Potato Heads here we come! A May 2012 BC WDW/USO PTR! Updated 5/13

[smellyia]

Let me start off by saying, DH is a most understanding man and puts up with my travel obsession fairly well...we went on a three week trip to visit family in January to CA and HI, and that was suppose to be IT this year. But lo and behold, the post vacay blues took hold as did our crappy winter weather, throw in a few RL dramas and we were ready to get out of dodge for a mini break.

How did a mini-break aka short weekend to Chattanooga or ATL with a reasonable price tag turn into a full on WDW and Amelia Island 12 day vacation, you might ask? Heck if I know.

Actually, I do. And I still can't quite believe it!!!!!

Let's begin, shall we?

The Players in this Comedy of Errors:

DH(Older than me)
Me/DW(Old enough)
DD(2)

None of us have ever been to WDW although I have been to DL and CA multiple times over the years. So all of this is new and if I had ANY IDEA how exciting just the PLANNING of this trip would be, I would have done it LOOOOONG ago. Thank goodness for the interwebz.

DH and I both work in the medical field and while our schedules can be quite hectic, we are lucky to have a decent amount of vacation time which allows for at least 1-2 big trips and several long weekends a year. This trip was initially going to be a long weekend where we could spend some family time together (every trip we have taken except for 2 in the last decade - one of which was our honeymoon - has included family). We thought somewhere like Chattanooga or ATL to see the local sights and Aquariums would be a blast, but then we started talking about the beach and DH mentioned "melting away" on the sands and my mind started to whir. My DSis called from Miami for a chat and I started lamenting over the beach, but wanting to do something in addition because we always go to the beach and she mentioned WDW. That's when it all MADE SENSE. I was MEANT TO GO TO WDW...but DH wasn't quite buying my epiphany.

DSis (not as old as me but I love telling her that her wrinkles are showing) - Inadvertent Spawner of Trip aka "GiGi"

I started off trying to convince *coughSUCKERcough* DH into this WDW by appealing to his Daddy mentality. Normally this works, but after coming off this last trip just two months ago, I was having a hard time getting a commitment in early March. So, I just went along my busy, bringing up daily hints and even throwing Amelia Island from an article I saw into the mix....still I had no takers and I had been spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON THE DISNEY BLOGS resulting in mass PARANOIA ABOUT BOOKING EARLY...which lead to serious sneakiness on my part. By 3/28 we had booked our Room Only Reservation both at WDW and Amelia Island with the express understanding for a refund if DH changed his mind.

But I worry not. I always have a Hail Mary waiting to be played *maniacal laugh*

PS-I am pretty sure I am THISCLOSE to convincing DSis (GiGi) into meeting us for a day or two .

DATES FOR WDW: Monday 5/28 - SAT 6/2

RESORT REVEAL, ADR's, ITINERARY, TRAVEL, SPASTIC FREAKOUTS, OVERPLANNING ANXIETY and whatever else comes to mind coming up soon!

 

[smellyia]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What do you mean I can't just Go to Disney?

2. Road Warrior, who are you?

3. Really? You went there? How I love and dislike you simultaneously.

4. What do you mean you don't DO Thrillers? Day 1.5

5. What do you mean you don't DO Thrillers? Day 2

6. What do you mean you don't DO Thrillers? Day 3

7. What do you mean you don't DO Thrillers? Day 4

8. What do you mean you don't DO Thrillers? Day 5

9. What do you mean you don't DO Thrillers? Day 6

10. Evolution Revolutions: Itinerary Shuffling #1

11. Mama, I HONGRY! ADR's and Tummy Teasers

12. Dollars and No Sense

13. Persnickety Packing and Splendiferous Shopping: In Where We Are Teased By the Mothership’s Dignitaries: Day 1

14. Persnickety Packing and Splendiferous Shopping: In Where We Are Teased By the Mothership’s Dignitaries: Day 2

15. Evolution Revolutions: Itinerary Shuffling #2

16. You're Wearing THAT in Public?

 

[smellyia]

Background: I have been to DLR many times...I've lost count. I didn't live too far from there growing up and until I was in my early twenties and moved 2000 miles away, I had AP's. Even then, if I traveled out that way and had a layover in SoCal, I would try my darndest to extend it to overnight and hook up with some girlfriends who live close who loved DL as much as I did for a day trip. Being a CA native, for some reason I never felt the drive to trek to WDW and I guess with the prospect of this trip, I just thought it would be as simple as it used to be...you know when you're childless, single, FLEXIBLE.

Apparently not.

So after deciding this trip is happening, I find myself chatting to a friend who I know has been to WDW several times and is a bit of a fan (she will tell you she is a FANatic with PRIDE). Our convo goes a bit like this....minus some snorting and maybe an expletive:

ME: "I'm thinking of heading to WDW with DD and DH at the end of May."

HER: She chokes on her beer. "What?! Seriously?! Why didn't you say something earlier? Where are you staying? We looooove Fort Wilderness. But you do need to think of DD and travelling because you want convenience of course. Have you booked your ADR's? OMG, you're barely two months-"

ME: with a stunned face and frozen arm holding a rapidly warming beverage..."My wha-"

HER: "-out and you may not be able to get Ohana, but that's okay you can-"

ME: "O-who?"

HER: "-keep trying daily, although I recommend twice a day to see if they have cancellations....."

This goes on for about ten minutes in which I grab a second beverage, listen, drink, listen, raise eyebrows, mentally think my friend WILL run out of breath, drink, feel the anxiety sink in.....

When she finally does stop and is looking at me with a gleam in her eye I have not seen since my mother first laid on eyes on her first grandchild, I ask, "What, can't we just go or maybe book right before?"

Silence.

More silence....

Uncomfortable silence....

I think I'm being disowned as a friend silence...

She sighs heavily and pats my hand while simultaneously giving me a sympathetic smile. "Oh, honey. We'll fix this. Don't you worry."

I still remember feeling anything but reassured.

Thus began my introduction to blogs, websites, touring plans and the wacky world of a DW vacation.

