PTR-2015 Year of a million trips….oh maybe only five. UPD 9/22 lnk to video

[mercydisney]

Started reading this weekend and am enjoying your adventures. A true Disney Fan will take any excuse to add an xtra Disney Day.
I have 2 daughters also one a freshmen in HS and another in her 2nd yr in college. I also have taken many trips with just one. I enjoy it because you bond with each one. I have a Solo Birthday trip planned in Sept. You gave me a great idea to go to HS. It looked like you really enjoyed your trip. The ride back must of been terrible and you are such a good sport you did not complain at all. I would of named the trip report "The Day I Had To Drive Home From Disney ALONE".

 

[stacy~**]

Yes, you really need to get to NYC!
It's funny, whenever someone mentions to me that they've never been to NYC, I always say they have to come to NY ... but I've never really traveled much (other than Disney). I've been to LA once, San Francisco once, Baltimore/DC a few times because I have family down there, but other than that ... nothing. I really would love to travel more, but ... DISNEY!!

Someday I will make it there! We used to mix Disney trips with other trips but the last few years those other trips have gone by the wayside. Haha! oops!

Both of my boys have gone to a New York Yankees game (in fact, they were there for Derek Jeter's second to last home game...they made the trip just to see him). We here in Chicago hate the Mets because they ruined our last legitimate run at being in the World Series. And here in Chicago...it's either Sox or Cubs...very rare does anyone like both.

That is really cool that your boys went to one of Jeter's last home games. And yes, I can see Chicago being a divided town also! Wrigley Field has always been a bucket list item of mine too (I have been to Chicago but not a game!).

I can't believe I'm missing you AGAIN by just five days.

I know! Maybe when you are there this fall (you have a trip then too, right?)....or more realistically we will arrive a few days after you leave. Our fall trip isn't a definite yet and we really don't have any dates yet.

Cute puppies.

Thanks! They are my babies!!

Started reading this weekend and am enjoying your adventures. A true Disney Fan will take any excuse to add an xtra Disney Day.

Thanks for reading! And...exactly! I knew everyone here would understand.

I have 2 daughters also one a freshmen in HS and another in her 2nd yr in college. I also have taken many trips with just one. I enjoy it because you bond with each one. I have a Solo Birthday trip planned in Sept. You gave me a great idea to go to HS. It looked like you really enjoyed your trip. The ride back must of been terrible and you are such a good sport you did not complain at all. I would of named the trip report "The Day I Had To Drive Home From Disney ALONE".

Solo or a trip with just one child (or spouse) can be really great! You can relax and not have to worry about keeping as many people happy! Its a great way to do Disney.
And I actually didn't drive back from Disney alone (I flew). We drove down so my daughter could have her car during her college program. I most definitely would have complained if I would have had to have driven home alone. There are still a few days left in the TR portion of this report.

 

[SarahDisney]

Yay for being able to add an extra day! I hate Southwest, but that no fee change policy has me considering it ... if they ever do direct flights from NY to Orlando (right now they only do it out of Islip, which is way too far for me)

10 nights/11 days sounds like an awesome trip length ... you'll have plenty of time to do everything (and lots of things multiple times) without ever being rushed!

 

[stacy~**]

Yay for being able to add an extra day! I hate Southwest, but that no fee change policy has me considering it ... if they ever do direct flights from NY to Orlando (right now they only do it out of Islip, which is way too far for me)

I can't believe we were able to get a flight on Sunday! Those always book up the quickest. We almost always travel home on Saturday because of that (or another day). Either you love SW or you hate them (kinda like the Mets or the Yankees ). In Columbus we have very limited airline choices and SW dominates the market. I am in the loving them camp.

10 nights/11 days sounds like an awesome trip length ... you'll have plenty of time to do everything (and lots of things multiple times) without ever being rushed!

