PTR JULY 2012: I talked my way into another Disney Day! 6-30

[MelMel11]

Count me in!! We are going in July also!!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I am going to meet the frumps? Shut the front door!!!

Well, just one frump. And my friend Allie. (princessallie on the DIS). Her parents are taking us in July! But she has morphed into a TOTAL frump since I've been friends with her.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Count me in!! We are going in July also!!

Welcome!!! Where are you staying and when? Are you a Disney verteran or newbie? (I sound quite nosey!!)

Well, just one frump. And my friend Allie. (princessallie on the DIS). Her parents are taking us in July! But she has morphed into a TOTAL frump since I've been friends with her.

Okay, so a frump and a half. Haha. But maybe I will have to happen upon you...does her family understand the Dis family???

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Changes in WDW for July:

Fast pass window This is going to be a big shift for us. With this change, I don't know how to use them effectively. haha.

Hopefully, it will make for less line wait times overall for the later hours. After all, those people who saved them all day, can't return to the parks to use them.

Known closed attractions:
Snow White- last day is May 31.

Refurb:

Test Track - We really enjoy this, but it will make touring Epcot a bit easier. We can get a fast pass for Soarin and ride it. Stay in the area, ride Living with the Land (maybe 2x, my girls enjoy this attraction). (I bet this will get more traffic now.) Maybe we will do the Circle of Life attraction...we always plan on doing it someday...

Returning:
Spectro Magic!

New!!!
Disney parks blog via another site

Storybrook Circus will be open! Great Goofini, Dumbo, and Train Station!!
My girls really won't be interested in this at all, but we will have to spend a little time here doing research!!

Peter Pan interactive queue

Disney Art of Animation Nemo Wing open - we might need to check this out!

If you can think of anything else to add, please share!!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Okay, so a frump and a half. Haha. But maybe I will have to happen upon you...does her family understand the Dis family???

Yeah exactly. I think they do...we can defiinitely meet up though! You should PM me your ADR list once you have it all figured out!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

p.s. Spectromagic is coming back!!!!????

 

[anjalee6]

Oh, cool! Welcome! I see you are also cruising! Is there a July 12 board? I'll have to look. As you saw (can't remember if I posted here or on my Dec trip report), I am going on a cruise with my mom and girls in June. It is Carnival (if it was Disney, dh wouldn't be very happy), and we leave from Balt. Our ports are Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Freeport. What are your ports? Have you been on a Disney cruise before?

Yes, there is a July thread under Doing the Happy Dance. Yes, I saw that you were aking a cruise with the girls. I hope it's great. We are doing the Dream for the first time (actually) first cruise period. I am really nervous. I could plan a Disney World trip in my sleep, but the whole cruising aspect just makes me nervous. My DH is the one that wants to do it. Then we are doing AKL for the rest of our trip so we get the best of both. We are doing the four day, so ports are Nassau and Castaway Cay. Should be just enough for the first attempt at cruising.

 

[Queenofallthings]

How did I miss that my dear friend had started her PTR??? Well, it's all good, I'm here now and can't wait to hear more

When I was reading about Jambo I completely understood what you meant...it is dark, even at the pool it seems! When we stayed there on our first visit I missed SSR so much but after staying there for our whole 2 weeks last year, I am totally in love with AKL! I just spent more time on the balcony when we were in our rooms

Great price on the airfare and bags fly free with Southwest too right? More money to spend in Disney!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I just posted about the new Fastpass return times before I read your update. It is obviously weighing on our minds.

I need to make sure we check out all the new stuff like the parts of Fantasyland that will be open. So exciting!

Test Track is going to be refurbed during our time? I didn't know that. There's another wrench that will cause me to rethink our usual plans.

 

[annmarieda]

Changes in WDW for July:

Fast pass window This is going to be a big shift for us. With this change, I don't know how to use them effectively. haha. I am with you. I know this is going to change things for us too. I know it is technically wrong of me... but basically, I never look at the fp return time...other than to note that I can't return before a certain time.

