We're Doing WHAT For My Birthday??? - Final Thoughts

[mnmrmustard]

I folded my PTR into my TR since it was such a fast turn-around from one to the other :-D

From the PTR:

Hey All! This is the "Quickfire Challenge" version of a PTR. My wonderful, wonderful wife has surprised me with a birthday trip to WDW ...in 11 days!!!

Cast of Characters:

Me (Mike), about to turn 42 - IT Director for an Oregon Community College and confirmed Disney Nut

DW (Roxy), 36 - Office Manager for a precision screw machine shop and tolerator of my addiction

and ...NO KIDS! That's right, for the first time we're going by ourselves! It is the first time other than a handful of low key weekend excursions that we've done something as a couple in almost 7 years.

The Dates:

April 6th - April 13th

The Location:

Pop Century Resort

The Plan:

Mad scramble to firm up an itinerary and see of there is a chance at any reservations.

What We Have:

- Plane tickets
- Reses at Pop Century Resort
- 5 Day Standard tickets (no water parks or park hopping this time around)
- Dining Plan
- 2 Day multi-park pass w/transportation to Universal Studios

What We Don't Have (but hope that we can make happen):

- Lunch or Dinner at Le Cellier at EPCOT
- Dinner at Tony's Town Square on my B-Day at MK
- Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party on my B-Day at MK
- Either 50s Prime Time Cafe or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at DHS

Everything else we're completely winging. The goal is low stress and as much fun as we can manage. And if we don't get any of the stuff listed above its no biggie.

Itinerary:

Tuesday, April 5th - Travel
- Work in the morning
- Drive to Portland (4hrs)
- Check in at Ramada Portland Airport
- Try to sleep

Wednesday, April 6th - Travel
- 3:45am wake-up - out the door by 4:15am
- Shuttle to airport - check in for 5:30am flight
- Arrive in PDX at 7:59am - Depart for MCO at 8:59am
- Arrive at MCO at 4:18pm - ME to Pop Century
- Quick service dinner at Pop
- If we have the energy, got to DTD and walk around
- Sleep!

Thursday, April 7th - Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure
- Breakfast at Pop
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Counter service lunch
- More Islands of Adventure

Friday, April 8th - EPCOT
- Breakfast at Pop
- Start with Spaceship Earth (I've never been in it)
- Roll around World Showcase (I completely missed it last time)
- Lunch reses for Le Cellier
- More World Showcase
- Counter service Dinner
- Walk through Future World
- Fireworks
- EMH - 9pm-Midnight

Saturday, April 9th - Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Breakfast at Pop
- EMH - 8-9am
- Hit RnRC/ToT
- Check out the shows
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Lunch
- More shows
- Dinner at 50s Prime Time
- Stay as late as we feel like

Sunday, April 10th - Universal Studios
- Breakfast at Pop
- Ride a bunch of rides
- Counter service lunch
- Ride more rides or head back over to Islands of Adventure
- Dinner TBD
- Mardi Gras celebration

Monday, April 11th (Birthday) - Magic Kingdom
- Breakfast at Pop
- Fantasyland classic rides
- Tomorrowland
- Lunch at Tony's Town Square
- Adventureland/New Orleans Square
- Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern
- Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
- Stay as late as we feel like

Tuesday, April 12th - Animal Kingdom
- Breakfast at Pop
- Lion King show
- Table Service lunch
- Focus on seeing more animal exhibits
- Dinner at Jiko

Wednesday, April 13th - Travel
- 3:30am wake-up - ME
- 7:10am flight - arrive in Phoenix at 9:06am
- 10:15am flight - arrive at PDX at 1:03pm
- Drive home

We've only been to WDW one other time and this is our first time staying on property. Any tips or fun B-Day related info is appreciated. Otherwise hang on while I start throwing stuff together!


TR TIME!

Quick Links:

BEFORE THE TRIP

Day 0 - Just Keep Swimming


TRAVEL DAY/DTD

Day 1 Part 1 - Have We Really Escaped???

Day 1 Part 2 - Heading Downtown

Day 1 Part 3 - Walking and Shopping and Walking Some More!


