Mike & Missy's Grand Adventure! A DCL & WDW Pre-TR w/ pics! Updated-09/18

[ibela]

And how's your dad doing?

 

[UGAFan0829]

OK, I think I'm all caught up. The pirate costumes are super cute and I *love* those swim trunks you picked up!



You may want to double check but I think you can't make the online reservations until after you're paid in full so if you plan on paying 6/27, I think you can't book excursions and Palo until 6/27. . .



OK, those are cute but I think $150+ is a lot for those 2 gifts. Especially b/c I think the delivery charge will probably be about $20 each! Why not make your own gift baskets? You're going to be in WDW beforehand so you can easily pick the ears up there. Sorry, I don't remember how you're getting to the port, are you renting a car? If so, there's a Walmart very close by (about 5 minute drive) and they sell a LOT of Disney stuff, like a whole section of basically everything you can buy in the parks (ex. the misters were $15 or $20 in the park but $5 at Walmart and it had a different Disney image on it but was still Disney). I'd go there and get whatever you want/need. Not sure exactly where you can get flowers but I'm sure there are places around, and just bring it with you. Or maybe instead of flowers (if you can't find or if it's too messy to carry) a bottle of wine? Alternatively, how about calling a local florist and asking how much it'd be? I'm sure it'd be cheaper than going through Disney direct.

You are right about not being able to book anything until after the final payment is made. I guess I just typed that wrong! I'm hoping that the final payment will be made before then, but as long as it's made by that date, then that's all that matters. We are going to wait until the DSIL and DN can book their stuff anyway, just to make sure that we're all able to get the same thing.

I didn't even think of making my own baskets for the gifts. I talked to the DH about it yesterday, and he thinks that maybe we should just do the Bon Voyage stateroom celebration and let that be for the both of them. It would definitely be a lot more budget friendly to do it that way. Actually, we won't be in Disney until after the cruise, so we wouldn't be able to pick the mouse ears up in time anyway. I'm going to keep thinking about it, but I think we may just go with the stateroom celebration after all!

And how's your dad doing?

Awww, thanks so much for asking about him! He's doing well, I think. He's back to work, which doesn't suprise me even though the Dr. wanted him to wait just a little while longer. Pretty much, he's doing everything that he was before, minus just a little of the really heavy lifting and things like that! He doesn't have 100% of his energy back, but that's to be expected, I think.

 

[Jennifer48]

Those baskets are cute but I agree with the prices. There is a woman on the DIS that lives in FL and makes baskets herself that you can customize. Prices are cheaper but I'm not sure how much. She has permission from DCL to have her gifts sent to staterooms.

I apologize for not knowing her name but if you do a search on the cruise thread, you'll see it. Many people love her work and I heard she is easy to work with.

Hope that helps....a little!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Those baskets are cute but I agree with the prices. There is a woman on the DIS that lives in FL and makes baskets herself that you can customize. Prices are cheaper but I'm not sure how much. She has permission from DCL to have her gifts sent to staterooms.

I apologize for not knowing her name but if you do a search on the cruise thread, you'll see it. Many people love her work and I heard she is easy to work with.

Hope that helps....a little!

I think I know who you're talking about-Shirley from the Perfect Gift. I can't believe I didn't think about her already! I may have to send her an e-mail to see what she can put together!

Thanks for reminding me of her!!

 

[Jennifer48]

I think I know who you're talking about-Shirley from the Perfect Gift. I can't believe I didn't think about her already! I may have to send her an e-mail to see what she can put together!

Thanks for reminding me of her!!

Yes, Shirley! I kept thinking Sharon and I didn't want to post that and steer you in the wrong direction! I hope she gives you more reasonable prices!

 

[mickeysmyhero]

[
'Ohana for breakfast-We've never been to 'Ohana at all! I really like Lilo and Stitch, and the food looks so yummy! I can't wait to try some of the potatoes there!!


