July 10, 2011--DIS PEEPS reunite on the Disney Dream!

[HappyontheLake]

Wow. I, awhile ago, talked DW into Universal Studios for the Friday and Saturday that we get back. Eeeck just checked the ticket prices. 135 each for a 2 day/2 park ticket. AND, ~ 110 each for 2 days for their version of the fast pass. Interesting that they charge for it. But most of the reading I've done says it's worth the cost. Especially if it is a crowded day. I'm anticipating crowds at Harry Potter as the last movie is released the day we disembark, our first day at US. I guess it's safe to presume a higher interest in Hogwarts with the movie hype that will be surrounding those days. Anybody else doing something similar???

We are going to Universal for Saturday -- just for the part that has HP. I forgot that HPDH2 is released on the 15th, UGH ... but those are our plans. We are getting the fast passes ... 5 x one day tickets and one fast passes == $$$$$ plus a Mears shuttle ride over and back.

 

[PyxiiDustt]

All this talk of plans before and after has me wondering... What day is everyone heading down??

We're going down Friday night (just over a week!!), and we're only doing one day in Disney. I'm kind of bummed, but DSis's work schedule worked out that she could only afford a half day in addition to the following week. But we cruise in just 10 days everyone!

 

[Figment_Fan]

Thanks for the advice LV Disney Fan, I looked at the "super" fast pass that comes with the hotel stay, but we are using DVC points at Animal Kingdom Lodge, so cost on the hotel was a factor as well. I like the unlimited (kind of) fast pass that comes with the stay, but will live with the regular.

Figure it should be worth the $ to just get them and use them for what we can. I saw that it doesn't cover the main Harry Potter ride. Since we won't get there until around or after lunch on the Friday, it will be worth it to hit what we can and move on. And then do a second trip on the Saturday.

This will be our first Universal trip, and DW is still in a tizzy over it. . . . Can't believe we are going to be there and not be at a Disney Park . . . .

I must admit to some of the same misgivings, but life's an adventure. Gotta' try something new every once in a while. Besides we've had three WDW trips this past year as a family. (And one 2 day trip just the two of us.) It is going to be maybe two years until our next vacation, so going to make the most of it. I'm hoping the Magic goes to the Mediterranean in Spring/summer of 2013. If so, that will definitely be our next vacation. With two years to save up.

I'm hoping AKL will assuage some of DW's feelings. Maybe a quick jaunt over to Downtown Disney on top of that.

BTW, we are leaving next Saturday in the early afternoon. I can't believe it is that close.

DW saw something about a champaigne tasting on one of the Navigators. I wonder what they'll offer for us? I would love a cognac tasting. Don't know much about cognacs. I love learnin'. And on some topics, homework can be fun.

 

[policycobb]

Camikey, my friend's daughter goes to Sea World summer camp every year as a gift from her grandparents. She just got back a few weeks ago. I am sure you will have a great time.


This will be our second stay at Port Orleans-FQ. I heard they have rehab the rooms. We are also staying there for our Disney trip in October for the MNSSHP.

 

[HappyontheLake]

I am thinking about splurging on the VIP passes for Universal so we can ride some rides more than once and do both parks. Maybe the two day ones and go over for part of Friday also. We are staying at Saratoga Springs (DVC). We stayed at AKL in March and while I love AKL Jambo, I couldn't get a 2 bedroom for July with a Savannah view this time around and I do not like Kidani as much (much too dark for my taste).

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

[policycobb]

Do you really see animals roaming around with the Savannah view?

 

[HappyontheLake]

Do you really see animals roaming around with the Savannah view?

Yes you do -- we love having the Savannah view. Just make sure you request a higher floor at Kidani for better views.

 

[DVCTigger]

We are heading down Sat, staying near port. Then two nights after at BCV! One day in the parks, using the very last day on our non-expiring passes we got 5 years ago! Then one day at Stormalong Bay!! We are so excited, its finally almost here!!

