May 2016 Pre-Trip Report! ***Completed***

[Sarahh1027]

Hello! to my first Pre-Trip Report!
First the Who:

Hi guys! That’s me, Sarah, and my boyfriend, Donatello.
Nah, just kidding. Although that is me
Here’s James, the real boyfriend:

“Hi, James!” Ain’t he adorable?

A few things to know about James. This was taken on his 20th birthday. I’ve celebrated his 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and now 21st birthdays with him. I’m also older than him, I turned 22 less than a month before he turned 21. James currently lives about an hour and a half drive away from me (He lives in Worcester and I live near Cape Cod, both in Massachusetts). He loves penguins and Yoda , SO MUCH. You’ll see.

James and I have been together since we met at the end of October, 2012. This is us back at his Senior Prom in May, 2013.

Accurate. ^

So, my trip history: I’ve been to Disney three times total.

August 2012- 8 nights at Pop Century the summer after I graduated high school with my then-boyfriend. This was my first ever Disney trip. I remember it being overwhelmingly large, expensive, but overall a great time. I went with someone who grew up going to Disney. I had no idea what to expect. My fondest memory? Meeting Snow White. I cried when I saw her, then I gushed about her after I met her. I was THAT happy. At 18 years old, I cried over a character meeting. I swore up and down that she was the real Snow White.

Deep in conversation here ^

August 2014- I took my older sister, Danielle, for her first trip, which was 5 nights at Shades of Green. My sister is exactly 2 years older than me to the day, both Halloween babies! She served in the U.S. Navy active duty and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida so I flew down to her and we drove down to Disney. We had the best time ever. Through her military benefits our trip was more affordable, the hotel...AMAZING, (with a free breakfast buffet every morning included in our package, just sayin’) and it was one of the best times of my life.

That's us on It's A Small World!

My last trip was my first ever full family trip. It was wonderful. Here’s how it happened. My sister was home on military leave for Christmas in 2014, and we were talking about how my parents hadn’t been to Disney since their honeymoon, back in 1990. It was my mom’s second trip, and my dad’s first. They ate at Tony’s Town Square, and have very fond memories of that dinner and their entire honeymoon. My family went through a lot in 2014. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2014. This was her second time, she had it back when I was in first grade and Danielle was in third grade. She had a lumpectomy and lots of radiation and life went on...but when she was rediagnosed after her annual mammogram, everything changed. Danielle felt horrible because she couldn’t be around, and her mastectomy was about two weeks before me and Dani were set to go to Disney. We contemplated cancelling, and having Danielle come up to visit us, but my mom insisted we go. Wow I got completely off track here. Long story short, my mom’s cancer hadn’t spread and although she still had a reconstruction surgery planned for January 2015, the worse was over. Anyways, my parents would be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary the first week of May, 2015. And my sister would be celebrating the end of her military contract (she would be moving home in June, 2015.) She had accomplished a lot in the military, including Junior Sailor of the Year, and many awards, and had been accepted into her first choice nursing school for Fall 2015. What better way to celebrate all that than to take my parents back to Disney for their anniversary the first week of May? We stayed at Shades of Green for 6 nights, and my sister’s boyfriend joined us (Travis is also in the Navy). It was magical, perfect, everything and MORE!

Here’s a few pictures of that trip:

The fam in front of The Tree of Life. Mom, Dad, me, & Dani.

Travis captured this beauty on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
This happened to be my parents favorite ride 25 years ago. To get an idea of how long 25 years ago was, Animal Kingdom didn’t even exist then…

And finally a picture of the Sailors themselves, for without them and their military benefits, this trip would not have been possible. This was taken on our bus to Downtown Disney our first night!

Back to Disney 2016!!!

Who: James and I
What: DISNEY WORLD DREAMCATION!

Why: Many reasons (as if you even need a reason…). For starters, James has NEVER been, infact he hadn’t been to Florida or on an airplane before last December 2014 when we flew down together to visit my sister and Travis for a few nights about a week before she flew home for Christmas! Next, I’m going to be joining the Air National Guard once I finish getting my tattoos laser removed (I’m almost a year and a half into the process..it’s a LONG one) but I’ll be leaving for close to a year so we think a nice vacation together is well-deserved and will give us many memories to hold onto while we are apart. And finally, because Disney...ya know?

When: Sunday, May 1st- Monday, May 9th

Where: We decided to stay in a Little Mermaid Standard Room at Art of Animation!

We decided on this back in June 2015 when I let the idea slip out of my mouth after we attended a Nelly and TLC concert up at the T.D. Garden in Boston. I was saying how amazing it would be if we could go to Disney before I leave for the military, (as we planned on going together and staying at Shades of Green once I was home from bootcamp and tech school). We were in James’s room and I remember that moment when he said “Let’s go.” I shrieked. “Wait- really?! You mean it??” When James said “Yes!” again, I jumped up and hugged him as tears filled my eyes.

By August (Okay- more like first week of July but the real details came later…) I was pretty set on all the major vacation details.

Then, on September 5th, we officially booked our vacation! It still felt too far off to feel real yet. One day I’d be super excited like this:

and planning and pouring over the DisBoards, and the next I’d be really sad because it felt too far away to be real. I think I’ve become spoiled over the past couple years! I went from not going to Disney for my whole 18 years of life, to three trips in a matter of 4 years. Plus another on the way. I’m so very blessed and sometimes the emotions become overwhelming!