Yes! And I was amazed I was able to get Aaron on board with it so easily. In the past I have would often "over-vacation" us and this has the makings of that but I think with our more laid back style that we will be good. Those "over-vacations" were 1. when Lucy was younger and harder to manage 2. When I tried to force us to be rope-droppers. I'm getting super excited!!

 

[stacy~**]

Sunday, May 17-Day 4, Part 2

We left off with me exiting Hollywood Studios around 4:30 after a fun solo day. I was heading back to POFQ to drop off my earhat (which I was getting tired of wearing) and raincoat I had been lugging around in my purse all day (Aaron always carries a backpack and carries this for me so I was missing him!). After some debate we decided to take the boat to DTD for an early dinner. I also wanted to stop at the Marketplace Co-op!

I thought this was cute!

We decided on Wolfgang Puck Express for dinner. It has been years since we have been here so it was a great time to return.

I got the Mushroom (?) pizza. I know I subbed the garlic sauce for traditional marina.

Olivia (again) enjoyed her favorite carb combo of Mac and Cheese with mashed potatoes.

Both were very good but we had too much food and felt really bad about leaving it behind.

We shopped briefly at the Co-op but didn’t end up buying anything. I have been talking about customizing a phone case for months but in the end couldn’t decide what I wanted so it was just easier to not get any. I hope to get one this summer!!

This wasn’t part of the original plan but we decided to go over to Magic Kingdom! It felt long overdue since it was the last park for me to go to.

We made our way straight over the Pirates. I was very excited when we found out that the refurb had been delayed and knowing it would be closed on our trip later this summer this was a not miss attraction today! We were able to walk right on.

We next had FP’s for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

And on our way out of Frontierland had to stop in at Country Bear Jamboree. We were in there with 2 other families. We were front row center and the family directly behind us had clearly never seen it. It was quite enjoyable listening to the confused yet amused reactions of the children. Haha! More and more I think I enjoy watching others watch the attractions more than actually watching the attraction (case in point, It’s Tough to be a Bug). OK not quite but almost.

We made a visit to Haunted Mansion and had a FP for Peter Pan. I have come to love posing with the statue busts in the queing area. I was trying (unsuccessfully) to get a selfie with them. None of them are share worthy but I thought this picture Olivia took of me attempting said selfie was amusing.

It was about 9:30 and we knew we wanted the famous, yet oh so sweet cupcake cups from Cheshire Café. So we headed there. I also (on a whim) ordered an iced coffee that was terrible. I should have known better. But yuck! I gave it to Olivia but she drank very little of it also. That iced coffee isn't picture because Olivia asked me if I wanted it in the picture and I told her it was so terrible it didn't even deserve to be in the picture. Once again NOT sharing these was a mistake. I love them but really half of one would be enough. Please someone remind me of this in July!

We were late trying to find a Wishes viewing spot so in the end just kind of lined up along the Tomorrowland Terrace. It wasn’t a great spot but it did the job.

I think we had a Space Mountain FP after Wishes and then ending the evening at one of Olivia’s favorites….Laugh Floor. There were maybe 20 of us in the show. I can’t believe we didn’t get picked to be in the show. Oh well! Thankfully we generated enough laughs to open the doors so we could be on our way out.

We were next stopped by the Electrical Parade which I am never mad about.

We then ended up having a bit of a silly selfie photoshoot and just sitting in the internet sensation hub grass. I can see why this spot is so popular!

We ended up leaving MK at about 11:45. A bit later than we had intended given Olivia’s 9am DCP check-in but it was a great night and I am so glad we went!

 

[KatMark]

Stacy, such a pretty picture of your resort, and we love Wolfgang's (must get back there one of my next two trips).

Love all the selfie pictures.

Those cake cups are sooooooooooooooooo sweet. Definitely something that needs to be shared. I don't drink Iced Coffee, but I think Starbucks has to better in that category.

You got quite a few rides done. When you can't get where you want for Wishes, try the bridge back by Be Our Guest...great spot.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Having some down time, o got caught up in your ptr/TR

Yep, I had the pleasure of working a lot with Linda! Her passing was very unexpected, but she didn't feel pain.
She was very spunky!

