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

[jmccoy18]

Rest days are great! We always plan one for the middle of our stay to help break up our rope drop mornings and make sure we have a chance to enjoy our resort/pool. It is nice to have a day without any real plans except maybe an ADR.

 

[Sarahh1027]

Rest days are great! We always plan one for the middle of our stay to help break up our rope drop mornings and make sure we have a chance to enjoy our resort/pool. It is nice to have a day without any real plans except maybe an ADR.

I totally agree! I can't wait to just wake up whenever, swim in the pools, walk around the resort. These are some of the best memories of vacation

 

[Sarahh1027]

Hi everyone! I hope everybody had a lovely week. It’s snowing here. I wish more than ever I was in sunny Florida soaking up some Disney magic. I figured I’d take this downtime to share our next Disney day plans with you lovely folk as I watch Snow White!


This is the plans for our 5th Disney day, 4th full day, and first and only Hollywood Studios day, Thursday, May 5th.

Although this park doesn’t seem to have much, what they do have in my opinion is great. I adore Rock n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Tower of Terror, the Beauty and the Beast musical, The Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Fantasmic!

I’m excited to see the new lands coming to the Studios but sort of worried about the level of refurbishment that is going to be taking place.

Anyways! On this day I plan on hitting 9am rope drop to get to Toy Story Mania with not too bad of a wait. I’ve never, ever ridden this ride. No, even worse..I’ve never even seen this ride. How the heck do you even get to said ride? I can’t even skip it, because when I ask James what ride he is most excited for at the Studios, he goes, “Toy Story Mania!” Uhh, what? This is the guy who loves roller coasters and Star Wars. I just can’t let him down! Plus I'm excited to see what all the hype is about.


Today we will be up by 7. I’m not sure if we will even be hungry, but if we are we can grab something to eat at Landscape of Flavors. I’m also thinking of packing a box of granola bars and applesauce pouches for mornings like this. I want to be on the bus by 8 I think.

^ I spy Pluto!

After Toy Story Mania, I’m thinking we can hop in line for The Great Movie Ride.

^Wizard of Oz sighting!!! The Wizard of Oz was my favorite movie growing up. I watched it every single time I was sick. James loved it, too.

Next up, Starbucks! Ooo, yum!

I plan on seeing the 11am show of Beauty and the Beast. Since I’ve never been in this park before noon, I’m not sure how much we can get done before about 10:40. It isn’t much time, and The Great Movie Ride is long, so I figured after we get our Starbucks we can relax outside Beauty and the Beast. I love people watching and relaxing in the parks. We might walk around the shops since my guess is we will have plenty of time left.

If we are hungry we can grab a snack now, too!

I’m hoping to have fastpasses set up for 11-12 for Tower of Terror, and then 12-1 for Rock n Roller Coaster.

^ One of my favorite views.

Okay, enough pictures already!


Since Tower of Terror takes quite a bit, I hope that when we’re done with Beauty and the Beast and Tower of Terror, it’ll be time for Rock n Roller Coaster.


*I have zero pictures on my laptop of Rock n Roller Coaster…*


The reason for that is because I took a million pictures of our trip, but only sent a small amount to my sister through e-mail. The pictures are all on my desktop computer, but I’ve only been using pictures for this pre-trip report that I found in the Sent section of my e-mail.


After RnR, it’ll be probably closer to 12:30. I’m thinking we can head over to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We can go through more shops and take our time. Maybe grab a frozen lemonade from Anaheim Produce.

Right now on the Disney website, it says there are shows at 12:30 then 12:55. I think we won’t make the 12:30 show but the 12:55 one sounds perfect!


Up next, I’m hoping for a 1-2pm Star Tours fastpass!!

I think James will really love this ride!! I told him if he gets buckled up and sits still and smiles he might get chosen as the Rebel Spy...stay tuned till May to see how it turns out!! Hollywood Studios was the first park I took my sister to, and Star Tours was her first ride. We will always remember it because we’re sitting there, ready, as the ride starts. All the sudden her face is there, she’s accused of being a Rebel Spy, and she has the biggest ol’ smile on her face. I was cracking up, it was priceless! No way is this girl a spy! She’s gotta be in really good disguise atleast. Well once the ride ended and I exclaimed, “You’re the Rebel Spy!” She admitted she thought everyone saw themselves on the ride, which made me laugh even more. Nope, everyone saw your big cheesy smile, Dani.

