Nikki and Tom take on F&W and MNSSHP-Take 2! LINK TO TR pg. 55
- Thread starter NikkiLovesWDW!
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stephielela
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I love packing way far in advance. Fall trips are easier for that because you just take you summer clothes and put them in a suitcase instead of in your basement or where ever! I think you could make it work, no checking bags, just carry ons. I know at Target they have these duffel bags that fold up really small, so you could always take one so you could check an extra bag on the way back! Or just buy a bag like Jen!
I also find your TR's very entertaining! Maybe some day all the MWT peeps can go and overlap for a day or two. I think I would really enjoy Epcot with you and Tom, especially the world showcase (i.e. Margaritas)
Have fun with your friends, and congrats again on being done with your masters!
I also find your TR's very entertaining! Maybe some day all the MWT peeps can go and overlap for a day or two. I think I would really enjoy Epcot with you and Tom, especially the world showcase (i.e. Margaritas)
Have fun with your friends, and congrats again on being done with your masters!
jenneth79
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How awesome that you were able to save so much w/ Free Dining! 
How do you usually ship packages back to yourself from Disney? I was thinking about doing that, but wasn't sure where we'd get the supplies, etc. Does the concierge at the resort help out with this?
I hear you on the wedding photographer stuff (though that picture isn't bad.... you all look lovely!) as ours skipped town before we even got an album. At least we have all our pictures on DVDs, which I will eventually do something with
Hope your week is going well!
How do you usually ship packages back to yourself from Disney? I was thinking about doing that, but wasn't sure where we'd get the supplies, etc. Does the concierge at the resort help out with this?
I hear you on the wedding photographer stuff (though that picture isn't bad.... you all look lovely!) as ours skipped town before we even got an album. At least we have all our pictures on DVDs, which I will eventually do something with
Hope your week is going well!
NikkiLovesWDW!
"Are you seeing an increase in lateral forces?" "S
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Hey Lauren!! Glad you are here!
That is so awesome that you were able to save your cousin so much money with free dining!!! Congrats to them on their upcoming marriage!
I know! I'm so glad she was able to take advantage of the promotion and that I was able to help her.
Thanks! We had a great time! I will post pics.
Ooh Disney planning, lots of fun. So cool you were able to save her that much money
Disney planning is so much fun!! I can't wait to help her!
I love packing way far in advance. Fall trips are easier for that because you just take you summer clothes and put them in a suitcase instead of in your basement or where ever! I think you could make it work, no checking bags, just carry ons. I know at Target they have these duffel bags that fold up really small, so you could always take one so you could check an extra bag on the way back! Or just buy a bag like Jen!
I also find your TR's very entertaining! Maybe some day all the MWT peeps can go and overlap for a day or two. I think I would really enjoy Epcot with you and Tom, especially the world showcase (i.e. Margaritas)
Have fun with your friends, and congrats again on being done with your masters!
I would LOVE if we could all meet up on a trip. We really would have so much fun!!
Thanks for the congrats! I really appreciate it!
How awesome that you were able to save so much w/ Free Dining!
How do you usually ship packages back to yourself from Disney? I was thinking about doing that, but wasn't sure where we'd get the supplies, etc. Does the concierge at the resort help out with this?
I hear you on the wedding photographer stuff (though that picture isn't bad.... you all look lovely!) as ours skipped town before we even got an album. At least we have all our pictures on DVDs, which I will eventually do something with
Hope your week is going well!
I'm not positive how it works recently but in the past, you save your receipts of stuff you bought then wet to the desk in the gift shop that you pick up your park purchases (know what I mean?) and they would ship it ALL for a flat rate of $15! So worth it! Then on our honeymoon, for some reason, we went to the front desk concierge at the Poly to ship instead and and they actually had to find a box and weighed it and everything so it ended up costing more so......in a nutshell, I"m not really sure! Haha! Don't know if it still works that way at the store or it the only way to do it now is through concierge.
NikkiLovesWDW!
"Are you seeing an increase in lateral forces?" "S
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Day 2 Plans ~ September 29, 2011
So after getting in late the night before and most likely NOT going to Epcot EMH (although I'm sure I won't officially rule it out until we get to POR) we should be well rested to start our trip!
If you remember from the beginning of this PTR, this is NOT a normal trip for us. We are vacationing with Tom's brother Gary his wife Erin and their 5 year old son Conor. We were originally all traveling on the same dates but they've since decided to check in on Monday so they'll have a few days without us! (JEALOUS!)
