Santa is turning legal & chasing down the Headless Horseman! September 2017 (1st) PTR!

Chrystmasangel

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
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Hello there my fellow mildly(yeah right!) obsessive compulsive crazy Disney peeps!
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It dawned on me recently that it is only 12 months and 13 days from my DD turning 18. September 13th, 2017 to be exact!

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When did that happen? I could have swore she was still 8 just yesterday! How did that 1 creep in there and plant itself so firmly in front of that darn 8!

For her sweet 16 she was given a choice of a family week long trip just us and maybe 1 of her friends or an overnight trip with the entire family. She chose the entire family.
We went here!
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And stayed here...
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Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and 7 of her closest friends. There were a total of 26 of us. There was only suppose to be 24, but that Entertainment Villa was SOOOO huge we found space for the extra 2 peeps and just purchased day passes for 2 of them.
So how do we top that? Because 18 is much more important than 16, right?
Is there anything better than this?
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Or this...
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Or this....
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Or....you get the picture... What better way to turn 18 than to do it at Disney World.

Would you like to come along with me in planning this very unusual and different trip for us? If so, pop a squat, grab a drink, be careful where you step, take small children by the hand, and keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times!

Introductions
How this story began!
What we know so far
What's for Dinner?
The Quick of Things!
 
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Introductions!

So before I completely invite you into my world of crazy, lets get some introductions going so you know who we are and where we are from!

I will start with where are we from?

Ohio...born and raised. Every stinkin one of us. I Went to a small country school.


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Our yearly "big deal" was the day all the kids got to drive their tractors to school.
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Yep, that's my school. Graduating class of 78 peeps. DH, DD, and DS all have gone to a city school. DH's graduating class was 300, and DD's is looking like it will be about 290.
Some of the things to do in Ohio

1. Cedar Point-America's Roller Coast and Soak City

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For Thrills...you can't beat it. Roller coasters are what this park is all about. Soak City is nice, but there are other water parks I like better.

2.Kings Island and Soak City
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The thing that I love about Kings Island is 1 ticket and you get both the amusement park and the water park. Ride the coasters in the morning and evening and then during the HOT noon time, hit the water park. At Cedar point/Soak City, you have to pay full rate separate tickets for entry into both parks.

3. Amish country.
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There are of coarse other things to do in Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of fame, Lake Erie and Put-N-Bay, Dayton Air Force Museum, Cosi, Zoo's, Zoombezibay, Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, Etc... but when people find out where I am from, these are the main area's they know.

Soooo.... who are we???

Lets start with the star of this show! The Fabulous, the wonderful, the amazing...
DD: Savannah/aka: Santa (She couldn't pronounce her name when she was little and this is how it came out). She is crazy about Japanese anime with Mayazaki films being some of her favorites. She also mildly obsesses over Iron-man and well any other Marvel character come to think of it! Star Wars, gaming of all kinds including board games, Doctor Who, drawing, and belching. yes...this is DD.

Age at time of trip:18 (technically 17 till last day of the trip)
Favorite Park: Hollywood Studios
Favorite Disney character: Stitch
Favorite ride: Tower of Terror
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Oh wait....that darn 1 again!...She's not 8! She's gonna be 18...let's try this again:

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Next up, DD's Side Kick
DDBF (Disney daughters best friend): Rylee/aka RyeRye (DD and her have been friends since 2nd grade). DDBF loves to dye her hair all different colors. Like DD she loves Star Wars but leans more toward Thor rather than Iron-man. She has no idea she is going with us. I am plotting with her parents! This is going to be the surprise of a life time for her and my DD is loving that she gets to surprise her best friend for her 18th b-day. She has a brother who is autistic and all of their "excess" money goes to his care so she has never even imagined this was something that was possible for her. We are not going to be telling her until the night before the trip when we go to pick her up. I have to scheme all kinds of ways to get her what she needs before the trip and keep it hidden from her until then. Luckily it is normal for DD and I to find something at a store and just randomly buy it for her so when I am just randomly buying outfits for her and "holding them back till Christmas" it shouldn't seem out of the normal.
Age at time of trip:17
Only favorite I can give you:
Favorite character:Ariel
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If you can't figure it out, DDBF is the one on the left.

