Top Secret Pixie Dust! A Surprise 13th Birthday PTR! NEW! TRIP REPORT LINK PAGE 220!

[Native NYer]

Chelsea is going to love the surprise.
Is it that much hotter in July than June when you usually go? We go in August and are used to the hotter than Hades temps. It just means a lot of pool time. You can also head to the main building for music in the evening.

And I forgot about the tour groups. When we used to go in July, our strategy was always to head in the opposite direction of any large tour group. One thing I've always wondered was where do these large groups stay? I doubt they'll be at the Grand.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Operation thirteen candles.................. I love it! How do you keep coming up with this stuff!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

Some hints that I use for summer WDW visits in general. I try and think about which queues are outside and which queues are indoors. For instance, Space Mtn-mostly indoor line. BTMRR-shaded outside, but very crowded line...hot and claustrophobic. Soarin-all indoors. I also alternate an outdoor ride with an indoor sit down ride.

 

[stace208]

I think you made the right choice going with Operation Thirteen Candles. While I totally get the "pull" of a Disney Christmas trip, this is a trip that she will remember forever! Plus, it gives you a reason to head down for Christmas the next year...as if we NEED a reason!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think you made the right choice! Your little girl only turns 13 once & Christmas comes every year.

 

[TarzansKat]

Agent Fadeaway, reporting for duty.

After careful consideration, it is of my highly (un)professional opinion that you have most certainly chosen the right dates for your vacation.

It's closest to her birthday and that's the nice thing. Is it going to be hot? Yes. Will you deal with it like you normally do? Yes. And think of it this way. You're staying at the Grand Flo!!!! Much as you want to do your traditional touring, you also want to enjoy your resort! I say, these dates are great because it will force you to take some relaxation time at your resort. And, you can always go for Christmas. It's not like Disney will stop doing the holidays, but your little girl only turns thirteen once.

ahem...Fadeaway out.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I think that operation 13 candles is perfect. When I was down there in August it was pretty hot. Getting out of the sun midday definitely helps. I'd also recommend some kind of hat. I have one of those really lightweight "running" hats. It really helps to keep that beating sun off of your head. Normally I hate hats, but in that heat I just can't take it.

 

[Happydog]

Oh it will be just fine, and you have to throw in the plan of attack that I shared with you before -- Park, Brunch, Pool.... it is PERFECT. Just call it the PBP strategy! You rejuvinate, and if you plan it that way, can head on back after dinner and the sun is down to use those FPs you squirrel away before you split the park! It works so well for us! Even in December!

 

[vamassey1]

Operation 13 candles sounds great! Yes it will be hot, but being there to celebrate your daughter's birthday will make it worth it. I took Danielle for her birthday last year at the end of June and even though we melted it was more than worth it. Disney makes them feel so special. I love the idea of the tea too.

Dusty signing out!

 

[eandesmom]

Operation 13 candles sounds perfect!

I think because of the heat, the resort is that much more important and what a lovely lovely escape you will have!

It will be magical.

 

[winkers]

Isn't it exciting to have you dates nailed down?!!

Going in july shouldn't be bad partly because you've b een before and know what you wnat to do, so there's no need to pack every hour with activites and you can do the parks early morning,leave at lunch for some pool time and then return in the evening.



oh, both of my vera bags arrived today..

 

[KathyRN137]

I just hope Operation Thirteen Candles doesn’t become Operation Wilting in the Heat or Operation Avoid and Evade the Tour Groups. July kind of scares me in those regards, but if we have to end up poolside many afternoons, I am sure we can handle that.

I love the name... "Operation Thirteen Candles!"

And wow! The Grand Floridian!

I am so with you on this dilemma! Right now I'm actually considering an AUGUST '11 trip because I seriously do not think I can hang on until February '12!


Kathy

 

[addictedtothemouse]

OH! I think a big reveal at her birthday party would be great!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Concerning the Coppertone ad it may be a copright issue, but I do know that the ad was done away with due to concerns that the public may have had with the image.

I love the fact that you are going on her birthday. It will make such a difference instead of going months later. The GF is my dream place to stay, but DH would never fork out the cash, well I shouldn't say never as I usually can make him see things my way! LOL

evergreen out

 

[floridascgirl]

My DH and DS can't handle the heat, so any warm month is out of the question for us. I hate that all of our Disney photos have us dressed in coats, scarves, gloves, etc... You would never guess that we are in Florida!

On the bright side of travelling in July, packing will be a breeze.

 

[MEK]

Operation thirteen candles......

LOVE IT!

Dates: Check
Place: Check:
Reason for Secret Mission: Check:

Now the only thing still up in the air is that DVC purchase. I know it's coming. I have a "sense" about these things.

Oh, and as far as the July heat....you know it can't possibly be any worse than what you endured last June!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I think you made a great choice Jackie! 13 is such a special year for a little girl. Chelsea is going to be absolutely thrilled when she finds out where she will celebrate her birthday this year. Have you used TGM ever? I found his advice great when learning how to avoid the crowds. Maybe it's worth a peek for the July crowds?

 

[mousescrapper]

Operation 13 candles so so sneaky...

yes it will be hot...but if you're like me in the planning of a b-day in high capacity (we won't have the heat) that your goals of the trip are b-day goals...it will be fun and you have the wonderful GF pool and marina waiting for you and the wonderful convienence of the monorail!

can't wait for more top secret plans

Stardust

 

[dddisrunner]

HOW EXCITING!!!! What a great 13th birthday present! OK...here is my 2 cents about July....it is HOT HOT HOT, no way around it BUT you are disney veteran's. I would do rope drop and break for the high heat of the day which will be easy peasy staying at the GF (so convenient) then hit the parks for dinner and late night fun! The parks are open LATE during the very busy summer! Being that you go every year, maybe you could dare I say it...consider skipping one of the parks OR just hitting a must do and then leaving! This is going to be our plan for this June! Anyway, I am sure it will be GREAT no matter how you work it out! The groups are VERY disorganized and they wait for everyone to catch up! The only issue we ran into is when 4 people savespots for 40 of their friends BUT one conversation with a CM fixed that! Looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds!

Diane

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I would have LOVED to go to Disney World and stay at the Grand Floridian for my 13th birthday. Hey, I would love to do that for my 31st birthday! So I think that is a perfect time to go, despite the possible heat and crowds.