I'm hoping that I will wake up and realize that they've put us in connecting rooms like we requested! (Actually, I'm sure we'll call them when we arrive and either meet up with them at the resort or, if they are out and about, at least find out where their room is.)
Alright so the plan for this morning is to go to DHS. I know what you're thinking....
Nikki, that is your least favorite park! Why are you going there first, if even at ALL on such a short trip. Well, a few reasons....the first one being THIS!
That my friends, is a delicious looking butterfinger cupcake from Starring Rolls. I have never had one before and have seen pictures of them on the DIS for a while and decided a few months ago that on this particular morning, that cupcake will be my breakfast!
So back to the schedule....DHS opens at 9am that morning so I'm hoping to be on the bus by 8:30 to make it there pretty much on time. We're not partaking in the running of the bulls to TSM because, honestly, I've ridden it once and it's not that big of a deal to me! I mean, I'm sure I'd ride it all the time it it wasn't so hard to get a FP for! But as it is, I can live without it....
So second reason we are going to DHS...
My husband was born in 1975. Translation: My husband, like most men his age, is obsessed with Star Wars. Well, I'll take that back...he isn't obsessed with it but he really, really loves it and we, of course, are all excited to ride the new Star Tours 2.0.
On Gary and Erin's last trip, there were some things they didn't get to do so we have to hit up Tower and Terror and Rock'n Roller Coaster with them, taking turns staying with Conor. At some point, we'll separate for a bit, as Conor is OBSESSED (and in this case, obsessed is the right word) with cars. Seriously, it's amazing. He can see a car coming down the street and before it's even close, he can tell you what kind of car it is. So they will go off to see Lights Motors Action. I have never seen it, nor do I ever have any desire to see it. I know that I would not enjoy sitting nervously in a giant stadium watching cars almost get into accidents. That doesn't sound fun for me at all!
I'd also like to catch One Man's Dream because I'm worried that that attraction is not going to last much longer but if we miss it, it's no big deal. Maybe at some point we'll get a little lunch at a counter service but no set plans on that yet.
So with all of that done, we are then heading to Epcot around 1pm. Actually, if I'm remembering correctly, Gary and Erin have an ADR for Le Cellier for lunch so we will probably hop to Epcot with them and eat a counter service there because, let's face it, the food options are WAY better at Epcot. I'm thinking maybe we'll try the new Cantina. Yum!
Okay, so this day (our first full day) also happens to be my parents/sister's LAST full day! Remember we went to WDW on our last October trip 2 years ago with my sister, her husband and my niece Emma?
At that point, she was just learning to walk and her only words were "donald duck!" I kid you not!! So now that she's three and totally in love with Disney World, I am sooo excited to at least have this night with her! This trip for my sister's family is a present from my parents. They haven't been in 10 years and they are just going to LOVE it! Especially being with Emma of course! (And don't worry, I've been assured that when Tom and I have a little prince or princess, they will take us too....mom's words, not mine!)
So at some point, we are meeting up with them in Epcot. The agenda for that night is to all meet up for the Taylor Dayne concert at 5:15 (although I'm pretty sure I'm going to be there BY MYSELF belting out "Tell it to my heart!" while Tom and his brother are off drinking, Erin and Conor are riding Test Track and my family is on Nemo or something.....
Then at 6:30, we have a reservation for dinner at the Beirgarten with my family.
Where I will be getting the beer flight!
And then I'll be all set to do the polka with Emma!!
Dinner is at 6:30 so I'm assuming we'll be out of there around 7:30/8. I'm hoping that we'll have some time either before or after dinner (except during the Taylor Dayne concert) to do some rides with my family. I would love to ride Test Track with my dad again or go on Soarin' with my mom for the first time. Then of course, we'll watch my absolute favorite Disney nighttime show, Illuminations!
Then, in typical Tom and Nik style, we will take our time and go the LOOOONG way around World Showcase while everyone else rushes out of the park! Not sure if the fam will do the same but they are welcome to join us if they so choose!
So that's our first full day of this trip! Pretty packed and scheduled right? Trust me...this is nothing!! Everyday is like that!
So after getting in late the night before and most likely NOT going to Epcot EMH (although I'm sure I won't officially rule it out until we get to POR) we should be well rested to start our trip!
