Treat. Yo. Self. - A Feb. 2015 Solo/B-day PTR *UPDATED 2/21

[Elevationist]

Now here's where I have run into a dilemma. I actually changed my Kona ADR from 10:15 to 9:15 on Saturday to try and give me a bit more park time. However, I have to be back at ASMU by 1 for my Magic Express back to the airport. If I'm out of my ADR by 10 that would only leave me about two hours in a park do do stuff. So, would it be worth it to buy a 6-Day ticket to use one Saturday or should I just buy a 5-Day? If I go with a 5-day, what should I do on Saturday till I have to leave?

I need to order my ticket by the beginning of December so that I have plenty of time before I have to book my FP+. Can you see my problem? Any suggestions would be great!

Well, here's my personal take on it... The difference between a 5-day and 6-day ticket is only $10.65. To me, that's pretty fair for 2 hours in the park. Even if only to wander Main Street, buy a few last minute things from the Emporium, and blow a great big Goodbye kiss to the castle.

In fact, on my trip next year, I only have us scheduled to spend 5 days in the parks. But I'm actually buying 6-day tickets... JUST in case on a planned non-park day, we change our minds and decide we want to hit one anyhow. I want that flexibility, and to me, it's worth it for less than 11 bucks per person.

 

[Neverland Girl]

Again, I am soo sorry for not updating this more often. Please forgive me.

Just click the button Becky.​

So ever since I booked my trip, I had been terrified of telling my parents about it. I had written an email to them and saved it in my drafts where it then sat for a few weeks. I went back and edited it probably a dozen times or so.

Well, yesterday I told myself that enough was enough and that I had to send that email. NOW! I haven't felt that nervous in a long time. "Just click the button Becky. Once you hit send it'll be done." So that's what I did.

Then I waited for what seemed like forever. I clicked the refresh button. Then again. And again. And again.

Of course my mom was the first one to reply and her response was the one I was most anxious for.

What did it say?



She was completely okay with it!

Mind you those were happy tears of relief! I didn't realize how apprehensive this whole thing had been making me until I started crying.

My dad was completely on board as well. When I got home from work last night, Mom was asking me some general questions about what all I had done so far with booking. She was impressed with how much research and such that I had done.

Needless to say, I am so glad that they know now and that I no longer have to keep this a secret.

 

[Elevationist]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I'm sure this must be a HUGE load off your shoulders! It's just wonderful to hear they were both so supportive! My parents didn't support my recent solo trip, but thankfully they didn't try to discourage me either... They were kind enough to just kinda shut up and keep their opinions about it to themselves. Haha.

 

[Neverland Girl]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I'm sure this must be a HUGE load off your shoulders! It's just wonderful to hear they were both so supportive! My parents didn't support my recent solo trip, but thankfully they didn't try to discourage me either... They were kind enough to just kinda shut up and keep their opinions about it to themselves. Haha.

I am so sorry that I didn't see this sooner. It was a totally huge relief. I'm sorry to hear that your parents weren't 100% on board with your plans.

 

[Elevationist]

I am so sorry that I didn't see this sooner. It was a totally huge relief. I'm sorry to hear that your parents weren't 100% on board with your plans.

Oh, I'm used to it. I'm 34, and they rarely support me having FUN. LOL. They think of Disney as a waste of money, when there's so many other things I could be using those funds for. When they do speak up, I gently remind them "My life. Not yours."

 

[Neverland Girl]

I am so sorry that I've gotten away from updating this report. Having a retail job this time of year doesn't allow for much down time. Especially if you have a supervisor (sort of) position.

Luckily when ever I start getting stressed and overwhelmed I just keep telling myself, "You're doing this for Disney."

So hopefully I'll have a few more updates for you down the road.

(In fact, I have one coming up right after this post. )

 

[Neverland Girl]

I won't be able to get on here before Thursday so let me start this segment by saying:

​

Ready, Set, GO!!!​

This past Thursday I got another piece of Mickey Mail letting me know that my FP+ window was opening soon. When exactly?


