Mickey and The Promise of Cheesy Dorito Fingers- Oct 2012 PTR Update 10/06

[amandaw]

i've been torn on the next trip- i REALLY want to go to Disneyland and see Cars Land. And next year is our whopping 5th anniversary. We got married in Coranado (San Diego) and i thought it would be fun to head there and visit Sea World as well at the same time. But I was having a hard time with the idea that i wouldn't see Disney World/ Fantasyland for 2-3 years if i made my next trip to Cali.

If we went to Cali for the 5% possible "Bonus" trip, then it wouldn't be as long until i went back to WDW. but i'm not really interested in Christmas at DL. This October trip would have been at DL except that they cancelled their food and wine this year and that was a main selling point for Chris. if only they had not, then it would be a possibliity of DL with Cars Land and then WDW with Fantasyland back to back. How awesome that would have been! but please don't think i'm complaining. i know that its a blessing to even be able to think about trips like these. but the decisions are hard sometimes!!

I don't think you're complaining at all! It can be very hard to make these decisions - even if they're good decisions to have to make. I really want to go to DL too. I've never been & Cars Land looks awesome! I would probably really consider doing DL this year if it happens. That could possibly work out well for y'all!

 

[PixieMama]

Definitley make some ADRs for December now... you can always cancel them later. And even if the December trip is last-minute, it might be a good thing. Since you will have already been there a few months prior, maybe the Dec trip could be "relaxed", you wouldn't have to plan so much.

 

[lbuzz52]

I'm late to the double digit dance. Congrats!!



That would be awesome to get two trips in!! Whether it's to CA or FL, that's great!!

Sounds like you have some very important decisions to make.

Maybe you can work on the short term plans (Oct and Dec) and if things work out for next year Dec that's even better! Make your ADRs, you can always cancel them if this Dec doesn't pan out. But now's the time to make those plans. I don't know the cancellation policy on the candlelight processional, but definately look into it! I think if you have tickets for MVMCP and that doesn't pan out you are out of luck? I don't know, we haven't done the party in years and year.

It really stinks that he won't know anything until so late. We would probably have to skip out on candlelight but maybe we'd luck out with the party. Hopefully we would have a date that did not sell out. (a girl can hope...)

I'm trying to be realistic and not get my hopes up. Especially because of we did go it would be financially helpful to know. I have not finished the numbers but I'm thinking it may be better possibly to do TIW/ annual pass for at least 1 of us with dining not free in either case

Hmmm....thats a dilemma. What about a Disney cruise? Is that a possibility...maybe with a one day add on to see MK at Christmas? Or maybe have him work this year and save the money for Christmas next year. That way more of Fantasyland will be done and who knows maybe you can even splurge on a deluxe.

That's such a tough week to travel. We are leaving Christmas Day and coming back on NY day...but leaving my son with his g-parents. It will be our 10th anniversary on NYE...so its a big one...otherwise no way would I leave my baby on Christmas.

I would love a cruise but he is still dead set against one. I was so surprised a few months ago when he said he wants to wake up one Christmas morning and have Santa to our resort room. I know it will be crazy busy compared to what we are used to though. So with that thought the back to back is extra exciting because we won't feel as pressures to do everything because it will be fresh in our mind

I don't think you're complaining at all! It can be very hard to make these decisions - even if they're good decisions to have to make. I really want to go to DL too. I've never been & Cars Land looks awesome! I would probably really consider doing DL this year if it happens. That could possibly work out well for y'all!

The practical side of me system Disneyland. But the emotional side says the connection to wdw is too strong not to choose at Christmas

Definitley make some ADRs for December now... you can always cancel them later. And even if the December trip is last-minute, it might be a good thing. Since you will have already been there a few months prior, maybe the Dec trip could be "relaxed", you wouldn't have to plan so much.

but planning is half the fun
I do think I will look at some adds, just in case. I've had trips I started planning before that ended up not panning out. At least this one won't be so depressing with October on the horizon!

