Not Guilty...A Pre-Trip Report for November 2007

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hello!
I've been mentally writing this pre-trip report now for about a month.
This is me - well, me back in April pre-Disney trip planning!!!! I look much happier now!!!!!



I guess I should start at the beginning:
1976 was my one and only trip to WDW. A few months ago I asked my mom why we never went back. She informed me that it should have been her first clue that her marriage wasn't going to work (more on that later) when they took my sister and me on our first Disney trip and he stayed in the room the ENTIRE time! Apparently he got into a spat with mom and would not get over it.
Ha! I mean - who does that? My poor mom is finally free - she was divorced earlier this year and is having a ball being single!!!!

Anyway - zoom to the future - more like September 2006....
I moved to Northwest Arkansas from Arizona 2 years ago and became fast friends with a neighbor whose darling DD became good friends with my DD.
They are close in age and both are only children - so they have a lot in common.

So my friend (I'll call her L) took her dd and dh to WDW last September for the free dining. After coming back she was talking to me about their trip and how much fun it was and I remember saying that we (my dh and I) were not big into Disney and would probably let my sister and her hubby take my daughter since they are her godparents and all.

OK - that started a guilt trip that lasted until this past May when I broke down and booked a trip for my DD's 5th Birthday.

About a week later (we're still in May '07 - sorry but I tend to jump around and write like I talk) L told me about the DIS.

That was it - I am now hooked and feel like I've been under a rock - I mean - what was I thinking? I'm almost 37 and for all intents and purposes have really NEVER been to Disney World????
Not to mention the fact that this trip would have never happened if it weren't for the constant nagging of good friend L?

Unbelieveable!

But alas - we're booked, paid for and now the planning is in high gear!
We've got ADR's and shopping for all the right "stuff" has begun!

So here is the plan:

Newly single mom (that's my mom - grandma to my DD) will join us from Arizona and we'll spend 5 blissful days in Orlando to celebrate my princess's 5th birthday!



Get it - 5 days - one for each of her years!
I thought of it - now I'm kind of regretting not just doing a whole week - but flights are booked so we'll do that next time (yes, there will most definitely be a next time

The first hurdle was - where do we stay?

We thought about a suite room so that mom could be in the living room with DD and me and DH could share the bedroom.
Well, mom wasn't so hot on that idea.
So after much deliberation we're going to FQPO and getting 2 rooms -

Then we had to decide what to do and when -
We are coming in on an early flight so we decided to get passes for the first day there.

So here is the plan:

Nov. 10
Arrive at noon
Check-in and go straight to Epcot. Rides TBD
ADR for dinner at Arkershus - this will be the first of many many princess meals - but remember - the trip is really for my DD so we're overloading on the princess/character meals!!!!!

Nov. 11
MK - EMH yeah!!!!!
We have ADRs for lunch at CP -
I'm also thinking (thanks to Lesley from Lesley and Tim!!!!) that we'll be going to dinner at Ohana - just a short monorail stop away!

Nov. 12
MK again

WHOO - HOOO!!!!

Just got resies BBB before our lunch at ADR! Now all I need is a dress for DD - I couldn't bring myself to do the big package so we're just doing the hair and makeup.
I did end up going to Target and getting the "glass slippers" - they're really the cute silver sparkle shoes!!!!

We have ADRs for lunch at CRT -

Dinner is TBD - ideas and/or suggestions are welcome. I am thinking maybe DTD or the BBQ place at WL

Nov. 13
We have ADRs for Breakfast at 1900 Park -
We'll be doing MGM that day so I need ideas for lunch and dinner -

Nov. 14
The idea here is to do a park we want to go back to - more than likely we'll do Epcot.

This is our last day - the plane leaves at 5:45 pm so we'll have to be done by about 2-3pm I guess

MORE DETAILS:
We decided on the dining plan - and since our plane reservations are pretty good we also decided to do the 5 day pass and 5 day dining.
OK - what do I mean by "we"????
This whole plan is really me - I'm planning the whole thing.
DH is excited - he has been to WDW many many times but only for work - he is a bodyguard and used to go with families who hired him to take their kids.
He is a great dad and an awesome hubby - the only tough thing in our entire marriage is his work schedule which can sometimes be AWEFUL

But he requested the time off so we should be good to go!

Anyway - I'm going to try and post some pictures - I'm not very good at the whole posting thing but I'll learn!
Hope you enjoy reading - and I'll update more as I go along!

