PTR: March 14-19 - Going alone & going all in! Trying it all!

[brdlyleon]

Hello all and welcome to my first ever thread that deals with anything remotely to me!!! I've started some other ones but I've not entirely introduced myself! Here's my chance:

My name is Bradley, but i usually go by Brad. I was born and raised in NC and both of my parents are from Costa Rica. My father was never in the picture but me, mother, and sister have always gotten along rather well. I turned 19 this January and guess where I went...thats right, to the mouse!

We moved to Florida in 2006, my first year in high school, and wouldn't you guess it, it was also my first time at WDW! We only went to MK and didn't get the chance to go back until 3 years later but I loved my time there! I had begged, begged, begged to go, and it took my entire family from CR to go!

I know go to school at UNF in Jax, 3 hours from the mouse, and have an annual pass! I've used it once since I bought it but I hope this trip will change it all!

So enough about me, I have 25 days to plan my spring break, full of firsts, and many things to try! please join in, give recommendations, and just join me in this hectic time! while i have papers and exams to study for, i instead opt out for looking up things to do and sights to see. Hope you can all join in!

 

[brdlyleon]

Rough, overall itenarary:
1st (14th) - Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios
12:15 PM reservation at Rainforest Cafe

2nd (15th) - Hollywood Studios
2:05 PM reservation Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

3rd (16th) - EPCOT
9:55 AM reservation at 1900 Park Fare
7:00 PM reservation at Via Napoli

4th (17th) - Magic Kingdom
8:25 AM reservation at Crystal Palace

5th (18th) - Resort/Downtown Disney/Magic Kingdom/Epcot
1:00 PM reservation at T-Rex A Prehistoric Adventure

6th (19th) - Universal/IOA

Like I said, this will be a trip of many firsts:
- 1st solo trip to WDW
- 1st stay at a WDW Resort
- 1st stay at POP Century
- 1st trip lasting more than 4 days (7 days total)

I'm so excited for this trip and the more and more closer it gets to being that time, the less I can't wait. I can tell that all my friends are getting exhausted about my obsession but they love me and are dealing with it, regardless of me being able to deal with. As I go on, there are many changes going on with ADRs, overall plans, and days of vacation, so I'll be sure to point out the updates from my original plan.

 

[TanzUnited99]

only 20 days until your trip!! Bet you can't wait!!

Looking forward to hearing about breakfast at 1900 Park Fare as we will be eating there as well.

Can't believe you live so close to the mouse...wish I could move to Florida!!

 

[brdlyleon]

only 20 days until your trip!! Bet you can't wait!!

Looking forward to hearing about breakfast at 1900 Park Fare as we will be eating there as well.

Can't believe you live so close to the mouse...wish I could move to Florida!!

woohoo! lol I really cant! its gotten to be an issue, esp. with school, but ill pull through! I actually just had a little argument over it with mother so that wasnt cool...

haha yeah thats the only reason i like florida!!! so close yet so far away though!

Well stay tuned! im gonna post my daily previews and ill def. be making a TR! I'll make sure to review 1900 for ya!

 

[britt_ji]

Your plans sound good so far. I agree, I would love to live in Florida! Can't wait to hear more about your solo trip!

 

[brdlyleon]

Your plans sound good so far. I agree, I would love to live in Florida! Can't wait to hear more about your solo trip!

thanks! lol thats the only thing i like about living here

update on first day up today so check it out!

 

[brdlyleon]

Here are my plans for the week so far:
Sunday, Mar. 13th – Drive from Tampa to Orlando with a friend. Hang out and stay with her the night.
Monday, Mar. 14th – At about 10 am, drive to POP Century, check in, and unpack. I have an ADR for 2 at the Rainforest Cafe just outside of Animal Kingdom for 12:15, so lunch there before saying our good byes and then I head over to AK. Walk over to either Safari or Rapids, depending on wait time, and grab a fastpass. Then head over to face my fears against the Yeti on EE. Right after, I hope to time travel on DINOSAUR and maybe grab a quick bite before heading to Nemo. Next, fastpass time, then the other ride I didn't grab a pass for. Finish off with character greetings at CMM and a tour around the Tree of Life with Flik and friends! Really excited about starting off with Animal Kingdom. I have to admit it's my least favorite just because it reminds me of Busch Gardens (which I love) and has less to offer, and because I just had such a poor time the first and last time I went. I wouldn't know where to go to lunch (I've been to Yak & Yeti before and enjoyed it, but I would feel like I was cheating my family if I went without them) so if ANYONE would like to throw anything out there, I'm up for suggestions.
I'll be getting out lastest by 6, and DHS has EMH that same day so I think I'll be traveling over to maybe explore a little and do things I usually skip while there. I am planning on going again the next day so I may just head straight to the hotel, explore the resort, maybe go for a swim, and then rest up for the next day.