 

[CrozB4]

Dec. 2009, we went to Universal Studios for 2 days and then did 3 days of Disney. While my kids did enjoy the rides at US, by the middle of day 2, they were asking why we just didn't do all 5 days at Disney. They missed the Magic only Disney provides! However that was before WWHP had opened. We'll probably eventually check it out, just not this trip. We are arriving Thursday evening, doing some park hopping on Friday and BB on Saturday (if weather is good)!

 

[Figment_Fan]

I am very curious how my family is going to react to US. Some of what may come into play is that we are doing the Friday and Saturday after the cruise. Don't know if we'll be tired or well rested. And, how much are we going to miss the Disney magic. Or, does US have some magic as well. It is a vacation spot.

I know that I will be well fed by the time that Friday and Saturday hit.

Now I'm curious about this port arrival time assignment. We are scheduled for 11 a.m. But my rental car ends at 9:30. I was going to do what I have done the past 2 times. Drop everybody off at the port with the luggage about 9:15 and then drop off the car. Now, I think I'll keep everybody with me, drop off the car at 9:30 and all of us take the shuttle from the rental car place to the port. That should delay our arrival until a little after 10. My concern is, even stretching it out, we will still be there before our assigned arrival time. I hope they aren't too strict in following the times. Had we have known, we might have scheduled a different car drop off time. Hopefully online check in helps.

Always something new.

 

[policycobb]

Yes you do -- we love having the Savannah view. Just make sure you request a higher floor at Kidani for better views.

Oh wow, I may be checking Animal Kingdom out for Fall break 2012.

 

[chip&daleuk]

Cant believe how quickly our trip has come around! I am packing our cases now - we have far too much luggage, my DH is unimpressed We fly early on Wednesday morning so only 4 more sleeps

 

[CrozB4]

I am very curious how my family is going to react to US. Some of what may come into play is that we are doing the Friday and Saturday after the cruise. Don't know if we'll be tired or well rested. And, how much are we going to miss the Disney magic. Or, does US have some magic as well. It is a vacation spot.

For us, US did NOT have special magic of their own, that's why my kids were complaining we didn't do the whole week at Disney. It's like Walt said about Disneyland, ""It has that thing - the imagination, and the feeling of happy excitement- I knew when I was a kid." US just can't seem to replicate that for our family. It's something that I know we've been spoiled by because every amusement park we visit, we can't help but compare.

On the positive, they do have some amazing rides: Simpsons, Spider-Man, Shrek 4D, Incredible Hulk, Rip Ride Rockit, etc. Your daughter will enjoy Seuss Landing and look out for someone walking around with a baby dinosaur in Jurassic Park Area. My son was impressed with that. I remember him saying, "I know dinosaurs are extinct, but I think that's a real dinosaur and I can't figure out how they have one!"

 

[CrozB4]

Anyone ever bought the CD and was happy with the resolution of your pictures? I keep reading pros about having all the pictures, but cons about the resolution of them on the CD. What are your experiences??

 

[HappyontheLake]

Well my 13yo daughter woke up with a fever and a sore throat ... one trip to urgent care and a RX for antibiotics later, at least she did it this weekend and not next! Watching everyone else like a hawk and seriously considering just taking the whole crew in to the doctor on Tuesday and begging, asking politely, for RXs for the whole crew just in case!

It wasn't strep but the blood work did show a bacterial infection. Hmm -- do you think the 575 kids at Vacation Bible School this week could have had something to do with it? She was a junior group leader in the Kinder age group.

Packing today for DH and DS's trip to South Africa, starting the packing for me and the girls (the stuff part, not the clothes). Have the lists ready so I don't forget stuff this time (like camera, EpiPens, my sleep wear!, sunglasses, etc.)

Flying out on Saturday!!!!!!

Anyone else staying at the Radisson?

 

[HappyontheLake]

Well my 13yo daughter woke up with a fever and a sore throat ... one trip to urgent care and a RX for antibiotics later, at least she did it this weekend and not next! Watching everyone else like a hawk and seriously considering just taking the whole crew in to the doctor on Tuesday and begging, asking politely, for RXs for the whole crew just in case!

It wasn't strep but the blood work did show a bacterial infection. Hmm -- do you think the 575 kids at Vacation Bible School this week could have had something to do with it? She was a junior group leader in the Kinder age group.