December 25th

That's right! When the clock strikes midnight on Christmas, I will be in front of my computer booking my FP+ reservations. I'll probably look something like this:

Luckily, I have to be at the last service at my church on Christmas Eve, so the midnight hour won't be a huge issue. Hopefully I won't take too long booking them though.

I mean I have to get to bed or else Santa won't come to my house.

Here is my Park Schedule for the week:

Monday, Feb. 23 (Arrival Day) - Epcot/MK
Tuesday, Feb. 24 - HS
Wednesday, Feb. 25 - Epcot
Thursday, Feb. 26 - MK
Friday, Feb. 27 - AK (am)/MK (pm)
Saturday, Feb. 28 (Departure Day) - None

Originally I wasn't going to do MK on my arrival day but, seeing as it is my favorite park, I'm not sure if I can wait till Thursday to step foot inside of it. I'm thinking most of the arrival day will be Epcot but with a bit of time in MK.

My FP+ Wants

MK: Peter Pan's Flight, BTMRR, A&E (maybe), Cindy/Punzie, HM, POTC
Epcot: Soarin', Spaceship Earth, Character Spot
AK: The only one I really want would be Kilimanjaro. I might save the FP+ bookings for my MK evening that night.
HS: TSMM, Great Movie Ride, Frozen Sing-Along (if still available.)


Let me know what your thoughts are on my schedule/plans!

 

[FutureMrs.Incredible]

Congrats on your upcoming trip! You deserve it!! You sound like a really hard worker. And I LOOVE your title - so, so funny! I love that show.

 

[SarahDisney]

I'm so happy that I found this - I love reading your planning! Although, I have to admit ... I've only seen a few episodes of Parks & Rec. I hope that's okay.

I totally get being afraid to tell your parents ... I was pretty nervous about telling my parents about my next trip too. I'm glad your parents support your trip!

In terms of FP+ - if you want to do 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, I'd try for a FP+ for that, because the line can get long. A&E a FP+ is almost a must. Fortunately, as of when I last checked, there were plenty of both available for the 23rd, and there should be even more available for later in the week.

Oh, did I not mention that I'll be there around the same time as you? I leave the 24th (and our last park day is the 23rd), so we're not overlapping much, but for one night I'll be staying at the next hotel over from you (All-Star Sports).

Also - Epcot and Hollywood Studios have tiering in place for FP+, and you can get 1 FP+ from Tier I and 2 from Tier II. Your Epcot selections look okay, but for HS, you won't be able to get both TSMM and Great Movie Ride. I recommend going for TSMM (which regularly has waits over 100 minutes) and trying to get GMR as a 4th FP+ later in the day (that's what we did on our last trip - there should be plenty of GMR available day-of).

I'm looking forward to reading more about your planning!

 

[Neverland Girl]

So obviously I fibbed about being able to get on here before Christmas but I still wish you all a fantastic holiday.



FutureMrs.Incredible and SarahDisney

Oh, I'm used to it. I'm 34, and they rarely support me having FUN. LOL. They think of Disney as a waste of money, when there's so many other things I could be using those funds for. When they do speak up, I gently remind them "My life. Not yours."

That was one of my major concerns about what my parents would think. With a plethora of student loans (blegh! ), I was worried that they would say I was wasting my money. Luckily though, my family loves Disney as much as me. Plus, I'm still able to keep up with bills and loans on top of the trip expenses which helps make this trip seem more reasonable.

Congrats on your upcoming trip! You deserve it!! You sound like a really hard worker. And I LOOVE your title - so, so funny! I love that show.

Obviously work can be a super pain, figuratively and literally. In fact, I have a stress knot where my shoulders and neck meet right now. But I do what I can to help my co-workers and family as much as possible.

Parks and Rec is AMAZING!

I'm so happy that I found this - I love reading your planning! Although, I have to admit ... I've only seen a few episodes of Parks & Rec. I hope that's okay.