If you remember from the beginning of this PTR, this is NOT a normal trip for us. We are vacationing with Tom's brother Gary his wife Erin and their 5 year old son Conor. We were originally all traveling on the same dates but they've since decided to check in on Monday so they'll have a few days without us! (JEALOUS!)
I'm hoping that I will wake up and realize that they've put us in connecting rooms like we requested! (Actually, I'm sure we'll call them when we arrive and either meet up with them at the resort or, if they are out and about, at least find out where their room is.)
Alright so the plan for this morning is to go to DHS. I know what you're thinking....
Nikki, that is your least favorite park! Why are you going there first, if even at ALL on such a short trip. Well, a few reasons....the first one being THIS!
That my friends, is a delicious looking butterfinger cupcake from Starring Rolls. I have never had one before and have seen pictures of them on the DIS for a while and decided a few months ago that on this particular morning, that cupcake will be my breakfast!
So back to the schedule....DHS opens at 9am that morning so I'm hoping to be on the bus by 8:30 to make it there pretty much on time. We're not partaking in the running of the bulls to TSM because, honestly, I've ridden it once and it's not that big of a deal to me! I mean, I'm sure I'd ride it all the time it it wasn't so hard to get a FP for! But as it is, I can live without it....
So second reason we are going to DHS...
My husband was born in 1975. Translation: My husband, like most men his age, is obsessed with Star Wars. Well, I'll take that back...he isn't obsessed with it but he really, really loves it and we, of course, are all excited to ride the new Star Tours 2.0.
On Gary and Erin's last trip, there were some things they didn't get to do so we have to hit up Tower and Terror and Rock'n Roller Coaster with them, taking turns staying with Conor. At some point, we'll separate for a bit, as Conor is OBSESSED (and in this case, obsessed is the right word) with cars. Seriously, it's amazing. He can see a car coming down the street and before it's even close, he can tell you what kind of car it is. So they will go off to see Lights Motors Action. I have never seen it, nor do I ever have any desire to see it. I know that I would not enjoy sitting nervously in a giant stadium watching cars almost get into accidents. That doesn't sound fun for me at all!
I'd also like to catch One Man's Dream because I'm worried that that attraction is not going to last much longer but if we miss it, it's no big deal. Maybe at some point we'll get a little lunch at a counter service but no set plans on that yet.
So with all of that done, we are then heading to Epcot around 1pm. Actually, if I'm remembering correctly, Gary and Erin have an ADR for Le Cellier for lunch so we will probably hop to Epcot with them and eat a counter service there because, let's face it, the food options are WAY better at Epcot. I'm thinking maybe we'll try the new Cantina. Yum!
Okay, so this day (our first full day) also happens to be my parents/sister's LAST full day! Remember we went to WDW on our last October trip 2 years ago with my sister, her husband and my niece Emma?
At that point, she was just learning to walk and her only words were "donald duck!" I kid you not!! So now that she's three and totally in love with Disney World, I am sooo excited to at least have this night with her! This trip for my sister's family is a present from my parents. They haven't been in 10 years and they are just going to LOVE it! Especially being with Emma of course! (And don't worry, I've been assured that when Tom and I have a little prince or princess, they will take us too....mom's words, not mine!)
So at some point, we are meeting up with them in Epcot. The agenda for that night is to all meet up for the Taylor Dayne concert at 5:15 (although I'm pretty sure I'm going to be there BY MYSELF belting out "Tell it to my heart!" while Tom and his brother are off drinking, Erin and Conor are riding Test Track and my family is on Nemo or something.....
Then at 6:30, we have a reservation for dinner at the Beirgarten with my family.
Where I will be getting the beer flight!
And then I'll be all set to do the polka with Emma!!
Dinner is at 6:30 so I'm assuming we'll be out of there around 7:30/8. I'm hoping that we'll have some time either before or after dinner (except during the Taylor Dayne concert) to do some rides with my family. I would love to ride Test Track with my dad again or go on Soarin' with my mom for the first time. Then of course, we'll watch my absolute favorite Disney nighttime show, Illuminations!
Then, in typical Tom and Nik style, we will take our time and go the LOOOONG way around World Showcase while everyone else rushes out of the park! Not sure if the fam will do the same but they are welcome to join us if they so choose!
So that's our first full day of this trip! Pretty packed and scheduled right? Trust me...this is nothing!! Everyday is like that!
NikkiLovesWDW!
"Are you seeing an increase in lateral forces?" "S
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
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- 9,169
Phew...I'm tired just reading it!
