Part 7 - Fightin' Words - A PTR with a rookie who looks like a wookie

[Lee23]

Hey hey!
I'm Lisa, a long, long, longgg time lurker. Haven't been active since 2012. But I'm BACK and jumping in head first!
I've always kept up with WDW news, read DIS, watched vlogs, helped friends plan when needed, but after my little guys became college-aged, and are now a Registered Nurse and a Grad Student, it got tougher and tougher to find time for Mouse-type activities.
Fast-forward a few years: I've got a new lease on life, a new husband, a smile on my face ALL.THE.TIME and a WDW trip planned for February!

My guy is Dave, the WDW rookie who looks like a Wookie! He's tall, beardy, and an all around teddybear of a giant of a man. I love him to pieces. He spent a day in Magic Kingdom in 1994. That's it. Hooooo baby! Are you in for it!

This trip was very last minute. Booked flights on January 2nd after receiving a make-good voucher from Frontier Airlines: Last minute Vegas trip in early December resulted in a lot of sitting on tarmacs for a lot of hours. The outcome was hitting a jackpot for $4,000 and getting flight vouchers.
*Not too shabby* (Adam Sandler voice)

My DWH (DearWookieHusband) has family who are Florida residents with APs. They will be joining us for a few of the days of our trip.
What started out as "Let's just go visit your family and stop at WDW for a day" has grown to arriving on Feb. 22, checking into CBR, staying till the 26th and filling every minute with Disney!

For me, it's mostly about the Star Wars. Huge fan, always have been. Saw New Hope in the movies at age 6+, then Jedi more times than I can count in the theater because my brother was buddies with a usher who never kicked us out (thanks Robbie, wherever you are!) and just let us watch showing after showing after showing. Hey, it was the 80s, we were latch-key kids and the movie theater was 2 blocks from home. Thems were the days!!!

As for the actual trip, we fly direct out of Hartford, CT-Bradley Airport on Saturday, Feb. 22 and will take DME to CBR. We have a Preferred Room booked for that night (Saturday) and a Standard View the 23rd - 26th. I'm on a daily hunt to change that Saturday room to a Standard View. Our main reason for choosing CBR is the awesome proximity to the Skyliner! The thing is, the Preferred Rooms, while closer to OPR, are way farther away from either Skyliner entrance.
I'm hoping that I can downgrade to a Standard before check-in, but if not, I'll deal with it for a less-than 24 hour period.
I requested Martinique, BLDG 25, 2nd floor for our lonely Saturday night and Aruba 54, 1st floor for the Standard View remainder.

Until I started digging in and planning this trip like it was my job, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it! I've missed the Disney community at large. It's truly like no other.
So glad to be back amid the Magic!

Up next: We don't have to pay for that?

 

[eliseisawkward]

Welcome (back)! Looking forward to following along with your PTR!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Welcome back! Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[DLo]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more.

 

[Lee23]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more.

Hi!

Welcome back! Sounds like a fun trip!

Thanks! I am so happy to be back!

Welcome (back)! Looking forward to following along with your PTR!

Thank you!!

 

[Lee23]

Part 2 We don't have to pay for that?

As I said, it's been a minute since I've planned a Disney trip. I was feeling a teeny bit overwhelmed by all the new. There's been a lot of new in 8 years! After some back and forth with my inner crazy lady, I decided to ask for some help. I sent an RFQ to

Spoiler: Name of a travel agency

Mouse Fan Travel

(can I say that on here? If not, I'll take it off!) ended up finding better pricing myself, but switched my booking over to the rep anyway, because why not? I don't know why not. Can anyone tell me why I wouldn't want to use a travel agency? I really don't know. Not asking for a friend

So we started with one night, 2/22, at POR, transferring to CBR on 2/23 for the remainder.
First rebooking switched us to POFQ because it was about $100 less.
Second rebooking puts us at CBR all 4 nights, but Saturday is in a preferred room. Blah. That blah is way more than the other nights and.. blah.

That's the room stuff for now.

Decided to go with 3-Day Park Hoppers for a few reasons:

1. we don't have little kids with us to slow us down
2. we want to maximize our Galaxy's Edge time and are ok with spreading it out over a few days
3. we don't plan on going to AK this trip

Was that thud I just heard half of you fainting dead away?

