The MAD Dash in Disney September 9-11, 2011 *UPDATED 8/21*

[Bethpremier]

I know plenty of people have called me crazy for such loaded "vacation" trip but my husband and I have great reason to visit as many places as possible. Its a business adventure!

Itinerary to include:
1. Mystic Dunes Golf Resort
2. Islands of Adventure
3. Royal Pacific Resort
4. Holyland
5. Arabian Nights
6. Orlando Union Rescue Mission
7. Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah View
8. Park Hopper Tickets to all 4 parks
9. Both Water Parks- Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
10. DisneyQuest
11. Oak Trail Golf
12. Richard Petty Driving Experience
13. Dining Reservations to include Le Cellier, Rose and Crown Pub, and character dining

Possible Inclusions not yet decided:
1. Finally decided to try for concierge one night at AKL just for the experience and treat for ourselves.
2. Might try a special tour: Keys to the Kingdom or Wild Africa Trek
3. Trying to get confirmation of accomodations for the night of the 17th. Made this decision in the last week and are now trying to get space at AKL.

Me: Im a 28 year old who has been totally blessed to meet the man of my dreams and marry him in November 2010. I have been to Disney over 5 times and have grown very much in love with this place. It was the destination for our honeymoon. We figured what better place to honeymoon than Disney because we can come back as often as we want! I come from NC and have a great love for the Little Mermaid, Mickey ice cream bars, reading everyone's special memories at Disney, finding bargains with Disney travel, and taking plenty of pictures. My favorite rides include Expedition Everest and Space Mountain. On this trip, I hope to gain insite into low crowds vs free disney dining plan, take home one new special memory, and spend time watching the animals on our balcony at the lodge.

The Scotsman: My 34 year old husband hails from Scotland. He has spent the last 7 years here in America. His one question was "Did you get to go to Disney World" by his family back in the motherland. This was finally answered last year. He loves Liverpool football club and is quickly gaining a special place in his heart for Disney vacations. I loved watching him acting like a kid on his first trip. He LOVES animals so the animal kingdom lodge is a great treat for him. His favorite ride is Space Mountain and has made a life goal of trying to get me to ride Tower of Terror. He hopes to one day be able to eat at Cinderella's castle and stay in the suite. Big Dreamer! Loves Magic Kingdom fireworks, buying Disney merchandise, meeting Disney characters, and meeting Liverpool football club fans.

Im hoping to place an actual calendar itinerary up in the next few days.
Here we are!!!

 

[Bethpremier]

So I just had a dream about mickey waffles last night.

 

[ZFamily5]

I'm in! Sounds like you have a jam packed itinerary, but you'll have a great time!

 

[Bethpremier]

Thanks! I cant wait to experience it all. Im one of those people who goes on vacation and has to actually "do" something or I feel like Ive wasted money.

Very interested in Harry Potter world at Islands of Adventure. I havent been there since they added it.

 

[Bethpremier]

Cant find my lanyard!! Im freaking out right now! Definitely needed merch for this trip. We use the one that is more like a keychain than the one around your neck. Anyone know where I can buy another one beforehand?

 

[ZFamily5]

Thanks! I cant wait to experience it all. Im one of those people who goes on vacation and has to actually "do" something or I feel like Ive wasted money.

Very interested in Harry Potter world at Islands of Adventure. I havent been there since they added it.

Same with me! The first day of our trip (just a resort day) I was bored all morning because everyone but my dad and I wanted to sleep in, whereas I like to be on the move!

Cant find my lanyard!! Im freaking out right now! Definitely needed merch for this trip. We use the one that is more like a keychain than the one around your neck. Anyone know where I can buy another one beforehand?

I'm pretty sure I saw what you're thinking of at Target this afternoon...

 

[Bethpremier]

Thanks! Ill make a trip to Target today.

So our flights are booked with Southwest. We are departin September 8 around 5pm. We arrive into Orlando at 7pm. Im trying really hard to convince my husband to leave earlier but he has already missed work alot of this year and doesnt want to miss another day. Maybe he would be up for working a Saturday instead???
Anyway, our return flight is scheduled on Saturday Sept 17. I need to have this changed to Sunday. I looked into it and its only going to cost us $10 total to change our flights to Sunday!! Awesome deal because Southwest doesnt charge late fees and Im only paying the additional amount of the flight. Its a $5 difference. YES!!

Im now looking for ways to save money before the trip. We really want to be able to enjoy MNSSHP bt its an extra cost not originally figured into our budet. Hoping it works!

 

[ZFamily5]

If your DH can miss that first day for work, it'd be great for you to get an earlier start! My sisters and I saved money in a jar we got from Hobby Lobby. We did stuff like extra chores and baby-sitting for money, but I'm not sure your DH will give you money for doing extra chores...

