Sorry I Walked Where You Were Whacking -A Late September PTR/TR (Please Move to TR)

[Marnm02]

Until the 24th comes along and we get to leave for WDW until October rolls around!

This is my first ever PTR. I broke down and decided to make one since not even my DH wants to hear me talk about Disney plans anymore. He won't even watch the planning DVD with me anymore. So, I'm hoping to be able to just let it all out here.

First, the cast:

This is me and DH the day after our wedding, on our honeymoon in WDW back in 2008. DH looks pretty much the same. I've got an extra 20-or-so pounds on me, but am hoping to look a little more like this picture by the time we leave, since I just signed up for Weight Watchers last week.

Here's the main reason for that extra 20 pounds:

My soon-to-be three year old, Maddie.

She's no stranger to WDW. Here she is, enjoying the sites during her first visit back in 2010:

We will also be traveling with my mom and stepdad, which is perfect because they've been along on every single Disney trip I've ever take with the exception of my honeymoon and my time spent on the college program in 2006.

Next Up: The Basics of Our Trip...

 

[Marnm02]

Where we are staying: Pop! Preferably in a 60s room that adjoins with my parents' room. We did the adjoining rooms thing when we went in 2010, and it was SO nice to be able to put Maddie down in our room, and then go hang out in their room.

Promo: Free Dining! We upgraded to DDP

Is our plan set in stone? No! We originally were at ASSP because it was all that we could get for FD. I'm not a fan of this particular resort due to an unfortunate cockroach incident, but that's a story for another post. I was willing to get over it, though, if it meant free dining in Disney! Luckily, after a few phone calls I was able to get us into Pop for $40 extra for the whole trip. Yay! I am, however, still making the occasional phone call to guest services because I'd love to score a Little Mermaid room at AOA, which was supposedly open to the first wave of FD offers. No luck yet, but I plan to keep trying. If not, I will try to get a room at Pop that is close to the bridge, since that AOA food court seems so yummy!

Flights This is our first time ever getting a nonstop flight! We'll be leaving Milwaukee at 10:24 central and arriving at 2:15 eastern. The bummer is that our departing flight leaves SUPER early, at 8:10. So, no fun that day, but at least we will be home nice and early at 10, with plenty of time to re-charge before getting back into the work week.

ADRs I booked right at 180 days and got everything I wanted:
Bongos
O'hana
AK Rainforest Cafe
Aksherus
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Boma

Budget Is TIGHT on this trip! We probably shouldn't even be going since we are trying to sell our house in a really hostile market, and Maddie is starting private preschool in September (no public options for preK where we live). Ouch. So, we won't be doing any OOP meals, and souvenirs/fun money are really going to be limited. I'm always open to any cost-saving suggestions!

Up Next...Day 1 Plan...

 

[Marnm02]

Day 1:

Due to the aforementioned tight budget, we only have 6 day park hoppers, so day 1 is going to be for traveling and hanging out at Downtown Disney!

Our flight departs out of Milwaukee, but we live about 2 hours north of the city, so we'll drive down the day before and spend the night at my dad's, who lives much closer. We'll have to be to the airport by 9 at the latest.

Maddie is SO excited for the flight. We've been talking about it with her a lot, and she's convinced that EVERY airplane goes to Disney World. So, if she's, say, playing in the park, and a plane flies overhead, she will tell anyone and everyone who will listen that that plane is going to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse and the Princesses.

This will also be her first time having her own seat, and she's very excited to sit in a "big girl" seat on the plane.

It'll be a little after 2 when we land. I'm tempted to set aside some time to browse the MCO shops after we land because I love them (especially LUSH!) but the budget situation is lingering and my gut tells me it probably isn't a good idea, so we will see...

We'll take the ME to Pop and meet up with my parents, who will be driving and should be there already. Once we're all unpacked and settled in (which I'll be doing while watching Stacey!) we'll get a light lunch/snack at either Pop or AOA food court (our dinner reservation won't be for long, so I'm thinking just snacks).

Then we'll take the bus or my parents' car to DTD. I plan on just walking around, browsing the shops, and letting Maddie play at the lego store.

Dinner will be at Bongos at 6:45, possibly followed by a little more bumming around DTD.

Hoping to get back to Pop somewhat early to rest up for Magic Kingdom the next day!

Up Next...Day 2: MK...

