Let's do this all over again...Update 12/6 7:00 am @ MK

[topdog]

Thank you for all the pixie dust for my health. I appreciate it very much.

Sending you some pixie dust for your bronchial health!

I knew there was reason I never delete any emails. Glad Disney is making good on their end.

Other than debt, email probably is the close second I collect the most.

Good deal on the tickets. Hope it will work out and the letter comes soon. I always keep all my paperwork, emails and receipts too. You never know!

We are still waiting for the letter patiently.

I really hopes it all works our for you and DW. You deserve lots of

Keep us updated.

Thanks. I really hope the letter will come soon.

Hi Topdog, I have just finished your last TR and am all caught up with this one. I Read Biscuits TR and he mentioned you a lot, so I bookmarked you.
I loved your pictures and stories. Your food pictures make my mouth water. I am hoping that this Decembers trip runs more smoothly than last years.
We started driving last October and now I love the road trip. We make the trip an adventure by stopping at restaurants we see on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
It is so nice to have all the room and be in control of your trip when you drive. I am from western Pa, and it is one and a half hours to the Pittsburgh airport-plus the 2 hour wait, the connecting flight and then the 45 minutes to WDW it seems better to drive the 14 hours at our own pace. It is also nice to drive to the parks.
I recommend the Segway tours highly. We have done both the one in Epcot and the one in Fort Wilderness. They are both awesome-I just wished they lasted longer. If you take the one in Epcot go for the earliest because you will get to see them getting ready in the World Showcase and there are not any guests yet except the occasional wedding. It was so much fun-you will love it.
I hope your Give a Day works for you, we did Habitat for Humanity and plan on getting the fastpasses for each day of our trip as there are 7 of us. If you can get that it is 6 passes at one park for one day. If you get 2, you can have fastpasses for 2 parks.
I hope your health issues clear up and all goes well in the long run.
Finally, about your poor feet-I love my croc sandals. I wear the slip on kind, not the flipflop kind. They are especially wonderful if it rains because they are easy to dry off. When you wear sneakers you might be able to put blister bandaids on your sensitive spots-they are expensive, but work like a charm. You should definitely buy them to take down just in case you need them.
I will be reading along now and I look forward to reading more as your trip gets closer.

Hey! There is always more room for another new reader, especially a Pennsylvanian. Thank you for the tip about the Segway. We did thought about it but not sure if we can squeeze in another activity anymore. Although it's very tempting.

Topdog, I am so glad Disney is making good on their obligation. I'm sure that you are not the only one this has happened to. I am sending good thoughts your way and will keep you in my prayers that your health is restored soon. I can't wait to see what kind of Mickey Mail you will get. Maybe there will be some kind of extra surpise inside with the letter!

I heard there were a lot people having the same issue too. It was a lot of confusion for every one. Some people has no issue but some were in the same boat as we are. It would be interesting if there is some kind of extra surprise with the letter. We are still waiting patiently.

 

[topdog]

A quick update.

We just bought the MCMVP tickets two days ago. It's official now. We are ready to party. DW is still planning on all the ADR. It's a lot of work. She want to make sure all the ADRs as efficient as possible like going to same park where the ADR will be. Of course we have to make sure to take advantage of the EMH as well. Throw in the MCMVP, Candlelight procession and Fantasmic, it's one big puzzle. Lots and lots of logistic planning. I can't wait until she show me the final ADR planning.

Just to make things even more complicated. We are already looking into next year's adventure, Disney cruise to Alaska. The cruise will debute in 2011. DW order the Disney cruise planning DVD and it arrived yesterday. I am not sure we are definitely able to go but it doesn't hurt to do some research now.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Just read your recent updates. Prayers and best wishes regarding your lung nodule. My doc found a small one too, but told me not to worry about it, they'd just keep an eye on it. Uh, okay. Sorry about the mix up with the GAD. Hope it all works out. I can hear the excitement in your voice as your tell us the details of your December trip. It's very infectious!

 

[Plum Pirate]

Hi TopDog! I figure that it is time I come out of the shadows and tell you how much I enjoyed your last last trip report. I spent many too many work nights reading late into the hours. I haven't had a chance to catch up completely on this pre-trip report, but I love your photography and descriptions and am looking forward to more. I only wish I could take photos half as nice as yours, but I am more of a point and shoot camera type of gal.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Just got caught up on your TR! Great job as usual, especially the pics. I so happy that your mom's surgery went well. Hope everything is ok with you healthwise as well!
BTW, have you seen the Panasonic Lumix GF1? It's the new micro four thirds camera. I was thinking of getting one for all my travels, as it surely beats lugging around a dslr the size of my head. The pictures it takes look wonderful and I like how you can change the lenses too. It definitely costs as much as a dslr though, so still trying to justify the cost!

