"No, I Will Not Eat A Turkeys Leg!" -! UPDATED 8/5

[iheartbelle87]

... and I went and changed a bunch of our plans

Yep, you read that correctly. I'm back to changing ADR's and moved some of my FP+ selections. @Ndusmama asked why I chose the FP+ I did, and I'm hoping other people are reading and maybe have the same question? Here's where my head is at right now... sorry if this is repeated information in regards to my ADRs !

9/4/16
We chose not to book any FP+ this day as we will be arriving at POR around 6pm and
will just want to eat, sit by pool and get to bed. ​

9/5/16

4pm-5pm Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Chose this attraction because it's not too far from Main Street MK we will make our way there as we enter the park

5pm-6pm POTC
One our favorites! Such a classic Disney attraction. We don't really have a'touring plan' but after Buzz Lightyear's
we'll head over toward POTC, stopping as needed to gawk at things, etc. This ride is sort on our way to dinner at LTT.

7:30pm LTT dinner
DH's favorite!

8:30pm-9pm Haunted Mansion
Another classic! We chose this FP+ because no trip to MK is complete without visiting HM!
There is usually a wait, and I prefer to minimize wait times! We chose this after dinner because its close
to LTT and we plan on heading towards Fantasyland and will try to take advantage of low wait times for attractions there
as others line up for Wishes

9/6/16

4:50pm Be Our Guest
I've been itching to get a reservation and try this restaurant since it opened!
Luckily we got a reservation for this day, which works magically with our plans

7pm-8pm Seas with Nemo & Friends
I know many people don't feel that this ride needs a FP+, but
it's really one of the only 'second tier' options I know we will definitely ride, so
if I save four minutes waiting in line, that fine with me! Also, its more towards
the entrance, so plan on hitting this up on our way into Epcot
(we're taking the Monorail from MK to Epcot after dinner).

8pm-9pm Frozen Ever After
This attraction seems is getting lots of attention on this board and I can't
wait to try it out! I loved Maelstrom, so I can't wait to see what
this ride is like. I chose this time because it's the latest I could get. Epcot has evening EMH
this day, but I can't seem to make FP+ selections after 9pm. We're
planning on staying in WS until the park closes at 11.

9/7/16

5pm-6pm It's Tough to Be A Bug!
I chose this time because we plan on relaxing by the pool all day, and then heading to AK at night.
We might be in the park sooner than 5pm, but maybe not either. I chose this as our first FP+ because we can
just veer right and enjoy some AC after spending some time walking through the trails at the
entrance.

6pm-7pm Kali River Rapids
Quite possibly one of my favorite rides ever. IDK why- I just love it! We'll walk through
Dinoland into Asia do this attraction. Then we'll enjoy Maharajah Jungle Trek.

7pm-8pm Kilamanjaro Safari
Again, one of my favorite attractions. And one of DH's I believe. Depending on what time we
get done with Kali River Rapids, we might head to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail before our safari!

8:30pm Boma
Some of you might remember that I originally had the Fantasmic DP planned with Mama Melrose for dinner
this night. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was underwhelmed with this idea. So- I looked at the FP+ I booked
and thought about how much DH and I love AKL and we enjoyed Boma so much the last time, I booked it!
Plus, Boma is a short bus ride from AKL.

9/8/16

11:15am The Wave
I love brunch buffets and this is a new place for us to try out! Originally I had this planned for 10:30 on 9/7/16
but I made some switch a roos (obviously, haha!). Depending on how we feel after eating, we
might head to DHS since we don't have a day planned for this park.

5:40pm-6:40pm Soarin'
This attraction IS my absolute favorite! Both DH and I really excited to try out the new and improved
version!

