It's alright, I'm still alive! a TR -- Day 11: Aquatica-- Updated 4/27

[disneyhockeymad]

Ok so I have my PTR sandwiched on the top of this... if you want to cut straight to my TR then go ahead... it's situated on Pg4 post 47 HERE!... if you don't then feel free to read it all!!

Right so as this is my first pre trip report I'm going to apologise straight away for the most likely appallingness (if that is even a word ) of this! Being British it's most likely to include lots of references and English-isms (we were taught that word in English last year, I didn't even think it exsisted as a word but apparently it does!) that might not make sense!

So I guess I had better introduce my family...
This is me, I'm Laura, 18, love anything Disney and I'm more or less known for it by all my friends. I'm always going on about Disney to my parents, especially now we're so so close (2 months and counting!) although I think my family are starting to get sick of it. Otherwise I'm in my last year of school and I'm off to university next year which is slightly scary but also very exciting!

This is my dad, he's pretty much in love with his job (I did work experience with him, I fell asleep I was so bored, but I guess whatever makes him happy!) I reckon he's quite excited about Disney, he likes to pretend he's not but I know he is! He doesn't mind listening to me go on and on about planning but won't do anything to help me!

This is my mum, she likes Disney to an extent but doesn't see why I get so excited before the trip, she's more the one for turning up and taking it as it comes, I know she's looking forward to it, but she isn't showing it right now!

And finally this is my younger brother (16), he's at that age where liking Disney isn't cool, but I know he likes it really. He pretends not to get excited when I daily tell him how many days we have left until we go to WDW, or what new rides they've put in since we last went and such, but I know he's excited, I can see it in his eyes!

Right so that's my family, I'll fill you in on the background. We first went to WDW in April 2001 and then again in 2003, we haven't really had the time since then, what with the numerous exams to revise for and take and the fact that living in England makes it so so so much harder to go to WDW. We visit Paris regularly though so I get my Disney fix... think I'd go insane without it!

We were given the choice to go on holiday anywhere we wanted this year, so obviously, and naturally, we chose WDW... how could we not! See it's most likely going to be our last family holiday in a way because, as I've already said, I'm going to uni next year so most of my summers and holidays will be spent working and what not!

Right that's all the boring stuff over and done with, now on to the goodies!

We booked the trip last september (maybe?!) and I've been excited ever since! We're staying offsite, as always, I'm kind of gutted because I would love to stay onsite but Dad says that he didnt want to be around Disney 24/7, I think he's mad, so we are staying offsite. We stay on site at DLP so I guess I can't complain too much. My calender on my wall, of course Disney, well Winnie the Pooh to be exact, has all the days until Disney on it counting down, and at the moment I'm on 72, so although it seems like a long way off for me this is so so exciting, I've missed the magic so much!

Don't get me wrong DLP is amazing, but it just doesnt have that same magic that WDW has, (I think it might be something to do with all the French and European's and the fact I can't understand a word they're saying!) It's just not the same when you have no idea what's going on around you and you can't share in the magic that's been created by the other families, and for me that is all part of the experience... like when you see the joy on a little kid's face when he runs up to Mickey for the first time, or when someone views the castle for the first time. It's just magic. Disney magic.
Don't worry I'm not the soppy type. Just partial to a little emotion, every now and again, especially when Disney is involved!

Anyways... so we booked Disney. I was more than excited of course, although as mum reminded me I have my final exams the month before, the ones that will decide whether or not I get into uni so they're my big hurdle beforehand, but Disney is my reward for all the effort I will/am putting in to passing these which makes Disney even more excitable! Even my 18th is before Disney (in 22 days to be exact) and I'm still more excited about Disney, I would say it's mad. But it's me!

Right so there's the background... 5 years of WDW longing all crammed into one family, a daughters who's too over excited for her own good, mum's words not mine, and a family who are pretending not to be as excited as they are...
Will I ever convince them that being excited is good? Will my brother finally give in to me and dance around the house to Disney songs in a slightly hyper, if not a little scary, joy? Stay tuned and all will be revealed!!!