Well, that's all for now! Thanks all for reading- I know it's pretty lengthy...I get carried away and type..A LOT. See ya real soon!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Come November 1st, it was time to book our plane tickets.

It was the morning after my 22nd birthday and I saw that JetBlue’s direct flight prices had dropped. We wanted to avoid flying out of Logan International Airport in Boston. We flew out of Logan last December together but we left James’ car at the bus stop in Plymouth and took the bus to Logan. Logan is by far most confusing airport layout ever...one time my Dad and I drove around it like 5 times waiting for my sister so we didn’t have to park. Finding the right parking lot plus not exiting the airport by mistake is just really hard! It’s also a very crowded airport. However, also an hour from my house but in the opposite direction is T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island. JetBlue doesn’t fly direct to Jacksonville out of Providence so I’ve flown out of Boston quite a bit, but my airport of choice is definitely Providence. It’s less crowded, super easy to get around in, and best of all? Direct JetBlue flights to and from Orlando! We got such a great deal too. We depart at 10:50am and we arrive in Orlando at 1:53pm Sunday, May 1st and head home (boo!!) at 1:55pm and arrive at 4:39pm on Monday, May 9th. Now for the best part: For the both of us, round trip, including taxes, we paid: $470.40!!!! Plus that includes our first bag free. Anyone who flies JetBlue knows they just switched their luggage policy. Everyone used to get a bag for free but now you have to pay like $20. I purchased the more expensive ticket though which includes a free bag per person, yet is still only $15 more money, so in the end we’re actually save $5 each and don’t have to worry about paying at the airport for our bags.

I figured on the way down I’ll get the window seat- because I’m beyond excited to go back and I get super excited on planes and can’t sleep. I only slept once on a flight when I was really sick. I was heading to Florida to visit my sister for the first time in April 2014 and I had window seat but the sun wasn’t even up yet and I fell asleep on some guy’s shoulders. That was my first time flying alone and I was so embarrassed when I woke up! It was really funny though. Anyways, when James had his first flight I gave him the window seat. I did not wanna share but it was my idea cause I’m a nice girlfriend and all! I tried to make that flight extra special for him.

 

[Sarahh1027]

Two days later, on the 3rd, it was time to book our dinning. Poor James had no idea how cutthroat the 180 day mark can be. I had work at 7am so I set my alarm for 5:45, and was changed for work and on my laptop by 5:55. As soon as it was 6:00, I refreshed the page and tried to book Be Our Guest, but it was saying reservations were temporarily down. I nearly cried. So I tried Ohana, and it worked...okay...one after another I got everything I wanted. Then I tried Be Our Guest again, and it worked! I was sooo glad. I never really doubted that I’d get everything, but considering planning where to eat took up like 4 months of my life, I wanted it to be good. I’m pretty good at this planning stuff if I do say so myself.

James is sort of picky, I mean he IS picky, but it’s never really bothered me. I come from a family of big eaters. My mom is 100% Armenian, so everything is homemade and wonderful. I’m not picky by any means, although I am pretty spoiled and get great meals all the time. James, however, doesn’t live at home. He actually went to high school at a vocational school and specialized in culinary then attended a semester at a culinary institute for baking. He’s talented, but pretty much eats fast food ALL the time. Growing up I never touched the stuff unless it was a rare treat. The funny thing is, James is skinny, he can eat anything and not gain weight. Actually, it’s not funny...it’s kind of annoying...OKAY I got sidetracked. Anyways, when we go out to eat James gets what he likes and I get what I like. So his pickiness has never bothered me. He likes ribs, steak, burgers, pizza. I’m not a huge ribs fan but I’ll eat the other three any day! Here’s what I ended up reserving:

Sunday/Arrival Day- The Crossroads at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney
...oops, Disney Springs. Honestly I could rant about how much I like the old name better. Downtown reminds me of shopping and outdoor atmosphere. Springs? Makes me think of a golf course or something. Not that any of it matters! For anyone who hasn’t tried this restaurant and likes comfortable atmosphere and amazing southern cooking- THIS is the place for you! Seriously, try it. I get the best chicken breast with mashed potatoes, veggies, and sweet tea. I’ve eaten here my last two trips on arrival day. My sis always gets the Juicy Lucy Burger- it’s as big and juicy as it sounds. Everyone has always enjoyed their meal, it’s become quite the Sarah Arrival Day Tradition. This one isn’t actually booked, for whatever reason it isn’t available. Both times before I wasn’t able to book until probably a month before the trip. I’m not sure why? Probably because it isn’t a Disney-owned restaurant.

Monday/Epcot Day- Via Napoli 6:00pm
I’m SOOO excited about this one! Pizza means a lot to us. Let me explain. When I met James he worked at this great pizza place. He would bring me pineapple pizza (sometimes with banana pepper rings!) ALL the time, like every night. He never had to pay, since he was the one to make them, and they were literally amazing. I mean, I always liked pizza, but that began my new LOVE for this delicious food. When James asked me to prom his senior year this is how he did it:

So to say that pizza is important to us would be an understatement. NO SHAME.

Tuesday/Magic Kingdom Day- Be Our Guest 7:10pm
Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, Put Our Service To The Test!
Well if you insist, Lumiere. Don’t gotta ask me twice.
And I will indeed be trying the Grey Stuff.