I totally get being afraid to tell your parents ... I was pretty nervous about telling my parents about my next trip too. I'm glad your parents support your trip!

In terms of FP+ - if you want to do 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, I'd try for a FP+ for that, because the line can get long. A&E a FP+ is almost a must. Fortunately, as of when I last checked, there were plenty of both available for the 23rd, and there should be even more available for later in the week.

Oh, did I not mention that I'll be there around the same time as you? I leave the 24th (and our last park day is the 23rd), so we're not overlapping much, but for one night I'll be staying at the next hotel over from you (All-Star Sports).

Also - Epcot and Hollywood Studios have tiering in place for FP+, and you can get 1 FP+ from Tier I and 2 from Tier II. Your Epcot selections look okay, but for HS, you won't be able to get both TSMM and Great Movie Ride. I recommend going for TSMM (which regularly has waits over 100 minutes) and trying to get GMR as a 4th FP+ later in the day (that's what we did on our last trip - there should be plenty of GMR available day-of).

I'm looking forward to reading more about your planning!

That's okay about only seeing some episodes. I still have to get caught up on the last season.

I'm glad you're enjoying my PTR so far.

I didn't realize TSMM and GMR are both Tier 1. Grr! Yeah, TSMM is definately going to be my go to choice. Please refresh my memory though. Do I have to pre-book three FP+ to be able to get day of FP+ later in the day or can I just pre-book one or two and then "day of" a third?

YAY! I am so glad to here that A&E are a strong chance of being available. I'm not sure if I want SDMT or not. Obviously I'm the tiniest person, and I've heard some iffy things about the cars and those of us who are pooh-sized. Seeing as Snow White is one of my all-time faves (if my icon doesn't give that away), I would love to check it out but being pinched and uncomfortable would seriously detract from the experience.

 

[SarahDisney]

You have to make all 3 FP+ and let the times pass, but you don't have to use them all. We ended up only using 2 of ours last trip, but had to wait for the time period for the 3rd one to pass before we could make more.

I can't help you with seven dwarfs because I don't really remember the size of the cars (other than that I was fine, but I'm also on the smaller size). You can change your FP+ any time before the window opens, so if you do make the FP+ and then get a definitive report that you may not be able to ride, you can change it.
I've also heard the mixed reports, and even though it doesn't affect me, I'm baffled by the idea that in 2014 Disney built a ride that isn't friendly for all sizes. I can definitely understand not wanting to ride something uncomfortable, no matter how exciting it may be.

 

[Elevationist]

YAY! I am so glad to here that A&E are a strong chance of being available. I'm not sure if I want SDMT or not. Obviously I'm the tiniest person, and I've heard some iffy things about the cars and those of us who are pooh-sized. Seeing as Snow White is one of my all-time faves (if my icon doesn't give that away), I would love to check it out but being pinched and uncomfortable would seriously detract from the experience.

For us pooh-sized folks, I think it all comes down to HOW your weight is distributed. I rode 7DMT just fine, and I'm 6'0" and was 365 lbs at the time. Now granted, I was seated next to average-sized person. However, I don't think it would work for me plus another pooh-like person. (Well, it would work, it would just be... intimate. )

My weight is proportioned funny, though. Most of my weight is in my torso, and not as much in my hips, rear, or thighs. On 7DMT, the seats are kinda narrow, and there's a bar that comes down around your knees and over your thighs. Was it roomy for me? Heck no. Was it uncomfortable? A little bit when I first got settled in, but once the train started moving, I forgot all about it. But I'm a BIG lady, and I still managed!

So don't automatically discount 7DMT! Especially since Snow White is your homegirl, you should give it a try!!! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Neverland Girl]

The two of you have been so helpful! I don't know what I would do with out you.

You have to make all 3 FP+ and let the times pass, but you don't have to use them all. We ended up only using 2 of ours last trip, but had to wait for the time period for the 3rd one to pass before we could make more.