UNIVERSAL STUDIOS/ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

Day 2 Part 1 - On to Universal's Islands

Day 2 Part 2 – Hogsmeade has a Waitlist

Day 2 Part 3 – My Drinking Tour of Hogwarts Continues

Day 2 Part 4 – Front Row Seats

Day 2 Part 5 - Acrobatics and Dance – Wizard Style

Day 2 Part 6 - Looking for a Do-you-think-he-saurus

Day 2 Part 7 – Here There Be Raptors!

Day 2 Part 8 – Toon in to a Marvel-ous Time

Day 2 Part 9 – Are we Doomed???


EPCOT FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL

Day 3 Part 1 - Roundabout to EPCOT

Day 3 Part 2 – Into Spaceship Earth!

Day 3 Part 3 – Time Keeps Spinning in SE

Day 3 Part 4 – Topiary and Fairies Galore!

Day 3 Part 5 – Pooh says there are Flowers and Butterflies Here

Day 3 Part 6 – Brits and Beauties

Day 3 Part 7 – We Take a Trek to the Eastern Continent

Day 3 Part 8 – A Tour through Spirited Beasts

Day 3 Part 9 – The Brits Invade, the French find Balance, and the Japanese Drum!

Day 3 Part 10 – America is Spirited, Italy is Tall, and Other Things are Small

Day 3 Part 11 – A German, Chinese, Norwegian, Mexican Smorgasbord of Adventure

Day 3 Part 12 – Loco Donald, Heavy Seas, and Lightning Strikes

Day 3 Part 13 - Roxy Shops, I Much, and We Are Illuminated!

Day 3 Part 14 – Fireworks, Goodies, and Night Views of WS

Day 3 Part 15 – A Fast Finish to a Long Day



DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Day 4 Part 1 - I'm Ready for My Close-Up!

Day 4 Part 2 – Mermaids and Gangsters

Day 4 Part 3 – The Ride Ends and We Find Adventure on the Streets

Day 4 Part 4 – Sci-Fi Eats and Spectacular Feats!

Day 4 Part 5 – More Spectacular Stunts!

Day 4 Part 6 – The Stunt Spectacular Reaches its Crescendo!

Day 4 Part 7 - Characters get Cheeky and A Girl Takes a Bath

Day 4 Part 8 – Brave Sailors are Attacked and We Tour the Warehouse

Day 4 Part 9 – Our Backlot Tour Continues

Day 4 Part 10 – Catastrophe Canyon!

Day 4 Part 11 – A good end to our day



PHOTOPASS PICS FROM EPCOT AND DHS

EPCOT Day Photopass Pics

DHS Day Photopass Pics



UNIVERSAL ISLANDS AND STUDIOS

Day 5 Part 1 - All Around the Universe ...al

Day 5 Part 2 – Into the Depths of Hogwarts

Day 5 Part 3 – Dumbledore and Serious Studies

Day 5 Part 4 – From the Classroom to the Skies!

Day 5 Part 5 – Dragon Challenge AKA Hogwarts Part II

Day 5 Part 6 – Riding Dragons, Wizardly Shopping, and On to Seuss Landing

Day 5 Part 7 – A Trolley Ride thru a Sussian Wonderland

Day 5 Part 8 – Universal is Shrek-tastic!

Day 5 Part 9 – From Jaws to Krustyland!

Day 5 Part 10 –Kapers in Krustyland!

Day 5 Part 11 – Buildings, Brothers, and Beetlejuice!

Day 5 Part 12 – Beetlejuice and his Crew Rock Out!

Day 5 Part 13 –Singing and Dancing and Beetlejuice Jams!

Day 5 Part 14 –Beetlejuice Finale, a Walk in the Park, and Surprise Characters

Day 5 Part 15 – From Characters to Wakita

Day 5 Part 16 – A Bang, A Bunny Thief, A Mummy, and The Blues

Day 5 Part 17 – Ladies and Gentlemen, The Blues Brothers!

Day 5 Part 18 – A Dance, A Meal, and a Fright!