 

[hunterfaimly]

Joining in, we are going back to POR October 21-27. We stayed there August 2010, Santa sent us there for Christmas and we booked bounce back it's like our home resort. You will love it. In our 3 trips we have only stopped at PoFQ once. It really isn't a big deal, the boat to DTd always stops there though. When we surprised our girls on Christmas morning we blew up balloons with helium and taped them to the bottom of the biggest box we could find also put a letter from Santa. Worked great.

Noelle

 

[lbuzz52]

82 days. 12 Saturdays. Its almost here! i better get a move on it!



Day 3- ISH
Magic Kingdom

We are used to having at least 2 full days at Magic Kingdom. So this trip will be a little different in our scheduling for MK. We have one full day, and it ends early because it’s a party day. We will also have a couple hours on departure day, and then party afternoon. I’ve got to really think about how I want to schedule these days, especially now that we can’t horde fastpasses. For the most part, we won’t have to do baby swap passes. So while that will give us extra time by not having to go through the fastpass line twice, it won’t help with having an unscheduled fastpass. I’ve got to really review the wait times and redo my fastpass priorities. So I’m just going to write about our must do’s mostly.



I think at this point we may be prioritizing Merida and the speedway on our early morning- splitting up for those two activities.



So- our must-do’s



Merida- Maya wants to meet her for sure. There is no getting out of this one. So I’m hoping and praying that we make it in line for an early meeting. Actually I’d love to be first. We were so lucky to be first in line for Rapunzel last year. So I know it would be a small miracle to be so again. But how cute would this be-

If you happen to be first in line, you get the special treat of getting to call out the bears. I didn't know that when we were there (I just wanted to do her first thing). Merida comes down the ramp and takes the first family in line by the hand, leads them up the ramp and explains that she can't find her bears She asks them to count with her and say, "come out bears!" at which point they pop up and then the kids and Merida go see them. Super super cute and a bit of magic for us that day!




Tom Sawyer’s Island- another new one for us. I just want to explore a bit there. I plan on leaving it for a way to waste time while waiting for a FP or for a busy time period.


Great Goofini- For any of you who have ridden this, which do you think is faster/ wilder- this or BTMRR? I don’t want to scare James off one because of the other. I remember the barnstormer being pretty fast.


Woody & Jessie Meet & Greet - we have never met Jessie and I want to. The line is always outrageous when we pass it, so I plan on studying their schedule and being in line during a break time.

TTA- I rode this in the 80’s- Maya thinks she wants to ride Space, I’m not sure she does. But we’ll probably do this first so she’ll catch a small glimpse inside.


Pirate’s League- I’m looking forward to this so much! I’m thrilled to have found something to make both my kiddos happy at the same time! I think that this will be a blast and I can’t wait to see the secret room!


Splash Mountain – this is a double must do- James has been waiting for this for a year and a half now. Every time he sees the Disney commercials, sees the castle in the movie, hears anything park related, he talks about the water mountain. I’ll never forget the way he stared longingly at every group that dropped by the bridge on our last trip. I can’t wait for him to ride this. I really hope he is 40”. We have to work on standing tall because he’s so close right now. I don’t want him to be at that right at 40” stage where some CM’s let him on and some don’t.

Train- i haven’t ridden this since the 80’s, and the kids have never been on it. James loves trains! We’d have to do a full loop because I’m definitely taking one stroller.


Dumbo- can you believe we actually skipped this last trip? Chris does not like it. well, mostly, he does not like the line. I really want to see the new queue though, and we are riding it this time.

Peter Pan- traditionally, this is our first ride at MK. For this trip, I’ll probably settle for it being the first family ride if James wants to ride speedway while we wait for Merida. If not, we will hit it if the line is short after Merida.


Mickey meet and greet- we really rushed through this last time. I’d like to really take in the details.


Pirates- must do, especially after Pirates League. This is probably our most ridden ride at MK.

BTMRR- a favorite from childhood, and it will be James’ first ride!


Haunted Mansion- must do


IASW- probably do at least once

As you can see, it's always been one of James' favorites​

Teacups- must do


Pooh- Must Do


Princess Meet & Greet- must do, especially with Rapunzel there.


