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

[wisblue]

Talking to Emma last night she said that she may not be able to use her gate pass for EMH because she is not a resort guest. Because we want to have her get guest tickets for Sarah and her Mom (I have an active annual pass) we may have to stay away from the parks with AM EMH.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sarah, now that Mom and I will be joining you on your trip, I have been thinking about possible agendas, taking into account the things that you like to do, park hours, and expected crowds. I'll post it here to see if any of your friends and followers have any comments.

For Friday, if the flight is on time we should be getting to the resort by 1 PM-1:30. So, there should be time to go to a park. One possibility would be the Animal Kingdom, because it closes at 5 PM and that's really the only park where you can usually do all of the major attractions in a short time before closing. I did a safari (5 minute wait right after the parade cleared), EE (single rider with no wait), and Dinosaur (10 minute wait), and walked through the gorilla trail in about 90 minutes on Monday, and could have done more except for an approaching thunderstorm. If we can arrive by 3 PM we could have time to do all of those things and stroll around the park a little because they don't usually completely clear the park right at the posted closing time.

Another possibility would be MK because there is a Halloween Party that night and the park doesn't seem to be that crowded in the hours leading up to the party. We could probably do some of the attractions, especially some of the second level ones, before they start kicking people out who don't have party wristbands.

If you're really ambitious, you could stop at Epcot later, but with the early flight we may be out of energy by then.

On Saturday there is an early opening at DHS, and that would be a great opportunity to do TSM, TOT, and RNRR and then whatever else you want to see there.

If you really want to see the opening show at MK, you could do that instead.

In the afternoon we could hit DAK if we didn't get to do what we wanted on Friday, or head over to Epcot. Saturday night at Epcot and the Food and Wine Festival could be fun, although it would probably be extremely crowded and it would be tough to do any rides or attractions.

If you go to MK for opening, we could try DHS in the afternoon or evening, but it would probably be hard to get on TSM or RNRR without a long wait.

We could pick the park for Sunday morning based on what things you most want to do that you haven't been able to hit yet. There is early opening at DAK if you want to do something there, or we could start at Epcot to do Soarin' and Test Track before the crowds build up, and then do some of the other Future World attractions and stroll through the World Showcase with a smaller crowd than will be there on Saturday night.

Of course, we will want to be at the MK early in the afternoon to hit some attractions before the Halloween party starts. If we see the late parade we should be able to do some attractions and some of the special events and characters before the fireworks.

There won't be a lot of time on Monday morning because your ME bus will probably be about 1 PM for your 4 PM flight. If you're really ambitious you could try a park opening, or you could just visit DTD so you are in walking distance of the resort as your bus time approaches. After being out late for the Halloween party we may not want to get up and out too early on Monday.

Anyway, it could be a whirlwind, but we should be able to see and do quite a bit. And, whatever you can't fit in can go high on the list for your next trip now that you know when that will be (I won't give anything away).

I think we will be able to get a lot done too. Don't forget to buy your MNSSHP ticket if you haven't already. I can't wait to go back to that and see all the costumes. That was awesome.

Maybe on Monday morning since I won't have much time I will go to DTD and get breakfast at Earl of Sandwich. I hear that's good.

Ew, what is the Florida Democratic convention doing at Disney. There is a big ole convention center, north of Sea World, why are they not using that. If Joe Biden is there, that means roads closures, much more security. I'm sure you will be fine.

Are you still over in Wauwatosa school system?

Who knows why they picked Disney when there's so many people there to begin with.

Still have the same job but at a different school this year.

Oh, DHS is one of my favorites! I would probably choose Starring Rolls to work at because of cupcakes, sandwiches, and early closing!

Aw, I love conventions, I would definitely try to crash! They combine some of my favorite things (name tags! pastries! getting out of work! speakers!) for free (academic conferences are covered by my school). But I definitely prefer conventions when they aren't just in convention centers (boring, kind of depressing) and are in fun places (Disney, New Orleans, daily beer drinking time, etc.). However, this may be a defense mechanism against all the ones I have to attend and can see how it may be frustrating to others.

