Tricks, Treats, Toddler, Food & Wine. An October 2011 Pre-Trip Report.

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm here!!!

I think the plans look great so far! Of course the AP room discounts will never be as good as the CM ones (sigh!) but better than nothing!! I actually have never been to the Disney Outlet off of 535. I guess we always just went to Property Control or Cast Connection! I should check that out on one of the trips!

I am also a rental car/any car fan! When I'm with my dad, he is very impatient when it comes to buses, esp at WL which seem the be the slowest and you have to share them w/GF and FW. I'm sad we won't be getting a car in March but my brother is down there so assuming he's not working at Universal or DTD, we'll have his car and him to drive us around!

I love your ADRS!

1. O'hana breakfast (first for DH and Will)**Love the food, hate the service
2. O'hana dinner (3rd time, we love it!)**Ditto
3. Crystal Palace breakfast (3rd time for DH/Will, probably 8th for me!)**Liked dinner but like CM better
4. Via Napoli lunch or dinner (loved it last trip- our 2nd time)**Never done
5. Teppan Edo for lunch or dinner (first time for all of us!)**Love! It's my back-up for in March if the Le Cellier menu changes for lunch.
6. Mama Melrose for lunch or dinner (first time for all of us!)**Loved for dinner!

The other few we are considering:

* CRT breakfast- Will is sort of into watching Cinderella right now and I figure now is the time while he is still little and likes her- before he becomes all boy! I think he would enjoy eating in the castle. I've done breakfast and dinner here before, but Alan and Will have never eaten here.**HAVE NEVER DONE, CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! EVEN THOUGH I WORKED AT BBB MK!!! I debated about it for my trip but would rather do that with friends (sorry mom!)
* Paradiso 37 (something new for all of us at DTD)**Never done
* Wolfgang Puck (something new for all of us if i can break away from Earle!)**Did it it was alright.
* Tusker House breakfast at AK (think Will would enjoy this- i've done it once, they have not)**Also never done, even though I worked at AK for 9 months!


I think the other plans look great! I went to Cocoa. I was not a fan. I thought it would be more commercial with shops and dining but it wasn't (in the area we were in at least). My dad says I'm spoiled bc growing up, we'd always go to Hilton Head and stay right on the beach in the hotel and it also wasn't like that either. I guess for you it's a toss up. If you think he'd rather enjoy the hotel pool, go for that! I hear Vero Beach Disney resort is nice!

I'm not sure how it works with DVC but I know the one time we stayed at WL, we wanted a room with bunks (before you had to pay for them) and we couldn't get it our first night so they said we could switch the 2nd night and it wasn't an issue. I guess you could also add a request for an upper level floor to your ressie.

I think DS would have more fun at BB. I believe their kids area is pretty large and it has a lot of fun things for kids to do. I always would tell ppl that TL is for relaxing and BB is for the rides!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Tracy and I decided to do the same thing, add the Friday night and arrive later and I think it works out perfect to start the day fresh. It is also nice that we will have one more TS credit for our trip which is the 2nd one needed for CRT!!!

yeah, i think it is a good plan and we can refreshed for a full day saturday, right? the extra TS credit is awesome too! heck, i guess we could even run over to DTD and get our Earle of Sandwich fix for dinner when we arrive!

I LOVE the $1 bins at Target!! Sometimes they have some really great stuff! I have found a lot of neat princess stuff for dd there!

i spend WAY too much there.

It is hard to haul all the stuff and a kid by yourself! I always pack as light as possible and do curbside check in when it's just me and Jack. I also leave the carseat at home, since I never rent a car when it's just us. I know they make backpacks that can hold a carseat, but that sounds complicated...

We are doing the same thing, getting in the night before we originally planned. After last years weather/napping/MNSSHP combination, I figured it would be better to get in just in time for dinner and bed, and then sleep in and relax the day before our MNSSHP. And it really is nice to get the extra meal credits!

It's addictive over there, but so is Target in general. They have tons of princess and Tink stuff, but I don't think Jack would appreciate it as much Luckily they have had a lot of Toy Story stuff in the past and I am sure with Cars coming out this summer, there will be plenty of cool stuff to buy!

hmmmm, i am really going to have to think about the whole flying out alone thing. I think I would really miss having Alan with us too, as even the flight is part of the whole vacation experience. I wouldn't have a full blown car seat, but a booster, so it is light weight, but still would be a pain, although i could check it. It would just be hard to have a stroller and luggaeg and still hold Will's hand to get through the airport when we arrived plus the whole having to get Alan later. So i am thinking we will just all go out together. i need to look at my vouchers and see if we can use them or not for sure. don't you love those free tickets that have all the lovely restrictions?