*~Finding the Resort~*

Since I already had our dates (5/28-6/2) with a tentative plan to drive...my DH is a Road Warrior...no seriously. I have proof:

I started the arduous process of familiarizing myself with WDW property and came upon the battle royale of decisions....On-site or Off???

I never knew. And for some reason every time I think about this decision the Beauty & the Beast "Tale as old as Time...." lyrics ring in my head.

AT first I started looking into my Hilton Honors and SPG benefits, settling on the Swan & Dolphin. The price was MORE than right and location was awesome - I'm all about being in the food locale of Epcot. I even called and had a tentative booking until I saw THIS:

Any other time of my life this would be a fabulous. I would imagine myself sitting poolside with a cocktail listening to the roar of the waterfall in the most cliche dream sequence you could imagine...But alas, life has changed and DD 2.5 invades said dream with her wilder than thou antics which happen to include her Poolside Lunatic alter ego.

You see, DD is a fiend for pools and beaches. While this is fantastic for us, it can be problematic with no zero-entry...she has a very nasty habit of just stepping into a pool regardless of a step being available or depth. She has NO FEAR....like she could have been the poster girl for the company. Basically, I like to take the one variable I have control over (obviously not the toddler) out of the equation which tends to be environment. So if it ain't beach or zero-entry, we STAY AWAY. For my own sanity.

In the end, after about a week of much reading, site surfing, chatting with those in THE KNOW, we settled on here:

That's right Beach Club baby!

Because of:

Stormalong Bay sealed the deal and their 30% off sale was the high mark of our budget, but with as much pool time as we have planned will be worth every penny. **I've since had the chance to peruse the BC thread here and absolutely find it invaluable.

I pulled up the pics of this resort and DH perked up dramatically at the prospect of this trip to the point where he even sent me a text shortly after thanking me for advocating for this trip - we are all on board!

Next up....I'm thinking Itinerary planning with a rather lascivious discovery.

Sort of OT, but during our grocery run today, I used some of the money I saved from sales/couponing (yes, I am one of those folk and love saving a buck where I can and I track it like an obsession-I use all our savings from this to pay for things like WDW!) to purchase DD a WDW treat she picked out:

Her fan...I thought the giraffe apt for AK

 

[PixieMama]

Joining in! 1st trips are always so much fun!

And I'm in Chattanooga... small world, huh?

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans

 

[smellyia]

I realize I didn't give a very good introduction of ourselves earlier so I am rectifying that now.....

*Stands and clears throat, taps microphone...anyone listening? Just the one person above...it's cool, I'm having a blast writing this...WAVES A REALLY BIG HOWDY like a fool*

Smooshing DD as is my habit.

Moi? I am Amelia....a thirty-something medical professional from the West "Left"' Coast...more specifically the Bay Area, CA. I LOVE California still to this day although it's about to fall into the sea and I'd have to sell an organ on the black market to afford reasonable housing there. I could go one for days on the why, but I'll spare you. I transplanted to Nashville (NashVegas!) more than a decade ago where my mother's family is. I like it here, but hang the weather. I'm over logical and analytical and can be a bit "cold" about things, but it's really not because I don't care...my mind is just wired to solve things in an efficient manner. I am pants at plants and even though I'd love to be "green", I am a terrible abuser of the plastic water bottles and soda cans.

I am a ginormous nerd. If I even whiff HP, I'm on it. I have to actively refrain from purchasing knick-knack items that refer to SW, HP, Disney, etc. Just when I thought I had everything under control....I almost took out an old granny to get one of these over Christmas to wear to the movie:

Shameful....*hangs head* *perks back up at the memory of shocked granny's face as I SKIP...yes skip... to the register, Mockingjay pin clutched to my chest.*

DH: Matt, medical professional, super southern man with his super charming accent...has never been to any Disney, but I am hoping to convert him...he's already talking about what we can do "next" trip....I needed to quote that here for posterity. Road Warrior as I mentioned earlier, lover of Apple products and minor nerd. T-shirt connoisseur.

DD: Matilda, 2. Busy toddler who attends "school" twice a week (price gouged MDO). She enjoys speaking in tongues, hoarding her favorite items such as remotes and stashing them in air vents, scaling mountainous terrain like the Bar Stool or other famous landmarks such as Her Dresser. Total beach bum and mac n' cheese addict - we are looking into programs for this. She is famous for her displeasure...

although can usually be bribed by....mommy's toys...

She is too important and extremely busy...
I see a very large head by the time we are done with Disney.

So there we are...the three amigos.

Going to sneak this in here, because it's awfully short to have its own post

*~Travels with the Road Warrior~*​

Like I mentioned earlier...dates are Monday 5/28-Saturday 6/2 at WDW before going to Amelia Island.

We decided to drive by car as RT tickets from here are RIDICULOUS. Like it was going to cost over $1000 bucks for us three (no more free flights DD!) to go on a two hour flight (tour....haha Gilligan...I can never say two hour without theme music popping into my head and sometimes out of my mouth in more inconvenient instances). So we decided to go with the road and DH is ALL about that.

Why...because he gets to get his swagger on in this:

Seriously, if you roll in a Toyota Minivan, you need to watch the Swagger Wagon video, if you haven't already. Hilarious.

The route/driving/travel time is something that I don't really plan as much since DH has his handy atlas which still manages to make car trips with us although it has pretty much been rendered impotent by GPS...but I guess it's a useful tool when the apocalypse hits and our satellites cease to work...but that's all speculation.

Leave: Sunday night 5/27 around 8pm after DH gets home. I will have spent the weekend in hysterical packing mode with at least two melt downs...they will sound like DD, but it will be me, I can assure you.

Travel to at least Atlanta - 4 hours out. I would prefer to get to the "other" side of ATL and even Jacksonville to make Monday a shorter travel day, but if ATL is where our buck stops, Monday will be 8 hours driving. Short night at an inn. Get to Orlando Monday around 1600 - I will most likely revisit some of this on my itinerary planning posts.

Like I said...GPS.

