MT and AZ take on WDW! – A September PTR

[onescgirl]

I have been spending too much lately. I told myself two weeks ago I would stop, but it didn’t work. Here are the recent purchases for the trip.

[

I say this to myself ever week & it never works out!

I love all of your purchases! That backpack is cool!

Where do you buy moleskin & what all do you use it for?

 

[oboedm]

I keep buying more stuff too. I keep trying to tell myself to stop...to just wait and buy something in the parks...but I keep buying anyway.

So you are going to do online check in? I am still debating on if I want to do it or not. You will have to post and say how you liked it.

I did do online check in. We did it last year for POP and it was GREAT! The normal check in was 20-30 people deep, but the online check-in was only 2-3 people (families). We checked in and were in our room within 30 minutes of arrival, if not 20 minutes.

Thank you for this post- you just reminded me to add moleskin and our gorilla pod to the packing list. I'm sure I would've forgotten at least one of them!

Looking forward to seeing your plans!

YAY! I am finally getting caught up today on all the threads and posts I missed! Still thinking about Raglan Road on 9/9! your face in ingrained in my mind, just in case we see each other there!

I say this to myself ever week & it never works out!

I love all of your purchases! That backpack is cool!

Where do you buy moleskin & what all do you use it for?

Moleskin is the savior of WDW feet. It is used for blisters. If you are getting a "hot red spot" and you can feel a blister developing, pop some moleskin on there and it is like new skin. Basically it prevents the blister from rubbing on things.

You can get it at any drugstore, Walmart, etc. It is in the foot care section with all th e Dr. Scholls stuff. We bought out our Walmart and we might go back for more.

We didn't bring it last year, and bought some at the resort gift shop to save our feet. It was really expensive there (6-7 bucks for 3 sheets, as opposed to $3 for 3 sheets). I would have paid $50 more for it. That is how well it worked.

Get the moleskin!-- My one piece of advice. Last year we had two people and three sheets. We used two sheets over the course of a few days, just because we were generous with it and our feet were practically mummified with the stuff. It was heavenly.

If we don't have enough, I will gladly pay Disney Gift Shop prices for it.

 

[oboedm]

Chapter 12: Epcot Day 1 Plans

We are all checked in online! They have us down for Ginny’s crib and adjoining rooms as well. Last week we called and requested the third floor, and I am going to fax a request next week! I hope we get a nice location!

There are a few reasons why I chose Epcot for our first day

It is one of the largests parks-- we will have more energy near the beginning of the trip

Crowd levels -- since it is a larger park, crowds are more dispersed. Epcot is 2x larger than the Magic Kingdom, meaning a "5" or "6" at Epcot and Animal Kingdom (our second park) will feel less crowded than a "6" at the Magic Kingdom

Hayden probably won't like it-- why not start with the least cool right of the bat? I would hate to take him to MK or AK first and then have him be disappointed and bored. We can get Epcot out of the way and move onto other parks.

Here is what I am thinking as a tentative plan for the first day. I don’t know if we can get all of this done, but we can try! There are several things I am willing to skip if we run out of time. The fountain, Circle of Life movie, etc.

Take bus to Magic Kingdom-- Tell driver that we would like to go to the Polynesian Resort. If he can’t take us there, take the Monorail from MK to the Polynesian.

Ohana breakfast with Lilo and Stitch

Walk 10 minutes to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Monorail to Epcot. Hopefully we will get to the park by 9:15-9:30 a.m

Ride Soarin’-- Everyone except me and Ginny
Ride Soarin’-- Everyone except DH and Ginny
Ride Living with the Land
See Circle of Life
Tour “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” and ride“Finding Nemo”
See Turtle Talk with Crush
Ride Journey Into Imagination
See Captain E-O

Coral Reef Lunch

Explore Innoventions West, Disney Visa Character Greet @ 1:30 p.m. (free 5X7)
Club Cool
Splash/Fountain Place

Go back to the hotel for naps/swimming
Return to Epcot (leave hotel around 4:00-4:30?)
Go to Canada and watch “O’Canada”
Explore the United Kingdom
Go to France and see “Impressions de France"

Biergarten Dinner
Depart Epcot

Let me know what you think and if you have anything to add to this plan. The rest of the major attractions will be done our second day there, but if you see something I missed in these areas of the park, please let me know.