Sorry this is a little late, but my family and I have dined at several disney restaurants, and Ohana for breakfast is by far our favorite!!! I'm sure you will enjoy!

 

[UGAFan0829]

[
Sorry this is a little late, but my family and I have dined at several disney restaurants, and Ohana for breakfast is by far our favorite!!! I'm sure you will enjoy!

It's not late at all-I'm glad that you gave me your opinion on 'Ohana! And I'm really glad that you like it so much-that makes me even more excited to try it. Keep your fingers crossed that I'm able to get a reservation there!

 

[UGAFan0829]

According to the little countdown clock that I have on my desk...

ONLY 100 MORE DAYS...Until we leave for Florida! Wow...It's amazing how fast time has flown by. Back when we booked the trip, I remember thinking that it would take forever for this trip to get here, and tomorrow we'll be in double digits!

 

[LindaBabe]

LOved all the shoes you showed, but the two pairs you already own are JUST as nice!

Shirley does lovely gift baskets, but they will also cost you around 75 plus deliver, that Disney charges the companies.

I think if you order the stateroom celebration - that's the thrifty option. You could also make a couple small baskets to take with you - with things you can buy at home - for your niece - a beach basket with sunscreen, lip balm, some non-melting prepackaged snacks, that sort of thing, packed in a sand pail. For your sil - a happy birthday basket? the same sort of things you'd give her at home. She'll be given a cake in the diningroom on her birthday, if you let the servers know in advance.

Ohana? Two words - MICKEY WAFFLES!

A beach in cocoa beach - we like Laurie ?? park on "I Dream of Jeanne Lane" Jetty park is also nice, but costs.

Couple of supper suggestions in cocoa beach also - Pita Palace - very inexpensive, right next door Fish House, almost as inexpensive, and on the channel - Fish Lips - a little nicer and more expensive, but not totally outrageous.

Have fun! I've enjoyed your pre-trippie!

 

[UGAFan0829]

LOved all the shoes you showed, but the two pairs you already own are JUST as nice!

Shirley does lovely gift baskets, but they will also cost you around 75 plus deliver, that Disney charges the companies.

I think if you order the stateroom celebration - that's the thrifty option. You could also make a couple small baskets to take with you - with things you can buy at home - for your niece - a beach basket with sunscreen, lip balm, some non-melting prepackaged snacks, that sort of thing, packed in a sand pail. For your sil - a happy birthday basket? the same sort of things you'd give her at home. She'll be given a cake in the diningroom on her birthday, if you let the servers know in advance.

Ohana? Two words - MICKEY WAFFLES!

A beach in cocoa beach - we like Laurie ?? park on "I Dream of Jeanne Lane" Jetty park is also nice, but costs.

Couple of supper suggestions in cocoa beach also - Pita Palace - very inexpensive, right next door Fish House, almost as inexpensive, and on the channel - Fish Lips - a little nicer and more expensive, but not totally outrageous.

Have fun! I've enjoyed your pre-trippie!

Thanks for the nice comments on my shoes. I'm glad that you liked them!

I haven't had time to contact Shirley about the baskets yet, so I appreciate you giving me the heads up on what she charges! Your ideas are awesome. Thanks so much for the input on that-I certainly appreciate it!

I didn't realize that 'Ohana had Mickey Waffles. Now I'm even more excited!

And thank you for all the suggestions on Cocoa Beach. Fish Lips sounds fun! I really appreciate you taking the time to share all this with me. It sure helps a lot!