Dogs or Demons​

In conjunction with any trip we take comes the same old kink - our dogs. We have three English Pointers - Marlin (mah bebe), Newman (say it with the Seinfeld affectation - he deserves it), and Lu-Belle (she eats poo.)

The two girls, Marlin and Lu, are awesome and no hassle, but Newman thinks he is a chihuahua - not the 90 pound shedding beast he actually is. He is also a bully when it comes to food and will steal it from the girls - Ceasar Milan where are you?! So basically, Newman scares people, but he really is a loyal kind dog albeit a bit excitable.

Their "caretaker" when we are gone used to be a friend who has since had children, then it was a niece whose college life now has got her quite busy. Boarding is out because for all three the price is about as much as it would cost us to fly to Orlando...so that is where we are. I see several viable options, but DH is always hesitant about the dogs for some reason...he also prefers to always wait until LAST MINUTE to arrange this sort of thing which drives my inner planner BAT**** CRAZY. So I have taken precautionary measures.

Neighbor and DS to a friend is at the right sort of age to pull feed and let them out of their dog "apartment" aka the insulated and central air equipped garage. I have spoken to his parents and they are a go. I have also talked to my mom as a Hail Mary and have two others I could call upon. So although DH is technically "in charge" of this...well you see who is actually holding the card. I really don't get the dog "issue". Maybe someone can enlighten me from a male perspective.

The Spawn

*~Happy Easter!~*

Sort of OT, but in keeping with our prep for WDW, we did a Disney Doll basket for DD with the sales from Target last week - they had $5 dolls and I had coupons for a pricier Rapunzel, but still got it all for a steal! We also got her a couple new beach towels for the summer with Rapunzel & Ariel...

Loves her new "glasses"

Checking out her Rapunzel Hair Extension. So vain.

 

[smellyia]

Joining in! 1st trips are always so much fun!

And I'm in Chattanooga... small world, huh?

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans

Thanks! I am so thrilled to have a "local" on board. I'm actually hoping to maybe hit Chattanooga for some fun on the way home...It's been 7 years since I've had any proper time there and I love that city....so beautiful!

I'm new to this PTR thing, but I'll try to make it interesting.

 

[PixieMama]

Our DHs sound similar... mine also loves Apple products and is a bit of a nerd, LOL! And since my DH does all the driving, I guess he's a "Road Warrior", too!

I'm new to this PTR thing, but I'll try to make it interesting.

Keep doing what you're doing... I like your writing style! Very funny!

 

[smellyia]

Our DHs sound similar... mine also loves Apple products and is a bit of a nerd, LOL! And since my DH does all the driving, I guess he's a "Road Warrior", too!





Keep doing what you're doing... I like your writing style! Very funny!

The Apple thing...so way back when I got my first iPhone, DH still had one of those Motorola Razr's...no interest in tech AT ALL...but eventually that phone died and he read some article on CNN about the 3GS and got that...it's been downhill ever since. You should have seen the crazy when the Apple TV 2 came out. I am fairly good at computers and such, but now he has left me in the dust...our house looks like an Apple ad.

I think all DH's into driving should have that shirt - I think I found it a few years ago en route to the South Walton Beaches (Redneck Riviera) at a Cracker Barrell. So fitting.

I appreciate the encouragement - I love writing as a sort of amateur hobby and this is so much more fun than some of my other current ventures .

 

[smellyia]

So I left off with the trip a go, Beach Club 5/28-6/2, driving to Orlando from Nashville and super sneaky dog care in place....Now what do we do when we get there?

*Rubs hand with a slightly psychotic look in my eyes*

THIS Is what I've been waiting for...THE ITINERARY.

Like I said before, I had absolutely NO IDEA how crazy planning a Disney vacay could be...but also as the initial shock, denial and anxiety settle in, acceptance seems like a natural course, but I did not expect the THRILL of the planning stages. Seriously, ToT and RnRc have NOTHING on planning WDW, getting ADR's, making CHARTS imho nerd opinion.

I started off on all the usuals...allears, wdwinfo, Disboards, easywdw and mousesavers which led me to the Unofficial Guide and Touring Plans. I read for about 3 days and soaked it in while waiting for my UG (complete and kid version and digital copies - no one has ever accused me of not being thorough *coughOBSESSIVEcough*) to come from Amazon. I read, made notes on random pieces of paper, Pages docs, google docs, my coffee table - oops that took some explaining to DH.

While compiling the overwhelming amounts of data to an understandable algorithm which I could then translate into a chart, I found something....when I say something, I am not even sure how to classify it.

**Inserts Lascivious Warning Here**

Okay, lascivious may be a bit strong of a word, but I'm not so sure on the unspoken etiquette around here, so I am playing is safe.

What did I find you might ask? Nothing you probably haven't seen before, but humor a newbie....The Dark Side of Disney.

I actually thought this was about US and IoA because I had seen in tons of places where that area was referred to as the darkside and WDW as the motherland/ship (love that), but I soon find out otherwise and my first reactions were...

Really? This exists? Must be all about embezzlement or internal power struggles or blah blah blah....then I see the cover artwork and almost have a seizure. Now, I am no prude...far from it. Left Coast girl, remember? But dude...it's DISNEY!!!! I felt almost....unpatriotic...just looking at the cover. So naturally, I started to peruse the blog. After a an hour or so of reading (dinner cooking time thus resulting in impromptu pizza night), I am sucked in - appalled, shocked....intrigued. I even looked over my shoulder a few times to make sure DD wasn't looking on because you all know 2.5 yo have excessive reading skills *sarcasm*. I dl'd the kindle copy and still occasionally read through it when needing a laugh or need to feel better about myself....although a sense of feeling Disney defiled still lurks regardless of the tongue-n-cheek nature of the book.

Once I came out of the CLOUD of data - superfluous and useful - I got down to bizness. Compiling all of the information I had gathered, I started THE ITINERARY.

My first chart comparing various crowd calendars with which I used to plan both initial itineraries.

