MISSION:Implausible

[DL55]

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[mickiecake]

We're going to be staying in AKL savannah view bunk at the same time as you!!

Cool! Maybe we can meet up at the campfire for drinks one night!

Well, we get there two days later, but it's so cool to think when I'm walking around the Lodge and see a lady (any lady, every lady), I'll be thinking to myself, "Is that the crazy cake lady?"



Then again, you've got your days packed full with stuff to do, so you'll probably never be still enough for any of us to notice you. Think of a giant blur in a cartoonish, super hero jetting off to save the world kind of way, and that's my vision of you, LOL.

Just call me the Cake Commando!! Able to leap tall strollers in a single bound..

I, myself, have a mild Disney OCD, especially when it comes to planning. But...it must remain mild, because my DH is not the planning type. The last time we went, I started making plans. You know, like MK on this day, AK on that day, BB another day, so forth and so on, and you'd think the sky was falling on top of him. His approach is wake up and decide if you feel like visiting the World at Epcot, or are you in more of an animal mood today? It makes me bonkers!

OMG.. I would be planning in secret

We own our own seafood business (all you fish haters, BEWARE!),

so we always rush into our tasks and schedules to get everything done, and DH is absolutely NOT going to have a schedule on vacation.

Makes it difficult for ADR's. Last time, he only let me make one (at CRT). This time, he's openning up a little more, so if I keep working on him, I might get to pick like 3 or 4 of my faves and make the ADR's.

So, anyway, point is, YOU LUCKY DUCK! You get to feed your Disney OCD while I have to sit here and read about all your plans, wishing I was planning too!

Man, I would be a panic ridden mess if I couldn't feed my Disney OCD. DH just smiles and says "whatever you want, baby."

 

[Trentmom]

Man, I would be a panic ridden mess if I couldn't feed my Disney OCD. DH just smiles and says "whatever you want, baby."

If I could not plan, I would go nuts...Planning is so much fun

DH. just says, give me the dates I need off from work and when and where to be, and I will be there

Love my hubby

 

[Thats_for_Shore]

LOL, we could meet up at a campfire one night, but it would have to be a total random act of sheer luck, since hubby doesn't let me plan ANYTHING!

Well, to tell you the truth, my MIL is going in March, and she's into planning a little bit, so I take my OCD out on her. I'm like, "I have all this info, let me show you" and "You should make ADR's for this restaurant!" I've even looked up the Park Hours and EMH's for HER vacation. LOL.

She's a good sport, and she actually takes my advice sometimes.

 

[betsywdw]

OMG...I am loving your trippie Sharky sent me your way and now I know why! You have such a talented writing style!

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather I think it was very nice you did a post in his honor.

Your cakes are unbelievable! The Pooh one is so adorable! Once again, very talented!

I'll be at WDW at the same time as you! How cool! Cannot wait to read up on your planning! I'm going to take the quiz tomorrow when I have more time!

 

[Trentmom]

OMG...I am loving your trippie Sharky sent me your way and now I know why! You have such a talented writing style!

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather I think it was very nice you did a post in his honor.

Your cakes are unbelievable! The Pooh one is so adorable! Once again, very talented!

I'll be at WDW at the same time as you! How cool! Cannot wait to read up on your planning! I'm going to take the quiz tomorrow when I have more time!

Hey Betsy!! Funny how we keep running into each other

 

[njdisneyfreak]

This test should be administered to ALL newbies considering a Mouse-ful vacation! Please feel free to take the "quiz" (especially since some of these questions I really need answered)

1. How many days (minimum) would you consider enough for a comprehensive, first-timer's tour of WDW?

A. 4
B. 6
C. 10
D. 37

2. Would you agree that the Disney Dining Plan..

A. is a waste of Disney Dollars
B. is only practical for large families and/or bottomless teenagers
C. AWESOME!!
D. is enough food to feed a small villiage in Africa

3. There are 3 Pirate & Princess Parties scheduled for your first visit to WDW. Do you...

A. Go to the one on your first night there (Saturday)
B. Go to the one mid-visit (Wednesday)
C. Go to the one on your last day there (Saturday)
D. Have you seen how much those tickets COST?!?!?

