What a plan! Simple, yet insane. **New 4/19 Link to new PTR**

[oregonmommyof2]

Hi!! Thanks, I can't wait to read more about your December plans too.

We need to compare tentative ADR lists for December and see what we can make together...

 

[jordanyosh]

won't be long til you get to make your ADRs for ipdip......

I already know where I want to eat in 2012...

 

[All7OfUs]

Love the Smokies!! So beautiful! But have to agree on Dollywood. Fun theming, but lacking in cleanliness and attention to detail.

Breaking up your trip WILL be easier on Bill- huge bonus!

 

[mrsksomeday]

We need to compare tentative ADR lists for December and see what we can make together...

I will be working on December this week. Although it is a little hard not knowing when MVMCP or the Candlelight Processional dates are.

won't be long til you get to make your ADRs for ipdip......

I already know where I want to eat in 2012...

April 24th is our ADR day for October, it is June 5th for December!! I hope the Candlelight Processional dates are out by then because we want to do a dinner to get reserved seating .

Love the Smokies!! So beautiful! But have to agree on Dollywood. Fun theming, but lacking in cleanliness and attention to detail.

Breaking up your trip WILL be easier on Bill- huge bonus!

It really is breathtaking there. I always take hundreds of pictures .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Have a good night all, Bill is hurting and needs to lay down .

 

[All7OfUs]

I will be working on December this week. Although it is a little hard not knowing when MVMCP or the Candlelight Processional dates are.



April 24th is our ADR day for October, it is June 5th for December!! I hope the Candlelight Processional dates are out by then because we want to do a dinner to get reserved seating .



It really is breathtaking there. I always take hundreds of pictures .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Have a good night all, Bill is hurting and needs to lay down .

Good night, Tracy! Have a great, refreshing regeneration cycle. For taking care of your Bill!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

I will be working on December this week. Although it is a little hard not knowing when MVMCP or the Candlelight Processional dates are.




Have a good night all, Bill is hurting and needs to lay down .

Hope Bill feels better!!!

I am going off last years dates for MVMCP... Not sure if that would work for the Candlelight Processional...

 

[jordanyosh]

Take care of your man..

We'll be around...

good night.

 

[Piper]

It sounds like our December dates may overlap. I'd love to meet you both.

 

[mom2mek]

Tracy, the position sounds so great for Bill - what a way to make a difference! I'm sure he will do a great job!

Well the only thing that makes it easier to cancel a trip is knowing you have TWO more this year! YAY!!!

Love the Smokies - so pretty! Dollywood was fun, but a little different than what I was expecting! Dixie Stampede was definitely a highlight of our trip back in November! So fun!

Sara

 

[mrsksomeday]

Good night, Tracy! Have a great, refreshing regeneration cycle. For taking care of your Bill!

Thank you so much. Bill takes care of me far more than I take care of him. He is the light of my life .

Hope Bill feels better!!!

I am going off last years dates for MVMCP... Not sure if that would work for the Candlelight Processional...

I will look up last years dates for the CP and I have a subscription for touringplans.com and it has it's "predictions" for MVMCP probably based off last years dates too. Bill really wants to see the Candlelight Processional and hopes there is a good speaker while we are there.

Take care of your man..

We'll be around...

good night.

It sounds like our December dates may overlap. I'd love to meet you both.

As of right now, we will arrive on December 2nd. The Enchanted tickers are programmed differently than the one you have so that is why our dates look a lot different . I would really love to meet you too.

Tracy, the position sounds so great for Bill - what a way to make a difference! I'm sure he will do a great job!

Well the only thing that makes it easier to cancel a trip is knowing you have TWO more this year! YAY!!!

Love the Smokies - so pretty! Dollywood was fun, but a little different than what I was expecting! Dixie Stampede was definitely a highlight of our trip back in November! So fun!

Sara

He has so many wonderful ideas. I can't wait to see him blossom in this new adventure. It is amazing how we had no problem letting this go, we knew the coalition was more important and you are so right about it being easier since we know about the other trips.

