Welcome, Foolish Mortals...to an October 2011 PTR! *Trip Report link is up, pg 71!!*

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for a new camera!!! And yay for that $5 Vera!!! It's super cute!

Skip Fantasmic. I haven't been in years, because I think it's just really boring and sort of strange, plotline-wise. And it seems to have only gotten to become more of a hassle to go, big crowds, etc. AND you're right, if you go to DHS early, you can get to Starring Rolls!

(And I'm not just saying this because Illuminations is pretty much my most favorite thing on the planet. Okay, maybe slightly. )

 

[Nermel9]

Yay for a new camera!!! And yay for that $5 Vera!!! It's super cute!

Skip Fantasmic. I haven't been in years, because I think it's just really boring and sort of strange, plotline-wise. And it seems to have only gotten to become more of a hassle to go, big crowds, etc. AND you're right, if you go to DHS early, you can get to Starring Rolls!

(And I'm not just saying this because Illuminations is pretty much my most favorite thing on the planet. Okay, maybe slightly. )

Thanks! I love my new Vera, especially since it was only $5!

I'm actually leaning towards skipping Fantasmic. I mean, it will be there the next time I go. And I COULD always see it Sunday during EMH if I really felt the need! I'm not sure though. And Brandon is no help, he couldn't care less as long as we go to Epcot at some point on our first day!

I love Illuminations too! I'm planning to see it at least twice on this trip, and seeing it 3 times would be amazing!

Personally, I don't know what to say... since I'm in the same boat. I've never seen Fantasmic myself, but with all the comments I hear about the hassle getting to/from it (and with how much I already love Wishes/Illuminations) we might just skip it altogether.

I'll be interested to hear what you decide, though, and what you think of it if you do go!

I'm still not sure, but as of now, I'm thinking I might just skip Fantasmic! I'm not sure how much of a pain it's going to be seeing it now, since they're showing it every night, but I just don't know if I feel like wasting all that time trying to see it! If I could see Wishes and Illuminations every night, I'd be happy!

I can't really give my advice, because I am torn I think everyone should see Fantasmic! all the way through at least once, but it is such a pain to get in there to see it, so I always skip it now!! I also love things like the animation class at DHS....so I am no help

I really, really want to do the animation class at DHS!!! That's a huge reason I want to go there first, because I think it ends at a certain time, doesn't it?

And I really want to get a cupcake at Starring Roles. You know, just to tide me over to dinner!

I would like to see Fantasmic the whole way through at some point...I'm just not sure it will be on this trip!

Congrats on the new camera! Enjoy! I'm sure you will!!!!

The Fantasmic Dilemma - Hmmmmmm - My personal feeling is you should see it from start to finish from good seats at least once. That being said, I haven't seen it in two years. I stopped trying to go once they cut back on the number of shows.

Remember - if you don't see it this time there is always next time! Right????

Gee- I was a lot of help, wasn't I?

Thanks! I need to do some experimenting with this camera, I have no idea how to use it! Hopefully this weekend!

I would like to see Fantasmic, in good seats, but it just seems like such a pain, I think that's why I haven't bothered with it since 2008! I'm just not sure...right now I'm thinking I'll skip it again this year, but who knows, I could change my mind in 20 minutes again!

on getting a new camera!! Although I do not know much about them it looks like a good buy - can't wait to see the pics you take with it.

Now the camera case and VB cosmetic bag is something I do know about! Love both of them and yay on getting the cosmetic bag for $5 - what a great birthday treat!

I would personally want to watch Fantasmic however as you have seen some of the show and have other new experiences you want to try in DHS I would skip the show and change the Chefs ADR to a dinner one so you can end the night with Illuminations. Hope this helps you in making a final decision

Thanks! I don't know much about cameras either, but I did TONS of research before settling on this one! I hope it's as good as it's supposed to be!

Isn't the VB bag so cute? I would have never guessed I'd pick that pattern, but I saw it and loved it!

I'm most likely going to go with what you suggested, go to DHS first, do some new, fun things, and then hop over to Epcot...and seeing Illuminations that night will be an awesome way to end the night!