4. Extra Magic Hours: Boon or bane?

A. STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS!!
B. Use evening EMH only
C. Use morning EMH only
D. Use both

5. Why are the water parks open in February?

A. I don't know.. what kind of idiots swim in Feb??
B. B/C it can actually warm enough to swim in Feb
C. To sell the water park & more ticket option
D. B/C Magical Disney Pixie Dust creates a weather bubble over both Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach (usually in January) that keeps the inner-bubble temperature at about 80 degrees.

6. First Day Touring: MK or NO WAY?

A. Do the MK FIRST.. it's the BEST!!
B. DO NOT do MK first, else you may be subjected to whiny, dissapointed kids who think all of WDW is Fantasyland.
C. Who cares? YOU'RE AT DISNEY!!

7. Mid-Day Sweepy Time!

A. Schedule hotel breaks mid-day.. or suffer the DEMON CHILDREN at dinner!
B. Why waste all that prime touring time on a NAP?!?
C. Yeah. Good luck dragging your kids back to the hotel for a fun filled NAP!!
D. Just sleep on a bench in the parks.

8. Getting Around the World (staying on-site)

A. Disney transpo.. the ONLY way to go!
B. RENT A FRIGGIN CAR!!
C. Disney transpo... you'll get there eventually.
D. Having your own wheels is nice, but taking the bus is ok, too.

9. Gotta have calories..

A. Disney table service restaurants are fun, (fairly) convienient, and add magic to your trip.
B. Two words: International Drive!
C. I'd rather be on Space Mountain.. give me counter service any day!
D. Gotta cooler back at the room! Ham sandwiches for EVERYONE!

10. Perfect age for a kid's first trip to WDW:

A. Dumbo
B. Space Mountain
C. Expedition Everest
D. Dinosaur!

11. 50's Prime Time..

A. YUM!
B. YUK!
C. Eh
D. FUN!

12. FASTPASS in February..

A. Love it!
B. Don't need em.
C. Who goes to WDW in February?!?



Hope you enjoyed the quiz!!

How fun! A WDW quiz. I'll have a go at it.

1. (A) - 4 days is an absolute minimum, allowing one day per park. However, ideally, I would have to say (C) - 10 days. This gives you 2 days for the MK, 2 days for Epcot, 1 day for AK, 1 day for the Studios, time to relax in between, a day to enjoy the waterparks, time to enjoy Downtown Disney, and time, of course, to travel to all the resorts (we always enjoy this).

2. (C) - Awesome! We have always used it. We love the convenience of having our meals paid for before we arrive and whenever we've figured out what we would most likely spend on dining, versus what we pay through the DDP, it's always been worth it.

3. (A) - Go first night. What a way to start off your long awaited WDW trip! If you can afford to go, then that would be my choice.

4. (D) - Use both. We try to take advantage of these opportunities, whenever possible. Entering the park before others are allowed is really a time saver. We also get better pics, with less people in the park. As for the evening ones, we get to ride our favorite rides over and over, which is always great fun. We've also gotten some of our best WDW character pics on these nights. For example, it's one of the few times we have been able to get a picture with Mickey and Minnie at the same time!

5. (B) B/C it can actually warm enough to swim in Feb - While people all over the country, people are trying to keep warm, you and your family are actually swimming and having a blast!

6. (A) Do the MK FIRST.. it's the BEST!! - How can you go to WDW without starting with the MK first?! That's anti-Disney!

7. (A) Schedule hotel breaks mid-day.. or suffer the DEMON CHILDREN at dinner! - While we don't have kids, we almost always take a mid-day break to return to the resort to either nap or use the pool. Sometimes, we use it, to walk around other resorts. Whatever we do with this time, we always return feeling so much more refreshed and ready to tackle the crowds and fun.