 

[Sarahh1027]

^ Random shot of somewhere in the park.


After Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Star Tours, it will be closer to 2pm. We can grab more fastpasses at a kiosk. Then, I’m thinking we can go check out:

I’m not sure why that last picture of the fountain is taken of the back only…

After Muppets, it will probably be close enough to our reservations at Sci-Fi Dine-In to head over there and check-in!


Our reservations are for 3:15. If we have time before, we can take a stroll through the Streets of America, and if not we can always do that later.


For lunch, I have my eyes on the New York Strip Steak, or the Chicken Pasta, or the Build-Your-Own Burger...okay I guess it depends on what I’m in the mood for! I bet James will get the ribs. He adores ribs. Or maybe the burger. Either way, I’ve never done this and we are both so excited for this place!


Which brings me to my next topic: Pizza Planet. Oh how my heart breaks over my beloved Pizza Planet being closed for refurb. Although I only ate their once, and our time was short, I will cherish the time we had together for as long as I live. A bit dramatic? Okay, well maybe. But here’s the story behind my Pizza Planet:

Wait, that’s just a picture.


Here’s the story:


I went through a different line than the rest of my family, I just figured we’d all get through quicker if we split up and I was paying separate anyways. There was a boy, about 13, in front of me in line. He was texting and ordering and it was complete chaos. Not only was he being disrespectful, but chose to ignore the cashier when he was told him didn’t have enough money. He was a few cents short, not more than 50 cents, but when the cashier tried telling the boy, he half ignored/half rudely didn’t care. Obviously something else could’ve been going on with the boy, but there is NO excuse for at least his parents who had already moved up to get their food. The poor cashier had a line and tried to repeat himself a couple times without sounding rude. The cashier was just doing his job- I work in retail with money and I’m even a bookkeeper so I totally get why the cashier couldn’t just let it go. Every penny is accounted for. I gave the cashier a dollar, and the boy was being so rude. The cashier said, “You should say thank you to her, she helped pay for your lunch.” Now mind you, this boy knew what he was doing, because he looked up at the cashier and he SHRUGGED HIS SHOULDERS. The worse part? The cashier handed the boy his change..MY change, and the boy TOOK it. He moved up without his receipt, or a thank you. It’s not that I was looking for one. But I feel for that cashier. Err, cast member. Oops, I’ve been giving him the wrong title! Working with the public can be so challenging, even at a happy place like Disney. Everything is considered the worker’s fault, the customer thinks they are ALWAYS right. Not all workers are innocent, some are rude and give attitudes to customers. I mean, everyone has bad days but some are just downright mean. But more so I find the customer’s are the rude ones. It’s sad, but true. It’s like.,.how can people be so wicked? Not to mention this boy had NO manners. Parenting fail? Or just a rebellious teenager? No excuse. The cast member thanked me and apologized a million times over. I MEAN COME ON, YOU’RE IN DISNEY! Then after I moved up to get my food, I saw the cast member walk back and whispered to the girl behind the counter giving out the trays with food. She looked at me, smiled, and placed a Cappuccino Cupcake on my tray, said, “Thank you,” and I was blushing so bad. I wish I remembered the cashier’s name, he was fantastic and never lost his smile or manners. Plus the cupcake was delicious. Wow I just ranted on about Pizza Planet for SO long. I’m not even sorry though. I am however sorry and heartbroken that Pizza Planet will be closed for this trip. NOOOO! First Soarin, then Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and NOW my beloved Pizza Planet? No matter, it’ll still be an amazing time!

Everything was amazing, and there’s my cupcake.

I’m craving that pizza right now.


We ate outside the restaurant and talked to the family at the table next to ours for quite awhile, but before we left I went back in to get more pictures.

Okay ONE more:

The Claw is Our Master!


That was two pictures but oh well.


I don’t even remember what I was talking about.


…..

……….

…………


I had to scroll up and see where I left off.


Oh yes, 3:15 reservations at Sci-Fi. After lunch, we will probably stroll around Streets of America if we haven’t done so. Depending on the Star Tours stand-by line, we could ride that.