 

[PrincessSarah314]

I can't wait to read the details! It must be so exciting to finally get to return to WDW after 5 years! I go annually and missed my fix in 2007 and that was awful! I can't imagine going 5 years without WDW!!!!

I'm in the process of writing my first pre-trip report for our trip in May! I hope you'll come over and check it out! I'll be looking for updates on yours!!!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

I can't wait to read the details! It must be so exciting to finally get to return to WDW after 5 years! I go annually and missed my fix in 2007 and that was awful! I can't imagine going 5 years without WDW!!!!

I'm in the process of writing my first pre-trip report for our trip in May! I hope you'll come over and check it out! I'll be looking for updates on yours!!!!

It's the best feeling ever knowing that finally we're going back to WDW again! You don't realise how much you miss it until you don't go! As we both found out... glad you're interested, I'll try and keep up to date but with revision and such it might be more difficult than I think!!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Things kind of quietened down between September and January (until I was bave enough to explore the other DISboards and not just the VMK one!). I began looking at pictures and memories, and of course the trip reports, that everyone had left, and bingo, just like that I was excited again! As if by magic, Disney magic, my mum got her guide to WDW and Florida that she has ordered through the post so I promptly picked it up and began to read, the whole way through. Needless to say my mum didn’t see it very much at all for the next week, I made copious notes and sticky noted everything, my mum still thinks I'm weird but I don't care. I'm excited, and that's perfectly fine with me!

We went shopping for clothes about a week back, so as we didn’t have to do it when I was in the middle of my exams and so it wouldn’t interfere with my revision. (I’m actually starting to really panic about my exams now; they’re just over a month away and the mean so much!) I studied American politics this year and its comparison to British politics so with the election going on it hasn’t been too hard to revise that subject, plus it’s meant that America is constantly in my head, which has meant that my thoughts are constantly tripping back to WDW which in a way is good but really isn’t when I should be revising! Still any reminder is a good reminder. Especially when shopping is involved.

We hit the biggest shopping centre we have near us, it’s a bit manic sometimes but if you go at the right time you get to all the shops, bit like Disney and the rides! Why does everything come back to Disney, I swear this isn’t good for me! So I think I did ok with my buys… I bought these shoes to wear around Disney, the first pair are my shoes that I will literally live in because they are so comfortable and the other pair I’m planning on wearing out and in the evenings… (sorry the pictures are a bit large!)

I bought these amazing shorts, I love the lime green pair, reckon I’ll stick out like a sore thumb but that’s never a bad thing.

This skirt was a bargain and was possibly my favourite buy, it’s so comfortable and really thin so I wont be too hot in the July heat… maybe this is a good time to confess I’ve never actually been to WDW in June/July (we’re going end of June to mid way through July) but as Dis has kept me fairly up to date with what to expect so all is good

Right that’s enough for now I think; besides I’m off to London for the weekend tomorrow so I need to pack for that right now!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

I was searching on the internet today, finding all the WDW music I could, came across so much good stuff and seeing as my brother was the only person in the house I decided to play it loudly on the computer. Needless to say I got a pillow thrown at my head, but I did get a reaction, and a "wha' the hell" (he had only just woken up so on hindsight playing music this loud and this happy might have made him slightly angry.) STILL I did provoke a reaction, and he did stop and listen for a while asking me questions and what not before plodding off to plonk himself down in front of the TV to return to Zombieland and watch sport once more. A major achievement I feel… I got him excited!!

Back to the point... I was searching for music and it made me so happy! I actually didn’t realise just how much I missed WDW until I heard all that music again and all the memories came flooding back. Youtube is pretty helpful too, it’s amazing how many people post the most pointless of video’s, yet some how have the ability to make me very very happy! I’m down to 2 months and 4 days on my calendar until Disney. Very exciting, but it also means that in 2 months and 4 days all my exams will be over, which means that they are coming up very soon, in fact my first exam is in 2 weeks which I do not feel prepared for at all. Some serious revision needed I think!