Haha! I'm telling you, that's NOTHING compared to the next day!
Your Day 2 plans look great. That Butterfinger Cupcake looks so delish doesn't it. Stay tuned on my PTR as I have a Cupcake Mission post coming up with all the best looking cupcakes on Disney property
I hope the cupcake is as good as I imagine it to be! I'm looking forward to reading about your cupcake mission!!
stephielela
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 5, 2009
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That is a delicious cupcake. As is the peanut butter chocolate one. They are massive too. Great, now I am hungry!
I really like Biergarten when Jack and I went last fall. I think it's a great choice for all of you! Your day sounds awesome!
I really like Biergarten when Jack and I went last fall. I think it's a great choice for all of you! Your day sounds awesome!
photographymom517
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 15, 2010
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I'm not a huge fan of DHS either. I'm not sure why, its just not that appealing to me. I could honestly spend 2-3 hours there & be good for a few years! I love the stores on the main street & back by ToT & also One Man's Dream. But other than that, its not a huge deal to me. I'd rather have 3 MK days and only 1 DHS day, but I'm going to DHS 2 days for my DH.
Don't forget to remind Erin (and Conor!) that the one car at Lights Motor Action has been replaced with . . . Lightning McQueen!!!! Every little boys favorite racing car!!!
Your plans for Days 1 & 2 are amazing!!! I wish you had some extra time to plan my entire 10 days for me!!!
I keep going back & forth with planning & its driving me crazy!!! There's so much we've skipped the past 2 trips since Luke was so young. I know we can't do it all in one trip, but I'm hoping with the low crowds, we can do alot more than we're used to doing!!!
I may email you to get some advice because your touring plans are awesome!!!
Your Day 2 plans look great. That Butterfinger Cupcake looks so delish doesn't it. Stay tuned on my PTR as I have a Cupcake Mission post coming up with all the best looking cupcakes on Disney property
I can't wait to hear about your Cupcake Mission, Stefy!!!
NikkiLovesWDW!
"Are you seeing an increase in lateral forces?" "S
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- Feb 22, 2006
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- 9,169
That is a delicious cupcake. As is the peanut butter chocolate one. They are massive too. Great, now I am hungry!
I really like Biergarten when Jack and I went last fall. I think it's a great choice for all of you! Your day sounds awesome!
Oooh a peanut butter chocolate one?! I might just have to leave the cupcake decision open until I see them both! Yeah, I really like the Beirgarten too. We usually eat there for lunch since we pay out of pocket and lunch is cheaper but it's fine with doing dinner. I can't be so anal about little things like that when traveling with other people!
I'm not a huge fan of DHS either. I'm not sure why, its just not that appealing to me. I could honestly spend 2-3 hours there & be good for a few years! I love the stores on the main street & back by ToT & also One Man's Dream. But other than that, its not a huge deal to me. I'd rather have 3 MK days and only 1 DHS day, but I'm going to DHS 2 days for my DH.
Don't forget to remind Erin (and Conor!) that the one car at Lights Motor Action has been replaced with . . . Lightning McQueen!!!! Every little boys favorite racing car!!!
Your plans for Days 1 & 2 are amazing!!! I wish you had some extra time to plan my entire 10 days for me!!!
I keep going back & forth with planning & its driving me crazy!!! There's so much we've skipped the past 2 trips since Luke was so young. I know we can't do it all in one trip, but I'm hoping with the low crowds, we can do alot more than we're used to doing!!!
I may email you to get some advice because your touring plans are awesome!!!
Yeah DHS is just not that appealing. The layout has a lot to do with it, I think.
Oh trust me, Erin AND Conor know about Lightening McQueen! He LOVES him! SHould be realy fun for him!
Yes! Please send me your plans! I am such a math/logic person and I always try to do what makes the most sense, saving the most time and money! I'd love to look at your plans!
anjalee6
DIS Veteran
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We are also going to DHS on the 29th on our first full day. Can't wait to do Jedi Training for our son which is top priority while we are there. we missed it due to thunderstorms during our June trip so we missed it. My husband also loves Star Wars and therefore Star Tours. He was born around the same time as your husband. We are getting so excited. This time we are cramming things in all over too. Your plans sound great though. 
NikkiLovesWDW!
