Showin My Family the World for the FIRST TIME! It's gonna be EPIC! May '14! Updt(3/1)

[marDgreen88]

Yum yum yum! Oddly enough, I haven't been to any of the restaurants you haven't been to either, and I've been to both of the ones that you have! Haahah. So all I can really say is YUM. Go get you some potstickers.

 

[anniebabymu]

Just thinking about LTT has my tummy rumbling! Maybe it's not a good idea to be reading about Disney food when I'm at work and starving! Ha ha! LTT was wonderful. EVERYTHING was wonderful! I'm super bummed about not getting to come back here this trip, but it was either that or BOG and BOG totally won out! I'd be lying if I said that I haven't thought about paying OOP for one of our meals and adding a lunch here because we did dinner last time

I had the steak at BOG last time and it was amazing. I will definitely be getting that again! My DH get the strawberry cupcake and I got the cream puff (poor choice!!) last time and DH gave me a bite... delicious!! I thought for sure I wanted the strawberry cupcake again, but now there is the master's cupcake with the "grey stuff"... and I can't decide! Maybe I can convince DH to get the master's cupcake and I can have a bite . Oh man... rumbling tummy!!

You've made me soooooo excited for our first trip to 'Ohana! Can't wait!!

Love the update... but who doesn't live a Disney food update

 

[pigninnie]

fellow kansan here to follow your ptr.
looks like you have gotten some really good people to have a trip with and gre resevations

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[blueangel2]

Congrats on the BOG ressie. I heard they are hard to come by. We are doing LTT and Ohana also. It was so hard to pick restaurants having never eaten in any of them before

 

[kansasdisneygal]

Yum yum yum! Oddly enough, I haven't been to any of the restaurants you haven't been to either, and I've been to both of the ones that you have! Haahah. So all I can really say is YUM. Go get you some potstickers.

That is a funny coincidence!! Aren't those potstickers just to die for?!?!?! So good!! What have you had at 50's PTC? Any suggestions? I have only had the fried chicken.

Just thinking about LTT has my tummy rumbling! Maybe it's not a good idea to be reading about Disney food when I'm at work and starving! Ha ha! LTT was wonderful. EVERYTHING was wonderful! I'm super bummed about not getting to come back here this trip, but it was either that or BOG and BOG totally won out! I'd be lying if I said that I haven't thought about paying OOP for one of our meals and adding a lunch here because we did dinner last time

I had the steak at BOG last time and it was amazing. I will definitely be getting that again! My DH get the strawberry cupcake and I got the cream puff (poor choice!!) last time and DH gave me a bite... delicious!! I thought for sure I wanted the strawberry cupcake again, but now there is the master's cupcake with the "grey stuff"... and I can't decide! Maybe I can convince DH to get the master's cupcake and I can have a bite . Oh man... rumbling tummy!!

You've made me soooooo excited for our first trip to 'Ohana! Can't wait!!

Love the update... but who doesn't live a Disney food update

I am so glad to hear that LTT is so good. We are doing the dinner there, so it is the family style meal. I am so happy to hear you got a BOG reservation. If I had to choose between LTT and BOG, I would have made the same decision! The pictures of BOG just look fabulous! I am also considering getting a FP+ for BOG, since I hear if you do that it doesn't take one of your three... eating there twice wouldn't be bad, would it?!?! I want the master's cupcake too... I was thinking of seeing if any of my family member want to get that one and we can cut them in half and have a little of each.
Ohana is awesome! You will love it!

fellow kansan here to follow your ptr.
looks like you have gotten some really good people to have a trip with and gre resevations

Yay for Kansans!! Thanks and I am so glad that you are here!!

Great update!

Thanks!!!

Congrats on the BOG ressie. I heard they are hard to come by. We are doing LTT and Ohana also. It was so hard to pick restaurants having never eaten in any of them before

I was so worried that I wouldn't get one because I heard the same thing. It was difficult to pick new places, but I read a ton of reviews before I booked my new ones that I feel pretty confident my family and I will enjoy all of them!

 

[kansasdisneygal]

Oh my, February??? That means only 4 months until MAY!!! My countdown on my phone is down to 115 days, which is super exciting. I am getting so close to double digits!!

