Time to DOUBLE up!! 2 for 1 Pre-TR!!!!!!! TRIP REPORT HAS STARTED!!!!!!!

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Hi Tim! I'm still here reading along, just been a little busy and not able to post to my favorite threads!

I'm afraid I'll get in packing mode and not have time to post to you guys before you leave!! Tomorrow we'll only have 5 days to go! I know you check in the day we check out so I want to wish you a fabulous trip and I can't wait to hear about it! We're also doing MNSSHP so I appreciate you compiling all of that info into one post! I've also been checking the weather and it looks decent, but of course HOT! YIKES! I'm not surprised and prefer the sun in Disney over a ton of rain so we'll just go with the flow and try and take it easy and drink lots of water.

Your costumes sound awesome and my DS is going to be a Pirate since we're doing the Pirates League before MNSSHP! I bought his costume from Party City for only $12.99 so that saved me a few bucks! Plus, it didn't appear to be as "hot" for him.

I'll be checking in again before leaving...

Heather

 

[TarzansKat]

Thanks for posting all those MNSSHP tips! Some I knew, but some I didn't, and I'm always interested to hear a new take on things.

I know you've been taking bits of advice from people. I have one, sort of along the photo line.

Every year, when we go, we always take each other's pictures on the TTA. I saw about the foot thing and it reminded me. So it's kind of neat, because I can watch how my son has grown through our trips by putting those pics side by side, you know? Now it doesn't have to be the TTA, maybe you want to pick a place that's special to your family, but it'd be nice to have the same sort of shot to compare.

 

[that's nice]

Hi Tim! I'm still here reading along, just been a little busy and not able to post to my favorite threads!

I'm afraid I'll get in packing mode and not have time to post to you guys before you leave!! Tomorrow we'll only have 5 days to go! I know you check in the day we check out so I want to wish you a fabulous trip and I can't wait to hear about it! We're also doing MNSSHP so I appreciate you compiling all of that info into one post! I've also been checking the weather and it looks decent, but of course HOT! YIKES! I'm not surprised and prefer the sun in Disney over a ton of rain so we'll just go with the flow and try and take it easy and drink lots of water.

Your costumes sound awesome and my DS is going to be a Pirate since we're doing the Pirates League before MNSSHP! I bought his costume from Party City for only $12.99 so that saved me a few bucks! Plus, it didn't appear to be as "hot" for him.

I'll be checking in again before leaving...

Heather

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a magical trip! The weather looks like low 90's for next week. That sounds good to me! With the non-existent summer we had here this year, I'll take the heat!! If you aren't going to do a TR, I'd still like to hear about your trip when you get back. We will be back late on the 8th.

Thanks for posting all those MNSSHP tips! Some I knew, but some I didn't, and I'm always interested to hear a new take on things.

I know you've been taking bits of advice from people. I have one, sort of along the photo line.

Every year, when we go, we always take each other's pictures on the TTA. I saw about the foot thing and it reminded me. So it's kind of neat, because I can watch how my son has grown through our trips by putting those pics side by side, you know? Now it doesn't have to be the TTA, maybe you want to pick a place that's special to your family, but it'd be nice to have the same sort of shot to compare.

That is a great idea!

Now where can I find a spot to do this? I know one place not to do it.. Toontown! LOL

 

[that's nice]

My wonderful, beautiful, DW called me tonight, the same way she does every other night when she gets out of work. We started chatting and she asks what time I am working on 10/2, the day before we leave. I tell her I'm not... I don't have a job that night. So she says maybe we can leave a day early. LOL I jump on Jetblue's website to see their policy. When my DW gets home she calls them to see what's up. It would cost us $285 to switch our flights. While she was doing this I was on the computer trying to see if I could get a room. There is nothing available at POP, or any other value for that matter. I decided for over $450 for 1 day, it's just not worth it. I am going to call Jetblue tomorrow and see if I can work some charm.Am I a bad DISer? LOL

Quick note on our March trip. We are going to decide on some park days and where we want to eat tomorrow with our friends Dave & Branda. I want to be prepared if, by some chance, the ADR window opens up on Sunday. We really are trying to do this as a budget trip and not spend a ton of money. I have 4 restaurants that are definite. CP, CM, 1900, & Akershus. We (DW, DD, & I) will most likely do Kona (B) as well. I want some of their input. I don't want them to feel like they have no choices. I think we are going to possibly separate for a day or 2. We will go meet up with Melody's cousin and family for a day.

