My sister's going to be a CM-I gotta go visit her! TR LINK UP! p. 21

[Merida]

I agree!

I hope I don't sound stupid, but what is Studio Ghibli?

Yup, what Lifelong Dreamer said! The best known films are usually directed by Hayao Miyazaki who is brilliant. It's really frustrating because Disney doesn't really acknowledge the Ghibli films when most of them are of higher quality than recent Disney films (in my opinion! There's a very different feel between a 'traditional' Disney film and a Ghibli film, obviously, because they come from two different cultures and the animation styles are very different. Miyazaki's films usually look at the relationship between people and nature/technology, pacifism, and are frequently about girls' narratives and not necessarily in a romantic way. The best Disney equivalent I can come up with is Alice in Wonderland, where Alice goes on a journey to ~find herself~).

There's actually a Totoro cameo in Toy Story 3 (when Woody's on the computer trying to find a map home) because John Lasseter is a huge fan of the movies. Kiki's Delivery Service, Whisper of the Heart, and Spirited Away are, IMO, the most accessible of the ones available with English dubs. Nausicaa and Mononoke are more "preachy" about environmentalism; Ponyo, Totoro, and The Cat Returns are kind of offbeat, and Wizard of Earthsea and Howl's Moving Castle are cute, but very different from the source material.

And that's probably way more information than most people need/want about Ghibli

 

[wdwgirl03]

I guess I've missed something, do many people actually dislike Animal Kingdom? If so I must put in my vote, my mother and I love it! I did read in one of my books, that if you rush through you'll miss so much, perhaps these dislikers are on hyper Disney speed and feel like they must rush everywhere. Animal Kingdom is such a difference pace than the other parks.

A lot of people complain that it's always hot and that there's not much to do. I definitely agree that it's a different pace than the other parks which is probably why I like it. It's beautiful there and so much fun exploring/watching the animals!

I'm not the OP of the comment but I can answer that question.

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animated movie studio/company. They are very well known and their films are highly acclaimed. Disney has the release rights for them in North America. Here are a few of their films: My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke. There are many more!

Ahh, thanks for the info!

Yup, what Lifelong Dreamer said! The best known films are usually directed by Hayao Miyazaki who is brilliant. It's really frustrating because Disney doesn't really acknowledge the Ghibli films when most of them are of higher quality than recent Disney films (in my opinion! There's a very different feel between a 'traditional' Disney film and a Ghibli film, obviously, because they come from two different cultures and the animation styles are very different. Miyazaki's films usually look at the relationship between people and nature/technology, pacifism, and are frequently about girls' narratives and not necessarily in a romantic way. The best Disney equivalent I can come up with is Alice in Wonderland, where Alice goes on a journey to ~find herself~).

There's actually a Totoro cameo in Toy Story 3 (when Woody's on the computer trying to find a map home) because John Lasseter is a huge fan of the movies. Kiki's Delivery Service, Whisper of the Heart, and Spirited Away are, IMO, the most accessible of the ones available with English dubs. Nausicaa and Mononoke are more "preachy" about environmentalism; Ponyo, Totoro, and The Cat Returns are kind of offbeat, and Wizard of Earthsea and Howl's Moving Castle are cute, but very different from the source material.

And that's probably way more information than most people need/want about Ghibli

OK, I was wondering if Ponyo was one of the movies they did. Very interesting about the cameo in TS3!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Only 25 days to go until our trip! I can't believe how fast it's coming up. It's also getting close to the six-month window for our April trip so I have to think if there are any places I want to try and get ADRs at. The only two places I can think of right now that interest me are the T-Rex Cafe (do they even do ADRs?) and the Turf Club. Yes, I am pretty boring compared to other people but oh well!

OK, now onto our day 2 plans.

Saturday, October 29, 2011 Park Plans!

I'd like to start off the morning by going to the Magic Kingdom for rope drop. There's a couple reasons why I want to do the MK that morning.

Reason #1: I want to see

I just love this show and don't think I could go a trip without seeing it.

Reason #2: The attractions. Since we're going to MNSSHP the next night, I want to try to do as many of the rides that day so on Sunday we can focus on the entertainment and characters at the Halloween party. I know the characters are a big draw and I really want to meet a few of them. As far as the attractions go, we might have to stick to some of our favorites, like

and classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion (though maybe that's one attraction we should save for party night!). Hopefully the crowds won't be too bad that we can breeze through them and anything we can't do we'll just have to save for April (it sure is nice saying that ).

