Sarah's Moving 2 AFRICA! The trip planned in 4 days! * THREE parks in ONE day! 5/10

[maroo]

Woohoo!

I think that there's some sort of 3-day ticket for Florida residents that is good for 6-months and costs about the same as 2 1-day Florida resident tickets. Have SarahSis ask about options before she purchases. (Or, ask the FL resident DISers to weigh in on this.)

There is a deal right not for $99 2 day park hopper for FL residents. Pretty good deal! But I will definitely let her know!! Thank you so much for that!!!

If you're stopping at DTD for lunch, then, go for it -- lots of great choices (we recommend Earl of Sandwich!). But, if you're stopping there to get your AP, you can do that at Guest Relations outside AK instead and save yourself a stop.

What a GREAT idea!! I need to go ahead and order the pass and then tell them that I will pick it up at AK, right?

Well, the schedule says that MK closes at 8:00. So, I'd guess Wishes at 8 and Spectro (if it's happening) at 7:00. Make sure you check these times as you enter the park -- you wouldn't want to miss it!

Thank you!!!!!!!! I would so be upset if I missed Spectro! Although, I might end up catching it twice! I will definitely double check the times!

YEA!! Another Maroo PTR/TR!!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!

Yep! Can you believe it?!?

Wow.. amazing! I am so jealous! I can't wait to hear all about it.

I know...came out of nowhere, didn't it!!

 

[maroo]

To stay or not to stay...

My work schedule has me working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. (I work a 32 hour work week with Wednesday's off.)

I could take Tuesday off and actually stay in Disney and leave Wednesday morning instead of Monday morning. This would give me Fri evening, Sat, Sun, Mon and Tuesday in the parks!!! (If I don't stay longer, I get Fri PM, Sat and Sun!)

PROs:

1. This would give me a chance to meet Noah's family. Noah is a MAW child from Canada that has been very sick off and on since December and his family is arriving on Tuesday. I have prayed and prayed for Noah over the past several months and it would be so cool to meet them! If I leave on Monday, I will miss them by one day. (It looks like I already get to meet 2 other Wish families on this trip! And I am SOOOO excited about that!!)

2. I would get TWO extra full days in Disney!! (Which are FREE as far as tickets go! So I would be getting more out of my annual pass.)

3. I could "map out" the course for the 13K and the half marathon. I could drive around and see what the course looks like. This will help my mental preparation for both events - a LOT!

CONs:

1. I would miss another day of work. My vacation days are not unlimited. But it would give me a full week left of vacation! Including a trip I have already planned for May.

2. I would miss a clinic day here, which is a busy day.

3. It would cost me an extra $100 for the extra 2 days in my "suite" that I have booked. But...that is ONLY $100! Seems like peanuts for two extra days in Disney!?! And my suite does include buffet breakfast!

4. I would have to pay for food for those days, except breakfast. But, I guess I have to eat at home, too?


So...what do you guys think? I would have a couple more things I would need to work out...like helping get coverage for Lauren for the week! We already have coverage planned for the weekend through Monday. But this would go through Wednesday.

 

[TarzansKat]

First of all, on the last minute ADR. Those are the most fun. And I know you'll love the Coral Reef, it's a great experience.

Now, on to how many days. Truly, it's a tough call. I know, right? Pick your jaw up off the floor, I did just say that. Because although I am mega crazy Disney girl, I am also sensible, hey, I work because I need health insurance and would like to keep my job girl.

Not that that's your situation , but I feel you on the whole work thing. I think as long as you're comfortable with your remaining PTO, you should go for it. That's always my big deciding factor.

 

[maroo]

First of all, on the last minute ADR. Those are the most fun. And I know you'll love the Coral Reef, it's a great experience.

Now, on to how many days. Truly, it's a tough call. I know, right? Pick your jaw up off the floor, I did just say that. Because although I am mega crazy Disney girl, I am also sensible, hey, I work because I need health insurance and would like to keep my job girl.

Not that that's your situation , but I feel you on the whole work thing. I think as long as you're comfortable with your remaining PTO, you should go for it. That's always my big deciding factor.

Yeah...I am not feeling as good about staying those extra days. ? Don't really know why...because it certainly looks good on paper.

My job loves me. My boss loves me. But, I might need that extra day for some other trip down the road! Who knows...maybe back to Disney?!?!

So...I am going to sleep on it! And decide tomorrow.

I booked both ways...one 3 day stay and one 5 day stay. I can cancel either one (or both, for that matter) up through Tuesday...so...I have a whole 24 hours to decide!

It is possible I will get down there and decide to come home early, too. Depending on where I am staying....the reviews are really good...but who knows until you get there, right?