I may venture towards POLY to cheack out wishes at the beach...either way I want to do it either Monday or Wednesday because I doubt I'll watch them from the actual park.


COMING UP: Day 2/Tuesday and what I have planned!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I will definitely be remembering the day you leave as it is one day after my birthday!

Did you mean to say that you will arrive at Pop at 10am on the 14th? Hope you don't mind me asking but don't think you will get much done at AK if you go at 12 at night lol!

Great plans for AK - though as someone mentioned on my PTR, FOTLK is worth watching. Am looking forward to seeing it. With regards to where to eat if you want a CS place, how about Flame Tree Barbacue?

Am so jealous that you get to go so soon! Looking forward to reading your day 2 plans

 

[MikeandSulley]

I'll join in, I've been trying to decide if I want to do a Trip Report maybe this will inspire me. So jealous you're in Florida, I would love to live there, actually applied for some jobs down there, but then again. I love living in Colorado! So excited for you, my trip is in September and it's soooo far away, only two weeks, jealous!

 

[britt_ji]

I've heard some good things about Flame Tree, if you wanted to try that. I'm personally too afraid of the birds there, though

Or you could try Restuarantosaurus. Not sure if the food is great, but it is right there in Dinoland, U.S.A. So, it would be convienent after Dinosaur.

 

[brdlyleon]

I will definitely be remembering the day you leave as it is one day after my birthday!

Did you mean to say that you will arrive at Pop at 10am on the 14th? Hope you don't mind me asking but don't think you will get much done at AK if you go at 12 at night lol!

Great plans for AK - though as someone mentioned on my PTR, FOTLK is worth watching. Am looking forward to seeing it. With regards to where to eat if you want a CS place, how about Flame Tree Barbacue?

Am so jealous that you get to go so soon! Looking forward to reading your day 2 plans

awe i'll try to remember if i dont pee my pants of excitement of the coming day!
hehe ya caught me! Yup I meant 10 AM, but it seems it may be later. We'll see!! I believe check in is at 3pm so if anyone can confirm this that'd be great!
I've actually seen FOTLK...it was great! The only reason I'm skipping it this trip is just so we can watch on our family trip in November! If I get hungry, then I think I'll go check it out! I honestly haven't spent enough time in there to really find a good CS place. Thanks for the recommendations!

I'll join in, I've been trying to decide if I want to do a Trip Report maybe this will inspire me. So jealous you're in Florida, I would love to live there, actually applied for some jobs down there, but then again. I love living in Colorado! So excited for you, my trip is in September and it's soooo far away, only two weeks, jealous!

Thanks and welcome! Oh whoa I'm flattered! This will actually be my first too so maybe we'll just end up inspiring each other! When will yours happen? Yeah it's nice, but I do miss home...Colorado sounds fantastic! I would love to go! Thanks! Yeah it's far, but it'll make the trip so much better when it happens! Idk if I could wait there....already planning my next trip for May!

I've heard some good things about Flame Tree, if you wanted to try that. I'm personally too afraid of the birds there, though

Or you could try Restuarantosaurus. Not sure if the food is great, but it is right there in Dinoland, U.S.A. So, it would be convienent after Dinosaur.

Yeah I've heard about Flame Tree too! I think I may try it out...Although I haven't heard enough! Don't know what you mean by the birds That may be another alternative! I may end up holding out so we'll see what happens!