 

[Jennifer48]

double digit dance for you!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Hello everyone!
My how time is flying! I can’t believe that our trip is only 90 days away! I know that I haven’t had any “good” updates lately-but that’s about to change…Yesterday we added another night to the end of our Disney World stay! I am so very excited! I know it’s only a day, but it really takes a lot of stress away since we were wondering how we were going to be able to make it to all the parks and not feel totally rushed!
Mike and I were talking, and I brought the idea up. He agreed that it sounded like a good idea, but of course the first question that came up was “How much is it gonna cost?” So, I hung up with him and called Disney right away. I had my hopes up, but I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew that being able to add another night would depend on availability at our resort, and even then I wasn’t sure that we would be able to simply add another day of dining. I spoke to a wonderful CM named Jamie who probably thought I was crazy! I told her what I was looking for, she got all my info and then pulled up our reservation. She checked to see, and then told me that yes, we could do it! I was sooooo excited that I actually cried when I hung the phone up. Can you believe that we were able to add another night at Pop, an extra day of park tickets for the both of us, AND another day of dining all for only $116.00??!! I was shocked! Free dining really does pay off. We probably would have taken it even if it didn’t include the dining, as we were planning to pay for some a couple meals out of pocket anyway, but actually getting those extra meals is just icing on the cake!
Now, to make a long story even longer, Mike and I sat down last night and went over the Least Crowded Park charts from Tour Guide Mike and Touring Plans. I’ve never used Touring Plans before-I’ve always used TGM. And I was very surprised at how much they differ. I’m just hoping that we are making smart decisions on our park days. I think I’ve pretty much got the days figured out as to which park we’re going to on which day. Here’s what I have so far, and hopefully it won’t change, but you never know:

Saturday-9/12-Epcot-World Showcase-Since we will actually be getting off the ship on this day, I’m really not sure what time it will be before we are able to actually get into a park. Since I’m thinking it would definitely be too late to try and make it to any of the other parks by opening, I figured it would be a good day for World Showcase since it doesn’t open until 11 anyway. This way we can have breakfast on the ship, then make our way to Disney without feeling too much pressure about getting there by a certain time. More than likely, we’ll pick up lunch at the counter-service place in Mexico. We ate lunch there on our last trip and it was awesome. We’ve talked about it ever since, so that one’s a no brainer for us. Since we don’t spend a whole heck of a lot of time in World Showcase, the plan is to try and have dinner at the Wave, then make it back in time to see Illuminations. But I will just have to wait and see if we’re able to get anything once our ADR window opens up. If nothing is open at the Wave, then I’m going to try for ‘Ohana. I thought about eating somewhere in Epcot, but there is just no where that sounds good to us. I looked at all the menus on All Ears, but I couldn’t find a thing that both Mike and I would want. Hopefully getting to and from the Wave won’t be too bad.

Sunday-9/13-Animal Kingdom-There is so much in this park that we missed last trip, and I hope to be able to see most of it this year. We’d really like to try and see Festival of the Lion King, but we’ll see. We saw Nemo last trip, and I have to admit-neither of us cared for it. I really want to check out the character trails this time, too! As for food-we’ll probably just have breakfast at the resort, and a counter-service lunch in the park. I’m thinking Flame Tree BBQ again since we liked it so much last time. And since the park closes at 5, I’m hoping to be able to get a reservation at ‘Ohana for dinner on this evening. We’ve been wanting to eat there for a while now, but it just hasn’t worked out for us. I’m hoping that it does on this trip, but if not, then I’m going to try and go with the Wave as our backup.

Monday-9/14-Epcot-FutureWorld-I’m hoping to try and get either Chef Mickey’s or ‘Ohana for breakfast on this morning. Either one will be fine for us. And since we’ll hopefully be doing a breakfast, I doubt that we’ll be able to make it to park opening, and that’s okay if we don’t. I’m guessing that we will either have lunch in the park at some counter-service. I don’t have any dinner plans for this evening, as I hope to be able to schedule a portrait session at the Poly. We did a session at the GF last time, and it was a lot of fun. We ended up using one of the photos on our Christmas card. I’m not sure what we’ll do for dinner, probably grab something in the food court at the resort, or maybe even head to Downtown Disney. I’d love to eat at Earl of Sandwich again!

