Phillies Fanatics are heading to disney 9/09 1st family trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gabes_mommy]

Congrats on your new camera!! I have a Cannon PowerShot too and it's a great camera - I am really happy with mine.

Woohoo on getting your travel documents!!! Ours came last week and I adore the luggage tags they sent.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

glad to hear you like your camera too. What a hard decision it was to pick a camera. I never thought it would be so difficult. I am glad I chose the cannon. I have been getting so many positive comments about it. I cant wait to pick up my documents today and check out the tags!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I got the documents today from my TA. The DME tags and info were included. We are ready to go......well there are a few things still to be done but my brain is ready at least Actually I think my brain has already left. I have not been productive at work today at all. Lets hope this doesnt get any worse or my co workers wont be real happy with me.

I have a question for anyone who may have advice.
My TA was telling me about the story time at MK that we can make reservations for. I guess we have vouchers to use for this. Here are my ?

1. Is this just a AAA thing?
2. Has anyone ever done this or plan to do this?
3. How long is it? and Is it worth it?

My kids love hearing stories and it sounds fun but I dont know much about this. I havent even tried getting reservations so I may be out of luck anyway but I thought I would ask your opinions.

many thanks ahead of time for all of your great ideas and helpful tips.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

We are doing it this trip... I called at 90 days out and got a time of 4:30 and was told it was about 30 to 45 minutes... They also said to arrive 15 minutes early...

We won't know who the character is and the story until we get there...

The girl said that they only allow for so many guest in one seating so it is a little more one on one then a free for all...

We are doing it on the 16th..

 

[Coconuts]

I'm new to the thread and just read your PTR mommyof2Pirates. I am also from Phila area and a huge Phillies and Eagles fan.

First, I am so jealous of the rate you got on airfare out of PHL. We waited too long and missed these great rates by a few weeks. We have taken that 7am airtran flight and it is usually pretty full.

We will be at WDW the same time, 9/19-9/27, and staying at CBR. I saw where you said you wanted to stay there, but missed where you are actually staying. Wherever it is, just remember, you are in WDW!

I wish I knew about the stroller rental company. I went out last month and bought the Citi Mini just for the trip. I would have much rather rented, because it seems cheaper by what you say; I have so many other strollers at home and I bought that one just for Disney.

We went to the MNSSHP 3 years ago and the kids loved it, but it was at the same time--mid Sept--and it was hot. DS had that same Buzz costume for the previous 3 Halloweens, and I couldn't imagine him wearing that plastic suit in the Florida heat. Sorry.

We bought the Canon Power Shot 700 3 years ago, before our first trip to WDW with the kids; the camera was great. It is small, lightweight, and easy to use--exactly what I wanted. The only downfall of the camera is it doesn't take good far away pics; this may not be a problem with yours or newer models because they may have a better zoom lens, more pixels,etc and whatever. Can you tell I know next to nothing about cameras?

I am too lazy and busy to start my own PTR so I'll just follow yours.

BTW DevonsDisneyMom, I was at game 5 too--awesome game! In fact we go to our first game this year next Thursday. Go Phils!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

We are doing it this trip... I called at 90 days out and got a time of 4:30 and was told it was about 30 to 45 minutes... They also said to arrive 15 minutes early...

We won't know who the character is and the story until we get there...

The girl said that they only allow for so many guest in one seating so it is a little more one on one then a free for all...

We are doing it on the 16th..

Thanks for the great info. I think I am going to call and see if anything is left and works out the day we are planning on being at MK. If not it can be something else we put on the maybe next time list. God knows that list is getting long.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I'm new to the thread and just read your PTR mommyof2Pirates. I am also from Phila area and a huge Phillies and Eagles fan.

First, I am so jealous of the rate you got on airfare out of PHL. We waited too long and missed these great rates by a few weeks. We have taken that 7am airtran flight and it is usually pretty full.

We will be at WDW the same time, 9/19-9/27, and staying at CBR. I saw where you said you wanted to stay there, but missed where you are actually staying. Wherever it is, just remember, you are in WDW!

I wish I knew about the stroller rental company. I went out last month and bought the Citi Mini just for the trip. I would have much rather rented, because it seems cheaper by what you say; I have so many other strollers at home and I bought that one just for Disney.

We went to the MNSSHP 3 years ago and the kids loved it, but it was at the same time--mid Sept--and it was hot. DS had that same Buzz costume for the previous 3 Halloweens, and I couldn't imagine him wearing that plastic suit in the Florida heat. Sorry.

We bought the Canon Power Shot 700 3 years ago, before our first trip to WDW with the kids; the camera was great. It is small, lightweight, and easy to use--exactly what I wanted. The only downfall of the camera is it doesn't take good far away pics; this may not be a problem with yours or newer models because they may have a better zoom lens, more pixels,etc and whatever. Can you tell I know next to nothing about cameras?

