We're going back after 7 years!!! PTR - updated 12-26

[OziJo]

Thought I drop by and take a look at a WDW Pre-Trip. I'm loving all your ADR's. We went to Disney world in January 2012. I see you weren't able to get dining plan at all because your TA didn't book through Disney. I've found here in Australia that TA's are very reluctant to deal directly with Disney because Disney doesn't give them the commissions they are used to. When we booked in 2012 we booked through Dreams Unlimited and they were amazing. We had a split 11 nights at Fort wilderness with 4 nights accom only and 7 nights accom and 6 day park tickets with Free Dining. When Free dining was announced from the 8th of January our Dreams Unlimited Agent worked out that if we split the accommodation we could take advantage of it even though we were arriving on the 4th. We used the 4 days accom only to do Universal, Kennedy SC and the outlets. Dreams Unlimited secured us a discount for the room only and we were lucky enough to get Free Dining from the 8th. We used it for Hoop Dee Doo, Crystal Palace Character Breakfast, Artists Point and La Hacienda plus lots of great counter service and snacks. When we finally get back to WDW I will definitely go back to Dreams Unlimited. All done online on course.

But for you what a luxury to have two weeks and to be able to split that between International Drive and Disney accom. Our 11 nights was not enough. We would have loved to have spent more time at Universal we only did two days. I see you have two days in Universal. That will be enough for Harry Potter but we would have loved another day and that was before Diagon Alley. You are doing Sea World as well of course.

I just had a quick look at your London Trip. Looks fantastic! I'll have to tell my girls about that. I've added that to our Travel Bucket list.

I'll go back and read through your report a little more closely now. I'm loving (and a little jealous) of what I'm seeing of your plans.

 

[petals]

Thought I drop by and take a look at a WDW Pre-Trip. I'm loving all your ADR's. We went to Disney world in January 2012. I see you weren't able to get dining plan at all because your TA didn't book through Disney. I've found here in Australia that TA's are very reluctant to deal directly with Disney because Disney doesn't give them the commissions they are used to. When we booked in 2012 we booked through Dreams Unlimited and they were amazing. We had a split 11 nights at Fort wilderness with 4 nights accom only and 7 nights accom and 6 day park tickets with Free Dining. When Free dining was announced from the 8th of January our Dreams Unlimited Agent worked out that if we split the accommodation we could take advantage of it even though we were arriving on the 4th. We used the 4 days accom only to do Universal, Kennedy SC and the outlets. Dreams Unlimited secured us a discount for the room only and we were lucky enough to get Free Dining from the 8th. We used it for Hoop Dee Doo, Crystal Palace Character Breakfast, Artists Point and La Hacienda plus lots of great counter service and snacks. When we finally get back to WDW I will definitely go back to Dreams Unlimited. All done online on course.

Our TA is family and we like to book through her when it's long haul like America for security. Dining plan would have been good for the more expensive places but honestly I don't think we'd eat as much as we'd get from the Dining plan, I know I tend to get so focussed on getting everything done that I forget to eat sometimes

But for you what a luxury to have two weeks and to be able to split that between International Drive and Disney accom. Our 11 nights was not enough. We would have loved to have spent more time at Universal we only did two days. I see you have two days in Universal. That will be enough for Harry Potter but we would have loved another day and that was before Diagon Alley. You are doing Sea World as well of course.

When it takes a full day to travel to we want to make sure we get everything done, although the two weeks were kind of my mistake because Momma said book for 12 days and I kind of had a dumb moment and worked out the dates wrong oops We love all the parks though so couldn't go all that way and miss some of them although with the prices since we were last there we nearly would have

I just had a quick look at your London Trip. Looks fantastic! I'll have to tell my girls about that. I've added that to our Travel Bucket list.

I'll go back and read through your report a little more closely now. I'm loving (and a little jealous) of what I'm seeing of your plans.