Eventually I want to get in line at:

Indiana Jones!! Epic Stunt Spectacular! 5:00 show.

I love this show!


So I read that Disney is getting rid of the Phineas and Ferb meet and greet. I love Phineas and Ferb. The show is creative cartoon genius. But anyways, just wanted to throw this picture of Mom and I with Ducky Momo in this pre-trip report:

Plus the It’s A Wonderful Shop:

Fun fact! I read somewhere that Adriana Caselotti, who voiced the ever-wonderful Snow White, was the one singing in Martini’s Bar in It’s A Wonderful Life as George Bailey was praying. (My favorite Christmas movie). She’s also the one who sings the line in the Tin Man’s song in The Wizard of Oz, “Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” Both roles were uncredited cause Walt wanted her voice to remain uniquely Snow’s.

^ The crowds are hopping on Streets of America


By now it isn’t even 6 yet! I’m loving this rope drop thing. We have time to re-ride stuff!


Also, I’ve never been into Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. I’d love to walk around the gallery and see the movie!


I’m not sure what Star Wars Launch Bay is exactly, but if it’s there we will check it out!


We have time for a snack:

Then around 8 we will head into Fantasmic! I have no problem waiting an hour for this show since it is by far my favorite show.


The show will end around 9:30, and it’s time to head out of the park. Which makes me sad. But we have to get back so we can shower and get to bed. Another early morning tomorrow, but not exactly a rope drop day.


Goodnight everyone & thanks for reading!

 

[jmccoy18]

That's a long day at HS! We usually do it in just a morning and maybe head back for the Osborne Lights sad:I'm so sad they are gone!) or Fantasmic. But we haven't been to Fantasmic the last few times because of small children or timing conflicts. Fantasmic is my favorite show in all of Disney.

 

[Chelley00]

I have all these fun replies planned but I honestly just can't get past the fact you've never ridden Toy Story Mania.

 

[Saphire5742]

Nicely planned HS day.
Can't see myself spending more than a half day there though.
I really hope Muppet Vision is still there (both for your trip and mine). One of my favorite MGM memories.

 

[kadrachb]

I don't think I'd be able to fill a whole day with HS, lol. We just end up doing a lot of sitting around...

On this day I plan on hitting 9am rope drop to get to Toy Story Mania with not too bad of a wait. I’ve never, ever ridden this ride.

I have to say while this ride is okay, definitely not my favorite. I don't know why, I just don't care for it.

Indiana Jones!! Epic Stunt Spectacular! 5:00 show.

I love this show!

We got to see this last year, and originally we weren't going to. We also loved it!

 

[Sarahh1027]

That's a long day at HS! We usually do it in just a morning and maybe head back for the Osborne Lights sad:I'm so sad they are gone!) or Fantasmic. But we haven't been to Fantasmic the last few times because of small children or timing conflicts. Fantasmic is my favorite show in all of Disney.

Aww man I hope you're able to see Fantasmic on your next trip! It's just so magical. I'm glad it's your favorite too! I've never seen the Osborne Lights..and now I never will

I have all these fun replies planned but I honestly just can't get past the fact you've never ridden Toy Story Mania.

Clearly I've been failing at Disney No worries, this May that shall change!

Nicely planned HS day.
Can't see myself spending more than a half day there though.
I really hope Muppet Vision is still there (both for your trip and mine). One of my favorite MGM memories.

I saw Muppets for the first time last May, and although I've never seen a Muppets movie/show in my life, I really enjoyed this! I was shocked it was so funny! Also a great way to get out of the heat and get a comfy seat.

I have to say while this ride is okay, definitely not my favorite. I don't know why, I just don't care for it.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not missing out on much! Although I think Chelley00 would disagree I'm excited to experience it but I feel like it's just a really nice version of Buzz? But I really have no idea how to even get to it...

We got to see this last year, and originally we weren't going to. We also loved it!

Such a fun show! I feel like a lot of people don't see this. But they're missing out!

 

[kpearl]

Following!