That's exactly what I needed to know. I went back to look at MesaBoy2's FP+ thread to double check all my knowledge about the new system. For as much as I felt I knew about planning a trip to WDW during my last trip, this trip has me feeling like a newb.

Oh and I also found out that my FP+ booking window most likely won't open till 1 am now. This is seriously making me worry that Santa will skip over my house. Lord knows that I won't have an issue staying up that late. Holiday hours at work have conditioned me for that.

For us pooh-sized folks, I think it all comes down to HOW your weight is distributed. I rode 7DMT just fine, and I'm 6'0" and was 365 lbs at the time. Now granted, I was seated next to average-sized person. However, I don't think it would work for me plus another pooh-like person. (Well, it would work, it would just be... intimate. )

My weight is proportioned funny, though. Most of my weight is in my torso, and not as much in my hips, rear, or thighs. On 7DMT, the seats are kinda narrow, and there's a bar that comes down around your knees and over your thighs. Was it roomy for me? Heck no. Was it uncomfortable? A little bit when I first got settled in, but once the train started moving, I forgot all about it. But I'm a BIG lady, and I still managed!

So don't automatically discount 7DMT! Especially since Snow White is your homegirl, you should give it a try!!! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Hearing your experience has made me feel more comfortable with riding on it. In fact, it is officially on my FP+ want list! I'm the type of person who tends to worry about others before myself. So, here's hoping I have a smaller person riding with me.

I was so excited when they announced this ride but (as I mentioned earlier), when the reports were coming out about it not being as nice of an experience for us pooh folk, well, I just got so deflated. I'm glad to hear you had a great time. The picture shows it!

 

[Elevationist]

Hearing your experience has made me feel more comfortable with riding on it. In fact, it is officially on my FP+ want list! I'm the type of person who tends to worry about others before myself. So, here's hoping I have a smaller person riding with me.

I was so excited when they announced this ride but (as I mentioned earlier), when the reports were coming out about it not being as nice of an experience for us pooh folk, well, I just got so deflated. I'm glad to hear you had a great time. The picture shows it!

Truthfully, I would like to think/hope that the CM working the attraction would be smart enough not to seat one big person with another big person, especially two who don't know each other. I honestly think they're trained for this sort of thing. I know when I ride Space Mountain or Test Track, they ALWAYS direct me to the front row of each, because those rows are more big & tall friendly. Really, I think you'll be just fine! And hope you'll do a Trip Report when you get back so we can hear what a fantastic time you had!

 

[SarahDisney]

That's exactly what I needed to know. I went back to look at MesaBoy2's FP+ thread to double check all my knowledge about the new system. For as much as I felt I knew about planning a trip to WDW during my last trip, this trip has me feeling like a newb.

Oh and I also found out that my FP+ booking window most likely won't open till 1 am now. This is seriously making me worry that Santa will skip over my house. Lord knows that I won't have an issue staying up that late. Holiday hours at work have conditioned me for that.

I think a lot of people are confused by the new system. I was talking to someone a few months ago who said that he didn't think he would go back any time soon because he knew how to make things work under the old system and it wouldn't work under the new system ... I understand where he was coming from, but to me that's nuts.
I was lucky enough to go in October 2013 while they were first rolling out the new system, so I had a "transitional" trip where I started to learn the new system ... although there was still a lot to learn for my last trip. The DIS is super helpful for getting advice from us more recent travelers.

I certainly hope Santa doesn't skip over your house just because you have to stay up the extra hour!

 

[Neverland Girl]

48 Days and Counting!!!​

Greetings from Snowy PA!

​

I'm sorry I haven't updated since before the holidays. I was lucky enough to be gifted with a late Christmas present on NYE. What was it? A nasty cold.

Luckily though I'm starting to feel better now.

Speaking of Christmas I hope you all had a wonderful one! As you know, I was still up at 1 am that morning to book my FP+ for my trip!

