Relaxation, Disney Style, PTR. ~*TRIP REPORT HAS STARTED! 9/18 Pg. 155*~

[manntra]

MK Haunted Mansion fo sure!!!!
Epcot Test Track...although it can be a bit loud

I say do both. But since that wasn't an option then go with MNSSHP.....can't you just hear the song from the parade? And Hallowishes is spectacular.....I do believe you said once that it is your favorite I don't think I could go there during that time of the year and not do it....

Tracy

 

[Lady Lallie]

And I just want to piggyback on what I said and what everyone else seems to be saying about the MNSSHP v. Hopper debate...

Remember, it's not choosing MNSSHP OVER or INSTEAD OF the Hopper. It's just choosing to not buy the HOPPER right now. It'll always be available.

As opposed to MNSSHP. Which could sell out.

So very true. I am comfortable not getting the hopper, I know we make our park plans work without and still have a good time. And if we feel like we need it down there then we buy it.

Here is my two cents on hoppers...

We used to think we had to have them, but I like collecting my FPs and going back at night. I love the parks at night, in in your case you can actually enjoy them past bedtime in my house! Save the money... see if you can be happy without and know when you have a family is really adds up to have hoppers!

I like the idea of taking a break and going back at night to use the FPs, good idea.

I personally would do the hopper but that is the way I roll. But it sounds like based on your previous trips, that you don't get your $ worth out of it. And the party is SO cool! So, for you, I vote party. And as others have said the hoppers will always be there as an option you can add if you run into a situation where you "have to" have it!

40 days sounds WAY better than 41!

I've been listening to Hallowishes and Boo to You in the car the last two days...I really want to go to the party now.

I am weighing in here on the park hoppers vs. party ticket and I say go with the party ticket. Its such a great parade and it will give us another opportunity to run into each other (I hope). Plus - you can buy the party ticket after you arrive. That's what I always do and its always been available. so you charge that and you have a bill that comes in later.

There have been many of my trips where I have done one park per day. I like it. I like going back and doing what I missed early in the day and saving those FP's for later.

BTW - I hope we will be able to meet on Sept 11th. My traveling partner Jen is totally up for it. I know you aren't planning anything, so I guess we should touch base a week or two before departure date!~ If you make plans that night, no worries...we will catch you at MK the next day!

Still super psyched that we will be there at the same time!!!!!

When I mentioned going to MNSSHP to Marc, he was all about seeing the grave diggers again.

Sept. 11th should work for us. I think we'll be going to AK that day, so we should be back at the resort on the earlier side.

Favorite queues, huh? Some tough choice, but I think these are my favorites:

DHS- Tower of Terror. Trust me, it's cool enough to check out, and no worries about being denied the chicken elevator. It's always an option)

AK- Can't decide. Maybe Kilimanjaro

MK- Pirates of the Caribbean

EPCOT- Either the Seas with Nemo and Friends or Figment. I think I like the queues at both of those better than the rides themselves.


Having never been to MNSSHP (someday...), I'd pick that if it was between the party and park hoppers. I actually haven't gotten a park hopper in years and don't particularly miss having one.

You really have to make it to MNSSHP someday, it's a great party.

Finally caught up again!

I'm totally loving your no plan plan!!! I think that's fabulous for just the 2 of you!!! Plus, with all the changes etc, you must have such a planning headache it's not even worth it!

I'm sooooo sorry about the kidney stones!!! I've had both kidney stones and gall stones and I know how much it hurts!


Your getting so close you must be so excited! You really deserve a good, nice, relaxing vacation together!

As for the MNSSHP/Park Hopper issue, that's a really hard one! If I was forces to pick I think I'd go with MNSSHP!!! LOVE IT!

I have a major planning headache, it's just now starting to go away.

I don't wish Kidney Stones on anyone, they are truly awful.

I'm getting REALLY excited. Like so excited I don't know how I'm going to wait for the trip to get here.

Hmmm...for MK I think I have to agree with Marc and choose POTC! For Epcot, I'm going with TT!