8. (A) Disney transpo.. the ONLY way to go! - I grew up with my DF driving us everywhere. As an adult, all we've used is Disney transpo, from the ME to the buses and monorail. We absolutely love it. We totally feel that the waits are worth it, compared with the waits to get back to the parking lots and getting out of the lots. So much less headache, IMHO.

9. (A) Disney table service restaurants are fun, (fairly) convienient, and add magic to your trip. - At least for us, they are! They're a part of the experience.

10. (A) Dumbo - Every child deserves to start off their WDW experience by riding Dumbo!

11. (D) FUN! - While the food isn't bad, we go more for the atmosphere. It's entertaining to eat there.

12. (A) Love it! - Though I've never gone in February, we are firm believers in using the Fastpass tickets whenever possible. Why wait in lines longer than is necessary?

The funny thing is, DH jokes that we are going to fall so in love with WDW, that we are going to end up moving to FLA. We have absolutely discussed moving out of state, (read:somewhere with $$$ to be had!)but the situation is complicated, and we agreed that we would wait until the boys are ready for middle school (2.5 years) before going anywhere. This is due largely in part to my mother's health, my love for their school, and the LARGE amount of family we have here.

Oh, that happened to us with our first trip, which was in 2002. We still feel that way, over five years later, and hope to move down there in the next few years. We don't entirely love living in the northeast, especially when winter comes around. Both of us love the warmer climate of FL, and we'd love to be WDW annual passholders and get the opportunities to go there more often.

 

[Thats_for_Shore]

Mickie -- I really think you'll fall in love...

You're going to be gone for quite a while....you'll get so used to relaxing and having fun, with no chores, no housekeeping, no cooking...

Going home will be such a drag. It's hard to get used to reality again. As soon as you get home (or maybe while you're on your way home), you'll be making plans for your next trip.

Believe me, I know. LOL.

 

[mickiecake]

This is from another post I made, but I figured it would fit in my trip report.


Just when I thought my planning for our first trip was going so well...

I have degenerated to chasing my DH around, notebook in hand, barraging him with questions like "Do you REALLY think we'll get up early enough for morning EMH?" and "Okay, where do you want to eat on Feb. 6th??". He has learned alot of his acronyms like a good boy. He even seems to have learned how to tune me out without getting that glazed look in his eyes or yawning!!

My Mom & my sister are both ready to choke me, and it's gotten to the point that I am getting on my OWN nerves!!!! DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY!! My bedroom is strewn with no less that 4 guidebooks, a dedicated 3 ring binder, spiral notebook, and 1/2 of the bulliten board! I have written notes in crayon. I have already canceled & rescheduled one whole set of ADRs. I HAVE LOST MY MIND.

Now, I've posted this stupid quiz called "WDW Entrance Exam" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1641824and now I wanna trash my whole itinerary!!! No P&PP on the day you arrive?? DO use morning EMH?!? Take a break, but maybe not?!?

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

So now what the heck do I do?
Do I rewrite my intineray, remake all of my ADRS?? Again?

Or do I say screw it, and keep things the way they are? Or maybe I could just rewrite the whole thing anyway, instead this time just arrange our days according to park fun-ness instead of by EMH? Since we are on the Deluxe Dining Plan, and want to eat mostly Table Service meals, I HAVE to know where we are going to be playing each day. I don't care if it IS February, I ain't goin nowhere without my ADR #'s!! My widdle tummy shrivels at the thought... .

So. I ask you, my DIS friends. My kind, experienced, and patient reader.. to HELP me with my sickness. HELP me figure out an itinerary, so I can put this monster to sleep. We have never been to Walt Disney World!! (well.. I went as a tee-nynee kid.. but that doesn't count!) How in the heck do I know if I will drag my bahooky outta bed at 6 AM for an 8 AM Rope Drop? Is 5 hours enough time between TS meals?? I DON'T KNOW!! Here is what we have now...
Feb 2-9, 2008


SAT - fly in (arrive Orlando 9:30 AM)/Check into AKL (leave luggage)/Go to MK/Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, 5 PM/Pirate and Princess Party 7 PM

SUN - Back to MK (PM EMH). Crystal Palace at 9 AM/Flying Fish at 5:30 PM/Back to MK- closes at mindnight. I am thinking 2 AM, in bed, asleep. (the boys are 8)

MON - MGM (no EMH) 11 AM 50s Prime Time/5 PM Sci-Fi, park open till 7

TUES - Epcot (AM EMH) Garden Grill 1 PM/Coral Reef 6:30 PM, park open til 9.