Day 5 Part 19 – Monsters, Sci-Fi Props, and A Beautiful Sunset

Day 5 Part 20 – Pop Pics and the Day 5 Wrap-up



OT - Portland Pirate Festival



MAGIC KINGDOM BIRTHDAY

Day 6 Part 1 - A Flashback and My Birthday at MK Begins!

Day 6 Part 2 – A Disney Welcome and a Walk Down Main Street

Day 6 Part 3 – Liberty and Adventure!

Day 6 Part 4 – From Pirate Waters to a Jungle Journey!

Day 6 Part 5 – Cruising, Strolling, and Riding the Rails

Day 6 Part 6 – Daisy, Sweetie, and My Fellow Americans

Day 6 Part 7 – Haunted Mansion and Magic at the Castle

Day 6 Part 8 – Birthday Pasta and Mike Wazowski!

Day 6 Part 9 – Rockin’ the People Mover and Parade Time!

Day 6 Part 10 – The Dreamy Parade Continues!

Day 6 Part 11 – The Parade of Dreams Finale!

Day 6 Part 12 – Bears, Briars, and a Bountiful Feast

Day 6 Part 13 – The sun goes down on the Magic Kingdom



ANIMAL KINGDOM

Day 7 Part 1 – On to AK for our Last Day!!!

Day 7 Part 2 – Nemo’s Friends and a Good Dose of Hakuna Matata

Day 7 Part 3 – The Festival of the Lion King Continues!

Day 7 Part 4 – Flying Monkeys …and No, It’s Not The Wizard of Oz

Day 7 Part 5 – Scar Brings on the Fire!

Day 7 Part 6 – Flying Away with the Lion King

Day 7 Part 7 – We head into the Finale!

Day 7 Part 8 – Meeting all those Camp Mickey Characters

Day 7 Part 9 – Along the Pangani Trail

Day 7 Part 10 – The trail gives way to a Wild Safari!

Day 7 Part 11 – The Safari Continues!

Day 7 Part 12 – The Safari Ends and We Burrow Under the Big Tree

Day 7 Part 13 – An Amazing Tree, a Dinoriffic Meal, Nemo, and Everest

Day 7 Part 14 – Up to Everest!

Day 7 Part 15 – Strolling along the Maharajah Jungle Trek

Day 7 Part 16 – Leaving Asia and saying goodbye to AK

Day 7 Part 17 – Almost done with my night shoot at POP

Day 7 Part 18 – Farewell to “The World”


FINAL THOUGHTS

Final Thoughts

 

[mnmrmustard]

Okay, I have Sci-Fi Dine-In, 50s Prime Time and Tony's Town Square successfully booked.

Now I just need a couple of mini-miracles for a table for two to open up on a Friday for Le Cellier (either lunch or dinner) and the Terrace Dessert Party on my B-Day

 

[kaoden39]

Hi Mike!!

I'm in!!

 

[Trentmom]

Hey!!!!!

11 days!!!!

This is going to be fun a read

 

[Trentmom]

Wow

what a cool wife you have

How are the kids with you guys going alone?

Sounds like it is going to be fun trip

Have you ever eaten at 50s Prime time Cafe before? Make sure you do not put your elbows on table, that is all I am saying

Pop Century is awesome!!! Groovy!!!!

You are going to love being on property

Try and get like 50's, 60's or 70s.. They are closest to the food court, store and bus stop

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Hey Mike... I'm in too!

Roxy... well, rocks!

Check out your detailed intinerary already!

And no kids?!?! That is fantastic! I am so happy for you both!

Make sure you get a birthday button.

 

[cherbear]

First off...Happy Birthday!!!! And secondly, Yay for Disney!!!

This should be an exciting adult only trip!

Just want to note, since you are on the dining plan...last I heard, Le Cellier is now 2 credits at dinnertime (4 pm or later) and still just 1 credit at lunchtime.

 

[cherbear]

btw I hope you get into the dessert party on your bday!! I would love to see pics of that!!!!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Hi Mike!!

I'm in!!

Hey Michele! Welcome to the quickest PTR ever!

Hey!!!!!

11 days!!!!

