Two Weeks until Two Weeks! - Update 3/22 - NEW TR LINK!

[Native NYer]

A day at KSC is fantastic!
I definitely want to go. I have to look into adding days.

I hope you don't have another ghetto gas episode.

We had our luggage transfered from CR to the Poly and it was easy. Our bags were at the Poly by the time we got back for an afternoon break.

 

[DreaGirl]

I'm late for the pre-trip, but early for the trip! Can't wait to read all about it and catch up on your planning!

 

[jenjolt]

Awwww..."ghetto gas" what memories!! LOL!!!! Yes please avoid that gas station again LOL!!

A trip to KSC sounds like a lot of fun!!! I sometimes get tunnel vision and forget that Orlando has a lot more to offer than just Disney LOL!!!!

I meant to say last time that I love the new DVC perk that you can choose what days to have the dining plan...that is awesome!! LOVE IT!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I can't believe that you're headed back to the Happiest Place on Earth in less than a week! You lucky girl!

 

[Luvmepluto]

I say, "better late than never." Just found and read your pre-trip report. I am jealous that you are going to be there for 2 weeks! You are going to have a BLAST!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Loved it that you tried to be gramatically correct even though you ar using a smiley instead of a verb!

I am not sure what I said about platforms? But from what I have read, Heidi is right about the structural problem. There is a concept how things can be fixed, but, yes, that would mean a lengthy refurbishment. And this would be a capacity problem. AK has so few rides that they can't operate the park without EE. So they are waiting until they get the next new addition - for some time it looked like there was a real chance for Camp Minnie Mickey being turned into Beastly Kingdom (however in a different way than originally proposed), but recent news is that AK won't get anything new for the foreseeable future. So there isn't any chance for a refurb any time soon.

But, the Yeti can be turned on and there have been Yeti sightings in the past (especially when high company officials are in town). So it might be possible...

Just like you, Brook, I love EE for the roller coaster it is. However, I am sometimes wondering wether it would't still make quite a difference. But since there isn't really a chance to compare the ride in both its versions, how can i know?

I didn't even catch the 's after the smiley! That's hilarious!

Ooooh -oops, might have been someone else who mentioned the platforms! It's pretty surprising that AK wouldn't be "next on the list" for a major addition. I understand why MK got it, but AK is really in need. I LOVE the park as is, but they do need more major attractions, no way could they handle EE going down without a serious hit in attendance. I wonder what will be next instead of AK....

Ahhhh! Interesting about the Yeti being turned on for officials. I like the sound of that! Maybe, just maybe! I will be sure to report back if I see him! I think the Yeti being on would just add that extra plus to the ride. It's fantastic as is, but the yeti sweeping his arm down adds that extra to an already intense ride. Not vital, but it would be a very, very good thing. It's that extra Disney touch.

Flying down on Christmas afternoon back on Monday, January 2nd.
The way we did it last time was that Jill had Christmas morning at home, then drove up here around lunch time. I think our flight was 4 something. We got there Christmas evening and went over to Magic Kingdom for a little while, just to say we were in Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day.

This is what we arrived to at the resort - people swimming and watching Tim Allen morph into Santa Claus.

And then we went over to Magic Kingdom to see this.

It was a very nice way to end a Christmas evening and being a very fun Christmas trip!

I would love to be there for Christmas sometime! We have our room reserved from December 30-January 7.

Brook- I was an AP holder... once. I never knew about the EE passholder event.

Henry is gonna LOVE KSC!!!!! Thanks for all the pictures!! I think Juliana would love to do this someday. It looks really fun! (I think I might like it best!)

Oh and I love your Kung Fu Fighting silhouettes!!!!

How much snow did you get down there? We only got about 3 inches here.

Great info on the transfer... not that we've ever needed to, yet!



Now that's MY kinda of luggage!!!!!

The EE Event was listed in the Mickey Monitor (the magazine that every AP holder is supposed to get, but its truly hit and miss!), I happened to see the info about it on another message board. You can also view the Mickey Monitor on the Passholder website in PDF form.

Supposedly they ran out of tickets the other day during sign-up, BUT will be releasing more "early this week" you can check back for information today. I just did check back on the Passholder site, but there still isn't any new info. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/landing > under News & Events

I think Juliana would enjoy KSC! There is a lot of fact giving that is interesting for adults, but there is enough to touch, see and do to keep kids very interested as well. Maybe you'll just have to make another trip.