Yeah, ‘nuff said.

Wednesday/Rest Day- Ohana 9:15pm
I was ify about Ohana at first. The food looks great to both James and I. Same with the atmosphere and location. I wanted a memorable dinner for James. Since we will have just seen Wishes the night before at Magic Kingdom, I was hoping to see it from Ohana. I know we probably won’t get a window seat, but I’d love to see James’ expression when they pipe the music in and the fireworks start. Just the icing on the cake of a great meal I’m hoping

Thursday/Hollywood Studios Day- Sci-Fi Dine-In 3:15pm
When I showed James a picture of this place, he was instantly excited. A burger, not having to talk much while eating that burger, old cheesy sci-fi clips, milkshakes, a nice booth with AC, I mean, what’s not to be excited about? It’ll be the perfect break for our day. And now with my beloved Pizza Planet gone I just need to find a new love It took three trips to discover the glory that was Pizza Planet. I’ll share that story later.

Friday/Animal Kingdom Day- The Rainforest Cafe 5:00pm
I know a lot of people dislike this place, but last May after a long day in Animal Kingdom (which to me is NOT a half day park, infact it is my favorite park...tied with Epcot...and I wish it were open later! Soon, maybe?) my family and I went here and we had a blast. There was no better way I could envision dinner after a day in Animal Kingdom. I got the jungle safari soup, a side caesar salad, and a Brazilian Freeze drink. Then when I didn’t finish my drink (it’s nonalcoholic by the way), the waitress brought me a children’s plastic cup with the cutest Rainforest Cafe animals/logo on it. Free souvenir! We have a Rainforest Cafe somewhat near us, James and I went a couple months ago. It wasn’t exactly the Disney immersing experience like the one outside of Animal Kingdom. It’s in a mall actually and just wasn’t the same effect. Plus they didn’t serve my soup there!

Saturday/Rest Day-Trail’s End 6:45pm
A buffet with fried chicken is calling out to James and I. And a chance to see another new resort (Poly will be new for James and I also) I mean it’s a win-win.

Sunday/Magic Kingdom Day- Tony’s Town Square 6:30pm
A lot of people don’t like Tony’s. Here’s why I do: Although the pasta isn’t fine Italian, I thoroughly enjoyed my plate of spaghetti. I’m not there for fine Italian. I’m there for the atmosphere. I adore Lady and the Tramp. So does my sister. My parents celebrated their honeymoon here. When we went for their anniversary last May, the first time I stepped into Tony’s, I felt at home. The service was mediocre at best, but you can have a bland experience with a waiter anywhere. But seeing my parents back there after all those years, seeing my sister and her boyfriend, seeing all the Lady and the Tramp decorations. Plus the water with lemon dispenser while you wait to be seated. I can’t wait to go back.

This is me all day every day thinking about these meals:

To say I’m excited would be an understatement.

 

[kadrachb]

Poor James had no idea how cutthroat the 180 day mark can be. I had work at 7am so I set my alarm for 5:45, and was changed for work and on my laptop by 5:55.

I actually found this year to be a lot easier in making ADRs than last year, probably because all those sites for hoarding ADRs were shut down!

pineapple pizza

I absolutely love pineapple, chicken (and sometimes spinach) pizza.
When I first started dating my boyfriend is thought it was a weird combo until he tried it, and now he loves it too!

Sci-Fi Dine-In 3:15pm

We tried Sci-fi last year and loved it! Those car tables are so cool.

 

[Sarahh1027]

I actually found this year to be a lot easier in making ADRs than last year, probably because all those sites for hoarding ADRs were shut down!

So true!! Nothing beats getting everything you want, first try! Makes all the hard work of planning the perfect meals that much more rewarding when things go your way

I absolutely love pineapple, chicken (and sometimes spinach) pizza.
When I first started dating my boyfriend is thought it was a weird combo until he tried it, and now he loves it too!

YUMM that sounds absolutely delicious! James is a pepperoni kinda guy, which is good too...but nothing beats pineapple!! I've also had pineapple with bbq chicken. SO GOOD!

We tried Sci-fi last year and loved it! Those car tables are so cool.

I'm so excited!! I'm so glad to hear you liked it! I'm going to check out your last trip-report

 

[Sarahh1027]

Arrival Day Plans!
6:30- Wake up, get ready, finish loading car, check carry-ons

7:20-Leave home

7:30- Dunks for coffee fix

7:40- Plan to be on the highway by now

8:45- Arrive at airport by now

8:45-9:30- Park the car, gather up luggage, lock car!, head inside towards JetBlue kiosk to print out boarding passes & check luggage in at counter, go through security

9:30- Sit patiently & try not to freak out from excitement

10:50- Take Off!!!

1:53- Arrive at Orlando International Airport

Find Disney’s Magical Express!

Arrive at Art of Animation probably by 3:30

3:30-5:00- Complete hotel check-in, find room, check out our room, change, wash up, snack?

Bus stop to go to Downtown Disney/ Disney Springs no later than 5:30?

6 or 6:30? Reservations at The Crossroads at the House of Blues (haven't made yet)

Once dinner is over walk through DTD, enjoy sunset

This was last May's sunset!

Head back to resort by 9-9:30

Epcot Rope Drop up next!