London has sooooo much to do. It was great and I loved the Harry Potter Studios

 

[petals]

Day 11: For this morning I have Tusker House booked but I suspect that we will be cancelling it Last time we were there Momma didn't like the waiter He was doing his best to entertain us and kept coming over making jokes but she was not impressed because she just wanted to be left alone to eat. He came over at one point with cups and said it was the best hot chocolate ever and "knocked them over on top of the table".... It was ok because they were all empty and he was only messing but Momma went from shocked to furious in about 2.5 seconds and he ran off and pretty much hid for the rest of the meal. I thought it was hilarious and he did make sure that we got to see all the characters by bringing Mickey Mouse out to a special side area to meet us because he hadn't come over to our side of the room but somehow I doubt Momma is going to be willing to go back here Fastpass wise I have a Safari booked, the Navi River Journey and Meet Disney Pals.

Day 12: This day will be used to do whatever we didn't get done in whatever parks. I have an ADR booked for Artist Point because Grumpy and Dopey will be there and they are Momma's favourites. It's expensive but I'm kind of trying to talk Momma into it on the grounds that we don't know when we'd be back in WDW again I also have a fastpass for Slinky Dog for this day but it's late and I don't think it will work but it was the only time I could get so grabbed it. If we miss Fantasmic though the first Hollywood studios day because of their Christmas stuff then I'm going to want to go to Fantasmic and not Slinky Dog but we'll see what happens over there.

Day 13: I have Ohana booked for breakfast, we did this the last time and it was good, plus Stitch is there and he's my favourite After that we need to go to ESPN to pick up the race stuff and we might wander Disney Springs or head to a park. I have Dinner booked in Be our Guest restaurant, again it's expensive but I NEED to meet the Beast I also have Fastpasses for meeting the princesses in Fantasyland and Small World but we'll see what happens with those. I'm kind of hoping we'll have them done by then because the last night we have to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks before we go home!

Day 14: We'll just hang out at the resort because we're flying home that afternoon

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On a side note usually when we hit the 30 day count down i try to watch a different Disney or Harry Potter movie every night, we're not quite at the 30 day mark yet but yesterday I went to see Fantastic Beasts part 2! OMG it's amazeballs! The end I was like what just happened?!
Saw the Grinch tonight so totally counting those as the first two movies and Wreck it Ralph is out next week so need to see that as well ​

 

[OziJo]

Our TA is family and we like to book through her when it's long haul like America for security

Yes it is good to have that extra layer of security from a trusted TA. I booked with a TA this time, someone recommended by a friend. Our flights were very complicated and I wanted to make sure Hannah's flights lined up with ours. I couldn't be sure of doing that on the QANTAS website. Also, Disneyland is not so packaged as WDW and we are not staying on a Disney property so I put my trust in our TA. She seems to have managed to get us some good deals though I probably would go back to a true specialist like Dreams Unlimited for a WDW trip.

When it takes a full day to travel to we want to make sure we get everything done,

It's the same with us when traveling from Sydney to anywhere in Europe and the the Americas. And we always have to keep in mind that though we gain a day going over we lose one on the way back. Maybe the sign of a great trip is one that leaves you wishing you could of had a few more days.

BTW We are heading off in a few minutes to see Fantastic Beasts 2. I'm glad you liked it! I better go get ready now...

 

[petals]

Yes it is good to have that extra layer of security from a trusted TA. I booked with a TA this time, someone recommended by a friend. Our flights were very complicated and I wanted to make sure Hannah's flights lined up with ours. I couldn't be sure of doing that on the QANTAS website. Also, Disneyland is not so packaged as WDW and we are not staying on a Disney property so I put my trust in our TA. She seems to have managed to get us some good deals though I probably would go back to a true specialist like Dreams Unlimited for a WDW trip.

I found with Disneyland it was harder to plan as there was less information about it online than WDW. One of my trip reports linked in the sig is of Disneyland. We loved it there, even if it was hard to plan.

It's the same with us when traveling from Sydney to anywhere in Europe and the the Americas. And we always have to keep in mind that though we gain a day going over we lose one on the way back. Maybe the sign of a great trip is one that leaves you wishing you could of had a few more days.

I think every time we go to America I at least come back wanting to stay longer

BTW We are heading off in a few minutes to see Fantastic Beasts 2. I'm glad you liked it! I better go get ready now...

