My super-early October '13 Hurricane Sandy pick-me-up pre-trip report!

[TheRealMarie]

Hi all,

I will start by saying that I've been stalking this board for years (mostly the trip report and food porn photo threads) and finally made an account today. I'm planning a trip for me and my boyfriend that we'll do next October to take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival and Halloween. I should say that I love WDW and have been many times, but this will be my boyfriend's first trip. He's excited about the idea, but otherwise is letting me keep the itinerary a secret until we get to Orlando!

Part of the reason I bit the bullet and joined to post this is that we live in New York City and the city is pretty depressing right now. The damage from Hurricane Sandy is just devastating. We're so lucky to live in a part of Manhattan that was barely affected, but we're glued to the news and our friends' texts and Facebook posts, and can't believe what happened to the city. We have a few friends staying with us while they wait for power, and we're going tomorrow to donate food, water, and blankets and help sort and pack goods for the residents of Staten Island who were hit the worst. Anyway, I'm not looking for a pity party, just giving a framework - it's nice to think about the Happiest Place on Earth right now.

Some background about us...

I work in advertising for the publishing industry. I enjoy photography and music, and taking dance classes at my gym. I also am the singer in a semi-pro rock band for fun... performing around the city can be such a rush! I grew up in Jupiter, FL so went to the World quite a bit growing up, but my last trip was with friends in 2007.

My boyfriend works in robotics, which is part of the reason I think he'll really love WDW. He's a born and raised New Yorker, and is a die-hard Giants and Yankees fan. He also is also a big collector of Star Wars stuff - the Disney/Lucasfilm deal is what prompted the discussion of this trip.

Together, we really like going to live music and theatre, and we enjoy taking weekend trips around the Northeast as often as possible. Our favorite weekend jaunt was a trip up the Hudson last fall to photograph the gorgeous changing leaves. We've been together for three years and are hopelessly in love, so with any luck we'll be engaged before this trip.

I've been having a lot of fun planning what's basically my dream Disney itinerary. We're going to do the Deluxe Dining or Premium plan (I need to do a cost benefit analysis), so I'm taking full advantage of the inclusives and getting our money's worth! It'll be a ten day vacation in the week leading up to Columbus Day, and we're planning to stay at the Yacht Club. Is there any reason we should pick the Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn instead? I would love experienced Disney-goers' advice on all of this. Oh, I should add that my best friend and her husband (who live in Tampa) may join us for some or all of this. TBD...before 180 days out.

In the next post I'll list our detailed itinerary. I can't wait for your advice!

Thanks for listening to me ramble on a pre-trip report that is so far in the future,
Marie



(My apologies for the lack of pictures - I'm doing this on an iPad. I will probably go back in later to spruce it up!)

 

[TheRealMarie]

Before I post the itinerary, I thought I'd share a few favorites. Since I'm asking for advice - most importantly if there's anything I missed that's a must-do for adults - it might be a good idea if you know our tastes.

My favorite attraction as a child was, hands-down, it's a small world. Related to that, World Showcase at Epcot has always been my favorite "land" in The World - I could easily spend two full days there. I always have to stop for Voices of Liberty and the Chinese Acrobats... and a kaki gori! I'd say that my favorite attractions are Tower of Terror, Dinosaur, and Test Track. Movie-wise, I love Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid, and... really anything Pixar. I cry my eyes out at every one, haha.

As I said before, my boyfriend (Paul) hasn't been to Disney before, but from what he's seen I know that he's most excited about Everest and Rock & Roller Coaster. He likes thrill rides, and anything with creative engineering. His favorite Disney (Pixar) movies are Wall-E and Monsters, Inc.

He and I are both foodies (and drinkies?), so that's a big focus of our trip. I don't think he realizes how good the dining can be at Disney! We're used to great cuisine in New York City, so I've picked the best of the best. There are SO many places I've always wanted to try, so hooray for finally being able to get there!