We went to Dollywood when they had all their Christmas stuff up, it was very pretty. I guess Bill and I are so used to Disney having great first aid locations with things set up. Dollywood on the other hand had a first aid station with rooms for that, but for Bill to lay down, they had a room with the bed but all sorts of files and paperwork laying around and it was dusty, you can tell they didn't use it . It just really turned me off.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Sorry about the May trip Tracy. But, like others have said, at least you have the other two trips to look forward to and obsess over. I'm so glad to hear that the meeting went well with the coalition and that you met some wonderful (non-Disney) people. I think it is fabulous that Bill is getting involved in this and it was the right decision to cancel the May trip to be able to help out this group. Looking forward to all the plans for Oct and Dec. I'm still waiting for the school calendar for next school year and I'm hoping we'll be in WDW at the same time!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Sorry about the May trip Tracy. But, like others have said, at least you have the other two trips to look forward to and obsess over. I'm so glad to hear that the meeting went well with the coalition and that you met some wonderful (non-Disney) people. I think it is fabulous that Bill is getting involved in this and it was the right decision to cancel the May trip to be able to help out this group. Looking forward to all the plans for Oct and Dec. I'm still waiting for the school calendar for next school year and I'm hoping we'll be in WDW at the same time!

Thanks, I think we made the right decision too. I hope our dates match for at least one of the trips .

 

[katiebelle21]

I think the coalition sounds like an exciting role and a perfect fit for you and Bill! It will be empowering to know that your efforts are making a difference.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I think the coalition sounds like an exciting role and a perfect fit for you and Bill! It will be empowering to know that your efforts are making a difference.

I really am hoping and praying the state budget doesn't drag this opportunity under. Bill is loving getting to help make decisions and being a part of something special.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Think romantical thoughts. – Mike, Monsters, Inc.​

Bill and I are notorious about changing our Disney plans, resorts, the length of the trip, the airport we are flying out of etc. At some point last year we had a trip planned for December to celebrate my 40th birthday and to celebrate our 5th anniversary. I had all sorts of stuff book marked, ideas of things to do that were new to us to make the trip special. Well, that trip turned into a family trip with my son, his g/f, and her two kids. I don’t regret the decision to change, but I would like to try to incorporate some of those things I had wanted to do on the December 2009 trip that never happened. ​

I am not sure what I will do on which trip, but many ideas ran through my head - a cake? a tour? a special meal? or something else? Let’s take a look at these one at a time?​

A cake - I have scoured the Cake threads on the DIS looking for something I thought he would like, there are many wonderful cakes made by the pastry chefs at Disney. It does sound like sometimes people don’t get what they asked for, the cakes don’t taste as well as expected, or it is a total pain to get your idea across to the person taking the cake order. You are also limited to what can be made where. I got these pictures from the internet and blocked out the wording. I was in love with this cake:​

Mickey Delight – possible price with white chocolate topper $70 + tax, but don’t quote me on the price:​

​

It is adorable, but way too much cake for us, I think it is a 10 inch cake. I would have had to order it from the Grand Floridian bakery and would have had them deliver it to us at our dinner at Narcoossee’s. The problem is we never go back to the room after dinner and couldn't carry it around. ​

Other possibilities:​

Mini Castle Cake - last time I saw the price it was $25 - $30. I would order it as cheesecake instead of a cake. When they say mini they mean mini, it is little, this is considered a serving for one, but isn’t it adorable? ​

Here is a variation of the Mini Castle cake: ​

Mini Mad Hatter: I don't know the price for this one.​

​

Very cute, but I think too girly. Here is another too girly option:​

Slipper dessert:​

​

I could get him the mini castle cake, have them write “Congratulations Bill on your Master’s Degree” on the plate and order the slipper dessert for myself?? For the mini castle and the slipper (I think) you have to order it 48 hours before you want it, so I have to make sure to get away from Bill long enough to make a phone call 48 hours out. (this will be one of the surprises)​

A tour – Bill and I loved The Keys to the Kingdom tour and have talked about taking another one. Here are the ones I was considering:​

Backstage Safari- Animal Kingdom - This behind the scenes tour provides fascinating insights of the challenges faced in the operation of this unique venture. As you visit the Animal Nutrition Center and Veterinary Hospital, as well as other backstage areas, the specialists will discuss what goes into the day-to-day care of the wildlife. PLEASE NOTE:Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice as moderate walking and stair climbing is involved. ​

$70 per person, there is an Annual Pass discount of 15%, so $59.50 plus tax. They offer the tour Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You either arrive at 8:30am or 1:00pm. It lasts about 3 hours.​

Mickey's Magical Milestones – Magic Kingdom - The focus is on Mickey Mouse as you tour the Magic Kingdom. While visiting the attractions and locations that highlight his career, you'll delve into the enchanting world of everyone's favorite mouse. This tour features the development and achievements of this world famous icon.​

$25 per person, there is an Annual Pass discount of 15%, so $21.25 plus tax. They offer the tour Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Arrive at 8:45am. It lasts 2 hours. (We are going to do this in December, we have discussed it, so no surprise)​