Let's not forget the not so little guy!
DS: Trevor/AKA Bub. Lover of computers and anything to do with them. This kid is smarter than all the rest of us put together. Taught himself how to type at the age of 4 and his pre-school teacher had asked permission from us to allow him to teach all of the other kids how to use computers. He is part of the robotics team. AS an 8th grader, he was taking high school robotics classes and he will be taking college engineering coarses as a Freshman in high school this coming up year.
Age at time of trip: 15
Favorite Park: Epcot
Favorite charactor: Whall-E
Favorite ride: Soarin
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The ring master of us all
DH: Reuben/AKA Popsy. This guy!!!! They broke the mold after they made him. Just don't find many like him. He loves Doctor Who, Starwars, Harry Potter, games, and sarcasm! He is a bit obsessed with board games and Table Top. I think in the past 2 years, we have purchased EVERY game played on that show. At the time of the trip we will be married ...Oh...my...and that just made me think of another thing we can celebrate on this trip. Holy cow BATMAN we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary!
Age at time of trip: 43
Favorite Park: Hollywood Studios
Favorite charactor: Genie
Favorite ride: Star Tours

Then there is me: Jenn/aka momma. I am a firm believer that Christmas should be kept all year round. So much so that all my decorations with the exception of the tree and stockings stay up all year in my kitchen. Oh and yeah, I love me some Disney. There is NOTHING better than Disney Christmas. I love to sew and craft things and to scheme and plan!
Age at time of trip: 45
Favorite Park: Epcot
Favorite charactor: Mulan
Favorite ride: Haunted Mansion
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So hello from our eclectic group of crazy people!

Up next: How this story began!
 
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How this story began!

This story begins, well, does planning Disney trips ever end? Doesn't everyone always have a plan going round the may pole in their skulls about what they will do on their next Disney trip? No?
Well then...where was I...me watching the Boo Too You Parade on my tablet while waiting to watch a movie. I, being the technically challenged person that I am, notice this little icon on the top of my tablet. What's this? It has a square with a little arrow in it and I had never seen it before. SOOOO, naturally, I tap on it and my tablet magically asks me if I want to use our Amazon Fire box to stream my YouTube video on our TV.... Uh... Disney Parade....7" tablet screen or 60" tv screen???... DUH! So I tap it and what to my wondering eyes should appear...not reindeer...or Santa...but the Headless horseman trompsing down Main Street in all his glory!
Courtesy of The DIS


My DD starts singing "boo to you and you and you. Happy Halloween", my DS see's the Haunted Mansion float
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Courtesy of WDWMAGIC.COM


and is just amazed. All is right with the world in our tiny little bubble. then... DD say's "mom, I want to go so bad for Halloween". This sets the wheels in my idy bidy brain in motion. Can you hear them turning? And then...it all comes together like peas and carrots...roads on a road map...all leading us back home.


You see, Just like every other good Disney addict I have been tossing around when we would go for our next Disney trip ever since we got on the De-magical express at the end of our Christmas 2014 trip. Our trips have been about 2-3 years apart. I knew that I wanted to go in 2017, I just couldn't pin down a time. I wanted to be sure that Pandora would be open, or as sure as I could with it still being 2017 and I wanted the littles to miss as little school as possible. Hmm spring break, nope, no way Pandora would be open, but it would be Flower and Garden. Visions of butterfly's start dancing in my head...no, no...can't...must see floating mountains... Then I thought July, over summer, and DH's B-day. But then I look at my Remembrall from our 2012 trip and memories of watching Wishes during a tropical storm lead me away. Maybe November over Thanksgiving break....hmmm,that's sounding good, but it will be SOOOO busy... then DD's singing voice, like a Christmas caroler on a cold Christmas eve..."Boo too you, and you, and you...and it dawns on me...Is there any better way to celebrate than taking her to see Boo Too You?????????? and just like that our basic time was picked. September 1stish-11thish, 2017 (tentative on flights). Over Labor day. Here in our town our Popcorn festival is always the weekend after Labor Day. The littles will not only have Monday off, they will have that Friday off. It is a yearly teacher in service day...aka/festival skip day.

And with a finger layed upon the side of my nose and a quick little nod...up through my mind, this trip arose. Oh wait... gotta get Christmas out of my head!

I know it has to be longer than our normal trips which are usually only about 5 days including travel days. I also know it MUST be in a deluxe resort. We have never stayed deluxe as a family (I have with my aunt when I was a teenager). We have stayed moderate at both CBR and Port Orleans-Riverside. We have also stayed value, All star sports, movies, and Pop Century. What better way to turn 18?



So here we are....remember....mildly obsessive compulsive crazy Disney...
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I now have Disney on the Brain:
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And the planning begins. When do we fly out? Or maybe we should drive...but 18 hours is just to long, so no, we fly. So what airline? How many bags? How many changes of clothes? OMG where should we stay? What park do we go to and on what day? Where do we eat? When do we eat? What time do we shower? What charactors do we want to see? And then THIS....
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Happens!!!!!!!!!
DS: "Mom....can you please not kill me this time at Disney? Can we actually make it a bit less jam packed so I am not miserable at the end? Maybe even just spend a day at the resort?"
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This is me as soon as Disney day arrives...
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everyone else is like....
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Against all I know and with as much will power as I could muster I have agreed to all of my family that I will not jam pack this trip.