 

[Bethpremier]

Ok So we have made a few changes to our trip. We arent going down on Sept 8 anymore. The plan was to go down that Thursday and stay at the Mystic Dunes Golf Resort for future endeavors but its just not going to work out for this trip so here is our new schedule:

Friday Sept 9
1. Arrive at 11am
2. Rent Car
3. Check in at the Royal Pacific Resort
4. Holyland Experience
5. Arabian Nights 8:30pm show

Saturday Sept 10
1. Get up early for WWOHP at Islands of Adventure
2. Head to Universal Studios
3. Jump back to Islands of Adventure
4. Citywalk (if not dead from exhaustion)
5. Check into Lexington Hotel room

Sunday Sept 11
1. Drive rental car back to airport
2. Hop on Magical Express
3. Check in at AKV
4. Head to Downtown Disney
5. DisneyQuest
6. Then hop bus to TTC
7. Make way to Richard Petty Driving Experience for Ride Along
8. Magic Kingdom EMH??

Monday Sept 12
1. Animal Kingdom EMH
2.Head to Epcot by 11am for a full day

Tuesday Sept 13
1. Sleep in!! (FINALLY!)
2. Blizzard Beach by 10am
3. Back to Resort to change/shower/etc
4. Possibly Magic Kingdom before MNSSHP. Still trying to decide if we want to do this or not

Wednesday Sept 14
1. Hollywood Studios EMH
2. Typhoon Lagoon
3. Maybe head to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk. Still undecided.

Thursday Sept 15
1. Golf (Trying to decide on early T-time so we dont die in the heat. Possibly 7:30am)
2. Animal Kingdom
3. Hollywood Studios
4. Fantasmic

Friday Sept 16
1. Magic Kingdom as early as possible
2. Depending on what we enjoyed the most: Either water park or DisneyQuest
3. Epcot EMH

Saturday Sept 17
We will probably hop around all of the parks beginning with HS first since it has the worst shade and end at the Magic Kingdom that night

Sunday Sept 18
1. Flight leaves at 12:35pm so Magical Express will pick us up at 9:30am.
2. Trying really hard to change this flight to the 4:15pm one so we can have another park day before leaving but its $90 total to do this for both of us. Praying really hard that it comes down.

Im still trying to figure out what to do with our dining. I have a somewhat schedule but things have changed. Cant wait to share them with you!

 

[kdka421]

Wow! What a crazy busy schedule! We've never used park hoppers before, so I can hardly fathom going around to 2 or 3 different parks each day. Sounds like fun though.

I'll report back to you on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and you'll have to let me know how the Richard Petty experience is. My husband saw a video about it, and it's now near the top of his list of things to do whenever we plan our next trip

I look forward to hearing about your dining plans too, dining is such an important part of our trips!

 

[Bethpremier]

Wow! What a crazy busy schedule! We've never used park hoppers before, so I can hardly fathom going around to 2 or 3 different parks each day. Sounds like fun though.

I'll report back to you on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and you'll have to let me know how the Richard Petty experience is. My husband saw a video about it, and it's now near the top of his list of things to do whenever we plan our next trip

I look forward to hearing about your dining plans too, dining is such an important part of our trips!

I know! We are those people that definitely do not go to the beach and sit around for a vacation. It really is great with park hoppers. Its not as busy and tiring as you may think.

Will definitely let you know how the Richard Petty thing goes.

 

[Bethpremier]

So Ive always been one to think, there is no need for the dining plan. Why in the world wouldnt anyone want to get the dining plan when it costs so much. Im sure we can save money the way we are doing. But, Ive been crunching the numbers lately and it looks like it may be profitible if not cheaper to get the dining plan. Im happy to skip meals and eat child's size portions but not my husband!

I had made a few reservations over the past few months. Keep in mind that we rented points so we werent eligible for free dining. I finally just asked him "Are you going to eat a regular 3 meals a day?" He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Yes.". I was thrilled to tell him the basic dining plan would actually do us good if we bought it bc it included drink and dessert.

Without further contemplation, we are actually planning on getting the dining plan. YAY!!! We both joked about it in the past but just couldnt afford to add it in but Ive been working extra now and he took on some side jobs so I think we can seriously do this.

Now, we are under a month out and trying to scramble to get dining reservations. Im over the quota of TS right now and Im still needing to switch things up and replace. Help! Here is what I have:

1. 1900 Park Fare Dinner
2. Le Cellier
3. Rose and Crown Pub
4. Ohana
5. Chef Mickeys
6. Raglan Road
7. Tony's Town Square
8. Sci-Fi Drive In

We are keeping Le Celler, Rose and Crown, and Ohana's no matter what. Im now definitely thinking I would really like Garden Grill. Heard they serve a great turkey dinner and Mickey is guaranteed there. Also thinking of using the last 2 TS credits for Hoop De Doo dinner show or if God blessed us, we could do CRT. Im so confused. I have no idea how people plan this stuff 6 months in advance.