Aren't I ridiculous? Joe was being very serious trying to take pictures of the hubble pictures and I threw my hands up into the lens for the first one and it just snowballed from there....thankfully we were the only people in the room because we were laughing so loud and acting completely insane!

Okay, I didn't even realize we got snow! We were just in the sandbox the other day and now we have SNOW?!?! We only got like a couple inches too, thankfully.

I can't wait to see palm trees. I bet you guys too.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow Brook!!! A 5 day ticker I am so excited for you guys. Cant wait to read the FB updates and see pictures
I havent been to the KSP in YEARS!! I lived in Winter Park, FL from the time I was 1 until 11. The last time I was there I was about 10! Im sure things have changed lots I remember when I was living there, we would go outside in the backyard and watch the rockets going up. Pretty cool I know Herny will love it

That was my first thought this morning, "Oh my word! 5 days!" Oh how very cool about watching the rockets in your backyard! We'd love to see a launch someday. We've tried to schedule trips around it, but it's never worked for one reason or another. Maybe someday!

A day at KSC is fantastic!
I definitely want to go. I have to look into adding days.

I hope you don't have another ghetto gas episode.

We had our luggage transfered from CR to the Poly and it was easy. Our bags were at the Poly by the time we got back for an afternoon break.

That's the thing! We can't give a Disney day up, even though there are many things outside of Disney we want to try! Adding days is the best solution.

He had better not repeat the ghetto gas incident!!!! Nothing even close!! Even though it's now hilarious and made for some great trip fodder! LOL

That is so wonderful to hear about the transfer! I am thinking our experience from Pop to WL was just a fluke. That gives me great relief that we won't have to deal with that again. Thank you!

I'm late for the pre-trip, but early for the trip! Can't wait to read all about it and catch up on your planning!

Hey you!!! Glad you found me!!!! Only five days to go!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Awwww..."ghetto gas" what memories!! LOL!!!! Yes please avoid that gas station again LOL!!

A trip to KSC sounds like a lot of fun!!! I sometimes get tunnel vision and forget that Orlando has a lot more to offer than just Disney LOL!!!!

I meant to say last time that I love the new DVC perk that you can choose what days to have the dining plan...that is awesome!! LOVE IT!!!

I will never forget that gas station and that whole ordeal! Seriously, it was the NASTIEST gas station I have ever seen. *shudder*

I forget about all the things outside Disney too!! And really, it's so hard to give up a day at Disney! (and I'm sure that is their intent!) We do want to do quite a few other things as well over the years, I guess we'll have to do more 2 weeks trips.

Isn't it a FANTASTIC perk?! It's so smart too. We had planned to only do a couple TS meals and cheaper ones. When we saw that perk, we thought, why not? Sure, we are paying more, but we get a better experience in our meals. And we save on what we would normally pay OOP. It's a win-win! I do wish we could just add it on the fly while we are there though. Maybe someday.

I can't believe that you're headed back to the Happiest Place on Earth in less than a week! You lucky girl!

I know! I can't believe it either!!!

I say, "better late than never." Just found and read your pre-trip report. I am jealous that you are going to be there for 2 weeks! You are going to have a BLAST!!!!

No worries about being "late", it's truly only been just over a week! lol I can't believe we are going to be there for TWO weeks, it feels like a dream!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Ohhh, I'd LOVE to see the KSC! For some reason, whenever I think of Florida, only Disney comes to mind! We live close to an air and space museum which we adore visiting. It's so cool!

OK, how HOW HOW did I miss gun gate and ghetto gas?!?! Girl, I was dying while reading that! DH kept asking what was soooo funny. First off, when I saw the 'ghetto gas' references banter, I thought maybe it had something to do with eating bad tacos from a roadside stand or something? Then I read the actual report of it and oh my Brook, I felt your pain! When you NEED a bathroom and changing table, it doesn't matter if it's ghetto or not. But it's much more helpful if it has an actual changing table! We stopped at the worst, most dirty bathroom in the world a couple of summers ago when DD7 was little. She had to go immediately and we were in the middle of nowhere. We found a gas station and the bathroom was disgusting. I can still see it in my mind, it's forever burned into my memory! The ceiling was stained brown and falling down in the corners. The toilet was stained, the sink was grimy and the best part was there was a straw basket on the toilet with hair brushes and lotion! I pretty sure I gagged the whole time we were in there, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Thank God for wet wipes, right!!!