THAT is where I am going to need the most help and why I have started this PTR. I don't know how to plan a relaxing trip to Disney World. LOL I am not even sure I know what that means! How do you go to disney to relax when there are parks to visit and rides to ride?


I have a few things sorted out and tossed around... but will stop here for now.

Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, your my only hope!


Up next: What we know so far!
 
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I LOVE YOUR introductions!!!

So they all know with the exception of DDBF! she is going to FLIP!!!
So WHAT resort did you pick?
How many days?
 

I LOVE YOUR introductions!!!
Yeah! So glad you took time to read it and are here to help! Thanks. I really tried to reflect our personalities in it!
So they all know with the exception of DDBF! she is going to FLIP!!!
Yes she really is. Every time DD and I start to talk about WDW you can just see the longing in her face. DD is always laughing at me because after DDBF leaves our house I am always wanting to go tell her and DD makes me promise I won't tell her. Don't know if she is enjoying planning the surprise or watching me agonizing over spilling the beans more.
So WHAT resort did you pick?
How many days?

There are some variables here... So will put up phase 2 of intro's soon.
 
That is so sweet!! And such a long time to keep a secret!
Thank you. I love surprising people! The surprise is even better when it is for someone who you know deserves it! This girl gives up so much for her brother and never EVER complains.
Keeping the secret is harder on me than DD. I am terrible at it. Just like Christmas. I am always making her have her friends over the weekend before to open their gifts cause I know I can't wait until after.
 
What we know so far!

Trip dates:

I would really love for our trip to be from September 1,2017-September 10,2017. The kids would only have to miss 3, maybe 4 days of school depending on our flights on Friday. HOWEVER...I have recenlty found Frontier Airlines is now flying out of our Columbus airport (45 minutes away) instead of just Cleveland airport (2 hours away). Normally we fly Southwest, but round trip tickets are usually $220 a person, unless I get REALLY lucky and hit a date where they are $198. There are no luggage fee's, but I usually always pay for early entry on the plane to get better seats, so that's an extra $15 per person per flight. So round trip tickets end up being about $230-$250 on Southwest ($1150-$1250 for all 5 of us). With Frontier airlines, I have really been watching their rates for this September around the time we would be flying out next year. If I purchase their Den Deals ($150 for 1 year) I have seen tickets as low as $29 one way and are non-stop, which would put it at $58 round trip. They do charge per bag, $25 for the first checked bag per person. We usually only take 2, but will take a 3rd this year due to Halloween and then will also have a 4th for DDBF. This will put us at $290 round trip for the flights and $200 round trip for luggage. ($490 for everything round trip) + the $150 to purchase the den deals so $640 round trip. Only issue is... Frontier only fly's to and from Columbus/Orlando on Sundays, Tuesday's, and Thursdays. If this pans out to be our best deal, then I will have to move the dates of the trip to September 3rd-September 12 OR Aug 31st-September 10th.


Resort Choices:

I know I want Deluxe, however, I don't know that my budget will allow this. If they release Free dining again for fall next year and I can get it, then it will work, if not, then I will have to settle for a moderate as the values don't accomidate 5 unless you go into suites and they end up being more than moderates. I know a lot of people don't care for the dining plan, but for us, knowing that we are going and everything is paid for but tips and suvineers is so much of a relief, that it is well worth it! And I am completely ok with just standard views. We are not normally in our room enough to look at the views. Even with a "relaxing" vacation, I still think we will be out of the room even if it is lounging by the pool. On previous trips I couldn't ever justify to myself to spend the extra money on a Deluxe when we spent SO LITTLE time at the resort. With this trip being more about the resort, I think it is time. My top pics right now are:

Beach club
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Courtesy of www.wdwinfo.com
What better way to enjoy a resort than the location of being so close to Epcot, Ice Cream at Beaches & Cream,and with a pool like Stormalong Bay. That pool is amazing!
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Polynesian Village
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This resort has been on our family's bucket list for some time. It just looks so inviting. The Volcano pool looks fun. The monorail and boats make getting around fairly easy. We have always wanted to stay on the monorail line. And, how can you beat Wishes on the beach!
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Courtesy www.disboards.com


These 2 are the primary resorts I am looking at with the Contemporary/Yacht Club being back ups. Input? Suggestions?

If we must go to moderate due to budget restraints, the only one we have not stayed at is Coronado, but we would have to go to a suite to sleep 5 there, so wouldn't make sense. I believe we would re-visit The Caribbean Beach Resort as it is DD's favorite of the moderates that accommodate 5 peeps in a room.

Up Next: What's for Dinner?
 
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I made it! :D

Your introductions are fabulous. I really felt like I got to know you a lot better. :)

You'll love the Poly! I was only there for 3 nights, but those were 3 amazing nights of luxury. The pool was super fun and the views from the beach were dreamy! Haven't stayed at the BC, but it sure looks great too.