Buzz- I’m sure James won’t let us pass this by, I want to do it on our full park day, before we ride TSMM


Speedway- another I’m sure James won’t let us pass by. I could do without the long line in the sun though J


Space Mountain- only if Maya does indeed want to do it. Chris and I could both skip it. it makes me a little queasy.


Celebrate- It’s my favorite out of the current every-day parades
Here’s an old pic of Maya at Celebrate. She still feels as strongly about it!

And the I’d like to do if the time permits-

Haircut- while I’d like to do this, I’m not sure its going to fit in the schedule this time. I would just have James trimmed and maybe do the glitter for Maya.

Jungle Cruise

Aladdin’s flying carpets

Carousel of Progress




So we have plenty of new to at least one of us things to do for these days too!

I'm saving the MK food for another post!

 

[lbuzz52]

Joining in, we are going back to POR October 21-27. We stayed there August 2010, Santa sent us there for Christmas and we booked bounce back it's like our home resort. You will love it. In our 3 trips we have only stopped at PoFQ once. It really isn't a big deal, the boat to DTd always stops there though. When we surprised our girls on Christmas morning we blew up balloons with helium and taped them to the bottom of the biggest box we could find also put a letter from Santa. Worked great.

Noelle

Thanks for joining in! I'd love to hear any tips you may have for POR! You mean that the busses have only stopped at POFQ once? were you there in slow or busy times? your surprise sounds so fun!

 

[Chelley00]

Great Goofini- For any of you who have ridden this, which do you think is faster/ wilder- this or BTMRR? I don’t want to scare James off one because of the other. I remember the barnstormer being pretty fast.

Goofini (AKA Barnstormer) is much "littler" than BTMR. BTMR is faster, bumpier and longer. Goofini would be a good intro coaster.

 

[amandaw]

It is kind of hard now to make touring strategies with the FP enforcement. But, I think y'all will probably get everything done on the To Do list! Reid is able to ride the 40" rides this year, too & I'm hoping he'll like them. I'm putting him on Barnstormer first....hope it doesn't scare him away from trying BTMRR. Also, I'm sure you probably already know this but thought I would mention it just in case.......Dumbo now has FP's, the machines are outside of Mickey's Philharmagic.

I really hope y'all get to be 1st in line for Merida! That sounds like a great experience! We met Woody & Jessie last year. I knew that they come back after the parade at 4 pm. So, we lined up right after the parade, about 345. We were just a few people back & got to meet them rather quickly.

 

[lovethattink]

82 days. 12 Saturdays. Its almost here! i better get a move on it!



Day 3- ISH
Magic Kingdom

We are used to having at least 2 full days at Magic Kingdom. So this trip will be a little different in our scheduling for MK. We have one full day, and it ends early because it’s a party day. We will also have a couple hours on departure day, and then party afternoon. I’ve got to really think about how I want to schedule these days, especially now that we can’t horde fastpasses. For the most part, we won’t have to do baby swap passes. So while that will give us extra time by not having to go through the fastpass line twice, it won’t help with having an unscheduled fastpass. I’ve got to really review the wait times and redo my fastpass priorities. So I’m just going to write about our must do’s mostly.



I think at this point we may be prioritizing Merida and the speedway on our early morning- splitting up for those two activities.



So- our must-do’s



Merida- Maya wants to meet her for sure. There is no getting out of this one. So I’m hoping and praying that we make it in line for an early meeting. Actually I’d love to be first. We were so lucky to be first in line for Rapunzel last year. So I know it would be a small miracle to be so again. But how cute would this be-

If you happen to be first in line, you get the special treat of getting to call out the bears. I didn't know that when we were there (I just wanted to do her first thing). Merida comes down the ramp and takes the first family in line by the hand, leads them up the ramp and explains that she can't find her bears She asks them to count with her and say, "come out bears!" at which point they pop up and then the kids and Merida go see them. Super super cute and a bit of magic for us that day!

We visited Merida once, it's in my perpetual TR with a link to it in the index. My suggestion would be to head straight to her line. It's an awesome meet!!! Both Maya and Buzz will love it!!

Great Goofini- For any of you who have ridden this, which do you think is faster/ wilder- this or BTMRR? I don’t want to scare James off one because of the other. I remember the barnstormer being pretty fast.