1. I'm from MA as well, South Shore.
2. I used to work at the same supermarket in my hometown (it closes almost 2 years ago)! Worked in the desk from high school all throughout college. I've never been able to find another group of coworkers/bosses quite like the people I had there.
3. I've never stayed at AoA but I did stay at POP in 2013. The layout of AoA was adorable tho! We're going in September of this year for our honeymoon. My first "real" vacation with my soon to be DH was WDW. We stayed at CBR. Honestly to this day I still say it was the best vacation we've ever had together, and we've had quite a few! (We've been together almost 10 years. Worked at the same supermarket together ). So I hope you and your DB enjoy yourselves. You deserve it!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Following!

1. I'm from MA as well, South Shore.
2. I used to work at the same supermarket in my hometown (it closes almost 2 years ago)! Worked in the desk from high school all throughout college. I've never been able to find another group of coworkers/bosses quite like the people I had there.
3. I've never stayed at AoA but I did stay at POP in 2013. The layout of AoA was adorable tho! We're going in September of this year for our honeymoon. My first "real" vacation with my soon to be DH was WDW. We stayed at CBR. Honestly to this day I still say it was the best vacation we've ever had together, and we've had quite a few! (We've been together almost 10 years. Worked at the same supermarket together ). So I hope you and your DB enjoy yourselves. You deserve it!

Hello & Welcome!!! I'm so glad you're following along, I'll head over and check out your pre-trip report after this!!! What are the odds that you used to work at the service desk too!? And you're a fellow South Shore girl! Love it!
I truly enjoyed Pop Century as well in 2012! I wish I had spent more time enjoying the hotel though, and I'm glad you liked the layout of AoA! I'm so excited to really check it out. I had walked across the bridge from Pop and I saw the main pool but that's about it, then we went back. I'm so glad to hear you and your fiance had such a wonderful first vacation together!! How adorable that you guys worked together at the same supermarket! I love happy endings Ahh I'm just gonna go check out your pre-trip report already!! A Disney honeymoon...I can't wait to read all about it!

 

[kpearl]

Hello & Welcome!!! I'm so glad you're following along, I'll head over and check out your pre-trip report after this!!! What are the odds that you used to work at the service desk too!? And you're a fellow South Shore girl! Love it!

I truly enjoyed Pop Century as well in 2012! I wish I had spent more time enjoying the hotel though, and I'm glad you liked the layout of AoA! I'm so excited to really check it out. I had walked across the bridge from Pop and I saw the main pool but that's about it, then we went back. I'm so glad to hear you and your fiance had such a wonderful first vacation together!! How adorable that you guys worked together at the same supermarket! I love happy endings Ahh I'm just gonna go check out your pre-trip report already!! A Disney honeymoon...I can't wait to read all about it!

Oh how I miss the service desk days, not. No I'm kidding, kinda sorta. I loved who I worked with and my managers were amazing, but sometimes the customers were just down right disrespectful and annoying. I'm sure you can totally relate! I did the desk and I did bookkeeping - I do not miss working weekends at all. Getting up to get in there to do the books killed me.

You two are going to have such a fun time! You'll make a ton of memories together and I'm sure you'll feel like your relationship is even closer after all of this. I can't wait to see more updates! I will surely be following along.

 

[Sarahh1027]

Oh how I miss the service desk days, not. No I'm kidding, kinda sorta. I loved who I worked with and my managers were amazing, but sometimes the customers were just down right disrespectful and annoying. I'm sure you can totally relate! I did the desk and I did bookkeeping - I do not miss working weekends at all. Getting up to get in there to do the books killed me.

You two are going to have such a fun time! You'll make a ton of memories together and I'm sure you'll feel like your relationship is even closer after all of this. I can't wait to see more updates! I will surely be following along.

Yessss between customers buying lottery tickets, scratching them at the counter, and cutting infront of other customers to get more and wasting 100's of dollars and spending hours doing so....and then the rude customers who blame me for every little thing wrong with the store, and waking up before the sun to do the bookkeeping, I definitely can't wait to move on in life!!! I think a part of me will always miss it a little. But it will be great to move on!

