There's A Snake In My Boot!!!! PTR April 24th-May 1, 2010 (Trip Report Started!!)

[DisMomAmy]

We'll be at DHS that day too!! Though it doesn't look like our paths will cross much... we too will be at TSM first thing, like everyone else at the park! We rode TSM several times last year but always through the FP line. This year we want to get right over there so we can go through the regular queue to see Mr. Potato Head. I'll be starting my DHS Looking Back/Looking Forward updates this weekend but I'll give you a little sneek peek... We be skipping most of the rides you guys will be hitting this year. We saw LMA last year so we are going to try to see Indiana Jones this year. We may or may not ride the Great Movie Ride and we'll definitely be at RnRC & ToT. Maybe we'll see you & Cory there?? We're not interested in the American Idol show & we too are skipping Fantasmic... I don't even think it's showing that night. Hopefully that will help keep the crowds away. We're also going to spend some time at the Animation Academy. Zach loved the animation class last year.

 

[Angies1274]

Your DHS plans look great!!! YAY! for riding Toy Story Mania for the first time!! You will love it!! It's so much fun!!!!! Great idea on grabbing fastpasses and then jumping in the stand-by line! Last year, we just did fastpass and missed all the cool things waiting in line. (and from reading others TR's there is alot of very cute things to see!)

We always eat at Toy Story Pizza Planet in DHS. The boys won't eat anywhere else!!

Hope Gabe is feeling better!!!

 

[MommyMcQueen]

YES! I am still alive! Gabe had a cough last weekend which turned into an ear infection! BLECH! FINALLY back to preschool today for his Valentine's Party and more time on the DIS for me!!! Okay, our second full day in WDW plans are:

Day 2-(Monday)-Disney Studios
-Plan to be at Rope Drop again and high tail it over to TSM!!!!!!!!!!! Grab FP's and then jump in stand-by! This is our first time on this ride and for my little Toy Story fanatic a dream come true! He has been talking about this ride since we saw it on T.V.!!!!!!!!

Our attraction goals for the day are:
-Toy Story Midway Mania (x2)
-Playhouse Disney
-Lights! Motors! Action! (one of Gabe's favorites from 2007)
-Beauty and the Beast (My mom and I are dying to see this again, we haven't seen in since 2000!!)
-Meet Mater & Lightning
-Meet Buzz and Woody
-Muppet Vision 3D
-Star Tours
-Pizza Planet for Lunch, would Toy Story fans dine anywhere else???
-Maybe back for rest/nap or hang around and hope Helen crashes in her stroller, if so we will take turns with the kids with my parents. Cory and I want to at least do RnRC & ToT and my parents want to see American Idol. We can let Gabe run a bit at the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground.
-Block Party Bash at 3:00pm
-Back to POFQ for the evening, maybe a swim, dinner is up in the air and early to bed because we have an early breakfast the next day!!!!

There are a lot of things here we skip. Not into Indy really, Great Movie Ride I think parts would scare my kids, no Backlot Tour for us, Seen the Little Mermaid enough, and we aren't that into Fantasmic!. I always have a hard time scheduling things here because the shows throw us off some. Any good tips about doing the shows?? We can always come back later in the week on our hopping days!

Hi Beth! Hope Gabe is feeling better - we've been battling colds this last week too...it's been a long week!

Thanks for sharing yor plans for DHS - I've been having the hardest time trying to plan this park - for the exact reasons you said - trying to figure out what shows to see at what times and fit in the other rides inbetween - and not have to backtrack too much. Ah yes - Pizza Planet!! We're planning for lunch there too! No Beauty and the Beast for us, but I would like to get in the Backlot Tour - kids may be bored but they'd at least like riding the tram!

I can't really offer any tips since I'm completely a newbie, but I was planning to try to get to Muppets in the later morning, then do lunch at PP (we usually do early lunch, like 11-11:30), do the meet/greets with characters right after lunch, then the 1:20pm Lights, Motor, Action show. After the show, run the kids through the Honey Shrunk the Kids playground on the way back to the front for the parade at 3pm. I have no idea if this will work but that's the plan! Then again I've revised the plan like 20 times for this park!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

We'll be at DHS that day too!! Though it doesn't look like our paths will cross much... we too will be at TSM first thing, like everyone else at the park! We rode TSM several times last year but always through the FP line. This year we want to get right over there so we can go through the regular queue to see Mr. Potato Head. I'll be starting my DHS Looking Back/Looking Forward updates this weekend but I'll give you a little sneek peek... We be skipping most of the rides you guys will be hitting this year. We saw LMA last year so we are going to try to see Indiana Jones this year. We may or may not ride the Great Movie Ride and we'll definitely be at RnRC & ToT. Maybe we'll see you & Cory there?? We're not interested in the American Idol show & we too are skipping Fantasmic... I don't even think it's showing that night. Hopefully that will help keep the crowds away. We're also going to spend some time at the Animation Academy. Zach loved the animation class last year.

