March 2012: Spring Break, Here we come! Threadjackers take over the world!

[kittylady1972]

LOVE the new changes! I can't believe how much I've missed checking in here for the last few days. I can't wait to hear more about your plans.

As mini-golf crazy people, I will give you my suggestion on the miniature golf course to try and that would be....Fantasia Gardens! Don't do the Fairways...as that's just like regular golf on a smaller scale. The Fantasia course is really fun though and it gets my vote.

That being said, we did play Winter Summerland many years ago and it was okay...but would love to return to Fantasia again. The kids have never tried that course...only Winter Summerland.

And even though you aren't looking for opinions on cameras really, my vote would be for any of the Canon cameras. I have owned at LEAST 5 of them and currently own two of them now...and I wouldn't buy anything else! So if there is a choice on the cameras with good deals at Target (or Amazon...that's where I've bought many of mine...that and Ebay!) I would go with a Canon. They are just great!

Can't wait to read more about your changes!!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I so wish we could hold out til DTD to eat lunch on our arrival day, but since we don't land at MCO until 12:45 I am sure we will be heading to the nearest food stand available at the airport... I asked on the FB page for airport food suggestions and only one reply came in~ Chik-fil-a...well, as you know Liddy, those are good but not DIFFERENT, we get Chik-fil-a alot 'round these parts.

 

[Lidian]

Before I respond to comments, I wanted to share with you something...

I started a new exercise regimen. I think it's paying off. My wedding bands are slightly loose, and at this rate, I'll have to have them sized down.

Here's how it goes:
Three times a week.
Take interstate to "exercise facility" with lots of crazy drivers to get pulse rate up (drive for at least 30 minutes).
Pull off interstate and into "exercise facility".
Find nearest parking space.
Grab "weights" from car.
Walk alllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way across the parking lot (pray you can remember where your car is since there are no markers to distinguish rows).
Cross the street. Look both ways. Use this time to take a deep breath or two, as cars refuse to stop for pedestrians at the crosswalk.
Cross the second parking lot. Thankfully this one is smaller. Avoid the sidewalk, it's not as direct.
Cross over the sidewalk into the Staff parking lot. Again, avoid the side walk. Head towards sidewalk on far side of parking lot.
Cross "exercise facility" grounds to the large building. The one that wasn't visible from your car. Pass the buildings on your left and right and keep walking straight.
Enter building using closest door (which is on the side). Cross half of the building and begin using the "stair-master".
Climb three flights of stairs. Exit "stair-master".
Walk down the hallway and then back to the first half of the building.
If you can still breath, you've done something wrong.
In an hour and a half, repeat steps backwards, going to your car.

Yes, this is my exercise regimen at the "exercise facility", that I tend to call campus. Hopefully, this will put me in decent shape for when WDW rolls around. I'm NOT a slow walker. My dad is over 6' tall, we had to run to keep up as kids. So I don't know HOW to walk slow. With the "weights" (aka backpack with 10-15 lbs of books and supplies), I do get a decent work out.

On a Disney related note (not that getting in shape for WDW isn't Disney related...) ... I think we'll take dad's 4-Runner this year again. My car will need some repairs and tune ups, and it will be really tight for me to get them all done while trying to cram for tests. I won't have the funds for the repairs until mid-Feb, so that just leaves about 15 days to get it all done. So maybe dad will loan us his SUV or take my car for the repairs for me. I'll ask what he'd rather do. We'd have a lot more room in his SUV for sure, but my car will get better mileage. Plus, I'd feel more comfortable driving my car if DH needed to pull over.

No package today from Amazon. Maybe tomorrow.

You have some great plans.

I am lucky I know where we are staying and eating

Thanks!

At least you're staying and eating, right?

Plans look great for your arrival day. We love mini-golf at Disney (and if we get there on Saturday night this week, I will check the prices for you).

Earl of Sandwich for lunch or dinner -- yummy.

Thanks for checking prices Kathy! I'm super jealous of your ticker! You girls are going to have such a BLAST!!!! I'll be watching for random FB posts!

EoS is SO YUM! My fingers have been crossed all along we'd make it to EoS. So perhaps we will!

LOVE the new changes! I can't believe how much I've missed checking in here for the last few days. I can't wait to hear more about your plans.

As mini-golf crazy people, I will give you my suggestion on the miniature golf course to try and that would be....Fantasia Gardens! Don't do the Fairways...as that's just like regular golf on a smaller scale. The Fantasia course is really fun though and it gets my vote.

That being said, we did play Winter Summerland many years ago and it was okay...but would love to return to Fantasia again. The kids have never tried that course...only Winter Summerland.

And even though you aren't looking for opinions on cameras really, my vote would be for any of the Canon cameras. I have owned at LEAST 5 of them and currently own two of them now...and I wouldn't buy anything else! So if there is a choice on the cameras with good deals at Target (or Amazon...that's where I've bought many of mine...that and Ebay!) I would go with a Canon. They are just great!

Can't wait to read more about your changes!!

Is Fantasia great for kids who've never played? I mean, I get to avoid the Fairway, but Winter Summerland looked more kid-friendly. Odds are, we'll let the kids see pictures and pick, but I'd like to at least be able to inform them of their best decisions. (Yes, neither kid has ever played mini golf. The last time I played, I was pregnant with DD!!!)

Thanks for your vote on a Cannon! I have heard good things about Cannon and some other brands, so they're totally on the table! I was browsing Amazon this AM while waiting for my class to start.

I so wish we could hold out til DTD to eat lunch on our arrival day, but since we don't land at MCO until 12:45 I am sure we will be heading to the nearest food stand available at the airport... I asked on the FB page for airport food suggestions and only one reply came in~ Chik-fil-a...well, as you know Liddy, those are good but not DIFFERENT, we get Chik-fil-a alot 'round these parts.

What, you don't want to arrive at DTD ravished?