I really appreciate your perspective!

 

[TarzansKat]

Yeah...I am not feeling as good about staying those extra days. ? Don't really know why...because it certainly looks good on paper.

My job loves me. My boss loves me. But, I might need that extra day for some other trip down the road! Who knows...maybe back to Disney?!?!

So...I am going to sleep on it! And decide tomorrow.

I booked both ways...one 3 day stay and one 5 day stay. I can cancel either one (or both, for that matter) up through Tuesday...so...I have a whole 24 hours to decide!

It is possible I will get down there and decide to come home early, too. Depending on where I am staying....the reviews are really good...but who knows until you get there, right?

I really appreciate your perspective!

No problem, hon! I think sleeping on it is a really good idea. It'll give you some fresh perspective, you know? And I'm sure others will weigh in with their pros and cons, and maybe that will help too.

 

[teresajoy]

Oh WOW!! I'm just so excited for you!! I often wish we had a car in good enough shape to make the drive!! In some ways it would really be a lot easier than flying!

I NEED you to meet NOAH!!! You need to hug that family for me!!! I am selfish and I hope it works out that you can stay to see them!

I'm really excited about your AP!!! How cool is that!?!

You are just going to have so much fun! I can't wait to read the TR!!!

 

[tinytreasures]

I don't know what to tell you to do sorry
all I am going to say is I get to meet you so that is all that matters to me

 

[ndloewen]

I NEED you to meet NOAH!!! You need to hug that family for me!!! I am selfish and I hope it works out that you can stay to see them!

Awww, teresajoy, you are so sweet!!

Maroo, I'm selfishly hoping you stay too!! I'll pm you later!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Hello!!

Just subbied; can't wait to see you plan everything so quickly!

I think if this is a once in a lifetime opp for you to stay at DIS longer, then go for it! I learned a long time ago to do things as you can so you won't regret it in the long run! If you can stay now and meet Noah, is that going to make a better trip than going again later on in the year? That's how I'd look at it!

 

[hematite153]

What a GREAT idea!! I need to go ahead and order the pass and then tell them that I will pick it up at AK, right?

Actually, you can just show up at the Guest Relations window at AK and buy an AP on the spot. (They want to make it easy for people to give them money. )

To stay or not to stay...

I think it sounds awfully tempting to stay the extra couple of days and I'd probably try to do it. But, you need to figure out what's best for you--it sounds like you feel better about coming home for work. Sleeping on it is a great idea.

(You could always add a couple of days to one of your later trips instead.)

 

[maroo]

Oh WOW!! I'm just so excited for you!! I often wish we had a car in good enough shape to make the drive!! In some ways it would really be a lot easier than flying!

I NEED you to meet NOAH!!! You need to hug that family for me!!! I am selfish and I hope it works out that you can stay to see them!

I'm really excited about your AP!!! How cool is that!?!

You are just going to have so much fun! I can't wait to read the TR!!!

I hear you, my friend. Did you see the picture on his blog...where he is holding his arms out...precious!

I don't know what to tell you to do sorry
all I am going to say is I get to meet you so that is all that matters to me

I am very excited to meet and your family, too!!! I can't wait! Going to GKTW and meeting some Wish families will be the icing on the cake!!! (And I love me some icing!)

Awww, teresajoy, you are so sweet!!

Maroo, I'm selfishly hoping you stay too!! I'll pm you later!

Aww...I am so glad that you guys want me to stay!

Hello!!

Just subbied; can't wait to see you plan everything so quickly!

I think if this is a once in a lifetime opp for you to stay at DIS longer, then go for it! I learned a long time ago to do things as you can so you won't regret it in the long run! If you can stay now and meet Noah, is that going to make a better trip than going again later on in the year? That's how I'd look at it!

Yeah...this is one crazy deal, here!!

And some folks think I go to Disney often...uh...no...this will be my second trip in the last 10 years! So it is not like I know what I am doing! Without the DIS...I would be clueless!!

Actually, you can just show up at the Guest Relations window at AK and buy an AP on the spot. (They want to make it easy for people to give them money. )

I think it sounds awfully tempting to stay the extra couple of days and I'd probably try to do it. But, you need to figure out what's best for you--it sounds like you feel better about coming home for work. Sleeping on it is a great idea.

(You could always add a couple of days to one of your later trips instead.)

Well...I am staying!!!! At least I am keeping it open to stay!!!

 

[maroo]

Ok! I am STAYING the 2 extra days!

I thought about it...talked to my friends that know me well...and heard from all of you guys...and am taking the plunge! It will be a good growth experience for me!

Actually...I am going to take off work for Tuesday. Which means I won't have to be anywhere until Thursday morning at 7:00!