 

[kadrachb]

6:30- Wake up, get ready, finish loading car, check carry-ons

I always forgot our early one has to wake up to travel... We're currently planning a 6:30am flight out of BWI (we haven't booked yet - waiting for his CC points to kick onto his account) and my boyfriend is like "I know I can wake up and get us there and not be a total brat, but can you do it?" And I keep telling him yes.. but something deep inside is telling me he's right to doubt me... but I'll never let him know it!

Once dinner is over walk through DTD, enjoy sunset

The sunsets are amazing! I don't know if you guys tried Dockside Margaritas last year, but 1. they serve really good margaritas and 2. they have live music at night - great way to spend some time (if you drink)!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi Sarah!!! I'm here! I'm here!!!!

 

[Chelley00]

We will be there the same week. I'm with your on Rainforest Cafe. We don't have one near us so I actually like going when we go to Florida.

 

[Sarahh1027]

Hi everyone! Thanks for reading Yay for May 2016 trips! I'm pretty sure all of us are gonna be there in May!

my boyfriend is like "I know I can wake up and get us there and not be a total brat, but can you do it?"

hahahaha this cracks me up! I totally understand. I think my flight last May was around 7:30 or 8am, but I had flown out of Boston so my family and I took a bus from a parking area up to the airport. We took like a 3:30am bus. It was rough. But my excitement was greater than my tiredness! Just get me coffee and I'm good

Dockside Margaritas

I've never even heard of Dockside Margaritas! Great tip though! I'll check the place out!

Hi Sarah!!! I'm here! I'm here!!!!

HELLO!!! Thanks for joining!!!!

We will be there the same week. I'm with your on Rainforest Cafe. We don't have one near us so I actually like going when we go to Florida.

Exactly! You really can't beat the atmosphere after a long day in Animal Kingdom!

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

Hi! Joining in!

Leonardo is my favorite TMNT character - love the balloon!

James is sort of picky, I mean he IS picky, but it’s never really bothered me. I come from a family of big eaters. My mom is 100% Armenian, so everything is homemade and wonderful. I’m not picky by any means, although I am pretty spoiled and get great meals all the time. James, however, doesn’t live at home. He actually went to high school at a vocational school and specialized in culinary then attended a semester at a culinary institute for baking. He’s talented, but pretty much eats fast food ALL the time. Growing up I never touched the stuff unless it was a rare treat. The funny thing is, James is skinny, he can eat anything and not gain weight. Actually, it’s not funny...it’s kind of annoying...OKAY I got sidetracked. Anyways, when we go out to eat James gets what he likes and I get what I like. So his pickiness has never bothered me. He likes ribs, steak, burgers, pizza. I’m not a huge ribs fan but I’ll eat the other three any day!

I am also a selective (read: picky) eater. Pretty much everything a kid will eat, I will eat. When it comes to more grown-up foods, I'm hit or miss. It makes dinnertime interesting at my house. Since my husband eats everything.

Monday/Epcot Day- Via Napoli 6:00pm
I’m SOOO excited about this one! Pizza means a lot to us. Let me explain. When I met James he worked at this great pizza place. He would bring me pineapple pizza (sometimes with banana pepper rings!) ALL the time, like every night. He never had to pay, since he was the one to make them, and they were literally amazing. I mean, I always liked pizza, but that began my new LOVE for this delicious food. When James asked me to prom his senior year this is how he did it:


Thursday/Hollywood Studios Day- Sci-Fi Dine-In 3:15pm
When I showed James a picture of this place, he was instantly excited. A burger, not having to talk much while eating that burger, old cheesy sci-fi clips, milkshakes, a nice booth with AC, I mean, what’s not to be excited about? It’ll be the perfect break for our day. And now with my beloved Pizza Planet gone I just need to find a new love It took three trips to discover the glory that was Pizza Planet. I’ll share that story later.

I love pizza and am SO SAD about Pizza Planet, too!!! I had many lovely meals there so I guess I can't be too sad but...no, yeah, I'm sad


Animal Kingdom is my favorite park, too, and NOT at ALL a half day. We also agree that a very special meal has to proceed a day at AK. We go to Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you haven't done this yet, I HIGHLY recommend it. Even for this picky eater! It's a buffet so there are lots of choices for everyone plus there are the kid options of fries and nuggets, etc. The durban chicken is my favorite but I also like the prime rib, pita and hummus. I cannot believe that I'm saying this but the carrot soup is great! It's not always there but you have to try it if it is. Also, though I don't care for it, LOADS of people LOVE the zebra dome dessert.

All your plans look soooo exciting! You are getting close, though. We went once in May and I felt that once Feb was over, we were in the home stretch!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Day 2- First full day in Disney!
May 2nd, 2016
Epcot

7:00am- WAKE UP!!! (If I make it that late...) Since we both shower at night and get ready quick, we will be out of the room by 7:30 the latest.
7:30am- If we're hungry, we plan on getting breakfast at Landscape of Flavors. If we aren't hungry, we will just wait till we're at Epcot.
I hope we get to Epcot by 8:30. I'd rather be early than late for Rope Drop.
Any rope drop tips? I've never actually done rope drop!! Since Soarin' will be closed, I'm not in a rush to get in. I just want to spend as long of a day as possible in Epcot. I don't want to run out of time!!! Last May we arrived around noon and it just wasn't enough time!! I do NOT like rushing through my precious pavilions!
I want to take our time strolling in, taking pictures, and so on. This will be James' first Disney park.

