Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[Native NYer]

I told M I wanted a Disney boyfriend. He said cool and that he's sure he'd wear a fanny pack and Crocs and to go for it. I needed him to look in my planning binder for our Oct itinerary as I was deciding what YES class to choose. He said: you have an f-ing binder? You have hit a new level of geek.

I said its better than having an affair, now find Oct 22 smartie!

We got 8 day hoppers and the option to visit the water parks for 8 days. I have no idea why they give you so many water park days. This is perfect! And I'm so glad I added that extra day on now.

He would be quite the looker with his fanny pack and Crocs.

I need to organize a binder. I have a folder with all of my paperwork and planning notes. And then I have charts and spreadsheets on my laptop. I need to get a little more organized.

Your tickets sound PERFECT! Are you planning on visiting both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon? Or just one?

 

[rentayenta]

He would be quite the looker with his fanny pack and Crocs.

I need to organize a binder. I have a folder with all of my paperwork and planning notes. And then I have charts and spreadsheets on my laptop. I need to get a little more organized.

Your tickets sound PERFECT! Are you planning on visiting both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon? Or just one?

We couldn't decide which water park because they really are so different as far as theming and activities so this is perfect. We'll do both. We won't have our SSR pool day but no one seems too upset about that.

I'm still old school and print my spreadsheets and then go at them with my trusty number 2 pencil. I need a hard copy of everything.

Any more planning news I need to know about? When can you finish your ADRs?

25 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

60 days until ADRs!!! ​

240 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[kaoden39]

What a terrific gift! I'm so excited for you. When in November? Kids?

Not quite sure on our dates yet. This will be a family trip for sure.

 

[rentayenta]

Not quite sure on our dates yet. This will be a family trip for sure.

If I get a say, I vote when the holiday decorations and decor are up. The weekend after Thanksgiving was awesome last year. But really, is there ever a not a good time? Heck no!

 

[kaoden39]

If I get a say, I vote when the holiday decorations and decor are up. The weekend after Thanksgiving was awesome last year. But really, is there ever a not a good time? Heck no!

Well, it is down to either the week before Thanksgiving or the week following Thanksgiving. I am torn.

 

[rentayenta]

Well, it is down to either the week before Thanksgiving or the week following Thanksgiving. I am torn.

What are the pros and cons to each time? I'd say, for me, the major con to before a thanksgiving is that the IASW overlay might not be finished. Also you've got chances of refurbs where as in after, the chances are slimmer. We had no crowds when we went. Either way, it will be awesome!

 

[kaoden39]

What are the pros and cons to each time? I'd say, for me, the major con to before a thanksgiving is that the IASW overlay might not be finished. Also you've got chances of refurbs where as in after, the chances are slimmer. We had no crowds when we went. Either way, it will be awesome!

Good point on that. How busy was it? The reason I was leaning towards the first one was I was thinking it is going to be low crowds like it was this week.

 

[rentayenta]

Good point on that. How busy was it? The reason I was leaning towards the first one was I was thinking it is going to be low crowds like it was this week.

Our first park day was the Sunday following Thanksgiving. We were there Sun-Tues and it wasn't crowded at all. It was fabulous. All the holiday perks without the holiday crowds. I'd go then in a heartbeat. Not sure what the day after and the weekend looked like though.

 

[kaoden39]

Our first park day was the Sunday following Thanksgiving. We were there Sun-Tues and it wasn't crowded at all. It was fabulous. All the holiday perks without the holiday crowds. I'd go then in a heartbeat. Not sure what the day after and the weekend looked like though.

Our first park day will be on a Monday and we will come home on Friday. That way Scotty gets a bit of a rest.


Did you see the pictures I was posting during our trip on Facebook?

 

[Native NYer]

We couldn't decide which water park because they really are so different as far as theming and activities so this is perfect. We'll do both. We won't have our SSR pool day but no one seems too upset about that.

I'm still old school and print my spreadsheets and then go at them with my trusty number 2 pencil. I need a hard copy of everything.

Any more planning news I need to know about? When can you finish your ADRs?

Visits to both water parks will be amazing! Winter Summerland Mini Golf is right next to Blizzard Beach. You could always try that while you're over there.

I print my spreadsheets as well. I just haven't organized them. I need to get a binder and some sheet protectors today.

I got ADRs at Boma and Chef Mickey's for dinner. I can finish the rest tomorrow.

