October is here!!! A Semi-live TR!!! Our Oct 7-14 trip to the world!

[KathyM2]

Hey Kathy, I know others have already given their feedback but just want to say again that YES, you definitely have to try at midnight for A&E, but you'll be fine for TSMM (although if you're up booking at midnight you may as well do that one, too!). DH and I have AP's and I often go in and "pretend" to make FP's for myself - like in case a plane suddenly landed in my backyard to fly me down for a couple hours - and TSMM is always available next day and, with a few exceptions, day of. So even if you couldn't make your FP's until 58 or 59 days out I think you'd get a decent time.

A&E on the other hand NEVER comes up as available, even at 30 days out. That's not to say people don't ever get A&E at 30 days, but it ain't easy Go fast at 60 days, too, so yeah, bring that laptop on your girls trip!

Thanks and...sigh. I guess I'm doomed to bringing the laptop if there's any hope of seeing those Frozen girls without RD...sigh...oh well. Good to hear about TSMM...but you're right...if I'm up I may as well do them all!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

We "check in" to our Disney hotel on the 7th...but we don't start any park days until Oct 8th...but that doesn't matter, right? Day 1 can still be Oct 7 as far as booking our FP+?? Why does this have to be so confusing lol. As I said...the ONLY one I'm really worried about is Anna/Elsa...

Its 60 days from check in. For sure!

If I wasn't keeping it a surprise...I might be able to gauge if she cares enough even about that before I go to all this trouble...but I suppose that's what happens when you want to surprise your kids.

Try talking with her about it in the vague hypothetical. You can get good feelers out that way.

"Hey I've been thinking, when we get a chance to go back to Disney World what are the things that you really would want to do? "

 

[KathyM2]

Its 60 days from check in. For sure!

Try talking with her about it in the vague hypothetical. You can get good feelers out that way.

"Hey I've been thinking, when we get a chance to go back to Disney World what are the things that you really would want to do? "

OK I'm set then with it in my calendar...and I just checked that the hotel we are staying at on our road trip in August has wifi...so I'm good to go...as long as I'm up at Midnight lol Good idea on the "hypothetical"...I will try to work it into conversation before I have to make our FP+

 

[roller99]

Following along on your pre-trip report! We will be at WDW Oct 11-17, and it looks like we will be in MK on the same day! (the 13th)

 

[KathyM2]

Following along on your pre-trip report! We will be at WDW Oct 11-17, and it looks like we will be in MK on the same day! (the 13th)

Hey Welcome!! And that's great!! Maybe there can be a DISmeet in our future!!! No pressure lol...only if it works out )

 

[roller99]

Hey Welcome!! And that's great!! Maybe there can be a DISmeet in our future!!! No pressure lol...only if it works out )

I can hear my DH now: "You want to meet up with someone you met on the internet???" lol. I'd love it, but he's way more cautious about that stuff.

 

[LookinUp]

Been lurking along when I can, and loving your plans so far. So fun to obsess vicariously!

Not that I'm overly obsessive myself but I do like to have an all-inclusive, color-coded planner for all our WDW trips. Which I print and Ziploc (water rides, rain, liquid enthusiasm [aka sweat]) for each person. And staple them to their foreheads each morning at reveille. Besides the usual Park choice, FP+ and ADR info, I always include the plus the parks' scheduled hours for each day, (including EMH for all parks, and crowd level estimates, to facilitate changes in the plan) plus a list of attractions that are open during EMHs, and attractions that have Single Rider lines.

OK, so I got distracted by the new-puppy planning phone calls here during the FP+ date discussion. So I just checked the PS Calculator, which says that for Oct 7 check-in, your FP+ date is Aug 8. And you should be able to start at 12:01 a.m. on Aug 8 because MK closes at midnight. Unless they extend EMH. Midweek, I'm thinking it's unlikely, but always best to double-check closer to date.

One of our best trips was one we planned in secret for 6 months. (OK, actually, I just let DH help choose dates and some ADRs, but really I hogged all the rest of the planning fun!) Such a priceless look on DD's face when we got Disney-tagged luggage out of the cab at the airport. Fly to WDW instead of pick up boring Uncle Kyle at the airport? She was over the moon. And there were a few more surprises that week (I just left out a detail or two when I printed her planner).

What a cute park bag! Looks magical, sturdy and sized just right. I hope you find it and that the straps work for you.

OK, ready for more!

 

[KathyM2]

I can hear my DH now: "You want to meet up with someone you met on the internet???" lol. I'd love it, but he's way more cautious about that stuff.