 

[Marnm02]

Magic Kingdom Day:

Today is supposed to be a low crowd day for MK because it closes at 7 due to MnSSHP.

We were really torn about doing MNSSHP for this trip. We enjoyed it on our honeymoon, and Maddie LOVES Halloween (talks about it all year long). The reasons we've decided (for now at least) to skip it this time are:
1. budget
2. We don't know how well Maddie will sleep or nap, so she could very well be out for the count by the time 7pm rolls around, and if that is the case it isn't worth it for just the adults to see all the Halloween stuff while she sleeps in the stroller. We've all seen it already.

Anyway, we plan on using the short operating hours to our advantage by getting to MK for rope drop at 9. We'll either grab a quick breakfast at the food court on our way out, or grab something from the Main St. bakery once we arrive at MK.

For now, the plan is to head straight for Fantasyland, and to do everything there is to do there. Maddie LOVES thrill rides, even though she is not tall enough to ride many. She's done the ferris wheel at our local amusement park and can't get enough. She asks to go on the roller coaster and the tilt-a-whirl, but she's too little. I was really hoping she'd be 40 inches by the time we left so she could do a few "big kid rides" but she's just barely 38 inches now, so I don't think she'll grow 2 inches in less than two months. She should be tall enough for the Great Goofini though. I'm very excited to do that one with her, and I know she'll love it.

We'll probably play it by ear after Fantasyland. If crowds seem high, we might zig zag around to fastpass some of the rides. If it's slow, we'll probably just do a circle around the entire park. We want to do pretty much everything at MK, and are usually able to get it all done, but if we run out of time, we do have a few "make up days" worked into our plan.

When we went in 2010, we attempted to go back to the resort for naps, and it was a pain. Maddie didn't want to leave, didn't want to nap, and the effort of hauling her and all our stuff back and forth more than what was absolutely needed was exhausting. We quickly gave up on that and just started staying in the parks all day. When Maddie got tired, she napped in her stroller without issue. We are planning on sticking with this plan, except we'll have a smaller stroller. Hopefully she'll still be OK with sleeping in it, but I'm not too worried because she's usually content to sleep anywhere, as long as she's not being told to sleep (such a stubborn one).

We'll get counter service for lunch, although I'm not sure exactly what that will be yet. I'm leaning toward Sleepy Hollow waffle sandwiches. I've never had one, and the spicy chicken one sounds amazing. Maddie would love the Nutella one. It could work out well location-wise too, since if we do a circle starting in Fantasyland we could be to liberty square around lunch time pretty easily. Then we'll grab dole whips once we make it to Adventureland for an afternoon snack, and cross over to Tomorrowland to wrap things up.

We have dinner ADR at Ohana for 8:05. MK closes at 7, but I think we'll take our time heading out, look in the shops, and take in the Halloween scenery on Main Street. Then we'll monorail over to Poly for dinner.

DH and I have been to Ohana every visit since he came to see me while I was on the college program. I know it gets mixed reviews, but we've never had a bad experience there. Awesome food and great entertainment. I'm surprised they only want 1 dining credit for it!

We should be done with dinner in time to head to Poly beach to watch the 9:30 Halloween fireworks. Then we'll monorail straight back to MK, and take the bus or car back to the resort for bed.

Up Next...Day 2...Animal Kingdom!...

 

[chefbilly420]

I'd buy the tickets for the Halloween party in advance online. Do it on payday before you spend the $100 on stuff u don't need, then in a week you'll have less $ but you'll be happy u have tix coming. You don't have to buy 1 for DD cause shes 2.

Also buy a high soled shoe for ur daughter then put napkins in them. That might get u the inches you need for the rides. Works for us.

 

[Marnm02]

I'd buy the tickets for the Halloween party in advance online. Do it on payday before you spend the $100 on stuff u don't need, then in a week you'll have less $ but you'll be happy u have tix coming. You don't have to buy 1 for DD cause shes 2.

Also buy a high soled shoe for ur daughter then put napkins in them. That might get u the inches you need for the rides. Works for us.

Thanks for the tips. MNSSHP is still a possibility. Although we're leaning toward "no" at this point, our decision may still change within the next couple months.

As for the rides, you sound exactly like my DH. lol. He'd have her in his shoes stuffed full of napkins if I would let him

 

[Marnm02]

Day 2: Animal Kingdom!

