This Disneyland gal is going to see the World! A Jan/Feb 2016 PTR - T-8 Days until Disney!

[NPRinLA]

Following along! My 30 was this year too and celebrating at Disney would have been awesome!

Thanks for joining! Yeah, the only thing that can help my 30th Birthday depression is Disney!

Here! I am doing the opposite trip then you, usually go to WDW going to DL in May 2016! Excited to hear about your planning and your trip!

May is the Perfect time to go to DL! Will this be your first trip? The weather is usually pretty good at that time and it's right before the busy Summer crowd time.

 

[captaindavidhook]

Bonjour... good day, how is your family?

Whew, I am officially 141 days out from the big WDW Trip! That still seems like a really long time, but I think having the holidays coming up, it'll definitely make the time go by faster.

So there have been some very big changes to my Disney Plan. I have been worried about staying at the WL because of all of the construction that is planned. I made a call out to the WL to make sure that the work would only be done at the villa and not impede the main lodge, but they told me that they were going to be doing work on the main lodge as well, which was really the tipping point for me. It's been a while since I've been able to take a real vacation because of work, and since I'm paying for a Deluxe Resort, I was really looking forward to relaxing. So after some internal going back and forth, I decided to make the change. Now I will be staying here....



Not such a bad trade off, but I am still a bit worried, because I do know that Poly is still undergoing construction as well. But I've been told it's wrapping up early next year and that by my trip, it'll probably just be minimal cosmetic construction. Hopefully that's the case.

And I did make some changes to my dining plan. I know it's going to be a lot of dining... and I'm not planning on eating large meals at all of them, but since I was going to do the dining plan and I really wanted to meet as many characters as possible, I added some character meals. Here's what it's looking like today:​

Sunday-Arrival Day
D-Ohana

Monday - Epcot Day
B-Akershus
L-Tutto Italia
D-Biergarten

Tuesday-Animal Kingdom Day
B-Tuskar House
L-Yak & Yeti
D-Jiko

Wednesday - Hollywood Studios Day
B-Chef Mickey's
D-Yachtsman

Thursday-Magic Kingdom Day
B-Crystal Palace
L-BOG
D-CA Grill

Friday-MK/Epcot Day
L-Chefs de France
D-Narcoossee's

Saturday-MK Day - Departure Day
B-1900 Park Fare
L-Via Napoli​

I know I should traditionally should be doing MK the first day... but after reading up on all of the crowd calendars, MK at the end of the trip just seemed like the best option. I've also booked all of my breakfasts prior to park opening, so that I can snap some pics of an empty park.

Speaking of pictures, I am still on the fence about buying memory maker. Is it really worth it? I'm also looking at getting a new camera prior to the trip. What kind of camera do you use when you're there?

Also, I've been hearing that construction is going to be starting on the new Star Wars land very soon in Hollywood Studios. Of all of the parks, this has never been my favorite park and to be honest was maybe a 3/4 day at most before the construction, so I think it'll be even more so by the time I get there. So, any suggestions on what I can do outside of the parks on days that I don't stay at the parks all day? I'm not planning a park day on arrival day either, and I was thinking of spending some time by the pool, DTD or maybe even miniature golf. Any suggestions or things that you do on rest days? ​

First off, yes memory maker is worth it. I loved all the pictures I received last year. No complaints at all and to be honest, being solo and having someone taking pictures of me with the characters made things so much easier for me.

For spending time outside of the parks I can recommend a few things. You could spend a day or two at Universal. I really loved the rides there. You could do some tours that Disney provides. I did the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour and also did horse back riding at Fort Wilderness last year. Both were a lot of fun. This year I am doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour and Wild African Trek. I think tours is a great way to pass time, have fun and being solo its' great to interact with a few people. Park hopping is another ideal if your into seeing some of the resorts along Disney property. I think hitting DTD, checking the pool out or playing some miniature golf sound like a lot of fun. Personally, I usually check my resort out, fix the room up and then hit the parks and park hop from one another. I like doing one of the night shows to open my trip after a great dinner.

You've got some great places listed for meals. Love Yachtsman Steakhouse!!! I have never done Tusker House. I hear good things about it. Look like your are all set. All you need now is your fast passes, which will be here soon enough.

 

[NPRinLA]

First off, yes memory maker is worth it. I loved all the pictures I received last year. No complaints at all and to be honest, being solo and having someone taking pictures of me with the characters made things so much easier for me.