Ooh enjoy it. I loved it. I want to see the next Fantastic Beasts movie like now though

 

[OziJo]

Ooh enjoy it. I loved it. I want to see the next Fantastic Beasts movie like now though

Yes. It was a good set up for the third movie and the final showdown between DD an GW.

 

[petals]

Yes. It was a good set up for the third movie and the final showdown between DD an GW.

I need the third movie now!

 

[petals]

This week I got a new t-shirt for to wear travelling and I booked the Seaworld photokey to have for our tours. I was hoping they'd do a Black Friday discount on it but it didn't happen.. Universal on the other hand did, they did a 5 day photo package for 59.99 and you get 3 free prints with it. That was cheaper than the 3 day package that I wasn't sure about getting. We'll only be there for two days and won't be doing any of the rides that the photos are on because they're all to thrill for us so it would only be for the characters and photo ops like at ET!

It's getting so near now. I made a packing list but in case I forgot anything what is one thing I need to have with me?

Also I like to play watch a Disney or Harry Potter/Minions movie every day for the 30 days before the trip. I already kind of started that because I'm counting Fantastic Beasts, The Grinch and then the Jim Carrey Grinch was on telly the other night so I watch that and totally counting them. Will be going to see Ralph breaks the internet on Saturday so of course had to watch Wreck it Ralph tonight But what's your favourite movie that you have to watch coming up to a Disney trip? ​

 

[petals]

Look at that ticker! It has changed to weeks

In other news, I had booked a few to many dining reservations until plans were narrowed down and what not but was talking to Momma about them all and I think we've finalised our plans. We're keeping the character breakfasts because we always find that if we eat a good breakfast then we don't really want to eat a big meal until later in the day. We're also keeping Artist Pointe and Be our Guest Lunch and Dinner. The biggest shocker though was Momma wants to keep Tusker House breakfast I really thought she'd tell me to cancel that one after the waiter bugging her so much there last time we went. It was funny bugging but still, she said she liked the food so we're keeping it ​

 

[petals]

This Month!!!
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[OziJo]

We're also keeping Artist Pointe and Be our Guest Lunch and Dinner. The biggest shocker though was Momma wants to keep Tusker House breakfast I really thought she'd tell me to cancel that one after the waiter bugging her so much there last time we went. It was funny bugging but still, she said she liked the food so we're keeping it

I'm so glad you are keeping Artist Point! We went there in 2012 and the food and atmosphere were terrific. The setting was really nice as well. Will it have become the Snow White Enchanted Forest by the time you are there? If it is I'll look forward to hearing how it was. If not, it's still worth it. We really loved exploring the Wilderness Lodge after dinner.

 

[petals]

I'm so glad you are keeping Artist Point! We went there in 2012 and the food and atmosphere were terrific. The setting was really nice as well. Will it have become the Snow White Enchanted Forest by the time you are there? If it is I'll look forward to hearing how it was. If not, it's still worth it. We really loved exploring the Wilderness Lodge after dinner.

Yeah it’ll have the enchanted forest theme. We booked it for Dopey and Grumpy

 

[petals]

Sorted out travel insurance this week... the joys of adulting

Is it wrong that I started packing as well even though we've still 3 weeks to go I just figure I'd pack what's washed now so I don't use it again before the trip ​

 

[xlsm]

Toy Story Midway Mania (I'm presuming this is kind of like Buzz Lightyear in Magic Kingdom, we've never done it before?)

It's like Buzz Lightyear on steroids - 3D and really fun!!

I have an ADR booked for Artist Point because Grumpy and Dopey will be there and they are Momma's favourites.

Oooh, yay!! I wondered if you'd go ahead and book it!

but yesterday I went to see Fantastic Beasts part 2! OMG it's amazeballs! The end I was like what just happened?!

I loved it so much!! When Jacob looked at Queenie and said, "You're crazy." out loud, I wanted to cry!!! Queenie is my favorite, and I was so so sad about her decision.