We don't have any dinner plans right now for 9/8, but I have a 'reservation finder' through touringplans
looking for Narcoossee's for us for 9/7, around 8-9pm so we cna watch Wishes from there.
If that happens, we'll do The Wave for brunch on 9/8.
Otherwise, we'll likely end up at Les Chefs de France after Soarin'. ​

 

[iheartbelle87]

Can you believe I have have 53 days left?! ​

WDW website was updated and now AK is open until 11pm on 9/5, and naturally I had a mini freak out because I want to eat dinner at LTT AND hit up AK at night. Right now I'm keeping my ADR for 7:30 at LTT but I moved my FP+ selections to pre dinner. Here is what I have now:​

Haunted Mansion 3:45pm-4:45pm
PTOC 5pm-6pm
Under the Sea- Journey of The Little Mermaid 6:45pm-7:45pm​

I'm not 100% sure we'll be in MK early enough to make it to Haunted Mansion by 4:45 it's possible. My non plan - plan is to eat dinner and then see how we feel- if we want to go to AK we'll do so, otherwise we might just poke around MK. At first I thought AK at night was something I ABSOLUTELY 100% NEEDED TO DO, but now I'm not so sure. I have 9/7 planned as our AK day- so it'll depend on how we feel!
​

 

[iheartbelle87]

Real Life Update

First, thanks for sticking around!

As far as my real life updates, I'm EXTREMELY happy to inform all my readers that my research class ENDS on Saturday (7/16). I couldn't be more happy.
Seriously, the worst class I've ever taken. I'll leave it at that.

The pharmacology class I'm taking ends 8/12. I'm excited to not have a weekly discussion posts, but I'm learning so much and really enjoy the professor, so it's fine. Basically- I'm trying to say I'm three weeks away from having some *free time*. I'm happy to hit up a few local beaches- Massachusetts has some great (cold) beaches! I'm more of a sunbather than a go-in-the-freezing-cold-water kinda girl anyway

BUT... my free weekends between now and our trip are seriously limited.

8/5- Cousin and her BF are sleeping over before a road race they're running

8/13 My mom might come visit from NH for a day at the beach

8/20 DH and I were invited to a co-ed baby shower on Cape Cod. 3+ hours away. + traffic. Plus we would need
to see if DMIL would watch the pup again. 3 hours away, in the opposite direction. DH really
doesn't want to go- but these are our good friends (DH lived with them in college, was in their wedding). So TBD.
I REALLY think we need to go. My mom said she'll come with me for the weekend and stay in the hotel room
during the shower if DH doesn't go but I think it'll be awkward if DH doesn't go and I go alone.

8/27 NOTHING PLANNED! YAY!

Leave for Disney the following weekend
​

 

[VACamm]

Hey Hey Heeeyyy!! We will be there at the same time! My dates are 9/3 - 9-10!!!!!

 

[Ndusmama]

Real Life Update

First, thanks for sticking around!

As far as my real life updates, I'm EXTREMELY happy to inform all my readers that my research class ENDS on Saturday (7/16). I couldn't be more happy.
Seriously, the worst class I've ever taken. I'll leave it at that.

The pharmacology class I'm taking ends 8/12. I'm excited to not have a weekly discussion posts, but I'm learning so much and really enjoy the professor, so it's fine. Basically- I'm trying to say I'm three weeks away from having some *free time*. I'm happy to hit up a few local beaches- Massachusetts has some great (cold) beaches! I'm more of a sunbather than a go-in-the-freezing-cold-water kinda girl anyway

BUT... my free weekends between now and our trip are seriously limited.

8/5- Cousin and her BF are sleeping over before a road race they're running

8/13 My mom might come visit from NH for a day at the beach

8/20 DH and I were invited to a co-ed baby shower on Cape Cod. 3+ hours away. + traffic. Plus we would need
to see if DMIL would watch the pup again. 3 hours away, in the opposite direction. DH really
doesn't want to go- but these are our good friends (DH lived with them in college, was in their wedding). So TBD.
I REALLY think we need to go. My mom said she'll come with me for the weekend and stay in the hotel room
during the shower if DH doesn't go but I think it'll be awkward if DH doesn't go and I go alone.

8/27 NOTHING PLANNED! YAY!