Mmm, yeah, Starring Rolls would be fun. I agree about the early closing (the cupcakes wouldn't be bad either).

WOW, so exciting to add another ticker! Sounds like your Dad is a great planner and fellow traveler!

haha yes, I'd say he's a good planner. It's like having a personal travel agent.

Congrats on the new ticker!!!!!

Thanks Megan.

Yay on having your family with you during your trip - the plans your dad suggested sound great!

Also on the new ticker!!! That's great news!

Thanks!

Subscribed.....can't wait for all the fun to be shared with us. Congrats on the additional trip next spring !!!

Welcome...glad to have another Wisconsinite joining in.

 

[wdwgirl03]

You are so lucky to have a second ticker! That is nice that your parents are able to join you on your October trip too.

I am very happy to have added another ticker.

WOOT for another trip! I'm possibly going in April, too again, love going in April! Though I don't think it's during Easter so we won't be there at the same time :/

Ooh, that'd be cool if you go in April. It's one of the best times to go.

Hi Just read both you and your dad's last TR's, stuck inside because of the hurricane, what better way to spend the time than reading about Disney!!! (found your TR by investigating Saratoga Springs, love how everyone's tickers update no matter how long ago they posted somewhere) So exciting about your trips coming up, I've always wanted to go during Halloween, can't wait to see your pictures! I'm finally getting to see all the Christmas decorations this year. I just bought DVC myself this year, and am already in love. It's so nice to see other people enjoying their points!

Welcome! Glad you found our trip reports. I will hopefully have a lot of Halloween party pictures seeing as the last time we went I barely took any. Yay for buying DVC. It doesn't take much to love it! And it looks like you have some fun trips coming up too.

Oooh another trip and companions for October...very nice.

Yup...we should still try to meet up at some point when we're there.

Yay for a new ticker!!! I really want to go during the flower and garden festival again!

Well, talk to Brandon and you can come with me. haha! The F&GF is so fun!

Talking to Emma last night she said that she may not be able to use her gate pass for EMH because she is not a resort guest. Because we want to have her get guest tickets for Sarah and her Mom (I have an active annual pass) we may have to stay away from the parks with AM EMH.

Does she know for sure how that all works with the tickets? If we can't do EMH it's not a big deal.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Well, it's hard to believe tonight is a school night for me (sort of). I've got staff meetings tomorrow and Tuesday before school starts up on Thursday. Atleast it'll be a short week which is always good. I've got a couple quick updates.

So Emma's now been in Florida for a week and it seems like she's settling in. She had a couple off days and was able to enjoy the parks with her roomies/friends. She starts her training at her work location this week. It'll be interesting to hear how that all goes. While it's weird that she's not around I am glad she's having a good time. It must be nice to just be able to head out to one of the parks for a little bit. Jealous! She texted me last night and said how they were just going to get on the first park bus that came!

I don't really have any updates for our October trip but as I mentioned the other day we did book something for April too. The dates are April 7-13, 2012 so yes, I will be there for Easter (which we have done before). Because we haven't hit the 7-month window yet to try to book at any other DVC resorts, right now we have the reservation for Saratoga Springs. BUT...the 7-month window is coming up next week so I've been thinking about the other resorts I'd like to stay at. My goal is to eventually stay at all of the Vacation Club resorts so I'm hoping something else will be available.

Here are my top 3 choices for April:

1. The Boardwalk Villas

The Boardwalk is one of my favorite places in Disney World. I love how it's so close to Epcot and DHS and the entertainment is awesome. It's also a fun place to just people-watch. Ever since my parents and sister stayed there last January I've been dying to stay here.

2. Bay Lake Tower

I have to admit, I've never really been a huge fan of the Contemporary. While it has a great location, I personally don't think the theming is as good as some of the other resorts (it's almost too modern for my liking ). But the more I see/read about it the more I would love to stay there.

3. Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

OK, so out of my three choices, this is the only one we have stayed at before. Emma and I fell in love with it on our Dec. trip in 2008 and were lucky enough to stay there August '09. Like Bay Lake Tower, it has a great location (gotta love those MK resorts!). When I talk about theming, the Wilderness Lodge is one of the best and it is amazing how you don't even feel like you're in Florida with all the pine trees and wildflowers. LOVED IT there!


