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

[KathyM2]

What about (if you can get it) a 630/7pm dinner reservation in MK. You can ride, shop etc till your reservation then dinner then early night?

They will kick you out (walk you out?) after dinner but maybe an option?

Did you buy a package? Can you see about changing the number of days on your park ticket? (Not sure if that possible but I think maybe)

Yeah, I did get a package. So I don't think I can save any money by reducing the number of park days...so I suppose I might as well at least try to get a little use out of them where possible. But yeah, dinner in the park might be an option if they will let you book something at 7pm? Hadn't thought of that...I will give it a shot!

 

[kastoney]

First, I sent you an email with some DC info, though I'm sure all the nice folks on your PTR thread would love to know all the cool happenings inside the beltway ; )

Sounds like you have quite a first day dilemma. Not knowing the rest of your plans and since your heart was set on MK, you could always do it until park close and then go to WL or the Poly for dinner and enjoy Hallowishes from there. I"m also not a big MGM fan in general and could skip it most days, so a few hours there plus Fantasmic could be a viable plan.

Our you could just take a page from my book and not plan and just see what you feel like doing ; )

 

[irene_dsc]

I like the idea of the 6:30 or 7 ADR in MK if you can get one. You'll probably be ready to crash after that, anyhow, by the time you get back. Tho it does lock you into a plan more, since you'll feel like you have to do it since there's the cancellation fee.

 

[pkondz]

I've decided....nothing

Way to be decisive!!

 

[KathyM2]

First, I sent you an email with some DC info, though I'm sure all the nice folks on your PTR thread would love to know all the cool happenings inside the beltway ; )

Sounds like you have quite a first day dilemma. Not knowing the rest of your plans and since your heart was set on MK, you could always do it until park close and then go to WL or the Poly for dinner and enjoy Hallowishes from there. I"m also not a big MGM fan in general and could skip it most days, so a few hours there plus Fantasmic could be a viable plan.

Our you could just take a page from my book and not plan and just see what you feel like doing ; )

Thanks for the DC info Kari, much appreciated!! Yes it is a bit of a dilemma. I was thinking about DHS for just that few hours, but even though it isn't a favourite, I haven't been for years and I think there are more than 3 hours worth of stuff we'd want to do there...plus, we do have an ADR for Sci Fi later in the trip that I really want to keep...So...even thought it's closing early...I'm leaning towards spending just those few hours at MK and then doing something for dinner. I will get into the rest of our plans soon, but I am thinking of a day each for AK and DHS and Epcot...and then the MNSSHP and another full day at MK...so lots of MK time whether we do a few hours that night or not...but you can never have too much MK time in my books

I like the idea of the 6:30 or 7 ADR in MK if you can get one. You'll probably be ready to crash after that, anyhow, by the time you get back. Tho it does lock you into a plan more, since you'll feel like you have to do it since there's the cancellation fee.

I do like that idea....but sadly so far I've had zero luck with getting ANY ADR's in MK for that night between 4:30-7:30pm...I'm getting a bit concerned that this is supposedly a less busy time to go but I'm having a hard time getting a lot of the ADR's I had hoped for. I will keep trying...but it does seem strange. I still think we will likely to be ready to eat and crash by the time we get out of MK...we can look in the shops slowly on the way out until they kick our butts out lol...and then if we can't get an ADR I'm thinking maybe a QS dinner at Poly or the GF since we may not get to either of those on this trip otherwise....

Way to be decisive!!

Ha, thanks, I'm good at that lol.

 

[ariane37]

I also like the idea of going to MK on arrival night even though it won't be for too long. As you said you have the tickets- if it's where you want to go, go! Schedule your 3 FP's. If you can't get an in park ADR for between 6:20-6:50, make one at a monorail restaurant for after 7 or as you mentioned, do a QS dinner at a monorail resort. I'm sure the reason you can't find a dinner ADR in MK is b/c many people attending the party want a pre-party early dinner ADR there. I wouldn't take an early ADR b/c that will cut down on your already limited park time.