I am too lazy and busy to start my own PTR so I'll just follow yours.

BTW DevonsDisneyMom, I was at game 5 too--awesome game! In fact we go to our first game this year next Thursday. Go Phils!

thanks so much for joining. Its always great to meet fellow eagles/phillies fans!

We are staying at the all star sports. I stayed at the CBR in 96 and I loved it. It is a little bit of a walk to your food court/custom house area depending on what building your in but otherwise it was great. You will love it. I am not too bummed about keeping our initial reservation cause theres always next time right. and you are correct we will be in disney so it wont matter!

too bad about the stroller. That was one thing I stressed about for awhile. I am so glad I found this company and I hope it works out well. At least you have an extra stroller now.

that stinks to hear about the heat at MNSSHP but I am going to cross my fingers. He is insisting on being buzz so thats what were letting him do. We will deal with the consequences later. I am going to bring a change of clothes with a halloween shirt for him so he is still festive.

Thanks for following along. How old are you kids? How many do you have?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Yay for Disney mail!! That means your trip is coming soon!

 

[Coconuts]

...Thanks for following along. How old are you kids? How many do you have?

Three kids, 8, 5, and 17 mos. My DD will be turning 6 on the trip!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I'm new to the thread and just read your PTR mommyof2Pirates. I am also from Phila area and a huge Phillies and Eagles fan.

First, I am so jealous of the rate you got on airfare out of PHL. We waited too long and missed these great rates by a few weeks. We have taken that 7am airtran flight and it is usually pretty full.

We will be at WDW the same time, 9/19-9/27, and staying at CBR. I saw where you said you wanted to stay there, but missed where you are actually staying. Wherever it is, just remember, you are in WDW!

I wish I knew about the stroller rental company. I went out last month and bought the Citi Mini just for the trip. I would have much rather rented, because it seems cheaper by what you say; I have so many other strollers at home and I bought that one just for Disney.

We went to the MNSSHP 3 years ago and the kids loved it, but it was at the same time--mid Sept--and it was hot. DS had that same Buzz costume for the previous 3 Halloweens, and I couldn't imagine him wearing that plastic suit in the Florida heat. Sorry.

We bought the Canon Power Shot 700 3 years ago, before our first trip to WDW with the kids; the camera was great. It is small, lightweight, and easy to use--exactly what I wanted. The only downfall of the camera is it doesn't take good far away pics; this may not be a problem with yours or newer models because they may have a better zoom lens, more pixels,etc and whatever. Can you tell I know next to nothing about cameras?

I am too lazy and busy to start my own PTR so I'll just follow yours.

BTW DevonsDisneyMom, I was at game 5 too--awesome game! In fact we go to our first game this year next Thursday. Go Phils!

Yeah for Phillies and Eagles Fans!!! How awesome was that game!!?? So cool to see another Philly area Family traveling to Disney the same time!!! Are you flying out of Philly too?? Who are you flying with? I got my air fare dirt cheap too!!!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Ok so I am having trouble deciding on something.

Originally I was not going to do a TS dinner the night of MNSSHP but the CM talked me into it when I was making my ADR's. So currently we are have ressies for Crystal Palace at 6pm. MNSSHP officially starts at 7. I was thinking of cancelling this and just doing counter service since its alot going on with having costumes on etc. I dont think I want ryan dressed like buzz eating chicken nuggets with ketchup. What are your opinions. Should I keep it, Should I wait until we are there and then cancel if I dont think its going to work, or does it sound like a bad idea and just cancel it now so someone else can get the ADR that they may be looking for.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Coconuts]

We were there 3 years ago for MNSSHP. We arrived around 6:30 and ate at Cosmic Rays(counter service) around 8pm. My kids were too excited about trick or treating to really want to sit down and eat for 1 1/2-2 hrs. My thoughts is that it takes away from the time at the party. We didn't spend the extra time at a TS and we still didn't get to see all the attractions/shows. Also, my kids were 5 and almost 3 at the time and by 10:30 they were exhausted and ready to leave. I don't know how late your kids stay up so you have to use your best judgement.

Are you doing character meals another time in your trip? If so, then I would skip the one on the night of the party, since so many other things will be exciting that night.

 

[Coconuts]

Yeah for Phillies and Eagles Fans!!! How awesome was that game!!?? So cool to see another Philly area Family traveling to Disney the same time!!! Are you flying out of Philly too?? Who are you flying with? I got my air fare dirt cheap too!!!

