The "We have one whole year to wait" Now a Trip Report

[Laura.bora]

Ok, so nothing is set in stone until park hours come out and I officially make ADR’s but here is our itinerary for now -

Day 1 - Tuesday September 16th
1.) Flight - We’re hoping to get the non-stop flight with Airtran. Children + no layovers = good start to the vacation. Unfortunately, there is only 1 flight per day that is non stop in the whole airport, so it may book up rather quickly. If it does, then we’ll go with old trusty - Jet Blue. The AirTran flight leaves at 9am, so that means out the door at 7, and wake up at 5. That’s going to make for a LONG first day, but I think we’ll manage. After all, we’ll be in Disney that much earlier!

2.) Arrival - Flight should arrive around 12, so we should hit Wilderness Lodge around 1. We’ll check in, and hopefully, we’ll score an early room! We’ll grab a bite to eat at the Roaring Forks, and then it’s off to .....

3.) THE MAGIC KINGDOM! - This is a MUST for our very first stop. After all, it’s Mickey’s home! We’re planning on doing everyone’s top choice of ride as an introduction to the park. So for the kids, that means the Tiki Room (Ainsley’s new obsession) and the Buzz Lightyear ride (Nathaniel can’t wait for this one). I’m thinking my #1 pick is going to be the Swiss Family Robinson’s Tree house. That was the one thing I REALLY wanted to do those 2 times we were in Disney, and my parent’s vetoed me, because it would be too boring. Ha HA - I’M the parent NOW! So off to the coolest house in the world we’ll go! I don’t CARE if it is boring. No idea what my husband will choose. Hopefully we’ll manage to see the Dreams Come True Parade at 3, but I’m thinking that we’ll be cutting it awfully close, so we’ll probably miss it.

4.) Dinner - For dinner on our very first night, we need to be able to say hello to our friends, so I decided we needed to do a Character meal. Then over on the Food Porn thread, I saw the meals at Liberty Tree Tavern, and that was it, dinner was decided. Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale and THANKSGIVING DINNER!!!!

5.) Wishes - After we roll ourselves out of LTT, we’ll hopefully catch Wishes. After that, we’ll catch the boat back to the resort and CRASH!

Update: This plan is a nogo due to the mnsshp that night - So, we're heading to MK, going to Kona for dinner, and then going to bed.

 

[Laura.bora]

Day 2 - Wednesday September 17th

1.) Resort Time - This morning will be spent getting some much needed rest after our hectic schedule yesterday. We’ll get up when we’re good and ready, have breakfast in the room, and take some time exploring the resort, relaxing by the pool side, playing on the playground, and maybe heading over to Fort Wilderness for a pony ride or two, and some time fishing.

2.) Epcot - When we’re good and ready, we’ll head over to Epcot. We’ll probably explore the countries today - we’ll have just spent the past couple of weeks learning about the countries in Epcot. I’m planning on giving the kids a few disposable cameras to take pictures around the countries to add to a “Great big book of everything” scrapbook that we’ll have been working on during the weeks leading up to our trip. I’m hoping that they’ll have an even greater appreciation of the countries because of the research and projects we’ll have been doing. (Ha ha, gearing them up for disney AND teaching them something at the same time!!)

3.) Dinner - Hopefully we’ll get an early-ish dinner reservation at Le Cellier. I’ve been dreaming about Beer cheese soup and Steak. Mmmmmmm......

4.) Illuminations - And then we’ll watch the illuminations show and head home to go to bed!

 

[Laura.bora]

Day 3 - Thursday September 18th

1.) Breakfast - I’m hoping to score reservations for the Hollywood and Vine character breakfast with Jojo, Goliath, and the Little Einsteins crew as early as possible - like before the park opens. Lunch would have been a bit easier to plan around, since I think this will only be a half day park, and then I could schedule a late lunch, and then watch Fantasmic BUT the lunch looked SO unappetizing that we decided to go with Breakfast.

2.) MGM - yes, I know Disney’s Hollywood Studios - but no, sorry, it will always be MGM to me. Anyway, I don’t think this park will be a huge hit with my kids. There will be a few “must see” attractions, but for the most part, I don’t think they’ll be interested. Anyway, we’ll spend the morning here, and then head home in the early afternoon for a nap.