I’m trying to poke Dad into ringing up Disney to see what food places are left, he doesn’t want to book anything for lunch or dinner because it will ‘tie us down to being in a particular place at a particular time’ which I can understand but a character breakfast would be nice, however I feel that we have left it too late and all my hard work and effort into attempting to coax him into ringing has been in vain as we will get no where to eat now. But still a girl can try!!

Right I think that’s about it for this time, sorry it’s been short and sweet, I’ll talk about our hotel next time!

 

[AGPrincess]

Great pre-TR!! I love your pics of shopping...the green sandals are soo cute and I love the skirt!! It looks like it would be good for the Poly (but then whenever I see anything vaguely tropical I think POLYNESIAN!)

 

[Msslaydbug]

I am on board ! I am sure your exams will go well !! Not too much longer now. I have serious sandal envy - those Merrells are so cute!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Great pre-TR!!

Thanks, I'm trying to my best to make them as entertaining as yours!

I love your pics of shopping...the green sandals are soo cute and I love the skirt!! It looks like it would be good for the Poly (but then whenever I see anything vaguely tropical I think POLYNESIAN!)

sounds like another reason why I need to stay at a Disney hotel! What use is a skirt if I don't wear it at it's proper place?!

I am on board ! I am sure your exams will go well !! Not too much longer now. I have serious sandal envy - those Merrells are so cute!!

Hello! Nice to know I have at least one reader! I hope my exams go ok too... counting down the days until they're over... and coincidently until I go to Disney


oooh update.... MY DISNEY TICKETS CAME TODAY!! I'll write about them later tonight... but I'm now so so so excited!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Time for the next instalment… exciting stuff today, OUR DISNEY TICKETS CAME!
I jumped up and down so much when I saw them! In short it means that 1. My dad has got off his backside and ordered them and 2. Our trip is getting so much closer; we’re so close to the 2 month mark!!
They arrived in this cute little package thing, handy so we can have all the tickets together in one place (most likely my dad’s pocket!), but also just cute to know that the thing I have been waiting practically a year for is contained in that little pouch… well theoretically it’s not WDW itself but it is none the less my key to get into WDW so therefore it is! (made sense in my head!)
This is where the magic starts…

Amazing isn’t it!! I love it! These are the tickets in their full glory, each with a different picture and phrase on them, I swear Disney must have handpicked these, they represent my family so well...

Sorry some of these pictures are so blurred, my camera was having an off day, and now mum has put them somewhere 'safe' which I can't locate to save my life so I can't take new pictures!!!

This is mine :

All of the tickets say Walt Disney World then have a phrase underneath... mine says "where glass slippers always fit"

My brothers:

"where everyone screams a the sight of a mouse"

My mum (who loves the 7 dwarfs so much!):

"Where everyone is happy no matter what their name is"

My Dad's:

"where dreams come true"

They brought a tear to my eye, so like our characters, I think I just became 4 again! (I've always been that age really!!)

We also ordered flexitickets for Universal, IOA, Seaworld, Busch and Aquatica (which I must say I'm quite excited to try out!) They're a quite nice orange colour but nowhere near as nice, and as personalised, as the Disney ones. Still Disney has the magic, some how the others just dont!

Ooooh almost forgot, they can with this amazing little booklet, which includes all the park maps and information on busiet days, new rides, food and parades etc, which is amazing for someone like me who is completely planning obsessed!! I've already read it through about five times!!

off to bed now... (it's 01:12 right now!) I've been revising all day, it's sucked muchly because we've actually had sun and heat, and that is such a novelty at the moment so I should be lapping it up, but instead I had to stay inside laiden in books, subtley disney themed though I must say... challenge, spot the number of disney items!...

however I did get given an Ice Bun (the icing melted!!)

night!