If I have ever flown, I'd offer up suggestions, but I've never been IN an airport, let alone MCO. But at least Chik-fil-a is good, right? Even if you can eat it 6 days out of the week at home.

 

[Lidian]

Let me back-track for a moment ... after talking with DH, we decided that we will NOT do Mini Golf on Saturday. It is actually being rescheduled for later in the week. When? Well, stick around to find out.

I left off with a good night's sleep at CBR. The alarm will be set at "crack 'o dawn", which is what time I'll wake up. I'll get ready, and then help everyone else get ready. We'll head back to OPR and officially check-in for our package. We'll get our park tickets and our DDP credits. I know there's a chance we'll have to switch rooms, but I'm hoping that they'll be able to work it out so we don't have to switch.

After we're "official", we'll head to OPR and use a CS credit for breakfast. Can you believe I've never had a Mickey Waffle? So I'm excited to try it. DS loves waffles! We'll get our mugs (and fill them) and after breakfast, head back to the room.

Once in the room, we'll get situated to make our first trip to a "park"! I'm so excited!

We'll make sure we have everything we need for the day, cameras, cash, credit cards, etc ... and we'll make our way to the car.

Wait, did you just say "car"?

Why yes, yes I did. We'll make our way to the car.

But aren't you all about the buses? Letting Disney drive you around?

Well ... yes. I'm totally all about being lazy and letting Disney do the driving.

So ... why are you going to your car?

BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE! Since Disney won't take us there, we'll have to drive ourselves.

I am so super excited to see IoA! I hope this is a good day to visit (low crowds). I'm also hoping for decent weather! I don't mind a shower now and then, so long as it's mostly dry.

So the park opens at 9am. I want to be there around 8:30am. I've not decided the best course for tickets. If AAA has them cheaper, we'll go through them and get tickets. Otherwise, we may buy online. I want to be ready to enter the park when they open the turn-styles.

Kouga and Akki should be meeting us at the gates! They have APs!

First stop? WWoHP! I think DH will walk around with DS and take pictures for me while DD and I go ride HP:Forbidden Journey. I have no clue how this attraction works ... I'd really like pictures of the "seating". Maybe I'll know more when my book arrives. I'm not sure who Kouga & Akki will go with. I know Kouga doesn't like coasters ... but not sure if he'll ride HP:FJ.

After HP:FJ, we'll ride HPragon Challenge! I can't wait! I love coasters, and so does DD! If lines are short, we may ride the other dragon next, or we'll meet the boys and ride HP: Flight of the Hippogryph. I dunno if Kouga will ride or not, but I know DH and DS will ride (I think). Akki will probably stick with me and DD. He loves coasters and such.

We probably won't spend much time at WWoHP in the morning, but will come back later. (It will be a must, because I HAVE to have some delicious butterbeer!)

Next we'll head to Seuss Landing! We'll spend a little bit of time here as a family, but not long afterwards, DD and I will head off to the coasters. I'm sure DH and DS will be fine hanging out in Seuss Landing for awhile.

We'll ride The Incredible Hulk (I can't wait! It looks INSANE!) and then probably meet up with DH and DS.

Since I'm not familiar with the layout of the parks (yet), I'm not entirely sure where we'll go next. But here's our list of MUST DO's! (which is everything, right?)

Amazing Adventures of Spider Man -- I hope DS enjoys this! He loves Spidey!
Caro-seuss-el -- Have you seen it?? It looks so awesome!
The Cat in the Hat -- I'm sure the kids will enjoy this!
Dr. Doom's Fear Fall -- You know, I dunno about this ... but DD is begging. I watched videos. I'm not so sure I can handle this.
Dudley Do-Right's Rip Saw Falls -- I promised I'd ride with a poncho.
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride -- This looks cute and relaxing!
Jurassic Park River Adventure -- I dunno if I'll ride, but I know DH wants to! Perhaps DS and I can go play somewhere while DH and DD ride.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish -- This will be for DS.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilgerat Barges -- Again, I'll don a poncho if I'm forced to ride.
Pteredon Flyers -- You know, we may not do this one. I think DS is the only one who can ride, and he's terrified of his own shadow. So we may not attempt.
Storm Force Acceleraton -- I will be sitting this out for sure. But I think DH and the kids will ride it.
The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show -- We love a good stunt show!
Poisedon's Fury -- This looks like a lot of fun!
Camp Jurassic -- Good spots for DS to play at while the "big kids ride things".
If I Ran the Zoo -- Another play area for DS!
Jurassic Park Discovery Center -- I think we'll all enjoy the discovery center!
Me Ship, the Olive -- Another play area for DS!

As far as lunch goes here's the list of possible places:
Blondie's (subs, sandwiches)
Croissant Moon Bakery (sandwiches)
Green Eggs & Ham (burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders)
Fire Eater's (chicken tenders, gyros, salads, burgers)
The Three Broomsticks (UK entrees)
Comic Strip Cafe (burgers, fish, chicken, chinese)

We'll ride and explore and eat lunch late (probably after 1pm). After we get in all the rides, we'll take time to shop, get souveniours, have some Butterbeer, etc. We have all day to do what we want. If the crowds are bad, we may purchase the "express" tickets. If they're tolerable, then we'll just wait it out.

I expect to spend a good chunk of cash here for souvs. But, I'm super excited, so it will be worth it. We have to catch Ollivander's show. I really hope he picks one of my kids for a wand fitting. (They don't give you a high-pressure pitch to buy the wand, do they?)

I'm also hoping to meet some characters! Preferably comic strip ones. That would be awesome! Or some WWoHP dressed characters!

We'll definitely want to check out shows and any types of "street performances". I hope we have enough time to get it all done!

The park closes at 7pm, but we'll need to leave at probably 6ish. We have a 6:45pm ADR to get to!

I told DH I cancelled his Kouzzina (because I snagged something else) and he threw a fit. So... what could I do?

RESCHEDULE! Make your DH happy! He is, after all, taking you to WDW, right??