I booked our departing flight on Jetblue. We are leaving from D.C. (we have to go pick up my nephews anyway) and will rent a car for the drive down. Since we're flying back into NYC, we can't leave any of our cars in Maryland or D.C. So, most likely, we'll drive to MD/D.C. on Saturday 8/11 and our flight is on Sunday 8/12 at 10:07. We arrive at MCO at 12:17. The tickets were SO cheap. 5 seats only cost $514 one way. And since it's Jetblue, we don't have luggage fees.

We could stay at my brother's house the night before our flight. But then we'll have to be up early to make the 40 min-1 hour drive to Reagan National Airport. My mom suggested looking into just staying at a hotel near the airport. That way, we'l be able to sleep a little longer and not have to rush out of the house super early. I'm doing some research now and have found some great deals at the Hyatt Regency, Marriott, and Embassy Suites.

I still need to book rental cars. We're doing onsite rental with Alamo and taking ME from the airport. No one wants to wait at baggage claim and pick up luggage.

How is your planning coming along? When do you usually book airfare?

 

[rentayenta]

Our first park day will be on a Monday and we will come home on Friday. That way Scotty gets a bit of a rest.


Did you see the pictures I was posting during our trip on Facebook?

I saw the nachos and one with ears. Are there more? I'll go searching. Are you doing a post trip report?

I would definitely do the Mon-Fri after Thanksgiving then. For sure. Before has you there on Thanksgiving which might be fun too but you risk closures and the parks not being at their 100% holiday finest.

Visits to both water parks will be amazing! Winter Summerland Mini Golf is right next to Blizzard Beach. You could always try that while you're over there.

Chloe's BFF has never been so both water parks will be perfect. I've changed our itinerary around some. I can get more concrete once I know what resort we'll be at first.

I print my spreadsheets as well. I just haven't organized them. I need to get a binder and some sheet protectors today.

Sounds heavenly. I don't have sheet protectors it have colored separator tabs. I geek hard!

I got ADRs at Boma and Chef Mickey's for dinner. I can finish the rest tomorrow.

Ooooo......what did you get????

I booked our departing flight on Jetblue. We are leaving from D.C. (we have to go pick up my nephews anyway) and will rent a car for the drive down. Since we're flying back into NYC, we can't leave any of our cars in Maryland or D.C. So, most likely, we'll drive to MD/D.C. on Saturday 8/11 and our flight is on Sunday 8/12 at 10:07. We arrive at MCO at 12:17. The tickets were SO cheap. 5 seats only cost $514 one way. And since it's Jetblue, we don't have luggage fees.

That's a great price. I love Jet Blue. It's my favorite for flying into So Cal.

We could stay at my brother's house the night before our flight. But then we'll have to be up early to make the 40 min-1 hour drive to Reagan National Airport. My mom suggested looking into just staying at a hotel near the airport. That way, we'l be able to sleep a little longer and not have to rush out of the house super early. I'm doing some research now and have found some great deals at the Hyatt Regency, Marriott, and Embassy Suites.

I like the idea of staying at a hotel near the airport best. That rushing in the morning can be so hectic. What are the deals?

I still need to book rental cars. We're doing onsite rental with Alamo and taking ME from the airport. No one wants to wait at baggage claim and pick up luggage.

I really like ME. Do you always rent a car? I've thought about it. What are the benefits?

How is your planning coming along? When do you usually book airfare?

Good. Really good. Flights are still at $500 pp rt. I'm hoping for $350 at the most but with the increase in fuel prices Thanks to those trying to sabotage any chance of 'Obama being reelected im not hopeful. I think i got spoiled with our $200 and $250 deals years back. And that was before luggage fees. I'm shooting for SW.

 

[rentayenta]

24 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

59 days until ADRs!!! ​

239 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[Native NYer]

Chloe's BFF has never been so both water parks will be perfect. I've changed our itinerary around some. I can get more concrete once I know what resort we'll be at first.

In less than a month, you'll know your resort plans.

Sounds heavenly. I don't have sheet protectors it have colored separator tabs. I geek hard!

I love colored separator tabs! And post-it flgas, and highlighters, etc.

Ooooo......what did you get????

So far, just Chef Mickey's and Boma.

That's a great price. I love Jet Blue. It's my favorite for flying into So Cal.

I Jetblue!

I like the idea of staying at a hotel near the airport best. That rushing in the morning can be so hectic. What are the deals?

That's my thinking too. The Hyatt Regency is $98 per room.

I really like ME. Do you always rent a car? I've thought about it. What are the benefits?