 

[Joyciemc]

YAY! I am finally getting caught up today on all the threads and posts I missed! Still thinking about Raglan Road on 9/9! your face in ingrained in my mind, just in case we see each other there!

Woohoo! I'll make sure we are on our best behavior, so as not to spook the rest of your traveling party


Your Epcot day sounds good to me, nothing missing that I noticed! I think you'll have a good shot at getting all of that accomplished, too.

 

[oboedm]

Your Epcot day sounds good to me, nothing missing that I noticed! I think you'll have a good shot at getting all of that accomplished, too.

Thanks for your input!

 

[oboedm]

First, I am going to show you a cute picture of my nephew Hayden, wearing his latest gift. I can’t believe he will be wearing this “for real” next FRiDaY! 8 Days!!

P.S. Sorry for the ridiculously large picture...

Two weeks from now we will be enjoying the WWoHP. I can’t believe it!

=====

Back to our plans. Day 2: Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom is DH’s favorite park! We both really liked it last year, but all the little details and the submersing environment really impressed him. He is super excited to return!

Animal Kingdom has hours from 9-5 this day. As such, we won’t be going back to the hotel for a rest until later in the day. I figure that we will be done with this touring plan around 3 or 4 p.m.

We can always cut things out like the Boneyard, the Character Trails, and/or the Zoological Exhibits in the Oasis as needs. Also, keep in mind that we will probably do a half day in the parks on our last day—we can come back to Animal Kingdom if we feel the need.

Here is the touring plan for the day. Let me know if you think I forgot anything.

7:00 a.m. Take bus to Animal Kingdom
8:00 a.m. Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House

Obtain FastPasses for Kilimanjaro Safari

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv312/oboedm/WDW Final Days/IMG_2092.jpg

Ride Expedition Everest (everyone except Paula, Hayden and Ginny)
Ride Expedition Everest (everyone except Evan, Hayden and Ginny)

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv312/oboedm/WDW Day3/IMG_1650.jpg

Everyone ride Primeval Whirl while Paula, Ginny and Hayden ride Triceratop Spin
Everyone ride Primeval Whirl while Evan, Ginny and Hayden ride Triceratop Spin

Ride Dinosaur (everyone except Evan, Hayden Ginny—Evan hates this ride)

Ride Kali River Rapids (everyone except Paula and Ginny)
Ride Kali River Rapids (everyone except Evan and Ginny)

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv312/oboedm/WDW Day3/IMG_1654.jpg

Walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv312/oboedm/WDW Day3/IMG_1658.jpg

12:00 p.m. Yak and Yeti Lunch

Ride Kilimanjaro Safari
Walk the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Grab cupcakes at Kusafari Bakery? We will probably be too full from lunch, but come on! Check these out! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/03/25/white-chocolate-elephant-cupcake/

Side Note: I am torn on this particular cupcake. I love love love elephants, but I don’t like chocolate cake. What to do? P.S. I guess I have a pretty great life if this is my biggest problem on a Thursday morning.

See Festival of the Lion King
Walk the Character Trails and Camp Minnie Mickey
See Finding Nemo: The Musical (if next show is within 25 minutes, if not, see “Bug” show and come back to Nemo)

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv312/oboedm/WDW Final Days/IMG_2107.jpg

Visit the Boneyard
See Its Tough to be a Bug

Visit the Zoological Exhibits in the Oasis

Return to the hotel for rest and naps

7:10 p.m. Dinner at Jiko -- After eating, take bus to DTD and transfer to POFQ.

Things we will miss:
Flights of Wonder Show
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Jammin Jungle Parade (3:45 p.m.)

 

[stephielela]

I am so excited for you! Your trip is right around the corner! I liek the shirt you made for your nephew... I'm debating making some traveling shirts forme and DS....

