The Nightmare Before Christmas - Move over Jack, WALDO'S BACK!~A Dec PTR~ NEW 12/10!!

[lovealldisney]

Hellooooooooo.....????? anyone there?????

Giving you a little bump....

 

[jcc0621]

I think this thing might be on life support

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

OMG, I fell off the wagon again, didn't I?

Promise to give this thing an update soon! Been busy with summer base/softball. Kids are back in school now, so I definitely have more time!

 

[momabaarjo]

So understand with life happening around us...the fall is too busy!

 

[HomeschoolMama]

I think this thing might be on life support

 

[reelmom]

Yay! Another TR with Waldo. I have read your other reports and have throughly enjoyed them. I hope Waldo is feeling better with his new and improved ticker.

 

[PrincessV]

 

[jcc0621]

 

[lovealldisney]

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Hello? Is anyone there? Helloooooo??

C’mon people. Most of you KNOW me. You know I’m a slacker, but I always try to come back. Anyway, I hope most of you stuck around.

So, let’s wipe the cobwebs off this bad boy and get moving because…..

Can you believe that??

It’s exciting and scary at the same time! How in the world am I going to lose 20 pounds in 86 days? :

So much has been going on, I don’t know where to begin.

My crazy life hasn’t gotten any less crazy. Things are just settling in to place better, I guess, now that the kids are back in school and the double baseball/softball season has ended.

Here's the first day of school pic:

Then a few weeks ago, we celebrated Andy’s birthday at our favorite DTD eatery: Naples Ristorante y Pizzeria

And now in a few weeks we’re preparing ourselves for:

Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party in Disneyland! Which will hopefully satisfy my Disney craving, since we gave up our DLR AP's this past August.

So onto our Harry Potter planning!

When I originally booked the package, I just put the down payment and thought nothing of the balance. I’m so used to WDW planning and using DVC, that paying the package off completely slipped my mind until I started working out our trip budget. Rut-roh.

I pulled out the e-documents and tried to get my info. online to see when the balance is due, etc. Um, hello? That other park is soooo not Disney. I actually had to call and speak to a Not-Cast Member person. He WAS very nice and explained what my balance was, when it had to be paid off and how I pay it off.

He also explained about my park tickets and my early entry tickets and the kiosk I was to pick them up at. Como say KIOSK? You mean the hotel didn’t have a pretty little folder set up with my room keys, with my park tickets and early entry passes? Oy. This isn’t Kansas, Waldo.

I was ever so grateful to Mr. Not-Cast Member for bringing me up to speed on the crazy US system. Can you imagine what kind of breakdown would have ensued, had I not been informed? Ugly, people. U. G. L. Y.

So after that little shake down, the kids and I poured over the Islands of Adventure map Mr. Not-Cast Member emailed me, and listed all the things we wanted to do and see. Toon Lagoon? Um, nope. Jurassic Park? Um, nope. Marvel Super Hero Island? No, not really. Seuss Landing? Perhaps. REALLY? We’re going to Island of Adventures just for TWWoHP and the Trolley Train Ride?? You’ve got to be kidding me.

So, yup - pretty much all we really want to see in Island of Adventure are Harry Potter’s World and Seuss Landing. I haven’t exactly told Andy this yet, because I know things will change once we get there and I don’t want him blowing a gasket. I know most of our time will be spend in WWoHP, because we really want to see everything. All the shops, all the nooks and crannies, just immerse ourselves in Potter. I know. That sounds kinda dirty.

Since we’ll have our Early Entry passes here’s what I’ve come up with as far as touring goes:

8am - Enter park, head straight for Olivander’s. (Yes, I know, we could watch the show on you tube)
Next ride Forbidden Journey
Ride Flight of the Hippogriff
Tour all the shops, stores.
Try to catch either the Frog Choir show or Triwizard Spirit Rally

I figure it should be close to lunch by this hour and Waldo requested lunch at Mythos. But now I’m having second thoughts. I was looking at the lunch menu and think it just seems too heavy for lunch. I’m thinking Three Broomsticks, but everything they have there is either baked in dough or served on the bone, although I think I saw Fish and Chips on a menu somewhere. And don’t get me started on those turkey legs they serve. Nothing turns my stomach more than watching someone gnaw on those things in Disney. That pink, sticky, gelatinous, gristly mess…. Blech! Ahem… so where was I? Oh yes, lunch. Anyway, I’m torn on where to stop for lunch. Anyone have a suggestion in the park?

So moving on, we’ll hit up Seuss Landing for The Trolley Train and The Cat in the Hat ride. Yes, I’m riding that ride. I love The Cat in the Hat. His books are so creative, I often wonder what Dr. Suess was prescribing himself when we was writing those whimsical little books. One pill, two pill, red pill, blue pill……

Everything else is just a blip on the screen. Perhaps we’ll ride Spider-Man, perhaps not. I know for a fact we will not be riding any water rides.