So first a little real-life info, good and bad. Lets do the bad first to get it over with. This past Monday, I received a phone call from my parents and our Brittany Spaniel, Earl, passed away. We had gotten him during my Junior year of high school and he was only 8. The vet said he had a stroke. It was really unexpected and its definitely still hard to think that next time I visit my parents, Earl won’t be there to greet me. [
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Ok, so on to the fun, good news. I get to go to California this week! No, not to Disneyland unfortunately, but to San Diego. At work, I was picked as the 7th grade math representative to go to a conference that covers the math program that we use at school. So even though I will still be working, we will get to do some fun stuff in the evenings. Plus, it will be WARM!!! We got about 2 inches of snow last night and I am really tired of the cold. So this will be a nice break from the chilly weather.

Alright, on with the Disney update. I am going to update our daily plans day-by-day, but first I am going to lay out the few days before the trip for you. As I mentioned before, I am a teacher and our last day of school is May 22nd (Thursday) and we have teacher check-out the morning of May 23rd, which basically means they walk through our rooms, make sure we’ve got our inventory sheets finished, the room is picked up for any summer cleaning/painting, and everything is unplugged to save energy. Pretty easy. Last year, I was done and checked out by 10:30am. So, for the afternoon of the 23rd, I will probably do some errands around my town, do laundry, clean my apartment (I hate coming home from vacation to a messy home) and get everything together for the trip.

On Saturday, Doug and I will head to my parents house. I will probably run errands with my Mom and pick up anything that I can’t buy in my tiny town. My mom and I also plan on getting Disney mani’s and pedi’s. We will either do this Saturday or Sunday at our favorite nail salon!! Here are my Disney nails from my last trip. Please forgive me, because I didn’t take the picture until they had grown out a little.



At some point during this weekend, we will probably pack up the suitcases. We are going to try and get all 4 of us down to Disney in 2 large suitcases. I think it is totally possible because Sam and I made it down to Disney with 1 large suitcase last time. My dad is the over-packer of the family, so we will have to limit him. Doug will say his goodbye’s to us on Sunday night and head home.

On Monday, my dad and maybe my mom will work half days. Then we are going to head to Topeka, where we have family. Aaron has not decided what he is doing yet. He lives in another city in Kansas and he will either come to my parents house on Saturday or Sunday OR he will meet us in Topeka and leave his car at our cousin’s house, also. We will be staying the night with our family and my cousin will be driving us to the airport in Kansas City in the morning, which will take about an hour to get there. Our family is so nice to do this for us, because then we don’t have to pay for parking or wake up super early and drive to KC.

So even though Tuesday is our official “travel to Disney day,” I feel like its about the 3rd day of my vacation. If that makes sense?? I know this is probably a pretty blah update since it doesn’t really involve much Disney info. But I had to get it out of the way!! Next up… Tuesday- DISNEY ARRIVAL DAY!!!​

 

[4Still]

Just joined, and enjoying every update. My Sister (world's best aunt) is traveling with my two girls (7 and 5) and I the week after school is out arriving at SSR on 5/30. We are calling it the big sisters, little sister's trip. We will surprise the girls the week of departure with the awesome news.

 

[kansasdisneygal]

Just joined, and enjoying every update. My Sister (world's best aunt) is traveling with my two girls (7 and 5) and I the week after school is out arriving at SSR on 5/30. We are calling it the big sisters, little sister's trip. We will surprise the girls the week of departure with the awesome news.

Thank you so much! I am glad it is enjoyable to read!
How fun that you and your sister get to take your girls together!! I love Disney surprises! You should definitely try filming it. This may be silly, but I watch Disney trip reveals on Youtube all the time because watching the kids find out is so amazing, just the look on many of their faces make my day. So excited for you!!!

 

[marDgreen88]

When I went to 50's I shared the sampler with my friend, which had the fried chicken, pot roast, and meatloaf. I wasn't too keen on the pot roast because it's just not my thing, but most people seem to love it! I LOVED the fried chicken and the meatloaf and will have a hard time choosing between the two next time I go! Haha hope that helps in some way!

So sorry to hear about your dog.