"Are you seeing an increase in lateral forces?" "S
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We are also going to DHS on the 29th on our first full day. Can't wait to do Jedi Training for our son which is top priority while we are there. we missed it due to thunderstorms during our June trip so we missed it. My husband also loves Star Wars and therefore Star Tours. He was born around the same time as your husband. We are getting so excited. This time we are cramming things in all over too. Your plans sound great though.
Maybe we can meet up for a few minutes!! Ride Star Tours together!
NikkiLovesWDW!
"Are you seeing an increase in lateral forces?" "S
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Hey guys! We are in full hurricane prep mode today! For those of you who don't know, Hurricane Irene is heading straight for us and from what they have been saying, it's going to be bad....really bad. So far, they have not called for evacuation in my area but if they do, I want to be ready to just grab my stuff and GO!
So here's my agenda for today.
-Buy a flashlight (if there are any left in the stores!)
-Take the AC out of the window
-Duct tape the windows
-Bring in the yard furniture
-Fill up gas tank
-Pack a suitcase
-Get documents together (that includes birth cert, ss. cards, MNSSHP tix...ya know, the important stuff!)
-Move photo albums, and anything else important in the living room, into bedroom because I'm nervous about the tree just outside falling.....in which case, we are totally screwed!
I'll be packing:
-cd case with discs of photos since I can't bring my albums....
-the documents I mentioned before
-prescriptions
-cell phone charger
-laptop/charger
-cameras
-the boxes that contain my two deceased cats
Can anyone thing of anything else I need to do or have ready to bring with me?
So here's my agenda for today.
-Buy a flashlight (if there are any left in the stores!)
-Take the AC out of the window
-Duct tape the windows
-Bring in the yard furniture
-Fill up gas tank
-Pack a suitcase
-Get documents together (that includes birth cert, ss. cards, MNSSHP tix...ya know, the important stuff!)
-Move photo albums, and anything else important in the living room, into bedroom because I'm nervous about the tree just outside falling.....in which case, we are totally screwed!
I'll be packing:
-cd case with discs of photos since I can't bring my albums....
-the documents I mentioned before
-prescriptions
-cell phone charger
-laptop/charger
-cameras
-the boxes that contain my two deceased cats
Can anyone thing of anything else I need to do or have ready to bring with me?
jenneth79
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 14, 2011
- Messages
- 1,172
Get cash at an ATM before the storm hits. Assume there will be power outages either at the banks themselves or the stores that take cards. I'm so used to carrying just "plastic" that it always slips my mind. Filled up my tank this morning and going to stop by an ATM at lunchtime.
Most of all, be safe!
Tinkerbellie16
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2009
- Messages
- 3,866
Two things...
It's been TWO YEARS since your trip with Emma to WDW???? Geez, time flies!
And BE SAFE! I have no idea how to prepare for a hurricane (blizzards, no problem!). I hope it fizzles off the coast and if anything you just get some nice rain for your trees and lawns.
It's been TWO YEARS since your trip with Emma to WDW???? Geez, time flies!
And BE SAFE! I have no idea how to prepare for a hurricane (blizzards, no problem!). I hope it fizzles off the coast and if anything you just get some nice rain for your trees and lawns.
stephielela
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 5, 2009
- Messages
- 2,534
Nikki, where will you go if they evacuate?? Find the nearest Diser or MWT person and shack up with them... Of course that would be Brook, who also would need to evacuate, lol. I totally understand wanting to save as much as possible. When I was in 7th grade we lived in NC when a hurrican hit (I can't remember what the name was) and we ended up being out of school for a week. There was a tree right outside my window that could have gone either way... luckily it went away from my room, but I had gotten all these huge trash bags and put as much stuff in them as I could and put it on top of my desk. I will be thinking of you guys!!!!
I will be thinking of you guys!!!!
knewton64
- May the luck of the Irish always be with you -
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- Aug 20, 2008
- Messages
- 2,905
.....
Please be safe during this dang hurricane!!
Where wud Id b without my Northeast buds keeping me informed about the ins and outs of NYC??
Lets us know whats up up there once u r able plze.
T.T.F.N.
Please be safe during this dang hurricane!!
Where wud Id b without my Northeast buds keeping me informed about the ins and outs of NYC??
Lets us know whats up up there once u r able plze.
T.T.F.N.
Megablocks
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2008
- Messages
- 2,100
Hey Nikki! I just got caught up! Hope you guys stay safe, we just have a tropical storm warning here in Massachusetts, but the rain just started here and the rest is expected to follow tomorrow. Stay safe
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