Initially, I had 2 alternate itineraries - one geared at Best Parks for least crowds and one utilizing the morning EMH's - both with alternative eating plans for multiple meals. This probably sounds like an excessive amount of work, and it was, but I have logic pushing me along....and maybe a few Tecate's.

Logic (Beverage induced actions):

1. By making 2 plans, we could get to WDW and just see how it goes and how DD adjusts. She normally takes about 3 days to adjust to a 2 hour time difference and how she will handle one hour may have detrimental effects on making a morning EMH for RD.

2. Having alternate options in the evening gives the ruse of being "flexible" in our itinerary, thus convincing our subconsciousness we really are on a relaxing family vacation with flexibility which will also increase likelihood of recurring trips in the future....sneaky DW, sneaky...it truly is amazing how the human brain can be tricked so easily!!!

3. As logical and efficient as I can be, I also have commitment issues when it comes to being "locked" into something...as you will see when I finally post my itinerary, I have only one ADR that has a cancellation fee and that is for DD's character breakfast.

4. Disney is subliminally steering me to certain parks with the promise of AN EXTRA HOUR thus justifying their extravagant ticket prices and the park hopper option...it's such a sick game you play on me!!! My tiny revolt led to the birth of my Best Park/Low crowds itinerary alternate.

A few days ago, I was ALL set...Had the ADR's, park days and night options set for both plans in two separate charts and then it all went to Hades.

How so?

DH.

Caveat: As I stated before, DH is a very understanding hubs and he wants nothing more than his girls to enjoy life and be safe. That being said, he can throw a serious curve ball that generally causes a DW eruption that may or may not include unwarranted hysteria. I love him...but sometimes I can really dislike him at the same time. ~This is one of those case and for reference the dislike was only for a sec...you'll see what I mean.

Last night we are sitting in bed as DD has collected all of her new dolls (see previous post) and is clutching them to her chest like they are the last bits of food in America. She sits between us watching Cars on ABC Family occasionally adding commentary, but only occasional words are in English and none of it is directed at her parents.

DH and I get on the subject of Thrill Rides and Roller Coasters (neither of us are huge fans and I will NOT be on RnRc or ToT) and I tell him I am gearing our Touring Plans toward toddler friendly with a few exceptions - STAR TOURS HOLLAH! - with naps and lots of pool time (Beach Club has got to make their money off us!). I pull up the itineraries (there are still two of them fourteen hours ago) and he peruses...then he asks:

DH: "Where is WWOHP?"

Me: I'm like..Wha-? "I thought we sort of decided against it because of time and limited attractions. With the cost of one day there, I just don't see how we can't call it wasteful."

DH: "That's not going to work. You've spent the last decade living HP with all your fandom stuff and now you're going. Besides, world's suppose to end in a few anyways. Make. It. Happen."

Me: "Don't say that! We aren't Mayan last time I checked. I just don't kn-"

DH: "You have a chart. Delete some stuff and MAKE. IT. HAPPEN."

I'm silent and calm but inside a rage builds not unlike the flood we lived through here in Nashville in 2010 (our home was hit sadly, but all is recovered now!).

How dare he...HOW DARE HE?!!! I HAVE SPENT HOURS ON THESE PLANS...IF HE THINKS IT'S AS SIMPLE AS USING THE DELETE BU-

well maybe that ADR on TRex could be moved to departure day and-

NO, IT'S NOT THAT EASY AND I AM HIGHLY OFFEN-

and Cape May could happen on Tues...sure we would leave for the beach a bit later, but what's two hour amongst friends-

-DED...AHHH HECK, WHO AM I KIDDING? I'M GOING TO WWOHP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And so this fine Easter morning after the requisite duties, DW made a new plan. One with WWOHP and now we have one itinerary with one goal....BEST WDW VACATION EVAH!

Sun 5/27:
-Leave at 8pm, drive part way, stay at hotel.

Mon 5/28:
-Arrive WDW afternoon, check in, settle in
-Option 1: hang poolside and grab CS Hurricane Hanna's dinner
-Option 2: Epcot WS and grab CS at Yorkshire Fish&Chips or in Mexico

Tuesday 5/29:
-0730 Cape May Character BF ADR
-RD at DHS
-lunch at DHS or at BW depending on mood and time
-Resort for nap
-Pool
-DHS (Fantasmic!) or Epcot touring depending on mood
-Option for Dinner at Teppan Edo with 7:50 ADR/ CS if DHS

Wednesday 5/30:
-BF in room or from Marketplace
-RD at MK
-Lunch either at MK or take monorail (our only chance probs to do) to Epcot and grab CS at WS en route to resort
-Resort for Nap
-Pool
-MK (Elec Parade & Wishes) or Epcot touring depending on mood
-Option for dinner at Biergarten with 7:30 ADR/ CS if MK

Thursday 5/31:
-BF en route with quickie meals to WWOHP
-RD at WWOHP 0900
-Stay as long as we can at IoA, maybe DD will nap in stroller (not an unheard of occurrence)
-If IoA ends early will return to resort, nap, pool
-Evening option to tour Epcot and 7:30 Teppan Edo ADR (2nd one made with likelihood will have to cancel one of them and I really want to eat there)

Friday 6/1
-BF in room or from Marketplace
-RD at AK
-CS lunch at Yak &Yeti or Flame Tree
-Resort for nap
-Pool
-DTD night! with Raglan Road ADR 7:30. Plan to shop until we drop including a big stop at Once Upon a Toy for Mr. Potato Head!

Saturday 6/2
-Light light light BF
-Checkout about 10:30ish
-DTD for 11:30 TRex ADR and any last minute shopping
-On the road again for 5 days on Amelia Island

Downers:
-No RD at Epcot, but I plan to make up it up with several stops
-No Ohana ("O-Who?") - couldn't get ADR anyways and I'm drawing the line at checking daily. *sniffs* wouldn't fit into sheduuule anywho.

In dire need of Touring Plans coming up...

*~Fun Note~*​

Check my fave socks I'm wearing today...

 

[smellyia]

Ahhhh the touring plan. Who knew there was such an invention and really, with the availability of technology these days, why am I even surprised?