yeah, i have seen more boy stuff lately, even some phineas and ferb too, which he likes as well.

we did go up there once during our trip, it was quite impressive I for sure want to do it again...we'll have to pick a night as we firm up plans closer

good for you...so glad it worked out well

Just Alan and i went one night while my MIL put Will to bed for us. It was nice, we got there just a few minutes before, so all the seats inside were taken. But i like the atmosphere. Would be fun to go up for a drink. It was freezing outside that night, i think in the 30s. So i went out on the balcony for a minute, but quickly came back in and watched through the window. We got to see Holiday WISHEs, so it was amazing to see from that vantage point and see it in the park too. I can't wait to see Hallo-WISHES from there!

Congrats! That is awesome!!

I am still waiting for Jetblue to extend their schedule so I can look at flights and come up with a plan for our trip.

i know, i can't wait to book air, it just makes it all that much more official.

I'm here!!!

I think the plans look great so far! Of course the AP room discounts will never be as good as the CM ones (sigh!) but better than nothing!! I actually have never been to the Disney Outlet off of 535. I guess we always just went to Property Control or Cast Connection! I should check that out on one of the trips!

I am also a rental car/any car fan! When I'm with my dad, he is very impatient when it comes to buses, esp at WL which seem the be the slowest and you have to share them w/GF and FW. I'm sad we won't be getting a car in March but my brother is down there so assuming he's not working at Universal or DTD, we'll have his car and him to drive us around!

I love your ADRS!

I think the other plans look great! I went to Cocoa. I was not a fan. I thought it would be more commercial with shops and dining but it wasn't (in the area we were in at least). My dad says I'm spoiled bc growing up, we'd always go to Hilton Head and stay right on the beach in the hotel and it also wasn't like that either. I guess for you it's a toss up. If you think he'd rather enjoy the hotel pool, go for that! I hear Vero Beach Disney resort is nice!

I'm not sure how it works with DVC but I know the one time we stayed at WL, we wanted a room with bunks (before you had to pay for them) and we couldn't get it our first night so they said we could switch the 2nd night and it wasn't an issue. I guess you could also add a request for an upper level floor to your ressie.

I think DS would have more fun at BB. I believe their kids area is pretty large and it has a lot of fun things for kids to do. I always would tell ppl that TL is for relaxing and BB is for the rides!!

Thanks Megan! Oh how i miss property control. i used to go there every week almost and spent so much money, but i always got great stuff for me and my family! My sister was in awe (disney nut too) when i told her about it. The outlet isn't too bad, they have a lot of clothing items and every once in a while, you find a good treasure too. It is worth stopping. I actually also like going to the walmart over there too- since they have a large disney section. It's just fun to get some cheap pins to trade or find something random and cute there that is affordable.

that's funny on the rental car, it seems a lot of ex cm's prefer to drive. I just can't stand waiting on the buses. and while i might not actually save any time over taking a the bus, i just feel more in control, i guess. that's the control freak in me. Plus, we like to visit other resorts and using the buses to get around to other resorts if a pain since you have to hit a park first and transfer.

thanks for the info on Cocoa, we will see what happens, if we manage to fit it in or not. If my old roomies are there, i figure they will be there that first weekend- the 14-16, so we probably won't hit the beach then if that is the case. we will just have to play it by ear. I really want to try Hilton Head or Vero Beach on a future trip anyhow too with our points.

yeah, i think BB will be our choice. We aren't really the relaxing type, well you can't be when you are chasing after a 3yo! He loves doing all the slides, if they would let him do the big ones, he would. We are in weekly swim classes and he can hold his breath for quiet a while and swim underwater okay, but still needs more practice. he can climb out of a pool on his own and loves jumping in. I think we will have a blast using the pools and waterparks this time.

 

[Aburns8]

awesome- i love POR, it is my favorite mod!!! So where are you hoping for October? Are you waiting on possible discounts first to see what kind of deals they will offer? hopefully something great.

Looks like we are probably not going in October now. I will know more in a couple weeks.

 

[exwdwcm]

MUST DO’s

I've been developing a list of must-do's this trip to make it unique and special. We will be celebrating a few things this trip (10 year wedding anniv in May, Alan's 40th bday in late August, my bday in Sept), but most of all, Will's 4th birthday, which is October 30th. We won't be there for his actual birthday, but shortly before. So I want to make it special.

• Pirate League-
  Will is into pirates now thanks for the new Jake and the Neverland Pirates show. I think he will enjoy getting dressed up as a pirate. So we are going to give it a shot!

