tribilín]

I have decided to try writing a YA novel set in the Magic Kingdom.

Excellent news! And change that "try writing" for "start writing"... I'm sure you can create a great novel. You already have adoring fans writing WDW TRs I can't wait to brag about knowing you before you became famous

Now into the plans

NOTES:

1. I'm a little petrified of a morning EMH...I usually avoid them at all costs! But it would give me some lovely MK morning time, and would give me more time at Epcot. Of course, if I'm ridiculously exhausted in the morning, I'll just skip it and it won't be the end of the world.

Petrified of a morning EMH Why? I've always had the impression they were less crowded than evening EMHs.

NOTES:

1. That's right...I'm going back to MNSSHP for a second night! I decided this was the easiest way to get more MK time.

WOW!!! More MK time and more candy treats Just kidding... with two exclusive parties at MK I wouldn't need any more time at MK at all That sure looks like EE time to me

 

[glennbo123]

Wow, that's so exciting!

(But what's a YA novel? I'm clueless.)

If you write it, I'll read it.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Wow, Nory! A young adult novel sounds like a great idea! I've already told you that you have a great, witty writing style. I say go for it! And heck, anything that allows you more time at the MK (for research of course!) is a good idea! You know, my DD10 wasn't impressed with Kingdom Keepers either, she said it was boring and predictable. We are huge HP, Narnia and Little House fans too. Some of our favorite books hands down. Have read any of the Percy Jackson series? Mythology seems to be big right now.

Your plans look great and it's awesome that you're doing 2 MNSSHP's! We really enjoyed it last year. Glad to see you are squeezing in Hallowishes on the Poly beach! Be sure to get a pina colada or some kind of Polynesian-y drink.

 

[glennbo123]

A young adult novel sounds like a great idea!

Ohhhh. I hope the words aren't too big for me.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Ohhhh. I hope the words aren't too big for me.

Good one!

 

[norybell]

Excellent news! And change that "try writing" for "start writing"... I'm sure you can create a great novel. You already have adoring fans writing WDW TRs I can't wait to brag about knowing you before you became famous

Wow, Nory! A young adult novel sounds like a great idea! I've already told you that you have a great, witty writing style. I say go for it!

Wow, that's so exciting!

(But what's a YA novel? I'm clueless.)

If you write it, I'll read it.

Thanks for the support, guys! I've already started, but very slowly, because I'm doing a bunch of research at the same time (Marceline, MO, mythology, Peter Pan, etc.). Whatever happens, I think it'll be a fun and exciting experiment!

Petrified of a morning EMH Why? I've always had the impression they were less crowded than evening EMHs.

I think I've always avoided them because it just seemed too early to get up! But now that I'm older, more mature, and have my Disney priorities in order, I think I can handle it!

And heck, anything that allows you more time at the MK (for research of course!) is a good idea!

Exactly!

You know, my DD10 wasn't impressed with Kingdom Keepers either, she said it was boring and predictable. We are huge HP, Narnia and Little House fans too. Some of our favorite books hands down. Have read any of the Percy Jackson series? Mythology seems to be big right now.

Your DD10 is right on the nose with her Kingdom Keepers review! It was also full of completely undeveloped characters and plot elements that were never flushed out at all. Very frustrating. I have the second one, too, and I'm having a really hard time making myself read it.

I haven't read the Percy Jackson books yet, but they're on my list! I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy. AMAZING. Though maybe too teen for your kids? I also just finished When You Reach Me, which won the Newberry. It was beautiful. If they haven't read it yet and you have any Wrinkle in Time fans in your family, I highly recommend it! Next up I have the first book in a series called The Sisters Grimm.

As well as giving me an excuse to visit WDW more often, this also gives me the excuse to read a bunch of YA novels. So much fun!

Ohhhh. I hope the words aren't too big for me.

Don't worry, Glen, I'll keep your reading level in mind. The main character's 12. Think that'll be OK, vocabulary-wise?

 

[glennbo123]

Don't worry, Glen, I'll keep your reading level in mind. The main character's 12. Think that'll be OK, vocabulary-wise?

Yeah, that'll work. I'll keep my dictionary handy.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Thanks for the support, guys! I've already started, but very slowly, because I'm doing a bunch of research at the same time (Marceline, MO, mythology, Peter Pan, etc.). Whatever happens, I think it'll be a fun and exciting experiment!

Your DD10 is right on the nose with her Kingdom Keepers review! It was also full of completely undeveloped characters and plot elements that were never flushed out at all. Very frustrating. I have the second one, too, and I'm having a really hard time making myself read it.