Tuesday-9/15-Hollywood Studios-This is the one park that I’m sort of disappointed with this year. We’ve really wanted to see Fantasmic this go-around, and they are only offering it ONCE during our trip, which is on the 13th. I’m betting that it’s going to be super crowded because everyone else is going to want to see it as well. So, I think we’re going to skip trying to see it again…I really don’t want to wait in line for an hour and a half just to try and see it, and I also don’t want to spend 2 credits on the Fantasmic dinner package either. That’s okay though because it only gives us one more thing to put on our list for the next trip! I hope to be able to get an ADR for Sci-Fi on this day. I’m going to try for dinner, but if I can’t get it then I’m going for lunch. And if I can’t get that, then I’m going to try for 50’s Prime Time. Breakfast will probably be in the resort food court and lunch will likely be counter-service (IF I can get Sci-Fi for dinner).

Wednesday-9/16-Magic Kingdom-This will be our last day in the parks, and I really can’t think of a better park to end our vacation with. Not to mention, I’ve heard that Wednesdays are great days to visit MK. I don’t have any plans for breakfast or lunch on this day, so it will probably be like some of the rest-food court for breakfast and counter-service lunch in the park. I am hoping to get Crystal Palace for dinner though. And if I can’t get it for dinner, then I’m going to try for lunch. And if I can’t get either of those, then we decided to try Tony’s Town Square backup. There is no Spectro on this night, but there is a Wishes, so I hope to catch that before ending our night in the MK.

Thursday-9/17-We’ll be heading home on this day, but I’m hoping to be able to get a later breakfast for either Chef Mickey’s or ‘Ohana…whichever I’m not able to get on the Monday that we’re in Epcot. We’ll probably head to Downtown Disney after breakfast to do our last shopping before we head home. And if I’m not able to fit it in earlier in the week, then I hope to do the Characters In Flight ride and hopefully Disney Quest since that’s another place that we’ve been trying to get to, but haven’t made it yet!

So there ya go-those are our plans-for now!! I hope they don’t change, and I really feel so much better now that we have this part planned and figured out. The last challenge will be calling to get our ADR’s. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’re able to get most of it!! I’d love to hear what y’all think about everything. I’m sure there may be some minor details that I’ve forgotten, so if you see anything wrong, let me know!

 

[Mickey's Goofy Gal]

Sounds like great plans! I know ya'll are excited and I can't believe it is only 90 days! With Kenny on his graduation trip this week and reading your plans, it makes me want to go on vacation really bad!!!!

 

[Jennifer48]

Awesome news about the added day!

Your plans look great. I can't believe you didn't like the Nemo show at AK. I thought that was the best stage show since FotLK!

 

[ibela]

I thought you could book the Fantasmic Package with Mama Melrose or Hollywood & Vine for only 1 credit? You should call up and ask if that's something you want to see.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Sounds like great plans! I know ya'll are excited and I can't believe it is only 90 days! With Kenny on his graduation trip this week and reading your plans, it makes me want to go on vacation really bad!!!!

I'm so glad that Kenny made it to the beach and back home safely! I bet he had an awesome time! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that next September works out to be a Disney trip for y'all! And, Daytona is a month away now, so it won't be long!!

Awesome news about the added day!

Your plans look great. I can't believe you didn't like the Nemo show at AK. I thought that was the best stage show since FotLK!

I know...I think we are definitely in the minority when I say that we didn't like it. I think the combination of the puppets and being able to actually see people was weird for us. Not to mention that we stood in line for what seemed like forever before we ever made it inside the theater, and it was very hot that day. By the time we got inside and the show actually started, it seemed like it took forever. But then, I guess it's good that some people (even if it is just us) don't care for it, that way it's less crowded...LOL!!

I thought you could book the Fantasmic Package with Mama Melrose or Hollywood & Vine for only 1 credit? You should call up and ask if that's something you want to see.

