The "I said I wasn't going to do a PTR...PTR" (Sept '11)

[petals]

Wow, that was great timing to be able to get it all in on one night!

I believe it was a mix between that and improvising but I did even get to all dance parties for a while as well lol

 

[Beka]

I know closer to time that there's a DIS user (she does the WDW Character Hunt blog) who posts how long it took her to meet all the characters & what time she lined up. I found it last year on the Theme Park & Attraction Strategies board.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I believe it was a mix between that and improvising but I did even get to all dance parties for a while as well lol

I hope that I can get that lucky too!

I know closer to time that there's a DIS user (she does the WDW Character Hunt blog) who posts how long it took her to meet all the characters & what time she lined up. I found it last year on the Theme Park & Attraction Strategies board.

I'll have to look for her as we get closer. Thanks!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

So I found what I hope is a reliable source that listed park hours for September 2011. I've printed the hours and am now looking over my park days. Dang, I hope it's on target or I will be starting over in another two weeks.

There were a couple of sites out there that listed park hours for September 2011 and the two that I found, the hours matched. So, I'm gonna give planning a whirl. Once I have my draft, I will post it here.

Has anyone else run into sites/links with park hours for September yet?

 

[annmarieda]

3. Has anyone taken the boat to DTD? I think that would be fun. Wondering how long of a walk it is to the boats and if we'd be better off driving.

That's about it for now. I was thinking of calling the resort this week since I am not able to go back to work yet but I wanted to ask my DIS expert friends first!

We took the boat from POR to DTD. I really recommend it! As for how long of a walk... from POFQ? I think the doc is pretty close to the buildings. From DTD itself? The boat lets you out very close to all the shops. I would think that parking and everything.. you would be better off taking the boat. But...I like disney transportation.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We took the boat from POR to DTD. I really recommend it! As for how long of a walk... from POFQ? I think the doc is pretty close to the buildings. From DTD itself? The boat lets you out very close to all the shops. I would think that parking and everything.. you would be better off taking the boat. But...I like disney transportation.

Thanks for the info. I think that I'd like to try the boats over to DTD. I bet it's a nice ride at night too.

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks for the info. I think that I'd like to try the boats over to DTD. I bet it's a nice ride at night too.

It's a fun ride! We have only gone from POR and OKW, but really enjoyed it. Last August we had a boat all to ourselves one afternoon - so much fun. Beware though - if you use it at peak times, you might be in for quite a wait and the boats can get crowded.

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks for the info. I think that I'd like to try the boats over to DTD. I bet it's a nice ride at night too.

We rode at night in September and I think I did like it almost better than when we went during the day on our previous trip. At night, someone (might have been the boat captain) kept shinning a flashlight along the shoreline. I wonder... alligators?

 

[Queenofallthings]

I had a feeling you might have started a PTR while you were recovering....and I was right Going back to read.....

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

It's a fun ride! We have only gone from POR and OKW, but really enjoyed it. Last August we had a boat all to ourselves one afternoon - so much fun. Beware though - if you use it at peak times, you might be in for quite a wait and the boats can get crowded.

I've never taken a boat from a resort to DTD so I am looking forward to doing this.

We rode at night in September and I think I did like it almost better than when we went during the day on our previous trip. At night, someone (might have been the boat captain) kept shinning a flashlight along the shoreline. I wonder... alligators?

I bet he was looking for alligators! I say that because before Wishes started when we were on our Wishes Cruise, that is what our capitain did. We found two. One was sort of small and one, not so much. Honestly, it freaked me out after that to walk anywhere near the beach at WL.

I had a feeling you might have started a PTR while you were recovering....and I was right Going back to read.....

Yay, you're here!!!! Yes, since I can't study (I'm afraid to do that on meds) for my recertification, I figured I'd catch up on the DIS and maybe start the PTR that I said that I wasn't going to write.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Yay, you're here!!!! Yes, since I can't study (I'm afraid to do that on meds) for my recertification, I figured I'd catch up on the DIS and maybe start the PTR that I said that I wasn't going to write.