But I want to take it a step further. I feel like the plan is part of the detailed itinerary and here is where I will annoyingly go in depth into our trip with our plans and probably some begging for opinions....

Let's get this show on the road....

Sunday 5/27: Departure Day

I must preface and explain that I am a two weekend packer...which basically means two weeks out, I finalize my packing list (however, I find that an oxymoron since that list is actually a rather dynamic piece of documentations that undergoes routine additions and deletions prior to being thrown out the day before in a fit of nonsensical hormonal mental breaks). This list is actually already started, but I will refrain from going into detail on this and the subsequent two weeks prior to our trip as I have no idea where this process will take me as of yet. It really is a different ordeal/shopping experience/clothing stack each vacation we take.

The packed impotent Atlas. Note the 2003 version and $5.29 price tag....those were the days.

Sunday morning I will wake up early, finish packing, take a nice long nap with DD in the afternoon and await DH to get home around 6:30-7ish if he can get his relief to come in early at work (this looks promising). Quick bites....pizza? and a shower and we are the Griswolds by 8pm.

Drive thru Chattanooga...this makes me sad. I haven't been there in at least 7 years aside from driving through and I was hoping to spend some time there, alas DH is taking a hiking trip to the Smokies with a buddy in the fall while DD and I hit DLR in CA with my family so he can't really ask for another day off without messing up plans later in the year.

Tragic, I know.

We should hit ATL by midnight and will likely stop here. A word about Atlanta: ADORE. I went there last November for the first time with a girlfriend and her daughter (also a Disney-head) and had a BLAST. I've been trying to figure out a return trip since, however I don't think this will be it. If we hang there, we'll miss out on an afternoon at WDW and I think that takes precedence....perhaps Chattanooga or ATL on the way back from the beach....hmmmm this idea has merit.

I really hate to miss the awesome in ATL:

Best of the "gourmet" burger scene I have tried. Some guy from Top Chef runs this joint.

We could lounge here at the Aquarium for a few. DD would approve

Pit stop at their Disney store for some pre-trip pumping up and souvenir ideas...

Stand on Margaret Mitchell's gravesite. Okay...so I don't think this was illegal, BUT I COULD NOT HELP MYSELF. It's Margaret for Pete's sake! Gone WIth The Wind! How could I not get a pic, although in hindsight, I see the morbidity of it all. I really hope the Oakland Cemetery doesn't have tracker systems like WDW to ban me for life.

Most likely none of this will be an option in our fervor to get to WDW and some random Kennessaw hotel will be where we end up and wave at ATL from in our travel dust. But that's what future trips are for - barring any Mayan doomsday complications.

**Ideally, We can get closer to Jacksonville...I'd LOVE a 6 hour or less travel day on Monday.

Monday 5/28 - Memorial Day

Wakeup, quickie BF, ROAD WARRIOR. Family, we are burning daylight and Stormalong Bay AWAITS!

We'll arrive early afternoon and check-in. In the lobby, while I really want to peruse the carpets and fabrics for Disneyfying, I will be at the counter while DD and DH run around. Tips from anyone on neat things to make a note of in the Beach Club lobby???

Oooh and ahhh over the room which I booked as Standard view requesting Full Balcony, Woods view - close to Epcot and 2 queen beds.
**I learned the 2 queens vs 1 king lesson last trip when DH and I routinely shared with DD. Not the most fun.
I'm really hoping we get some of those neat-o Disney shape towels in our room.

Freshen up and decide whether we want to head to pool or Epcot....this decision will decide whether we partake in CS at Hurricane Hanna's or Fish&Chips in WS with some light WS touring/shopping....we may go to Mexico, but I really prefer fish. I'd love to meet Mary Poppins in the UK.

Room and bed by 8 or 9pm in prep for our Cape May ADR in the morning!!!

CONFESSION​

I have not bought my park tickets.

I know, I know.

Hear me out....when I booked the room without a MYW package, the per room night was CHEAPER. Like $30/nt cheaper and at an avg of 300/nt after tax and all that crap, I went with that.

I KNOW I'll be buying 5 or 6 day park hoppers (14-day expiration, no water parks- heck, I'm staying at one!) - most likely 6 since after like 2 or 3 days the price varies minimally. Also, I want the option of hitting a park EVERY DAY including arrival and departure days.

Also, I will need to purchase one day IoA one day/one park...possible express pass, prior to trip.

WDW Ressies told me I can add my tix to my reservation up to 5 days beforehand, so that's what I'll do as I LOVE the idea of having them on that nifty room card.

Any opinions on this?

 

[PixieMama]

Be sure to wave as you drive through 'Nooga... I'll wave back!

I would love to visit WWoHP... just haven't had the chance yet. I'm hoping we can make another family trip to WDW next year. Previous trips have only been 7 days... and that's including 2 days for travel. I really want our next family trip to be a few days longer, or we fly so we don't have to waste so much time in the car. If we can do a longer trip, maybe we can manage spending one day at "Harry Potter World"!

 

[PixieMama]

Like I said before, I had absolutely NO IDEA how crazy planning a Disney vacay could be...but also as the initial shock, denial and anxiety settle in, acceptance seems like a natural course, but I did not expect the THRILL of the planning stages. Seriously, ToT and RnRc have NOTHING on planning WDW, getting ADR's, making CHARTS imho nerd opinion.

Yep! Our last family trip was in 2010... my BIL, SIL, and their 2 kids came with us. Both BIL and SIL had no idea what it took to plan a trip to WDW... both said they'd have been completely lost had they been on their own.

 

[Tink In Training]

I think I may be the astonished friend who went deathly quiet!?!

I have not been on the boards in YEARS darling, of course you could drag me back.

You know this is just going to fuel my obsession correct? You know I've gone through extensive withdrawal and denial of said obsession and now you've lured me back... (always loved the dancing banana...)

Mark may never forgive you...

Okay, so, hotel is booked... road trip is planned... itinerary is pretty much done (remember, leave room for changes no one wants to be on a 100% schedule 'vaca') did you do your reservations for dinners yet?