FINE! I get it. So I rescheduled Kouzzina for Sunday night. I had to let go of Garden Grill (since we wouldn't even be at Epcot). So we'll leave IoA and head over to the BW and enjoy a nice dinner at Kouzzina's. Actually, I hope we have enough time to swing by the hotel and freshen up first. But park time is more important than combing my hair ... so we'll see.

After a scrumptious meal at Kouzzina's (Cat Cora rocks!), we'll head back to CBR for the night. (If we have to switch rooms, this is when we'll unpack officially.) We'll start with showers and relaxing. We'll get the TV going, and definitely unwind. We need to get to bed early. We have ANOTHER early day planned! DH is not going to like this.

Sheila, this is why I said possible run-in. We'll be visiting the BW. If we aren't too tired, we may explore for a bit since the last time we ate there, it came a MONSTER storm! If you'll be around, come say "hi" to us!

The more I think about it ... the more I hope I survive the trip. If I go missing, can someone alert the authorities? Tell them that DH doesn't do early mornings and his wife (lovingly) forced him up two days in a row. I'm sure they can take it from there.

So where to tomorrow? Guess you'll have to wait and see!

 

[solana131]

So jealous you are going to WWoHP! I just couldn't fit it in this trip. Next time for sure! Have fun

 

[Lidian]

So jealous you are going to WWoHP! I just couldn't fit it in this trip. Next time for sure! Have fun

I'm jealous of myself! I've been asking to go to USF and IoA for years! DH keeps saying "no".... but this time, he said "maybe". Then he came back and said "yes"!!!! So I had to do a no-take-backsies!!!

Honestly, I think he's kind of excited for IoA, too.

And yes, next time you'll get to go and I'll be the one sitting home jealous!

 

[DMGeurts]

HOW AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so jealous - and the dds would be jealous too... They would love to see WWoHP!!! And for that reason alone, I have not told them that it exists. ROFL.

Your plans sound awesome, can't wait to hear what you are doing next!

D~

 

[Lidian]

HOW AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so jealous - and the dds would be jealous too... They would love to see WWoHP!!! And for that reason alone, I have not told them that it exists. ROFL.

Your plans sound awesome, can't wait to hear what you are doing next!

D~

Oh good! I'll show them all our pictures at the DISmeet (because I'll still make it for sure -- just throwing that out there)... and then I'll end it with, "You should totally tell your mom to take you there. She said she'd love to, but didn't know you wanted to go."

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks... You're such a great friend...

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

We'll make sure we have everything we need for the day, cameras, cash, credit cards, etc ... and we'll make our way to the car.

Wait, did you just say "car"?

Why yes, yes I did. We'll make our way to the car.

But aren't you all about the buses? Letting Disney drive you around?

Well ... yes. I'm totally all about being lazy and letting Disney do the driving.

So ... why are you going to your car?

BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE! Since Disney won't take us there, we'll have to drive ourselves.

I am so super excited to see IoA! I hope this is a good day to visit (low crowds). I'm also hoping for decent weather! I don't mind a shower now and then, so long as it's mostly dry.

So the park opens at 9am. I want to be there around 8:30am. I've not decided the best course for tickets. If AAA has them cheaper, we'll go through them and get tickets. Otherwise, we may buy online. I want to be ready to enter the park when they open the turn-styles.

I thought I would dispense some wisdom since I have been to IoA . . . once . . . in 2009. Just to warn you, there is a looooonnnngggg walk ahead of you after you park your car and head to the IoA. It is all under shelter and has some moving sidewalks (kind of like an airport) but I would give yourself and extra 10 minutes just to get to the front of the park. Than after you are out of the walk area you will come to a small area with some shops and food areas. IaA is to the left (from what I remember) and USF is to the right.

Kouga and Akki should be meeting us at the gates! They have APs!

First stop? WWoHP! I think DH will walk around with DS and take pictures for me while DD and I go ride HP:Forbidden Journey. I have no clue how this attraction works ... I'd really like pictures of the "seating". Maybe I'll know more when my book arrives. I'm not sure who Kouga & Akki will go with. I know Kouga doesn't like coasters ... but not sure if he'll ride HP:FJ.

After HP:FJ, we'll ride HPragon Challenge! I can't wait! I love coasters, and so does DD! If lines are short, we may ride the other dragon next, or we'll meet the boys and ride HP: Flight of the Hippogryph. I dunno if Kouga will ride or not, but I know DH and DS will ride (I think). Akki will probably stick with me and DD. He loves coasters and such.

We probably won't spend much time at WWoHP in the morning, but will come back later. (It will be a must, because I HAVE to have some delicious butterbeer!)

Have some for me, I so wish I could try butterbear. WWoHP was not open yet when we went. Rootbeer and butterscotch, Yumm. Are you going to have it reg or frozen?

Next we'll head to Seuss Landing! We'll spend a little bit of time here as a family, but not long afterwards, DD and I will head off to the coasters. I'm sure DH and DS will be fine hanging out in Seuss Landing for awhile.

The kids and I loved Suess landing. So colorful and playful, it was like walking in a Dr. Suess book.

We'll ride The Incredible Hulk (I can't wait! It looks INSANE!) and then probably meet up with DH and DS.

Since I'm not familiar with the layout of the parks (yet), I'm not entirely sure where we'll go next. But here's our list of MUST DO's! (which is everything, right?)

Amazing Adventures of Spider Man -- I hope DS enjoys this! He loves Spidey!

We went on this ride in 2009. I was about to ask about the kid swap, but they ushered us all on (including my 2 year old), so I figured we were OK. This ride was very intense and all my kids were a little scared on it. It's in 3-D, so while you are not hanging from a web or falling from a building the effects definatly make you feel that way.

Caro-seuss-el -- Have you seen it?? It looks so awesome!

It's just a basic carousel but the colors and diffrent animals make it soooo worth it.