Flying down on SW, flying back on USAir. I wish our fare was dirt cheap, but it wasn't too bad.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

We were there 3 years ago for MNSSHP. We arrived around 6:30 and ate at Cosmic Rays(counter service) around 8pm. My kids were too excited about trick or treating to really want to sit down and eat for 1 1/2-2 hrs. My thoughts is that it takes away from the time at the party. We didn't spend the extra time at a TS and we still didn't get to see all the attractions/shows. Also, my kids were 5 and almost 3 at the time and by 10:30 they were exhausted and ready to leave. I don't know how late your kids stay up so you have to use your best judgement.

I had that same feeling about the kids being too excited so I guess I just needed someone else to say it. My kids at the max usually make it to about 10 or 1030pm. I know its going to be a really long night. We plan to just shop at downtown disney for the morning, lunch at planet hollywood, and then hopefully a good long nap. Its why I also kept it for our last night there. From what I hear we are just going to focus on the event festivities and not worry so much about the rides. Would you say thats a good plan. Do you know what time the parade and fireworks are? I havent been able to find that info.

Are you doing character meals another time in your trip? If so, then I would skip the one on the night of the party, since so many other things will be exciting that night.

We are doing other character meals- H&V, Tusker House, and Chef Mickey all breakfasts.

Thanks for your great opinions, you have been so much help.

 

[jana616]

I've never eaten a TS meal at WDW before, so keep that in mind with my opinion, but I would tentatively plan to cancel that meal, but not actually do it yet. Even if you cancel the day before, someone will be thrilled to pick it up, so you're not really doing anything wrong, and if you truly aren't decided, you don't want to give it up now, since you'll never get it back. CP is supposed to be one of the very best character buffets. We're doing it our first night for dinner, so I can come back and tell you how it was, if you'd like!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I've never eaten a TS meal at WDW before, so keep that in mind with my opinion, but I would tentatively plan to cancel that meal, but not actually do it yet. Even if you cancel the day before, someone will be thrilled to pick it up, so you're not really doing anything wrong, and if you truly aren't decided, you don't want to give it up now, since you'll never get it back. CP is supposed to be one of the very best character buffets. We're doing it our first night for dinner, so I can come back and tell you how it was, if you'd like!

oh that sounds great. I am leaning towards getting rid of it but I will wait I think. I did eat there in 98 and wasnt that impressed with the food. I loved the character interaction though. It may have been that I just was a more pickey eater than I am now but I remember not eating much that night. I will wait to see what you thought since it was 11 years ago.

 

[Macduffy]

I love finding pretrip reports where there are so many similarities!!!!

First off, your boys are adorable! My son has the same spider man shirt and disney underwear I honestly have to say I love being the mother of boys!

We are staying in Preferred at ASSp too - so that means Surf's Up right? Like you, the boys are young enough that we're not going to spend the extra $$ on the accommodations just yet - plus the decor is so perfect for young kids at the All Stars!

Well my littlest man is stirring from his nap but keep up the reporting!!!!

ps. I would be secretly thrilled if my camera broke right now!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I totally see where you are coming from... Why don't you do an early TS lunch instead??? And just grab a CS meal during the party while you are watching the parade or something?

 

[oregonmommyof2]

We were suppose to do LTT at like 4:30 before our MNSSHP but I decided to do a lunch instead and just a few days ago got a 1:40 at Whispering Canyon... Then we can boat it over to MK... I figure by the time we eat and look around the WL and take the boat to MK it will be almost 4...

We are going to take it easy before then and just relax...

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I love finding pretrip reports where there are so many similarities!!!!

First off, your boys are adorable! My son has the same spider man shirt and disney underwear I honestly have to say I love being the mother of boys!

We are staying in Preferred at ASSp too - so that means Surf's Up right? Like you, the boys are young enough that we're not going to spend the extra $$ on the accommodations just yet - plus the decor is so perfect for young kids at the All Stars!

Well my littlest man is stirring from his nap but keep up the reporting!!!!

ps. I would be secretly thrilled if my camera broke right now!

Thanks for joining. Yes I agree it is cool meeting people with similar families. Its so nice to be able to relate to people on here. It makes me feel sane. If thats what you call it. Yes we do have a preferred room too. I did read that its the surf's up building but I read recommendations that if you stay in the football buildings it is just as close but less noise. Have you thought about that at all? I was wondering since we paid for the preferred room if we would be able to stay in any other building and if so would we get preference for our request since we did pay more? I guess in all its not a big deal except I am definitely requesting 1st floor. I dont feel like lugging the stroller up the stairs every night.

I know after getting the new camera I thanked dh for breaking the old one. He was glad too. If I knew my mom was so enthusiastic about buying me a new camera I would of broke mine a long time ago

thanks again for joining.