I can't wait to go!!! Ahh! Next week one bookkeeper is on vacation and the other two aren't available Monday thru Friday during the school year so I'm the only one, and I had taken Tuesday night and Wednesday off to go visit James....I'm sooo glad my manager is going to bookkeep for me Wednesday because...WEDNESDAY AT MIDNIGHT IS FASTPASS TIME BABYYYYY!!!!! After I get out of bookkeeping Tuesday and go to my hair appointment, it's off to spend the night with James and BOOK OUR FASTPASSES AHHHH ITS FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy days, people!!!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Hello everyone!!!!!!!!! I'm back with fun news- I booked our fastpasses a few days ago!!! (James helped a bit!)
Here's the line up:

Monday May 2nd- Epcot:

1. Spaceship Earth 9:05-10:05am
2. Test Track 10:20-11:20am
3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends 11:20-12:20pm

The only issue I ran into here- for whatever reason I though Mission: Space! was a Tier 2, so I was going to book that along with Spaceship Earth. Infact, I clearly remember having fastpasses for Mission: Space AND Soarin AND Nemo last year....I'm really not sure why they changed this? But either way, we will just wait standby for it so no biggie!

Tuesday May 3rd- Magic Kingdom:

1. Splash Mountain 1:05-2:05pm
2. Space Mountain 3:00-4:00pm
3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 8:05-9:05pm

On this day, we will sleep in and take our time getting to MK. Once inside, we will spend time taking pictures and taking it all in. That's why our last park day is our rope drop day here, so on this day James can really enjoy his first MK visit. Splash is in the early afternoon when it's hottest, so we can cool down and dry quick. I wasn't even planning on Space today, but there was no option for Wishes (for this day or our last MK day). It didn't even say it was out of fastpasses...it wasn't even an option. I was pretty bummed not gonna lie. But since we did Space today, I booked a different FP for our last MK day...
Also, the reason 7DMT is so late is because it's after our dinner at Be Our Guest. I've only ridden it once, and it was at night, and it was so awesome!

Thursday May 5th- Hollywood Studios:

1. Tower of Terror 11:15-12:15pm
2. Rock n Roller Coaster 12:15-1:15pm
3. Star Tours 1:15-2:15pm

I booked these FP's based on my touring plans for this day. I'm hoping to hit TSMM at rope drop, then maybe The Great Movie Ride, followed by Starbucks and maybe ToT or RnR but not if there are lines. I want to see the 11am show of Beauty and the Beast, and from there we will use our two fastpasses for ToT and RnR.

Friday May 6th- Animal Kingdom:

1. Kilimanjaro Safaris 10:30-11:30am
2. Expedition Everest 11:30-12:30pm
3. Kali River Rapids 2:15-3:15pm

This day was pretty confusing because I wasn't sure about Rivers of Light opening, which I read yesterday it will be! April 22nd! The only problem is, we have dinner at Rainforest Cafe at 6. I hope RoL isn't until later, so we can reenter the park after dinner. But I honestly have no idea. It won't get dark until past 8pm I don't think, so RoL must be later right?? Honestly it's annoying how Disney hasn't updated the park hours for RoL yet. Or atleast given us a showtime? Most people book ADRs at resorts or Disney Springs on their AK nights. Although we will be eating right at AK, it'd be nice to clear up the plans.

Last but not least, Sunday May 8th- Magic Kingdom:

1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 10:15-11:15am
2. Splash Mountain 12:30-1:30pm
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 1:30-2:30pm

Incase you noticed...BTMRR was supposed to be down for refurb during our trip. I was so sad...But what's this...? Available for Fastpass!!! Yet other rides that would be down (Soarin) said it was closed for refurb! So does this mean BTMRR will be open!? I'm so excited! Such a nice surprise!!! I also booked the last two with the 3pm FoF Parade in mind! I've read that Frontierland is a great place to watch it! Also, I booked 7DMT early since we will head to Fantasyland at rope drop to hit Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh first!

We also did our online check-in and requested the 2nd floor with a lakeview. That would put us in the Ursula building of the Little Mermaid section of AoA, facing Pop Century. We also prefer the 2nd floor, only one flight of stairs but we didn't want ground level. Obviously we may not get our request, but it's there just incase!

I'll be back within the next week for my tentative plans for Friday May 6th- Animal Kingdom!!!

Love to you all!

 

[jmccoy18]

YAY FP are done! That means you are getting so close!!!!!!!

 

[Saphire5742]

Infact, I clearly remember having fastpasses for Mission: Space AND Soarin AND Nemo last year....I'm really not sure why they changed this? But either way, we will just wait standby for it so no biggie!