No Animal Kingdom?? You've lost your darn mind!

I may regret this in 3 weeks but today, I am just fine with keeping it to 3 parks in 3 days. Multiple times. Maybe.

My DWH (DearWookieHusband) is reallly, really, like reallllllllly not at all familiar with any WDW anything.
He was under the misconception that FP+ had to be purchased. Finding out they do not made him very happy!

Right now, we have FP+ for the following:
Sunday EPCOT:
Soarin'
Living with the Land (I know, I KNOW but I think he'll like it and since we're not doing FEA, it's a gimme)
Monday HS:
ToT
RnRC
MF:SR
Please allow myself to repeat.... myself.
I have a FAST PAST+ for Millenium FREAKING Falcon: Smugglers FREAKING Run!

Whew. Ok. Is it hot in here? Can you turn on the fan?
Moving on.
Tuesday MK:
BTMRR
Haunted Mansion
Space Mountain

Up next: But humans don't eat like you do....

 

[mdsouth]

Hey hey!
I'm Lisa, a long, long, longgg time lurker. Haven't been active since 2012. But I'm BACK and jumping in head first!
I've always kept up with WDW news, read DIS, watched vlogs, helped friends plan when needed, but after my little guys became college-aged, and are now a Registered Nurse and a Grad Student, it got tougher and tougher to find time for Mouse-type activities.
Fast-forward a few years: I've got a new lease on life, a new husband, a smile on my face ALL.THE.TIME and a WDW trip planned for February!

My guy is Dave, the WDW rookie who looks like a Wookie! He's tall, beardy, and an all around teddybear of a giant of a man. I love him to pieces. He spent a day in Magic Kingdom in 1994. That's it. Hooooo baby! Are you in for it!

For me, it's mostly about the Star Wars. Huge fan, always have been. Saw New Hope in the movies at age 6+, then Jedi more times than I can count in the theater because my brother was buddies with a usher who never kicked us out (thanks Robbie, wherever you are!) and just let us watch showing after showing after showing. Hey, it was the 80s, we were latch-key kids and the movie theater was 2 blocks from home. Thems were the days!!!

Until I started digging in and planning this trip like it was my job, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it! I've missed the Disney community at large. It's truly like no other.
So glad to be back amid the Magic!

Please allow myself to repeat.... myself.
I have a FAST PAST+ for Millenium FREAKING Falcon: Smugglers FREAKING Run!

Whew. Ok. Is it hot in here? Can you turn on the fan?
Moving on.

WOO HOO, Super excited to follow along on your adventure. It sounds like you definitely deserve some fun in the sun. I am planning my trip back after six years for this summer so I totally get where you are coming from in terms of planning and all the changes.

And unlike others here, I might be fine with skipping AK too. Thank of it this way, your DWH has no idea what you will miss by not going there, it will give you more time to enjoy the other three parks AND it will give you a GREAT excuse to plan your next trip to WDW once he is hooked!

I had to smile at your excitement about getting the fastpass for Millenium Falcon!
You are a gifted, entertaining writer and reading your plans, as I plan my own trip and then reading your entertaining TR after your trip will help me fill the time before my own trip!

Happy planning!

 

[Lee23]

I am planning my trip back after six years for this summer so I totally get where you are coming from in terms of planning and all the changes.

Woohoo!! Awesome! Can't wait to hear your plans

And unlike others here, I might be fine with skipping AK too. Thank of it this way, your DWH has no idea what you will miss by not going there, it will give you more time to enjoy the other three parks AND it will give you a GREAT excuse to plan your next trip to WDW once he is hooked!

I like the way you think.

I had to smile at your excitement about getting the fastpass for Millenium Falcon!
You are a gifted, entertaining writer and reading your plans, as I plan my own trip and then reading your entertaining TR after your trip will help me fill the time before my own trip!

Aww! Thanks. I look forward to reciprocating!

 

[Lee23]

Part C: But humans don't eat like you do....

I'm Italian.

I could probably stop right there. You'd all know what I mean. I eat. I cook.