This is going to be fun a read

Sharrrkkkyyyy! Glad to have you on board. Make sure your seat is in the full, upright position and all tray tables are stored - we're goin' for a ride!!

Wow

what a cool wife you have

How are the kids with you guys going alone?

Sounds like it is going to be fun trip

Have you ever eaten at 50s Prime time Cafe before? Make sure you do not put your elbows on table, that is all I am saying

Pop Century is awesome!!! Groovy!!!!

You are going to love being on property

Try and get like 50's, 60's or 70s.. They are closest to the food court, store and bus stop

Yes, Roxy rock for sure, she's my angel

The kids were okay about it ...once we told them that we were modifying our Vegas anniversary trip into a family trip. They've done WDW but have never been to Vegas

We have never been to 50s Prime Time, thanks for the heads-up on the elbows. I've heard it is a blast to eat there

Thanks much for the hint on where to stay at Pop, we're finalizing that right now. I think it was an extra $108 to get a preferred room at that end.

I'm very excited about being on property - whoohoo!

Hey Mike... I'm in too!

Roxy... well, rocks!

Check out your detailed intinerary already!

And no kids?!?! That is fantastic! I am so happy for you both!

Make sure you get a birthday button.

Hiya Nicole! Roxy rocks for sure. Yes, threw together the itinerary over the weekend, nothing too scheduled, but gives us a good framework to jump off from

No kids, it will be interesting. I want to do rope drops and Roxy says she wants to be there for them (or for me more accurately). She says this will jump-start her workout schedule

Yes, I'll be wearing my b-day button and this hat:

 

[mnmrmustard]

First off...Happy Birthday!!!! And secondly, Yay for Disney!!!

This should be an exciting adult only trip!

Just want to note, since you are on the dining plan...last I heard, Le Cellier is now 2 credits at dinnertime (4 pm or later) and still just 1 credit at lunchtime.

Hey Cheri! Welcome to the madness Yes, exciting for sure. I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that in exactly one week I'll be working my last half day then hopping in the car with Roxy to drive up to Portland

Thank you for the info on Le Cellier, we'll shoot for lunch but will take dinner if necessary. Good thing is we have 6 days worth of credits but will be spending 2 days at Universal so we can be a bit more flexible

btw I hope you get into the dessert party on your bday!! I would love to see pics of that!!!!

Me too, we just keep calling and trying the website. Kinda like playing a slot machine - lol

 

[ChattaAlley]

I like them kind of trips not much time to anticipate. I think it will be a fun new expierence for yall without the kids. Everyone needs some time alone. Have fun. Looking forward to your TR after.

 

[mnmrmustard]

I like them kind of trips not much time to anticipate. I think it will be a fun new expierence for yall without the kids. Everyone needs some time alone. Have fun. Looking forward to your TR after.

Welcome aboard! Yes, it is kind of like a whirlwind, but in a good way. We haven't had a real trip by ourselves for years so it will be a great time to have some grown up fun while still acting like kids

 

[cherbear]

Hey Cheri! Welcome to the madness Yes, exciting for sure. I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that in exactly one week I'll be working my last half day then hopping in the car with Roxy to drive up to Portland

Thank you for the info on Le Cellier, we'll shoot for lunch but will take dinner if necessary. Good thing is we have 6 days worth of credits but will be spending 2 days at Universal so we can be a bit more flexible



Me too, we just keep calling and trying the website. Kinda like playing a slot machine - lol

ah cool, that works out either way then! (you gotta be flexible and grab any ressie time that pops up for Le Cellier, so it's good you have the extra credits!)

If you want, I can look for you when I have time. I am the Le Cellier whisperer!! (i've managed to get reservations for not only myself for the last 3 trips, but I even managed to get some other people ressies at a couple months out, too )

 

[Marshay]

Can't wait to read this!! Your trip is like right around the corner!!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Cheri IS the LeCellier whisperer!


LOVE the birthday hat!

 

[Marshay]

also at 50s Prime Time DO NOT eat the vegetables!!

 

[Trentmom]

Hey Michele! Welcome to the quickest PTR ever!



Sharrrkkkyyyy! Glad to have you on board. Make sure your seat is in the full, upright position and all tray tables are stored - we're goin' for a ride!!