For spending time outside of the parks I can recommend a few things. You could spend a day or two at Universal. I really loved the rides there. You could do some tours that Disney provides. I did the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour and also did horse back riding at Fort Wilderness last year. Both were a lot of fun. This year I am doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour and Wild African Trek. I think tours is a great way to pass time, have fun and being solo its' great to interact with a few people. Park hopping is another ideal if your into seeing some of the resorts along Disney property. I think hitting DTD, checking the pool out or playing some miniature golf sound like a lot of fun. Personally, I usually check my resort out, fix the room up and then hit the parks and park hop from one another. I like doing one of the night shows to open my trip after a great dinner.

You've got some great places listed for meals. Love Yachtsman Steakhouse!!! I have never done Tusker House. I hear good things about it. Look like your are all set. All you need now is your fast passes, which will be here soon enough.

I think you're right about the memory maker! Since I'm planning on doing a lot of character dining, I think it may be worth it too.

I am trying to find a way to squeeze in Universal on this trip as well. I'm a fan of the Harry Potter world but have only been once and think I need to see it again.

 

[NPRinLA]

Waiting is the worst! T-132 days until my trip!

Hello Hello Hello!

So I've been anxiously awaiting my WDW trip. This waiting around for my day to come is for the birds.


I sit in bed every night going through every WDW planning pin I can find on Pinterest. Actually I feel like I've pretty much read every pin out there right now.

Since I don't have anything else to really do, I'm trying to some crafts to get me in the spirit. So I started off by creating these which I found via Pinterest on the Purple Pumpkin Blog...




They came out pretty nice, and I'm so excited to use them! I'm planning on sealing them up with money tonight and tucking them away for my trip. I don't think I've ever been so excited to give cash out before!

Last week I also received a notice that my DL Annual pass is set to expire soon. So I was thinking that maybe it would be more cost effective to just upgrade my annual pass to a Premier pass. The only problem that I am worried about is if I will still be eligible for the DDP and if I will be eligible for any future discounts that come out. Anyone have any experience with annual passes and how they work out at WDW?

Until next time...​

 

[captaindavidhook]

I think you're right about the memory maker! Since I'm planning on doing a lot of character dining, I think it may be worth it too.

I am trying to find a way to squeeze in Universal on this trip as well. I'm a fan of the Harry Potter world but have only been once and think I need to see it again.

I am going to universal again this trip. It's so worth it especially if u love harry potter. Also the design are amazing as well. If you like crazy rides, they got it. I am sure u can find a way to squeeze it in.

Memory maker is worth it, trust me. I wasn't all that crazy a bit before my trip and they really impressed me. Pictures came out really nice.

 

[captaindavidhook]

Waiting is the worst! T-132 days until my trip!

Hello Hello Hello!

So I've been anxiously awaiting my WDW trip. This waiting around for my day to come is for the birds.


I sit in bed every night going through every WDW planning pin I can find on Pinterest. Actually I feel like I've pretty much read every pin out there right now.

Since I don't have anything else to really do, I'm trying to some crafts to get me in the spirit. So I started off by creating these which I found via Pinterest on the Purple Pumpkin Blog...




They came out pretty nice, and I'm so excited to use them! I'm planning on sealing them up with money tonight and tucking them away for my trip. I don't think I've ever been so excited to give cash out before!

Last week I also received a notice that my DL Annual pass is set to expire soon. So I was thinking that maybe it would be more cost effective to just upgrade my annual pass to a Premier pass. The only problem that I am worried about is if I will still be eligible for the DDP and if I will be eligible for any future discounts that come out. Anyone have any experience with annual passes and how they work out at WDW?

Until next time...​

Wow those look amazing. Pretty impressive. I am not that great at making stuff like this but you seem like you have a real gift there. I especially like the one with Stitch. Perhaps, maybe a captain hook one would be a nice ideal. Waiting for the trip can be boring but before you know it, you'll be on magical express.

 

[NPRinLA]

Hello Again!

I'm back! For another update on my ever changing trip. Last time we chatted, I was sitting around anxiously waiting for my departure day to get here. Well, it's been about 10 days since then, and I can report that it is just as torturous as it was then. Probably more so.

This week has been very eventful though. Last week I had a chat with my lovely TA Susan regarding tickets. Currently, I have a Disneyland Premium Annual pass (Which is set to expire on the 7th of October). So after doing some quick math and a conversation with Susan, it was more cost effective for me to upgrade my annual pass to a Premier Pass. The upgrade amount would be $355, which is less expensive than the ticket price I had on my package ($425). Plus it would open up the option for me to head back to Orlando for long weekends, etc.

