Presenting - Pumpkin Planning Project.........A PTR Production!!!

[zanzibar138]

Yay for the seventies

I have to say I'm very jealous of your reading list!

I don't know how I would go having to wait for my Disney shopping! Will be a nice touch when you get there though Hope you can get the gift cards sorted out nice and quick too.

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Yay for the seventies

I have to say I'm very jealous of your reading list!

I don't know how I would go having to wait for my Disney shopping! Will be a nice touch when you get there though Hope you can get the gift cards sorted out nice and quick too.

Yes I do love my reading list! I picked a couple of those up in Disneyland itself and have just about worn them out! Hoping to add a couple of new ones come October. I will have the new 2013 Unofficial Guide just before we go so looking forward to seeing what the Carsland updates will be like!I have lots and lots of books about Disneyland itself from over the years. It's fun to sit and look at all the changes. I even have one from the year I was born....1967 and the pictures in that are a riot!!!


I am going to email the Disney Store right now so will keep you posted!!!

 

[Tara2004]

We have only booked flights, but that's it. Last time we went to Disney world we booked our character dinner months and months in advance, so it feels wierd to wait so long to book a character Dinner at Disneyland.

It's update time........yay!!!!!

Thanks so very much to those who popped in and left me a message in my moment of melancholy..........all will be well soon I am sure

Sooooooo, I loved the eighties...............but, I must say I am loving being back in the seventies!!! Seventies, you say...........


79 sleeps to go..................oh yeah!!!

Excited is not a big enough emotion right now!!!

KiwiMouseGirl - yep, I'm all for taking your time so you don't miss the little things. I know it's not possible for everyone to spend so much time in the park, or that some folk may not want to stay too long, but I would rather have the time to take it all in and be fully immersed in the magic that is Disneyland........................And just like zanzibar138 said, I am definitely an advocate of having lots of park time! In regrads to Universal, we also did the bus tour last trip and are doing it again in October with Gray Line tours. It picks you up and drops you off right out the front of your hotel. I wouldn't do it any other way as I certainly will not be doing any driving on the wrong side of the road!!! It cost $100.00 each and that includes the bus and the ticket in.
The other thing I noted in your itinerary is you wanting to go to Six Flags. We had tickets in 2010 but didn't end up going. Unless you are willing to hire a car, the public transport you have to take will take you ages to get there and there is a lot of changing from trains to buses etc so we didn't bother. I looked into getting a bus tour like we did for Universal and Seaworld etc, but couldnt find one. Maybe you might have better luck.



The planning for me is half ( well almost ) the fun when going to Disneyland. For those of you that have been following along or/and have read my trip report from 2010, you will know that I love Disneyland........................ ( understatement.....it is my life )and all it's magic. For me it is an experience to be savoured and remembered and I think that some good planning before hand is great to make things go the way you want them too. Sure, things will not always run to plan, but, if you know what to expect before you go, it will make less of an impact if things go a bit astray!

If you take a look at our itinereray, it is planned, but it also allows for the freedom to just go with the flow on some days and to be more structured on others. This way we should get to do all we want to do, see alll we want to see and then have the opportunity to go back and do it all again ( and maybe even again!!! )!!!!!

And speaking of planning, I thought we haven't had a picture for a while so here is just some of my "bedtime" reading.......

The next thing I have on the agenda to do is organise all our character meals and book our dinner at the Blue Bayou. Still have a little bit of time to wait, but it will be here in no time!

I have seen some pictures of the Disney archives exhibition we are going to and boy does it look amazing. I must admit I am also looking forward to going to this particular museum as it has a real Air Force one plane that you can walk through. Looking forward to that!

Have had a discussion with the DD and it seems we will be giving the Fantasmic priority deal a miss. We have done it previously, but there are a few reasons we are going to skip it this time. Firstly, if you are willing to wait for a bit, you really can get just as good a spot if you stake it out yourself. We had the second row of the seats when we did the priority deal and had a lady sit in front of us and her son was wearing Mickey Mouse ears Needless to say, it was not a good view at all. Another thing is what you get for the price. The dessert box is ok, but we really didn't eat much of it and the DD hardly touched hers. So, the money will be better spent elsewhere...............maybe towards our Blue Bayou dinner!!!

My Disney store order has arrived safe and sound at the Howard Johnson. I must say I am very impressed that UPS sends through an invoice saying the parcel had been delivered and who actually signed for it! Can't wait to get all our goodies!
I do have to send them an email though as the invoice and packing slip does not list the 4 gift cards I ordered and I have most definitely been charged for them. Maybe they send them seperately, but I certainly need to check as it is $400.00 worth!

