What's better than a honeymoon? TWO Honeymoons! 8/30 57 hours/13 months to go!

[annmarieda]

So glad you just need vitamins! Good news on the kittens too. The itty girl one I am sure will be adopted soon too.

Trip will be here soon. Enjoy your day 1. I know that further into your trip, we will end up being at the same parks...so I am anxious to see what you plan for those days. (not that I am stalking or would stalk...just fun to see what others plan on the same days. )

 

[oboedm]

I have started to mentally pack as well! I usually don't pack until the night before, but I have all the clothes I am taking written down!

Great pics of the amusement park! If you take these beautiful picutures of old pieces of wood I can't wait to see you pictures of WDW-- especially the Poly!

 

[Spoogle]

I just wanted to stop by and say, "Hi!" and to tell you that I really enjoyed reading through your PTR! I've noticed quite a few similarities between you and I. I am a newlywed as well. I just got married in May. We spent our honeymoon in Jamaica (at Sandals Negril) and we're also planning a trip to Disney in November (so we'll spend our 6 month anniversary at Disney!)

Also, my husband already lost his wedding ring! In the Gulf of Mexico!!!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I just wanted to stop by and say, "Hi!" and to tell you that I really enjoyed reading through your PTR! I've noticed quite a few similarities between you and I. I am a newlywed as well. I just got married in May. We spent our honeymoon in Jamaica (at Sandals Negril) and we're also planning a trip to Disney in November (so we'll spend our 6 month anniversary at Disney!)

Also, my husband already lost his wedding ring! In the Gulf of Mexico!!!

If you don't mind me asking (or asking a question on your thread Joyce) how did you like Sandals Negril? I am trying to decide which Sandals we want to try next. We've been to the one in the Bahamas (for our honeymoon in May 2009).

Oh and my husband lost his wedding ring in Lake Michigan!

 

[Joyciemc]

Your day one plans sound great! You will definitely sleep good that night! That's awesome that the kittens were adopted and even better that you don't have Lyme disease!! Woo!!

I know, I may be pushing us a bit hard. At least US closes at 6, so it won't be too late of a night... I hope

Thank goodness it wasn't Lyme Disease and that its nothing too serious and that you just have to take supplements

Coolbeans on the kitties being adopted, Belle will be adopted in no time too

Day 1 sounds good, lots of great ride choices Lunch wise you will find plenty of places to find a quick bite. Just looked again at the dining options and there is a fried chicken place!!! Wish I had known that last year would so have been in there!

Oooh, fried chicken! Yum! I'm sure we will be so hungry at that point we'd eat anything at all!

Glad you are feeling better! We're almost at trip day! Although I'm like with BF right now. I dont' know if he deserves the trip.

I read your updates on your PTR and it sounds like he is being a pain! I hope everything works out for the best!

Thank God you don't have Lyme Disease!! So glad you're feeling better-- keep taking those vitamins!
Best quick eats in Universal-- Cinnabon if you're looking for something sweet, Monster's Cafe for a REALLY cool atmosphere and decent food (we really like the chicken there. The pizza is good, too).
Your must-do's are all of my favorites-- the themeing of ET rivals Disney's best. The line is amazing and most of it is indoors. The Mummy is incredible, also-- mostly indoor line as well. There's a portion of the line outside, but since you're going at a slow time (when we go, too), I bet you'll just be able to walk right inside.

Monster's Cafe sounds good!
I can't wait to ride The Mummy! I do hope the lines are short... but we'll have a blast no matter what.
Thanks for the help with food choices and all things Universal- it's weird heading to a place I don't know well after so many trips to WDW!

 

[Joyciemc]

So glad you just need vitamins! Good news on the kittens too. The itty girl one I am sure will be adopted soon too.

Trip will be here soon. Enjoy your day 1. I know that further into your trip, we will end up being at the same parks...so I am anxious to see what you plan for those days. (not that I am stalking or would stalk...just fun to see what others plan on the same days. )

Just a little more than 3 weeks!
Haha, I'm not worried about you stalking! I think it is fun that we have over lapping park days, makes me feel better about the parks I picked if you picked them too!

I have started to mentally pack as well! I usually don't pack until the night before, but I have all the clothes I am taking written down!

Great pics of the amusement park! If you take these beautiful picutures of old pieces of wood I can't wait to see you pictures of WDW-- especially the Poly!

Oooh, I should write stuff down! I'll probably forget what I am planning to bring, otherwise. Good call!

Awww, thanks for the picture compliment. I really don't know what I am doing with my camera, but it is fun to play with. The friends that we went with have the same camera, and I got some good pointers from them. I hope I get some good Disney pictures!