I think with a 10 day trip you'll be able to build in some down days. Get 8 day Hoppers and take a middle-ish day to sit by the pool and have dinner at Disney Springs. Or do a monorail crawl. The possibilities are endless!
 
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I made it! :D

So glad you stopped by! Will be a fun ride with you along for sure!

Your introductions are fabulous. I really felt like I got to know you a lot better. :)

Thank you! Tried really hard to bring out our roots! =)

You'll love the Poly! I was only there for 3 nights, but those were 3 amazing nights of luxury. The pool was super fun and the views from the beach were dreamy! Haven't stayed at the BC, but it sure looks great too.

If we are able to do deluxe (come on free dining!) I am really leaning toward this one. The pool at Beach/Yacht club are definitely better, but the Volcano pool is cool too. When I look at the whole scenario though, Polly wins out hands down. It has a nice pool, Monorail, and Wishes! Yes please!

I think with a 10 day trip you'll be able to build in some down days. Get 8 day Hoppers and take a middle-ish day to sit by the pool and have dinner at Disney Springs. Or do a monorail crawl. The possibilities are endless!

See, this is where I am having issues. I keep finding more and more things I want to do (and the kids do too!). Like you, in my head (angel on one side ) I keep saying get a park hopper 2 days shy of the days we will be spending there, so we CAN'T go to the park for at least 2 days. Then I think (devil on the other side), But what if we want to just go watch a night parade for that evening and it's only $10 more per person for that extra day or two. This is truly going to be sooooo hard for me. Then of course, there are the littles with extra things they want to do. I think one of the main things I am going to have to do is set myself to the side and really focus on DD since it is a trip "about" her.
 
Hi! :wave: I followed over from Steppe's PTR I hope to catch up tonight at work or tomorrow morning, but for now ( or soon ) I'm going to bed and will hopefully sleep until it's time for work.
 
I would really love for our trip to be from September 1,2017-September 10,2017.

I would really love for your trip to be October 1-10th, 2016. ;) LOL!

So glad you stopped by! Will be a fun ride with you along for sure!

It'll be great watching this trip develop along! Wouldn't miss it for the world.

If we are able to do deluxe (come on free dining!) I am really leaning toward this one. The pool at Beach/Yacht club are definitely better, but the Volcano pool is cool too. When I look at the whole scenario though, Polly wins out hands down. It has a nice pool, Monorail, and Wishes! Yes please!

To be honest, we never went in the Main Pool. We went into the quiet pools and loved our late night swims there. But, yeah, theming for sure wins hands down. I love the background music there and the torches and well.... just everything.

I've heard that the Wishes view is not as great as it was due to the bungalows now, but will let you know if I get over there to see them this trip.

See, this is where I am having issues. I keep finding more and more things I want to do (and the kids do too!). Like you, in my head (angel on one side ) I keep saying get a park hopper 2 days shy of the days we will be spending there, so we CAN'T go to the park for at least 2 days. Then I think (devil on the other side), But what if we want to just go watch a night parade for that evening and it's only $10 more per person for that extra day or two. This is truly going to be sooooo hard for me. Then of course, there are the littles with extra things they want to do. I think one of the main things I am going to have to do is set myself to the side and really focus on DD since it is a trip "about" her.

Honestly, I think I could do a Disney trip and never step foot into a park and have a great time. So much to do!!!

And a day off in the middle really helps to recharge and let us catch up on sleep some. On your day off, if you really have to see the fireworks, go the Cali Grill and watch from there over dessert, or go to the Poly and watch with your toes in the sand. Go to DTD and watch the music groups there. Ask DD what is important to her and see if you can find a few things on off days to just use the time to wind down and see/do some things that aren't park related. Hoop de Doo? Luau? Monorail crawl to see decorations? There are scavenger hunt games, Hidden MIckeys to find, and resort tours like over at WL.
 
Hi! :wave: I followed over from Steppe's PTR I hope to catch up tonight at work or tomorrow morning, but for now ( or soon ) I'm going to bed and will hopefully sleep until it's time for work.
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Glad you came over! Need all the help I can get with this one! Hope you slept well!

It'll be great watching this trip develop along! Wouldn't miss it for the world.

I was just thinking about all the things that have changed since our last trip and I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed. This is not normal for me at all, but I keep thinking about all the "new" stuff that we have to figure out how to deal with on top of the normal obsessive planning and I'm spinning! DS and DDBF are both ADHD and on meds for it, DS is now dealing with sleep issues due to ADHD meds and has started experiencing fatigue due to his heart defect (bicuspid aortic valve and his weight just does not help in the least!), DD still has some issues with her mono from 2 years ago with back pain and fatigue and then her newly diagnosed Severe Lactose intolerance, My Fibromyalgia, RA, and Raynauds syndrome!