I was starting to feel like this guy....




BUT, my excitement was short lived. After the discounts came out, Susan wasn't able to keep me in my Polynesian room with the discount because she had to change my reservation to a ticketless package. So, I gave her free reign to pick really any other deluxe resort (other than the WL due to its extensive construction). So again, my resort has been changed. For those of you keeping track.... this makes it resort number 3! Ahhhh.

So now, I will be staying here....



I was actually pretty bummed about the change. I know I really shouldn't be upset and crying over this, but I really did have my heart set on the Poly. I'm just a little disappointed. But after reading up on some of the details about the resort, I'm starting to come around. After all, Epcot is my favorite resort and I'm planning on spending a lot of time there, so I suppose having a resort within 5 min. to Epcot isn't that bad. It really is a beautiful resort. Plus it knocked off a good chunk of my final price. Susan assures me that she will be on the lookout when the AP discounts come out and that it may go down even further. Crossing my fingers.

But for now, I'm in full Disney tunnel vision. I've been working on some Disney crafts, reading all of the dining reviews I can get my hands on, and mentally going through my vacation days. This was taken a few days ago, but I just finished this...



and now I'm working on some holiday crafts. Things are starting to come along! ​

 

[Volunteer]

I'm here, finally! Looks like you're trip planning is coming along well!

Do you keep a journal and update it as your day goes by, or at the end of the night? Enjoy!

I usually keep notes on my phone that I update in line/on the bus/etc. Or I'll take photos to act as a "bread crumb trail", if you will.

I'm not planning a park day on arrival day either, and I was thinking of spending some time by the pool, DTD or maybe even miniature golf. Any suggestions or things that you do on rest days?

During my rest time, I rest. Usually that's downtime at the resort by napping or laying by the pool with a drink.

Yeah, the only thing that can help my 30th Birthday depression is Disney!

I know the feeling! For my 30th we flew in and had Ohana dinner that night, the next day was one day at the parks (No rest for me besides a nap in Ellen's Energy Adventure) and dinner at Le Cellier followed by evening hours in the Magic Kingdom and I was the last person out of the park. Once I got back to Animal Kingdom Lodge (my mom was already there asleep), I had forgotten our room number (I took a picture of the room number on my phone, but my phone was dead). After waiting in line at the Concierge desk for 10 minutes behind a complaining guest, I had my room # again. The next morning was breakfast at Kona (french press coffee - yum), then back to the airport to catch the Disney bus to Port Canaveral for 7 days on the Fantasy which was incredible. One of my favorite Disney trips.

I was actually pretty bummed about the change. I know I really shouldn't be upset and crying over this, but I really did have my heart set on the Poly. I'm just a little disappointed. But after reading up on some of the details about the resort, I'm starting to come around. After all, Epcot is my favorite resort and I'm planning on spending a lot of time there, so I suppose having a resort within 5 min. to Epcot isn't that bad. It really is a beautiful resort. Plus it knocked off a good chunk of my final price. Susan assures me that she will be on the lookout when the AP discounts come out and that it may go down even further. Crossing my fingers.

I'm sure once you get to the Beach Club you'll forget about staying at the Poly. Also, it will be there for you the next time you go!

Welcome to the AP club!

 

[NPRinLA]

Hello!!

Sorry guys, I’m the biggest slacker in the world! I know. Work, the Thanksgiving holiday and life in general just caught up with me. I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!

A lot has happened since my last update. Let’s start with the constantly rotating hotel change….

That’s right, I am (once again) changing my resort. But for good reason! Once the AP discounts came out, my TA was able to knock off another large chunk of my final cost. BUT, I would need to switch from the Beach Club to….. Drum roll please….



……..



I know the move was just next door… BUT, I was able to save a few hundred dollars from my previous discount AND book a Club Level Room!



I have never stayed at a CL room, and I can’t be more excited. Although I’m now regretting the Deluxe Dining plan… but whatever, it’ll still be awesome! So, my hotel journey thus far has looked like this:

WL --˃ Poly --˃ BC --˃ YCCL!

It’s been a lot of changes, but it’s exact perfection now! I can’t think of another change …. Or can I??