 

[blueangel2]

So sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. Not only am I an animal lover, I have worked as a pet groomer for 15 years. I now own a pet shop and when we learn of the passing of one of our customers pets it hurts our hearts. We think of these pets as our own. We send the pet mom and dad a card with a poem. Since I dont know your address, I will put it here. You will never forget him, but time will heal the pain.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...​

 

[kansasdisneygal]

When I went to 50's I shared the sampler with my friend, which had the fried chicken, pot roast, and meatloaf. I wasn't too keen on the pot roast because it's just not my thing, but most people seem to love it! I LOVED the fried chicken and the meatloaf and will have a hard time choosing between the two next time I go! Haha hope that helps in some way!

So sorry to hear about your dog.

The sampler sounds yummy!! Definitely makes my choice harder!
Thanks He will be missed.

So sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. Not only am I an animal lover, I have worked as a pet groomer for 15 years. I now own a pet shop and when we learn of the passing of one of our customers pets it hurts our hearts. We think of these pets as our own. We send the pet mom and dad a card with a poem. Since I dont know your address, I will put it here. You will never forget him, but time will heal the pain.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...​

Thank you so much. Losing a pet is so hard because they are a part of the family. I love that poem, it is perfect!

 

[kansasdisneygal]

So I will be heading to WDW in 100 days!!!!!!!!!!



Double Digits tomorrow!!! WOHOO!!!!



So time for Day 1 plans, I will try to make this short because Day 1 will mostly be travel. As I said in the previous update, we are staying with my cousins the previous night. We will probably leave their house around 11am because it will take about an hour to get the airport.

We should arrive at the airport about 2 hours ahead of time. We will probably eat lunch somewhere at the airport, because we should have plenty of time before our flight. If anyone has flown out of Kansas City, you know that their airport is set up weird. The gates are kind of set up in glass cubicles and you go through security to access just the gate. So one security check point only covers like 3-4 gates and once you are through security there are no bathrooms, restaurants, etc. Does that make sense??? So basically, we won't go into our gate until 45 minutes before our flight.

We will fly from KC to Houston at 2pm and then we have a bit of a layover in Houston...fun Finally, we will board a plane from Houston to Orlando!!!!

Once we arrive in Orlando, with the time change, it will be around 10pm Eastern Time. I have never had to get my own luggage at MCO, but since we are arriving so late, we have to pick up our luggage before going to ME. Anyone ever done this?? Is it easy to find??

So, once we get our luggage, we will go to ME and watch that lovely welcome video. I am hoping we are there by 11:30pm and we can just go to our room, unpack a little, and pass out for the night. It won't feel like 11:30pm to us, but I am sure we will be tired from traveling most of the day.

Alright, up next, we get to an actual DISNEY DAY update!!!​

 

[marDgreen88]

I've never picked up my own luggage from ME, but I can imagine it's not too bad. And at least you'll have it when you get to your room and not have to wait for it in the wee hours of the morning. I'm sure it'll work out.

 

[marDgreen88]

Okay, this is gonna sound really weird, but I swear I commented on here last night and it's showing me that I didn't? So just to be sure... I'm gonna leave the exact same comment again. Hahahah.

I've never picked up my own luggage from ME, but I can imagine it's not too bad. And at least you'll have it when you get to your room and not have to wait for it in the wee hours of the morning. I'm sure it'll work out.

 

[kansasdisneygal]

Okay, this is gonna sound really weird, but I swear I commented on here last night and it's showing me that I didn't? So just to be sure... I'm gonna leave the exact same comment again. Hahahah.

I've never picked up my own luggage from ME, but I can imagine it's not too bad. And at least you'll have it when you get to your room and not have to wait for it in the wee hours of the morning. I'm sure it'll work out.

Haha, I see both posts, so I don't know what happened . Oh well, no big deal

Oh, I am sure it's not difficult, but I always seem to struggle remembering how to get to the ME and now we will have another stop in between the plane and ME. So yea....it will all work out, but just knowing its going to be late, I want to be able to do it all quickly and just get to the resort. Ya know??

 

[kansasdisneygal]

Alright it is March!! Which means I can official say that I go to Disney in two months! WOOT WOOT!! My countdown on my phone is at 88 Days. It is coming quicker than I thought, but I am sure when May hits and its the last month of school and I am looking forward to the trip, time will slow way down.