To be honest, we never went in the Main Pool. We went into the quiet pools and loved our late night swims there. But, yeah, theming for sure wins hands down. I love the background music there and the torches and well.... just everything.

I've heard that the Wishes view is not as great as it was due to the bungalows now, but will let you know if I get over there to see them this trip.

I have been reading different things about the Polly quiet pools. We are normally the main pool kinda people. The kids love all the extra's at the main pools. But the late night swims I have been reading about that are allowed at the quiet pools are intriguing me. When we were there in 2009 one of the things my oldest (he is not in the picture this year or from the past 2 trips but he is 22 now) DS loved was that when we got back from the parks, no matter what time it was, he could go swim in the quiet pools. In 2012 and also 2014 the quiet pools were even closing unlike before and so swimming after a long day was not an option. I have read different things with Polly. Some things say they are "closing" the quiet pools just like the main pool, but the Cm's don't shoo you out like they do other resorts and then others are saying that they remain open. I am hoping the latter is the case, because I could see this being one of the ways to help with long park days.

I have also read that the Wishes view is not as great as it was... but since I have never seen them from the beach on Polly, I won't know what I am missing. I have seen them from the observation deck at the contemporary, but not Polly Beach.
 
Hi! :wave: I followed over from Steppe's PTR I hope to catch up tonight at work or tomorrow morning, but for now ( or soon ) I'm going to bed and will hopefully sleep until it's time for work.

Hail, hail, the Gang's all here!!

:grouphug:

I was just thinking about all the things that have changed since our last trip and I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed. This is not normal for me at all, but I keep thinking about all the "new" stuff that we have to figure out how to deal with on top of the normal obsessive planning and I'm spinning! DS and DDBF are both ADHD and on meds for it, DS is now dealing with sleep issues due to ADHD meds and has started experiencing fatigue due to his heart defect (bicuspid aortic valve and his weight just does not help in the least!), DD still has some issues with her mono from 2 years ago with back pain and fatigue and then her newly diagnosed Severe Lactose intolerance, My Fibromyalgia, RA, and Raynauds syndrome!

I'd say then, it's going to be tricky and your biggest challenge to just be ok with pacing yourselves and taking sanity breaks along the way. Maybe even taking in some of the sit down shows like HoP, BCJ, or the Pavilion shows at EPCOT would be nice good A/Cd breaks for those of you who get tired easily. Maybe more frequent sit down snack breaks? And really, I'd consider a nice longer swimming or just napping break back at the resort/pool during the day. Really, it's not all about how many rides you can cram in; loads to do outside the parks that is a bit more chill. We LOVED the Cirque last trip and didn't go to a park at all that day.

I have been reading different things about the Polly quiet pools. We are normally the main pool kinda people. The kids love all the extra's at the main pools. But the late night swims I have been reading about that are allowed at the quiet pools are intriguing me. When we were there in 2009 one of the things my oldest (he is not in the picture this year or from the past 2 trips but he is 22 now) DS loved was that when we got back from the parks, no matter what time it was, he could go swim in the quiet pools. In 2012 and also 2014 the quiet pools were even closing unlike before and so swimming after a long day was not an option. I have read different things with Polly. Some things say they are "closing" the quiet pools just like the main pool, but the Cm's don't shoo you out like they do other resorts and then others are saying that they remain open. I am hoping the latter is the case, because I could see this being one of the ways to help with long park days.

Yeah, no idea how it's being enforced now. I hope not too strictly, because I really do adore my late night relaxing swims too.


I have also read that the Wishes view is not as great as it was... but since I have never seen them from the beach on Polly, I won't know what I am missing. I have seen them from the observation deck at the contemporary, but not Polly Beach.

As far as fireworks go. I also know that catching a boat in the lagoon is a good way to see them. Most of the captains will stop the boat so everyone can watch. Might be a good option.
 
I'd say then, it's going to be tricky and your biggest challenge to just be ok with pacing yourselves and taking sanity breaks along the way. Maybe even taking in some of the sit down shows like HoP, BCJ, or the Pavilion shows at EPCOT would be nice good A/Cd breaks for those of you who get tired easily. Maybe more frequent sit down snack breaks? And really, I'd consider a nice longer swimming or just napping break back at the resort/pool during the day. Really, it's not all about how many rides you can cram in; loads to do outside the parks that is a bit more chill. We LOVED the Cirque last trip and didn't go to a park at all that day.