 

[Joyciemc]

As far as the cupcake... how does Evan feel about chocolate cake and how do you feel about white chocolate? Cause he could eat the cake, and you could have the white chocolate elephant!

 

[annmarieda]

I love your plans! Both days look great.

I love AK...you guys are gonna have an awesome day in this park!! Thanks for posting the link for the cupcake. I had one on our last trip and can't wait to have one again!! Super yummy...but I like chocolate cake.

I think Epcot will still be fun for your nephew. I know my dd has always had a good time. I didn't realize that you can ask the driver to take you right to one of the other resorts. I wonder if that will work for us.... I will have to try.

Have an awesome trip!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Great plans! You're so close now..........

 

[oboedm]

I am so excited for you! Your trip is right around the corner! I liek the shirt you made for your nephew... I'm debating making some traveling shirts forme and DS....

I would definitely recommend shirts. He LOVES getting them, and each time they come with a note from a character. I found some cute iron-ons from JoAnn Fabrics as well.

As far as the cupcake... how does Evan feel about chocolate cake and how do you feel about white chocolate? Cause he could eat the cake, and you could have the white chocolate elephant!

Great idea! I don't think he will mind being "forced" to eat chocolate cake!

I love your plans! Both days look great.

I love AK...you guys are gonna have an awesome day in this park!! Thanks for posting the link for the cupcake. I had one on our last trip and can't wait to have one again!! Super yummy...but I like chocolate cake.

I think Epcot will still be fun for your nephew. I know my dd has always had a good time. I didn't realize that you can ask the driver to take you right to one of the other resorts. I wonder if that will work for us.... I will have to try.

Have an awesome trip!

In the mornings, they are definitely willing to take you. Everyone getting on the bus 1.5-2 hours before the park opens is clearly going to a character meal, so the bus drivers are willing. Last year the driver completely bypassed MK and just dropped people off at the Monorail resorts.

I hope you travel safely tomorrow!

Great plans! You're so close now..........

Thanks! It is almost TOO close at this point... I feel so unprepared!

 

[oboedm]

Chapter 14: Day 6, WWoHP

Three days from today we will be sitting on a plane traveling from PHX to Orlando! AhhH! I am finally in a good place at work-- things are winding down and I don't have any major things to complete before we leave.

I have been following people going to WWoHP on the message boards for some time now and finally made a plan for Universal. They state to either go to WWoHP in a few hours before the park closes or get in line before it opens. The issues with waiting until the end of the day are:

1) I would feel rushed knowing we couldn’t spend as long as we wanted to.

2) The recommendations to go later the day were from people who went when the park had extended hours. 9-6 are the hours on the day we go (we have dinner reservations at 6:30 for Raglan Road. So I was thinking about arranging a pick up for 5:30 p.m.

So, here a tentative plan. I didn’t know when to break for lunch, so I just made a list of attractions and we can wing it when we get there.

7:15 a.m. pick up from Port Orleans (eat at food court)

8:00 a.m. arrive at Universal

Get in line for Harry Potter. Reports say that even thought the park doesn’t open until 9 for “non resort guests” (those staying on property get early entry to HP), they sometimes let non-resort people in to HP at 8:30-8:45 a.m.

Forbidden Journey (Ginny, Hayden and Evan wait in Hogsmeade, as I don’t think Evan will fit on the ride).

Dragon Challenge (Everyone but Paula, Ginny and Hayden).

Flight of the Hippogriff (Everyone but ___ and Ginny). I could skip this one, honestly.

Should we leave shopping for the end of the day so we aren’t carrying bags? What are your thoughts? Many of the HP merchandise can be found at the front of the parks, so we may not have to trek all the way back there at the end of the day.

Hulk Coaster (Paula, Ginny and Hayden wait)—perhaps ride Storm Force Accelatron?

Doctor Doom’s FearFall?