Your summer plans sound wonderful, and you're going to LOVE the POLY studios!! Plus, they are EXTREMELY close to ttc, like less than 5 min walk! And not too terribly far from GCH.
We are in Moorea. Other one I'd Pago Pago. Third is being worked on and not online yet.
Also, pool area is so nice! Added splash pad for little and calm cooks is right nearby.

It's always great when you can add days to your stay!!

Where does Olivia work at? I should have, but haven't been keeping an eye out to spot her LoL

 

[SarahDisney]

I've never done Country Bear Jamboree ... so I guess if I ever do it I'll be one of those amusing first-timers. I had an amusing first-timer on Test Track once ... she didn't realize that the whole outside part of the ride exists. It was kinda funny.

I love the idea of selfies with the statue busts ... even if they didn't come out okay. I love Olivia's picture of your selfie ... very amusing.

I have to admit ... I haven't done Laugh Floor in many years. I love the Monsters Inc ride in California so much, and the Laugh Floor doesn't scream "Monsters Inc" to me quite as much.

I love that you did a selfie photoshoot on the hub grass. I haven't seen it yet (it opened right after we left in Florida), but it really looks like the perfect place to relax!

When you can't get where you want for Wishes, try the bridge back by Be Our Guest...great spot.

I'm going to second this sentiment - it's our new favorite Wishes spot, and it's never been crowded when we're there.

 

[stacy~**]

Stacy, such a pretty picture of your resort, and we love Wolfgang's (must get back there one of my next two trips).

It was nice to go back to Wolfgang's after so many years. It was very good but once again I need to remember to split my meal with someone. So.much.food!

Love all the selfie pictures.

I wouldn't even consider myself someone who takes a lot of selfies but when you are traveling solo/as a twosome and using only your phone for your camera I guess you end up with a lot of them. My sister was in town a few days ago and Aaron took a few pictures of us and she was like they look weird since they aren't selfies. Haha!

Those cake cups are sooooooooooooooooo sweet. Definitely something that needs to be shared. I don't drink Iced Coffee, but I think Starbucks has to better in that category.

I'm not usually an iced coffee drinker either I guess I was just really wanting the caffeine. Next time I will be sure just to make the trek to Starbucks!

You got quite a few rides done. When you can't get where you want for Wishes, try the bridge back by Be Our Guest...great spot.

Thanks for the advice! I always love non-crowded spots so that's good to know!

Having some down time, o got caught up in your ptr/TR

Awe! Thank you! I am looooving your Instagram pictures! I don't want your trip to end. I hope its been beyond magical and that you are writing a TR.

Yep, I had the pleasure of working a lot with Linda! Her passing was very unexpected, but she didn't feel pain.
She was very spunky!

What a small world! Yes you can't meet her and not remember her. <3

Your summer plans sound wonderful, and you're going to LOVE the POLY studios!! Plus, they are EXTREMELY close to ttc, like less than 5 min walk! And not too terribly far from GCH.
We are in Moorea. Other one I'd Pago Pago. Third is being worked on and not online yet.
Also, pool area is so nice! Added splash pad for little and calm cooks is right nearby.

I can't wait. We had to do a bit of shifting of points to accommodate adding the extra day and we thought about shortening the Poly stay since those are the most expensive nights but in the end we didn't. I am sooo happy! So I guess I can do online check-in whenever. I haven't looked yet but can I request buildings? Where would you recommend we request? I don't usually mind walking, etc. Prefer quiet and best possible view as priorities!

It's always great when you can add days to your stay!!

The only thing better is adding a whole new trip!

Where does Olivia work at? I should have, but haven't been keeping an eye out to spot her LoL

She is at the Grand Floridian! My next update will have more info on her DCP since that is her check-in day. So she will be hard for people to run into.

