OFFICIAL April 2012 DISers! 2 months and counting!

[ddluvsdisney]

So glad someone told me about this thread - I had looked and origanally couldn't find a thread on April, so I started one and no one was joining in - so then I thought maybe I was the only person going in April

Now we can all talk about our plans.

My info: Me, DH & DD10 going April 27-May 8, staying at All Star Movies (hoping to change to POP)

That was me that told you- glad you found it!
So awesome you got a FD pin
It's coming so fast!!!!! Can't wait! We have 84 days left

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

With less than 3 months to go, I've started working on a general touring plan for character meet and greets which got me wondering. Which characters are your top 3 must-see, fellow April Dis'ers?

For us,
DD5: 1. Rapunzel, 2. Cinderella, 3. Phineas and Ferb
Me: 1. Mike and Sully, 2. Phineas and Ferb, 3. The Tremaines

If you need a cheat sheet, I've found Kenny the Pirate's website to be very very helpful.

www.kennythepirate.com

 

[figmentswife]

With less than 3 months to go, I've started working on a general touring plan for character meet and greets which got me wondering. Which characters are your top 3 must-see, fellow April Dis'ers?

For us,
DD5: 1. Rapunzel, 2. Cinderella, 3. Phineas and Ferb
Me: 1. Mike and Sully, 2. Phineas and Ferb, 3. The Tremaines

If you need a cheat sheet, I've found Kenny the Pirate's website to be very very helpful.

www.kennythepirate.com

My DD is 10 now, and as much fun as it is to say hello to the characters, we don't stress over it, if we are walking by and the line is short, we stop and get photo's but if the line is long, we skip it and move onto the next attraction. The only person we HAD to see in October was Mickey himself, and that was so that my DD could tell him that her daddy had called him a RAT - It was great, wish I had gotten Mickey and Minnie's response on video. Mickey put his hands on his hips and fingers from his eyes to DD's (I'm watching you" then slowly started to walk towards him (as if he was going after him) and Minnie shook her finger at him.....it was GREAT!!!

 

[auprincess]

With less than 3 months to go, I've started working on a general touring plan for character meet and greets which got me wondering. Which characters are your top 3 must-see, fellow April Dis'ers?

For us,
DD5: 1. Rapunzel, 2. Cinderella, 3. Phineas and Ferb
Me: 1. Mike and Sully, 2. Phineas and Ferb, 3. The Tremaines

If you need a cheat sheet, I've found Kenny the Pirate's website to be very very helpful.

www.kennythepirate.com

Will probably be something like this
MK ~ Rapunzel, Tiana (hopefully the rest of the princesses will be covered at CRT and storybook breakfast)
Epcot ~ Mulan
AK ~ Pocahontas

Speaking of making a touring plan...I was just looking at some for AK on easywdw. Most recommended going to the safari first, then going back to festival of lion king and the character meets and greets in camp minnie/mickey. Here if my dilema ~ we will definitely go to the safaris first, and hopefully be there at 9! We have reservations at Tusker House at 10:25, so it really won't make sense to go back to camp minnie/mickey. My thoughts are when we are done with the safari, if time allows take the train to Rafiki's, but if not, just go the the Pangini Trek (or whatever the one in Africa is), and let DH go to EE, hopefully ride once or twice if the lines are short enough and/or get FPs.

Does this sound like a good plan? What would you do after? Go to FOTLK and greeting trails, or finish up Africa (train if we don't get to it) and then around to Flights of Wonder, Kali, conitinuing around, hitting Dinoland, and ending with FOTLK (not even sure if the girls will want to see it...and we really don't have to see the characters, since the ones out we will see throughout our trip at character meals).

Oh, and anyone know where Pocahontas is now? Last time we were there she was at Rafiki's but I thought I heard she wasn't there anymore...

 

[auprincess]

forgot DHS ~ Phineas and Ferb and I really want to see Mike and Sully!!

and somewhere we need to see Chip and Dale! Anyone know where to find them? We've run into them at DHS and Epcot (but can't remember where at Epcot)!

