I've been bitten by the Disney bug....PTR October 2011 We Leave Tomorrow! 10-20-11

[cgerdon02]

Hi, I'm enjoying your PTR so far! Your kids are super cute!!
About the plane thing... I'm 28 and I've never been on one because I'm chicken! So don't feel bad.
My DH lived in IL when he was younger and he talks about going to Holiday World.
Your ADR's look good!!! And I bet October will be a great time to go!!

My sentiments exactly I was terrified of planes, and so far I have successfully not seen any of the coverage about the plane mishap last week.....I just keep telling myself "It's the safest form of travel, It's the safest form of travel..." lol

Okay seriously, Holiday World is amazing. I think I've been at least once a year for the last 20 years and it's such a friendly and clean park. I do wish there were more rides that my whole family could ride together (Like MK) but the water park IMO is way bigger & better than Disney's and to compete with Disney out in rural Indiana is a pretty big accomplishment.

According to what I've read the week we are going, is the 6th best week out of the year to go (crowd wise)....so here's to hoping it's right!!

 

[MARsMama]

We're doing F! on an evening EMH Sunday, but planning on going to a waterpark or just swimming at the resort in the am and only showing up for our dinner reservation as we'll have already done the park on a previous day. So far that I've read there's only the one showing on the day we're planning, but I'm guessing that could still change.

As for Magic Kingdom, we're planning on doing Big Thunder Mountaion Railroad for the first time and I'd also like to try Tortuga Tavern if it's open. Splash Mountain is dd's favorite ride, so I'm sure we'll hit that one a few times. I'm planning on doing the teacups atleast once for Mom, but I'm sure once won't be enough for my two oldest!! lol Space Mountain is out for us, none of us are brave enough for that, with the exception of dd!

I've never had a Dole Whip, but just might try one this time. That is if I can get passed using my snack credits for the Churros....I LOVE them!!!

 

[cgerdon02]

[SIZE="2"I've never had a Dole Whip, but just might try one this time. That is if I can get passed using my snack credits for the Churros....I LOVE them!!![/SIZE]

I absolutely Love Dole Whips....the pineapple is so yummy and I've gotten one EVERY SINGLE TIME!

 

[Kari-B]

I'm excited to see Mickey's Philharmagic for the first time. Glad to see you love it. Have you been on Stitch's Great Escape? I haven't been to DW since 2001 and it was alien encounter at the time. I remember being really scared. This trip though we have the kids, so I'm thinking we will skip it. Any advice?

 

[cgerdon02]

I'm excited to see Mickey's Philharmagic for the first time. Glad to see you love it. Have you been on Stitch's Great Escape? I haven't been to DW since 2001 and it was alien encounter at the time. I remember being really scared. This trip though we have the kids, so I'm thinking we will skip it. Any advice?

Hi Kari! I really enjoy Mickey's Philharmagic!! My DS really loves it too I actually have not been on Stitch's Great Escape....I've heard mixed reviews about it, but I still think we'll check it out this time around. The only reason I say we probably will is because we are spending 2 days in MK, and so many of the rides are down due to the fantasyland expansion. I also remember it as Alien Encounter....and you're right! It was scary

BTW...LOVING your TR!!

 

[cgerdon02]

Next up is Hollywood Studios.....we've also been to this park and had a wonderful time. It was just one of those days where every time we went to see a show or get on a ride (except Toy Story Mania) we were just in time or had little to no wait. Here are few pics from our trip last year.....

Here are a couple of Vi and Ava under the big Hat waiting for the parade..

And Isaac with a toy soldier....The toy soldiers were sooooo cool.

Okay now that I'm done reminiscing over our last trip....here is a list of MUST DOS for us this time around:

Magic of Disney Animation (We just stumbled across this last year and LOVED it!)
Star Tours (Was closed last year when we went)
Jedi Training (Waited too long to get DS a spot)
Toy Story Mania (will run to the back to get a Fast Pass and get in line)
Tower of Terror (DS was terrified last year, but can't stop talking about how he wants to ride it this year)
Beauty and the Beast (Loved this and it's a great chance to sit back and relax)
Lights Motors Action Stunt Show (Especially with the addition of Lightening McQueen)
FANTASMIC! (We went on a night they weren't performing this last year )
The parade is also VERY good here....I understand they changed it this year, but it looks to be similar.