I just wanted to stop by and say, "Hi!" and to tell you that I really enjoyed reading through your PTR! I've noticed quite a few similarities between you and I. I am a newlywed as well. I just got married in May. We spent our honeymoon in Jamaica (at Sandals Negril) and we're also planning a trip to Disney in November (so we'll spend our 6 month anniversary at Disney!)

Also, my husband already lost his wedding ring! In the Gulf of Mexico!!!

Welcome!! So happy to have another reader. Especially since we seem to be living parallel lives

Aww, sorry about your husband's ring. But it really can happen to anyone. That's what I keep telling myself, anyway!

If you don't mind me asking (or asking a question on your thread Joyce) how did you like Sandals Negril? I am trying to decide which Sandals we want to try next. We've been to the one in the Bahamas (for our honeymoon in May 2009).

Oh and my husband lost his wedding ring in Lake Michigan!

Ask away! I am curious about Sandals Negril, too.

What did you think about Bahamas Sandals, by the way?

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Ask away! I am curious about Sandals Negril, too.

What did you think about Bahamas Sandals, by the way?

I loved it! It is small but beautiful. The restaurant Baccarat was to die for! The beach is small but not too small. I liked that the ride into town is just a bus ride away and then you can take a cab/ferry over to the Atlantis area. I'd definitely recommend it!

 

[Joyciemc]

I loved it! It is small but beautiful. The restaurant Baccarat was to die for! The beach is small but not too small. I liked that the ride into town is just a bus ride away and then you can take a cab/ferry over to the Atlantis area. I'd definitely recommend it!

Sounds good! We were thinking of Sandals Antigua for an anniversary trip, but we're doing something non-Sandalsy instead.
From your review, I think we'll have to put the Sandals in the Bahamas on our future trips list.

 

[Joyciemc]

Up next,
Day 2: Friday, 9/3

This is the first full day of our trip! We are waking up bright and early because this is the day we get to be wizards .
If there is one thing I am worried about on this trip, it is the crowds at WWOHP.
With early entry, we can get into the park at 8am. I don't really know how early we should be waiting before that. Honestly, I think I'd rather not push it too much and hope for the best if we are at the gate by 7:30. I expect crowds, I expect to wait. I have also heard that the queue for Forbidden Journey is actually part of the attraction and in general a pretty neat thing to see. So with good attitudes on hand (and plenty of something cool to drink), we will head straight here and make the best of it.

At least we'll have Express Pass access at the other rides that do accept it. That should help make up for time spent trying to get into Hogwarts. We also will have another day to spend in IOA if we want to, so I think it will all work out just fine.
The other attractions that I am really looking forward to are:
Spiderman, The Hulk Coaster, and.... huh, I don't really know what else That's some bad planning, isn't it? Anyone have suggestions on what is not to be missed at IOA?

I also don't know what we are eating this day. I would really like to try Three Broomsticks, but I am realistic in thinking that Hogsmeade in general may be just too crowded. So we'll see what happens!
I'm sorta taking our US days as they come- saving our meal planning for WDW and the dining plan.
We will probably eat a CS lunch in the parks (unless we take a break at the hotel for a swim/nap) and dinner at City Walk.

Have I mentioned how excited I am to be visiting Universal for the first time? But I am also realizing that I don't know how to plan for it... most things I've read said that it is more laid back than WDW and doesn't take as much planning. That's good to hear, but I can't help feeling like I am under prepared!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Up next,
Day 2: Friday, 9/3

This is the first full day of our trip! We are waking up bright and early because this is the day we get to be wizards .
If there is one thing I am worried about on this trip, it is the crowds at WWOHP.
With early entry, we can get into the park at 8am. I don't really know how early we should be waiting before that. Honestly, I think I'd rather not push it too much and hope for the best if we are at the gate by 7:30. I expect crowds, I expect to wait. I have also heard that the queue for Forbidden Journey is actually part of the attraction and in general a pretty neat thing to see. So with good attitudes on hand (and plenty of something cool to drink), we will head straight here and make the best of it.

At least we'll have Express Pass access at the other rides that do accept it. That should help make up for time spent trying to get into Hogwarts. We also will have another day to spend in IOA if we want to, so I think it will all work out just fine.
The other attractions that I am really looking forward to are:
Spiderman, The Hulk Coaster, and.... huh, I don't really know what else That's some bad planning, isn't it? Anyone have suggestions on what is not to be missed at IOA?

I also don't know what we are eating this day. I would really like to try Three Broomsticks, but I am realistic in thinking that Hogsmeade in general may be just too crowded. So we'll see what happens!
I'm sorta taking our US days as they come- saving our meal planning for WDW and the dining plan.
We will probably eat a CS lunch in the parks (unless we take a break at the hotel for a swim/nap) and dinner at City Walk.