And... wait.... are you hungry? What did you have for lunch? Did I tell you we're going to dinner at my mother's on Sunday? I just took out some steaks for dinner. Do you want something to snack on in the meantime?

⬆Normal conversation for me.

DWH has a big ol' belly that hardly ever seems to have room for food. Strangely, lots of room for beer....
One thing I forgot to mention is the Rookie Wookie is also a brewer. He makes beer for a living. It's a big part of our day to day.

The beer factor and my I-need-to-eat-all-the-time-while-thinking-about-what-I'm-going-to-be-eating-later mentality makes eating and planning to eat at WDW a huge adventure. I love it!

I kinda have the Parks part of the food planned out - in my mind and with a few ADRs - but the arrival day is where I'm stuck.

We arrive on Saturday evening (land at 5). Ideally, we get to CBR around 6:30pm. From there I'd like to get a drink and stroll the resort for a little while.
As I said, meeting family that night. I think they will pick us up; they're Florida residents, driving up to visit. Where to go for the rest of that night is the issue. I really want to go to Disney Springs, would love to eat at Homecookin'. No ADRs available, but I'm still checking for that daily.
If not, I'm ok with a food truck or something quick at DS. Then for the rest of the night, head over to BWI, catch some street performances and park it at Jellyrolls for a few. Planning to RD Epcot Sunday morning.

Any suggestions on first night dinner?
Family is staying at one of the Loews in Universal. They suggested City Walk. I don't want to go to City Walk (I have my reasons, I'll share if anyone wants an earful ).
I don't think they'll care much, I just need to come up with a plan.
Welcoming all suggestions please!

 

[eliseisawkward]

I really like Frontera at DS for texmex and margaritas! IDK about their beer selection. You can also set up an alert for Homecoming availability on Touring Plans if you have your heart set on it!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

We love Morimoto Asia and Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. Polite Pig is a QS BBQ place that we also thought was delicious. Jock Lindsay's is a bar but they have a lot of small plate/appetizer type things to share that we easily make meals of and love too. I've heard good things about the Edison but we haven't made it there yet!

 

[Lee23]

I really like Frontera at DS for texmex and margaritas! IDK about their beer selection. You can also set up an alert for Homecoming availability on Touring Plans if you have your heart set on it!

Thanks! Frontera's menu looks very, very good. I moved it up on the to-do list.

We love Morimoto Asia and Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. Polite Pig is a QS BBQ place that we also thought was delicious. Jock Lindsay's is a bar but they have a lot of small plate/appetizer type things to share that we easily make meals of and love too. I've heard good things about the Edison but we haven't made it there yet!

Good stuff!! I really appreciate the suggestions.
Definitely need to go to Jock Lindsey's! Indiana Jones was my first true love...

 

[ljcrochet]

Have you looked at https://www.cityworksrestaurant.com/ in disney springs?

 

[Lee23]

It's. So. Close.

Arghh! Is anyone else freaking out about BG and RDropping SW:GE?

"Conversation" at my house:
(the quotes are because I am talking, no one is comprehending, and after a while I stop talking, walk away)

Me: So I'm thinking we might want to go to the Studios on Tuesday and try for a Boarding Group before we go to Magic Kingdom and use our Fast Passes. I mean, maybe... I don't know... we're going to be at HS all day on Monday, and we're RDing that day. Do we really want to fight those kinds of crowds two days in a row? I guess it will depend on how much we like Rise of the Resistance, assuming we get a BG on Monday. All indications are that it's worth the wait times and anxiety.

DWookieH: Are you playing Mad Libs with yourself?

Me: No! I'm trying to make a decision!

DWH: Maybe use real words, in context, and coherent, lucid, language?

Me: Be a sounding board. A silent sounding board.


On another note, I got my first "why are you going to Disney World?" yesterday:

My nephew turned 7 on Friday. DWH and I took him, his brothers, my parents, my brother and SIL to a casino resort in our area. We get lots of perks there. We all went in the pool, took the kids to the arcade, went bowling, sang karaoke, had ice cream and lots of food. It was a great time.
Sometime during the hotel portion of the day, I said to my family at large:"Hey, I'm taking this shower cap. I might need it while we're in Disney."

