Nikki and Tom take on F&W and MNSSHP-Take 2! LINK TO TR pg. 55

[brookelizabeth]

Emma is the CUTEST!!!! And your sister looks fantastic.

Being there in the summer was so nice! A little smelly....but nice! Haha! Then we just got in the car and left! It was so easy....I don't think I'll be taking the train as much anymore!

a little smelly! So true! NYC reeks in the summer.

It was SO fun meeting you both!!!! Henry still talks of it!

It was so much fun. I also wish we had more time to spend together. It felt like we were used to hanging out lol

I agree!

Nikki-for the car, I think someone has already responded, but I know people leave their cars at the resort all the time after an ADR. I think it's allowed and not breaking the rules, as long as you truly have an ADR there.

 

[anjalee6]

Oh definitely! I'll post mine when it gets closer. We are unfortunately on a VERY strict schedule but hopefully our schedules will overlap!

I completely understand. In the summer we do 8 or 9 days and this time we have 5 but traveling is part of that of course. We had to do one day at each park and then get to MK only because of the MNSSHP so I know what you mean.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I completely understand. In the summer we do 8 or 9 days and this time we have 5 but traveling is part of that of course. We had to do one day at each park and then get to MK only because of the MNSSHP so I know what you mean.

I'm afraid that we won't even be able to fit AK in our plans at all! That is devastating to me but it might be necessary....

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Emma is the CUTEST!!!! And your sister looks fantastic.

a little smelly! So true! NYC reeks in the summer.

It was SO fun meeting you both!!!! Henry still talks of it!


I agree!

Nikki-for the car, I think someone has already responded, but I know people leave their cars at the resort all the time after an ADR. I think it's allowed and not breaking the rules, as long as you truly have an ADR there.

It really was such a nice night. We'll have to come in and meet up again before it gets too cold. If only Earl of Sandwich would open already!!

Thanks for the car advice. I've decided to definitely park at the Poly since I do have an ADR. I might valet it just to be on the safe side because I heard there is no time limit with that. I know it seems like it would be just as easy to park at the TTC and walk/monorail it to the Poly but we seriously don't have a minute to lose that day so parking at the Poly really would be best.

 

[Stefy]

Yay for being under the 2 month mark

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yay for being under the 2 month mark

Ahhh!!! You're right!

Look at my ticker!!

 

[jenseib]

TWO MONTHS FROM TONIGHT!!!
Actually from this exact moment, I'll be taking off from Newark airport and on my way to Disney World!!!

 

[BippityBoo]

HELLO Nikki!! It's been a while

I am so excited to catch up on your PTR--and super jealous that you will be there in September. I am writing bc my hubby and I are taking our first "no kids" trip in Feb. so that I can run the Princess Marathon. We are wanting to stay at POR--do you think FQ or Riverside? I know that Riverside looks much more romantic and pretty--FQ seems small and not as much walking required. Where did ya'll stay? What building? Any advice would be appreciated

PS: We plan to hit DTD a lot since we never get a chance to with the kids when we go.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

HELLO Nikki!! It's been a while

I am so excited to catch up on your PTR--and super jealous that you will be there in September. I am writing bc my hubby and I are taking our first "no kids" trip in Feb. so that I can run the Princess Marathon. We are wanting to stay at POR--do you think FQ or Riverside? I know that Riverside looks much more romantic and pretty--FQ seems small and not as much walking required. Where did ya'll stay? What building? Any advice would be appreciated

PS: We plan to hit DTD a lot since we never get a chance to with the kids when we go.

Hey! Well I've only stayed at Riverside and I love it. I've been wanting to stay at FQ for a while but it just hasn't worked out. My sister, who also always stayed at Riverside, did FQ for the first time last year and loved it. I think you'll be happy with either one. Riverside now has preferred buildings. I'd look at the map and see which ones you think look good. There is a really nice boat ride from the resort to DTD!

 

[basketkat]

I just read this whole thread!!! I followed you over from the Dooney thread!!!! We will be at WDW at the same time!!!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I just read this whole thread!!! I followed you over from the Dooney thread!!!! We will be at WDW at the same time!!!!

Oh great!! There hasn't been much planning talk on this thread yet but as the trip is fast approaching, I'm going to start posting my daily (to the minute!) plans for this action-packed trip!

 

[ronnmel]

Oh great!! There hasn't been much planning talk on this thread yet but as the trip is fast approaching, I'm going to start posting my daily (to the minute!) plans for this action-packed trip!