I've never done Country Bear Jamboree ... so I guess if I ever do it I'll be one of those amusing first-timers. I had an amusing first-timer on Test Track once ... she didn't realize that the whole outside part of the ride exists. It was kinda funny.

How funny about TT. That definitely would be a shock. Sometimes I wish I could ride everything again for the first time! You have to visit CBJ sometime. We always do (but we are summer travelers and its a great air conditioning spot). Its so funny, and random and not very PC. I think each time I see it I like it more.

I love the idea of selfies with the statue busts ... even if they didn't come out okay. I love Olivia's picture of your selfie ... very amusing.
I love that queuing area at HM. It made Olivia mad that I wanted to walk through it when we could just walk on to the ride.

I have to admit ... I haven't done Laugh Floor in many years. I love the Monsters Inc ride in California so much, and the Laugh Floor doesn't scream "Monsters Inc" to me quite as much.

Aaron hates it because he sweats it out the whole time that he is going to be picked. Haha! In the last few years that changed the script so you should give it a try again. We LOVE the Monsters ride at CA too! Funny because it is always a walk on but when we were there in 2013 it was right after Monsters U came out and the line for it was crazy. I think we only got to ride it once.

I love that you did a selfie photoshoot on the hub grass. I haven't seen it yet (it opened right after we left in Florida), but it really looks like the perfect place to relax!
I can't wait to spend more time there! It was really a beautiful update!

I'm going to second this sentiment - it's our new favorite Wishes spot, and it's never been crowded when we're there.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

I like Moorea. Do you have a lake view or standard? Either I think would be good, though ale view you might see fireworks from balcony. Both pago pago and Moorea are close to ttc, and not too far from GCH. I think you can request a building, not positive. And I cam barely hear the ferry horn on standard view, might hear it more on other side of building facing lake?

The hallways are super long (hence longhouses) and we are at the end, but by stairs outside, so it's not too bad. The hallway reminds me of the shining though. Seems to go on and on and on LoL

I didn't make any notes
I thought about it, but forgot!!
So I'll have to sit down and write and try to remember things, then decide if I can do a TR or not. Maybe just an overview of resorts, etc. Since we did try new ones this trip.

I don't want our trip to.end, either!! Mk tonight Ok morrow, then late plane ride home. It will be nice to sleep in my.bed after two weeks, though!! Just not ready for reality haha

 

[stacy~**]

I like Moorea. Do you have a lake view or standard? Either I think would be good, though ale view you might see fireworks from balcony. Both pago pago and Moorea are close to ttc, and not too far from GCH. I think you can request a building, not positive. And I cam barely hear the ferry horn on standard view, might hear it more on other side of building facing lake?

The hallways are super long (hence longhouses) and we are at the end, but by stairs outside, so it's not too bad. The hallway reminds me of the shining though. Seems to go on and on and on LoL

I didn't make any notes
I thought about it, but forgot!!
So I'll have to sit down and write and try to remember things, then decide if I can do a TR or not. Maybe just an overview of resorts, etc. Since we did try new ones this trip.

I don't want our trip to.end, either!! Mk tonight Ok morrow, then late plane ride home. It will be nice to sleep in my.bed after two weeks, though!! Just not ready for reality haha

We are just standard view and I am sure we will be happy wherever we are! I don't always do online check-in because I like to take my chances and be "surprised" but ever since we got a patio at Boardwalk I always at least request an upper floor because I love balconies and patios just aren't the same!!

I always take notes for the first few days and then stop. And the longer the trip the harder it gets to remember. I try to take pictures to remind me of the things we did....even if they aren't sharable pictures. I would love to hear about your trip, though.

Soak in every last bit of magic. Coming home isn't always a bad thing

 

[stacy~**]

Monday May 18-Day 5

This was the morning of Olivia’s DCP check-in! She was up and ready for her big day before I was even awake. I really only had a few minutes with her before she was on her way.

