Walt Disney World and the Meaning of Life-Jan. 2011 (Back Home)

[Eight]

So, I mentioned in my last update that we were going to try and change rooms since my dad isn't coming. Fortunately, we were able to change and we'll now be staying in a one bedroom villa at Kidani Village. Unfortunately, this means I'll be sleeping on the sleeper sofa. I guess I have always said I'd do almost anything and sleep anywhere if it meant I was able to go to Disney World, so... Nah, I shouldn't complain. At least I get to go!

Now, with only 18 days until we leave for Orlando, I find myself having a lot of little debates about relatively minor things. Let's explore the two that have been on my mind today.

Debate One
Should I do the surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon or not? I still need to call and cancel my dad's reservation, and I find myself wondering if I should cancel mine too.

Main reason to cancel: It's at 6:45 and do I really want to get up that early? What can I say, I like sleeping. A lot.

Main reason not to cancel: I think it would be very fun, since surfing is something I want to try more of and I don't have a lot of opportunities living in Seattle.

I should also factor in that it's probably going to be pretty cold that early in the morning, and I'm really not a big fan of being cold. Who is?

Does anyone know of any trip reports written by people who have done this? (or I guess I could use the search function, but that wouldn't be as fun...) It might be helpful to read other people's reviews of it, and decide.

Luckily, there's a one day cancellation policy, so I do have some time to think about this.

Debate Two
Do I need a different park bag? I've been using a mini backpack for all my Disneyland trips, and I'm wondering if I should get a bigger backpack for this trip.

Okay, okay, it's because I found a cute backpack online, and I'm wondering if I have an excuse to buy it.

Although I think a bigger backpack might be nice, because my mini backpack really only holds the essentials. And since I plan on staying at the parks most of the day and not going back to the hotel, a bigger backpack would be nice in case I buy anything, not to mention, I wouldn't have to worry about things falling out when I open it as I sometimes do when my mini backpack is full.

So, I have a few questions for you. What kind of bag do you use in the park? How big is it? What do you like or dislike about your bag?

I don't have as much time to think about this one, as the bag I want is online, and you know, shipping and all that takes time.



And sometime soon, I should talk about our dining plans. Exciting stuff, right?

Finally, I'll leave you with a picture of something that came in the mail this week.

Luggage tags!

 

[magichusky]

So exciting about your trip!!!! It's rather close! Anyway, about your ADRs- I just encountered this problem in December. My Dad wound up skipping out on at least 3 ADRs: breakfast at Kona and Ohana and dinner at Tony's- but nobody cared! It was fabulous! Also, my park bag can actually be seen pretty well in the first pic of our sleigh ride in my new TR. You may even have seen it in the DL stores recently- it's this hot pink Mickey plaid fabric and is basically just a tote bag. I love it b/c it's sort of like Mary Poppins' carpet bag- you can throw in bottled water, snacks, a jacket, etc and still have room but it annoys me to have something resting on just one shoulder all the time. I wish I could have the same bag w/ a crossbody strap! I have a mini Puma backpack that I take to DL quite often but I don't spend 15 straight hours in DL like I do at WDW so it wasn't big enough! I've brought my big backpack to DL a few times when I was going for the whole day and it annoyed me b/c it was so bulky and heavy! Plus it takes longer for a full sized backpack to go through security. My sister had a Coach crossbody bag w/ her and I'm considering getting one but it's smaller than my Mary Poppins version so I'd need to pare down, which I prob should anyway!

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Keep the surf lessons. You seem the sort who wants to try everything Disney has to offer. Ok then get on your board.

ahhh ADR's. I am fighting with them too.

 

[Eight]

So exciting about your trip!!!! It's rather close! Anyway, about your ADRs- I just encountered this problem in December. My Dad wound up skipping out on at least 3 ADRs: breakfast at Kona and Ohana and dinner at Tony's- but nobody cared! It was fabulous! Also, my park bag can actually be seen pretty well in the first pic of our sleigh ride in my new TR. You may even have seen it in the DL stores recently- it's this hot pink Mickey plaid fabric and is basically just a tote bag. I love it b/c it's sort of like Mary Poppins' carpet bag- you can throw in bottled water, snacks, a jacket, etc and still have room but it annoys me to have something resting on just one shoulder all the time. I wish I could have the same bag w/ a crossbody strap! I have a mini Puma backpack that I take to DL quite often but I don't spend 15 straight hours in DL like I do at WDW so it wasn't big enough! I've brought my big backpack to DL a few times when I was going for the whole day and it annoyed me b/c it was so bulky and heavy! Plus it takes longer for a full sized backpack to go through security. My sister had a Coach crossbody bag w/ her and I'm considering getting one but it's smaller than my Mary Poppins version so I'd need to pare down, which I prob should anyway!