Can't wait to read those. I know you have a lto planned, which calls for to-the-minute plans. As for myself, I've been trying VERY HARD to stop myself from over planning our days. I'm trying to find the balance between being able to maximize the attractions we do/see, but also allow room to do things on a whim as well as time to stop and smell the roses.

I really reallly would love to go for a last minute weekend trip to the World, say to try Food & Wine, but it's too expensive to fly there, so when we do we have to make the most of it.

 

[basketkat]

Oh great!! There hasn't been much planning talk on this thread yet but as the trip is fast approaching, I'm going to start posting my daily (to the minute!) plans for this action-packed trip!

Oooo looking forward to it!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Hey there, finally catching up on all my subscribed TRs!

on renting a car- we do it everytime. we just love it for the convenience. not sure if we really save more time or not, but at least we feell like we do and we aren't waiting around for a bus. We like the freedom and control it provides us.

So on parking at the Poly, I would advise against it. Many have gotten away with it, but I have seen the guards out there marking tires to track how long you've been parked there before and I have seen a car being towed as well. I believe when you drive in, you stop at the security booth and tell them you are a guest for a dining ADR. they will usually give you a 2-3 hour parking pass and if they don't, they can very well tow you or mark your tires if you are there longer than 3 hours regardless, and don't have the slip in your windshield showing you a guest there. I just wouldn't risk it personally. Either try valet (we have used valet before at the WL- so easy!!!) or park at the TTC and you can monorail or walk over. I'd just be worried about my car all day if i left it in the Poly lot. But obviously many people have done it without problems too.

We've actually been turned away at the Contemporary lot before. This was before we owned DVC there (now they can't turn us away, lol!)- but we had just wanted to go shop there and look around and since we didn't have an ADR and weren't guests there, and the lot was almost full, we got turned away and had to turn around. They told us if we wanted to come visit, to park at the TTC and monorail it over.

and LOL don't ask this question on the theme parks board, you might get eaten alive. It's as bad as the whole refillable mugs or is my kid really 3 or not debates. I am sure you have seen how "intense" people get over that stuff.

 

[chloe770]

Just stop by to say hi! How's the running going? Have you gone that "extra mile" yet? I know are getting excited for Disney, as am I. I'll be looking for those cute shirts you had made at the 5K. I may even say " Hi!" in person.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Can't wait to read those. I know you have a lto planned, which calls for to-the-minute plans. As for myself, I've been trying VERY HARD to stop myself from over planning our days. I'm trying to find the balance between being able to maximize the attractions we do/see, but also allow room to do things on a whim as well as time to stop and smell the roses.

I really reallly would love to go for a last minute weekend trip to the World, say to try Food & Wine, but it's too expensive to fly there, so when we do we have to make the most of it.

There will be no smelling of the roses on this trip, for sure! Haha!! As much as this weekend trip is way too jam packed, the other weekend trips we've taken in the past have been the best!

Oooo looking forward to it!!!

Hey there, finally catching up on all my subscribed TRs!

on renting a car- we do it everytime. we just love it for the convenience. not sure if we really save more time or not, but at least we feell like we do and we aren't waiting around for a bus. We like the freedom and control it provides us.

So on parking at the Poly, I would advise against it. Many have gotten away with it, but I have seen the guards out there marking tires to track how long you've been parked there before and I have seen a car being towed as well. I believe when you drive in, you stop at the security booth and tell them you are a guest for a dining ADR. they will usually give you a 2-3 hour parking pass and if they don't, they can very well tow you or mark your tires if you are there longer than 3 hours regardless, and don't have the slip in your windshield showing you a guest there. I just wouldn't risk it personally. Either try valet (we have used valet before at the WL- so easy!!!) or park at the TTC and you can monorail or walk over. I'd just be worried about my car all day if i left it in the Poly lot. But obviously many people have done it without problems too.

We've actually been turned away at the Contemporary lot before. This was before we owned DVC there (now they can't turn us away, lol!)- but we had just wanted to go shop there and look around and since we didn't have an ADR and weren't guests there, and the lot was almost full, we got turned away and had to turn around. They told us if we wanted to come visit, to park at the TTC and monorail it over.

and LOL don't ask this question on the theme parks board, you might get eaten alive. It's as bad as the whole refillable mugs or is my kid really 3 or not debates. I am sure you have seen how "intense" people get over that stuff.