Love the new camera! Seems like you picked a good one Can't wait to see how all your pictures in WDW turn out

For me, I couldn't miss another Fantasmic or I'd kill myself about it all the way home. I missed it on my last trip and it was a regret and based on the fact you haven't seen the whole show, especially the beginning, which... while not the best part, the show is all over the place if you miss that, so I would give it a chance. I think it would be a great start to the trip, but if you have something better to do at the time and you are looking forward to it, skip the show.

Thanks! I hope I can get some good pictures! I'm really hoping to get some good night shots on this trip, especially at the Halloween parties!

LOL, you like Fantasmic that much? All I really remember from it is the characters on the boats...I'm sure there's more to it than that! I'm not 100% sure yet, but I'm leaning towards skipping it, yet again, but that could change! I'm horrible with these kinds of decisions!

Skip it!! I would definitely switch DHS and Epcot. Get the things in DHS over with and go to Epcot for dinner and Illuminations!

I think that's the plan, for now! I do love DHS at night, but we're going to be there at night on Sunday, so that should be fun! And I love Illuminations, I can never see it too many times in one trip!

Ha ha, sounds like you are having the same dilemma I was having. And I still haven't decided what I'm going to do.

I didn't want to change my plans around too much and I wouldn't suggest your doing that either. I really like my plans the way that they are and I think you probably feel the same way. I would keep your plans the way they are and PLAN on seeing Fantasmic that night. However, if you miss it, I wouldn't be too beat up about it. It's a good show, but not a must see for me either.

I do like my plans the way they are, but I'm just not sure I need to do Fantasmic...I'd like to see it, but I want to do other things in DHS too! I just feel like I don't have enough time at DHS on this trip! I don't know! It's not a big deal, either way, we're doing both parks that day, it's just in what order? I'd like to do something different and see Fantasmic, but I'd also like to end my night at Epcot! Ughhhh!! So difficult!

 

[klacey1]

Eh, I'd honestly skip Fantasmic. I think it's more trouble than it's worth, to be honest-- both getting a seat and leaving. There are so many fun things to do in DHS that aren't Fantasmic!

 

[Simba22]

I could never miss Fantasmic because it's one of my favorite night time shows but I see your dilemma.

Question though...I thought I read that Disney went back to showing it every night over the summer? Have they cut back to just twice a week again? If it's still playing every night, you will have a much easier time getting in to see it. I would still line up for it around 8pm so that you get good seats, but the crowd for it shouldn't be as bad as it was when they were only showing it twice a week.

Of course, if they ARE back to showing it twice a week - you can still get there at 8pm to line up and be OK. Yeah, you have to sit around for an hour but IMO, it's worth it. But hey...I waited 80 minutes in the stand by line for TSMM so who am I?

On the other hand.....I see your point about wanting to do other things at DHS. The animation class is fun and we do that at least once on every trip (I keep the drawings in our scrapbooks)....but I honestly found Beauty & The Beast to be boring. It was good, I was just bored with it.

Sorry I'm not much help either! I think, with things like this, it really is all about YOU....if Epcot is your favorite place to be at night then you should go to Epcot because that's what will make you happy.

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I've been missing (out of town for the long weekend and now I'm sick).

for Mickey mail.

Love the new purchases.

 

[Nermel9]

Eh, I'd honestly skip Fantasmic. I think it's more trouble than it's worth, to be honest-- both getting a seat and leaving. There are so many fun things to do in DHS that aren't Fantasmic!

*Sigh* I knew this was going to happen! Yesterday, I was pretty much set on skipping Fantasmic and doing DHS first and Epcot at night. Now I'm wanting to do Fantasmic again!

I really think I'm going to wait until that day to decide. Maybe I'll make an ADR at Chef's for dinner just in case, and then cancel whatever one I don't need, depending on what we decide to do!

I could never miss Fantasmic because it's one of my favorite night time shows but I see your dilemma.

Question though...I thought I read that Disney went back to showing it every night over the summer? Have they cut back to just twice a week again? If it's still playing every night, you will have a much easier time getting in to see it. I would still line up for it around 8pm so that you get good seats, but the crowd for it shouldn't be as bad as it was when they were only showing it twice a week.

Of course, if they ARE back to showing it twice a week - you can still get there at 8pm to line up and be OK. Yeah, you have to sit around for an hour but IMO, it's worth it. But hey...I waited 80 minutes in the stand by line for TSMM so who am I?

