Lifelong Dream- August 2014: My PTR

[BudgieMama]

So, I'm slowly discovering more WDW planning blogs and podcasts. I enjoy The DIS Unplugged a lot, and I discovered WDW Prep School yesterday, which I'm also enjoying.

I stumbled across another blog/site today, through a recommended link on FB, and I hate it! (I won't name names!) The author seems to be so set in their ways. They basically only recommend two resorts... the top recommendation is one of deluxe hotels, which I'm sure lots of people love, but from the images, I HATE the rooms. I just don't like the decor at all, and I couldn't cope with that for a week. I recognise others will like it, but it really isn't for me!

 

[Tinkerbell1989]

Careful, those blogs are addictive!!

We started looking at one before our 2010, just to build our excitement... and we listen to the podcasts almost every week!

Enjoy

X

 

[BudgieMama]

10 months tomorrow! I can finally link our reservations to MDE Whoop whoop whoop!

 

[BudgieMama]

So, turns out I couldn't link my reservation to MDE at 10 months out (despite the FAQ saying otherwise!). I ended up on the phone to WDTC, and spoke with the most enthusiastic person ever (wow, are all CMs like that?)... but she couldn't help...

On the plus side:
300 days to go!!

You might notice (or you might not, but I'm pointing it out now anyway! ) that I've added our Iceland trip to my signature. 300 days is too long away, and I need something sooner to count down to! Plus, Iceland is 6 months out from WDW, so will feel like a big milestone when I get there!

 

[BudgieMama]

Doing the Half Term Dance... it's been such a tough one, so I'm so glad it is DONE! WOO HOO! Only 5 more half terms before WDW!!

 

[BudgieMama]

Hooray for 2014! I can finally say I'm going to Disney World THIS YEAR! WOOP WOOP WOOP!



This Christmas has been a lovely one (and nicely distracting, so now it's January and they'll soon publish the park times for August, which means I can figure out where we are going and when, which means I can figure out what I want to try and book when our ADR slot opens up next month!! ) This is exciting! This is real planning! (There hasn't been a lot to do since we booked other than READ and READ and READ some more... and hang out on The DIS of course!)

I ordered myself the PassPorter Book for 2014, and I'm looking forward to that arriving towards the end of the month... I love scrap-booky planning things (when we were wedding planning, my wedding planner book came EVERYWHERE with me!)

I'm also excited as we are off to Iceland next month... I need to sort out thermals and currency and day trips... good times ahead!

Happy New Year, Disers!

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

Hi Clare, I came on to my PTR and had to say hello after reading yours!

I'm also a teacher, so I know what you mean about celebrating the little milestones. I'm taking students to New York in April, so that's my halfway point milestone from now

 

[BudgieMama]

225 days to go! :dance:

I spent yesterday evening watching the Disney Planning DVD on Youtube (I still don't get why they can't do one for UK guests)... A couple of months back, I was watching travel shows on US Netflix about the parks... I only watched about half of them, but they are gone now (boo hoo!)

Whilst we had our dinner, DH and I were watching the travel channel on FreeSat, because they had a couple of shows about rollercoasters/attractions and water parks. DH perked up every time they mentioned something being in Orlando (his first real sign of interest!). None of the things featured were on any of the Disney parks (so I had to point out we wouldn't see them), but I told him how much more there was to do in Orlando than we would have time for during our trip (one week, onsite, no car rental) and suggested we maybe have another trip if we enjoy WDW, staying offsite, hiring a car and visiting the other sights as well as WDW, which he seemed up for... Hoping so much he gets the Disney bug and this isn't our one and only trip!

Right, back to Youtube to watching more WDW videos I think!

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

225 days to go! :dance:

I spent yesterday evening watching the Disney Planning DVD on Youtube (I still don't get why they can't do one for UK guests)... A couple of months back, I was watching travel shows on US Netflix about the parks... I only watched about half of them, but they are gone now (boo hoo!)

Whilst we had our dinner, DH and I were watching the travel channel on FreeSat, because they had a couple of shows about rollercoasters/attractions and water parks. DH perked up every time they mentioned something being in Orlando (his first real sign of interest!). None of the things featured were on any of the Disney parks (so I had to point out we wouldn't see them), but I told him how much more there was to do in Orlando than we would have time for during our trip (one week, onsite, no car rental) and suggested we maybe have another trip if we enjoy WDW, staying offsite, hiring a car and visiting the other sights as well as WDW, which he seemed up for... Hoping so much he gets the Disney bug and this isn't our one and only trip!

