Our last trip to Disney??

[transientsoul]

It's official. I'm sucked in. The obsession of Disney (and planning) has taken over. And in order to keep the hubby excited about our upcoming trip, I thought it best to start typing. Yes, he wants to go. Yes, he loves the World. But the months of planning and the (what has become) daily talking about it, he could do without. So a PTR is in order to save the marriage!

A little bit about us: We are a family of four. Me, the hubby, the kiddo, and the dog. Husband and I work hard and love the few vacations we get. We are really into music and tend to have a sarcastic sense of humor. I constantly change my hair. And hubby is always in a black tshirt. The kiddo is a 1st grade boy who is 90 to nothin, extremely social, and literally a head above the rest. He's willing to try anything and thinks mismatched socks with sandals are the new trend. The dog...well, she's happy w/ a blanket and a pillow. (There might be a pic soon if I can get one thats up to date.)

The trip:
When: Nov 27 - Dec 4
Where: Port Orleans French Quarter w/ Free Dining (upgraded to deluxe) and 8 day PH tix

It didn't start out that way. We booked back in May for AKL w/ a pin leaving on Dec 3rd. But as soon as the Free Dining came out, I ran the numbers. We realized we could save a bunch of money AND stay for an extra day if I changed where. How can you turn that down? Especially, with the newly refurbished rooms at POFQ. It seemed like a no brainer. So, here’s our itinerary. I can’t count how many times it’s been changed. And I’m sure there are more to come.

Nov 27:
drive from Bama (9 hours in the car w/ Kiddo. Woohoo!)
Arrive @ POFQ around 5-6pm
Dinner @ Boatwrights or somewhere in DD
Hollywood Studios - see Osborne Lights before bed

Nov 28:
Animal Kingdom - Pizzafari for breakfast pizzas, Yak & Yeti for Lunch, and Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade
Magic Kingdom - Tortugas for dinner (if it's open), Electrical Parade, and Fireworks

Nov 29:
Poly - Breakfast @ Ohana and holiday decorations
Epcot - Monorail and Le Cellier for lunch
Magic Kingdom - MVMCP and Casey's for dinner

Nov 30:
Sleep in!
Grand Floridian - 1900 Park Fare and see holiday decorations
Downtown Disney - Lego store and Santa
Resort -swim if it's not freezing
Contemporary - California Grill

Dec 1:
Magic Kingdom - Breakfast @ Cinderella Castle
Epcot - Dinner @ Marrakesh, Illuminations

Dec 2:
Hollywood Studios - Lunch @ 50's Prime Time
Epcot - Dinner at Via Napoli

Dec 3:

This day is mostly up in the air. Breakfast at Tuskerhouse or Kouzzina? Parks unknown. But, most definitely...
Ft. Wilderness - Hoop Dee Doo for Dinner!

Dec 4:
AKL - Boma for breakfast
Drive home



We've never been during the holidays and are very excited to see this transformation. Let me know if you have any suggestions (and who's going at the same time).

Next up - the backstory of this trip and the title explanation.

But for now, we've got to go meet Kiddo's 1st Grade Teacher!

Thanks for reading!

 

[transientsoul]

As promised, the boring title explanation and the backstory (it all runs together):
First, I wasn't feeling a creative title that day. And, I swore I would finally post. So, the basic Our Last Trip to Disney?? was all I came up with right before hitting the submit button. Now more importantly, how do I come off saying it's our last trip? Well...think of it as a marketing ploy to the family. It all started last year when hubby and I went to Disney w/o the kiddo. We'd taken the kiddo the previous year (2009 1st Visit!), so I had no problems going w/o him. (Then again, i was the one who begged to go to DW for the honeymoon 7 years back - and ended up in the Dominican.) Hubby felt a bit guilty, so we struck up a deal that we'd take kiddo in 2011. But, also decided that it would be the last time for at least a few years. We only take a big vacation once a year. And, we want to make sure kiddo (not to mention us) is exposed to other cultures abroad and other parts of the US. But what I didn't mention to hubby was how I can still incorporate Disney into this idea. Disneyland Paris anyone?