Looking forward to more updates!

 

[topdog]

Just read your recent updates. Prayers and best wishes regarding your lung nodule. My doc found a small one too, but told me not to worry about it, they'd just keep an eye on it. Uh, okay. Sorry about the mix up with the GAD. Hope it all works out. I can hear the excitement in your voice as your tell us the details of your December trip. It's very infectious!

Thank. Somehow, I think DW is more exciting than I am.

Hi TopDog! I figure that it is time I come out of the shadows and tell you how much I enjoyed your last last trip report. I spent many too many work nights reading late into the hours. I haven't had a chance to catch up completely on this pre-trip report, but I love your photography and descriptions and am looking forward to more. I only wish I could take photos half as nice as yours, but I am more of a point and shoot camera type of gal.

Welcome Plum Pirate. There is always room for more new reader. Glad you like my last TR and picture. I am hoping there will be a lot more on next trip. I've been thinking add some video as well.

Just got caught up on your TR! Great job as usual, especially the pics. I so happy that your mom's surgery went well. Hope everything is ok with you healthwise as well!
BTW, have you seen the Panasonic Lumix GF1? It's the new micro four thirds camera. I was thinking of getting one for all my travels, as it surely beats lugging around a dslr the size of my head. The pictures it takes look wonderful and I like how you can change the lenses too. It definitely costs as much as a dslr though, so still trying to justify the cost!

Looking forward to more updates!

Hello ChunkyMonkey. Glad you stop by. I never heard about this micro four third camera. It's all new to me. I stop at a few NY camera shop to check out the D700. Still not sure when can I pull the trigger. Price just will not come down.

 

[topdog]

Just another quick update.

We received our PIN code this week. However, Disney is messing with us again. Disney will not apply the PIN code to our current reservation. In order to use the PIN code, they have to cancel our current reservation from the system which is for WL wood view room for 11 days. Once the reservation is cancel, our wood view room will no longer available. The only room we can choose now is court yard room which cost more, then we can use the PIN code. By the time it's all said and done, the discount shrunk a lot more than expect. Saving was very minimal but with better room. Never a dull moment.

This is the big weekend. We have to get everything plan out by this weekend. Plan of attack shall reveal some time in the next few days. We think we got the first 5 days all plan out but it keeps changing. DW is driving me crazy with all the questions.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

This happened to me too. We are at CSR, and I had to have a water view room to apply the PIN. I think this happens all of the time.

Did you see my ticker?? 18 days!!

 

[topdog]

This happened to me too. We are at CSR, and I had to have a water view room to apply the PIN. I think this happens all of the time.

Did you see my ticker?? 18 days!!

18 days!!! Yes!!! It must be exciting for your family. I hope it won't be as hot as your last trip. Have a magical trip!!

*Sighh* There's always a clause for Disney incentive. Never easy.

 

[TheLadyTremain]

TopDog,
I just got back on the disboards after taking a few months off. I am glad I came across your pretrip. I really enjoyed your TR from last year's vacation, particularly your great photos. Looking forward to learning more.

Just an FYI....It seems like you are pretty set with driving, but I believe AirTran now has a direct flight from Allentown to Orlando. I am looking forward to hearing more about your drive. For some odd reason, I have always wanted to drive to the World.

 

[topdog]

TopDog,
I just got back on the disboards after taking a few months off. I am glad I came across your pretrip. I really enjoyed your TR from last year's vacation, particularly your great photos. Looking forward to learning more.

Just an FYI....It seems like you are pretty set with driving, but I believe AirTran now has a direct flight from Allentown to Orlando. I am looking forward to hearing more about your drive. For some odd reason, I have always wanted to drive to the World.

Welcome! So glad you can join in. I did heard about directly flight now is available from Allentown to Orlando. However, we really want to see our relatives at NC. So driving seems to be the best option. I am sure this will be a very interesting journey on our way to the World.