• Jedi Training-
  I need to have him watch Star Wars more, but he knows what Star Wars is. I think he would get a kick out of this and even more fun, his dad would love it!
  
  
• MNSSHP-
  This will be a first for us and can't wait. We will try and do it probably on Tuesday or Thursday during our trip.
  
  
• New Star Tours ride-
  can’t wait to see it- not sure the height restriction here, so don’t know if Will can ride it or not. Hopefully Alan will try it once, he doesn’t do so well on these types of rides- he can handle a coaster once, but not twice, but the motion simulator thing is just usually too much. He’s done it before though since he loves Star Wars.
  
  
• Character Meet & Greets-
  we didn’t do many of these last time and I want to try it more this time- maybe the character connection in Epcot or if they are doing this whole new reservation thing for the MK characters, we might give that a shot.
  
  
• Meal at CRT-
  while this wasn’t on my radar at all before, I think we are adding this to our list. Will has watched Cinderella a number of times now. It all started with a nightingale photo in a book of his. It was a Disney ABC book of animals, for each letter, there was a Disney related (in most cases) animal starting with that letter. For N, was nightingale. He says night-night gale. So cute. So I started singing him the song from Cinderella- sing sweet nightingale. He loved it. So I had him watch the movie to hear it and he had me rewind it over and over on that song. Too sweet. So he likes Cinderella. I figure now is our chance, while he is young to really enjoy the princesses, before he is too big and wants nothing to do with them. So we will attempt breakfast there and if we can’t get breakfast, we will take lunch or dinner. I know this ressie is hard to come by, so let’s cross our fingers! I’ve done both breakfast and dinner here before. While the food wasn’t anything to write home about, the characters are always great and it is so fun to eat in the castle. I think Will is going to get a kick out of being in the castle too.
  
  
• Waterpark- BB and pool time
  We aren't lounge by the pool types, okay, Alan isn't. But i enjoy it. Problem is with a 3yo, there is no lounging involved, only playing and chasing. But since we missed out on checking out the great pool at BLT, due to the cold weather in December, we are looking forward to using it in October. We will plan to hang out at the pool at least a few days during our midday break. Plus we will spend a half day at Blizzard Beach. After weighing the options of TL and BB, I think BB is better suited for us right now. I've done both before. We will pay out of pocket for it and plan to arrive shortly after it opens at 10am and stay for like 5 hours or until Will tires out. Usually at our water park at home (we have season passes, it is TX afterall, gotta stay cool!), we arrive at opening and he is done by 4 hours later- totally wiped out. So i figure we can still do a park that evening too if we want, or DTD and resort dinner.
  
  
• Innoventions- especially the trash display for Will.
  
  
• Lion King show and Camp Minnie Mickey at AK-
  missed it last time!
  
  
• Entertainment/Streetmoshpere-
  i want to take more time to enjoy all of the great little acts available, listen to the piano on Main St., check out the entertainment in the World Showcase, see more streetmosphere in HS. We really enjoyed this more this last trip.
  
  
  
• Food and Wine festival-
  This will be our first time doing it. Our strategy is to avoid doing it on the weekend or evenings. We really love the World Showcase during the day more than at night anyhow. So I think we will try and spend at least two mornings there- head right over at 11 when they open and eat lunch in the booths a day or two. I am hoping we will avoid most of the F&W heavy crowds that way. DH and I do not do long lines and don’t care much for the big crowds- we just get annoyed and frustrated. We know our limits. So we will attempt to avoid that, but still get to enjoy the food. Plus it should be nicer during the day for Will, without the potential for the crazy party crowd (no offense, I used to be one of them, lol!). Heck, we saw a completely wasted guy as we were walking from the boardwalk to the back entrance of Epcot. This guy could barely walk, he was literally stumbling. It was about 5pm. There was a huge group in front of him that was a little rowdy and not sure if he belonged to them or what. But he was totally wasted. We got a good laugh, but also let the CM know at the gate what we saw (surely they saw it as he left?), so they were aware in case he hurt himself or fell down or something.

Other things I am looking forward too- trying new restaurants (Mama Melrose, Teppan Edo and Ohana breakfast). Also can't wait to see the progress on the construction at Fantasyland. I guess the only new things will be Star Tours. Of course Toon Town is closed down now so we won't have to worry about visiting it. The new queue for Haunted Mansion should be open by then too, so can't wait to check that out.