 

[JDailey]

I am reading along! I am also earning my ears. We've been three times in Dec and it was very magical all three times. I haven't tried a trip report yet, we are going in Oct so I figure it's too late to start one now. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Jennifer

 

[transientsoul]

I am reading along! I am also earning my ears. We've been three times in Dec and it was very magical all three times. I haven't tried a trip report yet, we are going in Oct so I figure it's too late to start one now. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, so excited to have a follower! Tell me more about your December trips when you get a chance. We've only been in September. The crowds were ridiculously low (as you'll find in October). I'm talking repeat walk on at space mountain kind of low. Though TSM and Soarin were always packed. I'm a bit worried about the week after Thanksgiving, but I really wanted to see it all dressed up for the holidays. Hopefully, since it isn't our first rodeo we won't feel compelled to ride everything and we'll be able to slow the pace down a bit.

 

[transientsoul]

A Few Updates and Questions for anyone perusing:
First, we've changed our reservations for arrival night. We're going to Kouzzina's. Since we were planning on popping over to HS for the Osborne Lights, it made sense to eat at Boardwalk and boat/walk over. Let those opinions rip on the restaurant. I want to hear it all - the good, the sickening, the waiter who picked his nose after reaching over you to get the plate...Also, if you have any other suggestions for a TS right before HS let me know.

Second, I've made reservations at Tuskerhouse. Two, actually. I can't decide if i want to eat a late breakfast the day we go to AK (wake up, eat breakfast bars, ride safari, go to tuskerhouse) or do Pizzafari (love those breakfast pizzas) that day and go back just for breakfast on Saturday. That's our Up In The Air Last Full Day. Parks are unknown. All that's set in stone is Hoop Dee Doo (early 6:15)that night. If we hit Tuskerhouse the 1st time around, I'm thinkin Wolfgang Puck Express that Saturday. They have a breakfast pizza,too. Somethin about that word Pizza...Help me decide DISboarders. You know you want one of those ressies to free up!

Now for a more important subject: Lodging. As I said before, we are currently staying at POFQ. Hubby and I stayed there last year. I love how small it is. But, it was showing wear and tear; not that we were in the room much. With the refurb and the extra savings when free dining came out, I jumped to stay there. Our previous booking was at AKL on a PIN (really wanted WL, but didn't have the STD room), which we'd stayed in when we took kiddo a couple years back. I can't say enough about that place. It was amazing. Well, maybe i've had too much time to think/research. Here's why:

We just received a new PIN and I'm thinking about a split stay. Anyone done this??? I can stay 4 nights at POFQ on FD w/ a upgrade to Deluxe and then move over to AKL w/ the PIN for 3 nights. I still save money from the original booking at AKL and only pay marginal from the POFQ stay. The only clencher is taking cash for the 2nd part of the trip for meals. I've already got it saved up, so it's only a matter of having to keep up with it. AND, I don't have to worry about the Pop Warner crowd comin in at the end of the stay. But, is it worth the trouble?

Oh and to boot, I just found out that POFQ is "booked" up for the week we're staying there. So, i'm a bit worried about crowds/buses. What can I say? I was totally spoiled going in September where all i had to worry about was whether or not I understood my cockney neighbor on holiday (which btw is easilly cured by beer).

Did i mention i love parenthesis??

 

[JDailey]

We have a great time in December. We've been the 1st week of December as well as the 2nd week. I love the decorations and just the feeling in the air! The last two times we were there it has gotten VERY cold at night. You may notice a little more as far as the crowd level but, I don't think it is too bad. I haven't ever been in Sept though. The Osborne lights at HS is something you can't explain you have to see for yourself it is so wonderful!! I love when they make it "snow" on Main street too. Although, last year while we were there it felt like it could be real it snow flakes it was so cold. I don't think you will disappointed with your decision to go in Dec.

Jennifer

 

[kokotg]

Your title sucked me in, so horrifying is the very idea of a last trip

Your DH sounds a lot like mine...except mine has not extracted any promises to take a few years off from me yet, despite his many attempts.

We almost did a split stay (POP/Contemporary) this year, but ended up canceling the Contemporary part to save money . Someday!

 

[sewmess]

So, after your title sucked me in, I was reading your plans and did a double take (almost literally) when I saw "Bama" Then I noticed your location. I'm from the north suburbs (Pinson,) rather than the south, but it's always comforting to know that there are other Disney people around.

