Updated (9/12/2013) Touring Plans!!! Momma Needs a Break Quick Trip Pre-Planning

[luvslikepi]

Momma needs a break.

Momma is going to be in FLL to meet with her dissertation committee.

So of course, Momma has decided to turn it into a short Disney trip.

I decided this yesterday. Here's what I know so far.

Cast of Characters: Me!! Luvslikepi. Former WDW College Program Cast Member, Disney Fanatic, Disney Historian (my undergrad thesis can be found by Googling Disney's Defense of American Culture). And Momma to a beautiful one year old. However, I am in desperate need of some mommy time since Daddy has not only been deployed for 7 months but had to go TDY just a few months after returning. Working full time and working on a PhD full time, plus taking care of baby, big house and three dogs has burned me out.

Plans:

Arrive in Fort Lauderdale: Thursday, Sept 26.

Friday: Meeting with Dissertation Committee and classmates.

Saturday: Get up long before dawn to drive to Caribbean Beach Resort. Spend the day at Epcot.

Sunday: Get up early, check out and spend a good chunk of the day at a park. I haven't decided if I should continue with Epcot or go some where else because I will be driving back to FLL in the afternoon. Evening in FLL with classmates.

Monday: Early flight home.

I hope daddy and DISbaby can manage without me for the weekend.



Lodging: Courtyard Plantation in FLL (love the staff here...I've been staying here loyally since starting my PhD program for residentials).

Caribbean Beach Resort - first stay here. I wanted an Epcot area resort since I was planning on a lot of time in Epcot for Food and Wine Festival.

I'm hoping to get in on the Magic Bands testing but I doubt it will happen since I'm not staying long.

If anyone else is going to Food and Wine these days and wants to meet up for a drink please let me know.

 

[luvslikepi]

After reading the fabulous Trip Report Stuck in Disney I decided to add a night to my reservation and attempt another trip to Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. My last attempt was difficult as I didn't have my little one with me and I'm hoping I can enjoy this party. Really looking forward to this break.

I've started a costume.....I am going to be this cute kiddo.

I've got the skirt, jeggings which I'm going to fabric paint stripes onto, and the hoodie. Working on getting the hair accessories together too.

 

[luvslikepi]

As we all know, the best laid plans....yadda-yadda...but this is what I have planned for my weekend.

September 27, 2013

Depart Fort Lauderdale by 11:00 AM - travel to Caribbean Beach Resort
Drive time 3-4 hours depending on traffic on the turnpike.

Arrive Caribbean Beach by 3:30PM. Online check in already complete.
Get to room, finish getting ready for MNSSHP.

Leave Caribbean Beach by 4:30PM for Magic Kingdom and MNSSHP.

5:00PM Let the Fun Begin!!

2013 MNSSHP Map

I still have yet to decide where to start. I will probably avoid most of Fantasyland since I won't have my little one with me and Fantasyland makes me sad when she's not with me.

I will however be doing all of the mountains that are open, multiple times.

9:15PM - Celebrate the Magic
9:30PM - Hallowishes
10:30PM - Boo to You Parade (2nd Viewing)

Back to hotel after Park Closing or if I'm too tired to keep going after the parade.


September 28th - EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Day!!
Up and at 'em by 6:30, breakfast, coffee, a little bit of Stacey on TV (of course).

Depart CBR by 8:30.

9:00 - Opening at EPCOT and straight to Test Track. I have not ridden the new version and I've seen everything else a billion times. After Test Track over to the Food and Wine Festival Center to grab a passport and continue touring Future World.

Mission Space
Living with the Land
Imagination
Nemo and Friends

11:00 - Head straight back to the American Adventure to start eating around the world. I will catch the American Adventure Show and Impressions de France as I love them and cannot miss them when I'm there.

Choose a direction and head toward Future World....eating and drinking along the way. My goal is to get one thing from each booth. Fill up that passport.

9:00PM Illuminations if I haven't passed out from exhaustion.

Sept 29 - Half day at EPCOT or Animal Kingdom (depending on how that passport filling went).

Around 2-3PM I will head back to Fort Lauderdale and sadness will ensue.

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[luvslikepi]

Following along!

Welcome to the planning madness!

 

[luvslikepi]

I am all packed and ready to go! I will post the TR link here when I get started. Travel starts tomorrow AM.