WED - Animal Kingdom (PM EMH) 9 AM Rainforest Cafe/8 PM Yachtsman Steakhouse/ Park open til 8. (dinner during EMH!)

THURS - Downtown Disney, resorts. 8:30 AM/ Chef Mickey's at CR/1 PM Whispering Canyon at WL/7:15 'Ohana at Poly (EMH that day is AM at MK AND PM at MGM)

FRI - Epcot PM EMH/ 2 PM Biergarten/8:10 PM Boma (at AKL)/park closes at 10 PM (once again,,, during EMH)

SAT - Checkout by 11 AM. Then off to Universal, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center!!

OK.. now my main issue right now is that MOST people said they would not go to a Pirate & Princess Party their first night on their first trip ever to WDW. Maybe a wee bit overwhelming.. for the boys AND us after being on the go since 4:30 AM that morning.

SO ... what now?

SAT- check in, enjoy our resort, eat dinner at Boma, and rest?
WED - Pirate and Princess Party at MK (less crowded anyway).. What now?

Should I schedule around EMH, or what I think we would enjoy the most? Is a 7 PM closure giving us anough time at MGM? All the Guides, and people say "Just do what YOU think is right for your family"... but how in the WORLD am I sposed to know how my family will react to our first vacation. Ever. ?? We usually like to sleep til bout 7 - 8 AM. Will we be so excited that we'll want to get up, get fed and watered, and to a park by 8 AM? I don't know!!

See what I mean? CANNOT COMPUTE. ERROR. My brain is showing me the

BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH . I am stuck. I just cannot decide. The only thing that I have decided to decide on was, that I had to have my plan DONE, no switching, twitching or b****ing by Sunday night, to call WDW DINE on Monday. And then that's IT. No more DISNEY! DISNEY! DISNEY! til after Christmas. I SWEAR.

So,, if you have any suggestions.. let em fly. If you think I'm one straw short of a broomstick, you can let that fly, too. I'm inclined to agree with ya, myself...
__________________

 

[Trentmom]

Okay.....take a deep breath and relax.


If you stress this much before trying to make your trip great, you are going to make yourself and everyone around you miserable..

That is a big no no

Planning should be fun



The only day that I saw maybe a problem with was....forget the day, but it was the one where you have Chef Mickey at 8:30, whispering Canyon at 1pm and Ohanas at 7:15.


I thinkg that is too much food wise...

I think, maybe you can skip Whispering Canyone Cafe, or push it back to 2...maybe..

I really don't think you are going to be hungry enough by 1pm

Just my personal opinion.

THe rest looks great.

I think switching the Pirate princess party to wednesday will probably be best.

Use your arrival date to just eat, relax and soak in the atompshere.

Maybe even go to Down Town Disney, if you all are not too tired...


I think in the first few days, you are going to find ourself staying out late and getting up early, with no problems.

About mid week, you are going to need a break..

I see the one day you don;t have ressies until 11am at MGM, use that day to sleep in.....It will refresh you a lot.

I also see that on the rest of the days there are long gaps between breakfast and dinner, so use the time between...to go back to hotel and maybe take a 2 hr break...let the kids nap and you, too if you need to.

I think you are going to have an amazing vacation as long as you relax and don;t stress


I hope I could help a bit

 

[eyenjeff]

Oh my goodness!! This report is great!!! You are a talented writer and I am hooked on hearing what is next!!! You will have an awesome time and watch out for the Dream squad, maybe you will win one of their dreams and be able to come back. We just came back and are now planning our next trip for Dec 2008 and I am already getting excited about it and it is over a yr away! I am going to live through all of you who are going before me! Can't wait to read more!