Actually, a monorail dinner may work better because then, if you decide not to hit MK, it won't affect dinner. Won't matter if you don't use your FP's
I agree with some of your reasoning for not doing a different park that night. If you think DD may get bored on your full EPCOT day and since you don't have hoppers, good reason not to go there (although that would be my 2nd suggestion). I'm honestly not sure how active the animals at AK are in late afternoon. But, why try rushing through there or HS if your plan is to try more time there? Of course I don't like telling anyone to rush through HS b/c its my favorite park . You also said you don't think DD really remembers those parks, so if you can explore them slowly the better experience to give her.

But basically I say start where you really want to start lol! I think you'll end up happier if you do!

 

[KathyM2]

I also like the idea of going to MK on arrival night even though it won't be for too long. As you said you have the tickets- if it's where you want to go, go! Schedule your 3 FP's. If you can't get an in park ADR for between 6:20-6:50, make one at a monorail restaurant for after 7 or as you mentioned, do a QS dinner at a monorail resort. I'm sure the reason you can't find a dinner ADR in MK is b/c many people attending the party want a pre-party early dinner ADR there. I wouldn't take an early ADR b/c that will cut down on your already limited park time.

Actually, a monorail dinner may work better because then, if you decide not to hit MK, it won't affect dinner. Won't matter if you don't use your FP's
I agree with some of your reasoning for not doing a different park that night. If you think DD may get bored on your full EPCOT day and since you don't have hoppers, good reason not to go there (although that would be my 2nd suggestion). I'm honestly not sure how active the animals at AK are in late afternoon. But, why try rushing through there or HS if your plan is to try more time there? Of course I don't like telling anyone to rush through HS b/c its my favorite park . You also said you don't think DD really remembers those parks, so if you can explore them slowly the better experience to give her.

But basically I say start where you really want to start lol! I think you'll end up happier if you do!

Thanks for the great advice...and also more reassurance that we are making a good choice by going to MK on arrival day even if just for a few hours. The only way I wouldn't do it is if we get delayed so much that it won't be worth it. Which is why, like you said, the idea of planning to do dinner outside the park makes sense. My ONE last hesitation with going to MK this day...DD will probably see all the "setting up" for the party and want to get in on it right away. But I think as long as I prep her for that in advance by saying, "I'm sure you will see a lot of cool stuff you want to do that we won't have time for tonight, but I promise we will do everything we can during the party tomorrow" And maybe by getting a little sneak peak we will be better prepared for the party the next night and know what we want to hit up first.

I wonder if they tell you where all the characters will be for the party? Or do you just wander around and hope to run into them? I don't really want to plan our time at MNSSHP down to the minute...it would be nice to have that one night be a bit more spontaneous? But if you have to plan to get to see the most popular things...I will do it...

 

[ariane37]

Thanks for the great advice...

I wonder if they tell you where all the characters will be for the party? Or do you just wander around and hope to run into them? I don't really want to plan our time at MNSSHP down to the minute...it would be nice to have that one night be a bit more spontaneous? But if you have to plan to get to see the most popular things...I will do it...

You're welcome! They do in a way tell you where the characters are. You can pick up a map when you enter for the party that will show you where throughout the park the characters are located, but unfortunately it won't say which character is where. However, after the 1st party Kenny the Pirate always posts on his site where each character is. Have you used his site before? It's the best character locator site out there IMO So after the 1st party in Sept, check his site. You can even go on now and find last years, not many of the characters/locations change although they can.

I understand not wanting to plan the party, believe me . But unfortunately some of the things are best planned. You should know if you want to watch the 1st or 2nd parade and from where, so you can find your spot early enough. MNSSHP is my most favorite thing in WDW and the Boo To You Parade is absolutely wonderful! Also, if DD wants to see any of the party specific characters they can have long waits, and getting on line prior to 7:00 is usually recommended. For instance, the 7 dwarfs and Jack Skellington. It's a good idea to get in line for one of them (if interested) by 6 if not earlier. Not a necessity, but gets you done early enough so not a lot of after 7 party time is wasted in that particular line. Of course many people have just as much fun winging it - and no need to plan for the TOT stations and some of the not as popular characters!