As for the hopping/party debate - I would personally choose the party. You can park hop any time of year, but MNSSHP isn't always an option. Plus, it sounds like you aren't really park hopping "people". We aren't either! We're going to need them for our November trip just because of the short time, but on longer trips I really do prefer one park per day. I would say if you didn't use them much in the past, you probably won't now either.

Very true, MNSSHP is only at a certain time of year. I think with the length of our trip we will be good with not hopping.

I just love your daily updates. I can't wait until we go and I can play a game like this. We have hoppers but we are upgrading to aps while we are there.

Does this mean you are going to do a PTR??

Favorite queues.

Mk-Haunted Mansion

Epcot-Test Track

DHS-Tower of Terror

Ak-Everest!

I'm voting for the party. I would much rather see the party than hop. The only time we hop is on a trip that I can't get 2 days in each park in, then I'll take one day and split it between parks.

I made a rough outline of what parks we would go to on what day without hopping and it works out well, giving the most time to MK and Epcot of course.

Favorite queues:
MK would be Splash
Epcot don't have one.
DHS has to be TOT
DAK, I'm thinking Kali is very cool!

Go for the party! You will have the best time there...

I know we will have a good time at the party. I feel like having been before that we will have an even better time because we know how to spend our time.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hey LL! I got a little behind, running to catch up! I know you have lots of advice, I will just tell you that the party was really fun. I am glad I did it. I would have enjoyed it more if we rode more, but the kids were getting tired. So with older children, and with adults (like you guys going) you will likely love it. The costumes and decor and the extra little fun they sneak in for the party was TOOOO cool! That is why I want to go to the MVMCP in December! I want to be there at night to see the parade, etc. The Halloween parade was SO cool!!!!



I love all the queues that have already been mentioned I also really like the line for Nemo's ride at "The Seas" at Epcot.... so pretty and calming UNDER the sea..

I'm really excited about the non-existent lines at MNSSHP. We had a POTC boat all to ourselves in 2008. It was great!!

I say go with the party ticket, there's bound to be lots of pictures and memories for you two from it! Plus, even if you didn't get the park hopper and were stuck deciding what to do because a park didn't appeal to you one night, it may actually make you take your time and go back to the resort to relax and swim! Or go to downtown disney or do something different that you normally wouldn't do! That's my vote!

As for park rides...my oh my, let's see....
Animal Kingdom-I don't know I really like Dinosaur, but that's just me being a biology nerd! I love love Bug's Life though, I feel like every time we go on it I always see a different animal carving in the tree of life!
Epcot-Test Track. My grandfather retired from General Motors and seeing all the car testings always reminds me of when he used to take me to the plant!
Magic Kingdom-Oh lord, this is a hard one. Haunted Mansion obviously, but Pirates is a close second!
DHS-TSM I guess! Love all the toys obviously, but I really would like to take pictures of TT!

Oh, there will be plenty of relaxing and swimming this trip. I can't wait to enjoy Riverside!

All of your queue choices are good ones!!

Not the greatest but here ya go!

In regards to hopping, I agree with Marc. Don't get them now and if the time comes that you really wish you had them and it's worth spending the $$, then go ahead and do it! It seems like this trip is less structured so why worry about it now. I've done both with and without hoppers and although I liked having it and thought it was worth the money for just me, I didn't miss them and was happy to save the cash when I was with the whole family. (For what it's worth, if I had to choose between PH and MNSSHP, I'd go with the party in a second!)

Great picture! Much better than the one I couldn't find.

MK Haunted Mansion fo sure!!!!
Epcot Test Track...although it can be a bit loud

I say do both. But since that wasn't an option then go with MNSSHP.....can't you just hear the song from the parade? And Hallowishes is spectacular.....I do believe you said once that it is your favorite I don't think I could go there during that time of the year and not do it....

Tracy

We just might end up doing both, we shall see!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Pssssst.

Guess what??

I'm going to Disney World NEXT MONTH!!



I'm so excited. So excited, I don't know how I'm going to get through the next 38 days.

