Toocherie and Mom Do Disney! A Fall Pre-Trip Report!

[disneegrl4eva]

Hi everyone! Well, as some of you know I have been planning my first official WDW trip since last January when I bought a DVC interest. (the trip in the 70's when there was just a much smaller Magic Kingdom doesn't count (especially since I can barely remember it!))

I am taking my Mom with me . . . . my Dad passed away four or so years ago and since then I try to get her out and about . . . . not always an easy proposition because she has a herniated disc and has to walk with a walker. Add to that: two years ago she almost died from a perforated bowel--she was in the hospital three months, had to have two surgeries and ended up with a colostomy. (I know--TMI!) But the good news is that the following year she had the colostomy reversed so she is back to "normal." Then earlier this year it turned out that the skin cancer she had been battling on her face (from too much sun when she was younger ) was out of control and she had to have a major portion of her face replaced with skin and tissue from her thigh (not just a skin transplant--they had to transplant blood vessels and everything in a 9+ hour surgery). Well, being the trooper she is she came through it with flying colors and is now finishing up (week after next) some prophylactic radiation. Unfortunately, as of right now she has lost her sense of taste from the radiation, which I'm hoping she will get back prior to our trip! (Fingers crossed!)

So, here's the plan (I'll add some pictures later!):

The cast:

Me: Toocherie: 51 years old and a veteran of many many day and short-term trips to Disneyland. Made possible by living just 15 minutes from DLR and a premium annual pass. A regular on the Disneyland board and a veteran also of the first Ladies' Only trip to DLR (and looking forward to the second one in March 2009!)

Mom: 77 years old and known herein as "Puddy" the nickname my Dad had for her (as in "I think I saw a "Puddycat"). Her 78th birthday will be mid-trip.

Location and Time: WDW/staying in two studios at the Saratoga Springs Resort from November 1, 2008 to November 8, 2009. We leave LAX on the evening of Halloween on a Red Eye flight. (I think Ambien will be my friend since I don't like to fly and that will knock me out!)

We are taking Puddy's scooter with us (a decision just made today) and will gate check it at the airport. We are flying Delta. We will use Magical Express for transportation to our resort. As of now we will not be renting a car but depend on Disney transportation.

I will also be renting a scooter from an off-site company, as I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and two replaced knees! and want to enjoy WDW as much as I can!

Schedule:

11/1 Saturday: arrive in Orlando early in a.m. 6:00 a.m. and use Magical Express to resort (Saratoga Springs). We can take our time and not rush, because our first scheduled event isn't until 12 noon lunch at the resort. If we have time after arriving and rooms aren't ready, we can go check out DTD until lunchtime (and hopefully after lunch rooms will be ready).

11/2 Sunday: Morning and lunchtime--Epcot
Late afternoon and dinner: Hollywood Studios
Rest at the resort in evening

11/3 Monday: Animal Kingdom. Since our ADR for dinner is at Animal Kingdom lodge, I will probably plan to make this our "only" Animal Kingdom day and then spend some time watching animals a thte resort before dinner, then get back to our resort for rest.

11/4 Tuesday: Puddy's Birthday (and election day!): Magic Kingdom Day! Since both of our ADRs are for this park, we will probably stay here all day and maybe watch the fireworks that night.

11/5 Wednesday: Resort Day! Morning is at Wilderness Lodge for Breakfast and evening is seeing Beach Club and Boardwalk. In between, if Puddy is up for it, I would like to see the Grand Floridian and some of the other resorts if we can get there.

11/6 Thursday: Start out with Breakfast at the Polynesian (want Kona Coffee and Tonga Toast!) and then spend the day at Hollywood Studios.

11/7 Friday: our last full day -- hopfully capped off with a fab dinner at California Grill watching the fireworks!

11/8: Saturday: check out, and then our flight lights in late afternoon/early evening. Maybe spend more time at DTD before we leave.

Of course, all plans are subject to change depending on our moods!


Dining Plans: I have made the following ADRs but am actually wrestling with whether we will keep all of these or not. We are still grappling with whether to do the dining plan or not.

11/1 Saturday: lunch at Turf Club/SSR after arriving at resort 12:00
: dinner at Raglan Road/DTD (although may try to do
HoopDeDoo instead) 6:30 p.m.

11/2 Sunday: Lunch at Le Cellier/Epcot 11:30 a.m.
: Dinner at Brown Derby/Hollywood Studios 5:50 p.m.

11/3 Monday: Tusker House Character Breakfast/Animal Kindom 10:30 a.m.
: Dinner at Jiko/AKL 6 p.m.

11/4 Tuesday: Puddy's Birthday
Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table 10:05 a.m.
Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern 5:45 p.m.