Mission Space was moved to Tier 1 to make up for Soarin being closed

but there was no option for Wishes (for this day or our last MK day). It didn't even say it was out of fastpasses...it wasn't even an option.

Yeah, I found out about this last week. Apparently Wishes (and I think also Illuminations) FP+ will no longer be available after April 19. And I saw this on some other forums as well when I went looking for more info. No clue why though. I am also bummed about it.

I hope RoL isn't until later, so we can reenter the park after dinner. But I honestly have no idea. It won't get dark until past 8pm I don't think, so RoL must be later right?? Honestly it's annoying how Disney hasn't updated the park hours for RoL yet. Or atleast given us a showtime?

ROL is supposed to be a night show from what I understand. I also wish Disney would hurry up and let us know the showtimes.

So does this mean BTMRR will be open!? I'm so excited! Such a nice surprise!!!

Yes. The refurb has been pushed to August.

So exciting to have finally booked FP+. My day is coming up in a few days.

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

Hi! Sorry I've been MIA. I've caught up on your PTR now!

Another option for moving from the Poly back to AoA is to get a bus from the Poly to Disney Springs and then to AoA. That's if you don't want to spend money. Otherwise, absolutely a taxi (or Uber). I've done taxis all over WDW and it was never more than $20.

I LOVE TSMM. Mainly because I like games and I am competitive. And I love that it blows air in your face when you pop things. So fun. I also thought that it was just going to be a rehash of Buzz Lightyear but it is soooo much more than that. Firing as fast as you can, things "popping" in your face, fun characters, 3D, plus they kind of whip you around corners = exhilaration for me! I'm really curious to see what you think!

Hello everyone!!!!!!!!! I'm back with fun news- I booked our fastpasses a few days ago!!! (James helped a bit!)
Here's the line up:

Monday May 2nd- Epcot:

1. Spaceship Earth 9:05-10:05am
2. Test Track 10:20-11:20am
3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends 11:20-12:20pm

The only issue I ran into here- for whatever reason I though Mission: Space! was a Tier 2, so I was going to book that along with Spaceship Earth. Infact, I clearly remember having fastpasses for Mission: Space AND Soarin AND Nemo last year....I'm really not sure why they changed this? But either way, we will just wait standby for it so no biggie!

I had this same exact experience when I was booking FP+ for DH's cousin for her trip in March. Mission: Space was definitely a Tier 2 before but in January they switched it. Totally threw me for a loop. I even looked at multiple planning sites and they all had the tiers wrong. That was at the beginning of Feb so I assume those same sites now have it corrected. I also recommended that they do Mission: Space on standby. I hope it works!

Friday May 6th- Animal Kingdom:

1. Kilimanjaro Safaris 10:30-11:30am
2. Expedition Everest 11:30-12:30pm
3. Kali River Rapids 2:15-3:15pm

This day was pretty confusing because I wasn't sure about Rivers of Light opening, which I read yesterday it will be! April 22nd! The only problem is, we have dinner at Rainforest Cafe at 6. I hope RoL isn't until later, so we can reenter the park after dinner. But I honestly have no idea. It won't get dark until past 8pm I don't think, so RoL must be later right?? Honestly it's annoying how Disney hasn't updated the park hours for RoL yet. Or atleast given us a showtime? Most people book ADRs at resorts or Disney Springs on their AK nights. Although we will be eating right at AK, it'd be nice to clear up the plans.

I'm so excited about Rivers of Light and AK being open late!! This is my favorite park and I can't wait to experience it at night for the first time!

But I am so disappointed that Wishes isn't going to be shown any night that we are in WDW in Sept. Booooooo!

 

[LinderInWonderland]

Whew! All caught up!

Congrats on completing your FPs! We still have about a week before we do ours. I am happy that RoL FP booking starts before our window opens, but we are keeping a close eye on ADRs for a dining package between now and then. We are hoping the Wishes FPs come back, but are not holding our breath.

I am SO SAD Pizza Planet is closed! Their antipasto salad was terrific!

 

[Sarahh1027]

YAY FP are done! That means you are getting so close!!!!!!!

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!

Yes. The refurb has been pushed to August.

SOOO HAPPY! I really wanted James to ride this, now he can! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, here we come!

ROL is supposed to be a night show from what I understand. I also wish Disney would hurry up and let us know the showtimes.