Packing today for DH and DS's trip to South Africa, starting the packing for me and the girls (the stuff part, not the clothes). Have the lists ready so I don't forget stuff this time (like camera, EpiPens, my sleep wear!, sunglasses, etc.)

Flying out on Saturday!!!!!!

Anyone else staying at the Radisson?

And we went back to the Urgent Care and now EVERYONE is on antibiotics -- WooHoo! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Happy 4th of July to all my American friends, and Happy Monday to everyone else. 5 days until we fly out and 6 days until we walk through the giant Mickey Ears!

My sister was able to trade shifts so she opens on Friday instead of closes so she can drive up after work. I was also able to snag extra leg room seats so for our outbound flight on JetBlue (using my credit from when our fare dropped earlier, YES!).

DS finished his online Health course so I can call the counselor tomorrow so he can take the final tomorrow or Wednesday before he flies to South Africa on Thursday.

Time to start packing after one more trip to Nordstroms, Justice, Target, and VS.

 

[nuttyboys]

And we went back to the Urgent Care and now EVERYONE is on antibiotics -- WooHoo! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Happy 4th of July to all my American friends, and Happy Monday to everyone else. 5 days until we fly out and 6 days until we walk through the giant Mickey Ears!

My sister was able to trade shifts so she opens on Friday instead of closes so she can drive up after work. I was also able to snag extra leg room seats so for our outbound flight on JetBlue (using my credit from when our fare dropped earlier, YES!).

DS finished his online Health course so I can call the counselor tomorrow so he can take the final tomorrow or Wednesday before he flies to South Africa on Thursday.

Time to start packing after one more trip to Nordstroms, Justice, Target, and VS.

Dear Happy on the Lake,
I am sorry to hear that your family has come down with something, but I am glad you are taking care of it!! Our son has something called PANDAS which is more or less like an allergy to strep, or other viruses and infections. I have become an expert on these things... good for you for covering everyone! They will be well before the trip, I am sure. I have been shopping like mad, too, for the things I have discovered we need. My son's feet have grown two sizes since wearing his cotillion shoes this year!! What are you all doing about formal night? What will your boys be wearing?? Anyone else going to see the final shuttle lift off? We will be there in those mobs on the beach! Staying at the Marriott Grand Lake Resort in Orlando. Thanks!

 

[nuttyboys]

Anyone else out there have boys aged between 6 and 9 who love Nintnedo DS Pokemon and iTouch Angry Birds?? The are also scouts, and they love to swim. Handball and kickball are big too, but I don't know if they will be able to play that on the ship. Is there tennis, does anyone know? I think there is a basketball court for them, anyway. I would love to tell them they will be having some friends on the ship!

 

[HappyontheLake]

Dear Happy on the Lake,
I am sorry to hear that your family has come down with something, but I am glad you are taking care of it!! Our son has something called PANDAS which is more or less like an allergy to strep, or other viruses and infections. I have become an expert on these things... good for you for covering everyone! They will be well before the trip, I am sure. I have been shopping like mad, too, for the things I have discovered we need. My son's feet have grown two sizes since wearing his cotillion shoes this year!! What are you all doing about formal night? What will your boys be wearing?? Anyone else going to see the final shuttle lift off? We will be there in those mobs on the beach! Staying at the Marriott Grand Lake Resort in Orlando. Thanks!

My 16yo son is going to South Africa with my husband -- I am bringing my 3 girls on the cruise. They will be wearing dresses

 

[marukochan]

Anyone else out there have boys aged between 6 and 9 who love Nintnedo DS Pokemon and iTouch Angry Birds?? The are also scouts, and they love to swim. Handball and kickball are big too, but I don't know if they will be able to play that on the ship. Is there tennis, does anyone know? I think there is a basketball court for them, anyway. I would love to tell them they will be having some friends on the ship!

We have a boy just turned 9 years old who loves DS (pokemon games, etc.), collects pokemon cards, and loves Angry Birds. He is also in boy scouts, loves handball, swimming, etc! PM me and we can exchange info