 

[204charity]

Will probably be something like this
MK ~ Rapunzel, Tiana (hopefully the rest of the princesses will be covered at CRT and storybook breakfast)
Epcot ~ Mulan
AK ~ Pocahontas

Speaking of making a touring plan...I was just looking at some for AK on easywdw. Most recommended going to the safari first, then going back to festival of lion king and the character meets and greets in camp minnie/mickey. Here if my dilema ~ we will definitely go to the safaris first, and hopefully be there at 9! We have reservations at Tusker House at 10:25, so it really won't make sense to go back to camp minnie/mickey. My thoughts are when we are done with the safari, if time allows take the train to Rafiki's, but if not, just go the the Pangini Trek (or whatever the one in Africa is), and let DH go to EE, hopefully ride once or twice if the lines are short enough and/or get FPs.

Does this sound like a good plan? What would you do after? Go to FOTLK and greeting trails, or finish up Africa (train if we don't get to it) and then around to Flights of Wonder, Kali, conitinuing around, hitting Dinoland, and ending with FOTLK (not even sure if the girls will want to see it...and we really don't have to see the characters, since the ones out we will see throughout our trip at character meals).

Oh, and anyone know where Pocahontas is now? Last time we were there she was at Rafiki's but I thought I heard she wasn't there anymore...

I wish I had a touring plan so detailed! LOL! I only have lists of what we want to see, and we are just going to try and fugure it out when we get there. I don't know what attractions are located where - should I be figuring it out ahead of time, or just doing it the night before with park maps? I am assuming you can get all the park maps at our resort....can we? Yikes! I feel so unprepared. LOL Hopefully my few subscribers to my Pre-trip report can hook a girl up, cause clearly I am in need of some help - STAT!

 

[figmentswife]

I wish I had a touring plan so detailed! LOL! I only have lists of what we want to see, and we are just going to try and fugure it out when we get there. I don't know what attractions are located where - should I be figuring it out ahead of time, or just doing it the night before with park maps? I am assuming you can get all the park maps at our resort....can we? Yikes! I feel so unprepared. LOL Hopefully my few subscribers to my Pre-trip report can hook a girl up, cause clearly I am in need of some help - STAT!

O.K. - Calm down, everything will be ok. I PROMISE!!!!! You have a couple of choices, you can look at easywdw for touring plans, or you can look at touringplans.com (you have to pay for this one)
Just look at the things you know your family will want to see, and check out the guide maps (you can see them online at Disney, or you can order them from disney for free) I personally do NOT go by a touring plan, we found the last 2 trips that we did better by getting to the parks at opening and getting everything done then taking our time for the rest of the day worked best for us. We also have the touringplans app on our phones (we paid for this) and the app is WONDERFUL for checking wait times, we also have the Disney mobile app and in comparing the 2 on our last trip, touringplans app was always closer to the correct wait time. The other really great thing about touringplans.com is that you can see the forcasted crowd levels - this is also on easywdw.com and they are different, but again, b\c we have the touringplan app we checked it everyday for the next couple of days (it has 10 days on the app) and it DID change a little while we were there (I felt it was very up to date also)

It is too early for me to start stressing over Disney - I just have to remember to breath. However, everyone freaking out, is making me freak out a little.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Does this sound like a good plan? What would you do after? Go to FOTLK and greeting trails, or finish up Africa (train if we don't get to it) and then around to Flights of Wonder, Kali, conitinuing around, hitting Dinoland, and ending with FOTLK (not even sure if the girls will want to see it...and we really don't have to see the characters, since the ones out we will see throughout our trip at character meals).

Oh, and anyone know where Pocahontas is now? Last time we were there she was at Rafiki's but I thought I heard she wasn't there anymore...

The show times for FOTLK are currently 9:30am M-F and 10:30am Sa,Su. 10:30am obviously won't work with your TH ADR time. Making the 9:30 showtime is going to be very tight since the duration of the Safari ride is listed as 20 minutes. Even if you make it, you won't have much time for the meet/greets since the show is 30 minutes. The Meet and Greet at Camp doesn't begin until 10:00am either. I think you'll be okay putting off FOTLK for later in the day as long as you're not planning on seeing Nemo. If you're planning on seeing all three shows or two shows and the parade then things could get a bit tight. FYI, Flights of Wonder first showing is currently at 10:30am as well. Rafiki's Planet is probably doable during the one hour window between Safari and TH, but you have to remember to build in the train wait and ride times which is probably going to be 10 minutes each way. I heard that the most interesting things to watch at the Conservation Station happens during the first 1-2 hours of operations where if you're lucky, you get to observe a vet procedure on one of the animals from behind the glass.