 

[Msslaydbug]

Hooray - you got your tickets ! It's the little things that make it become more real in your mind

 

[disneyhockeymad]

I promised I was going to talk about my hotel, seeing as it's off site, so here I go, I've never been here so a lot of this is going to be assuming and borrowing pictures from the website!
Ok so the hotel is called the LBV Resort and Spa, and quite frankly it looks pretty cool. It's just been built so it'll be all new and such and it looks quite exciting! According to the website we're on the Antigua floor, we're getting a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 'condominium suite' (I don't even understand what that means!!) but all I know is that we're getting a kitchen (as if we'll even use it!), a plasma TV, a private balcony (ooooh, fingers crossed it's facing towards disney!) and wait for it.... drum roll...... a whirl pool spa! I'm so looking forward to that, so so good to unwind at the end of a day missioning it around, mum and I have already said we'll be spending ALOT of time in there after we come home! (dad and my brother aren't too keen but then we told them about the plasma TV, suddenly they weren't too bothered!) It has a spa too, so hopefully if it's not too expensive that's another thing mum and I will be hitting
This is the outside... It's sooo tall! I hope I dont fall off!

So this is indoors, looks cool, doesnt have that Disney feeling to it, but then it's not a disney hotel so i guess it wont, still we'll only be sleeping so it'll do!

This is apparently my parents bed, my brother and I get 2 single beds (I was hoping for 2 double beds but no such luck!) still looks comfy!!!

The LBV factory stores are literally right behind the hotel too, so lots and lots of shopping, especially seeing as I can get £1 to $2 at the moment, so everything will be more or less half price! WOOHOO! I'm already planning all the things I want to buy, we always go there when we go to WDW so I know more or less what's sold!

So I think that's me for this 'episode'. It's never as good as I wanted it, but I figure not many people are reading it so it's all good really! If you are reading it let me know you are!!!

Byeeeee

 

[Msslaydbug]

THe hotel looks wonderful and I would love to have a whirlpool in my room after I returned from the parks !

 

[disneyhockeymad]

THe hotel looks wonderful and I would love to have a whirlpool in my room after I returned from the parks !

my thought's exactly!

 

[dananbethany]

Hey, you'll be there the same time we are! Cool...but we're staying at Pop. I'll look for that cute skirt!

 

[ChrisMouse]

Love this!

Cute sandals ...I love all of your pictures! You are so lucky to be able to go to Disneyland Paris. I would love that!! My son's dream is to see the Eiffel Tower someday (for now he'll have to settle for Epcot).

You said you're going to university soon...sounds like you are a GREAT candidate for the college program at WDW some year. Take a semester off and WORK AT DISNEY!! It's one of my greatest regrets. I really wish I had done that.

Great pre-trip report. I want more!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Hey, you'll be there the same time we are! Cool...but we're staying at Pop. I'll look for that cute skirt!

I'll be sure to wear it when ever I can!!!

Love this!

Cute sandals ...I love all of your pictures! You are so lucky to be able to go to Disneyland Paris. I would love that!! My son's dream is to see the Eiffel Tower someday (for now he'll have to settle for Epcot).

You said you're going to university soon...sounds like you are a GREAT candidate for the college program at WDW some year. Take a semester off and WORK AT DISNEY!! It's one of my greatest regrets. I really wish I had done that.

Great pre-trip report. I want more!!

I wish I could do the DCP... the only prob is that I live in England and they only offer it to American's They do this seasonal work program though which I've been researching which I can do in the summer between years at uni. Think I'm gonna try and do that. I would love more than anything to do the DCP though!

DLP is great, if you have the chance to take your family I would strongly recommend it! I've been up the Eiffel Tower and that's pretty cool too, it's huge! It does this cool light show thing a bit like Disney as well!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, revisions taken over my life, literally! I have no idea what my friends even look like now!! My first exam is in a week and I'm slightly scared to say the least! On a plus side it's my 18th on friday and I'm so excited, although slightly scared, I'll be afully fledged adult !