Im open to any suggestions. Here is where we have open dining spots according to our park schedule:

Sept 11
1. Breakfast [skip]
2. Lunch at Earl of Sandwich [pay out of pocket or OOP]
3. Dinner in Magic Kingdom at Aunty Gravity's [OOP]

Sept 12
1. Breakfast [skip]
2. Lunch Le Cellier [2 TS]
3. Dinner Rose and Crown Pub [2 TS]~reservation is at 7:45p hoping to get on the patio for illuminations

Sept 13
1. Breakfast at Mara (AKL) [2 Snacks]
2. Lunch at Blizzard Beach at Lawatta Lodge [2 QS]
3. Dinner at Ohana [2 TS]

Sept 14
1. Breakfast in Hollywood Studios [2 Snacks]
2. Lunch [skip??]
3.???Raglan Road???1900??? [2 TS]

Sept 15
1. Breakfast somewhere? [2 snacks]
2. Lunch at Animal Kingdom [2 QS]
3. Dinner at Hollywood Studios [2 QS]

Sept 16
1. Breakfast/snack either muffin or mickey bar [2 snacks]
2. Lunch [2 QS]
3. Dinner [2 QS]

Sept 17
1. Breakfast [skip]
2. Lunch at Garden Grill if possible [2 TS]
3. Early of Sandwich [OOP]

Im open to any suggestions. Struggling, happy but struggling.

 

[kdka421]

I know! We are those people that definitely do not go to the beach and sit around for a vacation. It really is great with park hoppers. Its not as busy and tiring as you may think.

Will definitely let you know how the Richard Petty thing goes.

Oh, I totally understand - we're not relaxing vacation people either (our first anniversary we went to Cape Cod, but it was not just sit on the beach...we did a split trip, half at a hotel on Cape Cod, half on Martha's Vineyard, visited all the different major cities all along the Cape, all the lighthouses, etc. Haha). Your vacation just sounds even more intense than ours usually do!

Im open to any suggestions. Struggling, happy but struggling.

Yay, food! Here's a few thoughts:

I've done Garden Grill once, and I'd recommend it if you can get the ADR, the food was definitely good. I think your TS decisions sound great. So many great places to eat in Epcot!

I'm personally not a fan of many of the food options in HS - if you're looking for quick service, my favorite option is Studio Catering Company, they have wraps, salads, sandwiches, and things like that.

For your quick service lunch in Animal Kingdom, I have to recommend Flame Tree BBQ - YUM! Fantastic, the only downside is it's outdoor seating and obviously it'll be hot outside. To me it's nice to have lunch options different than burgers/etc.

I think you're on the right track!

 

[dizney chick]

I just read your pretrip report and wow that is a hectic schedule. But then I had to remind myself that you don't have kids. With that in mind it all seems doable. I will be staying at AKV on rented points too. My family and I will be staying Sept 1-11th.
You should try Ohana's we love it. But I wasn't at all impressed with Garden Grill. Esp. if it's 2 credits.

Oh and I am from NC as well. Greensboro to be exact. What part of the state are you from.

 

[Bethpremier]

Oh, I totally understand - we're not relaxing vacation people either (our first anniversary we went to Cape Cod, but it was not just sit on the beach...we did a split trip, half at a hotel on Cape Cod, half on Martha's Vineyard, visited all the different major cities all along the Cape, all the lighthouses, etc. Haha). Your vacation just sounds even more intense than ours usually do!



Yay, food! Here's a few thoughts:

I've done Garden Grill once, and I'd recommend it if you can get the ADR, the food was definitely good. I think your TS decisions sound great. So many great places to eat in Epcot!

I'm personally not a fan of many of the food options in HS - if you're looking for quick service, my favorite option is Studio Catering Company, they have wraps, salads, sandwiches, and things like that.

For your quick service lunch in Animal Kingdom, I have to recommend Flame Tree BBQ - YUM! Fantastic, the only downside is it's outdoor seating and obviously it'll be hot outside. To me it's nice to have lunch options different than burgers/etc.

I think you're on the right track!

Thanks so much! I feel so much better. The only thing we have playing against us is that I have a food allergy to tomatos so I cant do BBQ sauce. There is usually something I can always find to eat at places. Totally agree with you on there not being good TS or even QS at Hollywood Studios. Its almost a waste to eat there at all. Ive heard good and bad things about Garden Grill. The main reason I liked it is because Mickey is there and there is food I can eat. I dont have a ADR for that one though *sigh*

I just read your pretrip report and wow that is a hectic schedule. But then I had to remind myself that you don't have kids. With that in mind it all seems doable. I will be staying at AKV on rented points too. My family and I will be staying Sept 1-11th.
You should try Ohana's we love it. But I wasn't at all impressed with Garden Grill. Esp. if it's 2 credits.