Girl... buy your tickets!!! You can get them through AAA if you want to save a little.

I'm so excited for you, I wish I were going with you so we could take Epcot by storm... (which is right by the BC btw... great area, Matilda is going to love the boardwalk )

♥ T

 

[smellyia]

Now the real fun begins....

Tuesday 5/29

After what will hopefully be a restful night, I will awaken with the chickens at the horrific vacation hour of 0600. After showering, I will make an obnoxious amount of noise while double checking our touring pack for the day (made the night before) and making coffee. DH will stir and shoot me a few nasty looks and get out of bed only to disappear into the bathroom for his morning ablutions (I'm always looking for an occasion to use that word...makes me happy sort of like the hyenas and Mustafa). During this time, I'll set out his clothes as well as DD's and nuzzle the reluctant princess until she fitfully wakes up...this most likely will not go well - if allowed the child will sleep until 10am. She is a champ sleeper which gives me nightmares for future children as there is no way I'm going to strike gold twice.

Once dressed, we'll head down to Cape May by 0720 for a 0730 ADR. Once there, we'll gorge ourselves on buffet food...DH will have an extra stomach installed for the occasion while I stick to fruit and more COFFEE because really, BF food kind of grosses me out in general. DD will throw the requisite amount of eggs on the floor and bacon crumbs will litter her face.

Somewhere amidst the chaos, we will behold the glory that is the Disney characters: Minnie, Goofy and Donald.

I am considering an autograph book for DD because although she will have no clue as to its purpose, I think she will enjoy it when she is older and we can use it as reference for a future trip....sound like a good idea?

Hopefully, I'll get some pics and we can be on our way.

Our goal is to leave by about 0820 to make an 0900 DHS RD. We will probably walk because I enjoy that sort of thing. Now before we go about debating time, let me just throw out there that I have no intention to be first in line...just in the general vicinity.

So I have read a plethora opinions on DHS with regards to kids...here is my take:

DHS seems to have some pretty fun stuff and can be very toddler friendly as long as there aren't rubber necking parents drooling over thrills. I just can't see how both parents can do all the fun adult stuff in addition to keeping a toddler consistently entertained (far away from melt down mode). Granted, I haven't been there and am lazy at heart so my view is completely skewed and inaccurate. With that being said, I think that place needs a good balance, but thankfully neither of us are overly interested in much there aside from the toddler friendly stuff and STAR TOURS. I could ride that sucker ten times in a row. Actually, at DLR, I have.

For our DD in particular, Toy Story is a WIN...not just a WIN, but a Gold Rush of deep breaths and "oh my gahhhhh" response guaranteed from DD. We got her the Hawaiian Vacay TS doll set along with mini figurines prior to our last trip and she has a Woody pillow she insists on lounging upon while playing her Woody ukelele. She even has a Lotsa Bear...disturbing.

Quit lurking Lotsa - it's creepy.

Now Honey, you know there's no head banging in the house.

So here goes the PLAN:

-RD at DHS 0900
-TSM ride standby
-I might pull a FP and give away if we don't use
-Buzz/Woody greet if available and not swarming with their fankids
-Disney Jr show - approx 0940 or first time
-VotLM (this is for me-judge not.)
-Star Tours - FP if this line >20minutes
-Muppets 3D to kill time while waiting for FP if needed otherwise skip - Anyone have anything else in the area of interest to a toddler if we need to kill FP time?
-Beauty & the Beast at 11:30 estimated - this may get skipped if we are worn down or running late
-Lunch if we want to hang around at Starring Rolls
-Sorcerer's Hat for Meet & Greet
-**If we are over it by Star Tours, we may just bail, pit stopping by Sorcerer's Hat to see if there are any available characters before heading to the Beach Club for CS lunch there or at BW...I can already hear ESPN calling DH's name by extension - It sounds awfully loud and sweaty.

Now if by some reason a bug of insanity bites DH, we can fit in RnRc and ToT right after TSM, either skipping Buzz/Woody and Disney Jr or he can go to those himself while DD and I do the fun, less terrifying original plan.

A side anecdote here about my reluctance for thrill rides with drops and sound barrier pushing speeds (a bit exaggerated I know)....back in the day, I was one of the masses who couldn't wait to see a post ride pic of myself on those old school screens (purchase this awful pic of yourself for the minimal cost of 19.95 - ha!) with half of my hair in my mouth wrapped around a molar. That was until a local amusement park had a horrible accident and someone lost their life. This was ruled not rider fault. I must've been in my late teens, but regardless out of all the things I remember from over 20 years ago, this stuck and I am forever scarred - yet another reason I avoid the news. But enough of my own weird internal phobias...

However we choose to end DHS - this is that neat-o jedi mind trick I mentioned before about tricking our subconsciousness into flexibility - we will end up back at our room for DH and DD to take a nap and I'll probably head to the quiet pool until DH texts me they are awake. I'll pick them up, head to SAB with her dollar store pail and watch as my child navigates the sand.

After this, we'll get dressed - I will have clothes set out but knowing myself, will change my mind last minute causing a delay in our leaving and some stink eyes from DH and DD (copycat).

Here is where we get another CHOICE - tour Epcot maybe score a FP to something and use our Teppan Edo ADR at 0750 OR we can go back to DHS and grab CS somewhere.

Now while Fantasmic! is somewhat of a romantic notion for myself, a 9pm showtime is probably not in the cards for DD. *shudders* So unless I have an irrational need to see Beauty and the Beast (doubtful), or have missed STAR TOURS (scoffs) the first time around, I find DHS night touring an unlikely happening, although I will await you Fantasmic! with a heartfelt longing for a later time....

But I have grown fond of the guise of flexibility and will keep this as an option.

We'll hit the sack early-probably before IlllumiNations right after I swing by the Marketplace for some chocolate croissant I saw someone blogging about and whisper sweet Magical Kingdom nothings in DD's ear as she falls asleep.