Leave for Disney the following weekend
​

Etiquette kind of says you should go to the baby shower. Husbands don't always get that. I'm with you on seeing ak at night. I thought it might be fun. I can do the dvc member night 9/13 but with the girls not so sure it's a great idea. Instead with extended hours (I noticed when ,aking my fp selections) staying open to 8 should give us enough time. Have you ever done touringplans.com I couldn't figure out how to organize fp selections so I broke down and paid for it. It has given me such a great layout for Epcot and ak. And now I really feel like I should do a ptr. Especially with all the Disney crafts I am doing for kids entertainment.

 

[iheartbelle87]

Etiquette kind of says you should go to the baby shower. Husbands don't always get that. I'm with you on seeing ak at night. I thought it might be fun. I can do the dvc member night 9/13 but with the girls not so sure it's a great idea. Instead with extended hours (I noticed when ,aking my fp selections) staying open to 8 should give us enough time. Have you ever done touringplans.com I couldn't figure out how to organize fp selections so I broke down and paid for it. It has given me such a great layout for Epcot and ak. And now I really feel like I should do a ptr. Especially with all the Disney crafts I am doing for kids entertainment.

I agree, we need to go to the shower! Hmm.. I haven't done touring plans (except the reservation finder), I need to look into this! Um yes you ABSOLUTELY should do a PTR! #enabler

 

[iheartbelle87]

Confession: Reservation Hoarder

Since my new ideal plans put us in MK 9/7 for extra magic evening hours, I need a BOG dinner. This new plan would also put us in Epcot 9/6.
But, (first world problem), I have one on 9/6 and haven't been able to secure a 9/7 reservation. So this leaves my plans up
in the air as I REALLY want to do a BOG dinner 9/7 (as does everyone else... I know). So I've been stalking
the WDW website and hoarding BOG reservations for other dates/times as I don't know if we'll stick to BOG 9/6 or not.
So I've hoarding the following. No judging- right?

9/7 10:55am
9/7 12:40pm
9/8 12:50pm
9/8 2:10pm

Misc Real Life
I hope no one minds my random real life updates. Feel free to skip if it's not your cup of tea!

About one month ago I noticed my vision was getting hazy and I was getting awful headaches. I assumed I need stronger contacts/glasses so I made an
appointment with a new eye doctor as mine is only working PT now and I can't get in there during their hours of operation.
Well, turns out I was diagnosed with keratitis, which is basically inflammation of your cornea that can cause vision loss if not treated. I was told
no contacts for three weeks, eye drops four time a day and follow up in 21 days. I am not a glasses wearer and wanted
to throw them out the window by day 5. But I stuck with it bc... vision.
Turns out everything cleared up at my check up and was given three weeks of trial daily contacts and had to follow up in two weeks
to be sure the inflammation didn't come back. That follow up was yesterday. Turns out the new contact lenses are too tight on my left eye.
(Who knew that was a thing?). So I am going to pick up new trials tomorrow. In the mean time I've been reading a lot about
Lasik surgery and am scared out of my mind but I kinda want to go through with it because at 28 I have many years ahead of me (I hope) and
would love not to worry about contact lenses/glasses/etc.

So I have a consult on 7/28 for two hour of testing to see if I'm a candidate. If so, I might end up having the surgery before my Disney trip. EEK.
Has anyone had this done? Thoughts? ​

 

[Ndusmama]

Confession: Reservation Hoarder

Since my new ideal plans put us in MK 9/7 for extra magic evening hours, I need a BOG dinner. This new plan would also put us in Epcot 9/6.
But, (first world problem), I have one on 9/6 and haven't been able to secure a 9/7 reservation. So this leaves my plans up
in the air as I REALLY want to do a BOG dinner 9/7 (as does everyone else... I know). So I've been stalking
the WDW website and hoarding BOG reservations for other dates/times as I don't know if we'll stick to BOG 9/6 or not.
So I've hoarding the following. No judging- right?

9/7 10:55am
9/7 12:40pm
9/8 12:50pm
9/8 2:10pm

Misc Real Life
I hope no one minds my random real life updates. Feel free to skip if it's not your cup of tea!