So in addition to must do's, there are some things that I am comfortable with SKIPPING this time too...........oh i know, the horror!!! skip something? i must be crazy. But since we have been the last two Decembers in a row, I feel comfortable skipping a few things we either just don't care to see again for a while or want to save for a future trip when Will is older. the good news is that skipping some of these things will free up time for us to spend more time at the pool, check out more of the streetmosphere/entertainment and take in all the little details instead of running around commando (no, not that commando, get your mind out of the gutter!). So what do i plan to skip this time?

• Turtle Talk with Crush- did it last trip, hate waiting for the next show
• Resort hopping- we usually hop to check out the WL, GF, AKL etc. for the holiday decor, we won't have to do that this time- we've seen those resorts, aren't showing them to anyone new and they won't have holiday decor.
  
• LMA Stunt show at HS- seen it twice, don't care to ever see it again
• Prince Caspian walk through/Sounds dangerous/American Idol at HS- never done these, don't care to!
  
• Rafiki's Planet Watch- Will likes the train ride, but we just did this in Dec and just wasn't much to do- we can do a petting zoo at home.
• MSEP- we saw it in December, if we can catch it, fine, but it won't be a priority.
• Fantastmic- I saw it at DL and nothing compares to that version. We just don't care to wait in the lone lines for this or fight the crowds since it is only shown a few times a week. Once Will is older, we will put it on the schedule.
• Primeval Whirl- usually one of my favorites, did it last trip, but doing it alone just won't be fun.
  

So that is what we must do and can skip. I also have to keep in mind, with just 3 of us, I will be riding my favorite thrill rides alone most likely. Which isn't a big deal. We will have to use the child swap if I want to do EE, Dinosaur, Space Mtn, Mission Space, I will have to do the child swap and ride alone. No biggie. But I definitely want to do those at least once. Alan might even be fine skipping those and just letting me ride while he takes Will to do something else. Of course there is the possibility if we get extremely lucky, that I could be pregnant on the trip and hence it won't matter and these rides will be off the list anyhow. So is there anything big that i missed that we should check out!??

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Hi Michelle! Found you in the October thread and thought I would hop over to your PTR! LOVE October!!! We're going the first week this time, so I'm concerned the weather won't be as nice this time, but you'll have it made I bet!

 

[LJD2143]

Hi Michelle - I just followed the link you posted over on the "Official October" thread!

I have a family of 5 (me, DH, DS13, DS10 & DS10) and we just bought into DVC last year. This October will be our first trip "Home" to BLT and I've been looking for TRs from those who have stayed there before! I'll have to read-up on your trip from last December, in addition to following along here as you plan for October!

Sounds like you'll be checking-out of BLT on the same day we arrive. Not sure if that's noteworthy or not, but it will be good to keep in mind......At the very least, our pre-trip planning schedules are almost right in-sync!

Following you!........

Laurie

 

[exwdwcm]

Hi Michelle! Found you in the October thread and thought I would hop over to your PTR! LOVE October!!! We're going the first week this time, so I'm concerned the weather won't be as nice this time, but you'll have it made I bet!

Hi there, i actually just finished reading your TR from last year. I feel like i know you, Rey, the boys and Savannah! Great report, what amazing shots of the fireworks you had. I can totally sympathize with your trip with the in-laws too. OUr Dec trip was with my MIL and niece and while we had a great time and they were so laid back and go with the flow, they were slow getting ready and we didn't make RD as much as I wanted either. In fact one day, it was 10am before we got to the park (the horror, i know!). And I kept stressing myself out like you did- trying to please them, stay together or split up etc. That is why I am so looking forward to this trip- just the 3 of us!

Hi Michelle - I just followed the link you posted over on the "Official October" thread!

I have a family of 5 (me, DH, DS13, DS10 & DS10) and we just bought into DVC last year. This October will be our first trip "Home" to BLT and I've been looking for TRs from those who have stayed there before! I'll have to read-up on your trip from last December, in addition to following along here as you plan for October!

Sounds like you'll be checking-out of BLT on the same day we arrive. Not sure if that's noteworthy or not, but it will be good to keep in mind......At the very least, our pre-trip planning schedules are almost right in-sync!

Following you!........

Laurie

Welcome Laurie! Yeah, check out the Dec report. I have a few pics of our room. We had a one bedroom lakeview. It was a beautiful room and I will miss having a 1 bedroom this October, but with just the 3 of us, a studio is enough. I loved the huge master and amazing bath with the jacuzzi tub and the balcony. I wasn't sure I would like BLT at first, it isn't our style, we are more traditional in out tastes, not modern. But i fell in love with the proximity to the MK (so easy to walk over), the monorail access and the shopping in the CR too. I ended up loving it and can't wait to get back to our home.

yes, we definitely need to keep up with each other since our trips will be almost in sync!