CONFESSION​

While eating lunch - a healthy spinach salad with a beautiful piece of broiled Hoison sauced tilapia followed by a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie and an outright shameful bite of oreo pie - I began looking up info on IoA and WWOHP. For some insane reason, I got into my head that I absolutely HAD to stay at US and would need to alter our BC stay - all for one morning hour.

Lunacy.

Which is exactly what DH said as he talked me down from THE edge. Good news is, he hand-led me back to the Mothership with our itinerary still in tact, theoretically if not physically...

Poor sheet of paper never had a chance.

 

[smellyia]

Be sure to wave as you drive through 'Nooga... I'll wave back!

I would love to visit WWoHP... just haven't had the chance yet. I'm hoping we can make another family trip to WDW next year. Previous trips have only been 7 days... and that's including 2 days for travel. I really want our next family trip to be a few days longer, or we fly so we don't have to waste so much time in the car. If we can do a longer trip, maybe we can manage spending one day at "Harry Potter World"!

I am super excited for it, but know without a doubt we will not get the full IoA experience (which is a bit of a disappointment emotionally and financially...but that's all subjective). I also dislike how I won't get a dedicated Epcot day, but with being so close, I hope to make up for it and I think we MAY be able to make a rope drop on our checkout day if we missed anything we wanted to try previously.

 

[smellyia]

I think I may be the astonished friend who went deathly quiet!?!

I have not been on the boards in YEARS darling, of course you could drag me back.

You know this is just going to fuel my obsession correct? You know I've gone through extensive withdrawal and denial of said obsession and now you've lured me back... (always loved the dancing banana...)

Mark may never forgive you...

Okay, so, hotel is booked... road trip is planned... itinerary is pretty much done (remember, leave room for changes no one wants to be on a 100% schedule 'vaca') did you do your reservations for dinners yet?

Girl... buy your tickets!!! You can get them through AAA if you want to save a little.

I'm so excited for you, I wish I were going with you so we could take Epcot by storm... (which is right by the BC btw... great area, Matilda is going to love the boardwalk )

♥ T

HIIII! This is a blast and would have been a bad combo in our early web days....

You actually weren't the quiet one, but I so wish you were!!!! We need a GF trip. Get planning.

Mark will forgive, I'll send bacon.

I think I may go AAA - need to renew that first .

I've got some reservations, but everything (although my chart seems otherwise) is pretty flexible. I'm going into this with a plan of our goals and if all goes south from hitting the pavement on...so be it. We'll survive. Matilda is already training with marathon walks in her stroller

A

 

[lbuzz52]

First of all, I want to say I'm enjoying your writing style! I'm a Tennessee girl too!

We took my son last year at 2. And let me say, they pick up on much more than you expect. I feel fairly certain when saying I'm sure your cute daughter will "get" the autograph thing very quickly. And if she doesn't, you can always hand them the book while she is taking a picture. Plus, you can use it later at DL.
I wanted to suggest that keep the Buzz/ woody meet and greet in your plans for right after your TSMM RD ride. If you are on time, it should probably be like 20-30 minutes after your ride, and will only get worse during the day. You wont' make the 9:40 Dis Jr show though. HS is really saturated with shows, but there isn't a lot of fill in your time with. I find that nice, because I don't feel as much in a rush to get somewhere and can just be more relaxed. There are a few other meet and greets you could fill the time with- Disney Jr characters, Monsters Inc, Phineus and Ferb, Cars.
Are you familiar with child swap- even if you don’t get RNRC brave, you may want to use it for Big Thunder or something. You all would just walk up to the Cast Member at the ride and ask for a Child Swap. He or she will give you a special fastpass ticket. Then one of you would ride (regular queue or FP if you got them earlier). Then the other would take the child swap and ride- its like a free fast pass, only up to three people can ride with it!

 

[smellyia]

Of Mice and Pixie Dust...but somehow I highly doubt my touring plan for MK will be met with the same fanfare and acclaim as Steinbeck’s novella...except maybe in my own mind.

When my id is allowed to run wild, it imagines this gathering is to welcome me to MK.

Sigmund approves of his theories being utilized at MK

To me, Magic Kingdom is the Show. It’s the real deal Holyfield of Disneydom. Mickey’s Mecca. The Grand Central Station of Wishes. There is absolutely nothing as iconic as Cinderella’s Castle (DLR version) that would signify my highly exaggerated and glorified perspective as a child....and now I get to ruin everything else the world has to offer in vacation recreation for my DD with one simple thing...

Dumbo.

Wednesday 5/29​

So again wake up with the chickens. This time they’re pecking at my face because I’m getting lazy and early mornings suck on vacation regardless if I’ve slept 5 or 15 hours. Same dirty looks, ABLUTIONS and whiny DD. Really, as a trio, we are nothing if not predictable.

Minus Cape May, I initially planned BF in the room with Marketplace bought foods or CS somewhere local (see BC lobby). HOWEVER, I started reading today about the Polynesian and their offerings....(guilty admission: totally dismissed this resort off the bat in a fit of snobbishness thinking if it’s not the “real” Polynesia...well, I wouldn’t bother with those prices), quickly I saw the error of my ways and retracted quicker than a second rate reporter on the campaign trail. In particular (aside from Ohana’s dinner service) I really found Kona Cafe’s menu interesting and would LOVE to fit it in somewhere - possibly BF on MK day...or maybe lunch on way back from MK - monorail to Poly, taxi back to BC??? Ideas? Suggestions? Advice? Discouragement? Possible times for Poly is:
-BF on MK day: Taxi to Poly from BC then Monorail to MK for RD
-Lunch on MK day: Monorail from MK to Poly then taxi to BC
-Dinner on MK day: Taxi from...oh, you get the idea.

Better route from BC to Poly, anyone? How are getting last minute ADR’s there?

Ohana still unavailable for dinner this trip - I know I said I didn’t care, but I lied and I DO.

Totally my measurements.

For now I will go on with my original Poly-less itinerary for Magic Kingdom day and change accordingly when I make a decision...I’m FLEXIBLE like that.