I haven't read the Percy Jackson books yet, but they're on my list! I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy. AMAZING. Though maybe too teen for your kids? I also just finished When You Reach Me, which won the Newberry. It was beautiful. If they haven't read it yet and you have any Wrinkle in Time fans in your family, I highly recommend it! Next up I have the first book in a series called The Sisters Grimm.

I've never read A Wrinkle in Time! Now it's on my list! The storyline is very intriguing but I don't want to know too much about it before I read. I like to go in fresh!

When You Reach Me looks very, very good. I was 7 years old in 1979 and remember the 20,000 Pyramid show! The Hunger Games looks a tad intense for my DD10 although technically she might be ok since she's reading The Iliad right now!

I truly love YA novels myself. While in elementary and middle school I developed a life long love of reading, particuarly novels similar to the ones we've talked about already. My dream has always been to have a children's bookstore with really good literature offered. DH thinks I'm crazy to enjoy some of these books (HP and such) but then I just remind him that his love of World of Warcraft is a tad juvenile too!

For research info. regarding Marceline, Mo and Disney-ish things, I'd highly recommend the biography "Disney's World" by Leonard Mosley. It reads almost like a novel itself. Lots of background info. on Walt's early years including Marceline. It's a tad brief (on Marceline) but is full of direct quotes by Walt describing the area and how he felt about it.

Seriously though, I hope you accomplish this. I'd most certainly buy a copy of your book.

 

[Tribilín]

Don't worry, Glen, I'll keep your reading level in mind. The main character's 12. Think that'll be OK, vocabulary-wise?

Yeah, that'll work. I'll keep my dictionary handy.

A dictionary? Dude! That's, like, EPIC fail!

Please tell me that sounds like a 12 y/o talking

 

[norybell]

I've never read A Wrinkle in Time! Now it's on my list! The storyline is very intriguing but I don't want to know too much about it before I read. I like to go in fresh!

When You Reach Me looks very, very good. I was 7 years old in 1979 and remember the 20,000 Pyramid show! The Hunger Games looks a tad intense for my DD10 although technically she might be ok since she's reading The Iliad right now!

I truly love YA novels myself. While in elementary and middle school I developed a life long love of reading, particuarly novels similar to the ones we've talked about already. My dream has always been to have a children's bookstore with really good literature offered. DH thinks I'm crazy to enjoy some of these books (HP and such) but then I just remind him that his love of World of Warcraft is a tad juvenile too!

For research info. regarding Marceline, Mo and Disney-ish things, I'd highly recommend the biography "Disney's World" by Leonard Mosley. It reads almost like a novel itself. Lots of background info. on Walt's early years including Marceline. It's a tad brief (on Marceline) but is full of direct quotes by Walt describing the area and how he felt about it.

Seriously though, I hope you accomplish this. I'd most certainly buy a copy of your book.

You're going to love A Wrinkle in Time. It's one of my all-time favorites.

I love YA novels, too. Even though I still read all the time, for work and for pleasure, it'll never be the same as when I was a kid -- no one can get quite so into a book as a 10-year-old in love with reading, you know what I mean? (It probably helps to not have all those pesky grown-up responsibilities ) And YA novels kind of recapture that for me, at least to some extent. Do you have any other particular recommendations?

And thanks for the tip about the Disney bio...I'm currently re-reading Neal Gabler's Disney biography, which is really, really wonderful (and I don't usually enjoy bios). Also really, really long.

A dictionary? Dude! That's, like, EPIC fail!

Please tell me that sounds like a 12 y/o talking

You could totally have fooled me!

 

[glennbo123]

A dictionary? Dude! That's, like, EPIC fail!

Please tell me that sounds like a 12 y/o talking

I'm not sure. But I'm hoping that she writes a scene where somebody makes "passing wind" noises with their hand under their armpit.

 

[norybell]

Exciting news! Last night, DH agreed to go to WDW with me next year!

Granted, he said this after a few glasses of celebratory wine (he was just offered an awesome new job), so who knows if he really meant it!

Anyway. Back to this trip. For the sake of having something to write here, how about a list of things I want to do in each park?

MAGIC KINGDOM
1. The usual - Splash, BTMRR, Peter Pan, Pooh, Space Mountain, IASW, Philharmagic, Pirates, Treehouse, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress

2. Stuff I haven't done ever or often or for a long time, but will do this time for research - train, Tiki Room, Tom Sawyer Island, Snow White, Buzz, Monsters Laugh Floor, Stitch's Great Escape?