I'm sure the gas station attendant was thrilled with your diaper changing! I wouldn't have cared either. Heck, I might of even thrown that diaper pad up on the counter! Well, maybe not but I'm sure the thought would've crossed my mind.

I can't believe you're now counting down in DAYS not WEEKS! Lucky dog!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Two weeks from today...March 7

The crowd levels are up a bit today, MK is supposed to be fairly mobbed, so we will likely be avoiding that park completely.

On March 7 in the PM, we plan to go to DHS for PM EMH and attend the dance party held at Playhouse Disney (Disney Junior)! I'm really excited about taking Henry to this since he loves to dance and loves the characters! I think we'll have a blast! Also at the dance party, should all things work out, will be a DIS meet with loritemp! Any other DISers at the World on March 7, come join us and dance, dance, dance!

We don't have any solid day plans on March 7, so let's just review what I hope to accomplish on our various times at Downtown Disney, and my souvie list!

There are tons of shops we haven't ever been in and a lot of old regulars!

Goofy's Candy Co - we will probably buy a box or two of the lovely coconut head patties.

We will go to

for

I'm excited to do this again! Probably even more excited than Henry.

in it's current temporary location, which is a giant YELLOW tent! I hope they still have a few interactive things or statues to look at, but even if they don't, little man likes to browse. We will likely treat him to a new set.

I have a love/hate relationship with this store. I love that you can get EVERYTHING here, but I don't like how busy it gets or how lost I can get! Inside I want to pick up another Mickey scarf and another pair of Mickey earrings.

Ridemakerz. Our Disney Store (Times Square location) has a small Ridemakerz in it. Last night we stopped in the store and it's all Henry cared about - he beelined for the stations and hardly moved. Going into this store might be a giant mistake. We are going to have to preface it all with "We aren't buying one, just looking." We've told him if he potty trains we will buy him one - perhaps we should be a potty chair with? Maybe I will send the boys here while I do a bit of solo shopping at...

The #1 thing I am purchasing are Mickey measuring cups and spoons! I've been on WeightWatchers (again) since late December and if I'm going to be measuring portions, I want it to be fun! I also might pick up a new spoon rest here. I bought one when we went to New Orleans just over a year ago, but it got a tad too close to the flame one day and melted a bit... It's fine, but if I find a Mickey one I like, it just might come home with me!

I want to go browse in the

We've never been in here! I think we'd all enjoy this store since we enjoy the couple art shops that are in the parks.

I've only been in here once, maybe twice. If I find a great ornament, it too might come home with me!

In addition to these shops, I'd like to visit the Mickey Mart ($10 and under), Mickey's Groove (is that a new shop?), and the Winnie the Pooh shop - was that renamed to World of Disney KIDS? I can't find solid info, but things are conflicting across various websites.

We also will make time for playing in the water features and....EATING!

We are always torn between WPE and Earl of Sandwich. If we visit DTD on a day we happen to have the DDP we will likely go for WPE since it's a higher cost and we could do EoS OOP another day. (enough acronyms for one sentence?) I also kinda want to check out the new chicken place, Pollo Campero, but it sounds really similar to many "quick eat" places we have here... And I see on AllEars there is a restaurant listed called "Fresh A-Peel" but I can't find that info anywhere else! What is this? Anyone know?

I also want to stop in at

We stopped in here last trip, but didn't get anything. Depending on our moods I'm not certain if we'll get desserts or just the free chocolate with our DVC cards!

Next up, I want to stop in at T-Rex and just check it out.

I think Henry will enjoy their gift shop and on my last TR someone mentioned a giant "sand box" in here too! He will LOVE that of course!

And last on our list is to possibly go see a movie. Joe loves going to the movie theater, so if something good and child-friendly is showing, this will likely happen.

As for souvies, I would love to get a resort specific magnet or DVC magnet as well. I couldn't find either last trip! Hopefully they are bringing some of that resort specific merchandise back. I like to get a magnet from everywhere we visit, and we already have a couple WDW generic ones.

We are going to let Henry pick out a plush of his choice. Last night at the Disney store he picked up a Bolt and said that is what he was going to get at Mickey's house. We also will likely buy him a book and one smaller item of his choice.