I hope our paths will cross at some point Amy!! We are looking forward to going through the regular queue line and seeing Potato Head and all the other TS things!! I want to do the Animation Academy but not quite sure how the others feel. Some things are just so "iffy" for us because I have no idea on how Helen will be, whether or not she can doze in the stroller or just be able to roll with it all!

Your DHS plans look great!!! YAY! for riding Toy Story Mania for the first time!! You will love it!! It's so much fun!!!!! Great idea on grabbing fastpasses and then jumping in the stand-by line! Last year, we just did fastpass and missed all the cool things waiting in line. (and from reading others TR's there is alot of very cute things to see!)

We always eat at Toy Story Pizza Planet in DHS. The boys won't eat anywhere else!!

Hope Gabe is feeling better!!!

Glad you think the plans look good Angie! We are so pumped about TSM, I don't think Gabe has been so excited about an attraction before! I can't wait to see his reactions, I hope to catch some pics or video!!!! Yes, he is feeling better, outside playing in the snow!!!!!!!

Hi Beth! Hope Gabe is feeling better - we've been battling colds this last week too...it's been a long week!

Thanks for sharing yor plans for DHS - I've been having the hardest time trying to plan this park - for the exact reasons you said - trying to figure out what shows to see at what times and fit in the other rides inbetween - and not have to backtrack too much. Ah yes - Pizza Planet!! We're planning for lunch there too! No Beauty and the Beast for us, but I would like to get in the Backlot Tour - kids may be bored but they'd at least like riding the tram!

I can't really offer any tips since I'm completely a newbie, but I was planning to try to get to Muppets in the later morning, then do lunch at PP (we usually do early lunch, like 11-11:30), do the meet/greets with characters right after lunch, then the 1:20pm Lights, Motor, Action show. After the show, run the kids through the Honey Shrunk the Kids playground on the way back to the front for the parade at 3pm. I have no idea if this will work but that's the plan! Then again I've revised the plan like 20 times for this park!!

I agree with you Karen on an early lunch! I am hoping that may help Helen's energy a bit! The boys will LOVE Lights Motors Action. Gabe loved it at age 2 and still likes to watch some of the video we took from it!! For me I think this is the hardest park to plan. It's not my favorite park, but there are a lot of great things to do. I hope you guys aren't digging out of too much snow!!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Well I haven't gotten my Animal Kingdom day planned quite yet so while we all wait......I thought I would list my TOP 10 attractions, TOP 5 shows, and TOP 10 FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Attractions:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Expedition Everest
3. Rock n' Rollercoaster
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5. Kilimanjaro Safaris
6. Soarin'
7. Test Track
8. Mad Tea Party
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
10. Toy Story Mania! (I have not been on this yet but I anticipate it in the Top 10)

Shows:
1. Finding Nemo: The Musical
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Mickey's PhilharMagic
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Lights Motors Action! (Because Gabe loves it so much)

FOOD!!!
1. Ice Cream Sandwich from the Main Street Bakery
2. Chocolate Dipped Mickey Rice Krispy Treat
3. Churro
4. Mickey Ice Cream Bar
5. Dole Whip
6. Cherry Sours Goofy's Candy Co.
7. Angel Food Cake with Berries from 50's PTC
8. Salmon from Sunshine Seasons
9. Onion Rings and a Chocolate Shake from Beaches n' Cream
10. Popcorn!!!

What are YOUR favorites???

 

[kcandbella]

Your plans sound fairly similar to ours, and I am having the same issues with trying to plan everything without knowing showtimes.

On another note, Bella has turned into a complete Toy Story 2 fanatic as well! She has been watching it nonstop. I think I could recite the whole thing, as I'm sure you could too. Have you seen the commercial on facebook for TS3? She watches that over and over as well. I guess I know where we will be on June 18!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Your plans sound fairly similar to ours, and I am having the same issues with trying to plan everything without knowing showtimes.