I really do welcome any tips for our trip - thanks so much for reading!!!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Hello!

Our family is going to WDW in November '07 too!
You picked a good week to go.... the week after all us Jersey families go home!

You will love POFQ; we've stayed there twice and the kids were thrilled with the fabulous pool/sea serpent slide. The resort is so small and compact that, no matter where your room is located, you are never far from the food court, bus stop, or pool.

My DD was 10yrs old when she did the BBB last year and it was one of the highlights of her trip! She cooed over all the "little girls" getting done up like princesses and I so wished that they had thought of this earlier when she was still in that "princess stage". Your DD will love it!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hello!

Our family is going to WDW in November '07 too!
You picked a good week to go.... the week after all us Jersey families go home!

You will love POFQ; we've stayed there twice and the kids were thrilled with the fabulous pool/sea serpent slide. The resort is so small and compact that, no matter where your room is located, you are never far from the food court, bus stop, or pool.

My DD was 10yrs old when she did the BBB last year and it was one of the highlights of her trip! She cooed over all the "little girls" getting done up like princesses and I so wished that they had thought of this earlier when she was still in that "princess stage". Your DD will love it!

I need to call and get the BBB booked - I really can't wait! The more I look into the TRs I see what a cute job they do!
Went to Target today and got DD some cinderella slippers - photos to come!
Thanks for checking my pre-trippie!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hey everyone!
So....I went to Disney store and bought the cutest swim suit for DD:


Ok - if you can't see it - it's a little 2 piece with the bottom that has a little skirt attached. The top is Minnie Mouse (so cute) surfing

Can anyone tell me if it'll be warm enough to go swimming during our November trip???

I also got some other things I'll take photos of in a bit and post!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

OK - here are some more photos:





Here is my thought - If I can get some things on sale for her NOW, then I won't have to pay retail for them at the parks right???

these are the cinderella shoes from Target...Now all I need is the dress


we're wearing these shirts on the same day!!!! I know - we're geeks - but I think it will be fun!!!!!

This is one for my DH! I just loved it - it's like a camp shirt that you wear outside of pants so cute!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

UPDATE!​

My mom is coming with us!!!!!!!
Yeah!
I'm so excited - my mom is the best mom ever.
She pretty much single-handedly raised both my sister and me....she is awesome!

I just wanted to share with everyone - I'm so psyched!

We're going to have such a great time I wanted to share with everyone.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

 

[KathyRN137]

Dear Going,

(BTW, what should we call you?? Think up a funny pseudo-name for yourself if you don't want to use your real one!!)

That's so great about your Mom joining you!

We had some really nice, sunny days last November. You can definitely swim; all the resort pools are heated! Pack that suit!

Kathy

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Dear Going,

(BTW, what should we call you?? Think up a funny pseudo-name for yourself if you don't want to use your real one!!)

That's so great about your Mom joining you!


Kathy

Hi Kathy!
My name is Eleonora - everyone calls me El though!
Thank you for the info. I'm excited to go swimming - the pool looks like it's so much fun with the slide

Yes, I'm sooooo psyched that my mom is coming!!!!
She really needs this vacation - it's going to be very fun and it'll be great for her in so many ways!

Thanks for reading my pre-trippie!
El

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Dear Going,

(BTW, what should we call you?? Think up a funny pseudo-name for yourself if you don't want to use your real one!!)

That's so great about your Mom joining you!


Kathy

Hi Kathy!
My name is Eleonora - everyone calls me El though!
Thank you for the info. I'm excited to go swimming - the pool looks like it's so much fun with the slide

Yes, I'm sooooo psyched that my mom is coming!!!!
She really needs this vacation - it's going to be very fun and it'll be great for her in so many ways!

Thanks for reading my pre-trippie!
El

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hi everyone!
Hope all my fellow DISers had a great 4th and good weekend.
I've been fevereshly looking through TGM recos for our trip and have come up with the itinerary posted below.

Note - I need lots of help with rides - this trip is kid-focused so I'm not looking for anything scary or rides she won't be able to ride in (she'll be 5 and will definitely be 42" by Nov.)

Any input will be soooo helpful - thanks in advance!

Big PS - We decided NOT to do Hoppers - that's why you'll see we go back to the same park of the day!!!!