OK now on to our plan for MNSSHP.

Must Do's-
Hallowishes
See the headless horseman
Watch the Parade
Go see Alice on the trail b/t Toontown and Tommorowland.
Go to dance parties.
Get candy
Watch the Villiains show in front of the castle
TAKE PICTURES

Try to do-
Try to get Juliana's picture in Cinderella's coach (if the line isn't too long)
Try to see Cinderella w/ Prince Charming at the princess tent
Try to visit other characters around the park
Try to see Jasmine

I think we will probably stay till 10:30 or so. It all depends on how Juliana is doing. Thank goodness we can get in here early.

 

[All7OfUs]

My wonderful, beautiful, DW called me tonight, the same way she does every other night when she gets out of work. We started chatting and she asks what time I am working on 10/2, the day before we leave. I tell her I'm not... I don't have a job that night. So she says maybe we can leave a day early. LOL I jump on Jetblue's website to see their policy. When my DW gets home she calls them to see what's up. It would cost us $285 to switch our flights. While she was doing this I was on the computer trying to see if I could get a room. There is nothing available at POP, or any other value for that matter. I decided for over $450 for 1 day, it's just not worth it. I am going to call Jetblue tomorrow and see if I can work some charm.Am I a bad DISer? LOL

Quick note on our March trip. We are going to decide on some park days and where we want to eat tomorrow with our friends Dave & Branda. I want to be prepared if, by some chance, the ADR window opens up on Sunday. We really are trying to do this as a budget trip and not spend a ton of money. I have 4 restaurants that are definite. CP, CM, 1900, & Akershus. We (DW, DD, & I) will most likely do Kona (B) as well. I want some of their input. I don't want them to feel like they have no choices. I think we are going to possibly separate for a day or 2. We will go meet up with Melody's cousin and family for a day.

OK now on to our plan for MNSSHP.

Must Do's-
Hallowishes
See the headless horseman
Watch the Parade
Go see Alice on the trail b/t Toontown and Tommorowland.
Go to dance parties.
Get candy
Watch the Villiains show in front of the castle
TAKE PICTURES

Try to do-
Try to get Juliana's picture in Cinderella's coach (if the line isn't too long)
Try to see Cinderella w/ Prince Charming at the princess tent
Try to visit other characters around the park
Try to see Jasmine

I think we will probably stay till 10:30 or so. It all depends on how Juliana is doing. Thank goodness we can get in here early.

I agree! $450 is a lot for one extra day. But keep trying for POP- you never know. Let us know what JetBlue says too. Maybe your charm will have been mixed with pixie dust and you got somethin'.

I can't remember if/how many times Dave and Brenda have been. Will they be able to offer any suggestions?? I will be very curious to see what they choose, and if they match up to what you guys will like. I also like the idea of striking out on your own for a day or 2. That way you all get some space, and can do the things that sound only fun to you.

Good plan for party night. I do hope it's not too crowded for you. Sure would be nice to get that shot with Cindy's coach! I personally am glad to see photos as a top priority! That way you can share!

So, are you packed yet??

 

[Sandy321]

Okay, that's one serious long post! Going to take me a long time to really digest it all and, well, memorize it, like I tend to anally do sometimes.

Quick comments:

does the line to HM get so long that it becomes virtually, and even not so virtually, that one cannot ride it?

do people really want to haul a bunch of candy around for 5 hours?

do bulky costumes just become a burden after a while?

I'm looking forward to this!

Can't wait to:

dress up
see the headless horseman
sing Boo to You
watch the villian show
see rare characters
ride HM

What are you priorities for this, Tim?? I guess with all that's going on at this party, you have to focus a little, right?

Good Morning!

HM may look crazy long - but in reality - the line moves really fast - the best advice for this is to know which stretching room they put you in, and then stand by the door that opens after the lights go out - then you are in the front of the crowd - I have pictures I can share - but I have to be at work soon!

Candy - so not "worth" it to me - - we got shoved and pushed when in line for the 1 teeny tiny piece of tootsie roll - and that was waiting in line!! So skip this - we rode the TTA just to get away from the crowds - I was seriously angry at how crowded and rude people were - the CM on our 3rd trip pointed out ToonTown's walkway - so we went over there to get more cheap candy - while there a CM said "Toon town is closed, its 11pm its time to be in bed asleep" Well thank you very much for that magic! I started crying - it was so horrid, I plan on never going again! But we forged down the path - and the CM kids there literally gave us bags of candy already filled, it was cute -

but it was too much - and too heavy after so many days in the resort, we knew we were'nt going to pack it! So yeah, all that money on smarties and tootsie rolls - and CROWDS!