Some things we would like to do, but won't be to terribly disappointed if we don't:
Indiana Jones Stunt Show- (saw it last year, but DS loves Indiana Jones)
American Idol Attraction- (I love this, but the kids...not so much)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid- This is actually probably a must do.....

Some things we WILL NOT stand in line for:
Narnia Prince Caspian- (I still don't get this ride/show, whatever it is) It was the very first thing we rode last year and DH and I were very disappointed in it.

Disney Junior Live on Stage- DH says no....he's not a fan of sitting on the floor...

Backlot Tour- we weren't impressed.


Still not sure what to do about the Fantasmic Dining Package.....still may possibly do it with Mama Melrose's, but I REALLY want to eat at 50's Prime Time Cafe.....any suggestions?

Next up...Epcot

 

[Kari-B]

I had considered the Fantasmic Package too, but wasn't thrilled with any of the restaurants included. We are planning on eating at 50's Prime Time Cafe (gluten free fried chicken, so excited!!!) and Sci-Fi Drive In for our sit down meals.

OMG, love Ava's pose in that picture of her alone. Too precious!!

 

[cgerdon02]

I had considered the Fantasmic Package too, but wasn't thrilled with any of the restaurants included. We are planning on eating at 50's Prime Time Cafe (gluten free fried chicken, so excited!!!) and Sci-Fi Drive In for our sit down meals.

OMG, love Ava's pose in that picture of her alone. Too precious!!

Aww thanks Kari, she can be such a ham

Still soooo torn about Fantasmic, and I've only got a few days to decide before my ADR date!!

 

[MARsMama]

We are doing the F! dining pkg witih MM. We've never eaten there before, but it seemed to be the best of the three choices. We are, however, going to HS twice so the other trip there we are eating at Sci-Fi. We had booked 50s PT, but after watching some of the youtube videos on it, I chickened out and booked Sci-Fi instead!

 

[cgerdon02]

We are doing the F! dining pkg witih MM. We've never eaten there before, but it seemed to be the best of the three choices. We are, however, going to HS twice so the other trip there we are eating at Sci-Fi. We had booked 50s PT, but after watching some of the youtube videos on it, I chickened out and booked Sci-Fi instead!

I'm pretty sure the Fantasmic Dining Package is what we are going to go with. I thought I read somewhere that it also includes an appetizer....could have dreamed it, not sure. Do you know what all it includes foodwise, or does it depend on the dining plan you have? HS is supposed to be very busy the day we are there with Fantasmic showing and evening EMH. I'm hoping to get there early and hit all the good stuff first. Then we can take our time eating and hit up some of the less popular attractions before Fantasmic!! Also do you know if we can put one person in line for us, and then the rest of the party show up later since we have the dining package? (Just dreading my two year old waiting so long before the show)

 

[MARsMama]

I'm pretty sure the Fantasmic Dining Package is what we are going to go with. I thought I read somewhere that it also includes an appetizer....could have dreamed it, not sure. Do you know what all it includes foodwise, or does it depend on the dining plan you have? HS is supposed to be very busy the day we are there with Fantasmic showing and evening EMH. I'm hoping to get there early and hit all the good stuff first. Then we can take our time eating and hit up some of the less popular attractions before Fantasmic!! Also do you know if we can put one person in line for us, and then the rest of the party show up later since we have the dining package? (Just dreading my two year old waiting so long before the show)

We are also there when it's evening EMH, but it will be our second day there so I'm hoping to get done most of what we want on the first day as it'll be super busy that day.
I also think I read that the appetizer is included as well, but not sure if that is just with a certain restaurant doing the package or with all three of them. It is our first time doing the F! dining pkg, our second time seeing F!. I'm not sure about the line-up for those who have the preferred seating with the package, but when we were waiting in the regular line Dh or I would leave with one or all of the kids, for a snack, bathroom trip, or just a short walk and then came back and were fine. Of course, that was only until the line started to move to go in, they we stayed together. Youngest ds was 4 at the time and he did quite well waiting, and it was a much longer wait.