Hopefully, it will make for less line wait times overall for the later hours. After all, those people who saved them all day, can't return to the parks to use them.

Known closed attractions:
Snow White- last day is May 31.

This makes me sad
Refurb:

Test Track - We really enjoy this, but it will make touring Epcot a bit easier. We can get a fast pass for Soarin and ride it. Stay in the area, ride Living with the Land (maybe 2x, my girls enjoy this attraction). (I bet this will get more traffic now.) Maybe we will do the Circle of Life attraction...we always plan on doing it someday...

Do you know off hand how long TT is closed for? If not, no worries... I can' look it up. We too love living with the land. Not sure why.. but somehow I always come off of it feeling relaxed And... Circle of Life.. If you have never done it...then maybe... but really, it is the the anti living with the land attraction. Doesn't make me relaxed at all. Makes me feel like I need to go and punish myself. Seriously though... I think to send a message of conservation is one thing but to make it seem like we are all horrible wasteful people... well.. given the place that the presentation is in, it doesn't sit well with me.

Returning:
Spectro Magic!
AWESOME!
New!!!
Disney parks blog via another site

Storybrook Circus will be open! New Barnstormer, Dumbo, and Train Station!!
My girls really won't be interested in this at all, but we will have to spend a little time here doing research!!

I am so excited for this!!!

Peter Pan interactive queue
Interactive? I had not read anything about it.. how cool!!!

Disney Art of Animation Nemo Wing open - we might need to check this out!

I had wanted to consider this for our next trip, but since we are likely to need to be at one of the run host resorts, we didn't book here. I am a tad sad about it. But then... there are always other trips, right?

If you can think of anything else to add, please share!!

I was lazy and added my comments into your message above.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Hi I am subbing as well. We are going in July too. I haven't started a ptr just yet. Still deciding if I should since I didn't finish my December TR

Did I read that right? Spectro Magic is coming back!!???

 

[MelMel11]

We are going July 8-15 we are staying at All Star Sports. We are taking my niece and nephew. This will be my 5th trip..

 

[mgsmom]

Oh, yay for the circus! DD might make us ride Dumbo 40 times... isn't that funny - it's such a silly ride but she just LOVES it!

Any other Fantasyland info is greatly appreciated! So glad Peter Pan is finally getting an interactive queue.

We will be staying at Pop, so I think we are going to venture over to check out the new Art of Animation resort too! I wanted to book it for July, but the Little Mermaid building won't be open and we really don't need a suite with just the 3 of us for a long weekend.

Can't wait to hear more! Great job on the airfare! Are you still doing the dining plan?

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

p.s. Spectromagic is coming back!!!!????

It is sometime this summer. No firm dates yet.

Yes, there is a July thread under Doing the Happy Dance. Yes, I saw that you were aking a cruise with the girls. I hope it's great. We are doing the Dream for the first time (actually) first cruise period. I am really nervous. I could plan a Disney World trip in my sleep, but the whole cruising aspect just makes me nervous. My DH is the one that wants to do it. Then we are doing AKL for the rest of our trip so we get the best of both. We are doing the four day, so ports are Nassau and Castaway Cay. Should be just enough for the first attempt at cruising.

I will have to visit the thread! I completely understand about the planning of the cruise. Aside from the Dis, there is a site of cruise nuts - to match this site of Disney nuts. It really was very helpful for me... it is called cruise critic dot com. I highly recommend it! I didn't read about Disney Cruises, but I am sure they have information.

How did I miss that my dear friend had started her PTR??? Well, it's all good, I'm here now and can't wait to hear more

When I was reading about Jambo I completely understood what you meant...it is dark, even at the pool it seems! When we stayed there on our first visit I missed SSR so much but after staying there for our whole 2 weeks last year, I am totally in love with AKL! I just spent more time on the balcony when we were in our rooms

Great price on the airfare and bags fly free with Southwest too right? More money to spend in Disney!!!!!

I know how you missed it! You are writing a TR and a PTR simultaneously (I hope that is spelled correctly...it is too late to verify! )

Glad you are here!

