The July (2010) Plan needs Pixie Dust: DVC, Minivan & Twins Included

[disneydreamingdebby]

joining in

Welcome!

 

[mdrob214]

Whenever I am in the bookstore (which for us means B&N), I grab a Disney travel book or two to flip through while my DDs explore the kid's section. So, tonight, on an adventure alone to pick up a birthday gift for my brother (Golf magazines - and subscriptions to them), I grabbed a coffee and two Disney books. While I was selecting, a man was looking at the choices, I told him the two best were Passporters and Unofficial Guide. (I really should get part time jobs in stores. I am a really good salesperson!) I also said I wouldn't be offended if he didn't chose either. (Of course, I would have been....) Leaving the man perusing Unofficial Guide, I sat down and flipped through "The Official Guide" - Birbaum, perhaps? and maybe a Frommers) Both were disappointing. I wanted to read more about Japan's candy making and pick a pearl. (As if I need any resource other than the dis???) I also wanted to read more about Innovations. Neither of these books had more than a blurb about Japan and not much more about Innovations.

I didn't leave the store Disney empty. I did pick up Pearson's first in the series Kingdom Keepers.

I am excited to read it and if it is okay for my 8 year olds, pass it along to them. I'll let everyone know what I think. (If you have read it, let me know what you think, but please don't ruin the plot for me. )

I'll soon work on Day 2's plans - I am a fast reader so I promise that the book won't hold me up. (It certainly will take priority over some papers that need to be graded, though!)

I've read the first 2 Kingdom keepers books--love them! They'd be great to read aloud to 8 year old I think. You should read them first to determine if they might get scared of Maleficent. i can't say any more without giving them away!

I always get an Unofficial Guide for each trip. Now I'm wishing I'd gotten the new Color Guide. I still read them, even though I've read it before!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Extra Early Magic Hours for MK

We will be up early; even if we have a late night and make it to the castle on our first night. Grab some breakfast in the room and off to the bus stop. I will have a coffee maker, so no need to stress about locating real coffee!

Once we enter, we will head towards the Railroad to ride to Frontierland- if the train is not running that early - we will stroll over (I say that as if it will be leisurely ). First, we will grab our fast passes for Splash Mountain, ride Big Thunder at least twice, next we will head over to Fantasyland. Pause in Liberty Square to ride the Haunted Mansion.

In Fantasyland, we will need to ride Peter Pan's Flight, (maybe Dumbo, for some photos before it gets its facelift), Tea cups for my family. I will head over for FP for Space Mountain and meet them at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. I am hoping that the girls are both tall enough to drive alone. Height requirement is 52". In Oct., one was 51;" the other was 50". This will thrill them (and me). I will happily shoot pictures while they drive cars!

While we wait for FP window for Space, we can do Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Astro Orbiter. If our SM time isn't ready, we can ride the TTA! So, in my head we have toured two hours . Realistically?? Not sure!

After SM, I will let the girls decide what to do next. Before leaving MK to head back to AKV to rest, we will ride Splash and grab a bite to eat. I am thinking that we need to try Casey's and Columbia Harbor House this trip, so I'll see where we are closest.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I've read the first 2 Kingdom keepers books--love them! They'd be great to read aloud to 8 year old I think. You should read them first to determine if they might get scared of Maleficent. i can't say any more without giving them away!

I always get an Unofficial Guide for each trip. Now I'm wishing I'd gotten the new Color Guide. I still read them, even though I've read it before!

Thank you for not giving anything away. I decided to read to them/with them instead of reading it first. They aren't frightened by film characters, so we should be okay (I hope). I read them chapter 1, but plan to have them take turns reading too.

I have the UG -2010 (I didn't buy the 2009 version) - it only has a handful of color pictures in the beginning. I highly recommend The Complete Walt Disney World 2010 - Coconut Press for its amazing pictures/ the text is pretty good too. The entire book is glossy color - 550 pages.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So, I struggling with the park planning part of this report. Not sure why? I guess it doesn't matter too much; we can always stray away from Stan. However, he might be able to say "I told you so"

On to planning --

So, after a relaxing time at the Kidani pool (I think we will venture over to give it a try) and "getting ready" for dinner (clean clothes, no chlorine), we will head over to our dinner at Ohana! I love Ohana. I think the pot stickers are delicious and love the bread pudding. Although, I enjoy the other food, I really could just eat those two and be quite contented! (Sorry, I don't have food porn- I didn't discover the art form until after our first two trips!)

However, my girls look pretty happy with their bread pudding from the last trip!

Next, a quick monorail ride to the TTC and another ride to EMH at Epcot. What should this touring plan look like??? Well, how about some fast passes for Soarin (is it possible that none will be available?), next a jump over to Test Track... what does that wait look like at 8 pm in July?? Maybe I should be planning a later dinner for a later arrival at EPCOT?? Okay - done. Dinner is later... original earlier ressie is cancelled. Giving pixie dust to someone else who wanted an earlier dinner..

