New at this. My First PTR April 09!

[bitohoney]

I am brand new so this is my first PTR and if I mess something up please forgive me. I am completely computer stupid. Already I can't seem to get the font and color I want. Oh well!

The trip I have planned is 22-30 Apr 09. It started off as a trip to NYC but I will explain that in a few. Let me introduce us:

Me (38) I am a Disney freak! I don't know where it started and the folks I work with always say, "You're going to Disney again?" They don't understand it. I have been to Disneyland I forgot how many times and Disney World 3 times. This will be the 4th!

DD (15) Soon to be 16. My love for Disney has rubbed off on her. I heard her ringtone yesterday and it was Wishes!

DD Friend (15) Since this is a trip to celebrate DDs 16th BDay we are bring along a friend of hers.

This trip started off as a chosen trip by DD for her BDay to NYC. It was her choice because she wanted to bring a friend. Then, I started having Disney withdrawls. So...I started pricing the 4/3 deal. and I thought..."Should I?" It was a good deal. I sent her a text and asked if she'd rather go to WDW. She asked her friend and from then IT WAS ON!

It was sudden and I booked it within 2 days and I've had it booked since January so I have most of the plans already but I just had to do a PTR! It helps pass the time. Besides, I love reading other PTRs.

Hopefully I can find out how to continue my PTR. I have no clue what I'm doing!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi! We'll be at WDW at the same time! We'll be at POR from April 19-28. Looking forward to hearing your plans!

 

[bitohoney]

Well...where to stay is always the hardest decision. I eventually want to stay at all the Disney resorts! I loved CBR when we stayed there in 2005. That was our first trip to WDW. A 10 day trip. I'm one of those who want to see and do everything.

Our 2nd trip was a sudden trip just like this one. We stayed at the Shades of Green (SoG). Since it's just the 2 of us it's very easy to plan sudden trips. Now, the SoG is nice but there is no theme and even though it is on Disney property, I was bored with it. (7 days)

Our 3rd trip was planned for about 4 months. We never plan for too long. I move things around and I can never wait too long anyway. We stayed at Pop and this time was the first time I used the Dining Plan. (11 days)

This time I wanted CSR or POFQ. No rooms available.
Soooo...then it was down to one of the value resorts. Since I am taking DDs friend also I didn't want to go all out anyway. THEN...on my spur of the moment decisions I booked 7 nights at AKL! Standard view with the Dining Plan.
After a couple of days I got to thinking...AGAIN. I called and added another night. It was funny because when I called to add another night the CM asked, "May I ask why there was a change in your plans?" I said, "I love the place and I have to do everything!"

So there you have it! We are staying at the AKL

 

[Raecheal]

I'm !! I haven't stayed at AKL... but i'm sure your going to have an amazing time.

 

[Finally - A Vacation]

Hi! Just followed you over. AKL, I'm sooo jealous!

 

[bitohoney]

I am so worn out it doesn't feel like a Monday. I live in Massachusetts and we got tons of snow today but I still had to go to work. Now, in order to take all these Disney trips I rent an apartment instead of owning a house. A small sacrifice to enjoy life the Disney way! Anyway, I have to be at work by 6:45am and of course the parking lot wasn't plowed and I got stuck. It took me 15 minutes to get out of the parking lot and off to work. Then, I got stuck again after work and 2 guys had to push me out.
DD had a snow day She also takes 4 different dance classes...Jazz, tap, ballet and pointe, but we are skipping the classes tonight because I just dont feel like getting out in the snow although they plow the roads pretty good here. I feel guilty about her skipping.
But hey! I just took my brownies out of the oven!