Wouldn't miss it for the world....and Dising is not as frighting as studying on meds I wish we were going to be there at the same time again, but I guess we can't have everything!!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Wouldn't miss it for the world....and Dising is not as frighting as studying on meds I wish we were going to be there at the same time again, but I guess we can't have everything!!!

I am so sad to hear that we won't be there at the same time this year. Joe had I had fun meeting you and Jas.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Before I go further, I now have a picture of Stef and Dave to share with you.

Aren't they the cutest couple!!!

Joe and I can't wait to meet them in person and to get to know them better.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Now I am fuming! I just spent the last hour typing out a post with my draft itinerary and LOST IT! Ugh...........

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi everyone,

I had to start over, but here is my first draft of plans.

Day of Arrival

We’re hoping for a crack of dawn early flight to MCO. We usually get one however this year the airlines are killing us. I don’t see any decent flights yet below $300 but, I see that we can get there before noon so that’s a plus.

After riding the “fake monorail” we will go grab our bags and head for the rental car. I have a car booked now however I will keep checking for a better price. Last year it came down to 2 days before we were to leave and I scored a $50 discount on a car thanks to KatMark! (Thanks again Kathy).

We’ll head to POFQ to check in however if the line is huge we’ll ditch that thought and head over to MK to meet up with Jenn. Joe’s first order of business will be to grab a Casey dog (knowing Joe that means 2 of them). I plan to watch the 3 p.m. parade.

Dinner will be at Kona with Jenn, Bob, Kayla and Jack. I am so excited to try Kona for dinner. I love it at breakfast and hope that I feel the same way.

After dinner we’ll head back to POFQ if we were not able to check in earlier. We’ll drop our bags and head to DTD so that the shopping may begin. I was excited to read that we will get an AP discount of 10% at the “the Disney Resort” on all merchandise. It use to be at selected shops only.

After I shop til I drop, because I always seem to do that on our day of arrival, we will head back to POFQ and start the discussion of will it be necessary to make a stop at UPS to send packages home this year.

Day 2

We’ll begin our 11th wedding anniversary with breakfast at Kona with Jenn and the family. It is a tradition for us to eat there on our anniversary and it is our favorite breakfast. This year I am going to try the macadamia pancakes. Joe always lets me have some of his but this year, I wanna get my own. I can already taste them now.

After breakfast we are all heading over to Epcot. I love Epcot. I could spend days and days there. Joe and I plan to have lunch at Tangerine this year. It will be the first time for both of us. I am not sure what Jenn’s lunch plans are that day.

Dinner will be at the Grand Floridian Café. I can’t say enough about this place. I just love it and it too is becoming an anniversary tradition. We are getting a specialty cake again this year. I can’t wait. Jenn and her family will be joining us for dinner.

After dinner I want to arrange for Joe and I to take the carriage ride at PO. We did this back in 2005 and loved it. It was winter though and quite cold so I am curious to see what it will be like in September.

Day 3

I’ve been looking forward to Day 3 for some time. Why, you ask? This is the day that Joe and I get to meet Stef and Dave in person!

Joe and I will get up at the butt crack ‘o dawn and head to Cape Canaveral to pick up Stef and Dave from their cruise on the Dream. I can’t wait to see this boat. Even if it is from the parking lot. We’ll take a boat load (ha ha, get it?) of pictures and then Stef and I wanted to see if we could find a nearby beach to take additional photos before we head to the Mall at Millennia.

I have dubbed today as “The Great Shopping Adventure.” There are a few reasons why. 1) because I love to shop, 2) because we are going to shop til we drop and 3) because Stef and Dave love to shop too. We’re starting at MAM and then working our way to the outlet malls. I think the first one we’ll go to is Prime and then I am not sure from there. I have some homework to do on what mall is where, etc.

After mall shopping, Joe and I want to take Stef and Dave to the “Kissimmee junk” stores. Anyone ever been? What bargains you can find in those places! I can’t wait. I get pj pants there every year for ½ of what they are at Disney and they look like the exact same pants. I got a pair 8 years ago that I still wear..in fact, got them on now!