Now, Soarin fast passes - even higher likelihood of them being gone? It's okay EMH...Maybe we can ride it standby without a long wait...

No more lolligagging (and no more pics--next time, though with the SLR- the point and shoot pics are too blurry to post:

*Visit the Tips Board first to determine what we should ride*
Soarin FP if available
Test Track
Spaceship Earth
NOT doing Mission Space on the Bread pudding filled belly!
back to Soarin or Living with the Land while waiting...is this open during EMH? Okay - found it- under the theme park tab - click into EHM- then pick your park... and yes, Living with the Land is indeed open. Unfortunately, Kim Possible isn't open during EMH.
Big rides taken care of - let the girls decide or wander around World Showcase.

 

[Pink Mouse Ears]

Your day two plans sound great! Hope you fit it all in!

In what section of B&N did you find the Kingdom Keepers books? I've never seen them before but they look neat.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Here you go!

Just from summer experience, I don't know how well you will do with the lines, even if it is 8 o'clock when you get there. We've done EMH at Epcot and this lines (especially Soarin and Test Track) are still pretty long at that point. I mean, you really never know how it will be, but just be prepared that it's a possibility there still may be longer lines....

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Your day two plans sound great! Hope you fit it all in!

In what section of B&N did you find the Kingdom Keepers books? I've never seen them before but they look neat.

They are in the children's section. We just finished chapter 8 tonight. (I am taking turns reading it aloud with my daughters.) They are very into it. I am enjoying it too. I like that I can visualize the locations referred to.

Here you go!

Just from summer experience, I don't know how well you will do with the lines, even if it is 8 o'clock when you get there. We've done EMH at Epcot and this lines (especially Soarin and Test Track) are still pretty long at that point. I mean, you really never know how it will be, but just be prepared that it's a possibility there still may be longer lines....

Good thing that I can't pick it up and eat it. I am at my calorie allotment for the day and want to take a day off from cardio.

We haven't had to wait in many lines...totally spoiled. I think that might be why I am struggling especially with the touring plans for evening returns to the park. I figure we can decide as we go. What do the parks look like in July for EMH at night after 9 or so? I know one night in Feb, we were headed to MK and it was a mass exodus. I panicked for a minute worrying that the park was really closed!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Have you checked out the menus on All Ears? We love Columbia Harbor House - very good food and nice atmosphere! Casey's is a little busier, unless you eat outside and has mostly hot dogs. We like the food there, but CHH is more relaxing.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Thanks Wendy. I use allears.net almost daily; it is such a great resource. We want to try different restaurants and attractions and those are the two places we haven't eaten at the Magic Kingdom. I think because there is such a difference in the two locations I will have to play it by ear when we are in the park.

My husband, a fellow dis lover but only a level 3 (Character Breakfast Podcast allusion- I am a level 5--which puts most of you there too), just read the latest addition. He said there is no way we are getting a fastpass for Soarin after dinner. I guess I am the optimist. (He is right, though, I am sure, and I love how gently all of you ignored this gross error in my plan.)

So, standby for Soarin if the family agrees the wait isn't too long.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Thanks Wendy. I use allears.net almost daily; it is such a great resource. We want to try different restaurants and attractions and those are the two places we haven't eaten at the Magic Kingdom. I think because there is such a difference in the two locations I will have to play it by ear when we are in the park.

We have never eaten at El Pirata y El Perico or Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station.....should have over spring break because they were both open for a change. But, we ate at Columbia Harbor House because we love it. We ate at Caseys too cause it was easy one night. I love All Ears menus - they just don't get them updated often enough.


My husband, a fellow dis lover but only a level 3 (Character Breakfast Podcast allusion- I am a level 5--which puts most of you there too), just read the latest addition. He said there is no way we are getting a fastpass for Soarin after dinner. I guess I am the optimist. (He is right, though, I am sure, and I love how gently all of you ignored this gross error in my plan.)

So, standby for Soarin if the family agrees the wait isn't too long.

I would agree, it is unlikely you would get a fastpass late in the day. But, the lines have some interactive games. We have waited a few times and the time went rather quickly!