The Barnstormer is much milder than BTMRR. It's the exact same track, same speed as before refurb. My little guy loves it, but it does bounce his head around too much for him to go on it anymore. Even with us putting our arm behind his head it still bounced around.

TTA- I rode this in the 80’s- Maya thinks she wants to ride Space, I’m not sure she does. But we’ll probably do this first so she’ll catch a small glimpse inside.

They put up some additional barriers that block part of the viewing area making that part a bit darker on TTA. Be sure to have her sit on the left if riding backwards or the right if riding forward for her to see inside Space Mt better.

Pirate’s League- I’m looking forward to this so much! I’m thrilled to have found something to make both my kiddos happy at the same time! I think that this will be a blast and I can’t wait to see the secret room!

How fun!!

Splash Mountain – this is a double must do- James has been waiting for this for a year and a half now. Every time he sees the Disney commercials, sees the castle in the movie, hears anything park related, he talks about the water mountain. I’ll never forget the way he stared longingly at every group that dropped by the bridge on our last trip. I can’t wait for him to ride this. I really hope he is 40”. We have to work on standing tall because he’s so close right now. I don’t want him to be at that right at 40” stage where some CM’s let him on and some don’t.

It's been a long time, but they use to be able to measure a child that was questionable at guest serices and if tall enough could get a wristband or something to present that he can ride. Do they still do this?

Train- i haven’t ridden this since the 80’s, and the kids have never been on it. James loves trains! We’d have to do a full loop because I’m definitely taking one stroller.

You are allowed to take your own personal stroller on the train, just not a Disney one. Instead, you take your tag from your disney rental off the stroller and you'll get a new stroller at whichever stop you get off. (Again, it's been a long time, so perhaps this has practice has changed too?)

Dumbo- can you believe we actually skipped this last trip? Chris does not like it. well, mostly, he does not like the line. I really want to see the new queue though, and we are riding it this time.

If you can, try to get a daytime ride and a night time ride! The lights and the fountains have such a different effect from day to night!! The fountains are so pretty around Dumbo!!


[/QUOTE]

Sounds like a great day planned!! Looking forward to your food choices!

 

[lbuzz52]

Goofini (AKA Barnstormer) is much "littler" than BTMR. BTMR is faster, bumpier and longer. Goofini would be a good intro coaster.

i don't know why i have it in my head that it seemed faster to me the last time i rode it. i also seem to think that my nephew was scared on it but road BTMR about 10 times. maybe that 's why?

It is kind of hard now to make touring strategies with the FP enforcement. But, I think y'all will probably get everything done on the To Do list! Reid is able to ride the 40" rides this year, too & I'm hoping he'll like them. I'm putting him on Barnstormer first....hope it doesn't scare him away from trying BTMRR. Also, I'm sure you probably already know this but thought I would mention it just in case.......Dumbo now has FP's, the machines are outside of Mickey's Philharmagic.

I really hope y'all get to be 1st in line for Merida! That sounds like a great experience! We met Woody & Jessie last year. I knew that they come back after the parade at 4 pm. So, we lined up right after the parade, about 345. We were just a few people back & got to meet them rather quickly.

yes, it will be different with a new strategy but i think doable. i could see only getting to ride favorites once or twice instead of three or four times but we can handle that. great idea to hit woody and jessie after the parade. we usually watch in Frontierland anyway.

We visited Merida once, it's in my perpetual TR with a link to it in the index. My suggestion would be to head straight to her line. It's an awesome meet!!! Both Maya and Buzz will love it!!


i think we will. the archery sounds fun too!


The Barnstormer is much milder than BTMRR. It's the exact same track, same speed as before refurb. My little guy loves it, but it does bounce his head around too much for him to go on it anymore. Even with us putting our arm behind his head it still bounced around.


[COLOR="Magenta)"]i think he'll do okay with bouncy! [/COLOR]

They put up some additional barriers that block part of the viewing area making that part a bit darker on TTA. Be sure to have her sit on the left if riding backwards or the right if riding forward for her to see inside Space Mt better.


good to know, thanks!