After that, we are heading to WalMart. Why WalMart you ask? Because Stef said she’s never been there! So, imagine her face when she sees the Disney awesomeness of the WalMart in Orlando. They have a TON of stuff there and it’s a stop for us every trip!

If we are not too exhausted after shopping, I am hoping that we will all be able to dine together. Stef really wants us to give Cali Grill another try. Joe and I hated it with a passion when we were there about 5 years ago but we’re willing to try again. Stef said that they got to view Wishes from there last year so I am hoping that we will be lucky like that again. If it turns out that Stef and Dave decide that they don’t want to do Cali that night, Joe and I will head over to Epcot for dinner at the Garden Grill, another place that I have never been to for dinner. The only time we ever went there in the past was for the ice cream social and it was, well, horrible. I am interested in seeing what dinner is like though.

After that we’ll probably call it a day and head back to POFQ.

Day 4

Day 4 will start out with rope drop for MK. I love rope drop and have not seen the opening show in a while. The last time was a couple of years ago when Joe and I went to Disney with my brother for Star Wars Weekend. I dragged them both out of bed and we got to see the show. I’d love to see it again.

Breakfast will most likely be at Main Street Bakery. Get this peeps, I’ve never been in there before! Can you imagine?

We’ll play in MK until our lunch ressie with Stef and Dave at LTT. I’ve not done LTT for lunch either and am really looking forward to this.

After lunch we’ll play some more (I am hoping that Stef is better at touring plans than I am). Joe and I would like to have dinner at The Plaza, another first for us. I am trying to make this the trip of firsts as much as I can. We’re looking forward to The Plaza. Last year we couldn’t get an ADR there for some reason and I was bummed out.

I am hoping that MEP and Wishes will be playing that night. From what I can tell, they will be. Since I am a Spectro girl, I boycotted MEP last year and refused to see it. Guess I have to give it a chance. I liked the original back in the 70’s so we’ll see. I am hoping to get a viewing spot between the partners statue and the bridge to Tomorrowland, which is an awesome spot for parade and Wishes viewing if you asked me. The first time we watched from there was when we went with my brother a couple of years ago. It was awesome.

It will then be time to call it a night so off to POFQ and our king sized bed we go!

Day 5

Breakfast today will be at Sassagoula at the resort. I can’t wait for some beignets.

This is our MNSSHP night, but we’re going to go to Epcot for a bit in the morning. We’ll have a light lunch at Kringla and then head back to the resort early afternoon so that we can take a break before MNSSHP.

We’re meeting Jenn at CP for dinner before doing the party with her. I think it will be fun. I am secretly hoping that Stef and Dave do the party this night too. I think it will be a blast. I am still contemplating doing 1 or 2 parties but my guess is, I will decide last minute on party #2.

Day 6

We will begin with breakfast at Starring Rolls at DHS however we will NOT use the dining plan and get screwed out of a zillion credits like last year. That was ridiculous. At least we know what we’re getting into this year.

I hope to get there early but my guess is after MNSSHP that we will not make rope drop. I hope that there will be FP’s left for TSMM but if not, Joe and I have found that the posted time is always a lot longer than what we have actually had to wait.

We plan to have lunch at the Sci Fi. We were originally planning to have lunch with Jenn but I can’t remember if our days match or not.

We’re hoping that all of us (Stef, Dave, Jenn, Bob, Jack and Kayla) will be able to do Teppen Edo this day for dinner, which means that we will all park hop over to Epcot later in the day. Depending on the heat, Joe and I may go back to the resort and then meet at Epcot. Not quite sure yet.

Not sure what we will do after dinner but I am hoping we will be able to spend some additional time at Epcot.

Day 7

Breakfast is with Jenn at Boma. She is driving home today.

After breakfast, back to DHS we go! Stef and Dave are planning to do this park with us as well. I can’t wait to draw a character. I am a horrible artist but I look forward to this each trip.

Joe and Stef will ride TOT but I think Dave and I will probably sit that one out and grab a drink or shop or something.

We plan to get a Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose that night. According to the hours that I do have, it is playing that night. I love MM. We went there last year and it was awesome. It is one place that I plan to do every trip.