I am actually considering HDR for one of our dinners and then just watching the electrical water parade after from the beach at Fort Wilderness. I just have to some how get it through my thick skull that it is OK if we don't go to a park 1 day. That is the hardest thing for me and I don't know why I can't get my head wrapped around it! I am really looking at Epcot closer as it is DS's favorite park. Along with not killing him, his 2nd request was that we go to Epcot as the 1st park of the trip so he can enjoy it more and not be completely wore out by the time we go. It is usually park 3 or 4 as MK is/has always been 1st and HS has been 2nd. He wants to really enjoy world showcase instead of being so pooped he doesn't even want to walk around. I think the key for me not going all out is going to be forcing myself to leave the parks by a certain time. I am trying to plan that with the ADR's and putting them at places that will force me out of the park and then, once I am out of the park, when the littles say "I want to swim" I won't be so quick to say NO. lol Every time I get to Park focused, I just need ya'll to come along and slap me around a little!

Yeah, no idea how it's being enforced now. I hope not too strictly, because I really do adore my late night relaxing swims too.

I have been following along with the Polly thread and there was a post just a bit back from someone who had just returned home saying that they still were not asking you to leave the pools.

As far as fireworks go. I also know that catching a boat in the lagoon is a good way to see them. Most of the captains will stop the boat so everyone can watch. Might be a good option.

I didn't know this. I knew they had the paid boat rides to watch the shows, but never realized the transportation boats would slow to watch them. Good to know. I am considering swaying really far from the norm and doing a dinner reservation at O'hana about 45 minutes before wishes starts and asking for a window seat. I know they are hard to come bye, but it is something I am considering too.
 
What's for dinner?

Is there any better conversation than food?
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Nope!

Our family normally only eats 2 meals a day. If we use a QS for breakfast, then we use a snack for lunch and vise versa. We almost ALWAYS use the TS for dinner. This trip is not going to be any different from that aspect. What will be different is that I normally always plan our TS dinner to be in the park we will be in that day. My previous mentality was that we didn't want to waste precious park time commuting from 1 park to another when there was PLENTY to do in the park where we were. This trip there will be 2 major differences...

1. We will be adding the Park hopper!

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which we have NEVER done (well, I had them back when they were just part of the tickets and not something you have to pay extra for) Anytime we have gone as a family, I have never felt this would be a value to us. I am thinking it will be a necessity with the attempt at new touring plans.

2. I am actually wanting to plan my TS dinners to be in a different place than where we are going to be for that day.

I am hoping this will help with the "don't kill us mom" issues. My reasoning is this: If we have a reservation outside of the park, it will FORCE me to have to stop and leave. I am thinking (hoping really) that once out of the parks, I will be ok with not wanting to go back in UNLESS it is just for maybe a night show/parade.

In the past, I have been very adamant about before park opens... but, again, that promise I made? I am not allowed to plan much stuff that requires us to get up early. With that being said, our normal patterns in the past have been 2 qs for breakfast and we split them, 2 qs for later lunch (1-2 pm) and we split them. (or if we don't like what the littles are getting we use a snack), then we do an earlier dinner about 4 or 5. Well, this time around, I am thinking if I push the dinners to later, maybe 6 or 7, by the time we leave to go eat dinner and then finish, there won't be time to go back to the parks except for maybe a night show. This will help me with making sure I don't over book things causing us to be on the go from morning to midnight. I also am trying very hard to keep a lot of our ADR's outside of the parks. This will force us to have to leave and I think (maybe???) once I am out of the park, I won't be so gung ho to try to make them go till they drop.

So that's the plan! any idea's? Any comments? Any smacks on the head?
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I wanted to try to do a list of restaurants that we have not gone to yet. This may have to be re-visited as DD was diagnosed as being severely Lactose intolerant about 4 months ago. She gets severe pains in her stomach if she eats even just the smallest amount of dairy. She has tried Lactaid to calm it and she has a "rescue" medication, but at times, they don't even work. Through trial and error, we have found that she can usually handle dairy about 1 x a week and only in VERY small amounts even with using Lactaid with it. I just happened to think of this when I was making this list of restaurants a couple weeks ago. I have only begun to research the restaurants "allergy" menu's and some of them I am not sure she will find anything she will enjoy and since it is her Bday we are celebrating, this is a very big priority for us. I have been reading some of the trip reports with peeps that have allergies. It seems that it is hit or miss on the Chef and how they will react to requests not on the menu's if someone doesn't like what is offered. Some will go out of their way to try to accommodate and others insist that they can only make what is on the menu. This worries me that she will become upset. She is very sensitive and if someone embarrassed her or made her feel as if she was a problem, she would take it very personally. With that in mind... here is my list I am thinking about. *** means it is a high priority and **** is an absolute must do!


Disney Food wish list 10 (maybe) nights on dining plan
Beaches & Cream-Ice cream-Beach club resort*** (pay out of pocket,just desert, this may be one we have to remove due to DD Lactose intolerance)
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1 O'Hana-Dinner-Polly (family style)*** (9:00 pm ask for Fireworks view table at podium)
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2 Teppan Edo-Dinner-Epcot****(DS and DD request)
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3 Boma-Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (buffet)****
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4 Whispering Canyon Cafe (think Ed Debeviks from Chicagp, backward customer service)
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5 50's Prime Time Cafe-Hollywood Studios
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6 New Avatar restaurant***
(Can't wait for pics of this!!!)