The plan is to be out of there by 4pm and heading to our happy place!

And naturally, we’ll all be sporting our very awesome Hogwart’s scarves, made by yours truly. J Evan and Maddie chose Griffendor house colors and I, in my Slytherin house scarf.

Up Next: How in the heck did I manage 18 dining reservations for 10 days???

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Your plan of attack for Harry Potter looks good. If any of you are at all prone to motion sickness you may want to take something before riding Forbidden Journey.

Don't discount the rest of Islands of Adventure, we were really impressed with the park.

The theming in the Lost Continent was great and I highly recommend Mythos for lunch. The theme is wonderful and the prices aren't bad. Only a dollar or two more than what you would pay at counter service and Universal has a bad rep for its counter service. Also you can typically walk in and get a table with no reservation but if you want the reassurance of a reservation you should be able to do that at your hotel or at guest services at the front of the park.

If you want the Three Broomsticks experience grab a few butterbeers from the Hog's Head. It's in the same building as the Three Broomsticks but has much shorter lines. Try the frozen and regular variety. Most people prefer the frozen but my family loves the regular! There is seating outside at the back of the restaurant if you find it is too crowded indoors.

Seuss Landing was very cute but beware of The Cat in the Hat, it made my stomach flip a few times and it is just a simple dark ride!

Super Hero Island. The Hulk was awesome! When we were there it was a walk-on. Spiderman was also lots of fun and the line is entertaining. Characters are out for photos here pretty regularly if Evan and Maddie are into any of the Marvel characters.

Toon Lagoon, I know you said that you don't want to go on water rides but it is fun for a walk through. You can pose for funny photos under the captions and there may be characters out.

Jurassic Park, again you said you don't want a water ride but I have heard it is pretty cool (maybe wear ponchos?). I can't give an opinion on it as it was down for refurb when we were there. The Discovery Centre was fun with interactive games and such.

No matter what you do I am sure you will have a blast!

If you want more info/pictures I should be starting our Islands of Adventure day sometime next week in my trip report.

 

[jcc0621]

Hello? Is anyone there? Helloooooo??

We tease because we love T

Here's the first day of school pic:

OMG. They are getting so big

since we gave up our DLR AP's this past August. [/SIZE]

NO!

This isn’t Kansas, Waldo.:

TR Title

I figure it should be close to lunch by this hour and Waldo requested lunch at Mythos. But now I’m having second thoughts. I was looking at the lunch menu and think it just seems too heavy for lunch. I’m thinking Three Broomsticks, but everything they have there is either baked in dough or served on the bone, although I think I saw Fish and Chips on a menu somewhere. And don’t get me started on those turkey legs they serve. Nothing turns my stomach more than watching someone gnaw on those things in Disney. That pink, sticky, gelatinous, gristly mess…. Blech! Ahem… so where was I? Oh yes, lunch. Anyway, I’m torn on where to stop for lunch. Anyone have a suggestion in the park?

Have you thought about heading to City Walk? We really like Margaritaville and Jim and Jimmy loved Pastamore when they were there (when I got sick).

So moving on, we’ll hit up Seuss Landing for The Trolley Train and The Cat in the Hat ride. Yes, I’m riding that ride. I love The Cat in the Hat. His books are so creative, I often wonder what Dr. Suess was prescribing himself when we was writing those whimsical little books. One pill, two pill, red pill, blue pill…… [/SIZE]

Suess trivia - Green Eggs and Ham was written on a bet. Someone bet him he could not write book using only 50 or less words.

I know for a fact we will not be riding any water rides.

Oh right, itmight be 70 degrees

And naturally, we’ll all be sporting our very awesome Hogwart’s scarves, made by yours truly. J Evan and Maddie chose Griffendor house colors and I, in my Slytherin house scarf

You made those? I'm very impressed

Up Next: How in the heck did I manage 18 dining reservations for 10 days???

Is this a rhetorical question

 

[jcc0621]

Your plan of attack for Harry Potter looks good. If any of you are at all prone to motion sickness you may want to take something before riding Forbidden Journey.

Really? I thought it was like a Soarin' no?

 

[PrincessV]

Not one...
Not two...
THREE, three dancing bananas for that!

Then a few weeks ago, we celebrated Andy’s birthday at our favorite DTD eatery: Naples Ristorante y Pizzeria

That's the DLR version of Via Napoli, right?

Oy. This isn’t Kansas, Waldo.

I was ever so grateful to Mr. Not-Cast Member for bringing me up to speed on the crazy US system.