The pre-arrival day, or day before I arrive at WDW is the most exciting day of it all because you are packing and the butterflies are just too much!
On the day before we leave for WDW (21 Apr) I took off from work. First thing in the morning I'm going to the gym. After that, come home and shower for lunch somewhere with DD. Then, I have appointments for the 2 of us to spend a day at the spa! This doesn't happen much but it's one of DDs BDay gifts. I told her not to get spioled! I am getting a massage and facial and an aromatherapy shower (never had one). DD will be enjoying a facial, manicure and pedicure! What a relaxing day for the madness (fun madness) to come! Then we need to get home and pack. Since our flight is at 6:50 am the next morning DD friend who is going with us will be staying the night.

Oh yea...50 more days!!!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

The pre-arrival day, or day before I arrive at WDW is the most exciting day of it all because you are packing and the butterflies are just too much!
On the day before we leave for WDW (21 Apr) I took off from work. First thing in the morning I'm going to the gym. After that, come home and shower for lunch somewhere with DD. Then, I have appointments for the 2 of us to spend a day at the spa! This doesn't happen much but it's one of DDs BDay gifts. I told her not to get spioled! I am getting a massage and facial and an aromatherapy shower (never had one). DD will be enjoying a facial, manicure and pedicure! What a relaxing day for the madness (fun madness) to come! Then we need to get home and pack. Since our flight is at 6:50 am the next morning DD friend who is going with us will be staying the night.

Oh yea...50 more days!!!!

Sounds like a great day! Enjoy!

 

[shordiebecka]

that sounds amazing! I've stayed at AKL before- once you stay there, its hard to go back. I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[bitohoney]

Hi! We'll be at WDW at the same time! We'll be at POR from April 19-28. Looking forward to hearing your plans!

Yay for April! I've never been in April but I hear the weather is nice. Hopefully it's nothing like August. August was brutal and I was already soaked at 9am waiting on the bus to the parks.

 

[bitohoney]

22 Apr - Flight out of Hartford is 6:50am. Wake up time will be 2am. Believe it or not DD likes to get up this early for vacations. It is kinda fun and exciting when you're going to WDW! It only takes 30 minutes to get to the airport from where I live but I like to have plenty of time. I am always in a total panic until I park the car at the airport. I have a car that seats 4 and there are 3 of us with large suitcases so hopefully it will all fit.

Bkfst - McDonalds at the airport.

Arrive at MCO at 9:40am and catch ME to AKL! Check in but I'm not expecting the room to be ready that early. Hopefully it's not cold when we leave New England because I don't want to drag around jackets.
After check in we are off to DHS. They have EMH that evening and usually the excitement is fresh so we wear ourselves out the first day. Once we get there we'll grab a fast pass for something.

Lunch - CS at Catalina Eddies.

3pm - Block Party Bash. Love this! It's so much fun!

4:55 - Dinner at 50's. This is a requirement. I love the fried chicken and Smores!

No Fantasmic this night but that gives us the freedom to do whatever...even leave if we get too tired. I hope DD friend can hang! She's full of energy so I think she can.

I wish I could go on to days 2-8 but I am sitting in an uncomfortable chair.

By the way...I am sooooooo ready for spring. Way too cold here in Massachusetts.

 

[shordiebecka]

I'm from southeastern Ct.... I know what you mean about the YUCKY cold..don't you just wish it would end!!!

 

[bitohoney]

Yay we finally have a warm up coming this weekend! It's going to be in the 50's which is great after the big snow storm we had Monday. Actually the warmer it gets the more it makes me want to go to WDW!

Now here's more of my plans:

23 Apr Day 2 - I plan on getting up at 7am today to go to AK but we will see how much we wear ourselves out the night before.

Bkfst - Probably use a snack from our dining plan for bkfst.

Get at AK for rope drop (maybe) then go grab a fast pass. I don't plan which rides we do each day, just the shows. Festival of the Lion King is my favorite show ever! It is awesome! It brings tears to my eyes everytime I see it.

12:15 - Lunch at Rainforest Cafe. I know...this isn't on the dining plan but we like it.

3:45 (or 4) - Parade

AK has evening EMH and I wanted to take advantage of all the EMHs that we could but we are going to explore the resort this evening.