Well, that's about it for now. Have a magical day

Please don't forget to pop in and say hi.

 

[KiwiMouseGirl]

This is what we did. We had 5 day park hoppers and STILL didn't get to do everything! And that was in quiet season with no parades, Critter Country, Star Tours, Goofy's Sky School, Little Mermaid or Carsland! But we were really able to take our time, take in all the details, and really enjoy ourselves. I'm sure MinnieSue is also an advocate of having more days at Disneyland

We did the tour to Universal Studios with the bus and tickets all in one. It was a great way to do it, not having to worry about getting used to driving on the other side, traffic, and directions. On the way up the bus driver did a little commentry about the history of the area and pointed out some interesting sites. On the way back most of the passengers had a little nap It only took about an hour to get there. The only trouble was because it was so quiet we had done just about everything by lunchtime and struggled to fill in the afternoon until the bus left!

Exactly! Im really looking foward to being able to take the time to enjoy our trip. And while we will still most likely be half running between attractions we will still have sheduled down time somewhere during the day. Weather it be swimming in the hotel pool or people watching on main street while eating churros I want to make sure that when we get home we feel like we've had a fulfilling trip of Disney magic. My cousin isn't so into Disneyland, but then I wasn't either until I realised how magical the whole experiance could be if you let it. I'm looking foward to opening his eyes to the wonder of Disney, so want to include as many character meals and shows as possible

We did the tour to universal on our last trip and LOVED it! We got there before opening and left after closing. I have nothing but positive reviews about SCGL and will tell anyone who will listen We also found we were about done by lunchtime. but then we also didn't see a whole heap of shows which is something I regret. We did the studio tour and Shrek 4d. We filled in the rest of the afternoon with me riding Revenge of the Mummy (A total of 9 times during the day)

Edit: Talking about the trip has made me all giddy and excited...haha!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

We interupt this program for the following news break!!!!


News number one - Have decided ( on the advice of a very smart American friend ) to do another Mickey's Halloween party with the money we were going to spend on the Fantasmic dinner! So, now we get to go twice I am so happy about it as now we should be able to catch all the charaters in their halloween costumes for pictures. It also means that on the first one we can take pics of the parade and fireworks etc and then Halloween night we can just take take it all in

News number two - Found out today that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed from sometime in September right through to mid next year. They are doing a major refurb. I was looking forward to riding this a few times this trip as we only did it once last time. Oh well, we will just have to make up for it on other things. The last trip Star Tours was closed so we are looking forward to catching up with Darth and friends

And saving the best news for last...............some wonderful, magical pixie dust for us today. A fairy godmother has provided us with tickets to Mickey's Toontown Madness This now means we will have an early entry into the park and can catch the opening with Mickey and the mayor of Toontown. We are very excited ..............and very, very thankful to the wonderful person who made this possible

 

[miss.potatohead]

How exciting!
Has BTMR actually been confirmed to be done, I thought it was just a rumour for now. You can't always trust Al Lutz for your sake, I hope it isn't true. But then again, it's just another reason to return later on

 

[frangipanisam]

Ohhh two Halloween parties That will be lots of fun!

Aww hoping BTMR closure is just a rumor because I've never been and I want to try it Already missing out on the Storybook Canal Boats and Casey Jr Train Why couldn't it be rides I'm not that into lol

Oh my gosh!! Congrats on the MTTM tickets! I'm hoping a fairy godmother will gift me two for our trip Were they gifted from the DIS or elsehwere out of curiosity

The other two girls aren't all that keen on it but I'd love to see it and it supposedly won't be running as of next year

 

[KiwiMouseGirl]

Yay! Im hoping we can swing two MNSSHP's too! Will make it much easier picking days for the parks!!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

I'm excited..........................!!!!!!!

To get us some extra spending money, the DD and I have been selling some stuff on ebay and today we made $224.00

Any money that we make is going to the "food" fund to cover character meals etc.........what a great start!!!!!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Congrats on the Toontown Madness! What a lovely fairy Godmother you have

Good idea with the extra night at the Halloween party too - I always like to do parades and shows twice so I can concentrate on taking pics one time, then just enjoy it the next time

Sounds like they'll be doing some serious work on BTM if it's going to be closed for that long - they're really going nuts with re-furbs and new stuff at the moment! But at least at Halloween time you can be pretty sure that the Haunted Mansion will be open

Good work with the Ebay selling too I should do that too - I've got heaps of stuff that needs selling!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Congrats on the Toontown Madness! What a lovely fairy Godmother you have

Good idea with the extra night at the Halloween party too - I always like to do parades and shows twice so I can concentrate on taking pics one time, then just enjoy it the next time

Sounds like they'll be doing some serious work on BTM if it's going to be closed for that long - they're really going nuts with re-furbs and new stuff at the moment! But at least at Halloween time you can be pretty sure that the Haunted Mansion will be open

Good work with the Ebay selling too I should do that too - I've got heaps of stuff that needs selling!