I know that it's probably going to be difficult to get anything at these resorts considering the popularity of them, not to mention it's a busy time of year. But you never know-we've had some good luck in the past so we'll see what happens come Sept. 7 when we're able to call. I'll be sure to update if we're able to get one of these places. You know I love Saratoga Springs but it'd be nice to stay somewhere different since we'll be at SSR in October. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Yeah if I go in April, it'd be like two weeks after you... so close, so close... Still April is the best time to go And the resort choices you have look great. I'm slowly falling in love with Wilderness Lodge as I research it, hopefully I'll be staying there when I go. The other two are nice too, especially with BLT being so close to MK, just makes it all so much better and BoardWalk to EPCOT I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for ya so you can check out another amazing resort

 

[cbg1027]

I think I'm like you when it comes to the resorts - I love the places I've stayed, but I want to experience them all!

I hope you get BWV or BLT for April since you haven't stayed at those yet!

I'm with you on BLT though. It just doesn't have a real theme the way all the rest of the resorts do. I think CR/BLT are decorated very tastefully, but the modern design aesthetic just doesn't do anything for me. So while I love the location and do want to stay there one day, it is at the bottom of my list.

We should try to arrange a meet if possible. I plan to be in Epcot everyday since I registered for some F & W events. So let me know when you finalize your park plans!

 

[wisblue]

The other thing that will probably make it tough to get some of the other resorts is that they will be booked by people arriving earlier. They let you book for 7 days starting 7 months from your arrival date, so people arriving the week before Easter would be able to book before us, and they might snap up the dates over the Easter weekend and early in the week.

I may have to settle for getting on a waiting list for one of the other resorts and hoping someone cancels. Or, we could consider staying a few nights at SSR and a few nights somewhere else if that's available.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey Sarah, I finally made it over here! I'm so excited for you, not just one trip in the works, but two!!

If you have a chance, send me a PM telling me where Emma is working and I'll look for her in October.

 

[BerrysGirl]

Today Matt texted me: "I'm bored. I think I'll head over to the Magic Kingdom." Gee, they have such a tough life!

I'm a little biased because I'm one of the few people who like the theming of the Contemporary but I love that my parents own at BLT! The one bedroom was really functional (the bathroom situation in particular was a lot more convenient than the Boardwalk IMO) and if you've been cast out to the pull-out sofa like I am they are shockingly comfortable. Plus, who can beat being able to walk to MK?!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Yeah if I go in April, it'd be like two weeks after you... so close, so close... Still April is the best time to go And the resort choices you have look great. I'm slowly falling in love with Wilderness Lodge as I research it, hopefully I'll be staying there when I go. The other two are nice too, especially with BLT being so close to MK, just makes it all so much better and BoardWalk to EPCOT I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for ya so you can check out another amazing resort

I hope you get to stay at the Wilderness Lodge-it is gorgeous. I liked being able to take the boat to the MK and we also saw the Electrical Water Pageant for the first time in a looong time. Great resort!

I think I'm like you when it comes to the resorts - I love the places I've stayed, but I want to experience them all!

I hope you get BWV or BLT for April since you haven't stayed at those yet!

I'm with you on BLT though. It just doesn't have a real theme the way all the rest of the resorts do. I think CR/BLT are decorated very tastefully, but the modern design aesthetic just doesn't do anything for me. So while I love the location and do want to stay there one day, it is at the bottom of my list.

We should try to arrange a meet if possible. I plan to be in Epcot everyday since I registered for some F & W events. So let me know when you finalize your park plans!

I really hope we can get one of them too but we're not going to hold our breath. We went over to BLT on our trip in Aug. '09 to see what it was like and it was pretty neat.

I will definitely let you know once we know what we're doing. My dad's been telling me to pick out my top priorities. I guess the good thing is that whatever we don't get done will just have to be done in April!

The other thing that will probably make it tough to get some of the other resorts is that they will be booked by people arriving earlier. They let you book for 7 days starting 7 months from your arrival date, so people arriving the week before Easter would be able to book before us, and they might snap up the dates over the Easter weekend and early in the week.