Forgive me for not posting yesterday. I had a final in the morning (went well) then I went shopping for some Halloween costume stuff and other errands, then I came home took a wonderful nap and watched some TV with Marc. It was a good day. We watched the new Masterchef with Gordon Ramsey. I keep telling Marc that he needs to try out for it, it's amateur chefs. I know his polenta could get him a spot on that show!! Anyhoo...I was busy but that means you get a double dose today!!

But first...we have decided to go to MNSSHP.

I FINALLY got Marc to agree to a costume idea. Do you want to know what it is??

Hmmm...should I tell you?

Yes! I'm not that mean. I'm going to be wearing a POODLE SKIRT. I'm so excited. I'll be ordering one I found on Etsy. It's very cute. I could make one but honestly, I don't want the frustration. Marc will be a greaser, I guess that's the term. Honestly he won't be very dressed up but he'll go with me and that is all that matters. Now to see if I can get my hair in a pony tail.

Resort We'd Most Like to Visit on our Trip - 39 Days

Marc - Boardwalk

This makes me feel a little guilty since I'm staying there in January.

Leslie - Grand Floridian

I've been saying I wanted to get over there for my last 3 trips and I haven't yet. I'm going to really try this trip!

Favorite Counter Service - 38 Days.

We have the same answer - Casey's!

What are yours?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

for your trip being NEXT month (mine is too )

for MNSSHP! We're going as well but we're not dressing up. I love your costume idea. Very cute. We will be there on the 14th. So far, I've never been able to get Joe to even THINK about dressing up for it though.

Resort I'd most like to visit would be:

Animal Kingdom Lodge

I must admit though, my reason is selfish....I want zebra domes!

Joe's favorite counter service:

Before

after

My favorite CS would have to be Flame Tree BBQ. Sadly, I don't have a picture of it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for getting to go to MNSSHP and dressing up! I think the two of you are going to be adorable as 1950's people!!! Don't worry too much about the ponytail -- remember that hairbands were big back then, too.

Resort I would most like to visit? As in, which one would I like to go explore? Oh, I know -- Kidani!

Favorite Counter Service? Without a doubt, it would have to be the Cantina de San Angel! Love Mexican food!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You're going to WDW next month. What a wonderful phrase.

Love your costume idea, sounds adorable! And it will be easy to adapt to any unusually hot or cool weather!

Favorite resort... don't think I have to answer that one...

Favorite counter service... hmmm... that's tough for me. Either the taqueria stand in Mexico (not the Cantina but the F&W stand they have kept in place) or Pecos Bills. Oh, I also really like Hurricane Hannah's at the BC. Of course this assumes that one can't count champagne as a CS meal in which case that kiosk would be my favorite.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm going to Disney World next month too!!!

How about some dancing potassium just for us:

I think the costume idea is a great one - very easy! MF and I have yet to discuss if we have enough time to work ours out. Maybe we can talk about it today. If not, 50's costumes...hmmm...SUCH and easy idea...

I may need to "borrow" it from you.

Resort I'd Most Like to Visit? Hm...depends on how you're defining "visit". To "visit" as in to stay at? Easy, the Poly. But "visit" as in to just stop in and wander around? Much harder...I loved wondering around the WL and am looking forward to doing a little of that with BF when we check in for our WCC ADR. I think that resort will be right up his alley. I'd also like to poke around a little more at BC and "visit" SAB. LOL

Favorite Counter Service also has a couple of categories for me:

Favorite Food, Most Choices & Best Quality (My All-Around Fav): Sunshine Seasons
Favorite for a Solo Meal: Flame Tree BBQ
Favorite to Visit with Friends: Casey's

 

[brookelizabeth]

Love your costume idea! You two are going to be adorable! It's a simple one too that will be comfortable. I can't wait for the pictures!

Resort I would most like to visit is All Star Movies! I've never been over to the All Stars, and I know Henry would love seeing "Andy's Room" over there, so it would be magical for me to watch him take it all in.

And Counter Service. CASEY'S! Of course! CHH is a close second though, love that tuna sandwich.

 

[jenjolt]

Love the costume idea!! You and Marc are going to be quite the pair I can't wait to see the pictures!!!!!