That's funny. My DH used to be like that. But I started being active on these types of boards back when I was planning my wedding...and then when I was pregnant...and I met all kinds of people online and then eventually met some of them in person. My DH was skeptical at first, but I've made some really good friends that way. I figure, people meet online and date etc...so why not meet friends online too? You automatically know you have something in common because you like Disney here...so why not...but only if it's convenient and not out of the way for anyone etc. I mean...it's not like I'd wanna meet up by myself with some stranger in a dark alley or something lol...It'd be in a crowd of Disney fans lol...but I DO get it and I totally understand if it's not in the cards etc. I like to believe that the vast majority of people on these types of boards are good honest people who don't just lurk here with some nefarious purpose in mind...maybe I'm just naive but I'd like to believe that anyway....

Been lurking along when I can, and loving your plans so far. So fun to obsess vicariously!

Not that I'm overly obsessive myself but I do like to have an all-inclusive, color-coded planner for all our WDW trips. Which I print and Ziploc (water rides, rain, liquid enthusiasm [aka sweat]) for each person. And staple them to their foreheads each morning at reveille. Besides the usual Park choice, FP+ and ADR info, I always include the plus the parks' scheduled hours for each day, (including EMH for all parks, and crowd level estimates, to facilitate changes in the plan) plus a list of attractions that are open during EMHs, and attractions that have Single Rider lines.

OK, so I got distracted by the new-puppy planning phone calls here during the FP+ date discussion. So I just checked the PS Calculator, which says that for Oct 7 check-in, your FP+ date is Aug 8. And you should be able to start at 12:01 a.m. on Aug 8 because MK closes at midnight. Unless they extend EMH. Midweek, I'm thinking it's unlikely, but always best to double-check closer to date.

One of our best trips was one we planned in secret for 6 months. (OK, actually, I just let DH help choose dates and some ADRs, but really I hogged all the rest of the planning fun!) Such a priceless look on DD's face when we got Disney-tagged luggage out of the cab at the airport. Fly to WDW instead of pick up boring Uncle Kyle at the airport? She was over the moon. And there were a few more surprises that week (I just left out a detail or two when I printed her planner).

What a cute park bag! Looks magical, sturdy and sized just right. I hope you find it and that the straps work for you.

OK, ready for more!

Hey thanks for speaking up!! OK so it's on the night of August 7th then that I will have to stay up late or set my alarm for 12am on the 8th...got it down, check!! I do hope I can surprise DD...I think she will figure it out by the time we make it to the airport ...but if I can even keep it a secret that long I will be impressed!! And great idea with ziplocs lol...I was thinking of laminating my spreadsheet lol and great tip about having other parks on there etc and other suggestions in case the plan needs to "gasp" change spur of the moment lol

 

[Steppesister]

I like to believe that the vast majority of people on these types of boards are good honest people who don't just lurk here with some nefarious purpose in mind...maybe I'm just naive but I'd like to believe that anyway....

Just my 2 cents: I've met some of the most fabulous people here hands-down. Some have ended up being amazing REAL LIFE friends that I get to even see occasionally that live close by. Meet up in the parks, exchange mail and become FB friends. Yes, it's good to be cautious, but I've not met a bad person here either. Develop a friendship and see where it goes.

 

[KathyM2]

Just my 2 cents: I've met some of the most fabulous people here hands-down. Some have ended up being amazing REAL LIFE friends that I get to even see occasionally that live close by. Meet up in the parks, exchange mail and become FB friends. Yes, it's good to be cautious, but I've not met a bad person here either. Develop a friendship and see where it goes.

I couldn't agree more! I've met lots of great people online and when you actually meet in person it feels like you have been friends for years! I think as long as you make the first meet somewhere public...like say...a WDW hotel or park...you don't really have to worry!!!

 

[KatMark]

My kids were like that the first time I told them I was having a DIS meet. They said I could be stabbed in an alley. I met my BEST friend and adopted little sis here on the DIS and it was one of the best days of my life.

I've met many other DISers over the years at the parks, at restaurants in Chicago, etc. I feel truly blessed to be part of a wonderful DIS family.

 

[KathyM2]

My kids were like that the first time I told them I was having a DIS meet. They said I could be stabbed in an alley. I met my BEST friend and adopted little sis here on the DIS and it was one of the best days of my life.

I've met many other DISers over the years at the parks, at restaurants in Chicago, etc. I feel truly blessed to be part of a wonderful DIS family.

That is so awesome! I agree with you...it's a great way to meet people and get to know each other. Although lately I've been watching CSI: Cyber...and it's enough to put a bit of fear in anyone...but I'd still like to think the majority of people aren't psychopaths!!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

That is so awesome! I agree with you...it's a great way to meet people and get to know each other. Although lately I've been watching CSI: Cyber...and it's enough to put a bit of fear in anyone...but I'd still like to think the majority of people aren't psychopaths!!