 

[KathyM2]

You're welcome! They do in a way tell you where the characters are. You can pick up a map when you enter for the party that will show you where throughout the park the characters are located, but unfortunately it won't say which character is where. However, after the 1st party Kenny the Pirate always posts on his site where each character is. Have you used his site before? It's the best character locator site out there IMO So after the 1st party in Sept, check his site. You can even go on now and find last years, not many of the characters/locations change although they can.

I understand not wanting to plan the party, believe me . But unfortunately some of the things are best planned. You should know if you want to watch the 1st or 2nd parade and from where, so you can find your spot early enough. MNSSHP is my most favorite thing in WDW and the Boo To You Parade is absolutely wonderful! Also, if DD wants to see any of the party specific characters they can have long waits, and getting on line prior to 7:00 is usually recommended. For instance, the 7 dwarfs and Jack Skellington. It's a good idea to get in line for one of them (if interested) by 6 if not earlier. Not a necessity, but gets you done early enough so not a lot of after 7 party time is wasted in that particular line. Of course many people have just as much fun winging it - and no need to plan for the TOT stations and some of the not as popular characters!

Thanks again, this is some great info. I will for sure look at Kenny the pirate. I don't think DD cares that much "which" characters she gets to see and we'll probably get FP's for her faves anyway (tink and cindy and rapunzel) so I think anything else we get to do at the MNSSHP is just gravy...but I will look into it for sure and see if there are any that she may want to get in line for. Though I'm not sure she thinks any character is worth standing in line for an hour...but who knows. I think the party will be a great time to take in the parade, and see everyone costumed up...and get some candy...and maybe just a few rides as well if we can swing it. I'd love to try some of the special halloween themed treats too....but I don't want to make my "must do" list too long for that night...I'm kinda hoping it can be a bit "less" commando than some of our other days lol.

 

[KathyM2]

OK so...now that we have discussed our potential arrival day plans extensively (thanks for everyone's help!! I will move on to...DAY 2 plans!!

Day 2 October 9th plans (kinda loose at this point)

Here goes. Since we have tickets to MNSSHP on this day, I thought we would take it relatively easy since we will be staying out late that night.

I scored a 9:05 ADR for Cape May at the BC which I'm quite excited about. I really do like the idea of at least one character meal so we are guaranteed some character interaction without having to plan for it in the park, or wait in line if it's unplanned. This is the perfect way to see them in my books...I know it isn't possible to see ALL of them this way...but it will be good to get some out of the way while eating a relaxed yummy breakfast. I asked around these parts a bit, and I think that the best way to get to the BC from where we are staying POFQ is ....CAB lol. I think since the goal of this morning is to take it easy and not have to get up super early....it might be worth it to spring for a cab and a direct route to the BC. BUT....if (as often happens at WDW) we have a hard time sleeping in and are up and at 'em anyway, then we will maybe bus to...? Epcot and then BC from there? I guess we could walk? Or is HS closer...ok so still not sure on this what's best...but we'll figure it out (we only have 5 months lol)

So anyway....we'll eat at Cape May and see some characters...I picked this one because a) I could get an ADR lol...and b) the characters here are some that DD knows and loves and c) I just love the atmosphere at the BC...

After that...depending on the time...and how we feel...and here's another morning we'll have to be a little spontaneous...we MAY walk over to Epcot and see how busy it is and see a couple things....OR maybe take a bus to DTD and wander a bit...and then boat back to the POFQ....OR we may do none of the above...and just find the best route back to the POFQ for some pool time or something. I guess that could depend on what the weather is like as well. I want to be sure to get back in plenty of time though to hang out...and get ready for the MNSSHP that night. I have NO idea what we will wear...but I do plan on bringing some form of costume...so we will have to have some time to get changed and ready and maybe put on some makeup or something! For lunch I imagine we will probably either grab something QS at the hotel, or if we are at DTD or Epcot we'd get something light there. I don't want to eat tons because we will have had a big breakfast and also because I know I will want all the halloween themed treats at the party that night.

I imagine at about 3pm or so, we'll head out to catch the bus to get to MK for 4pm. If we hadn't gone to a park already that day and we're ready to go, we could actually head to MK earlier than that since we have enough park tickets to do that...so that's an option too. I will probably book a few FP+ from 4-7pm as well...probably with the last one being something we don't care that much about though because I know stuff will be starting for the party.