 

[topdog]

Here is the new plan of attack. It will probably get revise after we finish all the ADRs. Hopefully, we don't have to change much. I know it's a lot to digest but that's pretty close. We have 2 more ADR to figure but it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

We pretty much can ride anything and everything for all the parks so I am not going to list everything we want to ride. As long as the line is not too bad, we are going in. Major event of the day is listed in the plan of attack. There is only one more major event I want to get into but Disney is not offering yet. That's Wishes Dessert party. I am crossing my finger. Only other thing I can't list are the musical show. I know I want to watch Beauty & the Beast, Finding Nemo and Lion King at the very least. We'll have to wink it out during the trip.

If this is all pan out, it's going to be one heck of a trip. I can't wait. I might gain 50 pounds by the time I come back. Note to myself: Start heavy duty workout from now.

Day 1 (Arrival)
Park: DHS (EMH 10pm)
Lunch: Whispering Canyon Café (WL)
Dinner: Mama Melrose (DHS)
Event: Osborne Light

Day 2
Park: EPCOT/MK (EMH 12am)
Breakfast: Captain Grille (YC)
Lunch: Coral Reef (EPCOT)
Dinner: Ohana (PR)
Event: Disney Character Storytelling Experience at Norway

Day 3
Park: MK
Breakfast: GF Café (GF)
Lunch: None
Dinner: Crystal Palace (MK)
Event: MVMCP

Day 4
Park: AK (EMH 8pm)
Breakfast: Boma (AKL)
Lunch: None
Dinner: Yak & Yeti (AK)

Day 5
Park: DHS
Breakfast: Kona (PR)
Lunch: Wolfgang Puck Café (DTD)
Dinner: Brown Derby (DHS)
Event: Fantasmic

Day 6
Park: EPCOT (EMH 12:30am)
Breakfast: Ohana (PR)
Lunch: Olivia (OKW)
Dinner: Le Cellier (EPCOT)
Event: Candlelight Processional

Day 7
Park: MK
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Liberty Tre (MK)
Dinner: California Grill (CR)
Event: Steam Train Tour

Day 8
Park: AK/DHS (EMH 11pm)
Breakfast: Tusker House (AK)
Lunch: Yak & Yeti (AK)
Dinner: Shutters (CBR)

Day 9
Park: MK (EMH 11pm)
Breakfast: Kona (PR)
Lunch: Tony’s Town Square (MK)
Dinner: Narcoossee’s (GF)
Event: AAA Prefer viewing parade

Day 10
Park: EPCOT
Breakfast: Chef Mickey (CR)
Lunch: Nine Dragon (EPCOT)
Dinner: Big River Grille (BR)

Day 11
Park: AK (EMH 8pm)
Breakfast: Undecide
Lunch: Undecide
Dinner: Artist Point (WL)

Departure Day
Breakfast: Whispering Canyon Café (WL)

 

[GoofyFairie]

Wow! Those plans look awesome already! I can't wait to see how you fill in the rest in your undecided spots. Between your pictures and writing it will seem like we are right there with you when we read your trip report! I can't wait for you and DW to take this trip! You better start resting now- it doesn't look like you'll have much time for relaxing at WDW!

 

[chunkymonkey]

We pretty much can ride anything and everything for all the parks so I am not going to list everything we want to ride. As long as the line is not too bad, we are going in. Major event of the day is listed in the plan of attack. There is only one more major event I want to get into but Disney is not offering yet. That's Wishes Dessert party. I am crossing my finger. Only other thing I can't list are the musical show. I know I want to watch Beauty & the Beast, Finding Nemo and Lion King at the very least. We'll have to wink it out during the trip.

We totally want to do the Wishes Dessert Party too! As of now, it's only until August and we're going in September. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that it will be extended until at least then.

Your plan of attack sounds great. Such great ADR choices! It must be so nice to have the DDP. I am deciding whether or not to do the DDP, because I personally think it is quite worth it, but my only concern is that it is way too much food for us. If I eat DDP for 5 days, I will surely not be able to function, much less be able to ride all the rides! I will be in constant food coma. LOL

BTW, here's a link to the micro four thirds camera I was talking about earlier. LINK

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Those plans look great. That is a lot of food.

We are trying Boma for the first time in a few weeks. I can't wait. Rumor has it that Le Cellier might be changing to 2 TS credits in the fall. You may get caught in that. We are getting it under the wire.

You are going to see almost all of the resorts, I think. That would be so cool.

When does your 180 day ADR open. Can't wait to see how you do.

 

[topdog]

Wow! Those plans look awesome already! I can't wait to see how you fill in the rest in your undecided spots. Between your pictures and writing it will seem like we are right there with you when we read your trip report! I can't wait for you and DW to take this trip! You better start resting now- it doesn't look like you'll have much time for relaxing at WDW!