About one month ago I noticed my vision was getting hazy and I was getting awful headaches. I assumed I need stronger contacts/glasses so I made an
appointment with a new eye doctor as mine is only working PT now and I can't get in there during their hours of operation.
Well, turns out I was diagnosed with keratitis, which is basically inflammation of your cornea that can cause vision loss if not treated. I was told
no contacts for three weeks, eye drops four time a day and follow up in 21 days. I am not a glasses wearer and wanted
to throw them out the window by day 5. But I stuck with it bc... vision.
Turns out everything cleared up at my check up and was given three weeks of trial daily contacts and had to follow up in two weeks
to be sure the inflammation didn't come back. That follow up was yesterday. Turns out the new contact lenses are too tight on my left eye.
(Who knew that was a thing?). So I am going to pick up new trials tomorrow. In the mean time I've been reading a lot about
Lasik surgery and am scared out of my mind but I kinda want to go through with it because at 28 I have many years ahead of me (I hope) and
would love not to worry about contact lenses/glasses/etc.

So I have a consult on 7/28 for two hour of testing to see if I'm a candidate. If so, I might end up having the surgery before my Disney trip. EEK.
Has anyone had this done? Thoughts? ​

Yes look into touring plans. They have an app that constatnly checks for updates at restaurants and if one opens it alerts you. As for surjury I have a friend that had eye lasik and she loved it. I would freak out but she says you really don't see or feel anything. Her vision is much better. And if you don't do it younger there is a point that you will reach when it is too late to do.

 

[kclark9830]

I'm glad your vision is clearing! Definitely improtant. I have no advice about Lasik, but I hope it all works out beautifully.

I get changing your plans. I've wanted to make some biggish changes to our trip but have refrained because it's really hard to make changes for 7 people. Oh well!

 

[PrincessAshlee]

I have been following your posts, but I keep getting busy and forgetting to reply.

BUT... my free weekends between now and our trip are seriously limited.

I know how you feel!! Between pre-wedding events and wedding/Disney projects, I have zero free time until AFTER our trip!!

I haven't done touring plans (except the reservation finder), I need to look into this!

I love the touring plans website! I used it to make park plans for my last trip and we hardly waited in line at all! They have set touring plans or you can make your own personalized plans. I like to make my own plans based on when I want to arrive, what rides/attractions I want to hit, if I want to stop for breaks or meals, and what time I plan to leave the park. They then use their technology to minimize your predicted time in line. I also found some cool new features that they have added. In addition to the reservation finder, they have a section where you can see the fastpasses available for the different parks for every day through through September 23rd. I found this helpful since I can see which fastpasses are most or least in demand, so I know which ones to reserve first. They also have a section that has charts with predicted wait times for the various rides for different times throughout each date. I really don't like to wait in lines, so I think that it is really worth the small cost.

So I've hoarding the following. No judging- right?

No judging!! I'm hoarding a few myself. Even though I have changed my plans, I can't bring myself to cancel the old reservations, in case I change my mind again. I like to think that by hoarding, some day I'm going to make someone really happy when I do finally cancel.

I was told no contacts for three weeks, eye drops four time a day and follow up in 21 days. I am not a glasses wearer and wanted to throw them out the window by day 5. But I stuck with it bc... vision.

Been there!!! I hate wear my glasses! Contacts all the way! Until last October... my boyfriend and I had planned a long weekend trip to Upper Michigan to enjoy the fall changing of the leaves. I was also pretty sure that he was going to propose while we on vacation. Then, four days before our trip, I went to the eye doctor and she said that I had an infection (I just thought that it was allergies) and that I had to use eye drops and some weird ointment and worst of all, I couldn't wear my contacts for at least a week! I was so upset! Since I never wear my glasses, I did not want to be wearing my glasses when he proposed!! (It was more of a personal vanity issue than anything, since he is the one that is always reminding me to wear my glasses for a day here and there, so that I give my eyes a rest). So, I gave in and wore my glasses (well at least most of the time) and he did propose while I was wearing my glasses and it wasn't the end of the world. Although I did cheat and put my contacts in before we took our official "we're engaged" picture.

In the mean time I've been reading a lot about Lasik surgery and am scared out of my mind but I kinda want to go through with it because at 28 I have many years ahead of me (I hope) and would love not to worry about contact lenses/glasses/etc.