My parents hinted that they had spent a long time in the disney store when they went shopping for some presents the other day so I'm pretty hopeful most of it will be disney themed my friends have all asked me what I want, most of them realised this was a really stupid thing to ask as my answer was obviously going to be 'anything disney related!'

So far as WDW is concerned I've tried to limit my planning to after 9pm because I was spending too much time planning and not revising, which I need to do if I want to get into uni!! I've been desperately bugigng dad to see whether he will ring WDW about ADR's but he wont he seems to have this thing against it, we only want one for definate... Tusker House for breakfast but I'm pretty sure that it'll all be gone now I would love to eat at Chef Mickey's aswell (especially after seeing Emma's TR on it... it looks fantastic) but I know that will all be gone so there isn't even any point in hoping! I have my fingers crossed that I'll be allowed one wish on my birthday, and of course I'm going to ask for it to be phoning WDW!!
I was having a discussion with my dad the other day, we were watching a Tiger programme on TV...
Me: I can't wait to go back and see the Tigers
DDad: What... where?
Me: The tiger enclosure?!!
DDad: Oh right at Animal World.

I nearly died! I'm not related to him at all! I can't believe he said that! I corrected him straight away of course and proceeded to give him a lecture on it, he will definately remember to call it it's proper name next time, or fear the lecture again!!!

I think that's about it for now, I'm working on an itinery despite what my family says, I've got loads of 'emptiest park days' lists so I'll plan them around them, although with it being in July I some how dont think that it will be possible to find and empty-ish park!!! Although it was on the news last week that because of the whole economic crisis (is it a crisis?!) in the USA at the moment Disney are getting less and less visitors... fingers crossed no one decides to go in July... (well it made me laugh!)

 

[PrincessSarah314]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, revisions taken over my life, literally! I have no idea what my friends even look like now!! My first exam is in a week and I'm slightly scared to say the least! On a plus side it's my 18th on friday and I'm so excited, although slightly scared, I'll be afully fledged adult !

My parents hinted that they had spent a long time in the disney store when they went shopping for some presents the other day so I'm pretty hopeful most of it will be disney themed my friends have all asked me what I want, most of them realised this was a really stupid thing to ask as my answer was obviously going to be 'anything disney related!'

So far as WDW is concerned I've tried to limit my planning to after 9pm because I was spending too much time planning and not revising, which I need to do if I want to get into uni!! I've been desperately bugigng dad to see whether he will ring WDW about ADR's but he wont he seems to have this thing against it, we only want one for definate... Tusker House for breakfast but I'm pretty sure that it'll all be gone now I would love to eat at Chef Mickey's aswell (especially after seeing Emma's TR on it... it looks fantastic) but I know that will all be gone so there isn't even any point in hoping! I have my fingers crossed that I'll be allowed one wish on my birthday, and of course I'm going to ask for it to be phoning WDW!!
I was having a discussion with my dad the other day, we were watching a Tiger programme on TV...
Me: I can't wait to go back and see the Tigers
DDad: What... where?
Me: The tiger enclosure?!!
DDad: Oh right at Animal World.

I nearly died! I'm not related to him at all! I can't believe he said that! I corrected him straight away of course and proceeded to give him a lecture on it, he will definately remember to call it it's proper name next time, or fear the lecture again!!!

I think that's about it for now, I'm working on an itinery despite what my family says, I've got loads of 'emptiest park days' lists so I'll plan them around them, although with it being in July I some how dont think that it will be possible to find and empty-ish park!!! Although it was on the news last week that because of the whole economic crisis (is it a crisis?!) in the USA at the moment Disney are getting less and less visitors... fingers crossed no one decides to go in July... (well it made me laugh!)

OK, I'm horrible! I just realized that I've been lurking on several TR's, yours included! I've been reading, just not posting!