3.) Magic Kingdom - After our nap, we’ll hop on over to Magic kingdom, and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening here.

4.) Dinner - Liberty Tree Tavern.....mmmmm Thanksgiving food! And our first visit with Minnie and Goofy!

 

[Laura.bora]

Day 4 - Friday September 19th

1.) Animal Kingdom - I think this park is going to be a HUGE hit with the kids. I’m planning to be there at rope drop to make the most of this park - and of course, we’ll be hitting the safari first, when the animals are most active!

2.) Lunch - we’re planning on having lunch at the Yak and Yetti around nap time. The older kids will have some down time, along with really yummy food, so I think they’ll be ok for the day. Depending on when we get our lunch reservation, we should be able to catch the parade if the kids want to see it.

3.) Resort time - When Animal Kingdom closes at 5, we’ll head home - earlier if we’ve seen everything we wanted to see or we get to tired and cranky. We’ll spend the rest of the evening at the resort relaxing.

4.) Dinner - Dinner will be at Artist Point. We’re really excited for this place. Hopefully we’ll get a reservation around 6:30 or 7. Then we’ll turn in for an early night.

Off to go to eat dinner!! Will give more of the itinerary later!!

 

[stagemomx3]

Day 3 - Thursday September 18th

1.) Breakfast - I’m hoping to score reservations for the Hollywood and Vine character breakfast with Jojo, Goliath, and the Little Einsteins crew as early as possible - like before the park opens. Lunch would have been a bit easier to plan around, since I think this will only be a half day park, and then I could schedule a late lunch, and then watch Fantasmic BUT the lunch looked SO unappetizing that we decided to go with Breakfast.

What about doing the latest breakfast seating instead? You are going to have a late night staying up for Illuminations the night before.

 

[Laura.bora]

What about doing the latest breakfast seating instead? You are going to have a late night staying up for Illuminations the night before.

Thought about doing that already! But the latest breakfast is at 11:20 - and that's to early to do a split between the parks which is what we'd want to do - although now that you mention the turn around aspect, I will have to think about it.....although we'll be having a nap in the middle of the day.......We (mostly being me) might have a difficult time getting up in the morning, but once we're up and moving, we should be good. I might make the reservation ore like 9 though since you pointed out the late night.

 

[Laura.bora]

never mind! After consulting my husband, we go with stagemom's advice!

 

[Shmu]

Plan is looking great.
Glad you have some down time in there especially with small ones.
I am trying to get everything ready for ADR's since we get to call in a few weeks...finally.
Have most figured out, but need one more good restaurant. Thinking Japanese. DS loves anything from Japan.

 

[Laura.bora]

Day 3 - Thursday September 18th

1.) Breakfast - I’m hoping to score reservations for the Hollywood and Vine character breakfast with Jojo, Goliath, and the Little Einsteins crew as early as possible - like before the park opens. Lunch would have been a bit easier to plan around, since I think this will only be a half day park, and then I could schedule a late lunch, and then watch Fantasmic BUT the lunch looked SO unappetizing that we decided to go with Breakfast.

Ok so thankfully Stagemom pointed out the flaw in my plan, and then I started looking at my itinerary, trying to figure out why I thought I needed the earliest reservation. Turns out in my originaly plans (not these ones) I had planned for a really early breakfast here, and then head over to another park, saving a 1/2 a day in MGM for later in the week to go see Fantasmic. I don't need to do that anymore, but the thought of the earliest reservation still stuck in my head. So new Itinerary is: going to book the latest reservation possible for breakfast, get up and head over to MGM when we feel like it, and spend the morning in MGM.

 

[Laura.bora]

hey Shmuu - Japanese is Teppan Edo (or something to that effect) right? We had REALLY wanted to go to 9 dragons, it was our #1 choice of restaurant, but, of course the went ahead and referbished it. Oh well, I'll have to get some CS in China! And thankfully Yak and Yetti looks pretty comperable. There are so many other restaurants I'd love to try, but there is only so much food we can eat!

 

[stagemomx3]

So new Itinerary is: going to book the latest reservation possible for breakfast, get up and head over to MGM when we feel like it, and spend the morning in MGM.

Sounds good! Much less likely to have crabby family members at breakfast.