The Cat in the Hat -- I'm sure the kids will enjoy this!
Dr. Doom's Fear Fall -- You know, I dunno about this ... but DD is begging. I watched videos. I'm not so sure I can handle this.
Dudley Do-Right's Rip Saw Falls -- I promised I'd ride with a poncho.

Did this one by myself because the kids had passed out. Has a long area before the drop that tells a nice story with 2-D boards. Didn't get to wet by the drop, but there is a water canon right after it that get you drenched.

High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride -- This looks cute and relaxing!

Nice relaxing ride that takes you through the Suess area. I would call it the people mover of IoA.

Jurassic Park River Adventure -- I dunno if I'll ride, but I know DH wants to! Perhaps DS and I can go play somewhere while DH and DD ride.

This ride is very similar to SM but with Dinosaurs. My oldest refused to go on it so my DD got to go on it twice. I remember sitting on a long bench by the ride as she went on with my brother.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish -- This will be for DS.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilgerat Barges -- Again, I'll don a poncho if I'm forced to ride.
Pteredon Flyers -- You know, we may not do this one. I think DS is the only one who can ride, and he's terrified of his own shadow. So we may not attempt.

Liam refused to go on this as well, but the rest of us enjoyed it very much. You sit in a chair and your feet dangle. I remeber waiting in line with everyone and waiting with the boys while Mia and my bro went and than they let me and Mia go.

Storm Force Acceleraton -- I will be sitting this out for sure. But I think DH and the kids will ride it.
The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show -- We love a good stunt show!
Poisedon's Fury -- This looks like a lot of fun!

Very good show/ride. Just to warn you that at points it gets real dark so stay close especially when moving from on room to the next. The last room/scenne has a lot of explosions and fire burst that scared my kids. Just to warn ya.

Camp Jurassic -- Good spots for DS to play at while the "big kids ride things".
If I Ran the Zoo -- Another play area for DS!
Jurassic Park Discovery Center -- I think we'll all enjoy the discovery center!
Me Ship, the Olive -- Another play area for DS!

As far as lunch goes here's the list of possible places:
Blondie's (subs, sandwiches)
Croissant Moon Bakery (sandwiches)
Green Eggs & Ham (burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders)
Fire Eater's (chicken tenders, gyros, salads, burgers)
The Three Broomsticks (UK entrees)
Comic Strip Cafe (burgers, fish, chicken, chinese)

We had lunch at the Green Eggs and Ham. The food was dessent, I would say basic theme park fare, but the view was great. You eat under a big circus like tent and there is a lot to look at. Plus the Dr. Suess trolley travels through here so you can watch the people go by.

We'll ride and explore and eat lunch late (probably after 1pm). After we get in all the rides, we'll take time to shop, get souveniours, have some Butterbeer, etc. We have all day to do what we want. If the crowds are bad, we may purchase the "express" tickets. If they're tolerable, then we'll just wait it out.

I expect to spend a good chunk of cash here for souvs. But, I'm super excited, so it will be worth it. We have to catch Ollivander's show. I really hope he picks one of my kids for a wand fitting. (They don't give you a high-pressure pitch to buy the wand, do they?)

I'm also hoping to meet some characters! Preferably comic strip ones. That would be awesome! Or some WWoHP dressed characters!

We'll definitely want to check out shows and any types of "street performances". I hope we have enough time to get it all done!

The park closes at 7pm, but we'll need to leave at probably 6ish. We have a 6:45pm ADR to get to!

I told DH I cancelled his Kouzzina (because I snagged something else) and he threw a fit. So... what could I do?

RESCHEDULE! Make your DH happy! He is, after all, taking you to WDW, right??

FINE! I get it. So I rescheduled Kouzzina for Sunday night. I had to let go of Garden Grill (since we wouldn't even be at Epcot). So we'll leave IoA and head over to the BW and enjoy a nice dinner at Kouzzina's. Actually, I hope we have enough time to swing by the hotel and freshen up first. But park time is more important than combing my hair ... so we'll see.

After a scrumptious meal at Kouzzina's (Cat Cora rocks!), we'll head back to CBR for the night. (If we have to switch rooms, this is when we'll unpack officially.) We'll start with showers and relaxing. We'll get the TV going, and definitely unwind. We need to get to bed early. We have ANOTHER early day planned! DH is not going to like this.

The more I think about it ... the more I hope I survive the trip. If I go missing, can someone alert the authorities? Tell them that DH doesn't do early mornings and his wife (lovingly) forced him up two days in a row. I'm sure they can take it from there.

So where to tomorrow? Guess you'll have to wait and see!

Hope your DH like Kouzzina enough to deal with two early mornings. Or at least he will understand that you are trying to miss some of the crowds with your morning hours.

Can't wait wait to see what happens next.

 

[sjs314]

Let me back-track for a moment ... after talking with DH, we decided that we will NOT do Mini Golf on Saturday. It is actually being rescheduled for later in the week. When? Well, stick around to find out.

I left off with a good night's sleep at CBR. The alarm will be set at "crack 'o dawn", which is what time I'll wake up. I'll get ready, and then help everyone else get ready. We'll head back to OPR and officially check-in for our package. We'll get our park tickets and our DDP credits. I know there's a chance we'll have to switch rooms, but I'm hoping that they'll be able to work it out so we don't have to switch.

After we're "official", we'll head to OPR and use a CS credit for breakfast. Can you believe I've never had a Mickey Waffle? So I'm excited to try it. DS loves waffles! We'll get our mugs (and fill them) and after breakfast, head back to the room.

Once in the room, we'll get situated to make our first trip to a "park"! I'm so excited!

We'll make sure we have everything we need for the day, cameras, cash, credit cards, etc ... and we'll make our way to the car.

Wait, did you just say "car"?

Why yes, yes I did. We'll make our way to the car.

But aren't you all about the buses? Letting Disney drive you around?

Well ... yes. I'm totally all about being lazy and letting Disney do the driving.