 

[spiroff.natasha]

I'm in

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Some road tip ideas I've gleaned mostly from Dis members (wonderful, smart people ).
~a nickel for each time the girls can get a truck to honk
~a dollar for each hour that they don't fight, yell, whine, say are we there yet, etc.
(they have to give a dollar if they do that...)
~window markers and windex wipes (I already have the markers too! I used them
on my glass classroom doors to write quotes...new door only a rectangle of
glass.)
~colored pencils and tablets
~travel bingo:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32112062&postcount=23
~vehicle bingo:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32099188&postcount=18
~scavenger hunt:
http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/scavenger-hunt-in-the-car-713648/
~scavenger hunt variation - kids prep:
http://familyfun.go.com/playtime/car-scavenger-hunt-707421/
~(2) tackle boxes of snacks :
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32105374&postcount=19
~audiobook for the family to listen to (not sure if my hubby will be on board with
this)
~books for the girls (I get carsick when I read in the car.)

Now of course, we will have
~ a couple of good Disney films and maybe a new movie we have not seen (Swiss
Family Robinson, anyone?)
~popcorn for the film
~Pillows, blankets/ sleeping bags, a lovey or two or three
~iPod with Disney music and Disney Podcasts
~Disney guidebooks
~camera
~sandwiches, drinks, and snacks
~handywipes and papertowels

Okay, everyone need help... what else do I add to the list? Lurkers - now's your chance, share some ideas...

 

[belle8306]

I am just joining in! I am going to have to go back and read to catch up! Your girls are adorable. I am also a teacher (1st grade). I love how organized you are! I also have a planning book but it is all in a binder.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I am just joining in! I am going to have to go back and read to catch up! Your girls are adorable. I am also a teacher (1st grade). I love how organized you are! I also have a planning book but it is all in a binder.

Thanks for joining! Thank you; I think my girls are pretty cute too - especially when they are posing for a picture! Your trip is so close; I can only imagine how excited you are! I'll have to pop over to your PTR to see the details of where you are staying, etc.

 

[belle8306]

I am all caught up! Now I need to remember what I wanted to comment on!I love that you got your girls involved in the GAD program. Your countdown holder is awesome! It makes me want to make one right now. I love all of the pics of AKL/AKV. I had no idea they had so many things to do! That is (one reason) why I love Disney. Even their resorts are attractions. I think your car plan looks great. I like the dollar for good behavior idea. You have a lot of great threads listed. I am going to tell my SIL to check it out too. They are also driving down. The Disney section at
B &N is a must for me every time we are there. I love seeing what is new. I think you will enjoy the Kingdom Keepers book.

 

[taymacsmom]

I am in! I just read the your whole PTR in one sitting. Yes, I am addicted to the DIS. Will you be doing a TR? We are considering going in late June/early July 2011 and will be curious about the crowds/weather. Sometimes I wish we could drive. Airfare for 5 of us usually costs us close to $2000.00 but it's at least 24 hours from where we live which adds 2 days on either end of the vacation for travel. We like to go for at least 7 days and it's hard for DH to get all that vacation time in a row. Can't wait for more!!

 

[luvalwaysMandy]

Hello! Just found your PTR today.

I havent driven down for about 20 years but when we would go we would write down the different states on plates and see if we found more on the way down or the way back. UNO is a simple game we played in the car.

Our kids have leapsters so those would be entertaining for us. Do your girls have a similar handheld game system?

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I am in! I just read the your whole PTR in one sitting. Yes, I am addicted to the DIS. Will you be doing a TR? We are considering going in late June/early July 2011 and will be curious about the crowds/weather. Sometimes I wish we could drive. Airfare for 5 of us usually costs us close to $2000.00 but it's at least 24 hours from where we live which adds 2 days on either end of the vacation for travel. We like to go for at least 7 days and it's hard for DH to get all that vacation time in a row. Can't wait for more!!

Welcome! You read trip reports like I do, and I am a addict too. I do plan on doing a trip report when we return. Stan has pages in each day's section for notes to help me. The drive shouldn't be bad for us; I hope to be able to make trips each winter for a long weekend - we will have to fly for those trips. I hope that by driving in the summer, we will save some money to go towards that dream. Of course, airfare will have to be reasonable to do that... One can dream though, right? I have concerns about the weather and crowds too, so I will fill you in on what I think about them. We have a July thread with July veterans , you should visit. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2247684

Hello! Just found your PTR today.

I havent driven down for about 20 years but when we would go we would write down the different states on plates and see if we found more on the way down or the way back. UNO is a simple game we played in the car.

Our kids have leapsters so those would be entertaining for us. Do your girls have a similar handheld game system?

Happy to see you! I love the idea of the license plates! I will have to add Uno on our packing list. My daughters don't have hand helds, but I am considering packing the Wii. (The van has a hook up ). If I do pack it, I will keep it stashed until the way home. (I am figuring that will be the tough part of the drive.)

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Your countdown holder is awesome! It makes me want to make one right now.

It was very easy to make...and I did paint it black, so now I really love it. Of course, it is going to scream CRAZY to my family as soon as they visit my house and see it. They don't seem to think my Disney obsession is normal. If they only knew the half of it.