ANOTHER UPDATE TONIGHT!!!! be there ))

 

[brdlyleon]

Tuesday, Mar. 15th - I really was hoping to sleep in on the days in this week but as I think about it more and more, the less I want to spend sleeping. TSM is just a crazy ride to try to get on after 10 so if I really want to ride this (I really want to ride this) then I'll have to get there early. I'm not a fan of the thrill rides here (I actually HATE ToT and I've never been on RnRC, yet im terrified) so idk what to do during this time. My friend may join me during this time which should be fun, but with ST closed, me not liking those rides, and there not being much else to do, I suppose I'll head over to M3D and VoLM before my ADR at the Sci-Fi at 2:05. My biggest plan for today is Fantasmic! I need to attend since I have yet to see it and I expect lining up for the 7pm show around 5:30. If my friend is to join, ill definitely ride RnRC, and I would like to do the AIE just to see what that's about so that should pass some time. If everything goes well and I'm out early, I hope to maybe explore some other resorts...maybe Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Contemporary. If I'm lucky, I'll pop over to MK for about an hour or so, see about riding BTMR or SM. I may just watch Wishes! from the POLY beach so idk, we shall see! Again, if you have any must-do's, let me know! I'm up to do anything!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Sounds like a good second day

In answer to your question check in time is 3pm but have read on here that you are sometimes able to get a room early if it is ready.

I know what you mean about sleeping - we will also be getting up early to ride TSM. Am looking forward to hearing your review of M3D and Sci Fi. Wishes from Poly sounds like a great idea! 15 days till your trip starts - it's not fair!!!

 

[brdlyleon]

Sounds like a good second day

In answer to your question check in time is 3pm but have read on here that you are sometimes able to get a room early if it is ready.

I know what you mean about sleeping - we will also be getting up early to ride TSM. Am looking forward to hearing your review of M3D and Sci Fi. Wishes from Poly sounds like a great idea! 15 days till your trip starts - it's not fair!!!

thanks! i hope i'll be able to get in by then! we'll have to wait and see!
Yeah i'm not an early morning riser AT ALL, but it'll have to happen! I already know I love M3D, its a fantastiv show and the effects are amazing! i'll make a note of writing that one down! I can't wait for scifi! sounds so good... I cant wait! lol i honestly dont knw what to do with myself haha

 

[brdlyleon]

Wednesday, Mar. 16th - Today is EPCOT! EMH in the morning, but can't make it since I have ADRs at 1900 Park Fare for 9:55 am. This is the last reservation I made and I really wasn't planning on doing it since Alice in Wonderland is one of my least favorite films and I have yet to see Mary Poppins, but the reviews were great and it was moderate in price so why not! At EPCOT, I hope to score a FASTPASS for Soarin' since I have yet to ride it, and then do the usuals (Mission: Space, TT, SE, SNM, and Imagination....whatever) lol I'm horrible with the acronyms. I'd also like to do the whole Kim Possible thing, the drink testing from Coca Cola, and Innovations, especially Sum of all thrills. I've always loved Innovations but i've never really gotten the chance to stick around. I then have ADRs for Via Napoli at 7:55. Really excited to go here! I'm hoping to leave here right after dinner since there are EMH last in the week and I'm planning on coming back then. Off to POP! This may be one of the nights I plan on going to Fantasia Gardens. I'm hoping to do some mini golf but I realize it may not happen. I guess we'll see once I get there! Not much detail for this day but this will be a fun day nonetheless

 

[TanzUnited99]

Sounds like a great Epcot day! Am glad you decided to keep 1900 PF - am sure you will enjoy your breakfast here.

 

[KellyNTink]

Hi Brad!!! Our family will be at POP March 15th thru the 22nd!!! Excited to read your PTR. Going solo actually sounds REALLY fun!

This will be our family's second trip going to WDW. We went in June 2009. I'm a little bit anxious about the crowds, but they were really big when we went before and we managed just fine. Plus it was insanely hot, humid and rainy. AND we still had a BLAST! So, with March weather I think we're going to love it.

Anyway, just wanted to say HI and CONGRATS on all your upcoming firsts! I am Disney nuts, too. I'd go every year if I could I think.