So ... why are you going to your car?

BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE! Since Disney won't take us there, we'll have to drive ourselves.

I am so super excited to see IoA! I hope this is a good day to visit (low crowds). I'm also hoping for decent weather! I don't mind a shower now and then, so long as it's mostly dry.

So the park opens at 9am. I want to be there around 8:30am. I've not decided the best course for tickets. If AAA has them cheaper, we'll go through them and get tickets. Otherwise, we may buy online. I want to be ready to enter the park when they open the turn-styles.

Kouga and Akki should be meeting us at the gates! They have APs!

First stop? WWoHP! I think DH will walk around with DS and take pictures for me while DD and I go ride HP:Forbidden Journey. I have no clue how this attraction works ... I'd really like pictures of the "seating". Maybe I'll know more when my book arrives. I'm not sure who Kouga & Akki will go with. I know Kouga doesn't like coasters ... but not sure if he'll ride HP:FJ.

After HP:FJ, we'll ride HPragon Challenge! I can't wait! I love coasters, and so does DD! If lines are short, we may ride the other dragon next, or we'll meet the boys and ride HP: Flight of the Hippogryph. I dunno if Kouga will ride or not, but I know DH and DS will ride (I think). Akki will probably stick with me and DD. He loves coasters and such.

We probably won't spend much time at WWoHP in the morning, but will come back later. (It will be a must, because I HAVE to have some delicious butterbeer!)

Next we'll head to Seuss Landing! We'll spend a little bit of time here as a family, but not long afterwards, DD and I will head off to the coasters. I'm sure DH and DS will be fine hanging out in Seuss Landing for awhile.

We'll ride The Incredible Hulk (I can't wait! It looks INSANE!) and then probably meet up with DH and DS.

Since I'm not familiar with the layout of the parks (yet), I'm not entirely sure where we'll go next. But here's our list of MUST DO's! (which is everything, right?)

Amazing Adventures of Spider Man -- I hope DS enjoys this! He loves Spidey!
Caro-seuss-el -- Have you seen it?? It looks so awesome!
The Cat in the Hat -- I'm sure the kids will enjoy this!
Dr. Doom's Fear Fall -- You know, I dunno about this ... but DD is begging. I watched videos. I'm not so sure I can handle this.
Dudley Do-Right's Rip Saw Falls -- I promised I'd ride with a poncho.
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride -- This looks cute and relaxing!
Jurassic Park River Adventure -- I dunno if I'll ride, but I know DH wants to! Perhaps DS and I can go play somewhere while DH and DD ride.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish -- This will be for DS.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilgerat Barges -- Again, I'll don a poncho if I'm forced to ride.
Pteredon Flyers -- You know, we may not do this one. I think DS is the only one who can ride, and he's terrified of his own shadow. So we may not attempt.
Storm Force Acceleraton -- I will be sitting this out for sure. But I think DH and the kids will ride it.
The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show -- We love a good stunt show!
Poisedon's Fury -- This looks like a lot of fun!
Camp Jurassic -- Good spots for DS to play at while the "big kids ride things".
If I Ran the Zoo -- Another play area for DS!
Jurassic Park Discovery Center -- I think we'll all enjoy the discovery center!
Me Ship, the Olive -- Another play area for DS!

As far as lunch goes here's the list of possible places:
Blondie's (subs, sandwiches)
Croissant Moon Bakery (sandwiches)
Green Eggs & Ham (burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders)
Fire Eater's (chicken tenders, gyros, salads, burgers)
The Three Broomsticks (UK entrees)
Comic Strip Cafe (burgers, fish, chicken, chinese)

We'll ride and explore and eat lunch late (probably after 1pm). After we get in all the rides, we'll take time to shop, get souveniours, have some Butterbeer, etc. We have all day to do what we want. If the crowds are bad, we may purchase the "express" tickets. If they're tolerable, then we'll just wait it out.

I expect to spend a good chunk of cash here for souvs. But, I'm super excited, so it will be worth it. We have to catch Ollivander's show. I really hope he picks one of my kids for a wand fitting. (They don't give you a high-pressure pitch to buy the wand, do they?)

I'm also hoping to meet some characters! Preferably comic strip ones. That would be awesome! Or some WWoHP dressed characters!

We'll definitely want to check out shows and any types of "street performances". I hope we have enough time to get it all done!

The park closes at 7pm, but we'll need to leave at probably 6ish. We have a 6:45pm ADR to get to!

I told DH I cancelled his Kouzzina (because I snagged something else) and he threw a fit. So... what could I do?

RESCHEDULE! Make your DH happy! He is, after all, taking you to WDW, right??

FINE! I get it. So I rescheduled Kouzzina for Sunday night. I had to let go of Garden Grill (since we wouldn't even be at Epcot). So we'll leave IoA and head over to the BW and enjoy a nice dinner at Kouzzina's. Actually, I hope we have enough time to swing by the hotel and freshen up first. But park time is more important than combing my hair ... so we'll see.

After a scrumptious meal at Kouzzina's (Cat Cora rocks!), we'll head back to CBR for the night. (If we have to switch rooms, this is when we'll unpack officially.) We'll start with showers and relaxing. We'll get the TV going, and definitely unwind. We need to get to bed early. We have ANOTHER early day planned! DH is not going to like this.

Sheila, this is why I said possible run-in. We'll be visiting the BW. If we aren't too tired, we may explore for a bit since the last time we ate there, it came a MONSTER storm! If you'll be around, come say "hi" to us!

The more I think about it ... the more I hope I survive the trip. If I go missing, can someone alert the authorities? Tell them that DH doesn't do early mornings and his wife (lovingly) forced him up two days in a row. I'm sure they can take it from there.

So where to tomorrow? Guess you'll have to wait and see!