Have I mentioned how excited I am to be visiting Universal for the first time? But I am also realizing that I don't know how to plan for it... most things I've read said that it is more laid back than WDW and doesn't take as much planning. That's good to hear, but I can't help feeling like I am under prepared!

Lucky you for getting to do this! Prior to booking this trip, we said that we'd have to spend a day in Universal after HP opened, but it just didn't materialize this time around. Next time, I guess!

I'm sure Hogsmeade is going to be stupid crowded. But hey, it'll be cool either way! At least you're a realist...I find that this helps soften the blow when things don't turn out as ideal as possible.

 

[Stefy]

Day 2 sounds good and you are right to take this day with a pinch of salt and just go in without bad thoughts

Its handy that you can enter early and like you say those Express Passes will be handy for later on in the day to make up for any queuing up at WWoHP.

You should try Posieden's Adventure, I have heard that that is pretty good, oh and do Jurassic Park, that ride is so much fun

 

[klacey1]

Joyce, I think you'll be fine. Crowds haven't been as bad as people predicted, and they'll be even lower when you go. Were going in November, staying offsite and are not worried at all.
The beauty of us/ioa is that you get to be laid back. I love planning for Disney, but US is a different animal. I think you're right on track with planning. As long as you have a general idea of what you want to hot, you'll be fine!
My must dos at IOA are spiderman, the hulk, Jurassic park river adventure, dudley do right...lots of good water rides! The CS options are not fantastic, but the Captain america place in marvel island is pretty good.

 

[Joyciemc]

Lucky you for getting to do this! Prior to booking this trip, we said that we'd have to spend a day in Universal after HP opened, but it just didn't materialize this time around. Next time, I guess!

I'm sure Hogsmeade is going to be stupid crowded. But hey, it'll be cool either way! At least you're a realist...I find that this helps soften the blow when things don't turn out as ideal as possible.

I am thrilled that we were able to take a 10 day trip- I knew if we were going to Universal I wanted to stay on-site. And one night turned into 3!

Day 2 sounds good and you are right to take this day with a pinch of salt and just go in without bad thoughts

Its handy that you can enter early and like you say those Express Passes will be handy for later on in the day to make up for any queuing up at WWoHP.

You should try Posieden's Adventure, I have heard that that is pretty good, oh and do Jurassic Park, that ride is so much fun

Your suggestions are noted we'll be sure to visit both of those!

Joyce, I think you'll be fine. Crowds haven't been as bad as people predicted, and they'll be even lower when you go. Were going in November, staying offsite and are not worried at all.
The beauty of us/ioa is that you get to be laid back. I love planning for Disney, but US is a different animal. I think you're right on track with planning. As long as you have a general idea of what you want to hot, you'll be fine!
My must dos at IOA are spiderman, the hulk, Jurassic park river adventure, dudley do right...lots of good water rides! The CS options are not fantastic, but the Captain america place in marvel island is pretty good.

Thanks, Kylie- it's good to hear that things might not be as crazy as I was thinking!
I think the laid back-ness (um, is that a word?) is part of what I am so excited about at US. We are most definitely laid back people, so I think this part of the trip will be great for us!


At this point I would like to point out that in one month, we will be back home from our trip.
That is a sad thought, so let's wipe it away with a happy thought: 3 weeks from today we will be at Portofino Bay- sleeping if we are responsible, drinking by the pool if we are not (anyone wanna place some bets )

 

[annmarieda]

At this point I would like to point out that in one month, we will be back home from our trip.
That is a sad thought, so let's wipe it away with a happy thought:

I had this thought today too. Just one month from today and I will be back home..at work...WDW behind me.

 

[oboedm]

Up next,
Day 2: Friday, 9/3

This is the first full day of our trip! We are waking up bright and early because this is the day we get to be wizards .
If there is one thing I am worried about on this trip, it is the crowds at WWOHP.
With early entry, we can get into the park at 8am. I don't really know how early we should be waiting before that. Honestly, I think I'd rather not push it too much and hope for the best if we are at the gate by 7:30. I expect crowds, I expect to wait. I have also heard that the queue for Forbidden Journey is actually part of the attraction and in general a pretty neat thing to see. So with good attitudes on hand (and plenty of something cool to drink), we will head straight here and make the best of it.

At least we'll have Express Pass access at the other rides that do accept it. That should help make up for time spent trying to get into Hogwarts. We also will have another day to spend in IOA if we want to, so I think it will all work out just fine.
The other attractions that I am really looking forward to are:
Spiderman, The Hulk Coaster, and.... huh, I don't really know what else That's some bad planning, isn't it? Anyone have suggestions on what is not to be missed at IOA?