Right, back to Youtube to watching more WDW videos I think!

I really hope your DH gets the bug!

We have a couple of the old planning DVDs that we watch to get us in the mood. Our favourite is the one from 05/06 which was really upbeat and fun. Wish they still made them for us here!

 

[BudgieMama]

My Pass Porter Guide arrived. I love all the pockets and sections to fill in! I can't wait to start putting some details in!

 

[BudgieMama]

Plans are afoot, now we've got the EasyWDW recommendations:


Monday 18th August
Arrive in early evening. Check in, explore resort. Head to DTD if we feel like it.

Tuesday
DHS- hopefully get an ADR that includes the Fantasmic package.

Wednesday
MK- fingers crossed for ADR for dinner at BOG. If not, pop in for lunch.

Thursday
EPCOT- ADR at Akerhaus if we can get one- lunch or dinner probably

Friday
MK- ADR at Crystal Palace for lunch/dinner if we can get one- could swap this with Be Our Guest

Saturday
Animal Kingdom - ADR for lunch at Tusker House if we can get one.

Sunday
Maybe EPCOT, maybe a water park, maybe a bit of both

Monday morning
Maybe EPCOT, maybe DTD, maybe swimming at resort (can we use pool at resort after check out)... Then back to SSR to pick up DME

 

[BudgieMama]

Duplicate post...

In other news:

7 MONTHS TODAY!

 

[darthtatty]

I think we go about the week before you.
Im so excited

Sounds like you've got some fab plans. Have you decided on any rides yet?

 

[BudgieMama]

I've had a go at playing around with Touring Plan's personalised plans, and I hope we can do most of the headliners. I love coasters, so I want to do them all if we can, and it looks doable.

We'll probably skip some of the kiddy rides unless they have no queue (like Dumbo and the teacups!) as it's just me and my husband. But apart from Tower of Terror (which I'm not sure I'm brave enough for) and Kali River Rapids (because I don't want to get that wet!) I think we'll try most things if we get the chance!

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

I've had a go at playing around with Touring Plan's personalised plans, and I hope we can do most of the headliners. I love coasters, so I want to do them all if we can, and it looks doable.

We'll probably skip some of the kiddy rides unless they have no queue (like Dumbo and the teacups!) as it's just me and my husband. But apart from Tower of Terror (which I'm not sure I'm brave enough for) and Kali River Rapids (because I don't want to get that wet!) I think we'll try most things if we get the chance!

If you can get there for rope drop you should be fine . Just be aware that things are constantly changing at the moment due to FP+!

I love riding Dumbo .. And the Magic Carpets .. And the Carousel and Pooh's ride. Lol, it's usually just me and hubby but the only thing I don't ride is the teacups (they make me dizzy)

 

[BudgieMama]

Less than 200 days away and... WE GOT OUR FIRST MICKEY MAIL!

It was a fairly useless leaflet about MDE and FP+, but it was Mickey Mail for us! (Adressed to DH as he is lead guest, so he opened it... but it was Mickey Mail for us!) Squeeeee!

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

Less than 200 days away and... WE GOT OUR FIRST MICKEY MAIL!

It was a fairly useless leaflet about MDE and FP+, but it was Mickey Mail for us! (Adressed to DH as he is lead guest, so he opened it... but it was Mickey Mail for us!) Squeeeee!

Just read this and asked DH what post came today (both pieces addressed to him) and found out we got this too!

 

[BudgieMama]

They must have been doing a mail out for August trips. I forgot that everything would come through DH's name.... sadly, I couldn't book it in my name, as my passport is in my maiden name, but my cards are in my married name, and computer said no!

 

[BudgieMama]

Not WDW related but... doing the SDD (Single Digit Dance) for our trip to Iceland! We are 9 days away! Hooray!



I'm having trouble with my single impacted wisdom tooth at the moment, so hoping the dentist can sort it on Wednesday and it won't spoil our trip! *fingers crossed*

 

[BudgieMama]

Another Iceland related aside, as we fly tomorrow.

We booked our day trips today, and we are going commando as we only have two full days there. The plan is:
Tuesday afternoon- arrive, check in, then go out to dinner with my best friend (who is also on holiday in Reykjavik at the same time).
Wednesday- Golden Circle tour (geyser, waterfall, tectonic plates!)... then Northern Lights tour in the evening.
Thursday- quiet morning (maybe visit the Cathedral), afternoon Whale Watching, and an evening at the Blue Lagoon.
Early Friday- pick up for coach to airport for our 8am flight!

Sooooo excited!