Also, a little tip. The Camp Minnie and Mickey Character meets are the least crowded during one of the FOTLK shows, and is the most crowded when the show lets out. Last time we were there we timed our visit with the characters during the 30 minute showtime and pretty much saw all the characters we wanted to see with short wait times.

Pocahontas no longer appears at Rafiki's. You can still meet her at Camp Minnie and Mickey.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Will probably be something like this
MK ~ Rapunzel, Tiana (hopefully the rest of the princesses will be covered at CRT and storybook breakfast)
Epcot ~ Mulan
AK ~ Pocahontas

Speaking of making a touring plan...I was just looking at some for AK on easywdw. Most recommended going to the safari first, then going back to festival of lion king and the character meets and greets in camp minnie/mickey. Here if my dilema ~ we will definitely go to the safaris first, and hopefully be there at 9! We have reservations at Tusker House at 10:25, so it really won't make sense to go back to camp minnie/mickey. My thoughts are when we are done with the safari, if time allows take the train to Rafiki's, but if not, just go the the Pangini Trek (or whatever the one in Africa is), and let DH go to EE, hopefully ride once or twice if the lines are short enough and/or get FPs.

Does this sound like a good plan? What would you do after? Go to FOTLK and greeting trails, or finish up Africa (train if we don't get to it) and then around to Flights of Wonder, Kali, conitinuing around, hitting Dinoland, and ending with FOTLK (not even sure if the girls will want to see it...and we really don't have to see the characters, since the ones out we will see throughout our trip at character meals).

Oh, and anyone know where Pocahontas is now? Last time we were there she was at Rafiki's but I thought I heard she wasn't there anymore...

I wish I could help you with your touring plan but we don't spend very much time at AK. We go basically for EE. We go straight there to ride then get a FP. I like the safari but after doing it so many times, DH and the kids could take it or leave it. We've seen FOTLK a few times but haven't seen Nemo in a while so we'll probably do that if I can talk everybody else into staying long enough Don't stress to much about the TP though. I think the only thing we've never done is FoW. We are definately trying that this year I don't care what anybody says.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I wish I had a touring plan so detailed! LOL! I only have lists of what we want to see, and we are just going to try and fugure it out when we get there. I don't know what attractions are located where - should I be figuring it out ahead of time, or just doing it the night before with park maps? I am assuming you can get all the park maps at our resort....can we? Yikes! I feel so unprepared. LOL Hopefully my few subscribers to my Pre-trip report can hook a girl up, cause clearly I am in need of some help - STAT!

It'll be okay
Everyone and their family has a different touring style and one-size definitely does not fit all. I tend to be more of the "overplanning" type. so I have been mapping out the general order of attractions for each park day. But we always let our kids be the drivers once we're at the parks, so if they decide that the Dinosaur Boneyard is worth a 1 hour stay (while their dad only allotted 20-30 minutes on his "touring plans" ), then we go with it and make changes as we go along.

If you want to look at the maps that they distribute at the Parks (which is a lot more detailed then the maps Disney has on their websites), you can start here. http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/

I only plan out touring plans because it's a nice fun diversion and helps me get in the Disney mood. Definitely agree that it shouldn't be the source of stress.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

forgot DHS ~ Phineas and Ferb and I really want to see Mike and Sully!!

and somewhere we need to see Chip and Dale! Anyone know where to find them? We've run into them at DHS and Epcot (but can't remember where at Epcot)!

I've seen Chip & Dale in Tomorrowland before need CoP.
You can also see them at the Garden Grill restaurant in Epcot. Excellent food. It is our new fave character dinner.

 

[204charity]

O.K. - Calm down, everything will be ok. I PROMISE!!!!! You have a couple of choices, you can look at easywdw for touring plans, or you can look at touringplans.com (you have to pay for this one)
Just look at the things you know your family will want to see, and check out the guide maps (you can see them online at Disney, or you can order them from disney for free) I personally do NOT go by a touring plan, we found the last 2 trips that we did better by getting to the parks at opening and getting everything done then taking our time for the rest of the day worked best for us. We also have the touringplans app on our phones (we paid for this) and the app is WONDERFUL for checking wait times, we also have the Disney mobile app and in comparing the 2 on our last trip, touringplans app was always closer to the correct wait time. The other really great thing about touringplans.com is that you can see the forcasted crowd levels - this is also on easywdw.com and they are different, but again, b\c we have the touringplan app we checked it everyday for the next couple of days (it has 10 days on the app) and it DID change a little while we were there (I felt it was very up to date also)

It is too early for me to start stressing over Disney - I just have to remember to breath. However, everyone freaking out, is making me freak out a little.