I may have to settle for getting on a waiting list for one of the other resorts and hoping someone cancels. Or, we could consider staying a few nights at SSR and a few nights somewhere else if that's available.

Yeah, I know it's going to be tough. Doing a split stay would be sort of annoying but if it's the only way to get another place I'd do it.

Hey Sarah, I finally made it over here! I'm so excited for you, not just one trip in the works, but two!!

If you have a chance, send me a PM telling me where Emma is working and I'll look for her in October.

Thanks-I am very glad to have two trips to look forward to. Especially since the one in October is going to be such a quick one.

I will send you a PM!

Today Matt texted me: "I'm bored. I think I'll head over to the Magic Kingdom." Gee, they have such a tough life!

I'm a little biased because I'm one of the few people who like the theming of the Contemporary but I love that my parents own at BLT! The one bedroom was really functional (the bathroom situation in particular was a lot more convenient than the Boardwalk IMO) and if you've been cast out to the pull-out sofa like I am they are shockingly comfortable. Plus, who can beat being able to walk to MK?!

Oh my god, I know! Marquette started classes today (where Emma goes) and her facebook status said something very similar about how she had to choose which park to go to today. I keep saying the exact same thing. Must be so hard for them. LOL. I got a text with a picture of Cinderella Castle and tomorrow I guess she is going to Universal.

haha yes, I had to sleep on the sleeper sofa last year and I agree, they are pretty comfortable (though nothing will beat the beds at OKW!). That's why I want to try BLT too-the location is awesome.

 

[Pinkocto]

Very exciting trip planning! I'd also like to stay at all the different resorts, so good luck with getting a new one to check off the list I hope Emma crams as much fun as she can into this wonderful experience. It would be terrible if she came home hoping she had done just a little bit more, but then again, how can one possibly get enough of the Magic!

 

[Vwdiva93]

That is so cool that your sister gets to hang out in the parks whenever she wants, I'm jealous too!

All of those resorts look so beautiful, I really hope you can get at least one of them. The Boardwalk picture looks so amazing, and very pretty with the lights and the water at night!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Out of the three resorts I love the look of WL the best however as you have already stayed at this resort you may want to stay at one of the others. Sorry I can't be of much help on the topic.

 

[meeko_33785]

The Boardwalk is m favorite resort at Disney, so out of the three, it would be an easy choice for me. Wilderness Lodge is wonderful too. I haven't stayed at the Contemporary since they added Bay Lake Tower (last time I did it was in the building they tore down to build it), but the location is extremly convenient. I loved the short walk to Magic Kingdom. Hope you can get into one of the three for your April trip.

 

[PirateKate]

Don't you love having two tickers going at once? I hope you're able to get in at one of those three resorts. They all sound great. It'd be kind of nice to be at the Boardwalk, since you could walk to Epcot and it'll be Flower and Garden time. But BLT would also be great, since you could walk to MK and Monorail to Epcot. The Wilderness Lodge Villas would be fun, as well, since that theming is so cool. I'll be excited to hear where you end up.

 

[jwwi]

Sounds like you have three great DVC choices on your list. I have only stayed at WLV, and I really liked staying there too. We spent so much time just relaxing at the resort, so it was a great choice for us. BWV and BLT would be so great too. A fun but hard decision, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. While split stays may seem like a hassle, it would be worth it to have a different experience. Not to mention checking off another resort on your list of places to stay.

 

[brookelizabeth]

She will be working at...

Love it! DHS has gone from my least favorite to my favorite over the trips. We just always have such a fun day there! I hope she is loving her job!

And CONGRATS on the spring trip too! Sooooo jealous!!!!! I hope you are able to snag BWV, BLT or VWL!

 

[Merida]

Congrats on your second trip! Even though I love the Contemporary, I'd definitely choose the Boardwalk. It's just so pretty. Which is your favorite DVC place and where would you most like to stay on property (DVC or no)? I can never decide if saving for DVC would be worth it because there are non-DVC places I like, but it would be very difficult to give Disney more money to stay somewhere else.