 

[cgerdon02]

We are also there when it's evening EMH, but it will be our second day there so I'm hoping to get done most of what we want on the first day as it'll be super busy that day.
I also think I read that the appetizer is included as well, but not sure if that is just with a certain restaurant doing the package or with all three of them. It is our first time doing the F! dining pkg, our second time seeing F!. I'm not sure about the line-up for those who have the preferred seating with the package, but when we were waiting in the regular line Dh or I would leave with one or all of the kids, for a snack, bathroom trip, or just a short walk and then came back and were fine. Of course, that was only until the line started to move to go in, they we stayed together. Youngest ds was 4 at the time and he did quite well waiting, and it was a much longer wait.

I'm afraid that no amount of planning would do me any good when it comes down to a 2 year olds actions. You just never know.... It's good to know that you were able to leave someone in line though.

 

[cgerdon02]

Okay guys, this is where I need your help....I've NEVER been to Epcot! I always had it in my mind that it was not for kids and so I never took mine there. Now that we are finally staying onsite and not just doing the one day thing, we are going to go two days. Here are a few of the attractions that I definitely want to do....

SOARIN'
TEST TRACK
NEMO
MISSION: SPACE
SPACESHIP EARTH
MAELSTROM
GRAN FIESTA TOUR

So I'm sure there are lots of other things to do, but I don't know what! What is your favorite thing to do while in Epcot (Besides eat of course)

Speaking of eating: Our two Table Service Restaurants will be:
Via Napoli
& Akershus

As far as counter service goes....I don't have a clue! What are your favorite CS restaurants in Epcot?

Also, the Food and Wine Festival is going on while we are there...I'm not a very adventurous eater though. Not sure how much it will appeal to me, but I think MIL & FIL will enjoy it.

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!! I am enjoying your TR!!

 

[MARsMama]

Well, we were only to Epcot for one day and was overwhelmed with all there was there and didn't get to do everything we wanted to. It was my oldest ds's, who had just turned 7 at the time, favorite park.
We at our counter service at the Mexico pavilion (can't remember what the name was) and we really liked it, but it was tough to find a seat. Our TS was at Akershus and it was great. Dd really loved the princesses.
IllumiNations was my oldest ds's favorite fireworks show as well.
We did Nemo, Soarin', and Test Track, and enjoyed them. Well, youngest ds (who was 4 at the time) wasn't much for rides, but he liked Nemo and the boat ride in Mexico (again I can't remember the name). He did do Test Track and Soarin' without too much complaint though. We also did another ride/tour type thing that took us through greenhouses and such where they were growing different things, that was really cool...and again, I have no idea what it was called! Sounds like I need a refresher course on Epcot myself, eh?!

A couple of things I've read about and am hoping to do this time is the Kim Possible adventure and pick-a-pearl in Japan. Of course with younger kids, they're probably not something that would appeal to you.

I'm looking forward to the F&W, but it is also our first time experiencing it so I don't know what to expect. I guess I'm not too much help to you! lol

 

[cgerdon02]

Thanks for the input MarsMama! I think my DS7 will get the most out of Epcot. He's pretty adventurous. Can't wait to get there and see it for myself!

 

[cgerdon02]

I must say I am pretty excited about our trip to Animal Kingdom! I've never been, and it looks pretty awesome

Here is our list of Must Do's....
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur
Nemo Musical
The Lion King Show
It's tough to be a bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safari
Chester & Hester's Dinorama Area
......