Oh and I am from NC as well. Greensboro to be exact. What part of the state are you from.

Thanks for reading my PTR!!

AGH! Thats great that you are renting points from AKV too. We love that place and have pretty much always rented for there. Do you mind telling me what you didnt like about Garden Grill? It may help with my dining choices.

Im actually not far from you at all! I live near Greensboro in a town called Liberty. Have you heard of it?

 

[dizney chick]

Its not that we really didn't like Garden Grill. It's that it wasn't worth two credits for what I would consider a home cooked style of food. But maybe they have changed it since we ate there a couple of years ago. If you do eat there I'd love to know what you think about it.

And yes, I do know where Liberty is. You are not that far from me at all. Shall I say it.....it's a small world after all...

 

[Bethpremier]

Its not that we really didn't like Garden Grill. It's that it wasn't worth two credits for what I would consider a home cooked style of food. But maybe they have changed it since we ate there a couple of years ago. If you do eat there I'd love to know what you think about it.

And yes, I do know where Liberty is. You are not that far from me at all. Shall I say it.....it's a small world after all...

Its a credit for each of us so 2TS all together. Hmmm Still trying to decide on that one. However, its not like I have a reservation anyway. Just wishful thinking.

I did seriously with your small world comment. Hysterical!

 

[kdka421]

I just stumbled upon this thread, thought I'd leave you the link if you haven't already seen it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2771537

 

[Bethpremier]

I just stumbled upon this thread, thought I'd leave you the link if you haven't already seen it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2771537

Thanks so much for finding this for me. Im trying to find a reservation for dinner on Sept 16 but its not existent. Right now we are booked for lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern that day but Im def willing to change.

 

[Bethpremier]

Ok so after much deliberation and planning I think Ive finally settled on my dining plans. So, there are still a few things undeterminted but at least Im not running around like a crazy person..... Even though I do still stalk the Disney website and Sept cancellation thread for availability

Im including our Pre-Disney Days too!

Sept 9
1. Skip Breakfast. Flight leaves at 7am. Ill probably be too excited to eat.
2. Lunch at the Holyland Park
3. Arabian Nights Dinner Show

Sept 10
1. Breakfast of Butterbeer for me at WWOHP and husband will probably get something more substainable.
2. Lunch Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios
3. Dinner Blondie's at Universal Islands of Adventure. Sooo good! Ate here 6 years ago and still remember it.

Sept 11
1. Breakfast [skip]
2. Lunch at Earl of Sandwich [pay out of pocket or OOP]
3. 1900 Park Fare Dinner at 7:55pm. [2 TS] (very excited about this one. I get a Cindy princess meal and get to see the hilarious ugly step sisters.)

Sept 12
1. Breakfast [skip]
2. Lunch Le Cellier [2 TS]
3. Dinner Rose and Crown Pub [2 TS]~reservation is at 7:45p hoping to get on the patio for illuminations

Sept 13
1. Breakfast at Mara (AKL) [2 Snacks]
2. Lunch at Blizzard Beach at Lawatta Lodge [2 QS]
3. Dinner at Ohana [2 TS]

Sept 14
1. Breakfast in Hollywood Studios [2 Snacks]
2. Lunch Typhoon Tilly's at Typhoon Lagoon
3. Dinner Raglan Road at DTD [2 TS]

Sept 15
1. Breakfast somewhere? [2 snacks]
2. Lunch Flame Tree BBQ and Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom [2 QS] (I cant eat tomatos IE BBQ and husband hates chinese food)
3. Dinner Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios [2 QS]

Sept 16
1. Breakfast/snack either muffin or mickey bar [2 snacks]
2. Lunch Liberty Tree Tavern[2 TS] (Excited about the tofee cake here)
3. Dinner Sunshine Seasons [2 QS]

**Just so everyone knows, if I am able to get a Garden Grill dinner this night, I will gladly switch my last TS from Liberty Tree. We would then at a QS at Cosmic Ray's**

Sept 17
1. Breakfast [skip]
2. Lunch Earl of Sandwich or Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD [OOP]
3. Dinner Cosmic Ray's [2 QS]
We always spend our last night at Magic Kingdom

Just so everyone knows I know we havent used all of our snack credits in this scenario but Im pretty sure we are going to use some of them as souveniors or just to pick up something like a mickey bar or ham sandwich in Epcot here and there.

What does everyone think?