So I have a consult on 7/28 for two hour of testing to see if I'm a candidate.

I hope that your consult goes well!! Lasik scares me so much! But I think that I may try to get it one day. However, I would like to get pregnant within the next year and they say that pregnancy temporarily messes with your vision, so I'll have to wait.

 

[Ndusmama]

[QUOTE="PrincessAshlee, post: 56116881, member: 577145"

I hope that your consult goes well!! Lasik scares me so much! But I think that I may try to get it one day. However, I would like to get pregnant within the next year and they say that pregnancy temporarily messes with your vision, so I'll have to wait.[/QUOTE]

It can change your eyes, your feet, and your teeth. Get the book the girlfriends guide to pregnancy, and skip the what to expect books. Congrats on your engagement.

 

[iheartbelle87]

I'm glad your vision is clearing! Definitely improtant. I have no advice about Lasik, but I hope it all works out beautifully.

I get changing your plans. I've wanted to make some biggish changes to our trip but have refrained because it's really hard to make changes for 7 people. Oh well!

Thanks! I'll keep everyone updated!

It's so difficult to finalize plans!

 

[iheartbelle87]

Snack Fantasies

Finally getting around to writing up my snack fantasies! I LOVE a good snack.... here are my top 5 choices... who knows if I'll get to them all!

Amplehills Ice Cream
everything I've heard GREAT things about this place and we LOVE a good ice cream
Where to find: Boardwalk

Smoky Cheddar Grits
Ever since my maiden voyage (ok and ONLY voyage thus far, this needs to change!) to Charleston in 2014, I've been obsessed with grits.
I really like I was born in the wrong part of the country... this northern NH born-now-living-outside-of-Boston girl loves a good southern drawl and some
monogrammed clothing. Plus: southern charm is real.
Where to find: Smiling Creatures, AK

Beignet filled with chocolate & hazelnuts
Confession: I've never had a Beignet. This is something I NEED to change. What more does a girl
need then carbs + chocolate + hazelnuts?
Where to find: Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles, Epcot

Pineapple-Coconut Slushy
Because pineaple + coconut = love
Where to find: Electric Umbrella, Epcot

Joffrey's Smootheis
Where to find: Disney Springs


​

 

[Ndusmama]

Mmmmm I need a beignet now. Dl has seasonal pumpkin ones. How could you not have had one with your love of French food?

 

[iheartbelle87]

First and foremost, our countdown is at 39 days!

Must Dos: Disney Springs Edition

The last time I went to WDW, Disney Springs was still Downtown Disney so obviously it was way too long ago!
I don't have a particular day/time planned to go to Disney Springs but I'm sure DH and I will check it out at some time-
I'm REALLY trying hard not to over plan us and go with the flow. I'm sure all of you can relate to the pain!

Anyway, as I sit here avoiding getting the shower and ready for work I figured it's time to review my (non food) must do's in Disney Springs

Coca-Cola Store- My father in law has worked for coke since the early 80s, and they are GREAT to work for. DH always comments on how his
dad's job at Coke allowed his mom to stay home with him and his brother when they were little and paid for his college tuition, among other great things! Anyway, we need to check this place out!

Basin- I'm obsessed with bubble baths and DH likes them too (although he'd never publicly admit it!).

Disney's Days of Christmas- Christmas is OUR holiday. DH and I love everything nostalgic about Christmas. Flannel. Stockings hung on the fireplace. Cookies for Santa. Christmas Carols. Family traditions. This is a must do for us!

Marketplace Co-Op - I don't know much about this place but the word 'co-op' just screams 'Ashlee, get in there'.
​

 

[CaseFace5]

Hi there! I just read through your plans and it sounds like you have some great ones!! I am also from MA, but South Shore. We leave the 10th and come back the 16th, so right after you! Can't wait to follow along and countdown together!

 

[Ndusmama]

Love basin. Although I don't have to go to Florida to get it. Dl used to have one when it first opened dtd. There's two in Las Vegas if you ever make it. A regular basin and a white basin. The grand Floridan. Has a basin white.