After the Magic Kingdom, Dad suggested we take a monorail over to Epcot so we can see what the Food and Wine Festival is going to be like.

(I took this from my sister...hope she doesn't mind!).

I'm pretty much expecting Epcot to be busy with the F&WF but if we're lucky we're hoping to get a fastpass for Soarin for later in the evening. Maybe we can also take advantage of

at Test Track. As for later in the evening, who knows. I think it'll depend on when we decide to go to Epcot and how the crowds are there. Oh yes, and we will have to get our free Disney Visa photopass picture too (can't pass up a free souvenir).

Stay tuned for more park plans!

 

[xoktenox]

I just added the Simple Disney Things to my favorites

The MK opening show...amazing My eyes well up with tears every time I see it...and most of the time the tears fall down my face too

Triple Mountain Whammy!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Can I just say I love all this Simple Disney Things stuff! I discovered it like before most people and now everyone is posting it everywhere It's so cool seeing that, but it really is the perfect DISer tumblr, not surprised DISTown has infiltrated it

Your plans sound great, so glad to see you are fitting The Food & Wine Festival into it all. And yeah, I think the Haunted Mansion should be saved for that night, since I think they have a storyteller out front and they make it look a bit more creepy at night Love the rope drop show at MK, such a great show <333

 

[Caretames1]

I want to go back and go to MNSSHP again! I think to see it all you'd have to do at least 2 parties.

The Visa photo is awesome! We got Mickey, Minnie & Goofy!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love the plans for this day!

I try and catch the MK opening show at least once every trip

That followed by the triple mountain whammy, followed by F&W - it's got the makings of a practically perfect day!

 

[Merida]

OK, I was wondering if Ponyo was one of the movies they did. Very interesting about the cameo in TS3!

Yup! Not my favorite one (that would be Kiki or Whisper of the Heart or maybe Nausicaa) but it was still cute.

Love the Simple Disney things pics! Though I have to wonder if they repeat ones from the beginning because they've gone through most of the better ones and who would go 1000 pictures back? (eating corn on the cob at Disneyland?? That's stretching it a wee bit.)

 

[cbg1027]

Sarah, do you dress up for MNSSHP?

Sounds like it's going to be a jammed pack day, but it should be fun.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Loving the Simple Disney Things and the plans!

Rope drop at MK - how I would love to be doing that again!

Can't wait to hear about the F&W festival.

 

[Pinkocto]

A lot of people complain that it's always hot and that there's not much to do. I definitely agree that it's a different pace than the other parks which is probably why I like it. It's beautiful there and so much fun exploring/watching the animals!

Not much to do! These people are crazy!!! I love that place! now gingerly coming off the soapbox

Ponyo is such a cute movie! I missed out on buying the cutest bowl at Epcot on our last trip, and I've been crossing my fingers that it will still be there so I can finally buy it. I was being indecisive and I've regretted it ever since.

 

[jwwi]

Sounds like you are planning some great park attractions. The new walkway thru the cemetery is fun, so don't miss that. It really seemed to help pass the time in line quickly. I missed the morning opening show on Saturday 10/1, but did catch the 40th anniversary celebration, it was very moving when the crowd sang "when you wish upon a star". I just love MK.
AK is fun too, and it is surprising how quickly time passes when touring that park.

I met your sister on Friday night, I think I surprised her. I was with another recent MU grad I know she is really looking forward to seeing you and your parents when you get down there on your trip. I also saw the last show of AI, wow, what great performers. It was so hard to decide between the two contestants. I guess I don't know a lot about the show but some of our group was commenting on the age or US residency of some of the finalists. Does that matter? (American Idol/under 30?)

Go Brewers!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I just added the Simple Disney Things to my favorites

The MK opening show...amazing My eyes well up with tears every time I see it...and most of the time the tears fall down my face too

Triple Mountain Whammy!

haha, that blog is so much fun to look at.

I hear ya on the opening show! It's weird though because sometimes I'll get misty-eyed but other times I don't. Go figure.