So, a few months back, Disney introduced the new Club Villain dinner party at HS. I was originally scheduled to arrive on property on Sunday Morning the 31st and fly out the afternoon of the 6th. The dinner party looked way too fun to pass up, so I extended my trip one day and am now flying out Sunday Morning the 7th. But, the YC was booked, so I booked one night at POP. I figure that since the dinner parties start on the 16th of January, I’ll have plenty of time to read the reviews, and if they sound bad I can cancel my reservation. Either way, I’ll still get an extra day at Disney…so it really is a win-win.

I’ve also tweaked my dining…just a bit. I’m now at 61 days out, so it’s getting to the wire! I’ve pretty much locked everything in. For the most part.

Here’s what I’m looking at now:

1/31
L-Raglan Road
D-Flying Fish

2/1

B-Akershus
L-Via Napoli
D-Biergarten

2/2
B-Tusker House
D-Jiko

2/3
B-Ohana
L-50’s Prime
D-Yachtsman

2/4
B-Crystal Palace
L-BOG
D-CA Grill

2/5
L-Chefs de France
D-Morimoto or Narcoossee’s (Will cancel one very soon)

2/6
B-1900 PF
L-Beaches & Cream
D-Club Villain


I know it seems like a lot of food. And it will be. But there’s a reason for my madness. I’m not really a big fan of buffets in general (Disney is really the only place I’ll eat at one), and I’m really just planning on heading out there for the character Meet & Greets. I’m planning on taking some quilt squares for autographs and commissioning my mother to piece them together in a quilt when I’m done. And I figure, I can save time standing in line all day by just killing two birds with one stone. I’ve done this at DL character meal as a test run and ended up with 9 autographs! Totally worth it for me!


And now that I’m on day 61, I’m currently in FP+ tunnel vision! This is what I’m thinking of so far…


Arrival Day – No parks Day

Day 1- Epcot - Test Track, Journey into Imagination, Character Spot

Day 2- AK – Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Festival of the Lion King

Day 3- HS – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Tower of Terror

Day 4- MK – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Anna & Elsa Meet n Greet, Big Thunder Mountain

Day 5- Epcot – Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Nemo

Day 6- Rest Day

Day 7-Departure Day


I figure anything I don’t get to, I’ll get to on my next trip…. Which I booked last week!!


I booked a trip for Christmas/NYE week 2016! I know it’s probably going to be a madhouse and incredibly busy, but I’ve booked a premium site at the Ft. Wilderness and I’m going camping!! I’m so excited!! And nervous too. It’s been years since I’ve been camping, and never at Disney, so I think it’ll be great to be near all of the Disney magic, but in the camping bubble. I've rented a large RV which is going to be set up prior to my arrival. I'm planning on taking some downtime from the holiday crowds by spending time biking, horseback riding, and all that outdoorsy stuff! I have lots of preparing to do, but at least it gives me something to start planning after I get back from this upcoming trip.


Okay, I’ve gone on for far too long. 61 days and counting! ​

 

[NPRinLA]

I usually keep notes on my phone that I update in line/on the bus/etc. Or I'll take photos to act as a "bread crumb trail", if you will.

That's not a bad idea. I think I may take a mini notebook. I just get so wrapped up in relaxing and enjoying myself that I forget I brought them.

Usually that's downtime at the resort by napping or laying by the pool with a drink

Oh there will be plenty of that! I'm already dreaming of my cocktail in hand and me in a lounging chair at Stormalong Bay.

I know the feeling! For my 30th we flew in and had Ohana dinner that night, the next day was one day at the parks (No rest for me besides a nap in Ellen's Energy Adventure) and dinner at Le Cellier followed by evening hours in the Magic Kingdom and I was the last person out of the park. Once I got back to Animal Kingdom Lodge (my mom was already there asleep), I had forgotten our room number (I took a picture of the room number on my phone, but my phone was dead). After waiting in line at the Concierge desk for 10 minutes behind a complaining guest, I had my room # again. The next morning was breakfast at Kona (french press coffee - yum), then back to the airport to catch the Disney bus to Port Canaveral for 7 days on the Fantasy which was incredible. One of my favorite Disney trips.

That sounds like a great trip! A Cruise is next on my bucket list!

Welcome to the AP club!

Thanks for the warm welcome! I feel like my Disney experience has now reached a new high! More WDW trips are in my future!

 

[Volunteer]

I have never stayed at a CL room, and I can’t be more excited. Although I’m now regretting the Deluxe Dining plan… but whatever, it’ll still be awesome! So, my hotel journey thus far has looked like this:

WL --˃ Poly --˃ BC --˃ YCCL!

You'll be booked at all the Deluxe's before this is all said and done. That being said, where are you booking next?