 

[khertz]

How exciting that you will get to meet up with your CP roomies!

I totally agree with you on doing CRT now while Will is little! As it is, I was pretty happy just to convince DH to stop and meet the princesses around with WS with DS this year. A princess breakfast might not ever happen. But I just think it's so cute when the princesses interact with little boys. It might not be as hard to come by as you think, if you keep looking all during your 180 days. I was helping a co-worker plan a trip for her & her two girls (they are actually there this week!), and there were still several breakfast reservations available in December, some even before park opening! I was shocked! But of course, I told her to hurry up and book them before they disappeared, but she didn't listen. I don't understand how people don't take Disney planning as seriously as we do, it's a travesty!!!

 

[stephielela]

I just wanted to let you know that Jack loved CRT. He's too young to worry about "girly", but he likes how all of the princesses came and flirted with him!

 

[exwdwcm]

How exciting that you will get to meet up with your CP roomies!

I totally agree with you on doing CRT now while Will is little! As it is, I was pretty happy just to convince DH to stop and meet the princesses around with WS with DS this year. A princess breakfast might not ever happen. But I just think it's so cute when the princesses interact with little boys. It might not be as hard to come by as you think, if you keep looking all during your 180 days. I was helping a co-worker plan a trip for her & her two girls (they are actually there this week!), and there were still several breakfast reservations available in December, some even before park opening! I was shocked! But of course, I told her to hurry up and book them before they disappeared, but she didn't listen. I don't understand how people don't take Disney planning as seriously as we do, it's a travesty!!!

yeah, i figured now is the time to do CRT. Before long, he won't want anything to do with those princesses! I will definitely be on the phone at the crack of dawn on my 180 day to try and get CRT. i can't decide if i want the breakfast or dinner yet though. I need to really look at the menus again and i'll know more on which meal makes more sense in our schedule once hours are released. isn't it funny how you give advice and people don't believe you until they don't get what they want? lol it really is an art form - disney planning!

I just wanted to let you know that Jack loved CRT. He's too young to worry about "girly", but he likes how all of the princesses came and flirted with him!

yeah, so good to hear! I've been twice, for breakfast once and for dinner once, but years ago. DH and Will have never been. I think he would like being in the actual castle too. he is pretty shy, but i think he will love seeing Cinderella, now that he has seen the movie many times. It was only this January that he started watching tv and movies. Before that, i couldn't get the kid to watch more than 5 minutes of anything. Which is good i guess, i don't want him glued to the tv all the time. But in January, he finally got into tv and movies, now it is all he wants to do. Dora and Barney and this Christmas mickey movie are his favorites. Cinderella too. Really Cinderella is the only disney movie he has watched more than once. He's seen Pinnochio and Dumbo and parts of Toy Story. we did see TS3 and Tangled at the theatre though. I am hoping to get him to watch all the movies before our trip- i might plan a family movie night! i want him to know all the characters. he really knows Cinderella and thinks she is beautiful!

 

[exwdwcm]

UPDATE

Well it's been a while, and while i have nothing ground breaking to report, i wanted to pop in with a quick update.

HOTEL- i did officially add on a night to BLT. So now our trip is October 14-22nd. I loved seeing it say 8 nights instead of 7. I think it will work out well for us. We will have a full day Saturday now since we will come in Friday night. That gives us 7 FULL days, plus a half day on Saturday when we leave on the 22nd. I think that is plenty.

FLIGHTS- Still haven't booked, but i checked prices on AA and our flight is running $400 RT!! OUCH!! I remember when the most we would pay was $250 and got it as low as $200 many times. Last year it was $330. So i need to try using my voucher code to make sure it even works for our dates. You know how the airlines are (especially American) with giving you a free voucher and then not letting you use it with black out dates or some other restriction. I might try that this weekend just to make sure we can even use them. Otherwise, i need to budget flight money. I also have about 35k miles on AA (thank you business travel!)- but i just checked and i can't use it for the dates we want. Usually it is 25k miles for a RT ticket, but since we want to fly on a friday and saturday, they want 50k miles. ugh. Guess i will save miles to try and fly DH out to Vegas in August for his birthday (I'll be out there for work, so flight is covered for me). So we know we have to pay for at least one flight OOP. bummer!
WOULD YOU BOOK NOW OR WAIT? i just fear prices going up more. The problem with AA is that is prices go down, they don't adjust or refund like SW does. I also checked SW, although I didn't see Oct released yet, i just checked similar dates for Sept as a guideline and even their flights are $400 RT out of dallas and that is with a connection. AT least AA has no connection. so wish me luck on flights.