Yes, Roxy rock for sure, she's my angel

The kids were okay about it ...once we told them that we were modifying our Vegas anniversary trip into a family trip. They've done WDW but have never been to Vegas

We have never been to 50s Prime Time, thanks for the heads-up on the elbows. I've heard it is a blast to eat there

Thanks much for the hint on where to stay at Pop, we're finalizing that right now. I think it was an extra $108 to get a preferred room at that end.

I'm very excited about being on property - whoohoo!



Hiya Nicole! Roxy rocks for sure. Yes, threw together the itinerary over the weekend, nothing too scheduled, but gives us a good framework to jump off from

No kids, it will be interesting. I want to do rope drops and Roxy says she wants to be there for them (or for me more accurately). She says this will jump-start her workout schedule

Yes, I'll be wearing my b-day button and this hat:

Yeah, didnt want to pay the extra money so just asked nicely at check in

Plus it is your birthday, so make they know that at check in, more likely to get the room you like

oh cool....Never been to Vegas and hope to one day.

That hat is awesome

also at 50s Prime Time DO NOT eat the vegetables!!

Love it

 

[kaoden39]

Hey Michele! Welcome to the quickest PTR ever!



Sharrrkkkyyyy! Glad to have you on board. Make sure your seat is in the full, upright position and all tray tables are stored - we're goin' for a ride!!



Yes, Roxy rock for sure, she's my angel

The kids were okay about it ...once we told them that we were modifying our Vegas anniversary trip into a family trip. They've done WDW but have never been to Vegas

We have never been to 50s Prime Time, thanks for the heads-up on the elbows. I've heard it is a blast to eat there

Thanks much for the hint on where to stay at Pop, we're finalizing that right now. I think it was an extra $108 to get a preferred room at that end.

I'm very excited about being on property - whoohoo!



Hiya Nicole! Roxy rocks for sure. Yes, threw together the itinerary over the weekend, nothing too scheduled, but gives us a good framework to jump off from

No kids, it will be interesting. I want to do rope drops and Roxy says she wants to be there for them (or for me more accurately). She says this will jump-start her workout schedule

Yes, I'll be wearing my b-day button and this hat:

What a doll Roxy is!! And a quick trip report isn't as stressful for you!!

 

[mnmrmustard]

ah cool, that works out either way then! (you gotta be flexible and grab any ressie time that pops up for Le Cellier, so it's good you have the extra credits!)

If you want, I can look for you when I have time. I am the Le Cellier whisperer!! (i've managed to get reservations for not only myself for the last 3 trips, but I even managed to get some other people ressies at a couple months out, too )

You know Cheri, we're still trying on our end I'm not too proud to ask for help on it. Especially if you have some Disney mojo in getting them! We are looking for lunch or dinner on the 8th, time is completely flexible. I'll message you the info to put down if you can get it - thank you!

Can't wait to read this!! Your trip is like right around the corner!!

I know! In 7 days we will have already landed in Phoenix and would be boarding our flight to MCO!!!

Cheri IS the LeCellier whisperer!


LOVE the birthday hat!

I bow to her Le Cellier greatness!

And thank you on the had, I'm sure I'll make a proper spectacle of myself

also at 50s Prime Time DO NOT eat the vegetables!!

Dare I ask why?

Yeah, didnt want to pay the extra money so just asked nicely at check in

Plus it is your birthday, so make they know that at check in, more likely to get the room you like

oh cool....Never been to Vegas and hope to one day.

That hat is awesome


Love it

Maybe they'll do it because I'm a birthday boy!

I've been to Vegas several times (mostly for work-related conferences) but the fam has never been.

Yes, lovin' the hat - and at first I thought I'd need it for cover from rain. But for once the closer we get to the trip, the BETTER the forecast looks - sunny and warm all the way baby!

What a doll Roxy is!! And a quick trip report isn't as stressful for you!!

Amen to that, no time to get too amped up, just staying relaxed and waiting for it to hit me like a ME bus!

 

[kaoden39]

On the plus side less time to over analyze and build it up too high.