On the other hand.....I see your point about wanting to do other things at DHS. The animation class is fun and we do that at least once on every trip (I keep the drawings in our scrapbooks)....but I honestly found Beauty & The Beast to be boring. It was good, I was just bored with it.

Sorry I'm not much help either! I think, with things like this, it really is all about YOU....if Epcot is your favorite place to be at night then you should go to Epcot because that's what will make you happy.

They are showing Fantasmic every night now, up through December I think? So I guess it won't be too bad finding a seat or dealing with crowds...I'm just not sure I want to! But then again, I do! I want to know what I've been missing all this time! Ughhhhh!!!! Maybe I'll just let Brandon decide!

I love Epcot at night, but I also love DHS at night! Do you know when they stop doing the animation classes? Like, how late is the last class? I figured it would be around 5ish or something, but I don't know what I'm basing that off of!

I'm determined to see Beauty and the Beast on this trip, but that can always be on another DHS day...what I'm really concerned about is doing the animation class, I really want to do that! And as sad as this sounds, I really want to go to Starring Roles for a cupcake...pathetic, huh?

Sorry I've been missing (out of town for the long weekend and now I'm sick).

for Mickey mail.

Love the new purchases.

Ugh, I just saw on your PTR that you are sick, that sucks, but hey, at least you're getting it out of the way before your trip!

I was so excited to get Mickey Mail! Yet, I keep waiting for something else, and I know there's nothing else...weird! I'm also thinking of calling Disney and asking for 2 more luggage tags...do you think they would do that?

Thanks, I'm so excited about my new camera, I can't wait to experiment with all the settings and everything!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Did you notice that your ticker says "3 weeks"?

 

[amazingact21]

Your new camera looks great! Can't wait to see the WDW pictures you take on it.

Fantasmic! is a toughie. When I saw it, I really enjoyed the show, but I think I would have been okay skipping it. I'd say, if your plans are leaning more towards an Epcot night, do that, just because I think it'd be better to try and catch IllumiNations over Fantasmic.
Plus, the crowds leaving Fantasmic are insane, and they aren't something you want to have to deal with on your first night.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

If you know you would have more fun going to EPCOT in the evening, switch it! Fantasmic is great, and if you haven't seen it all the way through you should, but i doubt you would beat yourself up over missing out on it. And you never know if you will end up fitting it in later in the trip...

So I guess I am saying, switch it. Do the things you never get to do at DHS during the day. Otherwise I think you will regret that more than missing out on fantasmic.

AND love the new camera. We have a fancy cannon rebel T2i and my DH uses it more than I do hahaha

 

[lemonsours]

I just bought the camera one model below yours for disney! It only has an 8x zoom, but other than that is pretty much the same. Just a hint: don't bother with the food setting for food pictures, regular macro works much better!

Not really a big VB fan, but that pattern is lovely, and you can't beat $5!

 

[Nermel9]

Did you notice that your ticker says "3 weeks"?

LOL, I noticed! I'm even more excited now that it says 2 weeks!

I'm going to really be freaking out when I hit single digits, it still seems so far away!

Your new camera looks great! Can't wait to see the WDW pictures you take on it.

Fantasmic! is a toughie. When I saw it, I really enjoyed the show, but I think I would have been okay skipping it. I'd say, if your plans are leaning more towards an Epcot night, do that, just because I think it'd be better to try and catch IllumiNations over Fantasmic.
Plus, the crowds leaving Fantasmic are insane, and they aren't something you want to have to deal with on your first night.

Thanks, I can't wait to see if I can get some really good pics out of this camera! I really hope it takes good night shots, I always have such a problem with pictures at the parks at night!

I still don't know what to do about Fantasmic. I really might just wait and see what we feel like doing that day. I mean, we could always go to Epcot, eat at Chef's, go over to DHS, do some stuff there, and then go back to Epcot. It might be a pain going back and forth, but the parks are close, so it wouldn't be that bad. Who knows at this point?

If you know you would have more fun going to EPCOT in the evening, switch it! Fantasmic is great, and if you haven't seen it all the way through you should, but i doubt you would beat yourself up over missing out on it. And you never know if you will end up fitting it in later in the trip...