I also don't know what we are eating this day. I would really like to try Three Broomsticks, but I am realistic in thinking that Hogsmeade in general may be just too crowded. So we'll see what happens!
I'm sorta taking our US days as they come- saving our meal planning for WDW and the dining plan.
We will probably eat a CS lunch in the parks (unless we take a break at the hotel for a swim/nap) and dinner at City Walk.

Have I mentioned how excited I am to be visiting Universal for the first time? But I am also realizing that I don't know how to plan for it... most things I've read said that it is more laid back than WDW and doesn't take as much planning. That's good to hear, but I can't help feeling like I am under prepared!

I feel the exact same way! We are only going for one day, and I am super nervous about the crowds and how exactly to "take on" Universal.

We are staying off site (just traveling from Disney for one day), so we want to be there early to get in line for WWoHP, but I feel so under-prepared even after the things I have read. I don't really know what to think about the place. At least you have the Express Pass and early entry-- that will help a lot!

 

[Joyciemc]

I had this thought today too. Just one month from today and I will be back home..at work...WDW behind me.

Just keep thinking about the number of days before the trip going down, and that will cheer you right back up!

I feel the exact same way! We are only going for one day, and I am super nervous about the crowds and how exactly to "take on" Universal.

We are staying off site (just traveling from Disney for one day), so we want to be there early to get in line for WWoHP, but I feel so under-prepared even after the things I have read. I don't really know what to think about the place. At least you have the Express Pass and early entry-- that will help a lot!

I think that as long as you get there early, you'll be ok. Just be ready to be visiting Hogsmeade with a lot of other muggles. Are you going specifically for WWOHP? No matter how crowded it is, you should be able to see it all by the end of the day (that's supposed to be positive thinking, did it work?)

 

[Joyciemc]

Lookit what I got today!

(I didn't make these as small in photobucket as I meant to. But I'm leaving 'em big to show my sweet photography skillz. Haha, that's a joke- I have no clue what I am doing with my camera!)

I am so excited- it's the first lens I've bought for my camera and I can't wait to use it in WDW. Of course I immediately had to start using it. I think I was annoying Ben...

Penny humored me and let me take a picture

But then I went outside and found Ben grilling...

He was a good sport at first.

Then he started to ignore me

'Please stop.'

Penny let me take one more. Cause she is a good girl (she is, we tell her all the time!)

Oooh, in the pictures of Ben you can see our new fence! It is pretty and we love it. We just got it a week ago. Our old fence was falling down and our crazy neighbor took his fence down just so we wouldn't have a fenced in yard. No joke. He put his back up the day after ours was finished. He's a wacko (and a jerk... but that's a whole other kind of report!)


Up next,
Day 3: Saturday, 9/4
This will be pretty quick. We will either go to US or IOA in the morning. This will depend a lot on how much we got done on Day 1 and Day 2.

I'd like to make sure we spend some time at the resort this day, because we'll be checking out the next morning.
I'm sure we'll eat some places, and do some stuff along the way.
(Don't worry... my plans for WDW are a lot more detailed!)

 

[annmarieda]

Just keep thinking about the number of days before the trip going down, and that will cheer you right back up!

that is definitely what I do... in fact if it wasn't for having so much work on my plate it might be all I think about.

Lookit what I got today!


Oooh, in the pictures of Ben you can see our new fence! It is pretty and we love it. We just got it a week ago.

Congrats on the new toy! The fence is very pretty. I have always wanted a white fence. Our yard is fenced...but dh likes the old weathered cedar look. I don't

 

[klacey1]

Aww, Penny is such a poser! She looks like such a happy girl in those pictures!!
I'm SO not a photographer, but I'm sure you'll be able to take amazing pictures in US/IOA/WDW. The lake in the middle of US looks sooo pretty at dusk.
You don't have too long to experiment with that lens-- your trip is so soon!!

 

[Joyciemc]

that is definitely what I do... in fact if it wasn't for having so much work on my plate it might be all I think about.



Congrats on the new toy! The fence is very pretty. I have always wanted a white fence. Our yard is fenced...but dh likes the old weathered cedar look. I don't

I kinda like the weathered look, but wood fencing is so expensive! Our white fence sure does look clean and crisp, though.

Aww, Penny is such a poser! She looks like such a happy girl in those pictures!!
I'm SO not a photographer, but I'm sure you'll be able to take amazing pictures in US/IOA/WDW. The lake in the middle of US looks sooo pretty at dusk.
You don't have too long to experiment with that lens-- your trip is so soon!!

She actually has a very annoying habit of always looking away just as you are taking a picture. I was lucky to get those!

I recently got a tripod, too... I promise to come back with decent pictures for a TR!