Wreck it Ralph is out next week so need to see that as well

Did you see it? We went on opening night and while I loved most of it, there was a part toward the end that seemed to drag on and on and on...but then it picked up again. I won't spoil what part if you haven't seen it yet

We're also keeping Artist Pointe

Hooray!!!

I know our dates overlap a little, so if you want to say hi at any point during the trip, send me a message and we'll see if we'll be anywhere at the same time

 

[petals]

It's like Buzz Lightyear on steroids - 3D and really fun!!

I think we can handle that maybe Ratatouille in Paris made us a little seasick and that was 3D so we'll try it once and if it does we won't do it again

Oooh, yay!! I wondered if you'd go ahead and book it!

Yeah I was shocked Momma kept so many character ones. When I told her about this one first she wasn't in to it then when I was cancelling the ones we didn't need she said keep it.

I loved it so much!! When Jacob looked at Queenie and said, "You're crazy." out loud, I wanted to cry!!! Queenie is my favorite, and I was so so sad about her decision.

It was awesome. When it ended i was like WHAT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I Need the next one now! I can't wait that long to find out what happens next

Did you see it? We went on opening night and while I loved most of it, there was a part toward the end that seemed to drag on and on and on...but then it picked up again. I won't spoil what part if you haven't seen it yet

I went the first weekend it was in Ireland. It was good, the first one was better and I did think there was a part dragged as well but i don't remember which bit it was. I was kind of like come on move on already!

I know our dates overlap a little, so if you want to say hi at any point during the trip, send me a message and we'll see if we'll be anywhere at the same time

I think our first week matches you a bit. We're in Magic Kingdom and Epcot on our first two days and then maybe Disney Springs one evening but the rest of that week will be Seaworld and the Universal Parks for us.

 

[petals]

We got our flight tickets and accommodation vouchers at the weekend. It says one flight is 11 hours it wasn’t that long flying direct from Dublin!

Our TA said she wasn't able to book the magical express for our trip back to the airport though. Is there a way to do that online. I know when we were in POP we just booked it when we were checking in but that was 7 years ago

​

 

[xlsm]

It was awesome. When it ended i was like WHAT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I Need the next one now! I can't wait that long to find out what happens next

I agree!! I was so mad they did that with Queenie's character, there has to be some kind of mistake I'm hoping she comes back to the good side!!

I went the first weekend it was in Ireland. It was good, the first one was better and I did think there was a part dragged as well but i don't remember which bit it was. I was kind of like come on move on already!

For me it was the part when all the Ralphs came, and it was like shoving it down our throats about how he'd been a bad friend and too clingy.

Our TA said she wasn't able to book the magical express for our trip back to the airport though. Is there a way to do that online. I know when we were in POP we just booked it when we were checking in but that was 7 years ago

Here is the online form: https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/dme/dmeform

hopefully that'll work for you! You just need to give them your return flight information, which I think you can still do when you check in as well

 

[petals]

I agree!! I was so mad they did that with Queenie's character, there has to be some kind of mistake I'm hoping she comes back to the good side!!

We'll have to wait to see I wanna see now

For me it was the part when all the Ralphs came, and it was like shoving it down our throats about how he'd been a bad friend and too clingy.

That bit was just weird

Here is the online form: https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/dme/dmeform

hopefully that'll work for you! You just need to give them your return flight information, which I think you can still do when you check in as well

I put in the info and it said my request was submitted. I was hoping it'd tell me what time I needed to get the magical depress back to the airport but email says they'll tell us the day before we leave... It did say my information would be mailed to me 2-3 three weeks in advance eh to late much

 

[xlsm]

I was hoping it'd tell me what time I needed to get the magical depress back to the airport but email says they'll tell us the day before we leave

I *think* it's four hours ahead of your flight departure for international flights. It's three for domestic, and I'm about 95% sure it's four for international.

The exact time will be in that terrible little envelope they hang from your room door the day before leaving

 

[petals]

I *think* it's four hours ahead of your flight departure for international flights. It's three for domestic, and I'm about 95% sure it's four for international.

The exact time will be in that terrible little envelope they hang from your room door the day before leaving

We’re flying to New York to get the flight to Dublin so will prob be 3 hours