So I guess I am saying, switch it. Do the things you never get to do at DHS during the day. Otherwise I think you will regret that more than missing out on fantasmic.

AND love the new camera. We have a fancy cannon rebel T2i and my DH uses it more than I do hahaha

I really don't know what to do about Fantasmic! It's not a huge problem, but it's hard, I mean, we could always see it Sunday, but there are magic hours that night, so I'm assuming it will be pretty busy. So I think it's either we see it our first night, or not at all! Then again, there is always next time! Ugh, I don't know!!!

I'd love to get a Canon Rebel someday, but I don't know how to use them, I'll have to take a class first or something! I'm not sure how I'd feel lugging one around Disney, but it would be nice to get some really great pictures!

I just bought the camera one model below yours for disney! It only has an 8x zoom, but other than that is pretty much the same. Just a hint: don't bother with the food setting for food pictures, regular macro works much better!

Not really a big VB fan, but that pattern is lovely, and you can't beat $5!

I almost got the model below the camera I ended up getting! I love that they have a purple one! The one I got only had silver and black to choose from. Not that that matters, but I love anything purple, so I really wanted a purple camera for a while!

LOL I didn't even know there was a food setting, that's how little I know about this camera right now! Thanks for the tip!

I didn't like VB for a long time either, but there are some patterns that are so pretty!

 

[therussells08]

Okay this whole work and moving thing interrupting my DIS time is just not working for me! I can't believe how much I've missed!

Your trip is SO close! Only a few more weeks! I'm so jealous!

I love the new camera! I really want to get a new one before we go to Disney again. Mine really stinks.

I love your favorite restaurants list. OMG, Boma breakfast... Now all I can think about are those goat cheese scrambled eggs! I tried to make those at home recently and they were okay, but nothing like Boma, of course!

As far as your question, my vote is to get rid of Fantasmic plans. It probably sounds nuts, but I've just never really gotten into that show! I've only seen it twice, and I never really regret not seeing it again. But if you think you will regret it then I would keep it!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

As long as you would get in line early for fantasmic sunday you shouldn't have a problem getting a good seat. We have sat in a few different places, and any seat there is a good view. Just think about what you would rather do and would regret- like going to starring roles and such- and pro/con it. Remember- there IS always next time And there is nothing stopping you from attempting to see it that Sunday. Don't fret about it. It will all work out

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hmmm, that's a tough one...I hate how difficult it is to see Fantasmic. It's like you have to plan your whole day around it, which is why we never end up seeing it. I would say, that if doing those other things at DHS sound more exciting to you than seeing Fantasmic, then I would go to DHS first!

Cute camera!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hey Jen - not sure if you are doing an update this weekend but wanted to stop by and do an early single digit dance! Hope you have a GREAT trip! I will try and get back on here before you leave but if I don't say it near the time ENJOY your time at Disney World and I look forward to hearing about it on your return

The single digit dance/party!

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[Nermel9]

Okay this whole work and moving thing interrupting my DIS time is just not working for me! I can't believe how much I've missed!

Your trip is SO close! Only a few more weeks! I'm so jealous!

I love the new camera! I really want to get a new one before we go to Disney again. Mine really stinks.

I love your favorite restaurants list. OMG, Boma breakfast... Now all I can think about are those goat cheese scrambled eggs! I tried to make those at home recently and they were okay, but nothing like Boma, of course!

As far as your question, my vote is to get rid of Fantasmic plans. It probably sounds nuts, but I've just never really gotten into that show! I've only seen it twice, and I never really regret not seeing it again. But if you think you will regret it then I would keep it!

Joni!!! I almost texted you the other day to ask if you were ever going to be back on the DIS, but of course, I got sidetracked and completely forgot!

I seriously cannot wait to go back to Boma for breakfast. It's such a perfect way to start a day at AK!

I'm still debating with myself about Fantasmic. I asked Brandon his thoughts and he said he wouldn't mind seeing it again, but I don't think he'd care either way. I really, really don't know! I feel like I wouldn't be that into it either, but I feel like I should at least give it a fair chance and see it all the way through once at least!

Hoping you're gonna update one of your TR's soon...