Hmmmmm resort I would most like to visit....well I have been to quite a few of them....but to really explore I would like to go back and visit up close with the Beach Club/Yacht Club!!!

Favorite CS....I love me some corndog nuggets so I'm going to have to say Casey's....so GOOD!! I love getting those to go as I walk out!!!!

YAY for going to Disney next month...that is so awesome to be able to say!!!!

 

[Roxychica7]

Cute cute cute costume idea LL!! so glad Marc is on board for doing it with you (well, as if he really had a choice )

Let's see...so far we have explored the Contemporary, AKL, Poly, Grand Floridian, Boardwalk, CBR and the Beach Club. From there, I guess I'd say maybe the Wilderness Lodge? Blake and I are so into the great outdoors, I think this would probably be the next one we'd most like to explore

 

[Dancegrl624]

Resort I'd like to visit: BC/YC and the Poly. We're eating at Cape May Cafe and 'Ohana next month (yea!) so I'd like to explore

Fav Counter Service: Sunshine Seasons is my new fav, but my old fav was Cosmic Ray's. When I traveled with my parents, we always had to eat there.

Love the costume idea!

 

[LuccaDrake]

Yay! Your getting close! Both DF and I's resort that we would love to stay at is Boardwalk. My favorite CS is Sunshine Seasons and DF's is Pinnochio Village Haus but not for food, for reliving his childhood. lol. I'm not sure if we'll be going there this year as they changed the menu quite a bit. Oh well, if it makes him happy....

~Beka~

 

[manntra]

I am going to watch Masterchef later today.....I have been catching up on things around the house today and plan to catch up on tv later tonight. I watch all the cooking shows
Happy you are going to the party and you will have fun dressing up!

Resort I would like to visit....the only one I have never really explored....GF

Favorite counter service....would have to be Starring Rolls or the Patisserie in France....mmmmm mmmm mmmmmm!!!

Tracy

 

[meeko_33785]

I like your costume ideas. Sounds like they'll be fun and not too hot. That's nice of Marc to dress up too- especially in a matching costume.

Resort I'd most like to visit... out of all of them Animal Kingdom Lodge. Haven't been there in a long time and have been wanting to go back. Out of the ones I've never been to before, Old Key West.

Favorite counter service restaurant... I really don't think I can decide! Either the French boulangerie in EPCOT (love to get some quiche or a sandwich, one of the plates of grapes and cheese, and of course a little dessert) or Sassagoula Floatworks at French Quarter (for a muffuletta, jumbo or beignettes)

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Love the costume idea...although you really should have Pluto on your poodle skirt

Favorite CS??? Yikes, I could never pick! I don't even know if I could break it down by park! But I am fond of the topping bar at Pecos Bill and my new "oh my goodness, there is something else to eat besides Pizza Planet @ DHS" is Starring Rolls.

 

[pooh'smate]

Does this mean you are going to do a PTR??

I am probably going to start one within the next week but I have NO ideas for a title and that is really what is stopping me.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Next month does sound rather fabulous!

I really want to visit your POR....

Favorite CS would be the same as Tracy's Starring Rolls or France! Yummo!

I have got to get on the ball and think of costumes for Baylor, Marc and I for the party!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I am probably going to start one within the next week but I have NO ideas for a title and that is really what is stopping me.

No!! Don't let that stop you!! You know I'd be there in a second!! Please go ahead and start, you can always change your title!!

Now. onto the business at hand...


Resort I'd most like to visit: AKL!! Never been. The good news is that we're doing the AK Trifecta this time- Boma, Sanaa, AND Jiko. So plenty of opportunity there to check it out!

Fav. CS- FTBBQ and Caseys. Sorry it's a tie.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I love your idea for your Halloween costumes. Simple and easy to wear in the parks. I second CP's idea about the headbands, but if you really want to do a ponytail and your hair is not quite long enough try one of those inexpensive clip on ones they sell at drugstores. I did that the year I dressed up as Belle. At night no one will ever notice it's not really you. Mine had a clip to hold it on.