SCHEDULE- I am going insane waiting on October hours. I have a rough plan based on historical October hours, but i really don't want to plan too much until i know for sure. I know they often change up the EMHs etc. Right now, here is my tenative plan based on last year's hours. Let's see how much that changes when real hours come out! We take a 2hour break in the room at least, each day (swim, nap for Will).

Saturday, 10/15
Crystal Palace breakfast (before park opens)
morning at MK
Ohana dinner
MK evening (says they were open until 12am last year- not EMH)

Sunday, 10/16
DHS morning- do RD (starring rolls breakfast!)
Pizza Planet QS lunch
Epcot evening
Via Napoli dinner

Monday, 10/17
breakfast in room
AK morning- do RD
DTD evening
Dinner at Earle
TOW lounge for WISHES

Tuesday, 10/18
breakfast in room
Epcot for EMH - do RD
F&W booths for lunch
CRT dinner at 5pm
MNSSHP at MK

Wednesday, 10/19
O'hana breakfast (sleep in a bit)
Blizzard Beach
lunch at BB
Epcot evening
Teppan Edo dinner

Thursday, 10/20
breakfast on main st (cinnamon roll!)
MK EMH
QS lunch
DHS evening
Mama Melrose dinner

Friday, 10/21
breakfast in room
Epcot am
lunch food and wine booths
evening MK
Pirates and Pals cruise

Saturday, 10/22
sleep in/pack/check out
morning at MK or Epcot, whatever we missed
afternoon at DTD
lunch at Earle
to airport by 3:30pm

Let's see how this changes once hours come out.

 

[DisneyRed95]

Hey Michelle!

It sounds like your plans are coming along! I love all the rope drops in your itinerary! Starting off the day early at the parks is the way to go.

I don't know what to tell you about the airline tickets. It's so stressful trying to figure out when to book so you can get the best deal. I'm stressed out for you just thinking about it! Maybe wait a little longer and see if anything changes? But that worries me since fuel keeps going up . . .

Hours come out next month right? It'll be here before you know it and you can start making ADRs and finalizing your schedule! Fun!

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi sorry I missed two big updates here...love the MUST do's list...I added a few comments in purple for you...

MUST DO’s

• Pirate League-
  Will is into pirates now thanks for the new Jake and the Neverland Pirates show. I think he will enjoy getting dressed up as a pirate. So we are going to give it a shot!

we did PL for our son last yr his first time, he's 11 though and he loved it! now our youngest 4, did BBB and well it wasn't such a Princess moment for her...but they do such a great job. so him lots of pix of what make-up you can get and you'll probably even find some videos on it

[*]MNSSHP-
This will be a first for us and can't wait. We will try and do it probably on Tuesday or Thursday during our trip.

same for us...and thinking Tues too



[*]New Star Tours ride-
can’t wait to see it- not sure the height restriction here, so don’t know if Will can ride it or not. Hopefully Alan will try it once, he doesn’t do so well on these types of rides- he can handle a coaster once, but not twice, but the motion simulator thing is just usually too much. He’s done it before though since he loves Star Wars.



I hope we can do this too...I never really cared for Star Tours, but DH really likes it, but he had neck surgery last yr, so this may be out now


[*]Character Meet & Greets-
if they are doing this whole new reservation thing for the MK characters, we might give that a shot.



What's this reservation thing???

[*]Meal at CRT-
I know this ressie is hard to come by, so let’s cross our fingers! I’ve done both breakfast and dinner here before. While the food wasn’t anything to write home about, the characters are always great and it is so fun to eat in the castle. I think Will is going to get a kick out of being in the castle too.



It actually wasn't that hard to get...I did it in Nov. got up at the crack of dawn and used the online system...

[*]Entertainment/Streetmoshpere-
i want to take more time to enjoy all of the great little acts available, listen to the piano on Main St., check out the entertainment in the World Showcase, see more streetmosphere in HS. We really enjoyed this more this last trip.




I agree never seems to be enough time for the little stuff

[*]Food and Wine festival-
This will be our first time doing it. Our strategy is to avoid doing it on the weekend or evenings.
[/LIST]

am looking forward to this too...and thinking part of the same strategy...I actually found on the Disney food blog a blog w/ pix, menu and pricing form last yr...to start getting a sense of what is offered and come up w/ a budget.

So in addition to must do's, there are some things that I am comfortable with SKIPPING this time too...........oh i know, the horror!!! skip something? i must be crazy.