I'm currently in freak out mode because after I booked this March trip I planned like crazy and then life kind of took over and now here I am ELEVEN days out and I am NOT ready at all. I need to pull up my tour plans and ADRs...don't even remember what I reserved. Geeeezzzz...maybe I need to start a PTR to keep my sanity.

We're surprising our kids this time. We may see you at POP! I'll change my profile pic to show my face. I swear, sometimes I think it would be cool if everyone on DISboards had nametags that said, "Hi, I'm _______ from DISboards!" or something like that. I am a runner and log my miles on DailyMile.Com and it's crazy how many cyber friends I run into at races and we do the akward, "Are you so and so (screenname) from DM?"

 

[brdlyleon]

KellynTink, ah that's awesome!!! Same hotel and week! I'm excited!
I've never been in March so I'm anxious to see the crowds...I have been in the middle of the summer and the middle of the low crowds so idk what to expect!

and thank you!!! Yeah I couldn't imagine that happening...did you take a break from planning and just lose track? I'm thinking about it constantly so I know all the details by memory...although my ADR times are all over the place

haha I joined after my last trip to WDW so I haven't really had to deal with that... I want to do something to be recognized but idk what...I cant exactly go to home depot since I don't own a car haha we'll see. I'm def. decorating my window so ppl will know! lol maybe leave some paper on the door to have ppl decorate

 

[KellyNTink]

Hey Brad! Well you inspired me to start a PTR and getting that thread going has my toosh in gear to revisit my plans and be sure I'm getting prepared for my trip!

Enjoying reading your plans! Stop by my PTR (link below) and let me know what you think so far.

 

[brdlyleon]

SMALL EDIT: Change of plans, I won't be going home at all this spring break since my ride is leaving sunday and I'll be at disney monday so I'm going straight to Orlando! Planning on leaving bright and early sunday morning, meeting my friend in Orlando, dropping off some stuff at her house and taking care of some things and then it's off to Universal Studios! Really excited to go since I haven't been since like August, and I really want some butterbeer!! After that we're off to her house to rest up for that busy morning!

Now, on to our regular scheduled programming...

Thursday, Mar. 17Th – Last but not least, Magic Kingdom! I always like to leave Magic for last because that way I can leave with feeling that “disney high.” I know some people think its strange and probably don't do that because it just makes you miss it more but that's just me! So I have an ADR at Crystal Palace at 8:25 am...and of course, with my luck, its EMH. I won't be getting in alone but at least I'll be able to make it there in time to take care of some things. First, picture in front of the castle! Looking forward to having it being less crowded in the pic. The off to Peter's Flight, I haven't ridden this in about the 4 last visit I've been and I hate that because it's my favorite! Going to grab some FP and then gander a ride through the regular line. Hoping to get this done fairly quickly because off to breakfast I go! I'm excited because I've heard the food is great and I've never met any of the Pooh characters so I'm a little ecstatic... After Breakfast, I'll head over to Tom Sawyer's Island. I've never been here but as soon as I heard of the paintbrush thing I've wanted to go so my quest: FIND THAT BRUSH! I heard that if you find it, you get 4 fps for Splash & BTMR. I'll never ride splash so I'm hopping to pass those on to someone else...the BTMR Fps are mine though!! If all goes well, I'll head over there to ride it before I'm to a new adventure. That's as far as I've planned since I don't have a general idea of what I'll be doing...I suppose soon it would be time for PPF fp so i'll head over and then play it by ear. Things I want to experience throughout the day are:
-BTMR -POSSIBLY the CoP
-Space M. -HM
-PeopleMover -POTC
-SWSA -BLRS

I know, short list, but I know once I'm there I'll be wanting to do it all! May rest up and head to POP since it's open till 1am. I def. Want to meet new characters and get some autographs since this a new thing of mine...so far I only have Duffy so we'll see how that goes!
After some down time at POP, I expect to return to MK latest by 8 to do some more rides! REALLY looking forward to doing BTMR at night...heard it's a whole different experience! I expect that'll be all for this update since I truly am planning this one loosely, but I can't wait!! tell me what you guys think! (If I don't eat that afternoon at the POP cafe, I'll probably head over to Pinnocchio's Haus thing, lol, love it there!)

Next up: List of things I'm looking to buy while there and my last full day at the WDW