I sure hope that we have a better experience at Fantasmic than we did last year. I wanted to scream when the family in the row in front of us decided to STAND UP so that they could leave during the finale and then decided oh, maybe they will stand and jut watch it and then leave. OMG, I got craptastic pictures and say absolutely nothing.

After Fantasmic we will probably head back to the resort unless we’ve still got an ounce of energy. If so, maybe DTD is in order? We have a car so it won’t be like we have to wait for buses, etc.

Day 8

We’re starting Day 8 with breakfast at Maya Grill. I love Maya. We have only done dinner so far and honestly, it is fabulous. Hidden gem if you ask me.

After breakfast we will head over to DAK to meet Stef and Dave. I am hoping that this will be the year that I finally get to see the Jammin Jungle parade. We are usually not there long enough however I hope that this year will be different. We definitely want to see FOTLK too, as it is an awesme show.

I’d like to try Yak and Yeti CS for lunch this day. Those that know me are probably in disbelief since they know that Flame Tree is my fav CS of all time. Well, it’s the trip of firsts so I wanna try Y&Y.

Dinner will be at The Wave for us. I had a ressie there last year and had to cancel so I am really looking forward to going there. After dinner we may go to DTD again, but who knows.

Day 9

Day 9 will start with breakfast at EOS. I love this place.

The best part of Day 9 is that it is girls day/guys day. Stef and I will meet at either the Poly or MK and the guys will meet at Epcot to drink around the world together. I am thinking that the best thing to do would be for us to meet at the Poly, park the car there, then go our separate ways. Joe and Dave can take the monorail to Epcot and Stef and I will take the monorail to MK.

Stef and I plan to shop in the MK and probably do some of the attractions as well. Stef has suggested that we do Team at GF so we can take the monorail over there if we do so.

We’re planning to meet the guys at Epcot for dinner at Rose and Crown and we hope to get a table outside so that we can see Illuminations as well. I plan to get the car and drive over there because if they’ve been drinking around the world all day, it’s probably better to drive back to the Poly and drop off Stef and Dave and then drive us to POFQ instead of using Disney transportation.

I am really looking forward to Day 9!

Day 10

Yikes, our last full day already. Where did the time go?

I’d like to do breakfast at Chef Mickey’s today. My friend from work, Tami, is coming down with her family. We talk Disney a lot at work and I am really looking forward to seeing them at the park. I have begged my way to get Tami to let me go with her when she takes her daughter McKenna to BBB. OMG, you should see this little one. She is just too adorable for words. I just have to go with her!!!

Joe and I plan to have lunch at Diamond Horseshoe since we have never been there before. I really want to try it. I’m not sure what Tami is planning to do as this is her first trip but I am hoping that they will dine with us as well.

We’re meeting Tami for dinner at GFC that night. I think she is getting a cake that night as well. She’s also talking about booking a Wishes Cruise so I don’t know what will happen this night until I talk to her further about the planning.

Day 11
Going home day. I hate this day with a passion!

I have decided that I want to do an early breakfast at O’hana…first seating that I can get. If we are lucky to get one super early we will go to MK one last time before heading to the airport. Joe and I are pros at getting to the airport and our flight home is usually around 3 so we won’t leave the park until about 1. It really doesn’t take any time at all to drop the car and get to the gate. We will likely check our bags at the resort if it doesn’t take long first thing in the morning. We’ll see. If not, we will get a sky cap and they fly through the lines, etc.

So, that’s it for draft 1. Anyone have ideas, comments, suggestions?

 

[Dizneydawn]

Hi everyone,

I had to start over, but here is my first draft of plans.

Day of Arrival

We’re hoping for a crack of dawn early flight to MCO.



Day 3

Joe and I will get up at the butt crack ‘o dawn and head to Cape Canaveral to pick up Stef and Dave from their cruise on the Dream.

So, that’s it for draft 1. Anyone have ideas, comments, suggestions?

Yes.....I have a comment. Why is my rear end and it's partition something you seem to be rising to twice on your vacation? I mean we are friends through here and all but that is sort of intimate IMO and I am the type of girl who likes to be wined and dined before I allow you to wake up to my behind!