The dinner party looked way too fun to pass up, so I extended my trip one day and am now flying out Sunday Morning the 7th. But, the YC was booked, so I booked one night at POP.

Hooray for extended trips - I did this for my trip I'm writing right now (extended to POP).

I booked a trip for Christmas/NYE week 2016! I know it’s probably going to be a madhouse and incredibly busy, but I’ve booked a premium site at the Ft. Wilderness and I’m going camping!!

You are so brave for going at that time of year.

Thanks for the warm welcome! I feel like my Disney experience has now reached a new high! More WDW trips are in my future!

It will definitely call to you to be used!

 

[NPRinLA]

You'll be booked at all the Deluxe's before this is all said and done. That being said, where are you booking next?

I know right! Knowing me I'll probably circle back around and end up at the WL.

You are so brave for going at that time of year.

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous about that. I could possibly move it up a week, but I think it'll still end up being crazy busy.

It will definitely call to you to be used!

I am more than ready!

 

[NPRinLA]

It’s Time for another small update!

Well, my FP time has come and gone. I pretty much was able to get just about everything I wanted. The only exception being Anna & Elsa Meet/Greet. Even at 60 days out, I still wasn’t able to pick that one up. But I’m going to check every day in hopes someone drops it. OR, hopefully they’ll release more openings 30 days out.


Mon Feb 1 - TestTrack, Seas with Nemo, Character Spot
Tues Feb 2 - Kilimanjaro, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur
Wed Feb 3 - Rock N Roller Coaster, TOT, Star Tours
Thurs Feb 4 - BTMR, Haunted Mansion SDMT
Fri Feb 5 - Spaceship Earth, Mission Space, Journey into Imagination
Sat Feb 6 - TOT, Beauty & Beast, Star Tours

Said it would be a small update! Hope everyone is having a great weekend! ​

 

[Volunteer]

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous about that. I could possibly move it up a week, but I think it'll still end up being crazy busy.

The week before will be busy but not near as busy.

FP's look great! Although I prefer to FP Soarin and do Test Track standby since it has Single Rider but that's just me.

 

[NJlauren]

Great FP!

I know Anna and Elsa is still a pain, but the waits dropped after rope drop about 30min mid morning when we were there a few weeks ago.

So close to trip time!!!

 

[NPRinLA]

The week before will be busy but not near as busy.

FP's look great! Although I prefer to FP Soarin and do Test Track standby since it has Single Rider but that's just me.

Under other circumstances, I absolutely agree with you, but Soarin is going under refurb for six months starting the first week of January. So I had to make due with what I got.

Great FP!

I know Anna and Elsa is still a pain, but the waits dropped after rope drop about 30min mid morning when we were there a few weeks ago.

So close to trip time!!!

I know! I can barely contain myself. Every day my life productivity is completely dropping because it's all I can think about!!

Hopefully I can get a FP 30 days out, or else I'm going to have to rush to get in line first thing! I have heard tales of people who stay CL to be able to get hard to get fast passes from their concierge. I may try asking when I get there, if I can't secure one.

 

[Volunteer]

Under other circumstances, I absolutely agree with you, but Soarin is going under refurb for six months starting the first week of January. So I had to make due with what I got.

Yeah, I just remembered that after I submitted the post. Oops. But at least Soarin over the World will be just around the corner at WDW/DL.

 

[NPRinLA]

Good Morning!!

So I know that this is not a Disney Update, and not much of an update at all actually... But this was announced today:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-harry-potter-universal-20151208-story.html

That's right! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to Open here in LA on the 7th of April!! I can barely contain my excitement! I CANNOT WAIT!!!

T-54 Days!!​

 

[NJlauren]

Good Morning!!

So I know that this is not a Disney Update, and not much of an update at all actually... But this was announced today:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-harry-potter-universal-20151208-story.html

That's right! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to Open here in LA on the 7th of April!! I can barely contain my excitement! I CANNOT WAIT!!!

T-54 Days!!​

I saw this today and am now trying to decide when to fit it in during my trips out west this year!

So excited!!!!

I've got May with DL and Aug/Sept with out.....may and sept?????

 

[NPRinLA]

I saw this today and am now trying to decide when to fit it in during my trips out west this year!

So excited!!!!

I've got May with DL and Aug/Sept with out.....may and sept?????

You should totally go! I will be there on the first day, that's for sure! Hopefully it lives up to the one in Orlando, because that one is pretty amazing!