Tim and Lesley Year of Million Compromises/TONS pics- 8/5 help me pg. 164!!!

[timandlesley]

Lesley, I showed my husband your plan to the parks and his reply was "wow, there really are people more organized than you." Seriously, we are amazingly impressed with how detailed it is. I won't lie and tell you that I'm not going to "steal" some of your ideas though. Having Tim run and grab fastpasses while you go to the other rides with the kids is SUCH a great idea (honestly, wouldn't have occured to me). I'm such a novice. But the whole plan makes so much sense...you should be a Disney planner on the side.

thanks a bunch...I'm really enjoying reading this.

Glad you enjoy that. We have always done it that way with Tim getting the FP's because he doesn't do the spinning type rides that the kids and I like so while we ride those he goes and gets the passes. He also likes the wandering around by himself a bit part that comes with it. That is funny that your husband said that, yes Disney is the one thing in life I am EXTREMELY organized about Glad you are enjoying it. Let me know if you have questions.
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

That actually sounds like a good idea. We are not doing MYW package we are with a convention so we got a better price on everything ala carte, not to say adding on a day would not be okay with me. Would you go the last day also?. We have only done CM for breakfast and have one scheduled on the 4th of July there. Is dinner much better?

Now I understand why you wouldn't add the other days on, makes sense.
So, again this is just MY oppinion and how I would do it:
I would arrive, go to Chef Mickey's for dinner to get that Disney feel at the start of the trip, head to DTD for exploring and shopping/fun. Then for July 4th I would get a MAma Melrose Fantasmic package so I had a secured place for fireworks, my relatives were there last year and did this and said it was the only way to go since they got to see fireworks and had a seat, said it was crowded and sells out. Just my oppinion.
The last day would you have a ticket left? If so I would hit the park you didn't get to do your favorite stuff at yet one last time depending on flight home time. Personally I have to do a park the last day to say one last "goodbye"
Lesley

 

[solgent]

Hi Leslie,

I looked over your plan and I do have some questions and comments.

MK: Do you not do Dumbo? I am guessing not or you would probably go there first. Are your kids not interested or do you persuade them to skip it? Also I notice you did not include the Tomorrowland Speedway. I think it's really fun for the kids but the line can be annoying. We checked back until the wait dropped to an acceptable level for me (20 minutes-- the longest we ever waited. But it's a long ride-- if you do it right I wouldn't wait that long for a short ride.)

AK: Personally I would never skip the safari and it's on FP, so why not? Seems like you could get FPs for it after you've held your KRR FPs for a while. Maybe while you order lunch, Tim can go get them? Then you'd have the option of using them before leaving. If not, give them away.

DH and I have figured out how we are going to have "wish days" for each of our three DDs! Thanks to Tim for the great idea.

 

[solgent]

Also, I wanted to write about Belle and Ariel. Do you mean Belle's Storytime? We used to go to that and it was fun. Very low-key and relaxing. Ariel's Grotto is nice. It is a pretty and appropriate setting for a photo with her and she will chat.

 

[timandlesley]

Hi Leslie,

I looked over your plan and I do have some questions and comments.

MK: Do you not do Dumbo? I am guessing not or you would probably go there first. Are your kids not interested or do you persuade them to skip it? Also I notice you did not include the Tomorrowland Speedway. I think it's really fun for the kids but the line can be annoying. We checked back until the wait dropped to an acceptable level for me (20 minutes-- the longest we ever waited. But it's a long ride-- if you do it right I wouldn't wait that long for a short ride.)

AK: Personally I would never skip the safari and it's on FP, so why not? Seems like you could get FPs for it after you've held your KRR FPs for a while. Maybe while you order lunch, Tim can go get them? Then you'd have the option of using them before leaving. If not, give them away.

DH and I have figured out how we are going to have "wish days" for each of our three DDs! Thanks to Tim for the great idea.

Thanks for the comments. You know we did Dumbo year one and waited for it,the kids never ask so we skip the long line. We hit Triceretop spin in AK which in my oppinion is exactly the same and NO wait! Last year we Did Tommorowland Indy Speedway before hitting the rope drop at Toontown and it was only a 10 min. wait,we'll do that again this year if we pass by and the wait time is low. Lauren and I rode together and Tim and Luke rode, Lauren and I won and Lauren said "GIRL POWER" it was great!
Good point about the Safari, we've done it 3 years in a row so Kali is my priority this year but I won't rule it out. Your idea about a FP run before lunch is a good one - thanks.
Have fun with your WISH DAYS, Tim will be happy he inspired you
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Also, I wanted to write about Belle and Ariel. Do you mean Belle's Storytime? We used to go to that and it was fun. Very low-key and relaxing. Ariel's Grotto is nice. It is a pretty and appropriate setting for a photo with her and she will chat.

Thanks, I was hoping someone would comment on those. Yes, Belle story time, we've never done it.When is it usually? How long before the show do you need to get there?
For Ariel, how long is the wait, what time did you arrive?
Lesley

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lesley,

That is great that you and your family will be going to WDW again! I am like you in that I plan, re-plan, and then plan some more. It's the only way to do Disney in my opinion! (And it's a lot of fun!) I am looking forward to reading your plans as the weeks go along and looking forward to your trip report when you come back.