On another note, Bella has turned into a complete Toy Story 2 fanatic as well! She has been watching it nonstop. I think I could recite the whole thing, as I'm sure you could too. Have you seen the commercial on facebook for TS3? She watches that over and over as well. I guess I know where we will be on June 18!

Yup, we already had to commit ourselves to Gabe that on June 18th we will be at the movies!!! Glad to know of a new "fanatic"!!! They are great movies and I could probably recite both 1 & 2 from beginning to end!! Hopefully we both can come up with good touring plans for the Studios!!!

 

[kangaand2roos]

Well I haven't gotten my Animal Kingdom day planned quite yet so while we all wait......I thought I would list my TOP 10 attractions, TOP 5 shows, and TOP 10 FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Attractions:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Expedition Everest
3. Rock n' Rollercoaster
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5. Kilimanjaro Safaris
6. Soarin'
7. Test Track
8. Mad Tea Party
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
10. Toy Story Mania! (I have not been on this yet but I anticipate it in the Top 10)

Shows:
1. Finding Nemo: The Musical
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Mickey's PhilharMagic
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Lights Motors Action! (Because Gabe loves it so much)

FOOD!!!
1. Ice Cream Sandwich from the Main Street Bakery
2. Chocolate Dipped Mickey Rice Krispy Treat
3. Churro
4. Mickey Ice Cream Bar
5. Dole Whip
6. Cherry Sours Goofy's Candy Co.
7. Angel Food Cake with Berries from 50's PTC
8. Salmon from Sunshine Seasons
9. Onion Rings and a Chocolate Shake from Beaches n' Cream
10. Popcorn!!!

What are YOUR favorites???

Finally caught up and subbing!

Here are my tops, in no particular order:

Top ten rides:

1. Soarin'
2. Living with the Land
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Tower of Terror
5. Kilimanjaro Safari
6. Splash Mountain
7. Haunted Mansion
8. Jungle Cruise
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
10. It's a Small World

Top five shows:

1. Festival of the Lion King
2. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
3. Mickey's Philharmagic
4. Spectromagic
5. Wishes

Top ten foods:

1. Mickey ice cream sandwiches
2. Kaki Gori
3. Beef and Blue Salad (at Sci Fi Dine-in)
4. Cheddar Cheese Soup (Le Cellier)
5. Churros
6. Mickey Waffles
7. Funnel Cake
8. Dole Whip
9. Mickey Premium Bar
10. Tie-dye Cheese Cake (Pop Century)

Those are all off the top of my head. I'm sure I've left something important off the list. Also, the food choices are for non-Food & Wine Festival times. During F&W, I'd have to list my top 200!!!

Oh, T-Rex... My kids loved it. I tried to get it for our upcoming trip, but the times were bad. I might try walk-up. I got WPC instead. I've done Raglan Road twice and really lived it!

 

[Cory's Gal]

I like your lists Stacey!! I never did get to try the tie-dye cheesecake at Pop last time and I forgot about Mickey Waffles, they are goooood!!! Yeah, we may try walk up for T-Rex too when we go, I just may not replace Raglan Road and stick to just the two ADR's. I do poke around with the on-line reservations all the time, it's too easy to check which places have openings!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Last trip in January 2007, my parents came with us and DH and I surprised them with a gift basket by Memories by Sarah:

We would like to get them a little something this time, but thought that we would try something else other than the basket. They liked it a lot but I want something different. After poking around a bit on AllEars, I came across the Carriage Ride through POR. I remember DH and I trying to book it when we went back in 2005, and it was all booked up. I think they would enjoy something quieter and relaxing they could do just together away from us and away from the parks. Anybody have any experiences with this??

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hey Beth! Finally decided to post on your PTR (thanks for posting on mine!). I have to do a little catching up but I love all your old pictures. It's so fun looking back at those and reliving the memories.

Looking forward to more of your plans.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Well I haven't gotten my Animal Kingdom day planned quite yet so while we all wait......I thought I would list my TOP 10 attractions, TOP 5 shows, and TOP 10 FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Attractions:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Expedition Everest
3. Rock n' Rollercoaster
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5. Kilimanjaro Safaris
6. Soarin'
7. Test Track
8. Mad Tea Party
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
10. Toy Story Mania! (I have not been on this yet but I anticipate it in the Top 10)

Shows:
1. Finding Nemo: The Musical
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Mickey's PhilharMagic
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Lights Motors Action! (Because Gabe loves it so much)

FOOD!!!
1. Ice Cream Sandwich from the Main Street Bakery
2. Chocolate Dipped Mickey Rice Krispy Treat
3. Churro
4. Mickey Ice Cream Bar
5. Dole Whip
6. Cherry Sours Goofy's Candy Co.
7. Angel Food Cake with Berries from 50's PTC
8. Salmon from Sunshine Seasons
9. Onion Rings and a Chocolate Shake from Beaches n' Cream
10. Popcorn!!!