I make a skip list usually too...there are just some things that actually don't need to be done every time

I have a family of 5 (me, DH, DS13, DS10 & DS10) and we just bought into DVC last year. This October will be our first trip "Home" to BLT and I've been looking for TRs from those who have stayed there before! I'll have to read-up on your trip from last December, in addition to following along here as you plan for October!

just wanted to say hi...I am a BLT owner too and staying there in Oct as well....we just had our first trip home last yr Nov and had a 2 BR it is wonderful

Michelle

love the first draft of your schedule for your week...I am starting one too. yours has a nice mixture of all the parks and more too...looks like a great trip

J~

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

The plans look good! I'm pretty sure SW is releasing October hours on March 13th? I'm interested in seeing the prices as well, although I don't think they will be cheap enough and we'll end up driving. SW will list the cheapest price right when they come out and then get more expensive the closer you get, so whatever they list when they are released on the 13th should be the cheapest they will be, so at least you won't have to be wondering.

 

[stephielela]

It's so hard to know when to buy plane tickets! Especially with gas prices right now, I would worry that fares are going to go up. That's why I like Southwest, at least I can get credits for a future flight, and it's usually not hard to change flights if my schedule changes.

I like your plans so far! 8 days would be awesome!

 

[hardingk]

The plans look good! I'm pretty sure SW is releasing October hours on March 13th? I'm interested in seeing the prices as well, although I don't think they will be cheap enough and we'll end up driving. SW will list the cheapest price right when they come out and then get more expensive the closer you get, so whatever they list when they are released on the 13th should be the cheapest they will be, so at least you won't have to be wondering.

JetBlue released theirs Monday and I booked our yesterday for our Oct trip. I too am afraid prices will go up with fuel costs the way they are. Prices have already changed slightly since releasing them Monday.

It's so hard to know when to buy plane tickets! Especially with gas prices right now, I would worry that fares are going to go up. That's why I like Southwest, at least I can get credits for a future flight, and it's usually not hard to change flights if my schedule changes.

JetBlue gives credit also. I am always checking flights to watch the prices! Another reason why I felt it was safe to book now.

Usually JetBlue has $59, $69, or $79 flights for September and October, but the lowest I found was $97. I couldn't believe it. So I booked it now to be safe. Once park hours are out, I can plan a little more too!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Is that $400 return per person? That's crazy. Heck I could fly out of Toronto for that

Have you done the pirates and pals cruise before? It is so much fun, and an added bonus where you are staying as you are home when you get off the boat! That is something I will be doing again!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Hello Michelle!
I found my way over here from the Official October 2011 thread. I have really enjoyed reading your PTR! How awesome for you to be a DVC member. I would LOVE to do that but it's just not in the finances right now!

Will is such a cutie! It's amazing that this will be his 3rd trip to Disney and he isn't even 4 yet. My little guy, Caden just turned 4 and will be a few months shy of 5 when we go. It will be his first visit.

I look forward to reading more about your trip! I started my own PTR after readin much of yours. Thanks for the inspiration! Go check it out if you like....the link is below!

 

[exwdwcm]

Hey Michelle!

It sounds like your plans are coming along! I love all the rope drops in your itinerary! Starting off the day early at the parks is the way to go.

I don't know what to tell you about the airline tickets. It's so stressful trying to figure out when to book so you can get the best deal. I'm stressed out for you just thinking about it! Maybe wait a little longer and see if anything changes? But that worries me since fuel keeps going up . . .

Hours come out next month right? It'll be here before you know it and you can start making ADRs and finalizing your schedule! Fun!

yes, we love RD, well I do anyhow. DH is luckily an early riser. I normally am not. However, at Disney, that changes! Since we take a 2 hour midday break, doing RD is easy. yeah the airfare thing is a beating- i am about to attempt to see if my vouchers will work or not. I finally remembered to bring them to work so I can log on and see. The rumor is that hours could be out as early as this week on the travel agent site. Of course that site is for agents only and can't be posted here (I found out the hard way when i was told to remove it)- but so far, they haven't posted. That is only if it is like last month- when Sept hours were posted about this time. Let's cross our fingers!