Joe would like a Tron mug, or shirt - or "some sort of cool Tron thing."

Many of these items can be picked up throughout the parks or at the resorts, so chances are high purchases will be sprinkled throughout our stay - makes it seem like we are spending less than! However, if we do get a 20% off coupon like I've been reading about (thanks for the tips Anita!), I might try to make one BIG purchase for the higher discount.

What is your favorite DTD store and souvie purchase?

 

[that's nice]

I thought AP holders got a discount at WoD? But I will say that 20% off is nice when you are buying high ticket items like purses...

So where do you find the crowd calendar? I am curious to see what they are expecting for crowds in the future.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ahhhh, shopping at Downtown Disney! How I'd love to be there right now. I agree that you simply must buy the coconut patties. Yum yum!

I, too, have a love/hate relationship with World of Disney. However, now that our kids are bigger and have cellphone, I don't worry so much about getting separated from them in the huge store.

I bought Lacey the red/white/yellow/black Mickey Mouse measuring cups and measuring spoons as well as a black and white Mickey Mouse spoon rest. After I bought them, I realized they also had a set in a light blue with the Chef Mickey on them.

Mickey Mart is another one of my favorite places to shop at DTD. I know that you can get a lot of the stuff at the theme parks but it seems so much more of a value when it's all in one place.

Hopefully, you can fnid some resort specific merchandise. I hate that they seem to have done away with most of it. I think the last time we went the only resort specific item we found was a pin.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Brook-- Fresh-a-Peel is inside Campero Pollo. From what I've gathered it just like another counter in the main restaurant. NYC Babycakes is also inside Campero Pollo but I think that one is more separate.

 

[loritemp]

Yipee, dancing with Henry, Brook, and Joe So hoping it works out!!

I keep trying to think of something we can get for the kids each trip. Last time my dad bought Aiden a cool Mickey bobble head (he has quite a collection of bobble heads now) but I kind of like the Vinylmation figures, might let them pick one each trip. I am assuming I can find them in DTD somewhere!

I LOVE the Earl but DH keeps saying he wants to eat at either Rainforest Cafe or T-Rex this time. Meh. There is a Rainforest in Atlantic City (so only like an hour from us) so I kind of don't want to go all the way to DTD and go someplace we can hit at home. But he pretty much lets me set the plan for vaca and this is the only request he has so I have to give in right?!

 

[bellebookworm9]

The #1 thing I am purchasing are Mickey measuring cups and spoons! I've been on WeightWatchers (again) since late December and if I'm going to be measuring portions, I want it to be fun! I also might pick up a new spoon rest here. I bought one when we went to New Orleans just over a year ago, but it got a tad too close to the flame one day and melted a bit... It's fine, but if I find a Mickey one I like, it just might come home with me!

I've only been in here once, maybe twice. If I find a great ornament, it too might come home with me!

In addition to these shops, I'd like to visit the Mickey Mart ($10 and under), Mickey's Groove (is that a new shop?), and the Winnie the Pooh shop - was that renamed to World of Disney KIDS? I can't find solid info, but things are conflicting across various websites.

I also kinda want to check out the new chicken place, Pollo Campero, but it sounds really similar to many "quick eat" places we have here... And I see on AllEars there is a restaurant listed called "Fresh A-Peel" but I can't find that info anywhere else! What is this? Anyone know?

What is your favorite DTD store and souvie purchase?

Yay for Mickey household items!! I recently found out that I've been cleared for an on-campus townhouse next year, and we have to provide almost everything except furniture, stove, and fridge. I was on the Target website looking at bathroom things and the first row of items that came up were all Mickey things! I think it's a sign.

Here's a blurb from allears about Mickey's Mart/Pooh Corner, etc. "As of January 15, 2011, the building that houses Pooh Corner, Summer Sands and Mickey's Mart in the Downtown Disney Marketplace is closing for refurbishment. The location will be renovated into two new retail experiences. First to open will be the Disney-operated Mickey's Mart (working title). Set to debut in March 2011, the shop will offer guests unique Disney gifts at great prices. Later in spring 2011, LittleMissMatched will move into the space from its location at Downtown Disney West Side. LittleMissMatched offers fun and colorful socks, accessories, apparel and more." So I take that to mean that Mickey's Mart will be open, although refurbished, and that Pooh Corner is closing permanently, and won't be open in any form while you are there.