Finances are not a major issue...as it will only be an extra $100 + food to stay the extra two days. I figure I am just getting my money's worth for driving down there!

But the big deciding factor...is that I will get more time to meet some Make a Wish families! I have "known" some of these folks for months and months. They are regular posters on the boards. We have supported each other through several hospital stays and illnesses...some very serious.

To leave one day early and miss seeing some of these folks just makes me sad! So...I am staying!

My main worry in staying, honestly, is that I will be bored by myself. I am a people person. I like to share things with people! I went on a cruise one time with some folks that I really don't "hang out with" - family - and I remember distinctly wishing I was back at home rather than out on the beach because I could at least be around my friends. Plus, seeing something amazing, and not having anyone to share it with, will be a bummer!

But I have some things I want to do...missions to accomplish! So...on I go with the planning!!!! More to come...soon!

 

[maroo]

This trip really has two parts...

The SARAH portion and the SOLO portion! So...I am going to plan in sections...

First...the SARAH portion:

Saturday:

We will meet at my hotel early on Saturday morning. Hopefully. This is their day...so I guess they can meet me whenever they want! My whole objective for this day is to show them the Magic Kingdom. They have never been...and probably will not be back again in the near future.

I will download a "touring plan" and see if we can go commando style...but also leave room for them to veer from it whenever they want!

We have no meal plans. I will eat my buffet breakfast (FREE) at my hotel (try to fill up!) and they will hopefully grab something, as they are not registered at my hotel yet. We will just grab something for lunch and supper. Probably cheap counter service.

I hope, hope to catch Spectro and Wishes (which I might have already seen on Friday night...but I would love to see it again!) I am so confused about that schedule! I can't seem to find it on the "real" Disney website. The most updated schedule seems to be on www.wdwinfo.com - but it says that Spectro and Wishes both start at 8:00?... Do I just call Disney and ask?

Sunday:

Epcot day! Again...I hope to make "rope drop"...although I really don't even know what that entails? You are just there when it opens?

Of course, Soarin first! Then grab fast passes for it later!

Basically we will follow the touring plan again...

We have a ressie for Coral Reef at 12:50! Yum, Yum!!

And then we will probably go around the World Showcase some in the afternoon and evening.

Illuminations will top off the night!

Then Sarah and Sis will head back to Tampa.

then...SOLO portion begins!!!! (More about that in a few min...)

 

[maroo]

FOOD!

I need your help on this. Feel free to post!

What are the best table service restaurants for solo travelers?

I don't want any romantic, dark, or quiet restaurants. I am looking for fun. Loud. Entertaining. But not terribly expensive...and probably no character stuff.

Here are some thoughts I have had...

Sci Fi Dinner Theatre - DHS - I won't be able to go here with Lauren, because she can't really enjoy sitting in the cars. So, I could go to see it while I am there?

50's Prime Time Cafe - DHS - They have a bar area. I don't drink. Not that I care if anyone else does...I just don't like the taste of alcohol. But you can sit there as a single person and not feel totally crazy? right?

Biergarten - Epcot - I understand that you sit at real long tables...so I could make some new friends? And it is loud and has good food. This would be a big meal and probably my only real meal of the day.

Teppan ___ - Epcot - The Japanese place. I don't have time to look up this name. But I saw it last night. Sounds like a Japanese steak house and they sit 8 people at one of those tables. But I think it is expensive?

Rainforest Cafe - AK - There is a bar area there, too. Although, I would probably pick a table in the corner and people watch.


Any other suggestions you guys have? Keep in mind my singleness! And that I really don't want to pay a TON to eat.

I know I can do counter service, too.

Any good counter service places? Mainly in AK, Epcot and DHS that are really good?

 

[maroo]

One more question: (Is anyone out there? )

Snacky foods...which ones are really good?

I have heard of the Dole Whip, but isn't that pineapple flavored?

And TarzansKat, what was the stuff that ZZUB would always talk about...that bread? Or dessert? I can't remember. And I can't find his blog address either?

Other snacks that I can't miss?

Thank you guys for all of your help!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

Wow, I have a lot to respond to.

First, I get the whole apprehension about solo thing. I'm a people person too, but I do say, I envy you your time in the World by yourself. I think you're really going to enjoy it.

As far as food goes, you've already listed some great options.

I know that the Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom has been considered to have great sandwiches and is a fairly inexpensive little sitdown. Although I've also heard it can get crowded, and ADRs are recommended. Aren't they everywhere?

As far as Epcot goes, I think you've already named some good choices there. I do have to say, I haven't been to Nine Dragons in China since the renovations, but I used to LOVE it before that, so you could consider that as well. I wouldn't feel out of place there, and I've always found the service to be excellent. Provided, of course, that you enjoy Chinese food.