7 Hoop Dee Doo Review-Fort Wilderness (family style) (2 table service) late show for catagory 1
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8 Cape May Cafe-Beach club Resort (buffet)
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9 The Garden Grill-Dinner-Epcot (family Style)***
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10 Maya Grill-Coranado Springs
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Back up's


Yak & Yeti
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Skipper Cantin
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Via Napolie
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All of these are "new to us". by that I mean, I have been to Ohana and Garden Grill, but it has been almost 30 years ago and I don't even think they had the same names??? (They were definitely not character meals at that time) So I don't count that.


Up next: The Quick of things!
 
I am actually considering HDR for one of our dinners

YOu will LOVE this show! Absolutely hands down one of my favorite things to do. I've been twice, and am not doing it this year, but it is a really GREAT evening!

That is the hardest thing for me and I don't know why I can't get my head wrapped around it!

Trust us all. There is more to a Disney vacation that parking it. There are some really great entertainment options away from them, including some of the restaurants on your list. There are sing alongs, camp fires, and all kinds of things to keep you busy. Don't get stuck in the park rut. (That's your slap on the head. )

Epcot as the 1st park of the trip

Always our first park. It's perfect for the teen AND adult crowd. :) Don't forget that there's a game there too that I think the teen crowd will like.

the key for me not going all out is going to be forcing myself to leave the parks by a certain time.

Good way to force you out. But remember, you can always go back too after dinner if everyone is up for it. Like you say, for fireworks, nighttime rides, or the parade.

I just need ya'll to come along and slap me around a little!

I can do more... ;)

I didn't know this. I knew they had the paid boat rides to watch the shows, but never realized the transportation boats would slow to watch them. Good to know. I am considering swaying really far from the norm and doing a dinner reservation at O'hana about 45 minutes before wishes starts and asking for a window seat. I know they are hard to come bye, but it is something I am considering too.

I think they are prettier from up in Cali Grill, and if you're light eaters, the price may be about the same. They will suspend your service and dinner when the fireworks start so you don't miss them. They let you out onto the Observation Deck and then you can come back to your table and resume a VERY nice dinner.

1. We will be adding the Park hopper!

GREAT PLAN!!! You won't be sorry! For a 10 day stay, you'll want that flexibility!

2. I am actually wanting to plan my TS dinners to be in a different place than where we are going to be for that day.

To be really, really honest, the MUCH better places to eat ARE outside the parks with a few exceptions. Yak and Yeti was pretty good, and EPCOT wins for the most "better" ones of the parks. But generally, the better food is at the resorts, or on the Boardwalk, or at the Springs. I think you'll be happy with your choice.
 
I've finally had a chance to read :yay:
I love the idea of Santa becoming legal by seeing the Headless Horseman ride! And of taking your DDBF along. We stayed at the Poly for my oldest DD's graduation trip in 2010 and loved it. We were close enough to the TTC to walk over and catch a monorail and the paths were lit with tiki torches :love:
I hear ya on the showing down at Disney, I just wanted to say, You can sleep in math class! But luckily the responsible mom came out and sent the big kids on their way and my mom and I did what we wanted to until it was time to meet up for group activities. It was toughest on my mom, she likes to have everyone together for pictures and just general togetherness:grouphug::crowded: lol
My middle DD has a severe allergy to dairy, we found all of the chefs to be extremely helpful and at Ohana they brought her dairy free ice cream. Also I would still go to Beaches and Cream, I would almost guarantee they would have a dairy free alternative.
 
YOu will LOVE this show! Absolutely hands down one of my favorite things to do. I've been twice, and am not doing it this year, but it is a really GREAT evening!
I have seen it myself...but we are talking years ago. This was one of the first restaurants we did when my aunt took me on my first trip. Come to think of it, I think this was the VERY first thing we did. Just can't remember for sure those couple of years ago (haha I wish) I can't wait for my family to see it. When we went for Christmas 2014, it was just to quick of a trip and we chose to do the sleigh ride in the camp ground rather than a dinner show. I am glad we did because it will be something I never forget that got me this pretty little beauty...
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Trust us all. There is more to a Disney vacation that parking it.

I know... I know...I just don't want to listen.

Don't get stuck in the park rut. (That's your slap on the head. )

To late...Think it is now at the stage of "get her pulled out of the park rut!"

Always our first park. It's perfect for the teen AND adult crowd. :) Don't forget that there's a game there too that I think the teen crowd will like.
Agent P's World showcase adventure? Yup, did it on our summer 2012 trip when we took our friend and her 2 kids (we love taking people that will never be able to go themselves and they fit the bill quite well!) I think they have changed it now though so that it is on your own phone where before you used to have to get a "phone" at a kiosk... but not 100% sure on this. Kids LOVED it and is something we will do again and was in the plans on this trip.
I can do more... ;)
Be prepaired! I am sure you will have to!