It's getting so close, I'm leaving in just six days!

So your dad not being there wasn't a problem? That's good to know. I ended up changing two of the reservations, before realizing I wouldn't be able to re-get my ones at places like Le Cellier and decided it wasn't worth it, so hopefully it won't be a big deal.

I like the idea of tote bags, but I think I would get tired of only balancing it on one shoulder though. I actually ended up buying the backpack, the only problem is that the colors are pretty different than what was shown in the picture. :/ I knew there would be some variation, but this is not what I expected. So it looks like I'll be taking the mini backpack, and if necessary, hijacking my mom's backpack if need be haha.

Man, finding the perfect Disney bag is such an ordeal.

Keep the surf lessons. You seem the sort who wants to try everything Disney has to offer. Ok then get on your board.

ahhh ADR's. I am fighting with them too.

I think I will keep them, or what will probably really end up happening is that I'll keep on debating about it until the day before and then realize I'm not able to cancel without paying, so I'll do it.

 

[Eight]

Alright, here it is! What I'm so sure you've all been waiting for so very anxiously! Dining plans! And more or less a schedule or at least as close to a schedule as I'll do!

I have to admit, this is kind of weird for me. Normally my family and I are not very big on making dining plans, preferring to eat what sounds good at the time, rather than having to be at a certain spot at a certain time. I don't believe we made any during our first three trips to WDW. In 2008, we ate at two sit down restaurants that we made reservations for the day of. In 2009, we finally figured out that hey, maybe making reservations is not a bad idea, and I think we had four or five.

This trip?

We have eight scheduled.

I think this has to do with the fact that as I've gotten older, and been to Disney parks more and more, I feel less of a need to ride and do everything, and thus, more inclined to take time to enjoy things like eating a sit down meal.

Or something like that anyway.

So here's the plan.

We leave this Monday!! I can't believe it. Our flight is way early in the morning since it takes about five to six hours to fly to Orlando. Ugh. Not looking forward to getting up so early, but it's worth it for sure.

Tuesday and Wednesday will spent at Universal Studios, and I don't really have anything planned. I'm not going to talk about this, and kindly ask you to refrain as well as I'm trying to remain spoiler free for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I'm kind of a big Harry Potter fan, and I want it to all be a surprise. I know some stuff about it, but for the most part, it's going to be unknown. The major disadvantage to this is obvious, clearly I won't know the best plan of action of how to tour, but that's why we're doing two days. Plus, I'm making my mom read all the guide books about it. Hopefully it'll be great.

Wednesday night we're driving to Disney World to check in to our one bedroom at Kidani Village. I imagine we'll spend most of the day at Universal Studios, and maybe try and get to the hotel around 8 or 9. I guess it all depends on how much fun we're having at Universal Studios.

Thursday is our first full day at Disney World! We'll be going to Animal Kingdom, and I will be attempting to ride Expedition: Everest as many times as possible. It's my absolute favorite ride at any of the parks.
We're having lunch at Yak & Yeti, since we've eaten there the past two times and I've decided that makes it a tradition in some way.
Dinner is at Boma, and I'm so excited. We ate there last time, and my mom says it was the most she's ever seen me eat in one sitting. Hopefully it will be just as good.

Friday and Saturday are kind of up the air. The only thing we have planned for Friday is the surf lesson, and as you know, I'm still debating on that. Saturday, we're doing breakfast at Kona (for the Tonga Toast!) and dinner at Jiko (so excited for this too!). So one of the those days we'll definitely be going to the Magic Kingdom, and the other will probably be a more relaxing day, like going to Downtown Disney, although knowing me, I'm sure we'll still be visiting a park. Probably Animal Kingdom so I can ride Expedition: Everest more or the Magic Kingdom.

Sunday is our Hollywood Studios (though I still sometimes call it MGM) day. Another tradition we have (meaning we did it the past two times, enjoyed it, so we're doing it again) is eating lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe.
That night we're having dinner at California Grill, and I'm hoping I've timed it so we can see the fireworks. Crossing my fingers we'll be able to because, really, how cool would that be?

Monday is our last full day at Disney World, and it is our Epcot day. Lunch is at Le Cellier.

Finally, Tuesday morning we'll be having breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table, and then we'll be leaving to drive and visit some family friends.

We fly home Wednesday afternoon.

So there you have it! The plans. How do they look?

Coming up next, that is, if I have time for it: The things I'm looking forward to most at each park.

 

[Eight]

I suppose I could be packing right now. In fact, that would probably be a way better idea so I'm not doing it all tomorrow and stressing about it. But I hate packing, and thinking about all the fun things I'm going to do on this trip sounds like way more fun. So I'll be the hedonist I am, and update this instead.

Today's topic? My must see attractions. Because I'm pretty sure every PTR has to have a list like this. It's like a requirement or something.