Yes, two bags per person are free and we try to only have two bags for the four of us!

I just posted about the new Fastpass return times before I read your update. It is obviously weighing on our minds.

I need to make sure we check out all the new stuff like the parts of Fantasyland that will be open. So exciting!

Test Track is going to be refurbed during our time? I didn't know that. There's another wrench that will cause me to rethink our usual plans.

I think the fastpass thing will work out, but the change in strategy is an issue for me.

I am super excited for Fantasyland!

I was lazy and added my comments into your message above.

It didn't quote them for me! Ugh, let me think back.

Test track won't open until September.

Here's the official press release (copied from touring plans dot com)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 6, 2012 – Disney and General Motors have renewed their long-term business relationship with a new multi-year corporate alliance.

As part of the new alliance, GM will be actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering in the development of a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track experience. The refurbished Test Track will be presented by one of GM’s most famous brands, Chevrolet. As Chevrolet marks its 100th anniversary, the new alliance agreement enables General Motors to tell its story in new and exciting ways to millions of Guests from around the world and continue as the official vehicle sponsor of Walt Disney World Resort.

“We are excited to renew our long-term alliance with General Motors,” said George Aguel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Alliances for the Walt Disney Company. “This unique agreement extends collaboration between two of the most recognized brands in the world, a relationship that spans over 30 years. The re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will continue our shared goal of providing unique and innovative experiences that engage Disney guests in exciting and interactive ways.” ”

“As a global brand, Chevrolet is looking forward to welcoming Guests from around the world to the re-imagined Test Track,” said Joel Ewanick, Global Chief Marketing Officer for General Motors. “The best of Disney and the best of Chevrolet will come together to bring Guests an immersive experience in the design process of the vehicles they see on the road today and will see in the future.”

Plans call for closing the current GM Test Track in April 2012, with an anticipated opening of Test Track Presented by Chevrolet scheduled for fall 2012.

As part of the re-imagining, the Future World attraction will feature a sleek new “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” immersing Guests in the fascinating world of automotive design. Amid upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests themselves will become automotive designers – and peer into the future of personal transportation in the process.

At interactive design and styling workstations, Guests will be able to create their own custom concept vehicles. The adventure will then shift into high gear as Guests buckle into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit.

Their performance testing complete, Guests will move into a post-show area filled with special effects and be scored on how well their custom concept vehicle did. And of course, Guests will be able see the very latest Chevrolet vehicles in an all-new state-of-the-art showroom.


Maybe we will have to do Circle of Life before we do Living with the Land to end on a high note!!

We rode Snow White two or three trips ago to say good bye because it was supposed to be closed long ago...

I have to say, we were fast pass collectors...

Art of Animation is reported to be quite expensive...I heard great things about its food court, though. I am excited to take pictures there too!

Hi I am subbing as well. We are going in July too. I haven't started a ptr just yet. Still deciding if I should since I didn't finish my December TR

Did I read that right? Spectro Magic is coming back!!???

You read correctly- some time in summer...

Welcome!!! I had to finish my TR before starting this. I have a hard enough time keeping up with all of my friends' reports let alone two of my own!

Can you quickly wrap up your Dec? I'll have to hop over to it. I think I missed it when I was subbing to Dec reports.

We are going July 8-15 we are staying at All Star Sports. We are taking my niece and nephew. This will be my 5th trip..

You'll be there the same time we are! (Did I talk to you before --something about hearing you say you are taking niece and nephew... Is it their first trip?)

Oh, yay for the circus! DD might make us ride Dumbo 40 times... isn't that funny - it's such a silly ride but she just LOVES it!

Any other Fantasyland info is greatly appreciated! So glad Peter Pan is finally getting an interactive queue.

We will be staying at Pop, so I think we are going to venture over to check out the new Art of Animation resort too! I wanted to book it for July, but the Little Mermaid building won't be open and we really don't need a suite with just the 3 of us for a long weekend.

Can't wait to hear more! Great job on the airfare! Are you still doing the dining plan?