We always rent a car. We get to the parks faster than waiting for the bus. We're not waiting in the heat for a bus to show up. After a long day in the parks, we can just hop in the car and be at the resort in less than 15 minutes depending on which park and which resort. If we need to get things from the grocery store or want non-Disney food, it's so much easier. You can definitely get a good deal on a rental car in Orlando. Also, if you rent through Alamo, you can take ME and rent onsite.

Good. Really good. Flights are still at $500 pp rt. I'm hoping for $350 at the most but with the increase in fuel prices Thanks to those trying to sabotage any chance of 'Obama being reelected im not hopeful. I think i got spoiled with our $200 and $250 deals years back. And that was before luggage fees. I'm shooting for SW.

I hope fares come down for you, especially since you have to buy 6 tickets.

How long is your flight(s)?

Fares used to be cheaper from NYC too. R/T used to be under $200. Now you're lucky if you get that one way.

 

[rentayenta]

In less than a month, you'll know your resort plans.




I love colored separator tabs! And post-it flgas, and highlighters, etc.




So far, just Chef Mickey's and Boma.



I Jetblue!



That's my thinking too. The Hyatt Regency is $98 per room.





We always rent a car. We get to the parks faster than waiting for the bus. We're not waiting in the heat for a bus to show up. After a long day in the parks, we can just hop in the car and be at the resort in less than 15 minutes depending on which park and which resort. If we need to get things from the grocery store or want non-Disney food, it's so much easier. You can definitely get a good deal on a rental car in Orlando. Also, if you rent through Alamo, you can take ME and rent onsite.



I hope fares come down for you, especially since you have to buy 6 tickets.

How long is your flight(s)?

Fares used to be cheaper from NYC too. R/T used to be under $200. Now you're lucky if you get that one way.

I can't wait to know where we'll be. In between laundry, playing short order cook, and in general living the dream, I tweaked our itinerary based on now doing both water parks. I'll post as soon as Joshua's burrito is done baking.

I am a post-it and highlighter junkie. I highlight everything at work. My fellow therapists think I'm nuts. and colored post-it's? Fuggetaboutit.

Aren't you able to make the remainder of your ADRs today?

Hyatts are nice. I would totally do that. Stress and time are money, ya know?

I might have to look into renting a car. I started thinking though that we may have to restock on groceries half way through the trip. Fruit won't last more than 5 days and we may run out of milk. I'd hate for stuff to spoil half way through because we couldn't get to it. We wouldn't need anything big at all, a Ford Focus or some compact that fits 5. I doubt we'd drive to Epcot during F&W because that means one of couldn't drink which is SO not happening. But we'd easily drive to the others and the water parks. Maybe I'll use some of my $660 on a car.


Flights are about 4.5 hours not counting airport time so it's more like 6 with check in and all that. I am hoping they come down too. Maybe my $660 will have to go towards that?

 

[kaoden39]

It was actually the week before Thanksgiving. I started my trip report. Including photos of the room.

 

[ajf1007]

ITA with your hubby. I am quite sure they aren't trying to be rude or unappreciative, they just don't get it and may in fact be very overwhelmed with the volume of stuff you are sending them. Everyone plans these things differently and they may well be in the "I go where I'm told" camp and just planning to enjoy the ride, go along with the flow. The good thing about no expectations is...they really can't complain. I would try to let it go and not take it personally. I did a grand gathering trip with my MIL and her DH a couple of years ago, she'd never been and we had some similar issues. I tried to keep it very high level, focusing on key things like where to stay, where to eat and special events (we did tea at the GF and an Illuminations Cruise). I left it at that. And then they still didn't really get it once there, had their own agenda etc. Both DH and I had to let it go.

For them, they were just happy to be there, with us. They didn't "need" the same experience we maybe wanted for them (really, for us) to have a great time. Once I embraced that, it was all good.

Although I'm still bitter about wasted dining plan credits on unplanned breakfasts.

Thanks for that and I know that you are right. Any disappointment that may come will be from my own idea of a situation and outcome. But you are so right too that when they look at stuff they become overwhelmed. I was just talking to my sister-in-law and she actually said that everytime she looks at the book, she gets overwhelmed. So I was glad that she said that and we were able to talk about different things at WDW and what her thoughts were. So I think I'm making progress. Thanks again for your words of encouragement and it did help me take it down a notch, if you know what I mean.

 

[rentayenta]

This is the new version as we've now added a day and a YES class. I'm also assuming that SSR will come before AKV.