11/5 Wednesday: Breakfast at Whispering Canyon/WL 10:15 a.m.
Dinner at Spoodles/Beach Club 7:05 p.m.

11/6 Thursday: Breakfast at O'Hana's/Polynesian Resort 10:00 a.m.
Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe/Hollywood Studio 6:20 p.m.

11/7 Friday: Breakfast at Boma/AKL 10:45 a.m.
Dinner at California Grill/Contemporary Resort 7:55 p.m.

So that's the info for now, check back for more later!

Im in ok Cherie so Im doing my first time trip to wdw next year and I seriously need help so for one...who are you renting the ECV through?? I thought about doing the buena vista scooter people because they are on site at the boardwalk and if theres any problems they are right there to help and are open till 11pm at night ...I definitely have to know how the Le Cellier, LTT, and 50's prime time turns out

• Mickey's Country House ???????
• Minnie's Country House ???????

haha ooh I know these...its the same thing as Mickey's and Minnie's house in toontown

 

[fairykin]

Hi Hi...

I just wanted to tell you that i am glad your mother is doing better.. what a hard couple of years she has had! my mother and i are very close.. we do alot together so it made me smile when i read this report.

Oh and also..You Look GREAT in that black and pink hoodie set... cute cute!

 

[toocherie]

Hi everybody! Sorry I've been gone for a while--life gets in the way of pre-trippies!

Anyway, today I thought I would attack the Epcot attractions and which ones we will (and won't) do, using the same rating system (i.e., Must do, Maybe and No Way Jose!).

Spaceship Earth--Must Do
Innoventions, located in two pavilions (aptly named Innoventions East and Innoventions West)--Maybe--anyone have recommendations on this?
Universe of Energy: Ellen's Energy Adventure is a show about energy and how people generate and harvest it. Maybe--I understand it is sometimes not open.
Mission: SPACE --No Way Jose! Not even the "wimp" side!
Journey into Imagination with Figment Maybe--again, if it's easy to get on we will probably do this.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience is a 3-D film of a scientific experiment gone awry. No Way Jose! Hate it in D-land--no reason to do it here too.The Land (Sponsored by Nestle) is a pavilion that contains attractions that detail how we interact with our natural environment. Must Do! (I know--I'm weird)
Living with the Land takes visitors on a boat tour through a working greenhouse. Must Do!--if we can get Mom on the boat.
Soarin' is a hang glider simulator that "flies" over various areas of California. Must Do! Just because it's Mom's favorite ride at DCA.Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable is a movie that shows symbiosis. Maybe--sounds boring frankly.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Must Do! Love my fish!
The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a new ride chronicling Nemo's epic journey --Must Do!
Turtle Talk with Crush, an interactive show starring Crush, the Sea Turtle, from Disney/Pixar's film Finding Nemo. Maybe--if we have time--have seen several times at DL

And now for World Showcase:

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: A nightly fireworks and laser show that tells a story encompassing the creation of Earth to celebrating the people of the world. Must Do!
Mexico
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros a boat ride adventure with Jose, Panchito, and Donald Duck. Maybe--if Mom can get in boat
Norway
Maelstrom is a boat ride into Norway's past and present. Ditto--if Mom can get in boat
China
Reflections of China is a Circle-Vision 360° movie exploring China's history and scenery. Must Do! Always loved the similar set-up they used to have in Tomorrowland at DL
Germany
Italy
The American Adventure
The American Adventure is a stage show about American history using audio-animatronics. Would like to see this--Maybe
Japan
Morocco
France
Impressions de France is a panoramic movie which visits many of France's cities and historical structures. Maybe
United Kingdom
Canada
O Canada! is a Circle-Vision 360° movie of Canada's cities and scenery. Ditto on the 360 thing.

We will be in WDW for Food & Wine (not planned--just serendipity) so will probably partake of the various offerings in World Showcase (including that slushy alcoholic drink that looks so good!)


So the other update is that I've made arrangements for the scooter--I'm renting from Buena Vista Scooters because I like the fact that they are on-site. I was going to call today to change our Disney Dining Plan arrangements--from Deluxe Dining Plan to NO plan. We just decided we wanted the flexibility to be able to share some meals from time to time rather than be left with lots of leftovers and desserts we wouldn't/couldn't eat.

We are also checking into shipping our clothes so we don't have to deal with them on the plane. DBF (or former DBF depending on the day) has somewhat agreed to drive us to the airport--but I may check into shuttle services--just in case!