My DH (aside from the black t-shirt, which is pretty much his entire wardrobe) is the reason I'm so into the Disney trips.

I'm going to start my PTR in a few days, so I won't bore you (or eat up your posts) with why we are not getting the free food after being spoiled for the last three trips Lucky you

 

[transientsoul]

I'm sooo glad to have followers - and southerners at that! I just drove back from seeing family in ATL this weekend. I know everyone's drenched, but I hope that's the extent of it. We are one of the few who didn't even have a blink in our power. Now all we have to deal w/ is my pretentious pup who won't go outside. Then again, who can blame her?

As for the Disney trip, I'm still on the fence about a split stay. The hubby first said no. He didn't want me having to deal w/ food purchasing for the second half. But, I think i've talked him into it. We just sold our rental home as of Friday and what better way to celebrate?

But where to stay? AKL is easy to get into. I could even get a savannah view. For around the same price, BWV and YC has availability. But, there's this part of me that wants to splurge. Last I checked I could get a room at the Poly or WL club level. WL is a great location, but we're not big on the cabin-y look. Yes, I know it's Disney style, but still. I've been to Gatlinburg enough to take care of those wants. I've always wanted to stay at Poly. But, it's the most expensive option. Is it worth it? Oh, decisions! Must crunch more numbers...

 

[transientsoul]

So, after your title sucked me in, I was reading your plans and did a double take (almost literally) when I saw "Bama" Then I noticed your location. I'm from the north suburbs (Pinson,) rather than the south, but it's always comforting to know that there are other Disney people around.

My DH (aside from the black t-shirt, which is pretty much his entire wardrobe) is the reason I'm so into the Disney trips.

I'm going to start my PTR in a few days, so I won't bore you (or eat up your posts) with why we are not getting the free food after being spoiled for the last three trips Lucky you

Have you started your PTR yet?

 

[transientsoul]

Believe it or not, part of this was Hubby's Idea...

After hours of crunching numbers, I realized I could add yet another day to our trip. Arrival on 26 Nov...no plans for a park...just a dinner (at Sanaa?) and maybe DD that night...then a full day on 27 NOV...sounds pretty good. So, I made the call expecting to be told there were no openings left at POFQ (totally booked online). But, not true! However, there was a small condition. CM said she couldn't do free dining that day. So, I used my pin.

I told Hubby and suprisingly he asked if I was happy with that or if I was just settling for more time due to the "value". I went back to my spreadsheets to show him the numbers and why we couldn't do a split stay. Lo and behold...my math was wrong. Not only could we stay an extra night @ POFQ, but I could split the stay - 5 nts @ POFQ and 3 @ AKL...all for the same budget we ORIGINALLY had (that's way, way, back. like 3 reservations ago)! Yeah, I'm feelin some pixie dust...

So to recap:
1 nt POFQ room only; cash for meals
4 nts POFQ "free" dining (dlx upgrade) and 8 day PH tix
3 nts AKL room only; cash for meals

But now the questions are: Are three ressies in 9 days ridiculous? Should I call and talk to another CM since free dining starts on 26 NOV? How will our KTTW and check in/out work?

 

[transientsoul]

A few days ago, I went to Best Buy and picked an indoor antenna. Yes, we're talking old school bunny ears. Being raised in an uber cheap family, i was used to seeing these. (Shocker: I didn't have cable until i was living on my own @ 18). Do you realize some people have never seen bunny ears? Heck (no i don't talk like that, but i'm keeping it G), my hubby said they looked weird sitting next to the ginormous flat screen. Neways...why did I get bunny ears? Well, we don't have cable. I shut that service off almost a year ago. It's a great way to save some cash for yard guys (or disney). And, it's football season! (Shocker #2: 2 years ago was the first time hubby watched an entire season and that was my doing).
So, I'm sitting here waiting for a certain Crimson game to start thinking about what drinks we want and I (barely) remember the Mango Gingerita I had while trying to Drink Around The World last year...man, I wish I knew how to make one (and wasn't too lazy to try). For you drinkers out there, pick one up at Tea Stand in China. It was AMAZING! then again, anything might have been amazing at that point of my Epcot adventure. I think I was feeling like this guy --->
As for the crazy ressie plans/problems/indecisions I was having, It's all taken care of now. No more changes on that part now...no really, I promise. Our new vacation package is as follows:

Nov 26-Dec 1 POFQ Riverview "Free" Dining w/ Dlx upgrade and 8 day PH tix
Dec 1-Dec 4 AKL Stnd View (by way of a room only PIN)

I'm soooo excited! I don't care we are staying in the same resorts we've been to; I get to see the ridiculous Xmas tree at AKL! I don't care we are in a Riverview room (which goes against my grain of Stnd room onlys); I only have 2 Reservations to keep up with! And...for all those out there that don't automatically do math in their heads (what can i say, i'm a geek)...We are now staying for 8 NIGHTS! Bring on the crowds, Disney. We got this!

And who is this We? Drum roll, folks. Not only do I have the priveleges to post a pic, but I have a somewhat up to date one:

Make sure to point and laugh if ever we pass you at Disney, at the grocery store, or on the way to County...

 

[kokotg]

Sounds great! I love AKL, but with five of us we can't fit anymore, so I can't even think about it .

You guys are adorable....love your little boy's grin

 

[transientsoul]

Sounds great! I love AKL, but with five of us we can't fit anymore, so I can't even think about it .

You guys are adorable....love your little boy's grin

You can always cross your fingers for a Villas PIN next year. The one they sent us was for all resort categories.

And thanks! I'm in a lot of trouble if the lil one can be a charmer even w/o his front teeth. But, maybe that means he's got a future as a professional hockey model

 

[Sara1Babe]

I'm in. I'm also in AL, but up north. We're headed to the Worl in 23 days...clearly that calls for a dancing banana...take it away banana man

Like yours my DH is open to my Disney love but wants a few years btw visits.

Maybe next time we'll do a Christmas time visit. I bet it's beautiful.

 

[transientsoul]

I'm in. I'm also in AL, but up north. We're headed to the Worl in 23 days...clearly that calls for a dancing banana...take it away banana man

Like yours my DH is open to my Disney love but wants a few years btw visits.

Maybe next time we'll do a Christmas time visit. I bet it's beautiful.

Oh! you're only 2 weeks away?? Man, I'm going nuts cuz we've got just under 70 days left. I almost changed our plans (imagine that) to a closer date until I saw we couldn't get some of the same dining ressies.

Are you guys going to MNSSHP? We didn't on our first family trip and I've regretted it since!

 

[Sara1Babe]

Naw the plan is to skip it this time around. We'll have our 19 month old and she gets cranky when she doesn't get her sleep and few things can bring ya down from a Disney high like an angry toddler

 

[transientsoul]

8 nights...5 character breakfasts...2-3 out of the way resort visits to see said insanity...and 1 stop over at Rainforest Cafe...I'm gonna need a notebook just for those entries alone!

We're already booked at Cinderella's Royal Table. Yes, I have an (almost) 7 yr old boy. But, we figure every kid's gotta do the Castle. We've got one slot left open for breakfast and we're looking at Akershus or Cape May. We are torn due to the in-park/out-of-park difference vs. the princess redo. Opinions?

 

[kokotg]

We did the breakfast at Akershus a few years ago and weren't really impressed with either the character interaction or the food. But it's been awhile.

I hear good things about Cape May and always mean to get over there sometime....but, yeah, that trek outside of the parks to get there is a big deterrent.

 

[transientsoul]

We did the breakfast at Akershus a few years ago and weren't really impressed with either the character interaction or the food. But it's been awhile.

I hear good things about Cape May and always mean to get over there sometime....but, yeah, that trek outside of the parks to get there is a big deterrent.

I'm thinkin maybe if we drive over to Cape May and boat/walk to Epcot for our late morning park it won't disrupt too much. This gives the option to either go back to Boardwalk for a late lunch or to grab our car and take it back to POFQ. Then, off to HS for the night.

Just gotta talk the hubby into it. We've already got to scoot to Poly for Ohana and GF for 1900 Park fare 2 mornings.

Any suggestions on non-character breakfasts that are worth a dining credit? We unintentionally ended up goin character buffet most mornings due to value and ease of feeding the young, excited one.