Sunday 10/14:

• arrive
• check in to SSR
• unpack blah blah
• dinner at The Turf Club
• swim, relax

Monday 10/15:

• MK
• break, dinner in villa, shrimp pasta with bread and salad
• MK EMH

Tuesday 10/16:

• sleep in, big brunch in villa before DHS
• DHS
• Epcot
• Rose and Crown
• Illuminations
• WS EMH

Wednesday 10/17:

• sleep in
• AK until close, lunch in AKV
• DTD with Earl's for dinner or F&W at Epcot

Thursday 10/18:

• golf/spa, kids can pick a park and tour together or chill in villa
• ???
• DIS meet- time?, early dinner in villa with Jenna et al, tri tip.
• MK for MNSSHP

Friday 10/19:

• check out of SSR
• have bags sent to AKV, check in
• Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, lunch at water park
• Saana
• fire/folklore stories

Saturday 10/20:

• DHS for morning EMH
• grill chicken for lunch, pool
• ???

Sunday 10/21:

• ??
• ??
• DHS
• 50's PT or Sci Fi
• F!/EMH

Monday 10/22:

• sleep in
• Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, whatever one we didn't do, lunch at water park
• Dinner at Boma or grill steaks
• early night, chill

Tuesday 10/23:

• YES/AK for the rest of us
• pool time at AKV
• Epcot EMH/F&W

Wednesday 10/24:

• sleep in
• MK until close
• Dinner at Tony's. I caved.

Thursday 10/25:

• pack
• snack
• DTD if time
• leave

What do you think?

 

[ajf1007]

45 minutes sounds about right, maybe a less. What hotel are you at? There aren't a ton of sites in Kaysville but it's pretty. it's right by the mountain. I guess our whole area is right by the mountains. keep me posted on your plans.

I'm staying at the Hampton Inn, right outside Kaysville. The mapquest said it was like 7 miles from the office I have to go to. I am excited to see the beauty of it all, I should have a few hours to do that I think. I have a 9am meeting so I'll have most of the afternoon to explore a bit.

We did the package in 2007 when free dining was an amazing deal. Their calamari was really good as was the bread service. If I rememeber, DH got a steak and it was cooked perfectly, seasoned with rosemary. It's been a while but I believe that's what he ordered. Our server was sweet and slow but we weren't in a hurry.

I haven't done 'Ohana for breakfast but have twice for dinner. During our first trip, we had flown the red eye, with a layover and by the time our early dinner ADR came, the youngest two in our group were aslepp at the table before the drinks came. They didn't eat a thing. When the bill came I explained to the server what happened and she could see them sitting there, eyes glossy looking drunk. She spoke with her manager who allowed us to box us food to take with us. They brought us fresh items to take away. That made me an 'Ohana fan for life. It's an all you can eat and to-go boxes are a no no.

I loved the Fantasmic package and I know they will too, so hopefully I'll be able to get us that. I wonder if I should try booking the ADR's online or do it over the phone
I keep hearing how incredible 'Ohana is for breakfast, so I was thinking it would be interesting to try. I don't know though, I have to have breakfast at 'Ohana so maybe trying it for dinner one night might be better. My mom is offering to watch all of the kiddo's while the "couples" go out, so maybe we could go there for dinner then over to Jellyrolls for some cocktails. Hmmm...

i bet they have NO clue about what goes into planning a WDW vacation especially a vacation for a large group. Regardless of their response, or lack there of, I'm sure they will have a great time and once they get there and see the magnitutde of the place, will wish they had chimed in and be grateful for your efforts.

You too are so right, they really don't understand but I think when it all comes together, they'll get it. I was just talking to my sister-in-law and she said every time she opens the Disney book and starts reading, she gets a bit overwhelmed, so I'm trying to keep it pretty light for her. I'm sure in the end, this will be a trip that is a memory for everyone (hopefully it's a good one)

Michael always says to me: don't expect any level of excitment from me until about the week before. Of course I still do and I bog hi down with details. Might be the same with this group.

Hawaii? Like Aulani Hawaii? Cynthia posted some pics a few pages back on this thread on Hawaii. OGM, they will convice you to go. Stunning.

That's so funny, Jay is the same way. He doesn't get excited until we LAND in MCO and it drives me crazy! But as you do, he isn't off the hook with details and my nonstop talking, planning, etc., of the trip. It doesn't matter whether we're alone or with a group, he has to listen to me. He's a good sport though and does try to participate when I ask.