Spiderman (Paula and Ginny wait)
Spiderman (Evan and Ginny wait)

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls (Hayden, Paula and Ginny at “Me Ship—the Olive”)

Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges (Evan and Ginny wait)

Jurassic Park River Adventure (Paula and Ginny wait)
Jurassic Park River Adventure (Evan and Ginny wait)

Lunch at Three Broomsticks

Cat in the Hat

Caro-seuss-el

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train (Maybe we can skip a couple of these Seuss rides, depending on how the day is going).

Go to Universal? We have park hoppers because we ordered transportation and tickets through Dreams Unlimited. I figured that the extra few bucks we would spend for the ability to park hop was worth it.

I am just going to list of major attractions. Please let me know your opinions on these rides, if you have any. We will only have a couple of hours here (I am assuming). I have added my comments.

Rip Ride Rocket (line may be too long, someone would need to wait with Hayden and Ginny)

The Simpson’s Ride (this looks promising, Ginny can’t ride)

E.T. Adventure—the whole family

Revenge of the Mummy (looks good, Hayden and Ginny can’t ride)
|
Men in Black Alien Attack (a lot like Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Midway Mania? Is it necessary to do another ride like this? Ginny can’t ride)

Jaws – the whole family

Disaster!—I could skip. You are just put on the tram in an earthquake, a lot like the Back Lot tour at Hollywood studios.

Shrek 4-D—whole family

Twister—scary for Hayden, not really itching to go.

Terminator 2: 3-D

Possible Shows?

Animal Actors (we will see animals at AK)

Beetlejuice Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue (I saw this in CA, and liked it as a child, but Hayden may be a bit young)

Horror Make-Up Show (I can just watch DVD special features)

Fear Factor Live (watched the show occasionally, but really no interest in this show at US).

As far as food is concerned, I would love to do the Three Broomsticks. However, I also want the green eggs and ham sandwich from the Dr. Seuss island. Maybe I will convince Evan to split that sandwich with me and then we can split a meal at the Three Broomsticks. Hmm. I hear that the Green Eggs and Ham place is only open every once in a while, so we will have to see.

 

[trickiwoo]

I am finally back on the DIS! I had a really busy and exhausting week last week (more like week and a half)! The downside to that is (of course) extra work. The upside is that the week went by relatively fast and before I knew it, the trip was two weeks away!

Haha, same here! I've been too busy to even think about Disney! Then suddenly, "What??!! My trip is next week??"

New Phones: I bought them used online, but we are upgrading to smartphones. I figure that I can get the app for the WDW lines (from touringplans.com) and we can text when we get off a ride to meet up with the rest of the group.

I got a smartphone last December, so this will be my first trip to WDW with one! I am so looking forward to it!

Gorillapod: SIL has one of these, but I wanted one as well. I heard about them reading Chunkymonkey’s last trip report. She has also inspired me to take more pictures on the rides, especially of SIL’s family (because their faces are sure to be full of delight)!

Haha, I just packed my Gorillapod today!


Oh, your plans look so exciting!!!!!!!

 

[RachelNinja]

Ahhh, can't believe I haven't been over here yet! Here are some comments for your updates!

Haha, I laughed out loud when you said "kidnapping children was obviously out of the question."

Woot for 30 Rock! I try and try to get Weird interested in it, but he's just not! He's not that big of a fan of Tina Fey. I told him that when we're married, he'll have to watch it though because I have the DVDs ... hehe. I think he'll like it if he watches it from the beginning.

Oh dear, that note for Hayden from Buzz Lightyear about pooping is awesome!

I IMMEDIATELY copied and pasted what your DH wrote about The Little Mermaid! Absolutely hilarious and completely true!

Love the plaid shirts! I wore plaid button down shirts in junior high and during my first year of high school! I look back on it, and I'm really confused with myself ...

I'm in love with the autograph book you made for Hayden! Your World Showcase idea is perfect!!! I'm thinking of doing something like asking them to write something to my classes at school or something on an index card so that I can put it up on a poster board and hang it up.

I see that you're bringing the Camelbak with the water in it. Just as an FYI if you didn't know, you can get ice water from any counter service location. Just in case you run out or something, that's a good tip to have handy! I know I also read on the DISboards that people like bringing the powder mixes so that they're not just drinking water.