Can I just say I love all this Simple Disney Things stuff! I discovered it like before most people and now everyone is posting it everywhere It's so cool seeing that, but it really is the perfect DISer tumblr, not surprised DISTown has infiltrated it

Your plans sound great, so glad to see you are fitting The Food & Wine Festival into it all. And yeah, I think the Haunted Mansion should be saved for that night, since I think they have a storyteller out front and they make it look a bit more creepy at night Love the rope drop show at MK, such a great show <333

Yeah, I first saw it on my sister's CP blog. They have some really great photos. They have music too but I'm afraid to download anything since I had to completely recover my computer a few months ago.

We won't be able to do tons at Epcot but I don't think I could skip it completely. Oh really? I didn't know they had a storyteller at the HM. I know they have that cool photo op though!

I want to go back and go to MNSSHP again! I think to see it all you'd have to do at least 2 parties.

The Visa photo is awesome! We got Mickey, Minnie & Goofy!

Oh, I'm sure you're right about that but whatever we can do will be great.

Cool about your Visa photo!

Love the plans for this day!

I try and catch the MK opening show at least once every trip

That followed by the triple mountain whammy, followed by F&W - it's got the makings of a practically perfect day!

Us too. I can't imagine going a trip without seeing it even though we'll be able to do it in April. My dad was telling me how the park hours are out up until the week before we go and they are having the 8 am opening with 7 am EMH. We are so going to do that again if they have it the week we're there!

Yup! Not my favorite one (that would be Kiki or Whisper of the Heart or maybe Nausicaa) but it was still cute.

Love the Simple Disney things pics! Though I have to wonder if they repeat ones from the beginning because they've gone through most of the better ones and who would go 1000 pictures back? (eating corn on the cob at Disneyland?? That's stretching it a wee bit.)

haha, I think the person who does it takes requests, but you're right. Some of them are a little strange.

Sarah, do you dress up for MNSSHP?

Sounds like it's going to be a jammed pack day, but it should be fun.

We didn't the last time and I'm still trying to decide if I want to on this trip.

It will definitely be fun! I can't wait.

Loving the Simple Disney Things and the plans!

Rope drop at MK - how I would love to be doing that again!

Can't wait to hear about the F&W festival.

Didn't you love rope drop at the Magic Kingdom? It's definitely the best one out of all the parks.

Not much to do! These people are crazy!!! I love that place! now gingerly coming off the soapbox

Ponyo is such a cute movie! I missed out on buying the cutest bowl at Epcot on our last trip, and I've been crossing my fingers that it will still be there so I can finally buy it. I was being indecisive and I've regretted it ever since.

I know, I think because there aren't as many rides people don't think there's anything to do. Little do they know.

Don't you hate when that happens? I've done that before too.

Sounds like you are planning some great park attractions. The new walkway thru the cemetery is fun, so don't miss that. It really seemed to help pass the time in line quickly. I missed the morning opening show on Saturday 10/1, but did catch the 40th anniversary celebration, it was very moving when the crowd sang "when you wish upon a star". I just love MK.
AK is fun too, and it is surprising how quickly time passes when touring that park.

I met your sister on Friday night, I think I surprised her. I was with another recent MU grad I know she is really looking forward to seeing you and your parents when you get down there on your trip. I also saw the last show of AI, wow, what great performers. It was so hard to decide between the two contestants. I guess I don't know a lot about the show but some of our group was commenting on the age or US residency of some of the finalists. Does that matter? (American Idol/under 30?)

Go Brewers!

I definitely want to see the new queue at HM since they were still working on it in March. It looks really neat. I bet seeing the 40th anniversary show made up for not seeing the opening show! So jealous! My sister went over there after work so she could see the fireworks. From what I've read it sounds like it was packed.

Yes, Emma sent me a message on facebook saying she met you! I bet you are the only ones she's met who actually know where Marquette is (she says a lot of people come up to her and say, "oh, is that in Michigan?" and she even had one person ask if it was in New York ), haha We are excited to go visit her, even if it's just for a couple days.

Glad you enjoyed the AIE too! As far as the age goes, I think they might've recently changed it but to audition for the real show you have to be 15 (at the AIE I think it's 14). I could be wrong though.

We were at the game on Saturday-very exciting!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Happy Saturday everyone! We're now down to 20 days until our trip...yay! We're also down to only 6 months for our April trip (I know my ticker says 5 months and some days...I obviously entered the wrong date when I made it and I'm too lazy to fix it. So it'll just be a day off. It can instead count down until the official start of spring break/the Brewers' 2012 home opener!). Time for some more plans.