 

[iheartbelle87]

Hi there! I just read through your plans and it sounds like you have some great ones!! I am also from MA, but South Shore. We leave the 10th and come back the 16th, so right after you! Can't wait to follow along and countdown together!

Welcome! So nice to have a fellow MA dis-er following along! I'm totally heading over to your PTR to see what this 'trip of a lifetime' is all about! I'm on instagram as ahg611 and snap as ashleegoulette so feel free to follow me there too, especially as our trips get closer! Much to DH's dismay I'll be instgramming throughout our trip

Love basin. Although I don't have to go to Florida to get it. Dl used to have one when it first opened dtd. There's two in Las Vegas if you ever make it. A regular basin and a white basin. The grand Floridan. Has a basin white.

Good to know! I've been known to half-jokingly request a trip to Vegas for my 30th birthday with my girlfriends to see Britney! If I make it there, I'll totally check out Basin there! Oh yeah I love the one in GF... yet another reason to convince DH to stay there *one day*.

 

[iheartbelle87]

Packing List!
(and other misc ramblings)

As you know, I like to start off my posts with an update on our countdown... 35 Days away! In just 5 short weeks,
DH and I will be hitting the road and air!

As the years have gone by I've gotten better about packing too soon and overpacking. Yay me!
But, that doesn't mean that I can't start a list. Especially important because last trip I
was in charge of packing for DH and forgot to pack sunglasses. He almost had a hear attack
at the prices of the ones in the gift shops. EEEK.

Anyway, I've decided we will share one checked bag. Last trip was so short I insisted we do carry-on only, which
results in DH carrying two large duffle bags from El Centro to Casitas 3 in 88 degree heat . He almost killed me. BUT..
I just didn't want to waste any precious time waiting at the luggage carousel. Since we're staying longer, I've allowed us to check a bag this time.

Here is what I've come up with for our list, let me know what you think! ​

DH:
sunglasses
hat

sandals
walking shoes
tank tops
shorts
t shirts
1 sweatshirt
1 pair of jeans
toothbrush
headphones
bathing suit
pajamas

deodorant​

​

Ashlee:

sunglasses
hats (fedora and baseball hat)
shorts
tank tops
t-shirts
pajamas
bathing suits
cover up
glasses
contacts

contact solution​

sandals
sweatshirt
medications
headphones

cover ups (black, white/blue striped, and pink one)
deodorant​

Misc:
phone charger
sunscreen
magic bands
ponchos
Disney gift card
Bandaids
Neosporin
Q tips
Toothpaste​

Here's DH with my Vera duffle shooting daggers at me for not letting us bring a rolly suitcase last trip

​

​

 

[iheartbelle87]

Two updates. Good news and bad news. ​

Let me start by saying I've been feeling like things are really coming together- I have two more classes of my pharmacology class left and have completed my final group project! I'm on track to maintain my 4.0! I have the baby shower/Cape Cod trip figured out. I was cleared for Lasik surgery in the middle of October. DH has been more vocal about how excited he is about our trip. I ordered a new bathing suit and scored some great clearance tanks through Nordstrom for the trip.

which leads up to the good news....

I got an ADR for BOG dinner on 9/8 at 5:30pm! I can't imagine a more perfect way to end our trip. We're not going to the MNSSHP, and am totally ok with leaving the park after dinner as our flight leaves MCO at 11:25am the next day.

The bad news...
As I've mentioned I have several BOG ressies that I was going to keep unless I got BOG dinner on 9/7 or 9/8. I am part of a Sept '16 facebook group and people often post ADRs they are going to cancel asking if anyone wants to coordinate. So, I listed the BOGs I am going to cancel as our BOG plans are now finalized. Now, yes I'm a sensitive person and I know it sounds foolish but someone commented not so very nice things on this post about reservation hoarding.. The entire thing put a bad taste in my mouth. I have decided to just go ahead and cancel the ressies and hope someone comes across them that can enjoy them. In reality, it shouldn't matter because I do not know these people nor do they know me but it just took some of the 'magic' away from my trip planning.

Here's to hoping my next update will be more positive.