Saturday, November 10
US Air Flight 2498 XNA - Charlotte
7:20am - 10:29am
US Air Flight 1729 Charlotte - Orlando
11:25am - 12:55pm

Magical Express to POFQ

EPCOT – Future World open till 9pm
World Showcase open till 7pm
Rides:

Soarin’
Test Track
Maelstrom
Turtle Talk with Crush
Nemo
Boat Ride in Mexico

Dinner - 6:40 ADR at Akershus


Sunday, November 11
MAGIC KINGDOM – EMH 8am

Breakfast - TBD
Planning on being there at rope drop!!!!!

Rides:
TBD (help)

Lunch - 12:50 ADR at Crystal Palace

3:00pm Share a Dream Come True Parade (find spot by Hall of Presidents)

Rides:
TBD (help)

Back to hotel for rest and get ready for dinner

Dinner - 6:45pm ADR at OHANA
inside Polynesian (take Monorail)

Back to MK for Parade
8:00pm Disney Wishes

Monday, November 12
MAGIC KINGDOM – 9am – 7pm

Breakfast at hotel or MK - TBD

Rides:
TBD (help)

11:10am BBB Reservations
Lunch - 12:25pm ADR at Cinderella’s Royal Table
Rides:
TBD (help)

Head back to hotel for rest and change for dinner and Christmas party

Dinner TBD CS place inside MK Cosmic Ray’s/Peco’s Bill/Pinnochio’s

7:00pm MVMCP - yeah!


Tuesday, November 13
MGM – 9am – 7pm

Breakfast - 8:30am ADR at 1900 Park (Grand Floridian)
Rides:
TBD (help)

Lunch – ABC Commissary?

3pm Stars Parade
Head back to hotel for rest and change for dinner and Fantasmic

Dinner – Toy Story Pizza??
7pm Fantasmic

Wednesday, November 14
Park TBD – TGM recommends either MGM or EPCOT
I’m thinking EPCOT opening 9am since we only had ½ day there – but TBD
Meals are also TBD
CS Breakfast and Lunch


Depart Orlando at 5:27pm
US Airways Flight 1946 Orlando - Charlotte
5:27pm - 7:04pm
US Airways Flight 2405 Charlotte - XNA
7:45pm - 8:57pm

 

[mvazul]

Hi!!

I have never been in November, but we were there this past January - DD turned 5 on 1/9 and we went to the MK on 1/31. It got chilly, but we had a few good days for swimming. We ended up only swimming one day, because DD got an ear infection while we were down there.

As far as rides go, it depends on how adventurous your little is. We started Grace out on Goofy's Barnstormer. We told her if she felt she needed to, she was allowed to scream on the ride. She is normally not allowed to scream, so she really liked this idea. She loved the Barnstormer. Next, we headed to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. She loved that one, too!! She still says that was her favorite in MK. Our third and last coaster was Space Mountain. She liked that one, too, but when asked if she wants to ride it, again, she says no. Grace's favorite ride overall was Soarin'. She LOVED it!!

I would recommend you don't take your daughter on Stitch's Great Escape - at least not before an adult in your party checks it out first. Grace HATED this attraction. Our whole family did. It has a harness that comes down over your shoulders and locks you in. Grace freaked out during the show and I couldn't get to her because of the harness. I almost had a panic attack. It was horrible!! My 12 year old son was even crying by the end of it. I have no idea what Disney was thinking with that attraction.

I have never been to MGM or AK, so I can't help you with anything there. I'm sure you will have a fantastic time. Very cool your mother is able to join you! I am going with my mother and sister (their first time) in August. I can't wait!!

Thanks for sharing your pre-trip!!

 

[MomofaRzrbkPrincess]

Great trippie El! I'm so impressed you're writing one--can't wait to follow along.

I say "bring on the outfits"! You are going to dress princess L in some cute Disney clothes, aren't you?

Hey, the "glass slipper" shoes look pink in the picture because of the glitter, but just wanted to note that they're not!

At least we can see how L does on the rides this weekend--that will give you some indication as to what she likes for Disney.

Have a great day!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hi!!

I have never been in November, but we were there this past January - DD turned 5 on 1/9 and we went to the MK on 1/31. It got chilly, but we had a few good days for swimming. We ended up only swimming one day, because DD got an ear infection while we were down there.

As far as rides go, it depends on how adventurous your little is. We started Grace out on Goofy's Barnstormer. We told her if she felt she needed to, she was allowed to scream on the ride. She is normally not allowed to scream, so she really liked this idea. She loved the Barnstormer. Next, we headed to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. She loved that one, too!! She still says that was her favorite in MK. Our third and last coaster was Space Mountain. She liked that one, too, but when asked if she wants to ride it, again, she says no. Grace's favorite ride overall was Soarin'. She LOVED it!!