Last May, entering Epcot!

Random shot of the "golf ball" as my sister calls it.
It's tough to make official plans without our Fastpass selections, but I know I plan on making fastpasses for Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Mission: Space.
The line for Nemo is never long and that's a must-see also!
I'm thinking about starting at Spaceship Earth (with or without Fastpass, if the line isn't over 15 minutes, which I know it's right at the entrance, so I mean, it could be? Probably not? Any input??)
From there, we would head to The Land, for a little bit of this beauty:

I just love love love Living With The Land!
If we didn't eat breakfast at the hotel, I think we would be ready to grab something at Sunshine Seasons while we're there.

From there, I'm hoping to stop for Starbucks. We will need our coffee fix by then. Actually, only in Disney could I last THIS long without coffee. Maybe I'll grab some sort of coffee at Landscape of Flavors before leaving the hotel in the morning. That way I'll have the whole bus ride to savor it. I'll have to look into their drink offerings!
Since I've never done rope drop and I'm not sure if we will be eating breakfast at Epcot, I'm not sure if it'll still be before 10 or after it..
But next stop will be:

The Seas with Nemo and Friends!
While we're there, we will say hello to this guy:

And all his under water friends
So..not knowing if the new Frozen ride will be open (Fastpass? Won't open till 11 because it's in World Showcase?) I'm hoping we can head there to be one of the first into World Showcase. I really don't feel like waiting too long for this. I guess if Fastpass is allowed for it, we will head to Test Track at rope drop, and get a fastpass for Frozen, assuming it'd be Tier One?? I just don't know!!! If it is open without a fastpass we will definitely head there to ride as World Showcase opens.
After our fastpasses for Test Track and:

Mission: Space!! Orange side all the way, baby!
...then we will head to World Showcase!
I'm hoping that inbetween Fastpasses, we will be able to comfortably explore all of Future World.
An idea fastpass selection would be:
9-10 Spaceship Earth (we can even ride more than once if the line is a no-wait)
10-11 Test Track
11-12 Mission: Space
After we finish up in Future World, I'm thinking we can grab a bite to eat at Electric Umbrella, a favorite of mine for a quick bite, then maybe book another fastpass for later based on whatever is available. I've never done Figment so I wouldn't mind that. Although I don't think I'd leave World Showcase for it. When I do World Showcase, I like to start at Mexico, and slowly make my way around the world. I don't like to have to leave, skip anything, or feel rushed.

We will start by making our Duffys/Perrys in Mexico, like my sister's boyfriend is here:

I'm such a kid at heart. I love getting them stamped at every Kidcot stop

After exploring Mexico and riding the Gran Fiesta Tour, we will head to Norway. At this point if the Frozen ride is open, we'd have gone on it already. We will take this time to visit Kidcot, browse the store, and just enjoy the area.

Norway chillin' with the Troll ^ (Not my Dad, the statue behind us)
Then it's time for China! I love the store in China, I could spend forever browsing it! We will see the movie there (I've never seen it!) and visit Joy of Tea before moving on. I love just sitting and people watching at Epcot. I could literally spend an hour at every pavilion but yeah, that's not happening obviously. But I do love taking my time.

I got the Mango Green Iced Tea here last May, and lemme tell you, it was AMAZING.
Next will be the African Outpost, then Germany:

Then Italy. Now we have dinner reservations for Via Napoli for later. I haven't decided if we will skip Italy till our dinnertime, out just see it now anyways. By now it'll be closer to 2:30 or 3 I'm thinking, maybe even later.
Okay the rest of my Epcot day plans will be posted tonight. My posts are super long, I apologize!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Hi! Joining in!

Hi!!!! Welcome!!!

Leonardo is my favorite TMNT character - love the balloon!

My work has all these crazy life-size balloons that float all over the place...they even have Disney Princesses! I want them all!

Since my husband eats everything.

Oh my gosh that is me and James all the way! I'll try everything atleast once (and like probably 99.9% of what I eat)! James however...not so much!

I love pizza and am SO SAD about Pizza Planet, too!!! I had many lovely meals there so I guess I can't be too sad but...no, yeah, I'm sad

Ugh this breaks my heart! I'll have to share my Pizza Planet experience from last May in a later post!

Animal Kingdom is my favorite park, too, and NOT at ALL a half day.

AGREED! So many wonderful memories to be had here!

If you haven't done this yet, I HIGHLY recommend it.

I considered Boma for dinner for our Animal Kingdom day! Ya know I showed James the menu and he wasn't interested, but hearing that it's good for picky eaters too is so good to hear! That was our main concern!

We went once in May and I felt that once Feb was over, we were in the home stretch!

YES YES YES! We had such a bad winter last year, but once February was over, wow the rest flew by! And April...nevermind April! Other than Easter, it's all a blur!

 

[LinderInWonderland]

I also found it super easy to make ADRs this trip... I have even changed them around and still have had no issues!

I am 1000% jealous that you get to start your trip with a Dunks run. I live in WA now, but I am from MA and I miss Dunks every day of my life!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Oh great, Sarah.....I wrote up my reply and you go ahead and add another chapter!! Geez Louise!!