We plan on heading to Animal Kingdom for rope drop, or shortly after. Breakfast will most likely be from Pop food court on the way out.

Once we get to AK we'll head straight to Kilimajoro, and either ride if the wait isn't too long, or FP. Then we'll play it by ear. Everest is a must, along with Kali, which I think Maddie will be tall enough to join us on. We also must see the Festival of the Lion King this time, since we seem to have missed it every other time we've been in AK.

I really want to try the famous AK jalapeno pretzel. We might all split one to conserve the snack credits and save room for lunch, which will be at either Flame Tree or Pizzafari. OR, we could just do lunch at Harambe fruit market and I'll get a jalapeno pretzel as my lunch, and conserve a CS credit. I don't think DH is very interested in the pretzel, so then I'll have it all to myself and he can get something else.

After lunch we'll try to hit anything that is still left. Around closing time at 5 we'll start making our way out of the park, and then stop in Rainforest Cafe for our 5:15 dinner ADR. One of my souvenirs is definitely going to be a take-home cup from this place with a yummy drink!

After dinner we're going to take the bus to MK to catch Wishes, since we will have missed it on our MK day due to MNSSHP. The fireworks don't start until 9, so if we have some time on our hands beforehand we may try to hit attractions we didn't have time for on day one, re-do some favorites, or just spend some time hanging out on Main St. I'd at least like to get to the confectionery to bring some goodies back to the resort as a late night snack.

If we are feeling extra crazy and energetic, we may monorail over to Epcot after the fireworks, since it will be open until 12 for EMH. Most likely, though, we will just head back to Pop and call it a night.

Up Next...Epcot!

 

[Marnm02]

Epcot Day!

This day is mine and DH's 4th wedding anniversary. We'll make sure to wear our buttons proudly and see what surprises are in store!

We're going to have to be up bright and early this morning, because we have an 8:05 breakfast ADR with the princesses at Aksherus! We'll have to make sure we are out to catch the bus by 7 We might do a quick food court stop for some of this

We did Aksherus breakfast in 2010 and really enjoyed it. Maddie loves the princesses, but Aurora is her absolute favorite. She calls her "The Princess Who Got an Owie on Her Finger and Had to Go to Sleep." I have a feeling if Maddie gets to meet Aurora she is going to demand to see the owie and give it a kiss. Should be interesting

After breakfast we'll head back over to future world. I'm bummed that test track will be closed, because I don't do Mission Space. I have no problems with thrill rides or spinning, but I'm very claustrophobic. The capsule just won't fly for me. I tied it once. Never again. I'll wait with Maddie while everyone else goes on it though. We'll also do Soarin', The Land, Nemo, Ellen, SE, and Imagination.

Once we're done with future world we will head straight to France in WS for "lunch" at the Boulangerie. Since we're doing big breakfast and big dinner this day, lunch will actually just be snacks all around. And I can't go to Epcot without some of the yumminess in France, so this is a perfect opportunity. We usually all order something, then cut it all up and share. If, for some reason, we are still feeling pretty full from breakfast and want to save room for our 5pm dinner, we might completely skip mid-day food and save our France visit for later in the night.

We'll do a little more touring in WS until a little after 4 when it will be time to get the boat over the the Yacht Club for our 5pm ADR at Yachtsman Steakhouse.

We were torn between LeCellier and Yachtsman for our Epcot dinner. We've never been to Yachtsman, but we have been to Le Cellier and really liked it. Although the safest bet would have been to stick with the restaurant we know and love, my mom took a look at the Yachtsman menu prices and decided it was a much more valuable use of our 2 dining credits. So, Yachtsman it will be. Hoping it is as good as it sounds!

After dinner we'll head back to WS and see anything that still needs to be seen. We'll also make sure to watch Illuminations at 9. Then, it will be time to head back to Pop for the night.

Up Next...Our "Alone" Day!

 

[Marnm02]

Just the Two of Us!

Today my parents will be taking Maddie to go re-visit some of her favorites, and let her linger at some of the playgrounds. DH and I have the whole day to ourselves. Yay!

Last time we did this he ended up spending a ton of time at Disney Quest Not my favorite place. So we've already agreed that this time we will spend time TOGETHER. That's been the extent of my planning though.