For real, I'm so anxious about this!

Hi! Sorry I've been MIA. I've caught up on your PTR now!

Welcome back!!! It's so good to hear from you!!!!!

Another option for moving from the Poly back to AoA is to get a bus from the Poly to Disney Springs and then to AoA. That's if you don't want to spend money. Otherwise, absolutely a taxi (or Uber). I've done taxis all over WDW and it was never more than $20.

Great idea!! We probably will just rely on the bus service, unless we're seriously exhausted.

I LOVE TSMM. Mainly because I like games and I am competitive. And I love that it blows air in your face when you pop things. So fun. I also thought that it was just going to be a rehash of Buzz Lightyear but it is soooo much more than that. Firing as fast as you can, things "popping" in your face, fun characters, 3D, plus they kind of whip you around corners = exhilaration for me! I'm really curious to see what you think!

This sounds like so much fun! I guess I figured it was a lot like Buzz, but I've read multiple times that they aren't even comparable. So I'm going in with an open mind!! James and I are pretty competitive also, so that ought to be interesting!

I'm so excited about Rivers of Light and AK being open late!! This is my favorite park and I can't wait to experience it at night for the first time!
SAME SAME SAME! By far my favorite!
But I am so disappointed that Wishes isn't going to be shown any night that we are in WDW in Sept. Booooooo!

Aww noo! why not??? Is it the HalloWishes? (I think that's what it's called)

Whew! All caught up!

Congrats on completing your FPs! We still have about a week before we do ours. I am happy that RoL FP booking starts before our window opens, but we are keeping a close eye on ADRs for a dining package between now and then. We are hoping the Wishes FPs come back, but are not holding our breath.

I am SO SAD Pizza Planet is closed! Their antipasto salad was terrific!

Yayy! So glad you're caught up! I'm confused as to why they'd get rid of Wishes fastpasses? It was only around for a year right? Weird! I'm glad I'm not the only one sad about Pizza Planet closing! We can share our agony!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Hi everyone!!! I hope everyone’s winter is wrapping up. It’s almost the first day of Spring! Guess what? 50 days till Disney! I’m on the edge excited ALL the time. James does good with accepting it, but I can tell he isn’t sure what the big hype is about. He’s excited, but since he’s never been there’s only so much he can understand about MY excitement! Today I’m going to tell you all about our tentative Friday, May 6th plans!

Welcome all, to Animal Kingdom! Jambo!!!

This day I’m probably most excited about. I just adore this park. I’m excited for all the changes coming, but also very nervous about how this day will go. You see, River’s of Light will indeed be open. I am BEYOND excited about this. It just upsets me that there’s no time yet. Obviously it’ll be around 8, since it won’t even be dark until then. But can’t Disney release the showtime yet? Or will I have to wait until April 22nd when it opens to find out? 8 would be perfect. We have 6pm dinner reservations at…

It really is a wild place to shop and eat!!!

I love this place. Right now, it says the park closes at 6. Originally it said 5, so our reservation was at 5. But now it says 6, so I moved it. But now I know Rivers of Light will be open, so I hope it doesn’t interfere with that. How are people suppose to plan their dinner reservations without proper park closing and RoL times?? Ahh Disney you give me anxiety. I think it’ll be like Fantasmic, where you wanna arrive an hour before the show. So if it’s at 8, with dinner at 6 we should be all set!

But wait, I jumped ahead..like..a WHOLE Animal Kingdom day! Let’s begin with our morning plans…

7 AM wake up call! We will hit breakfast at 7:30, and probably be at the bus stop around 8.

Next stop, Animal Kingdom!

Last year, my family and I got there around 9:30. It was our earliest morning of the trip, and the only reason everyone agreed to it was because it’d be an early night.

We were greeted by these two handsome fellas:

I’ve noticed that this pre-trip report is a bit of a trip report for last May. But if anyone is interested in a May trip, or just loves looking at Disney pictures, then no harm done!


After Animal Kingdom rope drop, we will take our time and say hello to this lil guy:

Then take our time seeing all the creatures as we head toward Africa.

We will get our Starbucks coffee in Africa!

Then, it’s off to hop in line for Festival of the Lion King!

We did the 10am show last year also, and we were one of the first in line and it wasn’t even a full theater- it was so nice.