Alright, you just blew my mind……I thought you were REALLY dating Donatello! Then I scroll down and see James…..HI JAMES!! You are officially a cougar, Sarah! Dating someone younger than you…..what are you thinking??!! LOL! You guys are too cute together and have been together a LONG TIME! Good for you. He must be a keeper! And you guys live 1 ½ hours from each other? That’s commitment, right there! That’s so cute that you cried meeting Snow White. Heck I just cry when I walk into the hotel room. I just know I’ve made it and everything is ok. I love that you and your sister went on a trip together. I don’t have any sisters but I’ve been with my Mom a couple of times. You must thank Danielle for her service from me. That’s an amazing thing to do. OOOOOhhhh I’d love to have free breakfast buffets!! Yummers! Wow, your Mom is certainly courageous. I had thyroid cancer but can’t imagine having breast cancer. Your family sounds very close-knit and that’s wonderful. What a wonderful trip you all had and I love the pictures. OMG you had tattoos you have to remove? OUCH!!! Victoria wants matching ones with me, but I don’t want any and I keep telling her that a diabetic can’t have any…..(she knows better). You have lots of courage as well by joining the Air National Guard. Amazing! It figures you leave 4 days before we arrive. Poo! I’ve never stayed at AoA. I would love to, so maybe one day when I’m going on cash and not using my DVC points I will think about it. How awesome that James agreed that you should go on the trip!! Once the yes is said, there’s no stopping the planning, huh?! We always fly Southwest. I just have never found JetBlue’s prices to come close and SW still lets you have one bag free for each person. I’m super excited you now have direct flights to MCO from RI!! For us we fly out of Portland, ME as Manchester is a 3 hour drive. We did it once. Never again and now we don’t have to since SW flies out of Portland. That’s an awesome price you got. Ahhhh if only Maine had direct flights. I would love that! Unfortunately I always let Victoria have the window and I usually have the aisle with Peter in the middle. Yeah, I’m nice like that. Lord knows I’d rather have the window, but I give it up for her. Since our flight is an early one, I’m going to try to sleep anyways. Never happens, but I try.

I’m glad you got everything you wanted to with the ADR’s. I love to plan and I think I’m pretty good at it too!! My family is extremely picky, so I hear you. We could never even eat a Sanaa…..we would all starve!!! Victoria doesn’t even eat pizza!!! I think she’s nuts personally! LOVE, LOVE LOVE Crossroads!!! That’s a great place! We’ve never eaten at Via Napoli --- again Victoria and the whole pizza thing and she’s very picky about her pasta. I love your pizza story. That’s a very cool way to ask you to prom! We have been to BOG for lunch and loved it. O’Hana is a must for breakfast with Stitch and Sci-Fi is a must do when in HS! So far, so good with all of your ADR’s. We’ve only eaten at the RC in Disney Springs (yeah, I don’t like that name either). I liked it but we just don’t seem to have enough days to do all of our favorites! I too love AK, but my family doesn’t. They are brats sometimes --- both the hubby and daughter! Trails End --- never ate there. Tony’s --- LOVE IT!!!! You already know how I feel about eating and my ADR’s!! BRING IT ON! Your arrival day plans look good although I think you may have trouble with the activities at 9:30am. Yeah, let’s see how that one goes. Disney’s Magical Express is easy peasy to find!! Just walk all the way to the end of the concourse ---- you’ll find it! Besides they will be waving at you with Mickey Hands….Oh yeah, it gets real about then! We are planning on DTD for our arrival day, too, but we do Wolfgang’s. As I’ve said in my ptr, we are going to have to play it by ear to see how our arrival day goes. Oh, I just can’t wait!!!

 

[Sarahh1027]

I have even changed them around and still have had no issues!

First off, hello! Welcome! Thanks for reading and same here!! Originally I booked a later Sci-Fi (thinking Pizza Planet would be open for lunch) and I was so glad I could fit it in earlier with no problems!! Same with Trails End, I moved that one too...no issues!

I am 1000% jealous that you get to start your trip with a Dunks run. I live in WA now, but I am from MA and I miss Dunks every day of my life!

Oh man I am sooo sorry you don't have a Dunks anymore!! Up until the beginning of December I was going EVERY SINGLE DAY!! My favorite worker always had my coffee ready upon seeing my car pull in. To say I was spoiled would be an understatement. Then I had this crazy idea that I'd start making my coffee at home to save up money for...Disney... hey it's working...but come May 1st I'm starting this vaca off with my Dunks! There's 3 in my small town. As you know, you can't drive 5 minutes without seeing a Dunks in Massachusetts!

Oh great, Sarah.....I wrote up my reply and you go ahead and add another chapter!! Geez Louise!!

I apologize! I have another update coming tonight...stay tuned!

I thought you were REALLY dating Donatello!

Pretty convincing, huh?

You are officially a cougar, Sarah! Dating someone younger than you…..what are you thinking??!!

I like to walk on the wild side

He must be a keeper!

Oh he is!

Heck I just cry when I walk into the hotel room. I just know I’ve made it and everything is ok.

I love this...that's so me. There's nothing better than just thinking, Wow, we made it! Oh the magic of Disney

I’ve been with my Mom a couple of times. You must thank Danielle for her service from me.

I'm dreaming up a trip with just my Mom! and I shall, thank you! Danielle's a tough one. She's my role model

I’d love to have free breakfast buffets!!

It's simply amazing!