Yes, we feel very lucky to have our Fairy Godmother. They are are discontinuing the Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness next year, so we feel very lucky that we will get to experience it!

And it's a bit of a bummer that BTMR will be closed ................imagine if it WAS my mansion Oh the horror!!!
Speaking of that big white wonderful building.......look what I had made.......just for me!!!

This is the back of the shirt and the front has a little pic of Jack Skellington on! I am in the process of having another masterpiece created!!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Oh I didn't know they were discontinuing Toontown Madness - that's a bit sad (not that I know what I'll be missing out on lol!). I will have to experience it living vicariously through your TR

I LOVE your Haunted Mansion t-shirt! I want to make some cool stuff for me and Mum for DLP, but no one will ever see our t-shirts - I think I better make hoodies! I wonder if they sell beanies with Mickey ears

 

[miss.potatohead]

Hate to be a kill joy Minnie Sue but another sad addition (or subtraction?) to your trip. Hopefully they will be served elsewhere like reported in the thread.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2975830

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

miss.potatohead -We saw the same thread the other day too............the DD was devestated when she found out!!! Let's hope they move them to the other place.

On a brighter note, it looks like Big Thunder isn't closing now until next year so at least that is some good news!

I never did get one of the baked potatoes so I don't know what I am missing, but DD says it is nearly reason enough for her NOT to go

We will just have to find her a new favourite!!!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Update time.........................welcome to the swingin' sixties everyone!!!

So, we have had news of varying sorts over the last few days. In regards to..........

Big Thunder Mountain closing - it sounds like we might get lucky as this is now rumoured to be closing in January 2013.

Indy closing - still no confirmation on this yet at all so fingers crossed.

Alice In Wonderland closing - again, no confirmation of anything here yet either.

Storybook Land Canal Boats - definitely closed while we are there

Casey Junior Circus Train - definitely closed while we are there

HOWEVER.......the most devastating news for the DD was the Troubador Tavern, the home of her most favourite baked potatoes that she has talked about NON STOP is............... CLOSED Yes, CLOSED
Devastated is an understatement!!!!!!
There is talk of them being served at a different location, so let's hope that is the case. I am never going to hear the end of it if they don't

Ok, so we thought we should focus on what we CAN do, and not the "what if we can't do"!!! So, I have written us a list of all the things that we have never done before even after our many, many visits to the parks. Here goes.........

DISNEYLAND

Sailing Ship Columbia
Gadget's Go Coaster
Sleeping Beauty Castle walk through ( I know.......my beloved castle but we were always rushing here or there.......not this trip though )
King Arthur Carousel
Astro Orbitor
Star Tours ( the new one )
Most of the main street vehicles
Great moments with Mr Lincoln ( I have done this but DD hasn't )

DCA

All of Carsland and the 3 rides contained within!
The Little Mermaid
Goofy's Sky School
World Of Colour
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Francis' Lady Bug Boogie
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies
Silly Symphony Swings ( just me as DD has done these )
Golden Zephyr ( just me as DD has done this )
King Triton's Carousel
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Grizzly River Run ( way toooooo cold last trip!!! )

Wow. What on earth did we do in DCA??? Oh, I know...............Toy Story, Screamin', Soarin, Tower of Terror,Toy Story, Screamin', Soarin', Tower of Terror, Toy Story................you get the picture!!!!

We have made a deal that we are going to do EVERY single ride and attracction in each park. No too sure how we will go on Davy Crockett's canoes however!!! We also have to sit through It's Tough To be A Bug. Now this is very brave of us both as I am terrifed of snakes and DD is terrified of spiders and I have heard that it contains rather large versions of both!!! Oh well, I will just have to shield my eyes with my map!!!!!

No more changes to the itinerary at this point. We will be making a couple of small adjustments here and there re meals, but that is about it. DD wanted to go back to Ariels, but we really didn't like the food last time and hasn't chaged. What has changed however, is they now do character breakfasts so we are going to that instead!

Only 9 more days and I will be able to get our ADR's all organised! Ooooh that will make it seem sooooo much closer!!!!!! Still need to book the Happiest Haunts tour too, but can't do that until 30 days before.

And did I mention.......................

69 sleeps to go!!!

 

[Caroline NZ]

Minnie Sue Oz - your daughter is right, the baked potatoes are really yummy. But hopefully you will find them at the Harbor Galley.