3. Take pictures of every nook and cranny - Again, for research

4. Hallowishes, MNSSHP parade - obviously

In other words, at the MK I pretty much want to do everything!

EPCOT
1. The usual - Soarin, Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, the Land, American Adventure, Illuminations

2. Give Test Track another chance - via the Singles' Line

3. Food & Wine - obviously

4. Captain Eo - for old-time's sake

5. Eat a rice creme in Norway - I love rice pudding, yet somehow never realized this existed!

6. Watch one of the WS films - China, Norway, or Canada?

7. Actually do a little shopping

HOLLYWOOD
1. Get an OK score on TSM - Not sure what my definition of "an ok score" actually is, however

2. Do the Animation Academy drawing thing

3. Maybe give American Idol a try, just for kicks

4. The usual - RnR, ToT

5. Interact with street characters

6. Try to find the "I [mickey ears] NY" shirt - I saw this on someone else's TR, and I must have it if it still exists!

ANIMAL KINGDOM
1. Ride Everest as many times as possible

2. Walk the Maharajah Trail early in the morning, before it gets busy

IN GENERAL
1. Try my first Dole Whip

2. Take my time in an uncrowded queue - take pictures, allow people to pass me

OK, that's all I can think of for now! Any suggestions?

 

[norybell]

I've totally been going back and forth with my ADRs. Argh. I just can't decide.

First, I wasn't totally sure I'd want to do a character meal by myself on my last morning. I'm sure it would be fun, but it's been so long since I've been to one, I'm sure it would be more fun if I saved the experience for next time I'm there with my mom or a sister.

So I made a lunch ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern, and decided I'd cancel my Crystal Palace lunch. That Tri-corner sandwich at LTT sounds right up my alley.

But I kept checking my eating options, and a Crystal Palace breakfast opened up. A late breakfast, unfortunately (9:55), but a breakfast nonetheless, and I'm sure I'd like the breakfast food better.

Plus, I have a lingering Kona reservation for a late lunch (1:30) that day.

So now I have three options for my last morning:
1. Go to Animal Kingdom for the first & only time this trip, eat lunch at Kona
2. Sleep in a bit, go to CP breakfast, Kona late lunch before I leave on ME
3. Have a whole morning in the MK, lunch at LTT

I'm leaning toward option #2 right now.

Since there's a good chance I'll eat lunch at Kona that day, I then made a dinner ressie at the Wave for Thursday night, to replace my Kona one. I wish I could get in to LTT this night before MNSSHP, but I doubt anything will open up there.

Finally, I switched Nine Dragons on my first night for the new Mexican place. Hopefully it'll be good!

 

[norybell]

So...

If you were going to hide a prophecy somewhere in the Magic Kingdom, where would you hide it?

Assume all props are real, and that you have total access.

 

[onelilspark]

How did I miss that DH will be going with you?! How exciting!

I'd hide it in the treasure room at the end of Pirates.

 

[norybell]

How did I miss that DH will be going with you?! How exciting!

I'd hide it in the treasure room at the end of Pirates.

DH won't be joining me on this trip, but he's agreed to go with me in the future, just because it's important to me.

It's actually good he's not coming with me next month, since I genuinely do want to do a lot of book research. I'm quite certain that when I bring him along, I'll have to plan for significantly less time in the parks. Which will be good in a different way, just not what I'm looking for in this trip, KWIM?

 

[holleypie]

Hi Nory! I've been reading your trip reports all afternoon (instead of, uh, working). My husband (reddog1134) and I will be at the parks for two weeks in October with friends. I'm a YA author so I'm excited that you're writing a YA novel. Have fun on your trip and good luck with your research! Travel research is the best. I think I need to set my next novel on a cruise ship....

 

[norybell]

Hi holleypie, Our trips next month will probably overlap next month, so if you see someone with "norybell" on a lime-green Mickey attached to her purse, say hi!

Would I maybe have read anything you've written? I'm really excited about this project, but nervous, too, since I have no idea if I can do it or not!

 

[holleypie]

My debut novel (The Snowball Effect) was published by HarperCollins earlier this year. It's contemporary YA. I'm working on a middle grade novel right now and since it's for a younger audience I have NO idea what I'm doing.

I didn't know about the DIS on our last trip so I'm looking forward to trying to spot the lime green mickeys this time. I will definitely say hi!