Your day sounds fantastic! I have not been to US since the 90's when it was just one park, I just can not imagine it now with all the changes and how big it must be, that is why I am thinking of staying at Portofino Bay. (I just got an email from US, have to go see what I can plan out)

Ah now I see the possibility of bumping into you. As of now I have it planned that we will head back from Epcot to check out our room between 6:30-7:30 before heading over to Cape May for dinner at 8:30pm.(This is assuming our room will not be ready when we check in or before we make our way over to Epcot.) I do see that we might run into you guys if we have already been to our room earlier or maybe I will have to stake out a spot near Kouzzinas for when you guys arrive.......

You posted the picture yesterday of where you would love to get a room at CBR, it looks like Martinique? Did you see the post over on the CBR thread by RHMH (post 2388) saying you can request Bldg 21 in Martinque as it is not preferred?

Just thought I would mention it since I keep notes on the various resorts and I had Martinque listed as preferred and most convenient to OPR and now need to fix my notes.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2495213&page=160

 

[Lidian]

Thanks... You're such a great friend...

D~

You're welcome!

I thought I would dispense some wisdom since I have been to IoA . . . once . . . in 2009. Just to warn you, there is a looooonnnngggg walk ahead of you after you park your car and head to the IoA. It is all under shelter and has some moving sidewalks (kind of like an airport) but I would give yourself and extra 10 minutes just to get to the front of the park. Than after you are out of the walk area you will come to a small area with some shops and food areas. IaA is to the left (from what I remember) and USF is to the right.

Thanks for the head up! I knew it was a long walk, and I knew about the moving sidewalks. (But I'm so thankful that you're telling me in case I didn't know!!!)

I also watched videos of people filming their trips up to the entrance.

Have some for me, I so wish I could try butterbear. WWoHP was not open yet when we went. Rootbeer and butterscotch, Yumm. Are you going to have it reg or frozen?

Is that what Butterbeer is made from? I had it back at the final book release. YUM! I know people describe it as being similar to cream soda.

I know DD will want some, so we'll probably order one of each and try both. Then we can try both and see which we like. I hear most people claim they prefer frozen ... but people who seem to be more like me prefer the regular. So we'll have to wait and see! I do know I want one of the souv mugs. I'm sure DD will want one, too! Gosh, I think DH would probably like one. We'll just get one for everyone in the family.

The kids and I loved Suess landing. So colorful and playful, it was like walking in a Dr. Suess book.

DS is reading now, and the Dr. Seuss books are perfect for him. So I think he'll REALLY enjoy this area. DD might be "too cool" for it, but I think deep down, she'll enjoy it. Plus, it's nice to see "real" sneetches and other creations of Dr. Seuss!!

We went on this ride in 2009. I was about to ask about the kid swap, but they ushered us all on (including my 2 year old), so I figured we were OK. This ride was very intense and all my kids were a little scared on it. It's in 3-D, so while you are not hanging from a web or falling from a building the effects definatly make you feel that way.

I imagine Spidey would be a bit rough, but DS is a fan, so hopefully he'll enjoy it instead of being scared by it.

It's just a basic carousel but the colors and diffrent animals make it soooo worth it.

BUT HOW COOL IS THAT???!!! I'm so looking forward to seeing all the "horses" on the carousel. I'm going to see if DS can name the books they're out of.

Did this one by myself because the kids had passed out. Has a long area before the drop that tells a nice story with 2-D boards. Didn't get to wet by the drop, but there is a water canon right after it that get you drenched.

I keep reading that you're going to get soaked on all the wet rides at IoA. I hate being wet. I'm like a cat. I hate being wet. And having drenched clothes makes for a miserable day. So I'll take the poncho route, IF, I attempt the wet rides. I watched some videos of people filming the fall. And their before/after shots.

Nice relaxing ride that takes you through the Suess area. I would call it the people mover of IoA.

Yeah, I was trying to describe it as the WEDway to my family when they asked about it.

This ride is very similar to SM but with Dinosaurs. My oldest refused to go on it so my DD got to go on it twice. I remember sitting on a long bench by the ride as she went on with my brother.

I watched videos of this as well. It doesn't look like something I'd enjoy. DH wants to ride Jurassic Park ... but I think I'll use that time to hang with DS. I know it would upset him. He was getting upset watching the videos.

Liam refused to go on this as well, but the rest of us enjoyed it very much. You sit in a chair and your feet dangle. I remeber waiting in line with everyone and waiting with the boys while Mia and my bro went and than they let me and Mia go.

DS can't handle not having his feet touching something. Chair legs, floor, back of the seat in the car, etc. If he can't touch something with his feet, he has to curl them up into the seat under him. Plus, he's terrified of dinosaurs, so he may not like it at all. And I think DD will be too tall. I need to check both kids' heights.

Very good show/ride. Just to warn you that at points it gets real dark so stay close especially when moving from on room to the next. The last room/scenne has a lot of explosions and fire burst that scared my kids. Just to warn ya.

Awesome, thanks!

We had lunch at the Green Eggs and Ham. The food was dessent, I would say basic theme park fare, but the view was great. You eat under a big circus like tent and there is a lot to look at. Plus the Dr. Suess trolley travels through here so you can watch the people go by.

The menu looks fun. Plus, I think lots of places there would be fun to eat! And it will be different from WDW.

Hope your DH like Kouzzina enough to deal with two early mornings. Or at least he will understand that you are trying to miss some of the crowds with your morning hours.

Can't wait wait to see what happens next.

Well, since DH threw a tantrum when I told him I cancelled Kouzzina, I'm sure he'll love me for scheduling it back. He's super excited about going back, even though he's told me over and over he's tried all the places he wants to go. So he'll forgive me for making him get up so early all week. Or he'll be angry at me and swear he'll never take me back.