DNw7 says "Um, Aunt? Yeah, you don't have little kids. Why are YOU going to Disney? It's not for dolts"
FYI: "dolts" is the plural of "adult"... because you can be A dult, or you can be dolts. We're dolts.
The way he said it, made it very clear that he thinks we are, in fact, dolts.

Indefinite articles be damned!

On yet another note: Twelve Days!

How come nobody ever talks about the luggage tags that come with Magic Bands?
And the Magical Extras card? Never heard of either!
I've had our MBs for a week or so, and just noticed that little folded card thing this morning!
So cool

Not that we're going to go mini golfing or whatever, but it's still a nice surprise.
This is my first experience with MBs so I'm flyin' blind.

Have a great week all!

 

[Lee23]

Have you looked at https://www.cityworksrestaurant.com/ in disney springs?

Ding! Ding! Ding! That's the winner!
YES! That's where we're going Saturday after landing and check in!

I'm very excited; it's the perfect spot.
A. Because, beer
B. SIL & fam have never been since it's new so they won't object
C. Menu looks good!

Checking wdwdotcom for Disney to open ADRs. I think I'm going to try to set up an alert through Touring Plans, as suggested by @eliseisawkward.

Thank you @ljcrochet

 

[lvcourtneyy]

We don't go back until May but yeah the boarding groups for Rise of the Resistance make me nervous already lol. We have no problem getting to the parks early but the idea of getting there early and still maybe not even getting a boarding group is upsetting!

I think playing it by ear on your MK day is a good idea. Park hopping from DHS to MK will take a lot of time out of your MK day because you'll have to go in the morning to get the boarding group then go back when you get called.

 

[Lee23]

We don't go back until May but yeah the boarding groups for Rise of the Resistance make me nervous already lol. We have no problem getting to the parks early but the idea of getting there early and still maybe not even getting a boarding group is upsetting!

I think playing it by ear on your MK day is a good idea. Park hopping from DHS to MK will take a lot of time out of your MK day because you'll have to go in the morning to get the boarding group then go back when you get called.

Gah!!! Such good points!!!

Agree. The getting there early part is no problem. Maybe doing it 4 days in a row might be a little much for my rookie wookie, but he'll live.
Add the possibility of not getting a BG? No. No way. I refuse to consider that for either my February trip or your May trip. Nope. That's not an option!

I wasn't factoring travel time between parks. Thank you for pointing it out! Whew!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

I always tell my DBF when he complains about early mornings that he can sleep when we get home lol.

I think just being on the Dis gives us an advantage to getting a boarding group because we're up to date on the process and know what to expect!

The travel time between the parks is the killer!

 

[Lee23]

Well, here we are. A week away and I'm still freaking out about Boarding Groups.

Trying to stay positive, because after all, whether we get on RotR or not, we're still in WDW, we're still on vacation and we'll still have a great time.

The Real Me wants to clock that Positive Me and scream "You KNOW you're going to be miserable if you don't get on that ride! It's your one goal in life. It's your raison d'être. It. Is. E V E R Y T H I N G."

The Positive Me can take a punch, but it's getting a litter tougher to keep Real Me quiet.

All this BG baloney is really draining. It's like the only thing I've been focusing on for days.
Usually, I love pre-trip stuff - the list making, the planning, the rearranging, the packing, the anticipation of it all.
I'm not doing or feeling any of that and I really think it's the anxiety of getting an effing Boarding Group that's crushing my joy.

Eh, whatevs. I've got a long weekend coming up and I'll spend it cleaning, packing and planning.

Yahhooo!

I'm also slightly worried about race weekend. Will Monday be insane(r) since all the runners will be done with their runnings and heading to the parks?
Is that a common occurrence? It just crossed my mind today.

What I need is for it to be the end of the work day, to have a glass of champagne in my hand, and nothing to do but be a Valentine for a few hours.

Come on 4pm!!!

Coming up next... quite possibly the longest week everrrrrrrr....

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Race weekends can get crazy but hopefully with this week being a holiday, most people will have to get back to work and school and leave pretty quickly afterwards!