I threw on some running clothes and headed downstairs for a coffee and banana. I leisurely enjoyed them while talking to Olivia some and also Aaron. (both on the phone)

An "artist" shot of my breakfast. LOL

Just as I was getting reading to leave for my run I got the text from Olivia with the info that she would be placed at The Grand Floridian (custodial)! Getting a resort for custodial DCP position is a mixed bag. On the positive: stable hours and the negative: less DCP’s to interact with. But anyways, in the moment Olivia was both excited and slightly disappointed at not being placed in a park. We texted briefly but she was off to casting and she let me know she would be done around 1 and would likely swing over to get me then.

So I took this time to do one of my favorite vacation activities…I went for a run. I know its common to see people running at Disney and think they are insane. It's ok to admit, I have thought that before too but I honestly LOVE running on vacation. I think I run the same trails around my house so often that running in a new spot...and not just any new spot but the beautiful resorts at Disney is just sooo exciting and fun. I just love doing it.

During my run I kind of fell in love with Port Orleans Riverside. I think I had only stopped there briefly in 2007 and my impression wasn't the best. I can't remember why I felt this way but on this day everything was absolutely beautiful!!

I only hope the weather isn’t so insanely hot that I can’t squeeze a run or two in during our trip in July.

After my run (and maybe another call with Aaron) I went up to the room to get cleaned up. Once I was ready I just walked around and waited for Olivia to get me at 1:30. She picked me up and we headed over to her apartment.

She had super quickly stopped over before casting but still had all her stuff in the car, etc. so I helped unload that.

I was super excited about her view from her balcony (my balcony obsession)...and I can bet she hasn't spent anytime out there.

A few more pictures of the apartment:

Common area:

Kitchen:

Olivia's room (shared with two other girls):

Around this time Olivia decided with one of her roommates that they would go shopping. It seemed like they should have bounding time without me so Olivia dropped me at Downtown Disney and we would just decide if we would get together again later that day.

By now it was 3 and all I’d had was a banana so lunch was beyond overdue for lunch and I had something in mind!!
(sorry for the short, boring-ish update. I hope to get another one done soon and this mini-TR done in the next week or so)

 

[disneyguy4life]

sorry for the short, boring-ish update. I hope to get another one done soon and this mini-TR done in the next week or so)

Are you kidding, any update is a great one! Since my wife and I will have a newborn in the next month or so we won't be going to Disney for a while. This is how she and I (mostly me) get our Disney fix. So thanks... I appreciate it.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Well, that explains why I don't think I saw her at all

We only had one night at riverside, but I really liked it!!

She has a nice view!!

 

[SarahDisney]

I can totally understand why Olivia might be disappointed at not getting a park, but ... hopefully she'll meet lots of other DCPers who can teach her all sorts of fun stuff about their work in the parks! It's definitely nice to have stable hours, though, and hopefully it gives her lots of time to explore the parks when she's not working!

I totally get how running in a new location is exciting ... I'm getting sick of my park at home! I'm sure I've said this before, but I really think you will love the runDisney experience. Getting to run through parks that you already love, seeing Disney characters and entertainment along the course ... it's definitely a nice change of pace from your normal at-home runs - and they even manage to add some fun to the backstage areas of the course (although I liked the in-park part a lot better)!

That view from Olivia's balcony is beautiful!

 

[stacy~**]

Are you kidding, any update is a great one! Since my wife and I will have a newborn in the next month or so we won't be going to Disney for a while. This is how she and I (mostly me) get our Disney fix. So thanks... I appreciate it.

Thanks for the kind words! And good luck to you and your wife with your new prince or princess! How very exciting!!

Well, that explains why I don't think I saw her at all

We only had one night at riverside, but I really liked it!!

She has a nice view!!

Yeah, she is in a spot where you would have to seek her out!

Good to know you liked Riverside. I hope to stay there the next time we stay at a moderate!!

Yes...I thought her view was great (or at least great considering most of them I assume have parking lot views!)