Before I do that though, I have to give a shoutout to brookelizabeth for sending me a little bit of Disney mail. I kept seeing the new luggage tags on everyone's trip reports and I was a little bit jealous. Because of DVC we don't book any of the packages which is how you usually get the luggage tags. I really wanted one, especially since my old Disney luggage tag was lost a couple years ago. Brook saw my post and was nice enough to send me one of her extras. I received it today! So thanks again Brook!

The other item is my new Christmas ornament I got when we were at the Hallmark store earlier today. Despite the huge box it's actually a miniature ornament that'll be perfect for my little tree. Never too early to buy Christmas decorations.

OK, now onto some plans. Since I've already been commenting on our April trip on this thread, I might as well just make this a combined PTR rather than starting a new one. Our flights are booked and the park hours are now out so here's the first very rough schedule for that trip:

Disney World Easter Plans!!!

Saturday, April 7, 2012
ARRIVAL DAY!
Flight out of Milwaukee to Orlando
Magical Express to the Boardwalk Villas (still can't believe we are staying there!!!)
Park late afternoon/early evening?

Sunday, April 8, 2012
HAPPY EASTER!!!
Park day!!! Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom
*When Dad said the park hours were out, he told me that there were some days that had the EMH at 7 am which I know some people would cringe at but when we did it in '09 it was AWESOME. Sadly the EMH only start at 8 on this day but who knows, maybe they'll change it*

Monday, April 9, 2012
Park day...Hollywood Studios in the morning?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Park day

Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Park day

Thursday, April 12, 2012
Park day

Friday, April 13, 2012
Park day

Saturday, April 14, 2012
Flight back home to Milwaukee
Time to start planning the next trip!

Not much to it but Dad mentioned something about doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour on this trip and we have to think about if we want to make any ADRs (so no, we were not up at 6 am this morning making them!). And of course we will have to spend plenty of time at Epcot for the Flower and Garden Festival!

Now onto some more October plans...

Sunday, October 30, 2011 Park Plans!!!

We will start off the morning by heading over to my sister's park, Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Of course we will follow the masses so we can ride Toy Story Mania.

Then we'll head back toward Sunset Boulevard for "two of the biggest thrills this side of Neverland". Yep, Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror!

Hopefully we'll be able to catch a show at the American Idol Experience and participate in a class at the Animation Academy.

Who knows what else we'll do since that night is when we will be attending the main event of the trip: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

I already posted our plans for that evening so I won't go into too much detail. You can read about those here if you missed it. We will definitely go early to get our wristbands and maybe do a couple attractions before the party offically starts. At the other parties we've gone to it's usually been pretty quiet during those "in-between" hours. We're hoping to stay pretty late since our flight home the next day isn't until the afternoon.

It is definitely going to be a busy but awesome Disney day!

 

[cbg1027]

Oh I highly HIGHLY recommend KTTK! It was amazing! Some people may say that it 'ruined' the magic for them, but I think it does quite the opposite - made things even more magical for me now that I know some of the things that go on backstage and how much hard work it really is to keep everything up and running!

It's also a great opportunity to get answers to any questions or rumors you may have heard. My amazing guide, Annibal, was able to confirm or deny some rumors I had heard so I really felt like I was getting insider info!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Here's a second vote for the KTTK tour. I loooved it and I was highly skeptical before we went.

And I love your ornament! I collect the Disney Princess Precious Moments ones that Hallmark puts out. This years was Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella and I snatched them up in July

 

[Caretames1]

I love plans! I bet if EMHs were at 7am not too many people take advantage. You could get lots done TWICE!


MNSSHP was awesome, so awesome that I wish we had gone to 2 of the parties!

 

[joy13]

Your April trip sounds awesome and will make this October short trip not so rushes since you know you will be back


And one more thing......


GO BREWERS..............and..........


GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

on 19 days!!

That was sweet of Brook to send you that luggage tag - am glad you managed to get one.

The April plans sound great - I hope you got to do the KTTK tour and wow at the possibility of EMH taking place from 7am! I bet the parks would be empty that early.

Great Oct 30 plans and I can't wait to hear how you find MNSSHP!

 

[xoktenox]

How great that you're at less than a month for your October trip and now 6 months until your April trip! I definitely want to experience a holiday in WDW. It's going to be so wonderful to wake up in WDW on Easter Sunday!

What is your sister's work schedule like? Are you going to get a lot of time to spend with her when you're there?