Hmmmm...I thought it was two credits, but maybe that's only for Brown Derby. I know that we ate there last trip with the package and it was 2 credits, but none of the other restaurants were available, so that's what we had to go with. I guess I just assumed that since Brown Derby was 2 credits, that all of the ones on the plan were 2. Either way, I'm afraid that the park is going to be totally crowded on that day since it's the only day that they are offering Fantasmic for that week, so we just decided to visit HS on a different day. It just gives us something else to look forward to on our next trip! Thanks for the info though...other wise I probably would have never known that the other restaurants were only 1 credit!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Guess what today was???? The day that I could make our ADR's! Yeaaa!
Making ADR's is definitely stressful for me...being the OCD person that I am when it comes to vacation planning, it always worries me that we won't get something that we've planned for, and it will totally mess things up.
I was definitely sweating it this morning, as I didn't get on the phone to call Disney Dining until a few minutes after 7. By the time I got through to the cue, the hold time was 30 minutes! I was a little scared, to say the least! I logged on to the DIS, and found lots of others who were on hold right along with me. I think I ended up waiting for about 45 minutes before I finally got a CM. It was a little nerve racking going through each restaurant and then waiting for him to tell me if it was available, but in the end WE GOT EVERYTHING THAT WE WANTED!! How awesome is that! So...here's where and when we'll be eating...
Saturday 9/13- Dinner at the Wave for 6:45. I was excited about getting this one since it's a new restaurant. I was a little worried when I first asked him about this one, because it took a little while to find any availability.
Sunday 9/14-Dinner at 'Ohana for 9:45. This one is a little later than I would have liked, but I'm just happy that we got something. There's still a little time for me to call and see if we can get anything earlier, but even if we have to stick with 9:45, I'll still be happy!
Monday 9/14- Breakfast at 'Ohana for 7:50. I was excited to get this one as well. I can't wait to eat with Lilo and Stitch!!!
Tuesday 9/15- Dinner at Sci-Fi for 5:55. I'm really glad that we got this one because Mike has wanted to eat here for a while now, and I'm kinda excited about it myself!
Wednesday 9/16- Dinner at Crystal Palace for 6. We've had breakfast here on our last two trips, so this will be a first for dinner here.
Thursday 9/17- Breakfast at Chef Mickey's for 9:10. This one is just the opposite of CP-We've only had dinner here and not breakfast, so I'm excited about this one as well.

I was really surprised that we got it all! I had some back-up restaurants just in case, but thankfully we didn't have to use them! I am really excited to be trying 3 new places that we've never eaten at before, and 2 new meals at places that we have been! Wooohoo! Making ADR's is definitely a lot of stress relieved, and it means that the trip is getting that much CLOSER!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Just for fun I thought I would post some pics of some of my favorite moments from our last trip back in 2007. We were there around the same time of year and had a BLAST. We stayed from Saturday-Saturday at CBR and LOVED every minute of our trip. From the time we got home, we've said that it was the best trip of our lives...I can only hope for the same for this year!

We drove down that Saturday, but didn't get to Disney until early afternoon. We got settled into our room at CBR, then headed over to Hollywood Studios for dinner at 50's Prime Time. This was definitely one of the best meals of the trip:

After dinner, we headed back to the resort and got ready for our Portrait Session over at the Grand Floridian:

The next morning was one of the highlights of our trip. We went on a Guided Fishing Excursion over at the Wilderness Lodge. It was my anniversary gift to Mike, and he loved it. I have to admit that I had an awesome time as well, and it was WELL worth the money!

After fishing, we headed over to Epcot and made our way around Future World. We rode all the rides that we wanted and had a great day there. We finished up the evening with dinner at Chef Mickey's!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Since the day before was spent in Future World, this day was dedicated to World Showcase. Splitting the park up into 2 days really worked out well for us. Since WS doesn't open until 11, we were able to sleep a little late which made it really nice. We had lunch at the Mexican counter service, which was really good. We loved the churros, and the view across the Lagoon.

We had dinner at Le Cellier that evening, then waited to watch Illuminations. It stormed a little, but we still had a great time, and the fireworks were the perfect ending to an awesome day!

 

[Jennifer48]

Your GF photo session came out really well! Very nice pictures!