You know I could keep typing, but I honestly think my family will enjoy all aspects of this park.... Unfortunately it's only open until 5:00 while we are there, so we'll probably have to be picky about what we ride/see depending on the crowd levels. Our plane doesn't leave until 4:50 on our last day, so the plan is to either revisit AK or HS for that morning. It will just depend on how much we get to (or don't get to) do in these parks.....why can't we stay at Disney longer

What are your favorite things to do at Animal Kingdom? Is there something you went on, and decided afterwards that you definitely could have done without it?

 

[cgerdon02]

I think I have driven my DH nuts asking him about our dining plans at Disney....that's where my title of this TR comes in. Since I started planing this trip, it has consumed most of my thoughts and unfortunately for DH my conversations with him....he asked me if I had been bitten by a Disney Bug or something.... I reassured him that I will calm down after I get our ADRs made. I'm not completely sure that's true, but I will be able to rest easier at night after I know that I have the times and restaurants I want. I'm pretty sure I change my mind daily about where we are going to eat, but this is where we stand as of today

Day 1: 1/2 day at MK (closes at 7:00) and dinner at Chef Mickeys
Day 2: Animal Kingdom (closes at 5:00) and dinner at 1900 Park Fare
Day 3: Hollywood Studios - Fantasmic Dining Pkg at Mama Melrose's
Day 4: Epcot - Dinner at Akershus
Day 5: Epcot - Dinner at Via Napoli (back and forth between Via Napoli and Le Cellier)
Day 6: Magic Kingdom - Lunch at The Crystal Palace
Day 7: Magic Kingdom & MNSSHP - Breakfast at Ohana
Day 8: the sad sad day we leave WDW probably pay OOP for CS

Here are some CS restaurants I'm intrigued by:
Magic Kingdom-
Tortuga Tavern
Pecos Bills
Cosmic Rays

Epcot-
Lotus Blossom Cafe
Cantina de San Angel (is this on the DDP? The chart says yes, but the individual restaurant page says no)

Hollywood Studios-
Pizza Planet

Animal Kingdom-
Flame Tree Barbeque

Mmmm mmmmmm makes me hungry just typing it. Did I miss your favorite restaurant? I'd love to know if you have had a good (or bad) experience at any of these.

 

[DrMomof3]

Thanks for checking out my PTR!
You have a lovely family!!!
We love Epcot. There is so mch to do there! We usually plan 2 days there and 2 days at MK. We don't love AK (maybe because we're 15-20 minutes from the Bronx Zoo?). We don't usually plan to keep the kids out late as they are used to a pretty early bedtime. I find the still wake up early, even if we keep them up late. Then they're super cranky the next day!
We really like H&V for lunch. The buffet is quite edible and the Disney Junior characters are fun. I think the meal for the F! Dinner package is different (no characters, different food).

Amanda

 

[MARsMama]

We spent one day at Animal Kingdom on our last trip and we experienced everything that we thought we wanted to. We really enjoyed the Kilimanjaro Safari, and Kali River rapids (even though I got soaked)! The kids really enjoyed the parade here, and It's Tough to be a Bug was great!
We didn't do Dinosaur and hope to do it on this trip. We also didn't do Expidition Everest and won't be heading that way this time either! lol
We went on the train to Rafiki's Island (or whatever it's called) and we won't bother with that again. Primeval Whirl isn't something I care to do again either, but that'll be up to dd, I will go if she really wants to.

Your ADRs look great, a lot of the same places that we're going to. We went with Le Cellier for lunch instead of Via Napoli, and we did Akershus on our last trip, so we're trying more new places this time.

Cantina de San Angel was on the dining plan in '09 as I think that was the place in Mexico we ate last time, but maybe it's been taken off I don't know. It was really good though, we liked it. We would like to try Tortuga Tavern this time around if it's open when we're there, and Peco Bill's is also on our list. We are going to try Flame Tree Barbecue this time, it's one of the counter services I'm really looking forward to. We did Pizza Planet back in '09and the kids really liked it so we may do that again as there's not too much in HS that appeals to us.

By the sounds of things we have the same taste in restaurants