Wild By Design – Animal Kingdom - On this tour of the Animal Kingdom, you’ll learn how another continent was created in the midst of Florida. By sharing in the vision of the Imagineers, you’ll see how the use of authentic artifacts, native crafts and regional architecture led to the formation of the Animal Kingdom theme park. You’ll “Walk on the Wild side” as you explore the park and its inhabitants. PLEASE NOTE: Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice as moderate walking and stair climbing is involved. ​

$60 per person, there is an Annual Pass discount of 15%, so $51.00 plus tax. They offer the tour Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Arrive at 8:30pm. It lasts 3 hours. ​

Backstage Magic – Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot - You’ll feel like a true Disney insider when you explore the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot from this entirely different perspective. The secret world behind the “Magic” is yours to uncover during this fascinating tour. Lunch at the Whispering Canyon restaurant at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort is included. Photo ID is required.​

$219 per person, there is an Annual Pass discount of 15% so $186.15 plus tax. They offer the tour Monday – Friday arrive at 9am. It lasts 7 hours. ​

Doing any one of these tours would take up touring time in May and we already have that trip pretty well planned out. The October trip is all about Ip Dip (more on that later), and I don’t think we would have time since I am planning on that being a short trip. So that leaves our December trip. We would have a lot more time then to do one of the above tours, but when we are there in December there is another tour to consider.​

Yuletide Fantasy - Get a behind the scenes look at how holiday Magic is created at Disney World. You'll see how the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a scene from Currier & Ives, how Epcot captures the international flavor of the different cultures and their traditions, and how the Disney Resorts are transformed during this special time of year. You'll get an insiders look at the "tricks of the trade" and the enormity of this annual undertaking. At the conclusion of this walking tour, you'll receive a special holiday gift.​

$79 per person, there is an Annual Pass discount of 15%, so $67.15 plus tax. They offer the tour Monday – Saturday usually starting the Monday after Thanksgiving through 12/30 arrive 8:45am. It lasts 3 ½ hours. ​

This tour was on our list when we were planning on going last December. ​

A special meal - I have looked a several different dinner options. We are on the dining plan again, I don’t think we will ever go to Disney without it. We like the idea of having the meals mostly paid for in advance and that way I am less likely to look at the prices instead of what I want to eat. The dining plan just relaxes both of us. Here are the dining options I was looking at:​

Cinderella’s Royal Table- never been, kinda want to go, kinda don’t. (He just expressed he wants to do this, I am going to tell him I couldn’t get it and pray I do for October

)​

Yachtsman’s Steakhouse – never been, Bill wants to try it. We will do it some time this year, just not this trip. (We have a lot of OOP meals in October but still getting the dining plan so we are going to do this)​

Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue – never been, it really looks like fun. I think we will do this in December when we have more time.​

Narcoossee’s - We love the atmosphere, the location, and the food. I love being able to see the water and the Castle from our table. Bill loves the food he will probably order the Surf and Turf like he did last time we were there:​

​

This makes it possible to order the mini castle cake because the Grand Floridian bakery makes them. (This will in December as a surprise if I can keep my mouth shut

)​

Something else – There is one more experience Bill has always wanted to do and one thing I found interesting:​

Dine with an Imagineer - Walt Disney World Resort offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy engaging conversation with a Disney Imagineer as you savor a delectable lunch at the chic Bamboo Room of the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. ​

Up to 8 Guests join in stimulating discussion with one of the incredibly creative artists who bring the magic of Disney to Walt Disney World Resort attractions and entertainment. Feast on a 4-course meal and will receive a souvenir plate designed exclusively for this experience that can be personalized by the Imagineer!​

Price: $60.99 Guest 10 and older; $34.99 Guest 3 to 9; (6.5% tax and 18% gratuity will automatically be added to the check)​

He doesn’t know it but this will be a “must do” on my list for October. We absolutely love watching shows about how WDW was made, love the behind the scenes TV shows etc. This would be right up our alley. (Again he thinks I am going to try for it but I am going to tell him I couldn’t get it if I do)​

PIRATES AND PALS FIREWORKS VOYAGE - (formerly the Magical Fireworks Voyage)​

***This cruise was formerly only available to Grand Gatherings, but is now available to all guests.​

This event begins with cookies, snacks and beverages before you "set sail" on your magical voyage where you'll have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom's "Wishes" and "Electrical Water Pageant." Before you board, none other than Captain Hook and his hapless first-mate Mr. Smee arrive for some mayhem and photos. Your host for the night is "Patch," a pirate of dubious distinction. As you sail along the Seven Seas Lagoon, Patch will have you singing along and challenge you to some Disney Trivia. ​