7:05 - Dinner at Boma. Never been here but I've heard nothing but good things about it. After dinner we are going back to the room to chill because we have early bkfst the next morning.

24 Apr Day 3 - Epcot Day! I had this bright idea to have a TS bksft and DD chose Askershus. I'm sure it will be fun but it's gonna be super early! Oh well! I should stop my griping, I will be at WDW! I haven't decided what time to get up. Maybe 6?
8:10am - Bkfst at Askershus. I hope their bkfst food is good because we ate here for lunch in 2005 and I wasn't impressed. The food was boring.

12:00 - Lunch at Coral Reef! We ate here last year and was surprised because we really liked it. DD likes the dessert she got because it tasted like alcohol.

Dinner - CS at Cantina de San Angel. DD chose this because I think they have churros.

9pm - Illuminations. We watch this from the same spot each year. Right by the fence between Canada and England. I'm getting old so I don't know how much longer I will be able to sit on the ground. It's already getting uncomfortable.

EMH here this evening so we might be here until midnight.

I don't like to park hop and have never been to the water parks. I also don't go exploring other resorts. I want to stay at a different resort each time and I want to be surprised each time I go. It's the best when you are seeing something for the first time! I'm excited about seeing AKL even though we only got a standard view. We won't be in the room much anyway.

 

[shordiebecka]

your plans seem really good so far!!!!! Yay for warm weather..I get what you are saying about warmer weather = wanting disney more..but on the plus side, for me, there are more events to distract me!!

 

[bitohoney]

I really should finish this PTR. I haven't posted in 2 weeks. I've been lurking! Once I get home from work I get lazy...even though I work from 7am - 3pm. I work out 3 times a week whether it be going to the gym or to my cardio kickboxing class. I'd love to lose 15 lbs but food is my weakness! And candy. Any candy, preferably chocolate.
Oh and guess what has happened since I last posted! I paid off the trip! It feels so good to have everything paid for. Now I have 35 days to shop for a few new clothing items and SHOES! I need shoes. Now that I'm getting older I'm looking for comfort more than style.

I received the yellow ME luggage tags AND the other luggage tags with all the vouchers!! I wish they would send it all in one package like they used to. I got 2 seperate mailings this time and I was confused at first.

Back to my plans. I'll see how much I can go...my tummy is feeling upset. Must be the shrimp and veggie tempura I had for dinner.
I have ulcerative colitis but have been symptom free since August 2008!!! Thank goodness!!! Hope it's not trying to appear again.

25 Apr Day 4 - I like to save the best for last! MAGIC KINGDOM! Well, this isn't our last day but we like to do all 4 parks and do all 4 parks again. 1 day per park.
The night prior is EMH at Epcot but we probably won't stay until 12am. I'm a morning person.

Bkfst - I have no clue. Nothing planned. Fruit?

I love MK! Walking down Main Street for the first time each trip brings tears to my eyes but I try to hide it. DD would think I was weird.

12pm - Lunch at The Crystal Palace. I didn't think this would be available. We couldn't get it last year and have never been and looking forward to trying it!

3pm - Parade. We are the ones that pick a spot an hour and a half before it starts.

5:30 - Dinner at Columbia Harbor House. Love the fish and chips.

9pm - Spectromagic

 

[Jazzylolo]

I live in Rochester, NY and totally understand what you are talking about with the cold weather. We are ready for spring but it seems like it is never coming. We had a couple days in the 50s but apparently it is going back down tomorrow

I LOVE reading your PTR. It sounds like you have everything planned out very well. It is a nice level of planning...you have flexibility but you know where you want to be. I don't know how you can't park hop...I LOVE being able to go from park to park whenever I please. We usually spend the morning in one park, head back to the hotel for swimming and relaxing, go to dinner and then do another park in the evening. We get pooped to easily with that Florida sun!