I am just glad the planning part is almost over. Resort is ready. Rental car has been reserved. Extra day hotel is set. ADR is the last piece of the puzzle. Once that's done, I can focus on losing some weight.

We totally want to do the Wishes Dessert Party too! As of now, it's only until August and we're going in September. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that it will be extended until at least then.

Your plan of attack sounds great. Such great ADR choices! It must be so nice to have the DDP. I am deciding whether or not to do the DDP, because I personally think it is quite worth it, but my only concern is that it is way too much food for us. If I eat DDP for 5 days, I will surely not be able to function, much less be able to ride all the rides! I will be in constant food coma. LOL

BTW, here's a link to the micro four thirds camera I was talking about earlier. LINK

I know DxDP is a lot of food but thankfullly I can burn it off pretty quick. It's really not for every body. If you can really eat, then DxDP is definite the best way to go. It's a lot of food.

Those plans look great. That is a lot of food.

We are trying Boma for the first time in a few weeks. I can't wait. Rumor has it that Le Cellier might be changing to 2 TS credits in the fall. You may get caught in that. We are getting it under the wire.

You are going to see almost all of the resorts, I think. That would be so cool.

When does your 180 day ADR open. Can't wait to see how you do.

I heard about the Le Cellier changing to 2 TS credit but that's okay. We plan to skip a couple of meals anyway. Beside, there's always snack point to hold us over.

Yes. I want to see as many resorts as we possibly can. That's a great way to do it.

Our 180 days ADR starts this morning. I will post update on my next post.

 

[topdog]

We started our ADR at 6am this morning. DW and I were tagged team. First we were both online doing the ADR thru the website. We got the most difficult one out of the way first like California Grill, Le Cellier and Ohana. Then DW keep doing the ADR and I keep checking our account to see if the ADR came thru.

It took us over an hour and a half to complete most of our ADRs. We did got almost all the ADRs we want except a couple of them. Not too bad. Only a couple has to change the time or the date we want. As of right now, the Candlelight Processional is still up in the air. We were told to start calling about it tomorrow and we want to do the Le Cellier for it. Fantasmic was some what difficult because we want to do the dinner at 5pm but we end up getting 3:45pm. A little early for me but we'll manage. So Wolfgang Puck Cafe lunch is out because we can't eat at noon and then dinner at 3:45pm. Other ADR we didn't book for is Artist Point. We have to wait until the Candlelight Processional book in order to determine which slot does the Artist Point would fit.

Both Princess Storytelling experience and AAA prefer viewing Christmas parade were reserved this afternoon. Steam train tour has to wait until the trip gets closer in order to make reservation. Otherwise, only thing left is Candlelight Processional and the last full day ADRs.

 

[mecllap]

Hey Topdog -- glad to see you're back in action. Am late to this thread so haven't read it all yet. I think I told you about SSRMonkey on your Disaster TR -- here's his latest: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2413900&highlight=ssrmonkey

I think I also posted the link to our trip with Figment to Grand Cayman (it's in my siggie blog).

If you haven't decided yet, I vote for driving this time -- gives you so much more flexibility.

Take better care of your feet this time (proper shoes, moleskin if you at all start to get "hot spots", blister bandaids, maybe pretreat with Bodyglide, etc.).

You could do a split stay and get a cash ressie at one of the DVC resorts (WL has some DVC villas) to see what you think about DVC. Of course, one of the reasons I like DVC is being able to do some of our food in the room and not have to spend the time and money eating out (I save money on food so I can stay longer). I did enjoy trying a couple of places based on your last TR -- esp for the desserts (but entrees, not so much). I guess I had to eat out so much when traveling for work, that it's not as much fun for me as it is for some people (it's kind of been there, done that, and I generally prefer my own cooking, simple as it is).

Looking forward to the absolutely gorgeous photos you'll be able to get over the holidays! Ted will love it! (Does he have a red vest?)

 

[Trinity524]

I'm here! I was so upset when the 09 trip report was done... but SOOO happy to see that you have a Pretrip report. Love your pics, but it appears that the best picture from your trip (please see above) was taken from DW! Now I have to go catch up from the beginning... subbing!

 

[Trinity524]

http://www.cafetututango.com/

Here is a cafe right in front of where you are staying. My DH and I always eat here. Hope this helps your first night dinner or even Linner decisions!