What are YOUR favorites???

Our favorites are:
Attractions - not necessarily in this order:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rock 'n' Rollercoaster
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Expedition Everest
5. Dinosaur
6. Soarin'
7. Test Track
8. BTMRR
9. Space Mountain
10. Alex - Pirates of the Caribbean or Zach - It's a Small World
We love Splash Mtn. too!

Favorites 5 shows... we haven't seen too many all together as a family - so here are my top 3:
1. Definitely Festival of the Lion King!!!
2. Mickey's Philharmagic
3. Finding Nemo

And as far as food... We haven't had many Disney treats, but here are our favorite 5:
1. Kaki Gori
2. Disney Popcorn
3. CBR cupcakes... (I know strange...)
4. Apple pie or cobbler at Columbia Harbour House
5. Filet at Teppan Edo!

And Alex's favorite would be Disney chicken nuggets!

Here are some I want to try this year:
1. Disney Fudge!!!!!!!!!!
2. Dole Whip (nope... never had one!)
3. Something from Goofy's Candy Company!

 

[Angies1274]

Ahhh...I love your lists!!!

Our favorite attractions are: (also in no particular order)

1. Soarin'
2. Test Track
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
4. Splash Mountain
5. Expedition Everest (love this one!!!)
6. Dinosaur
7.Toy Story Mania
8. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
9. Jungle Cruise
10. Haunted Mansion (I love this one...the boys not so much!)

Shows--

1. Finding Nemo: The Musical
2. Mickey's Philharmagic
3. Lights Motor Action
4. Muppet 3D
5. (Hoping to add Festival of the Lion King....we haven't seen it yet!!!)

Food--

1. Mickey ice cream bar
2. Popcorn--yum!!
3. Tie dye cheesecake at Pop!
4. Mickey waffles!! (have to have some every trip!)
5. Apple cobbler from CHH
6. Mickey rice crispy treat
7. Dipped pretzels (Goofy's Candy Co.)
8. Disney trail mix (It's DH favorite)
9. Greek Salad at Pop
10. Hoping to add a Dole whip to this list!! (never tried)

 

[Cory's Gal]

Our favorites are:
Attractions - not necessarily in this order:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rock 'n' Rollercoaster
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Expedition Everest
5. Dinosaur
6. Soarin'
7. Test Track
8. BTMRR
9. Space Mountain
10. Alex - Pirates of the Caribbean or Zach - It's a Small World
We love Splash Mtn. too!

Favorites 5 shows... we haven't seen too many all together as a family - so here are my top 3:
1. Definitely Festival of the Lion King!!!
2. Mickey's Philharmagic
3. Finding Nemo

And as far as food... We haven't had many Disney treats, but here are our favorite 5:
1. Kaki Gori
2. Disney Popcorn
3. CBR cupcakes... (I know strange...)
4. Apple pie or cobbler at Columbia Harbour House
5. Filet at Teppan Edo!

And Alex's favorite would be Disney chicken nuggets!

Here are some I want to try this year:
1. Disney Fudge!!!!!!!!!!
2. Dole Whip (nope... never had one!)
3. Something from Goofy's Candy Company!

I like your list Amy!! I want to expand my lists this trip too! And I MUST ask what is Kaki Gori, I have seen it on the last two lists and it has sparked my interest??!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Ahhh...I love your lists!!!

Our favorite attractions are: (also in no particular order)

1. Soarin'
2. Test Track
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
4. Splash Mountain
5. Expedition Everest (love this one!!!)
6. Dinosaur
7.Toy Story Mania
8. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
9. Jungle Cruise
10. Haunted Mansion (I love this one...the boys not so much!)

Shows--

1. Finding Nemo: The Musical
2. Mickey's Philharmagic
3. Lights Motor Action
4. Muppet 3D
5. (Hoping to add Festival of the Lion King....we haven't seen it yet!!!)