I can't really think of anywhere else additional in DHS other than the Brown Derby. It can be pricey, but it can also not be. If you go as a solo diner, yes it may have a "romantic" aspect to it, but I find it to be one of the most comfortable of the signatures, given that it's in a park, and there's usually a lot of kids dining in there as well. I mean, you could really come out of there okay just by getting the lovely Cobb Salad and a nice dessert, probably under $30 total. I just love the Brown Derby.

Gosh, I just can't think of anything else right now. Went to the doctor's today and I have a massive sinus infection, so my brain is totally fried.

Ah yes, desserts / snacks.

I highly recommend the Dole Whip float. Pineapple Dole Whip with pineapple juice. It's heavenly. You have to like sweet with a little tang to enjoy it. Also, one of my favorite snacks in Epcot is a big ole salty pretzel, but it has to come from the stand in Germany. Don't ask me why, it just tastes better there.

The dessert of ZZUB's I think you're referring to is the Butter Grilled Pound Cake, which was originally served at The Liberty Tree Tavern, but is no longer available there.

In DHS, I love nothing better than a good junky apple from the villain candy shop. If you have a sweet tooth, these little buggers are fantastic! Covered in fudge and candy, you just can't go wrong.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else, but that's about it for now. HTH!

 

[iu97alum]

I don't have any food recommendations but if you do get to go to epcot go to Japan and PICK YOUR PEARL! It's a great, fairly inexpensive souvie!!

 

[iu97alum]

Ok, my 2 cents... LOL! I'd say go for the Biergarden. We intended to go but got the princess lunch at Akrushus instead. The food is supposed to be good as the entertainment. Check the schedule. I think you can get ADRs there too.

Oh, and I loved the 50s but I'm not sure how much fun it would be by yourself (and it's been at least 15 years since I went..)

And personally, I'd skip Rainforest. But that's just me. Aren't they all the same?

I liked the dole whip but again, you need to like pineapple to enjoy it. If not, skip it!!

Oh and here is a link to AllEars if you want to check out menus!!!

http://allears.net/din/dining.htm

 

[iu97alum]

Oh and I've been wanting to go to DTD and try Earl of Sandwich! I"ll get there someday!!

 

[maroo]

Wow, I have a lot to respond to.

Bless you!!!

All of your responses were exactly what I needed. And I am sorry that you are sick!

I am going to have to pass on the Dole Whip. I really don't like pineapples.

hmm...Nine Dragons is a good idea! And I just saw pictures of China and think it looks wonderful!!

ah! Thank you...the Butter Grilled Pound Cake. Sounds...yummy! Pooh that they don't have it anymore!!!

and, now I know how to get my fruit in for the day! An apple covered in candy! My kinda fruit!! If I add that to the banana split that I hope to procure at GKTW...I have 2 fruits for my trip!

I don't have any food recommendations but if you do get to go to epcot go to Japan and PICK YOUR PEARL! It's a great, fairly inexpensive souvie!!

?? What is that? Never heard of it. I have never been to the World Showcase...at least not since I was too little to remember. I have a feeling my brother and I refused to go to something educational!

Ok, my 2 cents... LOL! I'd say go for the Biergarden. We intended to go but got the princess lunch at Akrushus instead. The food is supposed to be good as the entertainment. Check the schedule. I think you can get ADRs there too.

Oh, and I loved the 50s but I'm not sure how much fun it would be by yourself (and it's been at least 15 years since I went..)

And personally, I'd skip Rainforest. But that's just me. Aren't they all the same?

I liked the dole whip but again, you need to like pineapple to enjoy it. If not, skip it!!

Oh and here is a link to AllEars if you want to check out menus!!!

http://allears.net/din/dining.htm

I will be making me an ADR to Biergarten as soon as I can get myself off this call with this insurance company! Do you have any idea how long I stay on hold with these people??!!?? Long enough to DIS all day, evidently!

I might try the Sci Fi. ?

And I think I will skip Rainforest, too. I might grab counter service at AK to save myself some time.

Oh and I've been wanting to go to DTD and try Earl of Sandwich! I"ll get there someday!!

I might have to try that, too.

I can go straight to AK...but I will have to pay $12 to park since I won't have my AP until after I get there! It would save me $12 to go to DTD first. And I could buy some pins. And eat at Earl. We will have to see!



Thank you!!! All of you!! For your hints and suggestions and input! I really, really appreciate it! I wish this was not so last minute. I am glad I am on the DIS so much that I know a lot already...but I sure would have liked more than 4 days to plan!!!