Thanks for the first-hand advice. I have a friend who had dinner there and stayed for Wishes and she was fine. Don't want to risk it though. I think I'm going to valet it. That seems to be the best way to go.

Just stop by to say hi! How's the running going? Have you gone that "extra mile" yet? I know are getting excited for Disney, as am I. I'll be looking for those cute shirts you had made at the 5K. I may even say " Hi!" in person.

Hey!! Running is....eh. I still haven't gone really any further than what I've been doing...and at this point, I don't even care! I'm sure I'm going to be stopping every 10 seconds to take a picture of something so I don't think stamina really matters too much. I'm not shooting for 1st place or anything!

Definitely say hi if you see me!! I would love that. I'm actually having second thoughts about the shirt. It's not looking like Tom will be running with me (by my DSIL is) so that kind of defeats the purpose of the matching shirts. Plus, I want more people to see the shirt so I'm actually thinking I might wear it on Friday at Epcot all day since it's really all about the 'ritas!

 

[dolfinjuls]

Can't wait to hear your plans!

AND unfortunately we won't be able to meet up because we decided to switch our dates! We're now going in November to go with Jersey week. Thought it would be the responsible thing to not make our kids miss as much school! Only a little bit more time right? Ugh!

 

[stephielela]

Nikki! I can't wait to hear your minute by minute plans! After all the girls get back from the AEP it will be up to you and Hope to keep me distracted while I wait for my trip! That and extensive DLR research!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Can't wait to hear your plans!

AND unfortunately we won't be able to meet up because we decided to switch our dates! We're now going in November to go with Jersey week. Thought it would be the responsible thing to not make our kids miss as much school! Only a little bit more time right? Ugh!

Booo!! It will go fast though. Just think, I'll be done writing my TR and you'll still have your trip to look forward to.

Nikki! I can't wait to hear your minute by minute plans! After all the girls get back from the AEP it will be up to you and Hope to keep me distracted while I wait for my trip! That and extensive DLR research!

I think I just might start tonight!! I'm so excited for your DL trip! I would love to make it out there one day.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

So sorry for the lack of update on this boring PTR!! I promise, my TRs themselves are actually very entertaining. But to spice this up a bit, I'm going to start sharing our minute-to-minute plans! And trust me, they practically are minute-to-minute!!

First of all, last night was the 6 week mark! Can you believe that?! Makes it seem so soon!

Wednesday - September 28

School gets out at 3:10. For the past 4 years, I've had a last period of the day prep starting at 2:25 on Wednesdays and one year when doing a long weekend Disney trip, my principal let me leave right after I dropped of my class so it would be awesome if that happened again!!

After teaching a full day, I'm going to SPRINT out of my classroom and drive quickly, yet responsibly, home to my already packed luggage. (The best part is that I actually have OFF of school on Thursday and Friday, I don't have to worry about writing lesson plans for a sub for those days and then worry while in the parks about my students misbehaving!)

So if I leave at 2:25 or 3:10, I will definitely be ready to leave for the airport around 4:30. Our flight is at 6:20 and we are very close to Newark Airport so I'm sure we'll get there by 5 the latest.


Maybe even have time for an airport drink like we did on our only other night flight to disney....

Unfortunately with night flights comes more of a chance for a delay, which is what happened on that other trip I keep referring to. We didn't get to our resort until around midnight. Let's hope that doesn't happen on this trip!

The plane is set to land at 9:13pm. No normally, I'm all about the ME. LOVE that free service from Disney!

But due to the jam-packed activities of this short weekend, I've decided to forgo Magical Express this time and rent a car.

Now that unfortunately means waiting at the luggage carousel for our bags and finding the car rental place before heading to Port Orleans Riverside!

I've probably stayed at this resort more than any other on property and would've liked to try some place new but since we are traveling with Tom's brother and sister-in-law, we all decided this was the best place.

OH, BTW, they are now arriving 2 days before us!! Not sure how that will work with our connecting rooms request but we shall see....our reservations are linked and we put in all the same building requests so I'm hoping they will make it work for us. I'm thinking NOT doing the online check-in is probably a good idea.

So anyway, if all goes according to plan, I'm (unrealistically) hoping to get to POR by 10pm. Now this is where I might be getting a little crazy but Epcot happens to have EMH that night until midnight. Would it be completely insane to try to go to that, even if just for an hour? Or would it be better to just unpack, settle in and call it a night to be up bright and early the next morning?


So that's arrival night. I'm down for an advice or suggestions for anything on my plans.