 

[miss.potatohead]

Oh they are delicious even with a raging tooth ache from the increased sugar in EVERYTHING I ate in America, I demolished the BBQ Chicken spud. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that they do have them elsewhere!

I can't believe you are going for so long, you'll definitely get to do everything in the parks that you can! It's Tough To Be A Bug is cute, once you get past the bugs but the projections aren't too realistic, more 'Disney-fied' and the 4D is a blast.

 

[zanzibar138]

Oh lucky you doing the Happy Haunts tour! That would be such fun!

I have a mission to do every attraction too, but some of the more 'kiddy' ones might have to wait until I'm there without DH, or perhaps until we actually have kids

I am TERRIFIED of spiders, but I wanted to see It's Tough to be a Bug. I watched it on youtube so I would know when the spiders came out and was able to cover my eyes for that part of the show. DH told me when I was safe to open them again. It was a bit of a spoiler, but I knew from all the screams around me that it was worth doing! The 'host' spider is not a scary one and, though it was slightly out of my comfort zone, it was ok.

I can't believe you haven't done Grizzly River Run! It was one of our favourite rides - we did it at least 3 times, even though it was still winter when we were there. I actually don't mind my top half getting a little bit wet - you can always put an extra layer on if you get a bit cold. I put my raincoat over my lap instead because I hate having wet pants!

Sounds like you've got a great plan anyway, and good attitude to focus on what you can do

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Exiting the swingin' sixties and entering the nifty fifties!!!!!

The time is ticking away nicely. We are getting more and more excited as each day ticks off on the countdown calendar

So, I have all the ADR's ready to book as soon as the 60 day window passes for each one. I am not sure if I can send them through on one email or if I have to actually wait until it is at least 60 days before the date we want to go. If this is the case then I will need to wait until the 9th of Septmeber to book as our last reservation will be for the Blue Bayou on the 8th of November. I may just type it up and send it through and see what happens!
I was going to book us in at the new and beautiful Carthay Circle in DCA, but with the choices on the menu being things that really don't appeal and also because the prices are quite high, I have decided we will be better off sticking to the WOC picnic option!!!

This is how it looks...........

Thursday 25th October - Carnation Cafe - Dinner - 7pm

Saturday 27th October - Cafe Orleans - Lunch - 1pm

Sunday 28th October - Surfs Up with Mickey and Friends - Breakfast - earliest available.

Tuesday 30th October - WOC Picnic meal - 2 x All American

Friday 2nd November - Ariels Grotto - Breakfast - earliest available

Saturday 3rd November - Storytellers Cafe - Breakfast - 9am

Sunday 4th November - Dinner - Rainforest Cafe - 7pm

Monday 5th November -Minnie & Friends - 8am

Wednesday 7th November - Dinner - Big Thunder Ranch BBQ -6pm

Thursday 8th November - Lunch - Blue Bayou - 12pm

Still no word at this point if DD's baked potatoes have moved to the Harbor Galley. I have a friend that visits the park often who is looking into this for me so fingers crossed she will get back to me soon with good news!!!

So, we will be missing out on Indy when we are there as it closed for refurbishment. I am not too concerned and there will always be something closed one way or another so we will just ride it extra next time!!! The only other definite closures via Disney are the canal boats and Casey Jnr.
I have heard a rumour that small world will be closed when we arrive and not opening until the day we leave!!! Oh well, we have seen it done up for Christmas so if we miss that one it won't be too big of a deal!

I am also waiting ( and have been for nearly a week now! ) for the Disneyland park hours to be updated on the website. It has stalled at the 29th of September so hoping they update this soon.

We have decided to take zanzibars word for it and will be braving It's Tough To Be A Bug! If you hear on the news that there was a scene at DCA with 2 women being terrorised by insects and them having to call 911 you will know who it is

Still am yet to book the Happiest Haunts tour. I actually want to book the Ultimate Experience which includes both the tour and Mickey's Halloween party
but I have to wait til 30 days out for that. That will be our second party night and the one where we are going to take all the pics and videos etc. The night of the party on Halloween itself then will be time to just enjoy

Oh some very exciting news...................my wonderful fairy godmother came through and our tickets for Toontown Morning Madness arrived safe and sound. We are super excited about doing this as it finishes in the next few months. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and she has certainly made our trip that much more magical

I am in the process of having some shirts printed so will post pics when they are done! The designs are just fabulous and just so.......well, so me!!!!!!!!!!!

That's about it for now.

Thanks for reading............I think there are still a few of you out there???!!!

58 sleeps to go

 

[zanzibar138]

Yep I'm still here

Your plans are sounding awesome! I'm a bit jealous that you get to go to MNSSP twice