 

[Laura.bora]

1.) Breakfast - since we'll have an early night the night before, we're heading over for an early reservation to Chef Mickey's to celebrate Nathaniel's birthday!

2.) Afternoon plans - This will be left up to Nathaniel, since he's the birthday boy! When we start to get tired, we'll head home for a much needed nap, and a swim in the pool.

3.) Fort Wilderness - After some resort time, we'll head over to Fort Wilderness to have a birthday dinner at the Trail's end Buffet. After dinner, we'll go over to the campfire, and make some s'mores and sing along with Chip and Dale (Nathaniel's favorite, next to Peter Pan and Captain Hook). After that, if the movie is appropriate, and if Nathaniel wants to, we'll stay and watch the movie. We're entertaining the idea if one of the parks is still open, having either Ken or me go alone with Nathaniel to have some "alone time" with him. This was something my parents always did with me (my sisters wanted some down time, and I didn't, so once I went to Typhoon Lagoon with just my dad, and once I went to Magic Kingdom with just my mom, and once I went to Universal with just my Dad. I have such fond memories of those "alone times", that I'd like to continue the tradition.

 

[Shmu]

hey Shmuu - Japanese is Teppan Edo (or something to that effect) right? We had REALLY wanted to go to 9 dragons, it was our #1 choice of restaurant, but, of course the went ahead and referbished it. Oh well, I'll have to get some CS in China! And thankfully Yak and Yetti looks pretty comperable. There are so many other restaurants I'd love to try, but there is only so much food we can eat!

Laughing because last night I started second guessing Japanese just because of the parks we will be in on certain days. Trying not to park hop too much. It gets tiring.
Yak and Yetti was one I was thinking of.
That or the Tusker House.
Need one from Animal Kingdom to help our schedule flow.

 

[Shmu]

We posted at almost the same time. It shocked me when your last post came up.
I like the alone time idea for birthday. What a great place for a birthday.

 

[JoanieS]

Laura,

First of all, you have a beautiful family! Congrats on your latest addition - what a blessing!

Great PTR - I was thinking of starting one, but was worried I was too far out (223 days - not that I'm counting or anything ). I think you have motivated me to start one.

I think your plans sound great so far. You must be getting so excited to make your ADR's. We make ours on 4/6 - it's getting closer!

We are surprising our kids with the trip too. My orginial thought was to wake them up at 3am and say "let's go to the airport, we are heading for Disney". But...I'm afraid they will be so sleepy that they won't "get it". I really like the idea you posted about, with the puzzle/gift telling them the night before. I think this would be great (although we will NEVER get them to sleep). Did you ever find the thread original thread that this was mentioned in? If you did, can you link it please?

Anyway, wonder PTR, I am looking forward to reading more!

 

[Laura.bora]

Laura,

First of all, you have a beautiful family! Congrats on your latest addition - what a blessing!

Great PTR - I was thinking of starting one, but was worried I was too far out (223 days - not that I'm counting or anything ). I think you have motivated me to start one.

I think your plans sound great so far. You must be getting so excited to make your ADR's. We make ours on 4/6 - it's getting closer!

We are surprising our kids with the trip too. My orginial thought was to wake them up at 3am and say "let's go to the airport, we are heading for Disney". But...I'm afraid they will be so sleepy that they won't "get it". I really like the idea you posted about, with the puzzle/gift telling them the night before. I think this would be great (although we will NEVER get them to sleep). Did you ever find the thread original thread that this was mentioned in? If you did, can you link it please?

Anyway, wonder PTR, I am looking forward to reading more!

Hey JOanie! Welcome aboard! Ohhh! So you're a KOTS too? That's so exciting for your kids! My parents surprised me when I was akid, and it was the best! I was thinking of surprising them the same way, but I knew that my son wouldn't wake up. He's like my husband, once he's asleep, it doesn't matter what you do, he's not waking up and being coherent until he's good and ready! And I really wanted to continue or traditional Birthday Breakfast. Couldn't really do that at 2 in the morning.

I unfortunatly never found the trip report again, although I'm still looking. It's got to be here SOMEWHERE, I just can't seem to find it!

When you get your PTR up and running let me know! I'll be stopping by!