As far as Pollo Campero, that is the chicken place and then Fresh-A-Peel and Babycakes NYC are located in the same building.

We browsed in the Christmas store, and liked looking around, but nothing truly caught our eye. When I'm out on my own and can afford better ornaments than the $5 shatterproof ones from WalMart, I'm going to stock up from there!

I love World of Disney! We also really liked Design-a-Tee over in Marketplace, where we (duh) designed our own shirts. It was a lot of fun and not as expensive as I was expecting. I believe it was about $25 for the shirt with 4 lines of text and a photo.

 

[Softballgirl27]

You go to school at Universal?! That's so stinkin' cool! Are you studying to be an animator?

Thank you so much for your kind words about my TRs! I've really enjoyed sharing them over the years and look forward to writing a new one. It's a great pastime between trips - and I really enjoy reading other people's trips as well and "living" through them.

Yes! This trip to KSC had better end smoother!!!! I can't imagine how it couldn't.

We plan to visit Universal when Henry is a bit older and tall enough for all the thrill rides - I really look forward to it!!!



Oooh! This is GREAT info! So if I don't call to ask it arrive by 4 pm, it will just be gotten to whenever? I remember it taking a very long time during our last split - if I remember correctly it was after dinner, around 7 pm, which became a problem with a baby. I don't mind 4 pm at all.

Too funny about the cooler with the beer & snacks!



Oooh favorites. I really love the thrill rides!

MK - Space Mountain or the Peoplemover. SM for the thrills, Peoplemover because it's so unique and screams "Disney" to me. So does BTMRR, so that's high on the list too.
Epcot - Soarin'
AK - EE
DHS - RnRC

But, I have to say my favorite thing is watching Henry soak up the magic doing whatever we do! Listening to his excited shrieks and watching his face light up far surpass all the thrills!

AAAAWWWW!!! that is one thing i love about your trip reports is that i can feel the magic in your family when you are there. my favs are....
mk:splash mountain& pirates of the carabean. i also love the thrills of any ride including splash. i love pirates because i am a huge Jhonny Depp fan!!
Epcot:test track it never gets old!!!
AK:EE, kilimanjaros safari great for a cool down and amazing picture opportunities.
dHs: TOT, TSM i really enjoy the feel of dHS it makes me think i am in the movies

 

[Native NYer]

I love your shopping plans!
I agree with you about the World of Disney store. I love being able to find everything there, but hate it when it's very crowded.

The Lego Store is so much fun. I hope there's still lots to do in its temporary location.

My favorite DTD store is actually Team Mickey. My brother is obsessed with sports, ESPN, and is a Jets season ticket holder. I'm always able to find souvenirs, Christmas, and birthday gifts for him here. Also, my older nephew has been getting really into basketball, so I suspect he'll find things here.

 

[KristiMc]

I always have to hit the Christmas store for a new ornament. We are going to go to DTD on the day we get off the cruise before we have to be at the airport. We are hoping to do the Characters In Flight. We also have a ADR for lunch at Raglan Road. I love their bread pudding. Though after a week of cruise food, we might not want a full lunch - might opt out for EOS.

 

[tink52937]

Hi Brooke,
I have been a long time lurker, but your reports are just awesome, so I had to post!!!
I am going to be in Disney the same time as you, although not for 2 weeks. (trying to convince hubby to do 2 weeks in 2012)
We are DVC members also, and will be at OKW for the first time.

I hope to "run" into you in disney.

Traci

 

[kschafer]

I love that you are going back to KSC (hello fellow geek ) but I too thought immediately of your adventures at ghetto gas Hoping for NO repeat on that one!!

On March 7 in the PM, we plan to go to DHS for PM EMH and attend the dance party held at Playhouse Disney (Disney Junior)! I'm really excited about taking Henry to this since he loves to dance and loves the characters! I think we'll have a blast!

I would love to take the boys to this in November but I have a feeling Patrick will be "too old" and Daniel is terribly frightened by anyone in costume so I think it's not meant to be

we will probably buy a box or two of the lovely coconut head patties.

I'm excited to do this again! Probably even more excited than Henry.

My first thought when I saw this pic was that mickey was giving you a thumbs down I however will give a