The majority aren't psychopaths. There will always be some strange ones but hopefully if you read what they write, you can make your own judgments about them. I met some of my closest friends through some forums way back when I was in high school and then again through a game I played online (even went on a 5 day Disney trip with one of them back in 2011)

 

[KathyM2]

The majority aren't psychopaths. There will always be some strange ones but hopefully if you read what they write, you can make your own judgments about them. I met some of my closest friends through some forums way back when I was in high school and then again through a game I played online (even went on a 5 day Disney trip with one of them back in 2011)

I agree - I'd like to believe again, that what most people say online is mostly honest and true. And how awesome that you have met some really close friends that way and actually travelled with them. I have met a few really nice folks online as well and it's been a pretty positive experience every time I do it - be it the DIS or other online sites.

 

[Elevationist]

DON'T YOU KNOW THAT THE INTERNETS ARE EVIL AND FULL OF BAD BAD PEOPLE WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU THINKING CRAZY LADY.

 

[KathyM2]

DON'T YOU KNOW THAT THE INTERNETS ARE EVIL AND FULL OF BAD BAD PEOPLE WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU THINKING CRAZY LADY.

I know!! What was I thinking lol!!!

 

[KathyM2]

As some of you may know...I was hoping to keep this October mom and DD trip a surprise from DD as long as possible. Well...apparently my DD is more observant than I thought lol. I thought I was being covert in my looking at my spreadsheet and planning and DIS activities....but I think the cat might be out of the bag. I'm actually heading to Washington, DC tomorrow with my DS (lest anyone think I only take trips with DD lol) because one at a time is so much easier as I've explained before. Anyway...so I was saying goodnight to DD and tucking her into bed and telling her that I will be away with DD for a few days. She said, "mom, can we go on another trip together back to Disney?" And I was all, "I don't know...Disney is a pretty big trip and pretty expensive...not sure if we can do it anytime soon...." And then she says "what about October? I heard they have a great Halloween party at Disney" I tried to be low key and all..."I don't know sweetie...let me think about it for a while"....but inside....aaaaaahhhh!!

I'm hoping that if I try to be even more covert in the coming months and not look at Disney stuff when she's around...that maybe she will forget about it...but....probably unlikely...Anyway...I will see how it goes and decide whether to just be out with it or still try to keep it under wraps lol.

In planning news...not much going on...other than, I changed one of my ADR's again. Not the place, just the day lol. I decided to move our 1900 Park Fare breakfast to the day we are doing MNSSHP. We will probably cab it there...then maybe monorail/boat/bus or some combo back to POFQ. Then hopefully have a little time to relax or go to the pool before getting ready for the party. Then the next day, we will just chill in the morning and go to MK whenever we feel like it. I like this plan better because then I won't be stressing about staying out late and having to get up early the next day to make it to breakfast. That's about it...other than I'm still stalking ADR's for Akershus on "dining site that shall not be named" and also stalking MDE for O'hana and a few other coveted ADR's...

 

[pkondz]

I'm actually heading to Washington, DC tomorrow with my DS (lest anyone think I only take trips with DD lol) because one at a time is so much easier as I've explained before.

I'd love to go to DC. So much history. The Smithsonian is there too, right?
And I do remember you saying it was easier to do one at a time.

And then she says "what about October? I heard they have a great Halloween party at Disney" I tried to be low key and all..."I don't know sweetie...let me think about it for a while"....but inside....aaaaaahhhh!!

I think she sees you looking at all that online, etc. and is trying to prod you into going rather than knowing you're going.
Still, I can see where the uh-oh moment can happen.

I'm hoping that if I try to be even more covert in the coming months and not look at Disney stuff when she's around...that maybe she will forget about it...but....probably unlikely...

Disney is a tough one to just forget. But I still think she doesn't know.
At most, she suspects, or hopes.
I think so anyway. Could be wrong.

I like this plan better because then I won't be stressing about staying out late and having to get up early the next day to make it to breakfast.

I like that plan better too.

 

[KatMark]

Have a great trip to DC with DS. I hope DD doesn't know about it...I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I like the plan changes for 1900 Park Fare.

 

[SarahDisney]

I hope you're having a great time in DC! There really is a lot of cool stuff to do there!

I hope your DD was just "exploring" and doesn't actually know. I really hope you can keep the trip a surprise!!

The change in 1900 Park Fare sounds like a great idea - it's always nice to not have to rush out the morning after a long night.