How fun!!



It's been a long time, but they use to be able to measure a child that was questionable at guest serices and if tall enough could get a wristband or something to present that he can ride. Do they still do this?


i have not heard of this. anyone else?

You are allowed to take your own personal stroller on the train, just not a Disney one. Instead, you take your tag from your disney rental off the stroller and you'll get a new stroller at whichever stop you get off. (Again, it's been a long time, so perhaps this has practice has changed too?)




If you can, try to get a daytime ride and a night time ride! The lights and the fountains have such a different effect from day to night!! The fountains are so pretty around Dumbo!!

great idea!


[/SIZE][/COLOR]

Sounds like a great day planned!! Looking forward to your food choices![/QUOTE]

 

[lbuzz52]

Sorry I've been MIA lately...Its been a crazy busy month here.

Last week, school started back. I really slacked all summer and went back to our preferred night owl schedule. I should have made myself gradually change back to earlier nights and mornings but i did not. so all last week i found myself wide awake at 130 or 2 am, and quite crabby when we got up at 6am. By Friday i was exhausted and pretty useless. Okay, actually, i was pretty out of it all week. I forgot my camera on Monday, forgot her lunch on tuesday, and forgot the memory card for the camera on wednesday

The weekend before school started was Maya's 7th birthday. I woke her up and gave her a Brave tee shirt. she smiled as told me she better be able to go meet Merida before she outgrows it

We started our morning with a trip to Sweet and Sassy. I had picked up a groupon a week or so before. So i took Maya and she had her nails painted, some light makeup and an updo. Well, BBB it was not, and i probably made an enemy out of the lady because i made her redo the hair. there were so many bumps in it the first time. and then it ended up extremely crooked. it didn't matter though because maya liked it.

we took some friends of hers to the movies to see Brave for her party. And had a great time, and i had a great time not cleaning up! For goody bags, i bought the brave stadium cups at the party store, and filled them with candied popcorn- have you seen that on pinterest? you color the popcorn by melting butter, corn syrup, and a packet of koolaid and then mixing the popcorn in it. what a mess LOL! it turned out cute, but i spent hours breaking it apart for the cups. i was afraid to make it too early, thinking it would go stale before the party. if i ever make it again i'll make it earlier and let it set out for a long while before bagging it up. it would work best on some sort of drain pan for drying.

For dinner she chose a local mexican restaurant. she wanted to go there because they whip cream your face on your birthday. for some reason that really excited her!

singing happy birthday...

and they got her from behind...

​

James' half birthday falls on the same day as her full birthday, so he gets a small gift on her birthday and vice versa. I went ahead and gave him the buzz lightyear wings/gloves that i picked up at disney store twice upon a year sale a few weeks ago.

Maya only wanted one thing for her birthday... i felt it was excessive, but Chris really pushed for it. I knew she really wanted it, she had been talking about it all summer. our library was giving one out in a drawing for summer reading participants, and she read every day in an effort to be the one to win the drawing. so i gave in and made sure she understood that she wouldn't normally get a gift this large, not to expect it next year, etc

She loves her Kindle Fire! She's a great kid, and i can trust her to do as she is told with it. She is allowed a limited time on it each day for games/ apps, and as much time as she wants for reading or learning activities. i've blocked her from the internet, but she doesn't mind. she's been great about sharing it with James and it will be nice to have it on the airplane.


I hope to get another update up today or tomorrow... all about Food!


and i checked my ticker today....... 58 days!

 

[amandaw]

HAPPY (late) BIRTHDAY TO MAYA!!!

The pictures of her in her tiara are precious!

I think the Kindle Fire is a great gift! I know what you mean about not always expecting expensive gifts. But, that's one that should last her many years.

 

[drlaurafsu]

Happy Birthday to Maya!
I know what you mean about school. We start back today. Summer went fast and Disney is coming up faster than I realize I'm sure!

Great pictures of your little ones!

 

[lbuzz52]

Happy Birthday to Maya!
I know what you mean about school. We start back today. Summer went fast and Disney is coming up faster than I realize I'm sure!