-RD at 0900
-FP Peter Pan (other parent en route with DD to that elephant)
-Dumbo standby
-Pooh standby
-IASW standby
-Peter Pan with FP
-DH or DW off to Buzz for FP while other parent and DD explore around Fantasyland...try a shop, ride a carousel, harass a dwarf
-FP Parent Sprinter rejoins us
-Haunted Mansion standby
-PotC standby
-Carpets of Aladdin standby(maybe)
-Buzz with FP from earlier
-Lunch - where this ends up is anyone’s guess. Options: CS at MK, Monorail to Poly for Kona Cafe, Monorail to Epcot for CS (thinking Mexico) at WS.

Again, after lunch I will buy mommy time with a DH/DD nap until family pool invasion.

This night our OPTIONS are Epcot with an ADR at 7:30 at Biergarten or returning to MK with CS meal somewhere OR as the newly blossomed ideas states above...dinner at Kona and maybe MK touring - Philharmagic and maybe some repeat rides or other low key stuff like stalking an angry faerie or blow raspberries at Mickey.

I’d love to catch the Electrical Parade. It’s an oldie, but a goodie and this Oldie has not seen it for a hot minute in DLR...plus I love the robotic synthesized soundtrack. Makes me feel modern in a Jetson’s sort of way. Wishes will definitely be too late at 10 and alas...like Fantasmic! I fear Electrical Parade at 9 will be an intangible mirage floating at my periphery, teasing me with a million lite-bright bulbs.

I’m the one in red. Pay no mind to that one defunct light bulb. I will write up imagineers for this malfunction!

Hit the hay at a reasonable time with sweet Harry Potter spells echoing in my dreamscape in anticipation for the day to come.

Yeah, that’s MY elder wand. Bring it.

Random MK Musings​

So Dumbo...I want to ask you, what is it about you that has all the fangirlies going gaga?

This is the question I want most answered and if I could choose one moment in time where I could read a kid's mind, when their eyes first set on that airborne pachyderm would be it. I have a theory that any kid who found the sight “eh” is a future Emo of America, a few years away from heavy black eyeliner and wallet chains. (disclaimer-I once wore my share of "dramatic" eye dressing and feel a kinship with my latent inner Emo so none of that is said in offense)

I most anticipate this park because it is my only reference, being DLR proficient. I can’t wait to see how it measures up and to refresh myself on Fantasyland - what do you think the change in perception will be from toddler to adult?

 

[smellyia]

First of all, I want to say I'm enjoying your writing style! I'm a Tennessee girl too!

We took my son last year at 2. And let me say, they pick up on much more than you expect. I feel fairly certain when saying I'm sure your cute daughter will "get" the autograph thing very quickly. And if she doesn't, you can always hand them the book while she is taking a picture. Plus, you can use it later at DL.
I wanted to suggest that keep the Buzz/ woody meet and greet in your plans for right after your TSMM RD ride. If you are on time, it should probably be like 20-30 minutes after your ride, and will only get worse during the day. You wont' make the 9:40 Dis Jr show though. HS is really saturated with shows, but there isn't a lot of fill in your time with. I find that nice, because I don't feel as much in a rush to get somewhere and can just be more relaxed. There are a few other meet and greets you could fill the time with- Disney Jr characters, Monsters Inc, Phineus and Ferb, Cars.
Are you familiar with child swap- even if you don’t get RNRC brave, you may want to use it for Big Thunder or something. You all would just walk up to the Cast Member at the ride and ask for a Child Swap. He or she will give you a special fastpass ticket. Then one of you would ride (regular queue or FP if you got them earlier). Then the other would take the child swap and ride- its like a free fast pass, only up to three people can ride with it!

Thanks! *apologizes for any inadvertent jabs I make at the south ahead of time*

I didn't even think DD would get the autograph book, but now that you mention it, I bet she would LOVE just handing it to the characters...also for DL later would be great.

I'll be honest...Big Thunder is like a wooden grave on wheels to me. I have no intention of swinging that beast and if it weren't for Splash's awesome pre-show ride, there isn't a chance in patootyville I would go down that slide. But we'll definitely use Child Swap for STAR TOURS. I have no idea my where my fascination with simulator rides come from - maybe the enclosure makes me feel safer, but Soarin' is pushing it for me.

I am a wuss. This PTR should be renamed accordingly.

I had an idea about DHS and tell me what you think....maybe I save TS character meets for MK - Jessie/Woody meet at Splash's exit and Buzz at TL - I could skip the TSM mania and see them there with a bit less hassle? That way still make 9:40 Disney Jr....what do you think?

 

[lbuzz52]

Thanks! *apologizes for any inadvertent jabs I make at the south ahead of time*

I didn't even think DD would get the autograph book, but now that you mention it, I bet she would LOVE just handing it to the characters...also for DL later would be great.

I'll be honest...Big Thunder is like a wooden grave on wheels to me. I have no intention of swinging that beast and if it weren't for Splash's awesome pre-show ride, there isn't a chance in patootyville I would go down that slide. But we'll definitely use Child Swap for STAR TOURS. I have no idea my where my fascination with simulator rides come from - maybe the enclosure makes me feel safer, but Soarin' is pushing it for me.

I am a wuss. This PTR should be renamed accordingly.

I had an idea about DHS and tell me what you think....maybe I save TS character meets for MK - Jessie/Woody meet at Splash's exit and Buzz at TL - I could skip the TSM mania and see them there with a bit less hassle? That way still make 9:40 Disney Jr....what do you think?

i've got no idea about Buzz. But i know that Woody and Jessie's line is ridiculous as well. We usually end up skipping it because we have already seen Woody at DHS. This time though, i've been told that missing Jessie is not an option. Okay, i decided it myself. I feel bad because i've made dd miss out on her two trips in a row now. Anyway, i plan on familiarizing myself with her schedule just prior to our departure and scheduling her meet and greet- getting in line a few before she comes out. I'm not sure how fast her line meets. She's in a hot spot anyway and i never want to wait around to see. really, i'd just pick the most important and plan a bit of time for it. D JR show is so frequent. and either way, your afternoons are light enough that an extra 20 minutes of park time won't hurt one day.