I think they are prettier from up in Cali Grill, and if you're light eaters, the price may be about the same. They will suspend your service and dinner when the fireworks start so you don't miss them. They let you out onto the Observation Deck and then you can come back to your table and resume a VERY nice dinner.
I, but not the rest of the family have seen them from the Observation Deck in the Contemporary. Again, thanks to my wonderful aunt! We didn't eat at the restaurant there, we just went to the observation deck to watch. I don't know that it is still open to non eating guests, but it used to be. I have looked at Cali Grill menu, but I am not sure it is quite to my family's taste. DH and DS are not the "get dressed up" kinda peeps and in fact would probably say no!

GREAT PLAN!!!

Thanks, now I just hope it works!

To be really, really honest, the MUCH better places to eat ARE outside the parks with a few exceptions. Yak and Yeti was pretty good, and EPCOT wins for the most "better" ones of the parks. But generally, the better food is at the resorts, or on the Boardwalk, or at the Springs. I think you'll be happy with your choice

I am glad to hear it, because I have never been to many of them. All the ones that I have gone to other than a select few back when I was young, I don't think even exist any more.

I've finally had a chance to read :yay:

Yeah, Hope you enjoyed and also hope you have some good advice!

I love the idea of Santa becoming legal by seeing the Headless Horseman ride! And of taking your DDBF along.
Think the funnest part is making my DD's wish come true and then just anticipating the look on DDBF's face when we go get her.

We stayed at the Poly for my oldest DD's graduation trip in 2010 and loved it. We were close enough to the TTC to walk over and catch a monorail and the paths were lit with tiki torches :love:
I was actually thinking of requesting a room by the TTC so that we have super easy access to MK and Epcot.

I hear ya on the showing down at Disney, I just wanted to say, You can sleep in math class! But luckily the responsible mom came out and sent the big kids on their way and my mom and I did what we wanted to until it was time to meet up for group activities

LOL That is my reaction most times! I have tried to send the "big" kids on their way, but NO, they don't want to. HAHA. I think I have the only 17 year old and almost 15 year old that STILL ask to be tucked in EVERY SINGLE night! They won't go any where without us. I have had to chaperone almost EVERY trip they have gone on for school. Love it.

It was toughest on my mom, she likes to have everyone together for pictures and just general togetherness:grouphug::crowded: lol
I like the togetherness as well. I do have to agree there. With memory maker though, pictures are not such an issue any more because any ride/photopass pics they would have taken, I will get. But again,
even when they are tired and I suggest that DH and DS go back and DD and I stay in a park, they both DS and DD get upset because they don't want to be apart and even more so on a trip.

My middle DD has a severe allergy to dairy, we found all of the chefs to be extremely helpful and at Ohana they brought her dairy free ice cream. Also I would still go to Beaches and Cream, I would almost guarantee they would have a dairy free alternative

This is good to hear. I am stressing about this a lot. I don't want my DD's trip to be ruined because she can't eat stuff she likes. part of the fun of vacation is all the yummyness. Granted, I know she will have to adapt quite a bit, but I am hoping they make it magical for her. I have been trying to find some trip reports with peeps that have went that have allergies and am getting some good stuff there. I also have been trying to find the allergy menu's for the specific restaurants we are going to so I can see if they have any choices she may like. Hope you stick around and can give me input on this, because it is a whole new world to me!

DD is AMAZING!**********************************************************************************************************************************************


I just wanted to share these. My DD is in a college art class for her Junior year. She almost didn't make it in, because you have to pass the Sat's just like you would for normal collage entrance, and she missed the mark by 1 pt. She and I talked to the instructor and asked if they could make an exception since it was an art class and she was out for 45 days her freshman year with her concussion. He made the exception and let her in. With these classes, the student must maintain a c or above or the parents have to pay the cost of the class at the end of the class coarse (this can range from $400-$1000 depending ont he class) well, since she is a "wild card" due to not having the Sat scores, she has to maintain a B or above or we have to pay for the class after the coarse is over. She showed me her portfolio this morning for the first month of school....I think I don't need to worry about a B or above... what do you think?
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Uhh, no, I don't think you will have to worry about paying for her class. ;)
I'll have to ask DD if she remembers what she had at our different ADRs, it's been almost 4 years and I didn't take notes soooo.....yeah, I'll need to ask. :lmao:
All of my kids were different, but by their late teens they were ok with going off with each other allowing me some extra freedom lol. Our one trip we took their cousin who is 3 years older than my oldest, well my vehicle broke down and while I was dealing with that they all went to EPCOT and snacked around the world. I was a little jealous and sad :sad: lol.
 















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