 

[Joyciemc]

I think the early morning plan is the way to go for you with Harry Potter (I just typed 'Pooter' and had to change it. But I thought it was funny, so I am sharing)- the parks are just not open late enough to have much time in the evening.

I hope you get to eat at Three Broomsticks! I also hope the whole Harry Potter crowd scene isn't too ridiculous.

I don't have any advice yet on the rides at US, cause I haven't been. But in two days I'll know more!

 

[onescgirl]

I can't believe your leaving in just 3 days!!!!
Please take tons of pics at WWOHP! I would so love to go there!

 

[oboedm]

Ahhh, can't believe I haven't been over here yet! Here are some comments for your updates!

Haha, I laughed out loud when you said "kidnapping children was obviously out of the question."

Woot for 30 Rock! I try and try to get Weird interested in it, but he's just not! He's not that big of a fan of Tina Fey. I told him that when we're married, he'll have to watch it though because I have the DVDs ... hehe. I think he'll like it if he watches it from the beginning.

Oh dear, that note for Hayden from Buzz Lightyear about pooping is awesome!

I IMMEDIATELY copied and pasted what your DH wrote about The Little Mermaid! Absolutely hilarious and completely true!

Love the plaid shirts! I wore plaid button down shirts in junior high and during my first year of high school! I look back on it, and I'm really confused with myself ...

I'm in love with the autograph book you made for Hayden! Your World Showcase idea is perfect!!! I'm thinking of doing something like asking them to write something to my classes at school or something on an index card so that I can put it up on a poster board and hang it up.

I see that you're bringing the Camelbak with the water in it. Just as an FYI if you didn't know, you can get ice water from any counter service location. Just in case you run out or something, that's a good tip to have handy! I know I also read on the DISboards that people like bringing the powder mixes so that they're not just drinking water.

thanks for coming on over... and for the tip about making all that water taste a bit better! I am also planning on stealing your/weird's idea to "look up" more and take pictures of the ceilings!

I think the early morning plan is the way to go for you with Harry Potter (I just typed 'Pooter' and had to change it. But I thought it was funny, so I am sharing)- the parks are just not open late enough to have much time in the evening.

I hope you get to eat at Three Broomsticks! I also hope the whole Harry Potter crowd scene isn't too ridiculous.

I don't have any advice yet on the rides at US, cause I haven't been. But in two days I'll know more!

Thanks for the input on US and HP! I can't believe are trips are here!

I can't believe your leaving in just 3 days!!!!
Please take tons of pics at WWOHP! I would so love to go there!

I am sure I will have more HP pics than pics of all the WDW parks combined!

 

[oboedm]

Chapter 15: Not Packed Yet, New Look!

Today is my last day of work-- only a few hours left! Everyone here is taking a half day and going bowling together for a "team building activity", which should be fun... I guess...

I would rather be at home packing. I haven't packed a thing! I don't even have a list!

I just printed off all of our travel documents (boarding passes, voucher for transport to Universal, etc). I have all of our touring plans gathered in a word document, but still have to enter all that into my phone. I guess that will be my project on the plane tomorrow! At least I will have something Disney related to do!

Yesterday was the big day... the day I call:

The De-brace-ification of Paula!

I also got my hair cut and colored. I kind of love how I look right now, especially because I lost a few pounds in preparation for Disney food! By the end of the week I will be 10 pounds heavier.

I had to take a picture with our stuffed dragon named Gunga. Getting so excited for WWoHP!!

This will be my last update! When I get back I will start my TR and dining reviews. I can't wait!

I think the thing I am looking forward to most is hanging out with SIL, BIL and the kids. Yes, we will be at the most magical place on earth, but being there with them will be the best part. I can't wait to give them big hugs when we meet up tomorrow in SLC!

 

[onescgirl]

What a smile! You look great!

 

[klacey1]

I missed your last couple of updates while I was away, but just wanted to say-- have a wonderful trip!! Can't wait to hear all about it!