I had thyroid cancer

I can't even imagine. All cancer is just so scary.

OMG you had tattoos you have to remove? OUCH!!! Victoria wants matching ones with me, but I don’t want any and I keep telling her that a diabetic can’t have any…..(she knows better).

It does hurt...quite a bit! I love them too. I had "Stay Gold" written on my right hand middle finger (quote from The Outsiders book) and a black cross behind my right ear. I love love love my cross. But the Air Guard will finish paying for my school and give me a lifetime career...so it's a small sacrifice. I want a matching tattoo with my mom too! Go Victoria!

You have lots of courage as well by joining the Air National Guard.

It's pretty risk free, and I like to view it as an adventure.

Adventure is out there!

It figures you leave 4 days before we arrive.

You'll be starting your amazing vacation just after mine ends!

Yeah, I’m nice like that. Lord knows I’d rather have the window, but I give it up for her.

Oh the things mothers sacrifice for their offspring! But you're a good mama for it

Victoria doesn’t even eat pizza!!!

OH MY GOODNESS...WHAT?!?!?!

I too love AK, but my family doesn’t. They are brats sometimes --- both the hubby and daughter!

Oh no! I don't know what's more shocking...this or Victoria not liking pizza!

You already know how I feel about eating and my ADR’s!! BRING IT ON!

WOOHOO!

I think you may have trouble with the activities at 9:30am. Yeah, let’s see how that one goes.

UGH I KNOW! I will NOT be able to sit patiently! Or sit at all. I'm gonna be up dancing. Poor James...

waving at you with Mickey Hands

I CANNOT WAIT! This got me way more excited than it should have....

 

[Sarahh1027]

Time to wrap up our first full Disney Day!
We left off touring World Showcase and my tour Italy vs. wait until dinner dilemma, which since I last left off I've solved...we shall tour Italy TWICE Cause why not?? We'll visit this lil guy:

When I see him I can't help but sing Dominic the Donkey to him...
ya know, the Italian Christmas Donkey?
Anyone else know that Christmas song?
Next up, America!!

I want to see American Adventure..I'm probably a little TOO excited for it. And listen to those lanterns..which I've done before but can't remember the name and couldn't find it online...probably because I didn't look very well. James and I may split a funnel cake too

Next stop...Japan!

Hey. who put that tree there?
Japan always takes extra long because the store there is HUGE!
After Japan is Morocco, which I find super fun to walk through.

Okay, I find them ALL fun to walk through. But this place looks like Agrabah market, and Agrabah is Aladdin's home, and Aladdin is my #1 Disney guy. I love him. So as you can see, Morocco and I just really get along. Maybe I'll even get to meet Aladdin this year...?

Next up! France!

i adore all the Beauty and the Beast items in the store. Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time favorites, and I only just saw it for the first time all the way through in Fall 2014. I borrowed it from a friend and kept it almost an entire year (ooops...) watching it like atleast once a week. So she gave it to me for my last birthday. Belle's also one of my favorite princesses. I just love her so much! (Snow White's my #1 and always has been, followed by Rapunzel and Belle). I also love, love, love Pocahontas. Jasmine and Mulan are great too. Cinderella's a sweetheart too, and I grew up watching basically her and Snow. And of course gotta love Anna and Elsa. Okay...I love them all. Wait no...I don't like Aurora. No offense to any Sleeping Beauty fans out there. I mean, I like the fairies, and Prince Phillip is pretty cool, and Maleficent is all bad and scary, and the owl that Aurora/Brier Rose/Sleeping Beauty (Phew..) dances with in the forest is so darn adorable...but Aurora herself? Ehhh. She just seems whiny. And barely speaks. She's boring and the story isn't even really about her. Okay no it IS about her. I just. I... I can't. Oh side note...I always loved Ariel but watching The Little Mermaid as an adult has really made me not care much for her. I still love the movie, and the ride in Magic Kingdom, and the show in Hollywood Studios, and listen to The Little Mermaid soundtrack on repeat, and am BEYOND excited to stay in The Little Mermaid themed room at AoA. But Ariel is just not a favorite.
End Princess rant.

After France, it's off to the United Kingdom!

I've been drinking tea since I was five years old and I seriously want this kind of pot for my plants at home.
We have an amusement park in Southern New Hampshire (about 1.5 hours from me) that I grew up going to every summer and one of my favorite rides there is called the Boston Tea Party (named after the actual Boston Tea Party when the Sons of Liberty dumped all the British tea in the harbor...) and you get absolutely DRENCHED on this ride. Think Kali River Rapids X10000. You'd be better off jumping into a pool. Just when you think it's over and you get off the ride, you have to cross a bridge. There is no way to avoid this to exit the ride. If the next boat is coming down, you WILL get drenched again. All the ride is is one big drop too.

That's not my picture, I got it online, but that's an idea of how big of a splash it makes.
Finally, it's time to explore Canada. I have family up in Canada, and two of my cousins are Canadian Mounties, so this shirt always cracks me up:

This isn't my photo either though. Infact, this past trip we ran out of time and I didn't get to go into Canada. I was so sad. I did snap this picture though atleast:

I'd love to see the O Canada! film while here too!
Next stop, dinner at Via Napoli! Dinner will be at 6:00.