Awesome! Thanks for the tips!

It'll be okay
Everyone and their family has a different touring style and one-size definitely does not fit all. I tend to be more of the "overplanning" type. so I have been mapping out the general order of attractions for each park day. But we always let our kids be the drivers once we're at the parks, so if they decide that the Dinosaur Boneyard is worth a 1 hour stay (while their dad only allotted 20-30 minutes on his "touring plans" ), then we go with it and make changes as we go along.

If you want to look at the maps that they distribute at the Parks (which is a lot more detailed then the maps Disney has on their websites), you can start here. http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/

I only plan out touring plans because it's a nice fun diversion and helps me get in the Disney mood. Definitely agree that it shouldn't be the source of stress.

I agree, it's a huge source of fun for me as well. I am thoroughly enjoying planning and preparing for this trip. I don't want things to be too overplanned and scheduled, but I would kind of like to know what time we want to arrive at parks and leave parks. I am not sold on RD and don't want to do it unless absolutely necessary, so that opens up our planning a bit I think. We have NO ADR's at all, so that too makes things less stressful for us as well. You should check out my PTR, you'll get an idea of what I have planned kind of so far! Getting excited Dave? I can't wait!!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

forgot DHS ~ Phineas and Ferb and I really want to see Mike and Sully!!

and somewhere we need to see Chip and Dale! Anyone know where to find them? We've run into them at DHS and Epcot (but can't remember where at Epcot)!

You can find Chip and Dale at Epcot (outside of Inoventions West), DHS (in front of the sorcerer's hat), AK (Camp Minnie and Mickey).

 

[haPevraftr]

Don't forget, you can also see Chip and Dale at the Chip and Dale Sing-a-long at Fort Wilderness (bonfire and smores before Movie night).

 

[auprincess]

thanks for the advice!! We, well I, really want to do Flights of Wonder b/c we've never done it before. We won't see Nemo (at least aren't planning to). I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I really am not crazy about it. We've seen FOTLK once, it's been a couple of years. We'll play it by ear. Good to know about seeing characters during the show, though! Looks like we definitely need to make our way down there to see Pocahontas.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

thanks for the advice!! We, well I, really want to do Flights of Wonder b/c we've never done it before. We won't see Nemo (at least aren't planning to). I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I really am not crazy about it. We've seen FOTLK once, it's been a couple of years. We'll play it by ear. Good to know about seeing characters during the show, though! Looks like we definitely need to make our way down there to see Pocahontas.

I actually agree with you on Nemo. We're going to see it mainly because our kids will love it, but I personally enjoy FOTLK a lot more. We haven't tried Flights either - and we are planning on including that in our plans this time. Been hearing a lot of good things about the show.

 

[Jonesloonybin]

I figured that I would pop over here to join this list too. Most of our trip is in May, but we are arriving in April.

4/29-5/10
Pop Century

I cannot wait!!!

 

[momtwoboys]

Flights of Wonder is absolutely one of our favorite shows in all of WDW!!!! We all love it and go every year. The birds are beautiful and the show is corny/hilarious!!!! Last year my boys "opened" the show, older DS was a bit embarrassed as we cheered him on Please if you have never seen it go try it

 

[wakica]

I agree Flights of Wonder really is a great show. i was thinking we could skip it this year but dd and dh thought no way!!!! lol Then i remembered how much we all enjoyed it. lol

anyway, i havn't been on here in awhile but wanted to pop on to say...

I started my double digits happy dance earlier this week!!!!! Only 97 more day to wai!!! yahooo!



I've also started a pretrip report! Feel free to check it out and I hope some of you will start some up too b/c it would be SOOO fun to follow along with others going the same time as me.
Let me know if you start one!!!

The link to mine is just below in my signature!!!
Kim
__________________

 

[Princesca]

Just booked the dog in the kennel and the van for our trip! Yay! It's getting closer!