 

[Laura.bora]

1.) Resort Time - Time for some more sleeping in! Sleep is always a good thing! Maybe if we get up early, we’ll head down to the pool for a bit. We’ll see.
2.) Grand Floridian Photo Shoot - Had originally planned on doing this after breakfast.....then I thought my daughter in nice clothes + food = disaster.
3.) Breakfast - Since we’re already AT the Grand Floridian, we’ll eat breakfast here at the GF Café, and check out the grounds.
4.) Nap time - We’ll head back to the resort and let the little ones take a nap.....maybe the big ones (me and hubby) will take a nap too!
5.) MouseEars - I refer to the “play it by ear” times as mouse ears so you know. Either we’ll continue to hang out at the resort, or head to MGM to catch Fantasmic, or head to another park. Not sure, whatever we feel like doing. I really want to see Fantasmic, I’m just afraid it may be a little too intense for my fraidy cat son. Maybe just Ainsley and I will go! Nothing planned for dinner tonight. Just CS.

 

[Laura.bora]

1.) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - Ainsley’s birthday activity is to go to the BBB and get a princess makeover. We’re getting the full package for her so she can pick out the outfit and such. We thought about buying her an outfit before hand, and bringing it down, but then it doesn’t have the magic of getting to pick out her favorite outfit. I think right now, it would be Cinderella, but that could change, or she might decide that she likes another dress better. Who knows. So full package it is. She is such a girly girl so she’ll have a blast I know. I’m going to try to get the earliest reservation I can get so we can have the morning in the parks. I’m also trying for the MK location.
2.) Magic Kingdom - Since we’ll be here anyway, we’ll spend our morning here. I’m thinking this will be her favorite park anyway.
3.) Lunch - I want to get a 2:00 reservation for Cinderella’s royal table for her birthday lunch. Not only will she flip, but so will my son! (He’s a huge Cinderella fan, and is hoping that Cinderella will invite him over. Since he thinks it’s actually Cinderella, I’ve played along, and plan on having those wonderful people over at the creative Disigns write an invitation to invite them over for Ainsley’s birthday.
4.) Nap time - After lunch we’ll head back to the hotel for a much needed nap.
5.) Ainsley’s choice - After our nap, Ainsley can decide what we’ll wants to do. Either we’ll do alone time again with Ainsley, or we’ll go somewhere as a family, or we’ll relax by the pool. No plans for dinner tonight. Just CS when we get hungry.

Update: decided to book dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe for 7pm, just in case. I'd rather be able to cancel than not get anything.

 

[stagemomx3]

5.) MouseEars - I refer to the “play it by ear” times as mouse ears so you know.

Love that!

Day 6 sounds good!

 

[Laura.bora]

1.) Epcot - We’ll get up this morning and head over to Epcot.
2.) Lunch - Since it’s just a short walk away, and since their ice cream looks SOOOOO good, we’re heading over to Beaches and Cream for lunch. Either we’ll just have ice cream for lunch, or we’ll split 2 meals and 2 ice cream sundays between the 4 of us. (Doubt Ephraim will be doing much eating......except maybe the ice cream!)
3.) Nap time - After lunch, we’ll head home to take a nap because tonight is.......
4.) Cirque du Soliel!!! - Wooo hooo!! This is my pic of the trip! I have ALWAYS wanted to go to a Cirque du Soliel show, and have kicked myself for not going when they were in the city when I was living on Long Island. I was single and had expendable income then....not so much now. But, now we’re going! I can not wait, and I know the kids will enjoy it! And thankfully, Ephraim has Nathaniel’s disposition, so no need to worry about him being to antsy or loud through the show. We plan on heading to Down Town Disney around 4. This is the only time I won’t be relying on Disney Transportation. We’ll be getting a cab ...........oh, just thought of something....will I need carseats for the kids if I’m going in a cab? Do they provide carseats? I won’t have any with me....ok something to look into. Ok, so we might be relying on Disney Transportation..... I didn’t want to because I heard that the bus is very unreliable going to and from DTD. Anyway, when we get there, we might squeeze in a little shopping/browsing if there is time. We need to be at Cirque at 5:30, so we’ll see.
5.) Dinner - For dinner, we plan to eat at Earl of Sandwich.
6.) Shopping - We plan to do some souvenir shopping now. Especially at World of Disney. I heard they have a Christmas store there too. I’ll more than likely hit that store as well. I know Nathaniel will want to hit the Lego store.