I also set up my new color printer last night so now I have to make t-shirts. Some of the ladies on the Dis-sign boards made me a couple of styles with our names--now I just have to get transfer paper and figure out how exactly to do it! Michaels was having a great sale on t-shirts (5 for $10) so we stocked up--thinking if we didn't use them for printed t-shirts we could use them for around the house anyway!

My first job is to make t-shirts for me and DBF/FDBF to wear to Mickey's Trick or Treat at Disneyland! Keep your fingers crossed (and he's actually AGREED to wear it--wonder of wonders!)

Speaking of FDBF's the immediately prior one went to Las Vegas last weekend and played in a $1500 per person slot tournament--and WON.

now he's $76,000 richer . . . . . tell me again why I gave him up for the one who doesn't have a job? oh yeah- now I remember.

trust me--it was a GOOD CHOICE.

More later!

 

[toocherie]

Im in ok Cherie so Im doing my first time trip to wdw next year and I seriously need help so for one...who are you renting the ECV through?? I thought about doing the buena vista scooter people because they are on site at the boardwalk and if theres any problems they are right there to help and are open till 11pm at night ...I definitely have to know how the Le Cellier, LTT, and 50's prime time turns out






haha ooh I know these...its the same thing as Mickey's and Minnie's house in toontown

Thanks Lynn--I figured that's what those places were. We'll see if we want to see the characters. Since we're doing a couple of character meals, probably no reason to.

You do know that Liberty Tree Tavern is changing after the beginning of the year? It will no longer be a character meal--which will be a bummer.

Where will you be staying?

And when I talked to Buena Vista they told me they were open only until 9 p.m. so I will need to confirm that with them! It will be great if it is 11 p.m.!

What day are you doing MTOT? I'm going Oct. 3rd.

Planning a trip for WDW IS soooooo complicated! I will be glad to go on vacation just not to have to plan anymore!

 

[mommaU4]

Speaking of FDBF's the immediately prior one went to Las Vegas last weekend and played in a $1500 per person slot tournament--and WON.

now he's $76,000 richer . . . . . tell me again why I gave him up for the one who doesn't have a job? oh yeah- now I remember.

trust me--it was a GOOD CHOICE.

More later!

Man, why can't I ever win anything???

Oh yeah, I don't play.

Good to see your update in planning.
I can't wait to see what tees you make.

 

[toocherie]

Man, why can't I ever win anything???

Oh yeah, I don't play.

Good choice--yeah he won $76,000 last weekend.

But I have also known him to gamble $25,000 in a day (playing $25 slot machines). (No--he is not made of money--he "claims" he doesn't lose that much at the higher denominations. Right.)

On the other hand, I've seen him win $10k on a $1 slot machine.

He's been very lucky. (not with me )

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Thanks Lynn--I figured that's what those places were. We'll see if we want to see the characters. Since we're doing a couple of character meals, probably no reason to.

You do know that Liberty Tree Tavern is changing after the beginning of the year? It will no longer be a character meal--which will be a bummer.

Where will you be staying?

And when I talked to Buena Vista they told me they were open only until 9 p.m. so I will need to confirm that with them! It will be great if it is 11 p.m.!

What day are you doing MTOT? I'm going Oct. 3rd.

Planning a trip for WDW IS soooooo complicated! I will be glad to go on vacation just not to have to plan anymore!

Im doing TOT party on the 23rd...we will be down there from 10/22-10/26...Im hoping to get in a couple of days in Dec. because that will be my last till after the wdw trip unless Im just climbing the walls so bad from withdrawls that I dare brace going on my bday (july 26) you know how desperate I am getting here???

wow maybe they changed hours because I know when the thread for them showed up on the disability faq initially I called them and they told me 11pm..well lets hope anything that happens goes on before 9pm

the first 2 nights are a toss up between ASmU fam suite or the Swan (if Swan gives a really good entertainment rate we are going with that) after that we move over to BWV for 7 nights

oh yeah we totally know about LTT changes...but we werent going there just for characters...we want to go in for dinner on MVMCP night so we can get in when they first allow us in for the party and we can eat and just already be there you know?

 

[grizbuzz]

Your trip looks fabulous!!

I'd add Tiki Room and Stitch to your must do list. I don't like what they've done to the Tiki Room so much, but I think it's definitely worth seeing.

I think Ellen's Energy Adventure is worthwhile in Epcot and that Test Cars ride (what's it called?) is lots of fun.

Didn't think the Maelstrom ride was worth the wait. And something about being stuck in the ride (not in the boat, but still in the ride) until they could put you in the movie theater at the end so you could watch a promotional show on Norway didn't sit ride with me. I felt like I was stuck in the ride!