For the actual party...as I mentioned...I don't want to really PLAN that much. I do want to see the parade...and probably the earlier one so that's one thing planned. But other than that...eat some food...meet some characters...and fit in a few rides if we can...I don't want to plan much beyond that...except for the halloween treats...do they show somewhere in advance what will be available in terms of special treats for the party? I don't want to miss anything extra special there!! And then...if we are still awake...we will stay for Hallowishes...although I would be just as content to maybe go over to the CR and try to watch from there or the Poly...make it easier to get the heck out afterwards...but we shall see on that how DD feels!

 

[pkondz]

I scored a 9:05 ADR for Cape May at the BC which I'm quite excited about.

Nice. I've heard good things about Cape May.

BUT....if (as often happens at WDW) we have a hard time sleeping in and are up and at 'em anyway, then we will maybe bus to...? Epcot and then BC from there? I guess we could walk? Or is HS closer...

Epcot is closer to POFQ.

OR maybe take a bus to DTD and wander a bit...and then boat back to the POFQ

That was one of our fave things.
The boat from DTD to POR (same boat as POFQ).

For the actual party...as I mentioned...I don't want to really PLAN that much.

We didn't plan anything. And we were perfectly happy.

I do want to see the parade...and probably the earlier one so that's one thing planned.

DO NOT miss Hallowishes!!!! It's really, really good.

do they show somewhere in advance what will be available in terms of special treats for the party?

I'm almost positive that we picked up a map that showed all the spots for trick or treating, times for parades and fireworks and shows.

 

[KathyM2]

@pkondz Thanks!! Awesome if they provide a map!! I don't just mean trick or treating treats though - don't they have special things like in the bakery and stuff for Halloween only?

I suppose regarding the trip back to POFQ from BC after breakfast...we could see which bus comes first lol...whether it be Epcot, HS or DTD....and then catch a bus back to BC from wherever if it isn't DTD...or a boat from there...that would probably be quickest...

I'm glad to hear that you were happy with not having anything planned for the party...It will be nice to just not have to be anywhere at a certain time for those few hours lol.

 

[pkondz]

I don't just mean trick or treating treats though - don't they have special things like in the bakery and stuff for Halloween only?

Yeah, I knew that... But I just don't know!
Hopefully someone who's been there recently can tell you.

 

[kastoney]

Sounds like you have a good "plan" for day 2, but you know me I love the idea of winging it ; )

I'd think if you decide to take the bus to Beach Club it would be best to go via MGM and take the boat as otherwise you'd have to walk all the way through Epcot

 

[KathyM2]

Sounds like you have a good "plan" for day 2, but you know me I love the idea of winging it ; )

I'd think if you decide to take the bus to Beach Club it would be best to go via MGM and take the boat as otherwise you'd have to walk all the way through Epcot

Good point...and actually Epcot wouldn't even be open yet so that wouldn't work anyway lol...good to know!! IF we don't get lazy and end up cabbing it!!

 

[kadrachb]

9:05 ADR for Cape May at the BC which I'm quite excited about. I really do like the idea of at least one character meal so we are guaranteed some character interaction without having to plan for it in the park

I love character meals! My Uncle came over during my dad's birthday and was like "Don't you feel kinda silly eating there?" and my answer was a big fat NOPE! If you want advice on another character meal and are going to AK, check out Tusker House! I wanted to do Cape May this year, and it was originally planned until we changed our resort. Maybe next year!

What you could do for the party is after Kenny The Pirate brings out which characters are going to be where, talk to your daughter about it! I know you don't necessarily want to go in with a strict plan, but maybe a loose plan of "she wants to see this and this, and do this, this, and this." might be a good idea.

 

[KathyM2]

Yes I love the character meals too - moreso I think than seeing them in the parks actually. I really did want to go to Tusker House on our AK day but was not able to get an early ADR...and since we'll only be in AK one day...if I can't get an early one...not sure I want to take up precious morning touring time with it? But I may keep trying just in case something opens up. But if it doesn't, I'm happy with Cape May anyway...I do love the BC resort so it will be nice to get a chance to go there.

Regarding the party, that sounds like a good "loose" plan...of what characters she might want to aim to see. I kinda think she will just be thrilled to be there and not care so much what we do as long as we see the parade.