Hi


just wanted to say hi...I am a BLT owner too and staying there in Oct as well....we just had our first trip home last yr Nov and had a 2 BR it is wonderful

Michelle

love the first draft of your schedule for your week...I am starting one too. yours has a nice mixture of all the parks and more too...looks like a great trip

J~

good to know on pirates league, we can't wait to take him! also good to know on CRT- hopefully it won't be as hard to get as i hear. on the character reservation thing- it is like a character meet and greet fastpass. you get a FP, get a time to come back for your character meeting. i guess it is supposed to debut this spring? here's a link:
http://travel.usatoday.com/alliance...1/02/Walt-Disney-World-Resort-Update/144974/1

The plans look good! I'm pretty sure SW is releasing October hours on March 13th? I'm interested in seeing the prices as well, although I don't think they will be cheap enough and we'll end up driving. SW will list the cheapest price right when they come out and then get more expensive the closer you get, so whatever they list when they are released on the 13th should be the cheapest they will be, so at least you won't have to be wondering.

i'll have to go check SW today and also try my vouchers and see what is the best. thanks for sharing on SW, i didn't realize what is released first is always the cheapest!

It's so hard to know when to buy plane tickets! Especially with gas prices right now, I would worry that fares are going to go up. That's why I like Southwest, at least I can get credits for a future flight, and it's usually not hard to change flights if my schedule changes.

I like your plans so far! 8 days would be awesome!

yeah, i worry it will just keep going up and up and up. that is what I love about SW too- you can always change, get a credit and of course, no bag fees.

JetBlue released theirs Monday and I booked our yesterday for our Oct trip. I too am afraid prices will go up with fuel costs the way they are. Prices have already changed slightly since releasing them Monday.

JetBlue gives credit also. I am always checking flights to watch the prices! Another reason why I felt it was safe to book now.

Usually JetBlue has $59, $69, or $79 flights for September and October, but the lowest I found was $97. I couldn't believe it. So I booked it now to be safe. Once park hours are out, I can plan a little more too!

wow, i wish JetBlue flew out of DFW, but alas, it does not. I would so be checking it out. glad you got the $97 rate, that's not bad. most of what i am seeing is like $400 RT per person! that's about double what we paid just like 5 years ago.

Is that $400 return per person? That's crazy. Heck I could fly out of Toronto for that

Have you done the pirates and pals cruise before? It is so much fun, and an added bonus where you are staying as you are home when you get off the boat! That is something I will be doing again!

YEP, $400 per person!!! i have not done the cruise before- i've been reading up on it though. i figured it would be fun while we are staying nearby anyhow. My sisters and parents actually ran into the characters one night on a previous trip. WE had done HDD and when we got out, it appeared the boat dock was closed, they had signs up saying so. So half of us went towards the buses, the others had to use the bathroom. apparently the boats were running and so the other got on the boat. We were staying at WL on this trip. the boat stopped at CR first apparently and they saw Peter Pan at the dock (i guess the cruise hadn't made it back yet and he was waiting?)- so they got to get some really fast pics with him. lol no fair!

Hello Michelle!
I found my way over here from the Official October 2011 thread. I have really enjoyed reading your PTR! How awesome for you to be a DVC member. I would LOVE to do that but it's just not in the finances right now!

Will is such a cutie! It's amazing that this will be his 3rd trip to Disney and he isn't even 4 yet. My little guy, Caden just turned 4 and will be a few months shy of 5 when we go. It will be his first visit.

I look forward to reading more about your trip! I started my own PTR after readin much of yours. Thanks for the inspiration! Go check it out if you like....the link is below!

i found your PTR too! i am subscribed now. Caden is going to have a blast- do you have anything special planned for him when there?

 

[exwdwcm]

UPDATE

Well go figure, the stupid flight vouchers I have won't work for our dates. We want 10/14 and return on 10/22. they don't have either one available. She has the 13th. But that won't help us. I hate AA. Everytime i have miles or a free flight I win in a raffle, I can't ever use it. I guess I will save it for something else. total bummer.

I checked SW and it will be about $400 RT as well. So either way, it is at least $400 each. OUCH. I think I will be waiting it out for a bit. I guess I could use some of my miles to fly one of us one way at least, save about $200.

there is one way it could be cheaper, if DH decided to take an earlier flight. Right now, he was cool with a 5pm flight, arrives 8:30pm. He works just minutes from DFW airport, so we would just go pick him up at work and head there, so he would be able to work until about 2:30 that day. He doesn't want to have to take Friday off work. But if I could convince him to- we could get on an early flight- and it is $100 cheaper! It is the flight we took in December, leaves at 6:55am, arrives MCO at 10:30am. We had booked this, then they changed it and it left earlier- at like 6am and we got in at like 9:45am. We had to get up at3:30am to get loaded, get the airport and through security etc. in time. He said never again. But it would save us $100 a person. So we will see. Plus, my evil idea is that it gets us in early. the problem in December was, our room wasn't ready until 4pm and we were dying by then. Will was so done. So I doubt DH would go for that. I looked at flying out on Sunday vs. Saturday too, but the fares are the same.