I know this list doesn't include every attraction, I only included the ones I have strong, or at least sort of strong, feelings about. The rest are kind of like, "well, if I have time, and the line is reasonable, and I've ridden everything else I wanted to ride..."

Magic Kingdom

Must See
-Space Mountain.
I don't think it's as good as Disneyland's, or at least I remember it being a lot less smooth. Though, they did refurb it since the last time I was there, didn't they? Regardless of whether or not it's as good, I must go on this at least once. Or twice. Or thrice. I do love Space Mountain.
-Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Yeah, I'm one of those people. You know, the kind who could ride the TTA for hours. I don't know what it is, but I seriously love the TTA. It's so relaxing and fun, and there's hardly ever a line. Must do this several times.
-Pirates of the Caribbean
Who doesn't like this ride? It's classic Disney. I do prefer Disneyland's, but it's still always worth a ride, despite the fact that I've ridden it countless times.
-Splash Mountain
This used to be my favorite ride when I was a kid, and I still love it, I just don't like getting soaked as much as I used to. Unfortunately, it was closed the past two trips, and this trip, it'll be closed until the 31st, so I'm hoping we can get a ride in when we go to breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table on the 1st.
-The Haunted Mansion
See what I wrote about Pirates, although I think the one at Disney World might just be better than Disneyland's.
-Mickey's PhilharMagic
I think this easily the best 3-D movie in any of the parks. It's so cute and fun, and I really wish they had it at Disneyland.
-Peter Pan's Flight
My favorite Fantasyland attraction that I never ride at Disneyland because the line is always ridiculous. But since they have Fast Passes for it at Disney World, I definitely want to do it.
-Wishes
Of course, right?

I'd Like To, If I Have Time
-Jungle Cruise
Not a huge Jungle Cruise fan, but sometimes it's fun. If the line is short, maybe, but I won't be heartbroken if I don't manage to ride it.
-Big Thunder Mountain
While I do enjoy this ride, it's not my favorite of the mountains. If I go on it, I'd prefer to go on it at night. It just seems more fun.
-Mad Tea Party
I still say my mom can make those teacups spin faster than anyone else I know. But it's not really worth it if the line is very long.
-Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
I'd like to go on this, but I'll only go if the line is fairly short. Otherwise, it's just not worth it for me.
-Stitch's Great Escape
I know, you're probably thinking I'm kind of weird right now. But I've only been on it once, three years ago, and I kind of, sort of want to go on it again. Maybe it's because I love Stitch, but I didn't hate it as much as everyone else seems to.

No. Just No.
-Country Bear Jamboree
I hated this show as a kid. My opinions have not changed at all. Honestly, I was one of those people who was glad when they took it out of Disneyland. Not that I like the Winnie the Pooh ride much better, but dang, I HATE those bears.

Epcot

Must See
-Spaceship Earth
I feel like you have to ride this, you know?
-Mission: Space
But only if we're going on the orange side. That's the side that's the spinning side, right? I always get confused. No Mission: Space Lite for me.
-The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion
I love aquariums, and I love Finding Nemo, so yes, I have to spend time here.
-Maelstrom
I can't decide if this should go in the Must See list or the I'd Like To, If I Have Time list. I've missed this the past two trips, and I'd like to do it, but it's certainly not as a big of a priority as, say, Mission: Space or even the Seas pavilion.
-Reflections of China
I went to China three years ago, and it's kind of fun to see all the places I went.
-Mitsukoshi
I suppose this is technically not an attraction, but still, so fun to look around in.


I'd Like To, If I Have Time
-Test Track
Yeah, it's fun, and this is going to sound odd, but I hate the queue. It's waay too noisy. Plus, to be perfectly honest, I don't like this ride as much as I used to. I don't know, not as thrilling to me as it once was. But my mom likes it, so I imagine we'll be riding at least once.
-Captain EO
I've already seen it in Disneyland, but I kind of dig it. Plus, I'll just say what I've said before. ALIENS! MICHEAL JACKSON! SINGING! DANCING! RANDOM SEAT BOUNCING! How can you not love it?
-Soarin'
Is great, but not a priority.
-Gran Fiesta Tour
This almost falls in to the "well, if I have time, and the line is reasonable, and I've ridden everything else I wanted to ride..." category, but we'll see.
-Illuminations
It all depends on whether or not we can get a good spot without having to wait forever.

No. Just No.
Hm.. I guess there's not really anything I have strong feelings of hatred toward at this park.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Must See
-Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
I love roller coasters and thrill rides, if you can't tell by now. So I have to do this. I only wish it was longer.
-Tower of Terror
A thrill ride? Of course it's on the Must See list. Plus, I like this one better than the one at California Adventure.
-Toy Story Mania!
So much fun, and much like Peter Pan's Flight, at least they have a Fast Pass here.