That year the Villianesses walked around yelling at people, which was hysterical - but the Headless Horseman didnt ride because it rained, the first parade was cancelled, and the 2nd parade was too "iffy"

My computer is acting wonky...

Keep in mind - EVERYONE that goes LOVES MNSSHP - so dont go by my negativity - but if you keep it in mind, dont get overblown expectations, and you will have fun - just read everyone elses report!! That many posters cant be wrong!!

 

[Sandy321]

oh the picture OP - we have DD sit by Walt in the entrance to MainStreet - there is a bench with Walt and Minnie - DD has sat there

one friend used to do the bench with Goofy - but he left for over a year for refurb!!

 

[tinkgurl]

We started chatting and she asks what time I am working on 10/2, the day before we leave. I tell her I'm not... I don't have a job that night. So she says maybe we can leave a day early. LOL

She's becoming a Disney freak like the rest of us!

 

[disney<333]

Hmmm Tips Hugh?
When you do the mini golf you get a free disney world golf ball to keep. You can bring a sharpie and have Jul have the princesses sign. Also I just found out Thumper and Ms. Bunny are coming to camp mickey and minnie oct. 4!

 

[that's nice]

oh the picture OP - we have DD sit by Walt in the entrance to MainStreet - there is a bench with Walt and Minnie - DD has sat there

one friend used to do the bench with Goofy - but he left for over a year for refurb!!

That is a great spot. I'm going to go through my past pics and see if I have Juliana in the same spot more than once. I know I have her sitting next to Goofy in front of Tony's. I think I'd want her standing though... It would be easier to see how big she is getting.

She's becoming a Disney freak like the rest of us!

She always has loved Disney. I'm kinda shocked she isn't on these boards too... (or maybe she is?) But more than anything she wants to get the heck out of here. If we could be relaxing in Florida a day early she would want to do it! LOL

Hmmm Tips Hugh?
When you do the mini golf you get a free disney world golf ball to keep. You can bring a sharpie and have Jul have the princesses sign. Also I just found out Thumper and Ms. Bunny are coming to camp mickey and minnie oct. 4!

Cool tip about the golf ball. I have my sharpie in my computer case so I will have one with me.

Do you know if Thumper is going to be bumping anyone out of their usual spot or are they just going to be roaming around?

 

[disney<333]

Cool tip about the golf ball. I have my sharpie in my computer case so I will have one with me.

Do you know if Thumper is going to be bumping anyone out of their usual spot or are they just going to be roaming around?

I think we might do that too! I just haven't planned out any time to golf for the Nov. trip yet
Thumper isn't getting rid of anyone. That wouldn't be a very disney thing for him to do! I always used to see them before you went inside AK. They used to have so many characters in the front. Also at Epcot they had a double decker bus full of characters and then it stopped and everyone came down for greetings. Good old days

 

[that's nice]

I'm going to make one last ditch effort to get my airfare with Jetblue without having to pay $285 to change it. If that is unsuccessful, we are just going to leave Saturday as planned. I contacted our TA and she found a preferred room available at POP for Friday night for us for $120. If I just had to pay for the room and a minimal charge from Jetblue we'd be out of here early.

There are last minutes deals to be had on Alamo.com. I can get a full size for $200 now. I still think I can spend a little less. I'm gonna be working on that next. I'm still willing to book it through Priceline.

I still need my costume. I thought there would be some Halloween stores going up around here, but I haven't seen them yet. I might have to order something today so I can have it in time.

Today is my 5 year anniversary. I can't believe it's been 5 years already. We are going to the Big E.... it's a huge fair in Massachusetts. We decided not to get each other anniversary gifts. I still got Mel flowers- I had to do that at least. Maybe I'll find her something at the fair today, or I might be able to find her something at WDW.:LOLOLOL

 

[onelilspark]

oh the picture OP - we have DD sit by Walt in the entrance to MainStreet - there is a bench with Walt and Minnie - DD has sat there

one friend used to do the bench with Goofy - but he left for over a year for refurb!!