Yes - Aulani Hawaii. I keep reading the threads on here, I can't take it! It looks so beautiful and relaxing, but so much fun too. I think it will be a great place for us to spend our 15 year wedding anniversary. Jay's not quite sold yet though, the thought of the long plane ride has him pretty leery so I intend on sitting him down with some of the Aulani TR's and making him read them. Since it's our 15 year anniversary, he HAS to participate on this one. I didn't get married alone 15 years ago!

 

[rentayenta]

It was actually the week before Thanksgiving. I started my trip report. Including photos of the room.

Now I remember seeing a pic of the room/bed. I'll go check for more.

I'm staying at the Hampton Inn, right outside Kaysville. The mapquest said it was like 7 miles from the office I have to go to. I am excited to see the beauty of it all, I should have a few hours to do that I think. I have a 9am meeting so I'll have most of the afternoon to explore a bit.

Your hotel must be in Layton then? Layton is really close to Kaysville and they've got a few hotels to choose from.

I loved the Fantasmic package and I know they will too, so hopefully I'll be able to get us that. I wonder if I should try booking the ADR's online or do it over the phone
I keep hearing how incredible 'Ohana is for breakfast, so I was thinking it would be interesting to try. I don't know though, I have to have breakfast at 'Ohana so maybe trying it for dinner one night might be better. My mom is offering to watch all of the kiddo's while the "couples" go out, so maybe we could go there for dinner then over to Jellyrolls for some cocktails. Hmmm...

I still thinking I'm going to call for ADRs. Not sure how online works with the whole 180+ 10 thing. A couples only night sounds fantastic! I haven't done 'Ohana for breakfast, it's a character meal at breakfast right?

You too are so right, they really don't understand but I think when it all comes together, they'll get it. I was just talking to my sister-in-law and she said every time she opens the Disney book and starts reading, she gets a bit overwhelmed, so I'm trying to keep it pretty light for her. I'm sure in the end, this will be a trip that is a memory for everyone (hopefully it's a good one)

I agree that to the average eye, planning can be totally overwhelming. I felt like that when planning our first trip. I was so used to planning for Disneyland and the sheer size of WDW was crazy to me.

That's so funny, Jay is the same way. He doesn't get excited until we LAND in MCO and it drives me crazy! But as you do, he isn't off the hook with details and my nonstop talking, planning, etc., of the trip. It doesn't matter whether we're alone or with a group, he has to listen to me. He's a good sport though and does try to participate when I ask.

We give them fabulous vacations and all they have to do is listen and pay the tab. It's a win win.

Yes - Aulani Hawaii. I keep reading the threads on here, I can't take it! It looks so beautiful and relaxing, but so much fun too. I think it will be a great place for us to spend our 15 year wedding anniversary. Jay's not quite sold yet though, the thought of the long plane ride has him pretty leery so I intend on sitting him down with some of the Aulani TR's and making him read them. Since it's our 15 year anniversary, he HAS to participate on this one. I didn't get married alone 15 years ago!

It does look amazing. And I agree, it's his anniversary too. The only thing that has me leery on Aulani is that M lived in Hawaii and he said that food off the beat and path is so much better than resorts. He also said Aulani's food prices are ridiculous. We'd be stopping at Costco for sure. There is also a ton to see outside of any resort and hotel so he'd want to explore for sure. He said not to think of Hawaii as an all inclusive.

 

[Native NYer]

I can't wait to know where we'll be. In between laundry, playing short order cook, and in general living the dream, I tweaked our itinerary based on now doing both water parks. I'll post as soon as Joshua's burrito is done baking.

I am a post-it and highlighter junkie. I highlight everything at work. My fellow therapists think I'm nuts. and colored post-it's? Fuggetaboutit.

Aren't you able to make the remainder of your ADRs today?

Hyatts are nice. I would totally do that. Stress and time are money, ya know?

I might have to look into renting a car. I started thinking though that we may have to restock on groceries half way through the trip. Fruit won't last more than 5 days and we may run out of milk. I'd hate for stuff to spoil half way through because we couldn't get to it. We wouldn't need anything big at all, a Ford Focus or some compact that fits 5. I doubt we'd drive to Epcot during F&W because that means one of couldn't drink which is SO not happening. But we'd easily drive to the others and the water parks. Maybe I'll use some of my $660 on a car.


Flights are about 4.5 hours not counting airport time so it's more like 6 with check in and all that. I am hoping they come down too. Maybe my $660 will have to go towards that?

Your plans look GREAT!

A car would definitely add ease. You could also rent just for part of the trip.

I hope you can get a nonstop at a reasonable price! I've read that the 5-6 month mark is the best time to buy airline tickets.