Here is my FP+ run down:

2/23 - Arrival Day @ MK
Enchanted Tales - 4:10 to 5:10
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - 5:45 to 6:45
Meet Tinker Bell - 7:20 to 8:20

2/24 - Hollywood Studios
TSMM - 10:40 to 11:40
Star Tours - 1:25 to2:25
Frozen Sing Along - 3:25 to 3:40

2/25 - Epcot
Today I had to plan around my Akershus ADR @ 9:50 am
Soarin' 11:55 - 12:55 (Hopefully this will give me enough time at breakfast) Spaceship Earth - 1:35 to 2:35
Epcot Character Spot - 2:40 to 3:40 (I may or may not actually use this one.)

2/26 - Magic Kingdom
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 10:40 to 11:40
Peter Pan's Flight - 1:05 to 2:05
Meet Anna and Elsa - 2:30 to 3:30
(That's right! I got FP+ for two of the most in demand attractions/m&g!

2/27 - Animal Kingdom (AM)/Magic Kingdom (PM)
I decided to use my FP+ for MK instead of AK. The only one's I would be interested at AK would be Kilimanjaro, Nemo Musical, and Lion King Show.
My FP+ today are scheduled back to back but I am going to try to ride some of them on my main MK day.
Meet Cinderella and Rapunzel - 530 to 6:30
Haunted Mansion - 6:30 to 7:30
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - 7:30 to 8:30

2/28 - Departure Day (No parks )

Let me know what you think of my choices and times.

Oh I also made a payment towards my room ressie and my time off has been approved by my job! Its getting more and more real by the day.

 

[SarahDisney]

Sorry to hear about the cold, but I'm glad you're feeling better!

FP+ selections look great! You should even be able to get some additional selections most days if you're interested - the "bigger" rides aren't usually available day-of, but you can get some good stuff (last trip we got Great Movie Ride at HS and POTC at MK)

Yay for getting Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Anna and Elsa!!!

And congrats on making the payment and getting the time off approved!! So exciting!!

 

[Neverland Girl]

FP+ selections look great! You should even be able to get some additional selections most days if you're interested - the "bigger" rides aren't usually available day-of, but you can get some good stuff (last trip we got Great Movie Ride at HS and POTC at MK)
!

Yeah, I'm hoping that I can manage some day of FP+ for some of the rides you mentioned. The rest are just cross your fingers and wish for short lines.

 

[Neverland Girl]

Let the Countdown Begin!​

Surprise! I'm still here!

I hope you didn't think that I disappeared or anything. Work has been a nuisance again. For the past three nights, I had only been leaving work after midnight which, when your starting at 3:15/4:15 pm, can make for long days. Oh and last night graced me with the opportunity of driving home in an inch of snow. Don't worry though long days at Disney are completely different then long days at work so I'll be fine.

I'll be posting another update tomorrow regarding my actual trip but for now I'll leave you with a video link. I'm hoping to do at least two a week as a sort of countdown for my trip. It gets me all excited and I hope you watch and enjoy them too!

 

[Neverland Girl]

This is it. This is the month I've been waiting for.​

It's finally February! Woo Hoo!

As I said in my last post, work has been crap this past week and has left me feeling like this:

I definitely needed some cheering up and it seemed like the universe knew it because my magic band came in the mail. I still haven't decided though if I want to try and decorate it somehow. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Oh I've made another ADR. Seeing as I've given up on trying to get a dinner ADR for Be Our Guest, I instead made one for The Plaza Restaurant. From all the readings I've done, The Plaza seems to get good reviews across the board so, I booked it.

I had hoped on snagging a Lunch FP+ 27 days out but Disney had other plans. If you haven't already heard, they are ending the FP+ test for lunch which means the only chance of eating there is to get lucky with a short line for lunch once I'm actually down in FL. This all went down (of course) on the exact day that my booking window opened.

Anywho! I have officially finalized my packing list and only have a few more items to buy and I can start thinking about packing. You should know that I'm usually a last minute packer so this is a big deal for me. Now all I have to do is finish finding my bags.

These next few weeks will be somewhat unbearable but that's just it. I only have a few weeks left before my trip. I can't wait!