Itineraries are soooo much fun! I HAVE to do one for every trip! Don't let anyone tell you not to do it; if you want to do, then do it!

Also, we are in an economic slump to say the least, crisis seems pretty severe though. People are definitely cutting costs though.

I've been to the parks in June, July and August. It's HOT, HUMID, RAINY, and CROWDED, but still A LOT of FUN!!!!!

I'm excited about going in May this time to see if the crowds are any lighter while the kids are still in school, or the weather any better! I will definitely let you know what I observed!

BTW,

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, MS. GROWN-UP!!!!!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

So hey! My birthday was friday and now I'm a fully fledged adult, which is slightly scary!
I got some amazing disney themed things for my birthday, one of my favourites is sat beside me, my brother got it for me, it's a cute little Eeyore with a key (which is symbolic here as it sort of symbolises growing up) which has 18 on it!
Here's a picture...

My best friend cross stitched me this amazing tinkerbell as well, I don't have a picture of it right now but I will be tomorrow hopefully! It's beautiful and nearly made me cry, she put so much effort into it!

I also got some really nice messages from people, not to mention from places I never expected...

Bless facebook!

Thanks Dis!!! Always the place to rely on to deliver some pixie dust when you need it!


So I spent the whole of my birthday after school looking at WDW things and planning what we were gonna do whilst we were there and got myself very very excited!! We arrive on the 28th June, which is the last weekend to the starwars weekend which I'm very happy about because I've always wanted to go for this and now I get a chance (even if it is for the last day!) I also found out that there is an Eagles tribute band playing at Epcot on the sunday and my dad loves the Eagles so I'm guessing we're gonna go to that!!
So here's my preliminary plan:

Saturday: Arrive, after a 7 hour flight, and check in at hotel, unpack and go to Down Town Disney. Sleep!

Sunday: Star Wars weekend at DHS then Epcot in the evening

Monday: Epcot

Tuesday: A water park.. maybe BB

Wednesday: US

Thursday: AK (we plan to breakfast a Tusker House this day, if my dad gets round to ringing!)

Friday: MK (I've heard the 4th July is amazing at MK, and being British we really want to 'experience' the 4th July, but I'm thinking it'll be a very VERY early start!)

Saturday: HS

Sunday: AK

Monday: Water park.. maybe TL

Tuesday: Sea World

Wednesday: undecided... most likely MK but I'm not sure

Thursday: IoA

Friday: Last day Pack and hit Epcot or maybe MK again. Board plane and go home

That's only a very very rough plan and I'm pretty sure after the first few days we wont even stick to it. We're also going to Quest at some point during the 2 weeks because my brother and I love it but we're not sure when yet.

I think that's about all for today, I need to sleep now because I have my driving test tomorrow which I'm petrified about! Hopefully I'll update soon because I don't have any exams until June now so all is good!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

OK, I'm horrible! I just realized that I've been lurking on several TR's, yours included! I've been reading, just not posting!

haha no worries! I was getting a bit lonely but I figure if I'll just talk to myself and it'll all be fine!!

Itineraries are soooo much fun! I HAVE to do one for every trip! Don't let anyone tell you not to do it; if you want to do, then do it!

I did one!! It was fantastic, but some how I don't think my family will stick to it!

Also, we are in an economic slump to say the least, crisis seems pretty severe though. People are definitely cutting costs though.

I've been to the parks in June, July and August. It's HOT, HUMID, RAINY, and CROWDED, but still A LOT of FUN!!!!!

I'm excited about going in May this time to see if the crowds are any lighter while the kids are still in school, or the weather any better! I will definitely let you know what I observed!

BTW,

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, MS. GROWN-UP!!!!!

Thankyou! I don't feel very grown up, but I ordered my first (legal) alcholic drink from the pub the other day and it was such a good feeling!!!
We've previously been in April and the crowd levels weren't particularly bad so we're expecting a lot worse than we've been used to, but to be honest as you say it's still a lot of fun whenever you go!

Not long for you now!!