I would recommend you don't take your daughter on Stitch's Great Escape - at least not before an adult in your party checks it out first. Grace HATED this attraction. Our whole family did. It has a harness that comes down over your shoulders and locks you in. Grace freaked out during the show and I couldn't get to her because of the harness. I almost had a panic attack. It was horrible!! My 12 year old son was even crying by the end of it. I have no idea what Disney was thinking with that attraction.

I have never been to MGM or AK, so I can't help you with anything there. I'm sure you will have a fantastic time. Very cool your mother is able to join you! I am going with my mother and sister (their first time) in August. I can't wait!!

Thanks for sharing your pre-trip!!

Thank you so much for the input - so I'm pretty sure we'll get to swim - that will be a blast! The slide at POFQ looks like fun for all of us!!!!

We're going to Celebration City and Silver Dollar City in Branson this weekend and it'll be Lu's first theme park outing - we'll see how she does on the rides - but thanks for the input on your DD's favorites-
I was thinking NO on Stich and YES on the Big Thunder and Soarin - but no on Space Mountain - but maybe we'll try it once and see if she likes it...
Thanks for visiting and check back when you can!

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Great trippie El! I'm so impressed you're writing one--can't wait to follow along.

I say "bring on the outfits"! You are going to dress princess L in some cute Disney clothes, aren't you?

Hey, the "glass slipper" shoes look pink in the picture because of the glitter, but just wanted to note that they're not!

At least we can see how L does on the rides this weekend--that will give you some indication as to what she likes for Disney.

Have a great day!

Hey there girlfriend!

So for everyone who may be lurking and reading - this is my friend L who "convinced" me to take my DD to Disney and gave me the guilt trip!

Needless to say - we're good friends - this weekend we're going to Branson for Silver Dollar and Celebration City - should be fun!

The girls will have a blast!

Thanks for reading Lez, and thanks for being such a good friend

El!

 

[KathyRN137]

Needless to say - we're good friends - this weekend we're going to Branson for Silver Dollar and Celebration City - should be fun!

The girls will have a blast!

That's great! Always a good idea to do some "rehersals" at other places...gets you more familiar with how your kids do with lines, crowds, attractions, fireworks, etc.

And it gives you a chance to try out your Crocs!!

Kathy

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

That's great! Always a good idea to do some "rehersals" at other places...gets you more familiar with how your kids do with lines, crowds, attractions, fireworks, etc.

And it gives you a chance to try out your Crocs!!

Kathy

good point - but I don't have Crocs yet....I just haven't had the guts to spend $35 on rubber shoes.
I went to good 'ol WM this past week and bought fake ones - but I'm thinking they're definitely NOT the same.
I need to go scout out the shoes recommended here on the DIS - there have been a few posts I'm thinkig I saw a few weeks back

Thanks so much for keeping up with me

 

[KathyRN137]

LOL. Actually, DH was going to get me a pair of lime green Crocs for Mother's Day, but I tried on a pair and they were so w-i-d-e for my foot!
I don't have Croc-feet, I guess. I'm disappointed!

Kathy

 

[hjd0411]

Hi El - great pre-trip report so far! I'll be with you at MVMCP on Nov 12 - and I can't wait!!
Looking forward to reading more!

Heather

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

LOL. Actually, DH was going to get me a pair of lime green Crocs for Mother's Day, but I tried on a pair and they were so w-i-d-e for my foot!
I don't have Croc-feet, I guess. I'm disappointed!

Kathy

I know what you mean...they are very very wide...but now there are these cute little "mary Jane" style Crocs I'd like to try on...they are much narrower (is that a word ) than the regular ones.
You should try those on - I would like some - but I still have trouble dropping that kind of $$$ on rubber shoes

 

[GoingtoWDW2007]

Hi El - great pre-trip report so far! I'll be with you at MVMCP on Nov 12 - and I can't wait!!
Looking forward to reading more!

Heather

Cool - I have no idea how many ppl will be there - I imagine tons - but we should look for each other.
Stay in touch and we'll have to figure out what we'll wear that day so we can meet up!!!! It'll be sooo much fun!!!!

I do have a new itinerary coming - Lesley is helping me so hopefully I'll be able to post it soon - keep checking back