 

[Cat0727]

I'm here! Congrats on TWO trips How exciting your sister is a CM! I wish I could go back in time and apply for the college program. I don't know what I was thinking then.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Very exciting trip planning! I'd also like to stay at all the different resorts, so good luck with getting a new one to check off the list I hope Emma crams as much fun as she can into this wonderful experience. It would be terrible if she came home hoping she had done just a little bit more, but then again, how can one possibly get enough of the Magic!

Thanks! So far I think she's been to all the parks atleast once but has been busier now that work has started. But I still think she's having a pretty good time.

That is so cool that your sister gets to hang out in the parks whenever she wants, I'm jealous too!

All of those resorts look so beautiful, I really hope you can get at least one of them. The Boardwalk picture looks so amazing, and very pretty with the lights and the water at night!

I know. She is working today and I guess she might go see Fantasmic when she's done. Must be nice!

I love the Boardwalk even more at night. It really just comes alive with all the clubs and entertainment.

Out of the three resorts I love the look of WL the best however as you have already stayed at this resort you may want to stay at one of the others. Sorry I can't be of much help on the topic.

LOL, it's OK. It's really going to depend on what's available. If availability weren't an issue I would probably choose the Boardwalk first (I guess that's why I put it as #1 on my list ).

The Boardwalk is m favorite resort at Disney, so out of the three, it would be an easy choice for me. Wilderness Lodge is wonderful too. I haven't stayed at the Contemporary since they added Bay Lake Tower (last time I did it was in the building they tore down to build it), but the location is extremly convenient. I loved the short walk to Magic Kingdom. Hope you can get into one of the three for your April trip.

I have always wanted to stay at the Boardwalk but after hearing how much my parents and sister enjoyed it I want to stay there even more. I hope we can get one of them too.

Don't you love having two tickers going at once? I hope you're able to get in at one of those three resorts. They all sound great. It'd be kind of nice to be at the Boardwalk, since you could walk to Epcot and it'll be Flower and Garden time. But BLT would also be great, since you could walk to MK and Monorail to Epcot. The Wilderness Lodge Villas would be fun, as well, since that theming is so cool. I'll be excited to hear where you end up.

I sure do love having 2 tickers going. I am anxious to see if any of those resorts are available but I'm really not expecting anything. If there is it'll be a nice surprise!

Sounds like you have three great DVC choices on your list. I have only stayed at WLV, and I really liked staying there too. We spent so much time just relaxing at the resort, so it was a great choice for us. BWV and BLT would be so great too. A fun but hard decision, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. While split stays may seem like a hassle, it would be worth it to have a different experience. Not to mention checking off another resort on your list of places to stay.

That's exactly what my dad said too. I guess we'll have to see what happens come Wednesday when we can check availability!

Love it! DHS has gone from my least favorite to my favorite over the trips. We just always have such a fun day there! I hope she is loving her job!

And CONGRATS on the spring trip too! Sooooo jealous!!!!! I hope you are able to snag BWV, BLT or VWL!

haha, well we can be jealous of each other because you've got your cruise to look forward to next year!

Congrats on your second trip! Even though I love the Contemporary, I'd definitely choose the Boardwalk. It's just so pretty. Which is your favorite DVC place and where would you most like to stay on property (DVC or no)? I can never decide if saving for DVC would be worth it because there are non-DVC places I like, but it would be very difficult to give Disney more money to stay somewhere else.

I agree, the Boardwalk is amazing! I really don't know if I could pick a favorite DVC resort because I've loved all the ones we've stayed at. Each one is unique which makes it so much fun. As for non-DVC, that's an easy one-definitely the Polynesian! We used to stay there all the time when we were little and we all just love it. My dad is the one who technically owns our DVC but so far it's definitely been worth it for us and we've only been members for 5 years. As much as I love the Poly it's amazing how much it costs there!

I'm here! Congrats on TWO trips How exciting your sister is a CM! I wish I could go back in time and apply for the college program. I don't know what I was thinking then.

I know, I feel the same way. I remember going to the meeting when they came to my school my freshman year and thought it would be so much fun to do. But I never did.