Dream itinerary next.
Marie

 

[TheRealMarie]

So here's my itinerary! It's a LOT, but I feel like both of us are used to a busy lifestyle and we walk everywhere, so I think we'll be ok. I used touringplans.com to determine what days it's going to be best to visit what, and noted when the tours and special experiences happen. Obviously this might have to shuffle around when the showtimes and EMHs are posted, but I think it's a good blueprint. Will you let me know if there's anything you think will absolutely not work, timing wise, and if there's anything great that I'm missing? I listed the snacks because there are so many that are iconic at WDW... anything I'm missing there? I have a few questions after the itinerary as well. Enjoy!

Oh, and yes... I know we'll be leaving 10 pounds heavier. :


Thursday, October 3rd - Sunday, October 13, 2013
Hotel: Yacht Club Resort


Thursday 10/3
Morning flight arriving around noon, ME to Yacht Club
Lunch at Big River Grille and Brewing Works
Animal Kingdom (DinoRama, Asia, Tree of Life)
Frozen Chai at Royal Anadapur Tea Company
Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse
Fantasia Gardens


Friday 10/4
Morning Wild Africa Trek at AK
Lunch at Yak & Yeti
Rafiki's Planet Watch, Africa, Minnie-Mickey
Snack at Harambe Fruit Market, maybe drink at Dawa Bar
Dinner at 3D Disney Dessert Discovery/VIP viewing for IllumiNations


Saturday 10/5 - Hollywood Studios
Breakfast at Captain's Grille
Probably audition for Idol.
Lunch at The Hollywood Brown Derby
Carrot Cake Cookie at Writer's Stop
Dinner at Jiko
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal (by cab)


Sunday 10/6 - Downtown Disney
Sleep in
Sunday Gospel Brunch at House of Blues
Downtown Disney Shopping
Snack at Ghirardelli
maybe Disney Quest
maybe Splitsville for drinks
Rest
Dinner at California Grill


Monday 10/7 - Epcot Future World
Breakfast at Captain's Grille
The UnDISCOVERed Future World tour
Lunch at San Angel Inn
Snack at F&WF
Dinner at Le Cellier or Bistro de Paris
Walk on Boardwalk, Jellyrolls


Tuesday 10/8 - Magic Kingdom
Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (Kona Cafe alternative)
Lunch at Be Our Guest
Dole Whip float at Aloha Isle
Back to hotel to rest, dinner at bluezoo
MNSSHP
LeFou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern


Wednesday 10/9
Sleep in
Dine With an Animal Specialist at Sanaa
Pool/Relax
Dine With an Imagineer at Flying Fish (hopefully)
Walk to Fantasmic!
Ice Cream at Beaches & Cream


Thursday 10/10 - Epcot World Showcase
Keep Moving Forward Tour
Lunch through Food & Wine Festival kiosks
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventures
Food & Wine Festival Demos/Classes
Eat to the Beat Concert
Rest at hotel
Dinner at Raglan Road
Characters in Flight
La Nouba


Friday 10/11
Breakfast at Kona Cafe
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Nutella & Fruit Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow Ice Cream
Exotic Driving Experience
Back to hotel to rest and freshen
Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert's (or regular V&A's if booked)
Drinks at Outer Rim, watch Electrical Water Pageant (or HS catchup if wanted or needed)


Saturday 10/12
Sleep in
Breakfast at The Wave
Parasailing and/or Tubing at Sammy Duvall's (rain check: board games at Belle Vue Lounge)
Lunch at Turf Club Bar & Grill or Paradiso 37 or Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Spa treatment or two at The Spa at Saratoga Springs
Dinner at Party for the Senses


Sunday 10/13
Sleep in
Late Breakfast at Kouzzina
Afternoon flight back to NYC



So... Le Cellier or Bistro de Paris? Turf Club, Paradiso 37, or Wolfgang Puck? Do you think Sammy Duvall's or Tri-Circle D is better for our recreation day?

Thanks!

 

[LadyBeBop]

First, my heart goes out to everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy. Thank God, you weren't affected too much.

Second, you aren't super early. There's a number of us who are posting Oct. '13 pre-trip reports already. In fact, the Oct. 2013 Facebook group has been up and going for several months already. There's nearly 100 in the group already. You should join us (assuming you haven't already).

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/353374061381487/