Your day sounds fantastic! I have not been to US since the 90's when it was just one park, I just can not imagine it now with all the changes and how big it must be, that is why I am thinking of staying at Portofino Bay. (I just got an email from US, have to go see what I can plan out)

Ah now I see the possibility of bumping into you. As of now I have it planned that we will head back from Epcot to check out our room between 6:30-7:30 before heading over to Cape May for dinner at 8:30pm.(This is assuming our room will not be ready when we check in or before we make our way over to Epcot.) I do see that we might run into you guys if we have already been to our room earlier or maybe I will have to stake out a spot near Kouzzinas for when you guys arrive.......

I'll be looking for you! If we can't go freshen up, I'm sure I'll be in a HP t-shirt. So I should be easy to spot. I'll just walk around shouting, "Sheila! Sheila! Come out, come out where-ever you are!"

You posted the picture yesterday of where you would love to get a room at CBR, it looks like Martinique? Did you see the post over on the CBR thread by RHMH (post 2388) saying you can request Bldg 21 in Martinque as it is not preferred?

Just thought I would mention it since I keep notes on the various resorts and I had Martinque listed as preferred and most convenient to OPR and now need to fix my notes.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2495213&page=160

I read that, but I'm not sure if that's true or not. I don't expect to get upgraded at check-in, but it would be nice. I may ask when I check in if we'll be in the blue building. But I really will be happy anywhere. I kind of like being surprised! It'll be like Christmas. lol

And I'm following the CBR FAQ thread, so I can stay on top of any news and see how other people's stays have been.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

And I'm following the CBR FAQ thread, so I can stay on top of any news and see how other people's stays have been.

Where did you find resort specific FAQ threads? I would love to stalk to POR one!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Where did you find resort specific FAQ threads? I would love to stalk to POR one!

Here is the thread for POR, so stalk away.



http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2851271

 

[Moira222]

Lidian -- GEEZ miss a few days and your whole TR is gone wild.

not caught up yet but am at 1/20 --- I hope DD's knee is better now. poor baby and poor mommy don't beat yourself up.

My DD has butchered her hair three times. once IN SCHOOL!

back later!

 

[Lidian]

Where did you find resort specific FAQ threads? I would love to stalk to POR one!

Here is the thread for POR, so stalk away.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2851271

Thanks for getting that Corrine! I was going to go look it up for her.

FYI: For anyone else looking for their resort FAQ thread, it's located in the Disney Resorts threads. You can search for your resort thread, too. They all have FAQ in them.

Lidian -- GEEZ miss a few days and your whole TR is gone wild.

not caught up yet but am at 1/20 --- I hope DD's knee is better now. poor baby and poor mommy don't beat yourself up.

My DD has butchered her hair three times. once IN SCHOOL!

back later!

Well .... "Chaos" is my middle name.

DD's knee is slowly clearing. It would have been clear if she wasn't allergic to the meds. But the ointment is slowly helping. It'll get there.

DD has never butchered her hair in school before ... but I honestly thought she outgrew it. She's also cut DS's hair, but that wasn't a big deal (he's a boy and needed a cut anyway ). I can't believe yours has cut hers in school! Hopefully it was only her hair, and not another childs.

Come back anytime! I'll be here all month.

 

[Lidian]

After a restless sleep (because DH will be mad at me for making him wake up again early), we'll rise and shine so we can be ready for morning EMHs at Animal Kingdom!

We'll have breakfast in the room and I'd like to be at the park no later than 8:15am.

We'll immediately head to KS and grab FPs. Afterwards, if the line is short, we'll ride or we'll walk the Pangani trail.

We'll probably skip Rafiki's this year. I guess it will just depend on time. I HAVE to walk the Maharajah Jungle Trek trail. Ive never found it, so it's a must do.

I think DH and DD will ride Dinosaur this year (none of us have ridden). I'm a big chicken when it comes to rides of this nature, so I'll sit it out. DS and I will go play around in DinoLand (if he's up for it), or we'll go find somewhere else to play while they ride. DD and I may, or may not, ride Primeval Whirl. I'm afraid the spinning might get to me... so we'll see how my tummy is doing (I take Bonine every morning before we walk out the door to the parks).

I'd really like to focus more on SEEING the park this year. In the past, it was all about the shows and rides. I'd like to go slower. This will be rough on me, because I'm always worried about time. I'm afraid we won't have enough time for X if we don't hurry through Y.

So hopefully I'll stop and look and learn. I'd like to see FotLK and Nemo again, but if we miss them, I won't throw a fit. If I have to give up just one, I guess I'll ask the kids. I think they enjoy FotLK more, so they'll probably pick it.

For lunch, we have an 11:15am ADR at Tusker House!

I'm absolutely TERRIFIED to try the food, but at least it's buffet and I am not confined to a single plate that I don't like (or doesn't like me). I'll be experimental to some degree in trying new things ... but the real star here is DS is excited for this meal! He's a huge Donald fan, so he'll be tickled to see Donald! (Plus, it's a great way to ensure he sees Donald without having to track him down in a park and wait in horrible lines.) We'll buy the photo, because it will be worth it for DS. This meal will be OOP for us. DD is not a picky eater, so she'll try everything on the buffet that she's allowed to try! (So will DH.) DS and myself will look carefully and sample things. I do hope a chef will come out and help DD understand what she can and can't have. (She has a milk allergy.)

Speaking of her milk allergy, does anyone know if there's Soy ice cream anywhere in the parks? (Or similar.) She's upset because she can't have ice cream, so I was hoping maybe we can get her a milk-free ice cream somewhere so she won't be too jealous of DS (who will have ice cream with every meal).

Anyway, back on track. After lunch, we'll continue to explore. At some point, DD and I will ride EE. DS has agreed to try it, but I don't see him going through with it. I've shown him videos over and over of the ride. He understands that it's all just pretend and that people are having fun (not screaming because they're being eaten). I really wish he'd try it at least once. If he doesn't like it, then I won't push him. Well, I won't push him now, but I do wish he'd try it.

