So, because you asked (OK, Amanda asked...but she was speaking on behalf of everyone, yes?) and because Im getting super, duper excited and because Im almost done with this TR...here are my July plans! I made some last minute changes (as in just made them last night), but Im pretty happy with the results.
Day One -- Art of Animation Resort --Cars family suite
Were doing this solely to give Max the experience of the Cars section. Im actually excited to be checking this place out, as I could see possibly staying in a standard room at some point down the road. And it does look super cool.
Well be at the resort around one-ish, so my general plan is to hang out, check out the Finding Nemo and the Cars pools, and maybe walk over to Pop to check that out, too. I really want to walk around and just snap as many pictures as I can. Should we end up being bored, we can always hop a bus to EPCOT for a couple of hours, but Im hoping
That evening, well dine at the AofA food court, as it looks interesting. Seems like there are a ton of options, no matter what Im in the mood for. This will also be nice as we really wont have a reason not to make this an early night.
Day Two -- Move to the Beach Club
Well check out of AofA and turn our luggage over to bell services as I pray it will make its way to the Beach Club in somewhat timely manner. In case it doesnt, Ill bring the backpack with me this day, packed with our swim gear, so we can do that when we get to the Beach Club.
My hope is to make rope drop at Animal Kingdom. We have an 11:30 at Tusker House for lunch. Yes, you may recall that Tusker House (I think) did me in back in July of last year, so why am I risking it? Well, Max asked for more character meals, lunch looks good, and last July could have happened for a number of reasons.
Well go back to the Beach Club, probably go to SAB, before we go back to our room to really unpack. I am really hoping to get Max to take a good nap this evening, as there are extra magic hours at Magic Kingdom and Id love for him to make at least a little bit of it.
We have an 8:30 ADR at Kona. This may seem late, but there is a method to my madness. Last summer, Max swam until four everyday and usually didnt nap until about 4:30. By the time we were ready to leave the room again, it was usually at least 6:30. Then wed go to EPCOT, usually, and ride Spaceship Earth and we wouldnt want to eat dinner until 8:30 or 9:00. So, I made later ADRs on purpose this time. I hope it works out.
After dinner, well either watch Wishes from the Poly beach or take the boat over to MK right away. In any event, well get to see some of the EWP, which I really do love.
The plan is to watch Wishes (from inside the park...for my first time..um..ever), see the MSEP, which Max has never seen, and get a few rides in before Max inevitably crashes. Depending on the time, I will may stay at MK to shut the place down in the wee hours. Who doesnt want to ride Space Mountain and/or BTMRR (which Im so excited for, as it was closed in April and February and is my FAVORITE ride in all of Disneyworld) multiple times in a row?
Day Three -- Resort Day
So, after evening EMHs at MK, I realized that it might not be a great idea to plan on making rope drop anywhere. Or doing anything, for that matter. Ill never forget doing evening EMHs at MK till close to three with Karin and Tom (Dizneat) and then waking up for an 8:00 ADR at Crystal Palace. I thought I might die...but it was Disney, so I soldiered on.
We have a 10:00 breakfast ADR at Kouzzina. We loved it here last July. In fact, in a trip of really icky meals, Kouzzina was a true stand out.
After that, well hit the pool and relax. We can always stroll over to EPCOT if we get bored, but I think well be OK with SAB to entertain us.
That night, we have an ADR at the Flying Fish to celebrate our anniversary! Max has an ADR (ha) at the Sandcastle Club. He loved the Neverland Club so much, it seemed like trying a kids club again was a great idea. This started as Yachstmen ADR, mainly because it was close. I then changed it to Citricos, which I love, but I am going back in October (with MEK and EANDESMOM), plus getting there would be more difficult. So Citricos was out and we were back to the Yachtsmen. I was smart and checked out the menu on-line on Disneys website, which is hard to access, but more up to date than whats on All Ears. Im glad I did because the only things that were pulling me there were gone. Im also not a huge steak lover, so theres that. Then, I thought of the Flying Fish, and viola! Problem solved.
Day Four--EPCOT
I hope to be at EPCOT when it opens because, god willing, Max is now over 40 tall. Hes measuring that without shoes and over that with his sneakers, fingers crossed. Well make a bee line for Soarin of course. After that, well do whatever we want, which if I know my son, will involve multiple trips on Spaceship Earth. Im hoping to do Energy and Imagination, as Max hasnt seen either yet.
We have a lunch ADR at Chefs. I had lunch there in April, ordered the prix fixe, and loved it! We had the best meal and we got to see Remy, all while watching the chair guy from our window front table.
That evening, well head to DHS. We have an 8:00 ADR at Fifties Primetime. This was another surprise from April; we went and had a great meal. I think Max will love this!
Day Five -- Finally the MK!
Yes, we will have been there already, but this will our first time during the day. I think we should make rope drop, no problem. Incidentally, this our actual anniversary.
We have a lunch ADR at the Plaza. A late addition, but someones TR inspired me.
And then something happened just yesterday to re-arrange my plans. I had originally planned on going to the Flying Fish on this night with Mark and Max. But then it was confirmed that, yes, indeed, the Cali Grill is closing in early 2013 and wont re-open for some time. This trip was my last chance to go there as it is right now, as the rumor mill is seems to insist that when it re-opens, the changes will be signficant. So I was able to snag an ADR here. And Im so thrilled that I did. This place has a lot of happy memories for me and it is our anniversary, so Im thinking it will be all the more magical.
Day Six -- DHS
Well head over there early and do breakfast at Writers Stop. Im sure well ride TSM and, were hoping, Star Tours. Probably hang out with some Muppets for awhile. You know...the usual.
That evening we have an 8:30 ADR at La Hacienda. I had another great meal there this April and we had amazing window seats from which to watch Illuminations. It was incredible.
Day Seven -- MK
We have an 8:20 ADR at Crystal Palace. Again, Max wanted some characters and this happens to be one the best. Plus, who can argue with a walk up empty Main Street?
That evening well have our last meal of the trip at Via Napoli.
So, thats the plan, as of right now.