Your "ship will set anchor" at the perfect spot overlooking the Magic Kingdom to view "Wishes". From there you return to the pier while Patch regales you with the story of Peter Pan. When you arrive, you'll see that none other than Peter himself is there to greet you.​

Price: $53.99 (ages 10 and up) $30.99 (ages 3 - 9)
Reservations: Can be made up to 180 days in advance.
Requirements: Credit card guarantee 48-hour cancellation policy
Meeting location: Noted on the event board in Disney's Contemporary Resort ​

I like the idea that this is a bigger boat and there are many people on it, seems like it could really be fun. ​

I wish it wasn’t $54 per person or I would suggest it to the Ip Dippers. Could you see all of us on a boat? Poor Patch

wouldn’t know what hit him.
There are other fireworks

cruise options, for MK and for Epcot:​

MAGIC KINGDOM WISHES CRUISE (BASIC) 21' Tracker Pontoon ​

Price: $266.25, tax included for up to 8 guests. Price includes pontoon boat, driver, water, soda and bagged snacks -Guests may order Private Dining to be delivered to the cruise.​

MAGIC KINGDOM WISHESCRUISE (PREMIUM) 25' Tracker Pontoon ​

Price: $319.50, tax included for up to 10 guests. Price includes pontoon boat, driver, water, soda, bagged snacks and and audio feed of the fireworks music -Guests may order Private Dining to be delivered to the cruise.​

OR​

ILLUMINATIONS CRUISE(BASIC)​

Price: $319.50 tax included for up to 10 guests. Price includes pontoon boat, driver, water, soda and bagged snacks -Guests may order Private Dining to be delivered to the cruise.​

Specialty cruises can be booked up to 90 days in advance and there is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Call: (407)-WDW-PLAY. NOTE: It is customary to give your "captain" a gratuity.​

So those are the ideas that have been floating around in my head. What do you think?​

Next installment… Do we rest on the first Disney day? ​

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Are you sure we are not long lost sisters???

I picked out that same Mickey Delight cake, I don't want the topper though... I hadn't let Terry in on that little secret though... So he just found out when I freaked out that we liked the same one.. I think I saw somewhere that you could get that design in a smaller cake... I believe it was the mini 2 tier cake... very cute...

We also looked at Yahtsman and Hoop Dee Doo...

And I like the idea of the Wishes or Illuminations cruise...

And we checked out the Backstage Magic tour too!!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Are you sure we are not long lost sisters???

I picked out that same Mickey Delight cake, I don't want the topper though... I hadn't let Terry in on that little secret though... So he just found out when I freaked out that we liked the same one.. I think I saw somewhere that you could get that design in a smaller cake... I believe it was the mini 2 tier cake... very cute...

We also looked at Yahtsman and Hoop Dee Doo...

And I like the idea of the Wishes or Illuminations cruise...

And we checked out the Backstage Magic tour too!!

That is too funny. I am your long lost older sister. I just love the design of the Mickey Delight cake, it is so cute. I don't really care for the topper either and that would bring down the price of the cake, I know they make them at the Grand Floridian Bakery so you would have to eat at one of their restaurants. Hmm, I might have to call and see about the mini 2 tier cake. Although they might also make that cake at the Boardwalk Bakery and you can do pick ups from there.

I need to do more research .

 

[jordanyosh]

All great ideas...

Tours and cruises are a few of the ideas I have for 2012....

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow... so many great ideas! I think all of the tours sound amazing! I'd like to take a tour someday, either when the kids are older or on an adults only trip.

I'm now trying to convince Tim that we should go to Narcoossee's instead of Shula's! There are still ADRs available for the end of April!!

I'm sorry you guys canceled your May trip - but it is so worth it! To find a place that you fit in so easily & can make a difference is priceless! Congrats to Bill!! And now you can focus on your October & December planning!

 

[mom2mek]

Phew - you've got some great ideas there, Tracy! And can I just say that you are going to have that AP totally paid for with your discounts on the tours and meals! Gotta love Disney math!

The tours sound great - the AK one and the Mickey Mouse one - aw heck, they all sound like fun to me!

I had never seen the Mad Hatter cake - back when we were planning our October 2008 trip I scoured that cake thread looking for what I wanted for Katie's birthday. Never did see that one - it's really cute! I agree that it's a bit girly for Bill though. I love the castle one - for your knight in shining armor!

Sara