 

[mickiecake]

Oh my goodness!! This report is great!!! You are a talented writer and I am hooked on hearing what is next!!! You will have an awesome time and watch out for the Dream squad, maybe you will win one of their dreams and be able to come back. We just came back and are now planning our next trip for Dec 2008 and I am already getting excited about it and it is over a yr away! I am going to live through all of you who are going before me! Can't wait to read more!

Thank You! I am so glad people seem to have fun reading my PTR, since I have had so much fun writing it!! I've been meaning up update my itinerary, but I just haven't had time!

 

[DL55]

Okay, take a deep breath... let it out... and relax.
I agree with trentmom everything looks good. You would probably be to tired for Pirate/Princess Party on arrival day.
As for the itinerary, it's great to have some idea of where you want to be BUT it's not set in stone. You all will probably be excited the first days and will be able to get up early for EMH. Eventually you may not want to get up early..so don't. In Feb. if you get there at opening you should still be able to see most of the parks. Remember this is your vacation rest when you need to.
Relax!

 

[Trentmom]

Mickiecake....

Just checking in for an update.

Your writing is so entertaining.


Loooking forward to your next update

 

[DARuss]

Mickey, Keep up the great work. Can't wait to read more

 

[mickiecake]

Sorry I haven't posted lately!! I am PTO President at the boys' school, and we had Fear Factor Night Thursday. While it is a very fun event, it takes LOTS of planning to prepare, and I have been away from my DIS friends as a result! We had a great time, with over 200 parents and kids attending to compete. I'd have to say that bobbing for SPAM was the most popular event... with the exception of turning the PTO President (i.e. ME!!) into a Human Sundae. You know, when I came up with that one, it was intended for the Principal!!

So, needless to say I am still finding chocolate syrup in my hair... I ended up with 4 of my girls (and my husband.. the TRAITOR!!) behind me... 200 people shouting "SLIME HER! SLIME HER!".. in one of my best shirts, of course,,, they ended up dumping 2 cans of whipped cream, whole bottles of chocolate and strawberry syrups, a bowl of sprinkles AND a jar of cherries on my poor little head. Ugh. So, I promptly stood up and have my husband a great big, sloppy HUG. . I have very long hair, and I was literally WRINGING syrup out it. It was ALMOST as funny as when my secretary slipped on some slime and fell straight into the kiddie pool full of baked beans and spam .. Oh what a GREAT night!!

So. THAT is why I haven't updated.. I was planning new and inventive ways to gross out the teachers, parents, and kids. Oh.. and the Principal.... I had my sweet revenge... with a 5 gallon bucket of green slime..

MUWHAHAHAHA!!!

 

[Trentmom]

Oh Man.

Fear Factor Night sounds like it was a blast, especially for your kids and traitor Dh

WTG to you for giving your DH a hug aftewards


You have any pics from last night?

 

[DL55]

What a fun night!
The best revenge - giving your DH a hug!
I expect postings on the DIS will slow down for the next month. Not counting those lucky folks who are at WDW already.

 

[mickiecake]

I didn't take any pictures myself, since I was hosting the show. But a couple of my girls did (my "girls" are my fellow PTO moms), and they'll email them to me soon. When they do, I'll post a couple of me in all my chocolately glory.

As for posts, I expect they will slow down, too, with the holidays coming up. Darn Christmas, interfering with our DBOD.

 

[Trentmom]

I didn't take any pictures myself, since I was hosting the show. But a couple of my girls did (my "girls" are my fellow PTO moms), and they'll email them to me soon. When they do, I'll post a couple of me in all my chocolately glory.

As for posts, I expect they will slow down, too, with the holidays coming up. Darn Christmas, interfering with our DBOD.

Cool....Can't wait to see!!

What does DBOD stand for?

let me gues:

Dis Boards Obsession Disorder???


Am I close???