Have fun and keep us posted. We have a three day WDW trip Feb 09 that I've just started planning for - before an Eastern DCL trip. I'm feeling a little Disney'ed out after our DL trips, so haven't really been planning much, but I'm sure that will change in a matter of weeks.

Jen

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Didn't think the Maelstrom ride was worth the wait. And something about being stuck in the ride (not in the boat, but still in the ride) until they could put you in the movie theater at the end so you could watch a promotional show on Norway didn't sit ride with me. I felt like I was stuck in the ride!

Jen

what if you feign sick to get out of seeing the movie...will they let you out???

 

[grizbuzz]

what if you feign sick to get out of seeing the movie...will they let you out???

Sorry it took so long to get back to you on your question...the wait for us was actually to get INTO the movie theater. You could walk through and go to the gift shop without watching the film, but you still had to wait to even get to the movie theater until the group before was finished. Odd ride design.

So Cheryl...any more updates on the trip planning? Are you excited and ready to go? It's gonna be SO much fun!

 

[tinkermell]

Hi Cheryl!!

Where are ya?

You must be busy busy getting ready to go.

 

[mommaU4]

Not long now!!

 

[toocherie]

HI everyone, yes, I have been neglecting this report--sorry. Am INCREDIBLY BUSY at work--it always happens right?

We shipped most of our luggage Friday via FedEx--with Mom's disabilities I didn't want to hassle luggage at the airport very much. So I think we will be checking one bag and each have a carry-on--yes, I took way too many things. I could stay for a month! (Wish I could.)

All my ADRs are made (some re-arranged) and now I'm just putting together the last few things to take with me.

I went yesterday and saw my DCV Guide so that he could trade out the annual pass voucher I got for joining DCV from DL to a WDW one (I got two free--one I used this year for DL and the other one I'm using for WDW).

Because of the plane change, we are now arriving the day before in the evening of Halloween, rather than the morning of November 1. I don't have much planned for that day, other than going over to DTD to get our actual passes/tickets. And we're going to Hoop Dee Doo that night. I do have an ADR for lunch at Raglan Road in DTD.

I am still stressing over whether to do the dining plan. I had decided "no" and then when I talked to my Disney guide he was like -- are you crazy?

So now I'm back wondering--again--whether to do it and what level. I need to decide probably by tomorrow--Tues. at the latest. Sigh.

Oh well--back to work or I'll never get to go on vacation!

 

[mommaU4]

I loved the dining plan when we went. But that was before the made all sorts of changes to it. Back when I went it included an appetizer, entreee, dessert, drink and the tip! It was so nice to walk into a restaurant and not even have to look at prices.

Now, I'm not sure what it includes or how it works. I've heard people weren't thrilled with the changes though.

We loved the Hoop De Doo Revue! So fun!!

 

[toocherie]

Need to decide by tomorrow on the dining plan--what to do oh what to do?

And then today . . . Mom just got diagnosed with something called lymphodema. I guess when they did her facial surgery they removed some lymph nodes too and now her circulation is off. Her arm swelled up yesterday--and they want to send her to therapy but the first day she can get in is November 10th!!!! EEk. But she says it is feeling better.

Oh, and I may be getting sick too. I gave in and saw DBF (or ex-DBF, depending on the day) on Friday and he had a slight cold. Now my ear feels all full (which is where it usually hits me first)

So, the good news is we have packed and sent the boxes with our clothes, the bad news is I have a TON of work to do and not much ambition! LOL

But the clients are knocking so I guess I better answer the door

 

[mommaU4]

But the clients are knocking so I guess I better answer the door

Nooooooo, don't answer it. Turn off the lights and hide behind the couch!

Seriously, I hope you and your mom feel better fast!

 

[BillyFan]

I hope you and your mom are feeleing better in time for your big trip!
FWIW, we really enjoyed the Dining plan when were there two years ago. It was nice to have everything paid ahead of time, and not have to worry about it. And unless things have changed, you can still share on the plan, and that way you can have more TS meals! The only issue was that at the end of the trip we were scrambling to use the last of our snack credits, but we ended using them on pre-packaged goodies from the shop in the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[toocherie]

I called today and got the basic dining plan (one TS, one QS and one snack per day). Even though we have two TS ADRs a day, I really don't think we'll end up using them all (I will cancel the day before whatever we don't use). We just don't want to be tied to "eating" all the time.

 

[tinkermell]

Hi Cheryl!!

Just wanted to wish you and your Mom a magical trip. I'm anxious to hear about your DVC experience and home resort.

I hope your Mom is feeling way better and things will go smoothly for the two of you.

Have a safe trip and lots of fun!!

Melody

 

[grizbuzz]

Have a wonderful trip!!
Wishing much fun and happiness!