We plan on splitting a Pepperoni pizza

I'm so excited to be going back to Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival. I really plan to have us sit and enjoy all the little moments throughout the day. Assuming it'll take us about an hour from the start of our ADR to leaving the restaurant, it'll be around 7 when we finish up.
With full bellies, by now I know we will be getting tired We won't want to walk to Future World, as I'm sure our feet will be aching. I'm totally fine with walking to the front of World Showcase and getting an early seat for Illuminations. Sitting & talking about our day, digesting our delicious pizza, what could be better? The sun will be setting this hour, and I plan to get us a spot near where my family sat last year. The closer to Future World the better cause we're gonna be exhausted leaving after the show. Last year I got this great spot right at the beginning, leaning towards the Canada side but not quite that far down.

After the 9pm show, it'll be time to head out.
Thus ends my plans for Day One! It'll be a long day, but it's very mellow and slow paced so I hope I don't overwhelm James like I totally overwhelmed my family last year
And I leave you all with this:

Simply because I'm missing Shades of Green breakfast buffet right about now
Thanks all for reading!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

You didn't mention Pick a Pearl in Japan. Do you do that? I do it every year and eventually I will have enough pearls to string together for a bracelet or necklace. Someday....Your day in World Showcase sounds a lot like mine.....I love to take the time to just stroll along in the countries. The only thing I have yet to see is the terracotta statues in China. It's always been closed when I go it seems. I'm not sure why. I just think that it's going to be amazing! The Frozen ride in Norway is up in the air right now as far as when it will open. Like you, I would want to FP it, but who knows if it will even be available at 60 days out. Oh, I know we could always change one we do make, so it should work out. As for SE, I find that it's crazy busy in the first couple of hours when the park opens. I find that people tend to do that first since it's right there at the entrance. We love it!!! Although one year Victoria got me so upset that I cried the entire time. Yeah, let's just call that year horrible!!! OH, the fun of having a spoiled bratty teenager! Glad that phase is over! I keep saying over and over how I don't understand Living with the Land is a tier 1. Really? I know alot of people love it, but a tier 1? I just don't see it. It's so not fair to have to make a choice between Soarin (although not this year! Poo!) or Test Track but to then add LwtL in there, too!!! How can a person possibly choose. Oh, yeah, I could stand in the stand by line but isn't that like paying retail when you can shop clearence? Yeah, I thought so.

I can't give you any advice on Rope Drop ---- I've never made it. Oh, we are in the parks close to opening, but have never been there at opening.....slackers, I know!!

Yes, I am ashamed of Victoria's dislike of pizza. Sometimes I don't even recognize she is my daughter over this subject!! LOL!

 

[Sarahh1027]

You didn't mention Pick a Pearl in Japan. Do you do that? I do it every year and eventually I will have enough pearls to string together for a bracelet or necklace. Someday

This sounds amazing! I always walk by it, but I've never done it. How exactly does it work?

The only thing I have yet to see is the terracotta statues in China

If that's the only thing you haven't seen, then you're doing great! It's really cool when I think about it now, but I think when I'm there I don't exactly appreciate it. The mission for this trip is to enjoy every little second and detail...if Disney put it there, it's there for a reason and therefore it's awesome!

Oh, I know we could always change one we do make, so it should work out.

So true! I'm not gonna worry about it much anymore. I keep saying to myself that it'd be so much easier if it wasn't even open!! Don't get me wrong though, I really want to ride this. I love Frozen

As for SE, I find that it's crazy busy in the first couple of hours when the park opens.

I can totally see that to be true! Thanks for the feedback! Fingers crossed I can get a fastpass for 9-10!

Although one year Victoria got me so upset that I cried the entire time. Yeah, let's just call that year horrible!!! OH, the fun of having a spoiled bratty teenager! Glad that phase is over!

I was definitely a bratty teenager too. I thank my parents for dealing with me now. It's crazy how quickly we mature! (or like to think we do!!!)

I keep saying over and over how I don't understand Living with the Land is a tier 1. Really? I know alot of people love it, but a tier 1? I just don't see it.

RIGHT! I just wait in line for this one, it's never too long!

Oh, yeah, I could stand in the stand by line but isn't that like paying retail when you can shop clearence? Yeah, I thought so.

Hahahahaha spot on!

Sometimes I don't even recognize she is my daughter over this subject!!

Honestly!! Pizza is amazing!! I guess she's healthier than we'll ever be

 

[kadrachb]

Any rope drop tips? I've never actually done rope drop!!

On our Epcot days, we always seem to make rope drop without trying. Its super weird, because normally I can sleep in past when I actually want to, but on anytime on vacation I like to get up super early. Being on a bus by 8 will definitely get you to rope drop. One way we always accomplished this was that I showered at night (I had to, there was no way I was showering in the morning and trying to deal with my hair wet) and he'd get up like 20 minutes before me to shower. I also like to plan what clothes I'm going to wear to what park before we leave, so I know ahead of time.

I just love love love Living With The Land!

Me too! Disney has a biotech internship where you work in that lab you pass and staff the Behind the Seeds tour. I'm thinking of applying since my major is Molecular/Biotech... Even though botany is hands down the absolute worst biology ever.

Japan always takes extra long because the store there is HUGE!

I love the department store! One of my favorite things in Epcot.

Maybe I'll even get to meet Aladdin this year...?

If you do want to meet him, make sure to get in line 15 - 20 minutes before his next set! Or the line will be REALLY long.