By the way, Tim's wish ideas were fabulous!

~Tracy

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Now I understand why you wouldn't add the other days on, makes sense.
So, again this is just MY oppinion and how I would do it:
I would arrive, go to Chef Mickey's for dinner to get that Disney feel at the start of the trip, head to DTD for exploring and shopping/fun. Then for July 4th I would get a MAma Melrose Fantasmic package so I had a secured place for fireworks, my relatives were there last year and did this and said it was the only way to go since they got to see fireworks and had a seat, said it was crowded and sells out. Just my oppinion.
The last day would you have a ticket left?We have 8 day tickets. which would mean that either the day of arrival or the day of departure has to be sacrificed as a no park day. Or just add a day to our tickets. Lets see. Sunday(arrival at 2:00) M,T,W,T, (full park days), Friday(all day competition no park this day), Saturday (competition till about 2pm evening free for park), Sunday & Monday (full park days), and last but not least Tuesday ( departure at 2:00pm from MCO) Tuesday is also EMH morning for MK and I thought that if we went when park opened, we could at least get 2 hours to do a few things before we head home. Others have said that I would feel too rushed to enjoy those 2 hours. I really dont know. If so I would hit the park you didn't get to do your favorite stuff at yet one last time depending on flight home time. Personally I have to do a park the last day to say one last "goodbye" This is how I feel exactly.
Lesley

If we do a park the first night, that doesn't leave enough ticket days for the last day there. I am willing to add a day to our tickets when we get there if need be. Just not quite sure how to do that. Thank you for the suggestions, I may switch some of my ADR's around and make some new ones. Chef Mickeys sounds good for first night. My 4th of July is already planned out in stone though, my Brother and his family, Mom and Dad will all be there for that day. We have CM scheduled for 11ish breakfast, and LTT scheduled for dinner that evening. This is the only day that is not completely my own. (Grumble, Grumble) yea I am a control freak.

 

[timandlesley]

If we do a park the first night, that doesn't leave enough ticket days for the last day there. I am willing to add a day to our tickets when we get there if need be. Just not quite sure how to do that. Thank you for the suggestions, I may switch some of my ADR's around and make some new ones. Chef Mickeys sounds good for first night. My 4th of July is already planned out in stone though, my Brother and his family, Mom and Dad will all be there for that day. We have CM scheduled for 11ish breakfast, and LTT scheduled for dinner that evening. This is the only day that is not completely my own. (Grumble, Grumble) yea I am a control freak.

Sounds great, I'm sure you will have a GREAT time. My only worry for you is on July 4th not getting to MK until after that 11ish breakfast, I thought it sold out last year at July 4th, have you seen any posts on this? I just want you to be able to get into the park. Anyway, I'll stop worrying you. Have a GREAT time. I think not going to the park on day 1 and going the last day is the better way to go (again, just my oppinion). That is fun having your famliy join you for the 4th, we loved having my parents down with us this past trip - made it extra special - but if you read in my trip report, it did test my flexibility
Lesley

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Sounds great, I'm sure you will have a GREAT time. My only worry for you is on July 4th not getting to MK until after that 11ish breakfast,We are going to be at park opening, leave to our CM breakfast and then back to park after breakfast. We are staying at CSR so I thought you were guaranteed entrance if you were staying on Disney property I thought it sold out last year at July 4th, have you seen any posts on this? I havent seen, but we were there on the 3rd of July last year, it was so busy. But surprisingly, we were able to ride alot because we were there bright and early.I just want you to be able to get into the park. Anyway, I'll stop worrying you. Have a GREAT time. I think not going to the park on day 1 and going the last day is the better way to go (again, just my oppinion). That is fun having your famliy join you for the 4th, we loved having my parents down with us this past trip - made it extra special - but if you read in my trip report, it did test my flexibility I did read your last years trippie. It was my motivation for our trip.
Lesley

Thanks Lesley, you have really given me some good options.

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks Lesley, you have really given me some good options.

HAVE FUN!!!
Lesley

 

[Tanya90210]

Leslie,

Storytime w/ belle runs once an hour and lasts about 15 minutes (it's sooo cute, you guys will love it)

here are times for this week... Storytime with Belle
Join Belle at Fairytale Garden as we bring her story of Beauty and the Beast to life.
Daily at 11:10am, 12:10, 1:10, 2:10, 4:05 & 5:05pm
Sign language interpreted performances Monday & Thursday at 11:10am. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the show. Sit or stand in the RIGHT section of the audience. If necessary, see a host/hostess. LIMITED SEATING



go here a week or so before your trip to get specific times... http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm


Tanya

 

[solgent]

Yes, Belle story time, we've never done it.When is it usually? How long before the show do you need to get there?
For Ariel, how long is the wait, what time did you arrive?

Someone sent the info on the schedule. As for how early, so much depends on the crowd levels. We used to go during slow times & we'd get there just a few minutes before the start time, and the audience never got full. The thing is, it's nice, it's relaxing, but I don't think it's so great that I would want to spend a lot of time waiting. I would either (a) go 10 minutes early and skip it if already crowded or (b) combine waiting with eating a snack. Let's say you're ready for a little break. If a show is coming up, get a snack and then go to the Fairytale Garden to eat it, which is a pretty and peaceful spot.