These are some of the options we may consider:

• Catch up on attractions we didn't have time for on previous days
• Re-ride some of the thrill rides without having to worry about baby swap
• Check out Food and Wine fest at Epcot (this will be the first day)
• Waterpark?

Maybe if DH is really nice I'll sit at Disney Quest with him for a little while, but I definitely won't stay there all day again like last time.

Also, if we feel we've overspent by this time in our trip, Waterparks and DQ will be off the table. We don't currently have the Water park add attached to our tickets, and we'll only put it on the day-of if we decide we want it and can afford it.

We have a 6:25 dinner ADR at Boma, and we are planning on meeting my old roommate from my CP days, and her boyfriend. I think we'll try to get to AK Lodge a little early for drinks. We'll probably try to end our park day at AK so we can make our way over easily. After lunch we may hang out for a while. With or without company, I'd like to do something fun and "grown up" for the evening. I'm thinking Jelly Rolls, a movie at DTD, or both.

Up Next...Hollywood Studios!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Joining in!

I love all your plans so far. I totally understand what you mean about the MCO shops. Staying out of them is sooo hard! DH tries to drag me through to baggage claim as quickly as possible!

If you haven't stayed at POP before, you will really love it. We stayed there last year - food court was good, CMs were friendly, and we loved the theming. The computer pool is usually pretty quiet if you're looking for a place to go with your little one.

As for the anniversary buttons ... wear them the ENTIRE trip. Trust me on this. Happy Anniversary early!

On your "adult day", will you have access to a vehicle? Would you want to get out of WDW for a little while? If so, there are lots of places you can go that aren't too far, are decidedly adult, and don't cost much. I can give you more info if you like.

Look forward to reading more about your plans!

 

[Marnm02]

Joining in!

I love all your plans so far. I totally understand what you mean about the MCO shops. Staying out of them is sooo hard! DH tries to drag me through to baggage claim as quickly as possible!

If you haven't stayed at POP before, you will really love it. We stayed there last year - food court was good, CMs were friendly, and we loved the theming. The computer pool is usually pretty quiet if you're looking for a place to go with your little one.

As for the anniversary buttons ... wear them the ENTIRE trip. Trust me on this. Happy Anniversary early!

On your "adult day", will you have access to a vehicle? Would you want to get out of WDW for a little while? If so, there are lots of places you can go that aren't too far, are decidedly adult, and don't cost much. I can give you more info if you like.

Look forward to reading more about your plans!

Fellow September DIS'r!

Thanks for the tips! We could possibly borrow my mom's car for our adult day. Something to think about!

Off to check out your PTR for some more ideas

 

[Marnm02]

Hollywood Studios Day

We'll shoot for rope drop at 9, but may end up sleeping in a bit. Breakfast will either be from Pop food court, or from Starring Rolls once we get to HS.

Must-do's at HS include TOT, Rockin Rollercoaster, TSM, One Man's Dream, Beauty and the Beast, LM, Indie, Backlot Tour, Stunt Show, Star Tours, Playhouse Disney, and the American Idol attraction (we missed that one in 2010).

I think we're going to head straight for TOT and RR before trying to get FPs for TSM, so we can avoid the mad rush. Or, if it seems so crowded that we worry about FPs running out right away, we'll send one person over to TSM right away for FPs.

It isn't supposed to be crowded, however, since there is no Fantasmic tonight.

Lunch and dinner will have to be all CS and/or snacks, since we are out of TS credits at this point. Anyone have any suggestions for the best CS and snack options at HS? It seems like the options are kind of limited, but we aren't too picky, so I'm sure we will find something. We may do dinner wherever we end up going after park closing...

Which brings us to where we will go after park closing at 6 (or whenever we get done. We can usually get through HS pretty quickly on low-crowd days)...

I'm leaning toward relaxing and pool time back at Pop (possibly dinner at the food court, pizza delivery, or dinner at AOA food court).

If we are up for it and we still have a lot of attractions to get to at other parks, we may opt to head to MK or Epcot instead of the resort. Both are open until 10. I think we'd be more likely to go to MK, since the parade is at 8, and it isn't going on during either of our other designated MK times. I'll take it or leave it (I actually worked crowd control for the parades during my CP, so I've seen enough Disney parades for one lifetime) but I think Maddie may enjoy it if she's able to stay up that late.

Up Next...Family Day!