As long as you would get in line early for fantasmic sunday you shouldn't have a problem getting a good seat. We have sat in a few different places, and any seat there is a good view. Just think about what you would rather do and would regret- like going to starring roles and such- and pro/con it. Remember- there IS always next time And there is nothing stopping you from attempting to see it that Sunday. Don't fret about it. It will all work out

Thanks, that's good to know! I guess if we end up skipping it on Thursday, Sunday is always an option if we really feel the need to see it! I'm really not worrying about it anymore, it's just I have to make a decision because of ADR's. Stupid ADR's. I hate making "just in case" ADR's because I feel bad if someone else wants one, but then again, I'm 18 days out, if someone really wanted a Chef's dinner ADR, I'm guessing they'd have it by now!

Hmmm, that's a tough one...I hate how difficult it is to see Fantasmic. It's like you have to plan your whole day around it, which is why we never end up seeing it. I would say, that if doing those other things at DHS sound more exciting to you than seeing Fantasmic, then I would go to DHS first!

Cute camera!

That's the whole reason we have only seen Fantasmic once! It's just such a pain, and I have no interest in seeing it unless we have a really good seat, and I'm not about to get there an hour early! That's why I was thinking I should see it this trip, since it's playing every night, it will probably be pretty easy to get a good seat! I really have no idea what to do! Although, I suppose it doesn't matter that much, I'll be in Disney, it will be our first day there, I'll be so happy no matter what we end up doing, I just have to keep reminding myself that!

Hey Jen - not sure if you are doing an update this weekend but wanted to stop by and do an early single digit dance! Hope you have a GREAT trip! I will try and get back on here before you leave but if I don't say it near the time ENJOY your time at Disney World and I look forward to hearing about it on your return

The single digit dance/party!

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I'm going to try to do an update today, but I'm not sure when so you might miss it! But thanks for the early single digit dance! I still have 9 more days to go before I can say I'm in single digits, but it's nice to get excited about it a little early!

Have a great time on your trip!!! Can't wait for the TR!

 

[Nermel9]

Favorite Little Disney Things!

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is having a good weekend! Getting pretty close to my trip now, so I thought I'd do another list! I'm hoping next weekend I'll be able to do a MNSSHP update since the first party is this week!

So I'm sure by now a lot of you have heard of or seen the Simpledisneythings Tumblr, right? If not, here's a link: Simpledisneythings

It's basically someone's list of all the simple little things at Disney that they love. So I decided to do a list of my own! And these are in no specific order, they were just off the top of my head, I'm sure if I really sat and though about it, it would be a looooong list, but I tried to keep it short!

So here are my favorite little Disney things:

Driving under the Entrance Sign!

Staying at a new Resort!

Disney Boats!

Epcot Entrance Music!

Hearing the screams from the people about to be dropped on Tower of Terror!

The orange smell on Soarin!

''Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!''

Crying during Wishes!

Turkey Legs!

Metal Palm Trees in Tomorrowland!

The takeoff on RnRC!

We Go On!

Neon Pluto at DHS!

Mickey Balloons!!
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(Hmmm, I kind of like the pictures being centered, I might have to remember that for my TR! )

Like I said, I kept the list as short as I could, there were a few things I took off, like seeing the castle for the first time on Main Street, but I didn't want to have a list of 100 things for you guys to go through! Hope you enjoyed it, and have a great Sunday, and remember:

18 Days til Disney World!!! (11 work days!!! )

AHHHHHHHH!!! Sooo excited!!!!

 

[amazingact21]

I've never even thought about the "simple things" at Disney that I love. What a neat concept!
I loved your list! It made me stop and go, "Yes, EXACTLY, that's one of those things that makes WDW special." I don't know why hearing the monorail greeting in Spanish is so nice, but for some reason it is. Always brings a smile to my face. And those palms trees in Tomorrowland, when it's nighttime, are always a cool sight.
Unfortunately, I don't think I could do something like that, because, to me, the little things like the Neon Pluto make Disney so special to me.

You're under 20 days now!!!! Hopefully the next two weeks fly by for you!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I love that list! I honestly think I would have to trim down my list too if I posted one. I could have 100's of things!

Only 11 more work days!

 

[TarzansKat]

Sorry I haven't been around lately! Nemo started first grade and we're all getting into our new routines.

I love your list of simple things! Reading it just takes me right there, and when I read "We Go On" I got chills. Does it to me every time.

You must be getting so excited for your trip.