We'll skip Kali. We rode it in 2009. We actually prefer the equivalent ride in a more local park. We thought Kali was a pretty big let down. Sure, we got drenched, but we were so wet we were MISERABLE. Plus, some jerk had the spray gun on me and kept it on my face. I felt like I was going to drown because I couldn't breath! Sure, spray people and get them soaked, but avoid their face for crying out loud! Yes, I swallowed enough water that I would stay hydrated for months.

Anyway ... if we have time, we may hit some of the "greeting trails". The park closes at 7pm, but we will have to leave earlier.

We'll head back around 5ish to clean up. We need to look our best!

We'll hop in the car (probably, but we may brave buses) and head over to ...

The Grand Floridian!

Okay, so I've only been there once and had a HORRIBLE experience. Honestly, I wish we weren't going to GF. I have a sour taste in my mouth and I just associate GF employees as snooty people with no manners. To make a long story short, we ate at GFC in 2009 and was treated poorly by EVERYONE we encountered. The hostesses, the server, the manager, the chef. Yeah ... we had it bad. My mom walked out in the middle of our meal and sat downstairs in the lobby. If I had known better, I would have taken names and wrote in to WDW about it. But in the heat of the moment, I could only think of the manager, who was just as big of a jerk as the rest of the employees we encountered.

ANYWAY.... we'll arrive and hope for a good experience at ... 1900 PARK FARE! Our ADR is for 6:55pm. I'm hoping DD will dress up for this. If nothing else, we'll all dress nicely, but I'd love to see her dressed in a Princess gown!

Cross your fingers for me that Lady Tremaine and the Step-sisters will be in attendance that night!!!! I'm anxious to see if DS will flirt with Cindy (or the sisters). I hope I don't get star-struck, as I'd love to play along with the characters! Yes, I confess, I get star-struck around the characters and clam up. I can't think, I can't talk, and I look like a moron.

Of course, we'll get the picture package here as well (an OOP expense). If we're super lucky, Prince Charming will be there!

Anyway ... After a (hopefully) awesome meal, we'll head back to the resort for bath and bed.

I won't make DH get up super early the next morning. Especially since it will probably be 9pm or so before we get back to the room, let alone adding in time for showers (that weren't taken earlier). Perhaps we'll have all showers done earlier so we can just change and climb into bed.

Stay tuned to find out how late I let DH sleep in.....

 

[DMGeurts]

This sounds like an awesome day - with some awesome food choices! I love how you are writing out all your plans... I am just happy to get to the park of the day and to our ADRs - we always have a general idea of what we want to do, but we love to meander and find characters too.

I would have written to Disney too about the GF staff - that is HORRIBLE! I would be so angry if I encountered anything like that while we were there - I don't care how upscale a resort it - they still need to treat everyone with respect and kindness. You better be takin notes this time if the staff is that rude!

And about the guy with the water gun on KALI.... I would have hunted him down and dumped my entire Britta water bottle on his head, and then give him a piece of my mind. What a moron - a nice soak is ok, but in the face is totally uncalled for.

Can't wait to hear about your plans for Tuesday - since that's the day we get there.

D~

 

[Lidian]

This sounds like an awesome day - with some awesome food choices! I love how you are writing out all your plans... I am just happy to get to the park of the day and to our ADRs - we always have a general idea of what we want to do, but we love to meander and find characters too.

We still love to wander and character hunt and see what the day brings, too. We don't plan everything out. We just get a general idea of what we're going to do and when we're going to do it!

I would have written to Disney too about the GF staff - that is HORRIBLE! I would be so angry if I encountered anything like that while we were there - I don't care how upscale a resort it - they still need to treat everyone with respect and kindness. You better be takin notes this time if the staff is that rude!

I honestly wish I had known that's what I should have done back then. I would have a whole list of names turned in. I'm going to be very skeptical of our 1900 PF dinner ... but hoping it will go well and I can move forward.

And about the guy with the water gun on KALI.... I would have hunted him down and dumped my entire Britta water bottle on his head, and then give him a piece of my mind. What a moron - a nice soak is ok, but in the face is totally uncalled for.

If I could have seen who it was, I probably would have! And if he had just sprayed me, I would have laughed, but in the face is NOT cool. Especially since I swallowed water and was choking.

Can't wait to hear about your plans for Tuesday - since that's the day we get there.

D~

Well .... you may not like my Tuesday plans.

 

[pinkxray]

All of your plans sound great As much as I love Disney, I have a great time at US and IOA. I just read the blog on the main page about Universal being the place to be in 2012. I did tell DH I wouldn't plan any Disney trips in 2012, I don't think I made any agreements about planning Universal trips though

I'm sorry to hear about your awful experience at GF. I hope your trip to Park Fare goes much better. I'm still on the fence about GF and whether I like it or not. It seems a bit stuffy to me, but then on the other hand the Tanners on Full House stayed there. I would like to stay there for just a couple of days one trip, just to say I did.

I am like you and never fully take the time to enjoy AK. I really tried to take it all in and just enjoy last trip, but it was DH who keep trying to move us along to the next ride. I think since we are always there when it is 100 degrees it is hard to just relax and wander.

Tuskerhouse lunch sounds exciting. I am a bit scared of it too, so I can't wait to hear all about it. Our waitress for breakfast last year told us some lunch items and it seemed like there would be plenty of options for us and we are pretty simple, picky eaters. I am sure you will find plenty to eat.

I hope your DS enjoys EE. Caitin loved it in 2010 but it really scared her in 2011. When she sees it on the Disney planning videos she claims it is the scariest ride ever and will never go on it again.

She did love the Jurassic Park ride at Universa though. She was a bit scared of the T-rex at the end, but closed her eyes for that part. She wanted to ride it over and over again. The flyers that only DS can ride are not scary at all. It is a very nice, SHORT ride above the trees. There is always a LONG line b/c there are so few people going at once. It wasn't worth the wait for me, but if you are able to get a short wait it is a nice, relaxing few minutes.

Hulk is awesome and the Mummy ride is great. I have not been on the Dr. Doom ride and intend to keep it that way.