 

[BearcatsFan]

I would send someone for FP's for TSM straight away and meet at TOT or RnR.

As far as good CS in DHS ... Unfortunately there aren't many options there. We liked ABC Commissary, but it gets kind of a bad rap. It is inside in the AC though, so that's a big plus. Another good choice is Starring Rolls, but they serves pre-made deli-style sandwiches only and they tend to run out early, so keep that in mind. Or Backlot Express. JMHO, though!

 

[Marnm02]

I would send someone for FP's for TSM straight away and meet at TOT or RnR.

As far as good CS in DHS ... Unfortunately there aren't many options there. We liked ABC Commissary, but it gets kind of a bad rap. It is inside in the AC though, so that's a big plus. Another good choice is Starring Rolls, but they serves pre-made deli-style sandwiches only and they tend to run out early, so keep that in mind. Or Backlot Express. JMHO, though!

Have you ever had sushi from Starring Rolls? I might get adventurous and give it a try. I tend to be kind of a sushi snob, but I'm willing to try anything, especially since there isn't anything else I feel like I MUST HAVE at HS.

 

[Marnm02]

Tiny Family Day! Also known as our last full day

Today my parents are going to do their own thing while DH, myself, and Maddie hang out just the three of us.

I haven't planned much for this day. If there's anything we still want or need to see at the parks we might do some touring, but I'm guessing we'll lay low, recharge, and rest up for our EARLY flight in the morning.

We'll surely get in some pool time, and maybe do some strolling and last-minute souvenir shopping at DTD or the boardwalk.

We're going to be down to only CS and snacks, so we'll be trying to use up whatever is left. The caprese sandwich at Earl of Sandwich is always a must for me, so the prospect of DTD is becoming increasingly likely.

Up Next...Going Home!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Have you ever had sushi from Starring Rolls? I might get adventurous and give it a try. I tend to be kind of a sushi snob, but I'm willing to try anything, especially since there isn't anything else I feel like I MUST HAVE at HS.

I haven't. I've tried sushi a couple of times ... it wasn't for me.

I'd love to know more about this caprese sandwich from EOS, though!

 

[Marnm02]

I haven't. I've tried sushi a couple of times ... it wasn't for me.

I'd love to know more about this caprese sandwich from EOS, though!

Oh, man, I dream about that sandwich on a regular basis. It seems so simple, mozzarella, tomato, basil, and some kind of balsamic vinaigrette on bread, but I've never been able to duplicate it. I have no idea what they do to make it so good. Now that I'm thinking about it, I doubt I'll be able to wait until the end of the trip for it. I'll probably get one our first day at DTD and save it in the fridge for breakfast the next morning. It is THAT good. lol.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Oh, man, I dream about that sandwich on a regular basis. It seems so simple, mozzarella, tomato, basil, and some kind of balsamic vinaigrette on bread, but I've never been able to duplicate it. I have no idea what they do to make it so good. Now that I'm thinking about it, I doubt I'll be able to wait until the end of the trip for it. I'll probably get one our first day at DTD and save it in the fridge for breakfast the next morning. It is THAT good. lol.

Oh yum! That sounds fantastic ... hmmmm I may have to rethink our DTD plans to include EOS now.

 

[Marnm02]

Last Day

This will be pretty sad and boring because our flight leaves Orlando at 8:10 AM. We'll have to be on the Magical Express by 6 Why I picked this flight, I do not know. It was the cheapest I could find, and, like I said we are on a budget.

The good news is that we will be in Milwaukee nice and early at 10 I'd love to do a little site seeing in my birthplace city, or at least get lunch at my very favorite place, Cheesecake Factory. DH will probably need to be convinced though.

It's a 2 hour drive home, then we'll just chill the rest of the day, then back to the real world...

 

[Marnm02]

The more we get shot down for AOA the more I want to stay there

I've been calling a couple times per week since we booked, and all I get is a big, fat nothing unless we want to fork over the money for a suite. We love POP, and will be happy there, but I'm going through major want-what-I-can't-have syndrome right now.

We are, however, 37 days out as of today eek:). I'm planning on calling several times next weekend, since word on the street is that lots of rooms start opening up when payments come due at the 30 day mark.

If we still have no luck, I'll be happy to be at POP, but will hope our request is granted for a room near the bridge so we can partake in that yummy sounding food court!