I'm still undecided on if I try to keep this trip a surprise....I may try to keep in a secret until the morning of the day we go...but that will be really challenging to pack etc. without her noticing. Although I may be able to pull it off if I say that just "I" am going away on a trip and don't tell her she is coming until that morning? But then I'm torn...if I tell her about a month before...she can still (sort of) be involved in the planning...although I already have ADR's and hope to have our FP+ all booked at 60 days...so...really not sure what to do...I don't want to tell her at 60 days because that's just too far away for a 9 year old...so..that's something to think about!

 

[KathyM2]

Firstly....Happy Mothers' day to any moms reading this PTR!! In case anyone's interested in non-Disney activities around these parts...my Mothers' day festivities included...hubby getting up at 6am to go run a 10k....getting back 5 minutes before we had to leave for brunch with my parents!!! Let's just say...when we were supposed to leave at 10:15am...I was NOT a happy camper at 10:10am when he rolled in the door all sweaty. But..he managed to get showered pretty quick and we were out the door by about 10:30am...a little later than we had hoped...but we made it to the restaurant just in time. We had a lovely buffet brunch at a new (to us) restaurant and even the kids didn't complain about the food...so that's something. My dd made me a nice card with a bunch of little "coupons" for things like cleaning her room and a free hug. It was very cute. Tonight, we are going out to yet another buffet with my MIL and her step kids and grandkids...this time asian style...yum...only...I'm not really hungry after stuffing myself this am...hopefully by the time I actually have to eat ....I will be interested! It's almost like being at Disney lol.

ANYWAY...on with the PTR...I have been pondering...our DAY 3 plans!!! So here goes. Saturday October 10th...we are going to DHS!!

Now even though its an EMH day at DHS, it's a Saturday...and as such, EasyWDW does not recommend going there. BUT the thing is...they recommend going to AK both that Saturday and the Sunday as well...which...is not happening. I will give AK one day...but that's it on this trip. So HS is at least the next recommended one...even though it's red...what can you do. So we will be up early and battle the crowds and so be it....

So we will get up super early and hopefully get to DHS by 8:00am. Here's the thing...while it is expected to be busy that day, and sure, I'd love to ride TSMM more than once if possible...we don't really care about the thrill rides at all - no ToT or RnRC for us...and I'm not even sure about Star Tours because it says to be leary if you get motion sickness (I do)...

I'm struggling a bit with how to plan our FP+ (assuming I can get what I want)

I know for sure that one of them will be for TSMM - so that we at least get to ride that once. So my thinking (I'm sure along with 75 000 other resort guests) will be to try to race for that as soon as we arrive during EMH and see if we can get one ride in at that time.

But then what? What else is worth trying to hit up (that's open) during EMH before our FP+ bookings start? Muppet Vision maybe? One Man's Dream?

For FP+ I was thinking of course TSMM for one and Frozen Sing along for one...but then what? I really want to do Great Movie Ride...but of course can't get a FP for that if we want TSMM....so what else is worth it...Little Mermaid?

Then in the afternoon...I'm hoping to do anything worthwhile that we haven't hit yet. I'd love to do Magic of Disney's Animation and the Great Movie Ride...

That's pretty much it for Must Do's. Oh and we have an ADR for lunch at Sci-Fi Diner...so there's that.

Depending on how we feel...I'd like to maybe take a break and come back for Fantasmic...and would be nice to have FP for that...but not sure what the chances are of getting that as a 4th FP+...

So that's where I am with our DHS day plans

 

[pkondz]

We had a lovely buffet brunch at a new (to us) restaurant

Nice!

My dd made me a nice card with a bunch of little "coupons" for things like cleaning her room and a free hug. It was very cute.

Tonight, we are going out to yet another buffet with my MIL and her step kids and grandkids...this time asian style...yum...

Mmmmm.... I love that too.

It's almost like being at Disney lol.

So that's where I am with our DHS day plans

Your plans sound good... well except for the lack of RNRC... but that's just me.

 

[irene_dsc]

Happy Mothers Day to you, too!

I can't add much to your DHS plans, since that's the one we skipped! I've heard good things on the Frozen sing along...