Know what, though? From what I've seen so far, US's systems are BETTER! Admittedly a little confusing when you're used to the bizarre intricacies of The Mouse, but surprisingly straightforward and user-friendly.

Toon Lagoon? Um, nope.

But, you must! At least walk through.

Jurassic Park? Um, nope.

But, you must! Skip the ride, but don't skip the area!

Marvel Super Hero Island? No, not really.

That's it, I'm putting my foot down here - Spiderman is NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

I’m thinking Three Broomsticks, but everything they have there is either baked in dough or served on the bone, although I think I saw Fish and Chips on a menu somewhere.

I can't recommend the Three Broomsticks enough, T. Everything we've had there has been delish, fresh and much lighter than you'd think. Plus you get weird happenings form the house elves and Butterbeer on tap.

The Cat in the Hat ride. Yes, I’m riding that ride.

Do ride it, but please try to lower your expectations between now and then. Trust V.

Love them!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Really? I thought it was like a Soarin' no?

Not at all! Yes you are up in the air and your feet dangle but you are in motion and whipping around and turning here and there with screens in motion and then animatronics popping out at you. Complete opposite of the serene ride on Soarin. Forbidden Journey is TONS of fun but it is not a calm and gentle ride. Alek and I both felt queasy after we rode.

 

[PrincessV]

Not at all! Yes you are up in the air and your feet dangle but you are in motion and whipping around and turning here and there with screens in motion and then animatronics popping out at you. Complete opposite of the serene ride on Soarin. Forbidden Journey is TONS of fun but it is not a calm and gentle ride. Alek and I both felt queasy after we rode.

The DIS needs a "Like" button - I couldn't agree more! I don't get sick on rides. Ever. Cast iron stomach. But I came very close on FJ.

 

[HomeschoolMama]

Since I know nothing about HP, I just wanted to let you know I love Mads' skirt in the first day of school picture. Where'd you find it? Purple's C's favorite color and she loves the sassy skirt...

 

[jcc0621]

Lessa and V - Too much for Jimmy?

 

[mrsksomeday]

So onto our Harry Potter planning!

When I originally booked the package, I just put the down payment and thought nothing of the balance. I’m so used to WDW planning and using DVC, that paying the package off completely slipped my mind until I started working out our trip budget. Rut-roh.

Oh no, but I can understand why it would slip your mind.

I pulled out the e-documents and tried to get my info. online to see when the balance is due, etc. Um, hello? That other park is soooo not Disney. I actually had to call and speak to a Not-Cast Member person. He WAS very nice and explained what my balance was, when it had to be paid off and how I pay it off.

He also explained about my park tickets and my early entry tickets and the kiosk I was to pick them up at. Como say KIOSK? You mean the hotel didn’t have a pretty little folder set up with my room keys, with my park tickets and early entry passes? Oy. This isn’t Kansas, Waldo.

Ewww a KIOSK?? No "Have a magical day?" I couldn't vacation like that .

I was ever so grateful to Mr. Not-Cast Member for bringing me up to speed on the crazy US system. Can you imagine what kind of breakdown would have ensued, had I not been informed? Ugly, people. U. G. L. Y.

Same thing for me, it would have been a mess, now if we ever go there I will know the procedures because of you .

So, yup - pretty much all we really want to see in Island of Adventure are Harry Potter’s World and Seuss Landing. I haven’t exactly told Andy this yet, because I know things will change once we get there and I don’t want him blowing a gasket. I know most of our time will be spend in WWoHP, because we really want to see everything. All the shops, all the nooks and crannies, just immerse ourselves in Potter. I know. That sounds kinda dirty.

This would be me too, all I would want to do is the Harry Potter stuff.


So moving on, we’ll hit up Seuss Landing for The Trolley Train and The Cat in the Hat ride. Yes, I’m riding that ride. I love The Cat in the Hat. His books are so creative, I often wonder what Dr. Suess was prescribing himself when we was writing those whimsical little books. One pill, two pill, red pill, blue pill……

I truly love your sense of humor.

The plan is to be out of there by 4pm and heading to our happy place!

We are staying at the Boardwalk for the first time, your picture has me so excited to go!!

And naturally, we’ll all be sporting our very awesome Hogwart’s scarves, made by yours truly. J Evan and Maddie chose Griffendor house colors and I, in my Slytherin house scarf.

I was reading this installment to Bill and got to your choice of house scarf and Bill says "evil" , I was cracking up.

Loved the installment, the kids looked fantastic on their first day. The family pictures were wonderful. I can't wait to read more .

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Lessa and V - Too much for Jimmy?

Depends, does he get easily motion sick and does he scare/startle easily? I don't want to give the ride away but there are some "scary" parts.