Great pictures of your little ones!

yes, its that planning time when i realize i've been letting it slack a bit, saying i have forever, and its not true anymore!!!!!!! i can' think of worse predicaments

i'm kind of frustrated by our school schedule this year. they are in the process of combining the city and county school systems (sort of). next year everything will be final. last year they both started on the same day. they got out a full week for fall break, but we got out three days before them. this year, we started on the same day, they get the full week for fall break compared to our two, and then we get out a half day before. what gives? i was hoping it would lead to us having a full fall break in the future but now i'm not so sure. its really silly anyway that they are combining it. the county schools don't want to be part of the city schools, so they are doing their best to get a municipal school district (or 4) started. that means they are trying to raise sales tax and property taxes in the county. all because these parents want to be uppity about the district name. i know as a whole the city schools here are bad. but i would choose our school over any local school, city or county. our school is great because of the parental involvement and the teacher involvement. everyone wants the kids to succeed and does what is necessary for that to happen. if they have that now, then changing the district name won't change that. if not, then well good luck to them anyway. off my soapbox, it just irritates me because our sales tax is already almost 10% and i love to shop LOL!

HAPPY (late) BIRTHDAY TO MAYA!!!

The pictures of her in her tiara are precious!

I think the Kindle Fire is a great gift! I know what you mean about not always expecting expensive gifts. But, that's one that should last her many years.

thanks!!

that was my other reservation, i like to give age appropriate things, because i want to have something left for later. too many 5 years olds with Wii's and DS's and mom's old iphone and then its like what's next? but i can't say i was sorry to not add more toys to the mix LOL. as you can see behind her, she still got plenty from friends and family. i love that i was encourage her love for reading! I am now a firm believer in reading to your kids/ in front of your kids/ with your kids.

 

[PixieMama]

Happy (belated) Birthday to Maya! She looks so cute in her Merida tee... and too funny what she said about her meeting Merida before she outgrows the tee! If she only knew...

 

[lovethattink]

Happy birthday to Maya. Too funny that she wanted to eat there because they whip cream your face on your birthday! How fun for James to get stuff too! To Infinity and beyond!

 

[lbuzz52]

I may have to give up Earl of Sandwich to make time for this...



Phineas & Ferb” will invade another area of Walt Disney World Resort: Beginning September 1, guests of all ages can participate in a complimentary augmented reality offering at Downtown Disney called “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality.”

The experience, which will take place next to Bongos Cuban Café, will allow guests to step onto a platform and virtually interact with Phineas, Ferb, Dr. Doof and Agent P (in their animated forms) on a screen above. Fans can expect to experience any one of 20 different interactions, from dancing “The Platypus Walk” to getting caught in Dr. Doof’s Freeze-inator.

Afterward, guests can digitally share a complimentary souvenir photo of their animated interaction with their family and friends.

Special “Phineas & Ferb” merchandise will also be available.

“Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality” will run through December 1, and is open from 2-9:30 p.m., daily.

From the Disney Parks Blog

 

[amandaw]

I read about that yesterday. Seems really cool & fun!

 

[lbuzz52]

Happy birthday to Maya. Too funny that she wanted to eat there because they whip cream your face on your birthday! How fun for James to get stuff too! To Infinity and beyond!

My mom always gave us a small gift on our siblings birthday, sort of a consolation prize for not getting the attention that day. i always thought it was a nice idea. for my two, they just happen to share half birthdays.
thanks for the birthday wishes!

Happy (belated) Birthday to Maya! She looks so cute in her Merida tee... and too funny what she said about her meeting Merida before she outgrows the tee! If she only knew...

i know! it was all i could do to keep quiet! she keeps saying she wishes we could go, i keep agreeing with her. i'm glad we are on the downstretch because this secret stuff is hard!

 

[lbuzz52]

I read about that yesterday. Seems really cool & fun!

i was bummed to see that we were going to miss the magic, the memories, and me. we knew we wouldn't catch it this trip with our schedule, but hoped to see it next trip. we missed it last trip as well.

so having good timing on this event is awesome! my whole family enjoys P&F, and even James likes to play Where's Perry, so this should be fun for all!