 

[bitohoney]

I live in Rochester, NY and totally understand what you are talking about with the cold weather. We are ready for spring but it seems like it is never coming. We had a couple days in the 50s but apparently it is going back down tomorrow

I LOVE reading your PTR. It sounds like you have everything planned out very well. It is a nice level of planning...you have flexibility but you know where you want to be. I don't know how you can't park hop...I LOVE being able to go from park to park whenever I please. We usually spend the morning in one park, head back to the hotel for swimming and relaxing, go to dinner and then do another park in the evening. We get pooped to easily with that Florida sun!

Hello and thanks for reading!
Our weather is getting warmer during the day but tonight it will be down to 15 again. PLEASE WARM UP!!!!

I've never tried to park hop. Maybe if we go for less than 8 days we will try it.

 

[bitohoney]

By the way we are getting sooooo excited! Tomorrow we are going shopping for travel size items, ponchos (I think we have some unused ones still in the suitcase from last trip). I think I want a travel blanket too. It's always freezing on the plane. DD friend went shopping today. Oh wait! I did too! I spent too much money online shopping from Old Navy. I like their shorts. And of course DD wanted tank tops.

On we go...
Apr 26 Day 5 - Back to DHS. Depending on how much we get done the first DHS day we may sleep in, but to me 8am is sleeping in.

I've decided to buy a couple of boxes of Slim Fast bars and take those for bksft. I love those things! Yummy! I need to make a list right now! Ok done!

12pm - Lunch at Hollywood & Vine. We ate here last trip and kinda liked the food and there were no more Fantasmic packages left so we got a ressie for lunch.

5:30 - Dinner at Pizza Planet

9pm Fantasmic then off we go to catch some ZZZZs.


Apr 27 Day 6 - AK day

12pm - Lunch at Yak & Yeti

We plan on leaving the park around 2 or 3 to go to DTD and stroll around. Last trip we went to see La Nouba! That was such an AWESOME show and well worth the money we paid for the tickets for front and center! Unfortunately this year it won't work.

6pm - Dinner at Planet Hollywood. Why? Because of the $15 meal voucher and the atmosphere, definately NOT for the food. I didn't like the food here. I don't remember what I ordered...I think it was fajitas. Any suggestions on something tastier?

 

[Jazzylolo]

I haven't been to Planet Hollywood in years. They used to have location in San Francisco that my little brother dragged us to every year for his birthday...before we saw Phantom of the Opera for the billionth time. Ok...that's not important. I always ordered the fajitas and enjoyed them actually so I am not much help. Sorry!

 

[bitohoney]

So...DD and I went shopping for shoes Sunday. I can find something to buy in every store. We went to 2 stores and of course I found some hopefully comfy sandals and all DD could find was a little pair of flip flops. We still need another pair or 2. Hitting the mall this Saturday but I'm on a budget so can't get anything except shoes.

Continuing with plans

Apr 28 Day 7 - Oh no day 7? That means there's only one more day in the parks. Anyway this day is Epcot. Maybe try for morning EMH (yea right)

12pm - Lunch at Yorkshire County Fish Shop! Mmmmmm!
This day we will probably spend most of the day in WS and doing what we missed the first Epcot day.

5:30pm - Dinner at Tutto Italia Ristorante. Never been here before. Hope it's good!

Apr 29 Day 8 - Ahhhhhhh!!! Last day. Then what? Hmmm... maybe start planning another trip??

12pm - Lunch at Casey's corner.

5:30pm - Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. DD likes this one. It's not one of my faves.

9pm - Wishes!!!

We have a 10:25am flight home the next morning.

I like to save the best for last. If you notice most of my ADRs are all at the same time. Those are the times I usually eat so I'm trying to stay on the same schedule I got all the ADRs I wanted! Surprised was I!

I keep thinking about packing. Should I or shouldn't I?!?!?! No, not yet. I need to save something else to do as my trip gets closer!