And you'll ride it 50 times if she wants... When she's older, she make up for it by riding the thrill rides you love!

I heard that the Art of Animation is ridiculously priced! I think it would be a great location if you were taking other family members.

We aren't doing the dining plan. I plan on doing a post about it.

I am excited about the airfare savings, but I have to start stalking the rates to try to get a credit for the winter too!

I will certainly share any other FL updates I read about!

 

[RooRach0906]

I am excited about Fantasyland!!! I am hoping that the Be Our Guest resturant will be open for us.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hey Debby,

Sorry I haven't been commenting - I thought I had subscribed to your thread but just realised that didn't happen - duh!

Anyway am hoping to visit at Christmas time at some point - just not sure when that will be.

Going in July will be good and a different experience from your Christmas trip. AK sounds like a good choice though I know how much you like Boardwalk.

 

[Cinderella909]

Changes in WDW for July:

Thanks for pulling all of this together, as it makes it easier to keep up with all the changes. I'll miss Snow White... not too sure I like the new fastpass... and yeah for changes in Peter Pan!

We'll be there in July too!

Karen

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I am excited about Fantasyland!!! I am hoping that the Be Our Guest resturant will be open for us.

Me too! I haven't been able to find anything about it! Please post if you see anything!

Hey Debby,

Sorry I haven't been commenting - I thought I had subscribed to your thread but just realised that didn't happen - duh!

Anyway am hoping to visit at Christmas time at some point - just not sure when that will be.

Going in July will be good and a different experience from your Christmas trip. AK sounds like a good choice though I know how much you like Boardwalk.

Glad you are commenting now! =) I love July much more than August. It gives me more time to enjoy Disney! I don't have to worry about going right back to school.

Changes in WDW for July:

Thanks for pulling all of this together, as it makes it easier to keep up with all the changes. I'll miss Snow White... not too sure I like the new fastpass... and yeah for changes in Peter Pan!

We'll be there in July too!

Karen

Hi Karen! Welcome! I am happy to do it! I will keep updating as I learn more.

February was sooo slow, but I am hoping March passes much quicker!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

It is sometime this summer. No firm dates yet.

Well at least I know I'll get to see it at least once this summer!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Dining Plan

(As I began this post, our phone rang. Dh is currently talking to a DVC rep. He will not be very happy with me that I asked him to answer... He's off. It was a woman calling to assign us a guide. She assigned us "Jason" and then put him on phone to say hello and offer us a promo...)

Commercial break over...

We have been fans of the dining plan, and we have been burned by NOT using the dining plan. The benefit of the dining plan has EVERYTHING to do with where you eat.

The short answer:
If you are adults with two children under the age of ten and you plan on eating at character meals and/or buffets, the regular dining plan will save you money. (In the past, our family of four also saved money with the quick service plan.)

Now, in 2012 (peak season prices), the prices are higher...
53.54 / 16.02 vs. 47.99/ 12.99
$139.12 per day vs. $123.96 per day

Now, that seems terribly high for a day's dining, right? Well if you eat at 1900 Park Fare, it is a bargain!

42.59/ 21.29 = $127.76 - So, for $11.36 more, you are getting four mugs, four counter meals, and four snacks!


Now, for this trip, We will avoid buffets. I think we can eat cheaper at signature restaurants...

It would cost us $170.36 for our family per day on the dining plan (the girls are now Disney adults).

So let's look at California Grill:

Dh orders Tuna - $40 and beer (not included bc it's not included on ddp)

So this is bison; couldn't find a tuna pic. haha

I order flatbread - $13 (menu not too appealing to me)

pic by all ears


I either order the girls flatbread $13 or two kids meals (Am I allowed to get this for them if they are 10?) $8 each

We get two desserts to share $12 each...

pic from disney food blog- and it will be our anniversary...

Three sodas: $3 each?

Total: $ 106 including tax...That leaves us $60 to cover our lunch. Well, since we share two counter service meals, that leaves us enough for breakfast and lunch...

I just can't imagine that either of my girls could eat enough to justify over $50 a day for each of them!