I hope this doesn't come across as rude, it's not my intention, but you know, with text and no tone of voice...but it's actually Roy and Minnie, not Walt Learn something new everyday! There's a little inscription near it and it has the beginning (I think the beginning) of the speech he gave when they first opened the Magic Kingdom.

I forget if I mentioned this before, but my Mom and I always take a picture on Adventureland bridge. When she first went with my Nana back when she was 16 they took a picture there, so every time we go (well, now that we've gone multiple times/year, it's at least once/year), we get a picture there. And we get a picture of my brother in front of the Partners Statue at the Hub.

Congrats on 5 years!

On the Rental Car issue, have you tried using the codes from Mousesavers?

 

[that's nice]

Congrats on 5 years!

On the Rental Car issue, have you tried using the codes from Mousesavers?

Thanks!!!!!

Since we are so close, the IG rate at Alamo is the cheapest. It comes to $145 plus taxes brings it to $199.99 I can get through on Priceline bidding $18 a day
= $108 plus taxes brings it to $166. I can wait a little longer but I think I will be happy paying $166. I was trying to get it to $150 but I'm not one to let $20 kill my deal! I can also try bidding $16 on priceline but I don't think they will accept it.

PS: How was the show last night? I should go ask this on your TR though huh?

 

[onelilspark]

Haha, I'll get to posting it over there eventually. I really enjoyed it. It was my boyfriend's first time seeing a Cirque show, so he was really excited about it. Totally worth it. We got the cheap seats, so we were pretty far up, but we were in the center of the arena. He was a little bummed when we got to our seats, but I kept telling him that it would be better to be in the center and up rather than off to the side. Sure enough, I was right! (Not that he'd admit it! ) A lot of similarities to La Nouba, but things that were different too. They had these guys on balance beams that were being held by other people...awesome. Alegria was much more of a Circus show where as La Nouba is a little more fluid. Alegria I think was a little slower, more paced, not as frantic as La Nouba. It was neat to see a different show, I really enjoyed it!

...think I might just copy and paste this over to my PTR...haha

 

[onelilspark]

And this was posted over on the F&W sticky, the prices and menus for F&W!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/enterta...index=orl-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-menu-3

I'm excited because it shows the snack symbol next to every item Even if it's over $4!

...except for Puerto Rico...they decided to go play inside.

 

[jenseib]

Check out Walmart for costumes. I was in there the other day and they ahd an aisle of $20 costumes, even for adults. I was surprised. I'm sure you may need extra assessories though, but they aren;t bad in price. Last year I got my pirate hat there and made a costume out of stuff I had at home.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hey, hey, hey. Lookie at that ticker!! You are almost down to one week exactly- if you can score that airline change, it will be exacly a week tomorrow (my time- which is what I usually go by). Cool! So tell us, did you get it??

No costume yet??

Happy Anniversary!!! You did good!! Flowers are perfect, but really, make sure you do something extra nice while you're at WDW!

 

[that's nice]

I pulled the trigger today and purchased my pirate costume online. It is a Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow knock off. I should have it by Tuesday so I hope it works for me.

Still working on the plane tickets. Looking more like we are still leaving on Saturday.

My TA sent me a email saying that there is going to be another 4/3 deal again this winter. If we weren't going with friends, I'd be jumping on that again.

 

[that's nice]

And this was posted over on the F&W sticky, the prices and menus for F&W!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/enterta...index=orl-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-menu-3

I'm excited because it shows the snack symbol next to every item Even if it's over $4!

...except for Puerto Rico...they decided to go play inside.

WOW that's great. Too bad we aren't going to Epcot this time.

Check out Walmart for costumes. I was in there the other day and they ahd an aisle of $20 costumes, even for adults. I was surprised. I'm sure you may need extra assessories though, but they aren;t bad in price. Last year I got my pirate hat there and made a costume out of stuff I had at home.

I still need pirate boot covers. I'll check my local Walmart or K-Mart.

Hey, hey, hey. Lookie at that ticker!! You are almost down to one week exactly- if you can score that airline change, it will be exacly a week tomorrow (my time- which is what I usually go by). Cool! So tell us, did you get it??

No costume yet??

Happy Anniversary!!! You did good!! Flowers are perfect, but really, make sure you do something extra nice while you're at WDW!

The airline change isn't happening. I guess I'm not as charming as I used to be. So we are going to leave Saturday. I'm kinda bumed but hey 8 DAYS!!!!!

Thanks for the anniversary wishes!