I'd Like To, If I Have Time
-The Great Movie Ride
It's fun, but eh, not a favorite.
-The American Idol Experience
Not a American Idol fan at all, but I've heard interesting things about this show, so maybe I'll check it out.

No. Just No.
Yeah, like Epcot, there's nothing I really dislike.

I didn't include most of the shows on here as I'm pretty ambivalent on them. If we see one, it'll probably be because we're by one, want to sit down for a while, and it's starting starting soon. We'll see.

Animal Kingdom

Must See
-Expedition Everest
By far, my favorite ride any Disney park, and maybe even my favorite roller coaster of all time. I've been to Cedar Point, so I've been on some of the tallest and fastest coasters, and those are so fun, but I think I like Expedition Everest better. I think I went on this 9 times last time I went, and I want to beat that. I love everything about this ride, especially the theming. Superb. I could go on and on about how much I love this ride, but I'll spare you.
-Kilimanjaro Safaris
If I could have any job at Disney World, I'd want to be a driver for this ride.
-Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
I love gorillas. And there's a photo opp along the trail that I absolutely have to do every time I go. It has a great story behind it, but I think I'll save it until my trip report.
-Dinosaur
I like the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland better, but I didn't get to go on this last time, and I'd like to.
-Finding Nemo - The Musical
I love musicals, and I think this show is wonderfully well done.

I'd Like To, If I Have Time
-Festival of the Lion King
I just like Finding Nemo: The Musical better. I saw it three years, and I have to admit, I wasn't that wowed. I'd like to give it another shot, though.

No. Just No.
-It's Tough to Be a Bug
I've only seen this once, when I was in 6th grade, and it freaked me out. I vowed never to watch it again. And I've kept that vow, and see no reason to break it now. I will go in the queue, however, because if I remember correctly, that's where you can see David Greybeard.

Man, that took me way longer than I thought it would. I should really go pack or at least do something to get ready, because I'm leaving Monday!!

 

[Eight]

Just thought of two things I wanted to share.

1) I won't, but I really think I should change the title of the PTR. I ended up going to Disneyland last weekend, so this is not my 42nd trip to Disney anymore. So the whole 42 and the meaning of life angle doesn't really work now.

2) Over the past few days there has been talk of a trip to Disney World in June. It's too soon to tell if this plan will become reality, but I'm determined to make it happen.

See, there's this thing happening in June that I really want to attend. For reasons that don't even make any sense to me, I don't want to say what this thing is yet, but it has nothing to do with Disney. It's in Orlando though. And what's the point of going to Orlando without going to Disney World, right?

So my plan right now is to fly down for four or five days, attend as-of-yet-unnamed-event, and go to Disney World. I want to stay on property since I can't rent a car yet and I could take ME, and then I could just take a taxi to the event. I know taxis are expensive, and though I have figured out the exact numbers yet, I actually think it might be cheaper than renting a car for several days.

I think I can actually do this all for a fairly reasonable price, provided I stay in a value, which I'm willing to do.

The main problem I'm encountering is that my parents don't really want me going by myself (and since they'd most likely be helping me pay for it, I have kind of have to listen to them), and my friends are either not 21 yet or they don't think it's worth it.

But I'm still pretty excited as I really think I can somehow make this trip happen, and it would be so awesome! Being able to attend the as-of-yet-unnamed-event would mean so much to me, and the fact that it's in Orlando is perfect.

So maybe you'll be seeing another PTR from me in the near future. I'll cross my fingers anyway.

 

[Eight]

It's Disney World Trip Eve.

And I am beyond excited.

Provided there are no delays or unexpected happenings, I'm thinking 24 hours from now, I'll be at sleeping at the hotel at Universal Studios.

I'm bringing my computer, so maybe I'll even be able to give live updates.

Until then, take care, and I hope I return with some good stories to share!

 

[Eight]

Updating live from Disney World!

Well, not quite.

I'm not in Disney World right now. I'm sure you're thinking, "what? Why is she not in Disney World. Didn't she have reservations for California Grill tonight?"

I'm in Florida, at least.

I don't want to tell the whole story just yet, but there was a fairly major change in plans. Nothing too dramatic, but it was all very last minute.

Oh, and I'm sick.

This trip hasn't been what I expected, though I don't mean that in a bad way. Just different than what I thought it would be like.

But I still have two and a half days left, and I plan on making the most of them!

 

[Eight]

Back home to rainy, dreary Seattle.

I had a wonderful time though, even if my mom and I were both sick by the end of the trip. I was able to do everything on my Must See list, and a certain childhood dream came true. : But you'll have to wait for the trip report to find out what that was.

Which I'm about to get started on, and should hopefully be up within the next day or so. I'll post the link here when it's up.

Alright, we'll talk soon, yeah?