My impression is that Ariel tends to have long lines. I think people think it's more special or exciting than it is, and they get in line, but it's just a character spot. As I said we used to go in the offseason and the wait would be at least 15 minutes. You can't really tell from the length of the line because people can take lots of photos or spend time talking. But, the kids can play in the water splash area while you stand in line.

 

[timandlesley]

Leslie,

Storytime w/ belle runs once an hour and lasts about 15 minutes (it's sooo cute, you guys will love it)

here are times for this week... Storytime with Belle
Join Belle at Fairytale Garden as we bring her story of Beauty and the Beast to life.
Daily at 11:10am, 12:10, 1:10, 2:10, 4:05 & 5:05pm
Sign language interpreted performances Monday & Thursday at 11:10am. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the show. Sit or stand in the RIGHT section of the audience. If necessary, see a host/hostess. LIMITED SEATING



go here a week or so before your trip to get specific times... http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm


Tanya

Thanks so much Tanya. Lauren LOVES Belle so I really want to give this a try. Thanks for the reminder to check the stevesoares sight before we leave - WILL DO!
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Someone sent the info on the schedule. As for how early, so much depends on the crowd levels. We used to go during slow times & we'd get there just a few minutes before the start time, and the audience never got full. The thing is, it's nice, it's relaxing, but I don't think it's so great that I would want to spend a lot of time waiting. I would either (a) go 10 minutes early and skip it if already crowded or (b) combine waiting with eating a snack. Let's say you're ready for a little break. If a show is coming up, get a snack and then go to the Fairytale Garden to eat it, which is a pretty and peaceful spot.

My impression is that Ariel tends to have long lines. I think people think it's more special or exciting than it is, and they get in line, but it's just a character spot. As I said we used to go in the offseason and the wait would be at least 15 minutes. You can't really tell from the length of the line because people can take lots of photos or spend time talking. But, the kids can play in the water splash area while you stand in line.

Thanks for the tip on combining the snack time and Belle show, we will do that FOR SURE. We may skip Ariel depending on the line/wait. Seems every time we have walked by the line is INCREDIBLY long, even before it opens. The idea of letting the kids play as we wait is something I didn't think of though. I could even have Tim running around grabbing FP's while I wait there with the kids. . .hmmmm
Lesley

 

[Tanya90210]

glad to help... we were able to catch it last year when we were there and it was really cute... maybe one of the kids will get picked to be on stage w/ her... or even tim as the beast That'd be a great memory for you guys

 

[Sooze]

Hey Lesley, this is Susie. I wrote earlier to tell you how crazy alike our families are. I finally got a chance to browse your original TR... OMG I'm hooked on your family! And your TR is so great with beautiful pics. I am soooooo ready to get back to WDW with my little guy and gal this Labor Day and take all kinds of pics and post a TR. And if our families are EVER in WDW at the same time.. we MUST meet!

Thanks so much ... and I'll be anxiously awaiting your return from this summers' vacation so I can read another one of your amazing reports.

BTW... you officially took up my prep time today... and the stack of papers that I SHOULD have been grading is still sitting here next to me

 

[timandlesley]

glad to help... we were able to catch it last year when we were there and it was really cute... maybe one of the kids will get picked to be on stage w/ her... or even tim as the beast That'd be a great memory for you guys

Tim. . as the Beast. . .that would be GREAT, here's hoping that will be in our trip report Thanks again.
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Hey Lesley, this is Susie. I wrote earlier to tell you how crazy alike our families are. I finally got a chance to browse your original TR... OMG I'm hooked on your family! And your TR is so great with beautiful pics. I am soooooo ready to get back to WDW with my little guy and gal this Labor Day and take all kinds of pics and post a TR. And if our families are EVER in WDW at the same time.. we MUST meet!

Thanks so much ... and I'll be anxiously awaiting your return from this summers' vacation so I can read another one of your amazing reports.

BTW... you officially took up my prep time today... and the stack of papers that I SHOULD have been grading is still sitting here next to me

Hi Susie, sorry I took up your plan bell, Disboards does that to me all of the time too Glad you are enjoyed last years TR and are joining in for this go-around. Take care!
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Well, I was surfing the disboards yesterday (as I am EVERY day) and I stumbled upon the thread about the changes to the Mama Melrose Fantasmic package. I guess now you can order off of the entire menu. We love Mama's but this year we decided not to do the package because you couldn't order from the whole menu and some years we were rained out and felt it was a waste. Well, now that I know (due to the Dis) that you can order from the entire menu, I decided to change things around and do the Fantasmic Package again. So now, on our arrival night we are doing the kids favorite of Sci Fi for dinner (not our favorite for food, but the kids love this place) and then on June 22nd we now have a Fantasmic dinner package for 5:10 p.m. Just wanted to update you on this minor change, maybe some of you didn't know that after April you can get the whole menu for the Fantasmic package either - PRETTY COOL
Lesley