Ok....dining suggestions! YAK & YETI was our fave meal last October by far. If you like BBQ get the ribs!!! Not drenched in sauce so you get great flavor without the gut punishment. The egg rolls are sent from God via Fed Ex so you need those and Cream Cheese Wontons are an extra bonus God threw in just cause he can.

We also are going to The Wave for our first time in March and I also have Columbia Harbor House on my radar because I want to try their hummus sandwich.

What do you enjoy at GFC btw??? We were there for lunch once and split an awesome sandwich with french onions on top. Never for dinner.

Sci-Fi for me is a never do again. Mediocre bar food and I don't mind bar food from time to time but not worth a TS credit for me at WDW.

Starring Rolls for lunch is a must do for us. There is no way Dan and I could eat a whole sandwich and dessert so we split one and is a good use of a CS meal. Plus the cupcakes are amazing!!

You need to get a Peach Snap at THE JOY OF CHINA TEA CART, on the lagoon in WS in China. Dan still thinks it is the best alcohol beverage on property.

We are debating some resies on our upcoming trip as well so I need to go ask questions there!!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yes.....I have a comment. Why is my rear end and it's partition something you seem to be rising to twice on your vacation? I mean we are friends through here and all but that is sort of intimate IMO and I am the type of girl who likes to be wined and dined before I allow you to wake up to my behind!

OMG, I'm doing this right now..... and it hurts!

Ok....dining suggestions! YAK & YETI was our fave meal last October by far. If you like BBQ get the ribs!!! Not drenched in sauce so you get great flavor without the gut punishment. The egg rolls are sent from God via Fed Ex so you need those and Cream Cheese Wontons are an extra bonus God threw in just cause he can.


OMG, I am so going there now. I love BBQ and cream cheese wontons sound like heaven.


We also are going to The Wave for our first time in March and I also have Columbia Harbor House on my radar because I want to try their hummus sandwich.

I can't wait to hear about The Wave and CHH.

What do you enjoy at GFC btw??? We were there for lunch once and split an awesome sandwich with french onions on top. Never for dinner. There hasn't been anything that we don't like from GFC. I really enjoyed the pasta and the shrimp appetizer.

Sci-Fi for me is a never do again. Mediocre bar food and I don't mind bar food from time to time but not worth a TS credit for me at WDW. I think I like the atmosphere more than the food. Joe and I have not been there since 2008. I'm not going in with high hopes for the food though. We will likely pay OOP since I can't imagine that we will eat alot.

Starring Rolls for lunch is a must do for us. There is no way Dan and I could eat a whole sandwich and dessert so we split one and is a good use of a CS meal. Plus the cupcakes are amazing!! I've never had a cupcake from there but it sounds like a yummy breakfast.

You need to get a Peach Snap at THE JOY OF CHINA TEA CART, on the lagoon in WS in China. Dan still thinks it is the best alcohol beverage on property.

I'm putting it on my list!

We are debating some resies on our upcoming trip as well so I need to go ask questions there!!!

I replied to your post on your thread.

 

[DB of ODL]

Now I am fuming! I just spent the last hour typing out a post with my draft itinerary and LOST IT! Ugh...........

That'll teach ya to not first type it out in word then do a copy/paste...

 

[inkedupmomma]

did I mention how excited I am for the extra meal with you guys?? Cause I am! Not only that, but now I get to do Kona and California Grill! Bob's happy, I'm happy!

I t hink your plans look like great fun! Especially the parts with me Hope Teppen Edo works out with our big group! I think Hibachi is best with more people!

 

[lnk1229]

Hey- stopping by a bit late... love the PTR so far..

I was curious- I saw you had a horrible experience at Cali Grille? We just got back from our trip in January and LOVED it there- its literally the best day of my life! What happened?!

I included pictures of many of our meals during our trip and noticed a few similarities between your trip and mine- I took pictures if you want to check them out... My DBF made fun of me during the trip because I took pictures of our meals so my fellow DIS-ers could check it out!