Food--

1. Mickey ice cream bar
2. Popcorn--yum!!
3. Tie dye cheesecake at Pop!
4. Mickey waffles!! (have to have some every trip!)
5. Apple cobbler from CHH
6. Mickey rice crispy treat
7. Dipped pretzels (Goofy's Candy Co.)
8. Disney trail mix (It's DH favorite)
9. Greek Salad at Pop
10. Hoping to add a Dole whip to this list!! (never tried)

Yes! Another popcorn lover...they must sprinkle it with extra pixie dust or something, I don't like it at other places (carnivals or fairs), but I LOVE it at WDW! I also want to try the dipped pretzels at Goofy's, I have seen pics of all that is offered in there and I must say it makes my mouth water, mmmm...
If you decide for sure to add AK to your trip this year, you will have to catch Festival of the Lion King, it is spectacular!!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Day 3-(Tuesday)-Animal Kingdom!!
This day is an EARLY day! We have 8:15 breakfast reservations for Donald's Safari Breakfast! The kids are so excited about this one (me too)! We will be up to catch the early Breakfast Bus, they still do this right?? I hope so!

-My plan is that depending on how quickly we finish, DH will run over to EE to get FP's. Then meet up back with us and we can all ride the Safari!!
-We like to wander the animal trails and get over to Rafiki's Planet Watch and head towards Asia and hopefully get into one the morning showings of Nemo!
-Cory and I will ride EE sometime in the mix of all that.
-Head over to Camp Minnie Mickey for Lion King and characters!
-Grab some lunch at Flame Tree hopefully!
-Head to Dino Land for some fun. Adults will rotate going on Dinosaur and then by about 1-1:30 end up in the Boneyard!
-If Helen is successful sleeping in the stroller the day before at DHS, then we hope this can happen again while Gabe plays at the Boneyard.
-Line up for our favorite parade, Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade!!!!
-Explore a little more than head out of the park!!
-We will come back for almost a half day here at the end of the week.

Since we had an early morning, I suspect an early evening will be in store for us! Some swimming and relaxing, maybe we will wander over to POR and try swimming at Old Man Island! Next day up will be MK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kangaand2roos]

I like your list Amy!! I want to expand my lists this trip too! And I MUST ask what is Kaki Gori, I have seen it on the last two lists and it has sparked my interest??!!

Kaki Gori is like a Hawaiian Shave Ice. The stand is in front and to to the left of (if you are facing it) the Japan Pavillion. They come in several flavors (Strawberry, Cherry, Melon and Tangerine, I think) and are SO yummilicious!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Kaki Gori is like a Hawaiian Shave Ice. The stand is in front and to to the left of (if you are facing it) the Japan Pavillion. They come in several flavors (Strawberry, Cherry, Melon and Tangerine, I think) and are SO yummilicious!

Sounds yummy!!! That will taste good on a warm day during a walk around the world...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Zachary calls Kaki Gori a snowcone! But it's definitely more snow than icey... And the flavor is much more concentrated than a regular snowcone. Very yummy!

We'll be at AK the same day!! We won't have a super early start since we're planning to see Illuminations the night before, but we'll head over as soon as we're up and ready to go.

Maybe we'll see you at EE, Dinosaur, The Boneyard or at the parade. We've never seen the AK parade so we might try to catch it this year. We're usually out of the park by then, but since we'll be getting a later start, we might stick around for it. We'll probably try to catch it near the Dawa Bar... I've heard it loops around so you can catch it on the second pass with lighter crowds.

 

[Charlefours]

Love your park plans you are posting! I agree with you and others, DHS is the hardest park for me to plan. Do you know about Steve Soares' website? It gives the entertainment schedule including all the shows. Have you looked at it yet to get an idea of time frames/ranges?

Hmmm...I am not sure if I can do a top 10 for all those but here is my go at it:

Top Rides:
-Soarin'
-TT
-Living with the Land
-KS
-BTMRR
-Kali River Rapids (I have always liked these rides)

Top Shows:
-LMA, we have seen it and plan on it again
-Indy but will most likely not see it again
*those are the only ones we have seen but we really are looking forward to FN, FOTLK, Beauty and the Beaust, VOTLM

Top Food:
-I LOVE this chicken salad I got at Coral Reef but it is no longer on the menu ( DH laughs at me because I still talk about this!
-Rose and Crown--yummy! not a food per say but one of our favorites!

I think that is the best I am going to be able to do. All these top lists I have been reading about have inspired me to think about my own version. I will have to update my PTR sometime soon with it!