I can totally understand why Olivia might be disappointed at not getting a park, but ... hopefully she'll meet lots of other DCPers who can teach her all sorts of fun stuff about their work in the parks! It's definitely nice to have stable hours, though, and hopefully it gives her lots of time to explore the parks when she's not working!

I totally get how running in a new location is exciting ... I'm getting sick of my park at home! I'm sure I've said this before, but I really think you will love the runDisney experience. Getting to run through parks that you already love, seeing Disney characters and entertainment along the course ... it's definitely a nice change of pace from your normal at-home runs - and they even manage to add some fun to the backstage areas of the course (although I liked the in-park part a lot better)!

That view from Olivia's balcony is beautiful!

There are only a few CP'ers but they do seem to be hanging out a lot so its good that it seems to be working out!

I can't wait for the runDisney trip! Yes, I know I will love it. I had a great time at my Cedar Point run (and am signing up for another half at Kings Island in October).

 

[stacy~**]

Monday May 18-Day 5, Part 2

Olivia dropped me off at DTD and she headed back to her apartment. I walked into D-Street. I wanted a few vinylmation but didn’t want to carry them and since my check-out was in the morning wouldn’t be able to do resort delivery (do they even do that at D-Street?). So I didn’t end up getting anything.

I made my way to the boat to Saratoga. The boat was there waiting for me which was great and the driver (skipper??) was really enjoying giving us facts about all the new stores, etc. coming to DTD. I got off at SSR and ended up waiting for awhile for a bus. Like forever. I knew I was going to Epcot but ended up just getting on the Hollywood Studios bus and walking over.

I usually am a big fan of this walk but I was starving for lunch (dinner?) at this point in the day so I was mostly just power walking to Epcot! I did snap a few pictures along the way.

Once at Epcot I went straight to the best CS in all the World. Tangierine Café in Morocco is by far one of my favorites!

After lunch I used a FP at the character Spot (where I took selfies but they all turned out pretty terrible). Mickey was super cute and commented on my Haunted Mansion bow! So thoughtful!

I then took a ride through Spaceship Earth….and promptly texted Aaron this picture telling him my future was possibly not with him.

I think it was about 7:30 and I skipped out on my Soarin’ FP and went back to Hollywood Studios. This time I actually went inside the park.

I waited for the animation class which is a favorite. The past few years this seems to be harder to get into. I remember just showing up at the beginning of class time and walking in. That never happens anymore.

I then went to Pizza Planet for pizza #500 of this trip! Since my lunch was so late I really wasn’t that hungry and only ate about half but I was worried if I waited until I was hungry nothing would be open.

After my meal (and spending some time at an outlet charging my phone) I went over to Star Tours! I have never ridden this at WDW (and only once in 2007 at DL). This was fun but made me just a touch nauseous. I also enjoyed the store at the end.

At this point I was tempted to see if I could make it back to DTD for the vinylmation I wanted at D-Street. I left HS and started heading towards the buses when I changed my mind and went back inside HS. Haha! I’m back.

I decided to go to Fantasmic and was thrilled with my choice. I love that show and don’t seem to see it often enough!

After the show I went back to my empty hotel room (weird) and was in bed around 12. I had an early wakeup call because I was checking out and Olivia and I had a special breakfast planned for my last morning.

 

[cajunfan]

Great update! I'm sure the next morning was a bit hard for you.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Sounds like a good end to your day, despite the bus waiting.

Star tours makes me too nauseous anymore, so I never ride it.

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I've missed a couple of updates. Glad that Olivia finally got her assignment. I'm sorry it wasn't what she was hoping, but she's a DCP and that is great!

I always wonder why people run while at Disney. After seeing your pictures, I can sort of understand it (but I'm still not doing it ).

Olivia's apartment looks really nice; I bet like all of our kids, none of them would have been out there.

That's so frustrating about the buses (and why I avoid them when I can). Glad you got your favorite CS meal. I get a bit nauseous on Star Tours myself. And you went back for Fantasmic.