Let’s get to the Disney Day 1 Plans!!

Hopefully, we will have arrived at a decent time the night before and gotten a good amount of sleep to begin our vacation. The plan for most of the days that we are at Disney is to eat breakfast in the room. I am going to ship a package of cereal, granola bars, bowls, spoons to POR and they will give it to me when we check in. This worked out really well the last time I went. We will just buy milk at the resort.

I am hoping to be headed out the door at 8am and try to make rope drop at 9am. But where at???

Well, Magic Kingdom OF COURSE!!!!!!



Last trip, I started at Epcot and it just didn't "feel" right. I think I never truly feel like I am "at Disney" until I see that wonderful, glorious castle. So, I really wanted to plan our first day at Magic Kingdom. Also, I don't believe I have said this previously, but I also try to follow the recommended days that Josh posts on EasyWDW. It has worked very well on past trips. This is the only day during our stay that Magic Kingdom is recommended, so I was happy that it was our first day. (Don't worry, we will be back at MK, on a non-recommended day )

Anyways, I have never seen the rope drop show at the MK, so I am hoping to make it at least once this year. In the morning, I think we are just going to try and hit as many headliners as we can - Space Mountain, BTMRR, Splash, and according to news I have been hearing the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is supposed to be open!!! I can't decide if I want to try and rope drop that ride, as I am sure it will be crazy busy, or just use a FP on it one day?

We will probably grab lunch somewhere between 11 and 1. Just for your information, our family does eat earlier than most. Lunch is usually between 11 and 12 and dinner is between 5 and 6. That's just how we grew up and it wasn't until I got to college that I realized many people do not eat dinner until like 7pm. I have eaten at a lot of the MK QS locations - Pecos Bills, Pinocchio's, Cosmic Rays, Caseys - but I have never eaten at Columbia Harbor House and I really want to try it on this trip. So, hopefully, my family feels like seafood for lunch one of the two days we will be at MK.

After lunch, we will hit a couple of the smaller attractions (but equally awesome attractions) like Haunted Mansion, POTC, Jungle Cruise, Philharmagic, etc.

Afternoons are when things get iffy. Both my parents feel that they will need afternoon breaks from the heat and will want to go back to the resort for a nap. I will probably need these breaks also, but not on every day. So we are basically going to play each day by ear and those that want to go back to the resort can and the others will stay. This is okay with me, but I worry about doing attractions without someone and then they miss out on it. Does that seem silly??

Anyways, for dinner we have reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern for 5:45pm. I haven't eaten here before, but I am really excited to because I have heard a lot of good things. We like family style dining. My mom doesn't eat most veggies so it is nice to know that we can get more of certain sides if we need them.

After dinner, we will again play it by ear. Try and hit the attractions we missed that we still want to do. I am not exactly sure how to tackle New Fantasyland. Are the lines for Little Mermaid usually long or is it around a 20 min wait or less throughout the day? It’s a continually moving ride like Nemo at Epcot right?

Then it’s time for night time entertainment!! I want to see the Electrical Parade at least once on the trip. So we may watch it tonight or on our other MK day. Either way, we will definitely watch Wishes on this night. I love that show and I will definitely cry. Always do. No Shame!!

So, there you have it! Day 1 plans. We are pretty flexible in the parks and kind of just do what we want so these are definitely not concrete plans other than our dinner reservation. Once I figure out when to book our FP+ they will become a little more definite. Trying to figure out if I should use them in the evenings, afternoons, are a little of both?!?! I just don't know, it is such a new concept there is not a lot of feedback on what works best. We will see....​

 

[marDgreen88]

Yaaaaaay, 2 (ish months!!!) Sounds like it'll be a great day! I'm with you on the whole FP plus thing... I don't know how to really go about it! I'm guessing the best route to take is afternoon ones, but who knows? There'll definitely be a learning curve!

 

[Oodalally13]

HI HI HI!!! It made me SOOO happy to find your board! I am 29 and have been to Disney 3 times. Once as a high school senior on a band trip and twice as a chaperone for the band trip (I now teach at the high school I graduated from). I am taking my parents (53 & 51) for their first ever trip to Disney this June. Any recommendations or accomodations I need to prepare for?