When you wish upon a star...April 12th is not that far! An April 2016 PTR

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Hello Everyone!!!! It's been a long time, but I am back!!!! I haven't been totally absent, as I still come on every so often to lurk on some of my favorite disers trip reports, however, have not personally posted since our 2012 trip. We have actually been back twice since then, and are going back this April. I had so much fun doing our last PTR, that I decided to take a whack at it again, as it makes the trip planning so much more exciting. And now, the moment you've all been waiting for- the introductions!

For those of you who don't remember me- which is probably most of you, I am Janine~ the Disney obsessed planner of all these trips:



I love all things Disney, and feel as though my life is not complete unless I have a trip in the works. Here are a list of my favorites though:

Disney Character: Cinderella- I am also a big fan of Brer Rabbit (from Splash Mountain), and the Baby Yeti from Expedition Everest
Disney Movie: Cinderella
Disney Park: Magic Kingdom
Disney Ride: Splash Mountain
Disney Restaurant: Le Cellier (Signature), Ohana's (Table Service), Be Our Guest (Quick Service)

Paul (DH):



Is pretty much as Disney obsessed as I am, so I got really lucky with him!

Here are a list of his favorites:

Disney Character: Figment
Disney Movie: The Lion King
Disney Park: Epcot
Disney Ride: Mission: Space
Disney Restaurant: Le Cellier (Signature), Ohana's (Table Service), Columbia Harbour House (Quick Service)

Austin (DS):



Loves Disney as well!!! A list of his favorites include:

Disney Character: Sorcerer Mickey
Disney Movie: Toy Story
Disney Park: All of them!
Disney Ride: Space Mountain
Disney Restaurant: Ohana's (Character Breakfast), Pizza Planet (Quick Service)

My Parents and my Sister will also be joining us this trip- I will give introductions on them later.

Okay enough for tonight I am tired and have to be up early for work. Have a great night all!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

And I am first!!! Whoooo hooooo! Let the planning begin!!!!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

And I am first!!! Whoooo hooooo! Let the planning begin!!!!

Yay!!! I knew you would be first!!!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

So let me give you a little insight of what are trip plans are.

When are we going? April 12th-19th

Resort- All Star Movies Resort/Preferred view. We are hoping for the Toy Story Section, so I am going to have to put in a request for that real soon!

We are going with the regular Disney Dining Plan this time around because there are a lot of sit down restaurants we want to do! Plus it's a nice break from the crowds!

We are also getting park hoppers . We like the idea of doing a half day in one park and fireworks in another. We also enjoy taking the monorails/boats to other parks, rather than just the standard disney busses.

We will also be doing two days at Universal Studios!!! We still have to figure out transportation for those two days- as we will be flying down. I really don't want to have the hassle of renting a car so we may just take a taxi those two days. Any suggestions???

Well that's all for now- I actually strayed away from my work to put this post up. I will be back later to give you a little insight as to what Day 1 looks like for us!!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Day 1:
We have to be up around 2:30am because our flight is at 6am! We live no more than a half hour from the airport, so as long as we are there by 4am, we should be good! We should arrive to MCO around 8:30 pm, so I am hoping to be at our resort by 10am . We will check in once we get there and hopefully our room will be ready (our past 3 trips it was!). My parents and my sister are leaving the night before because they are driving down together (my mom hates flying), and I just found out tonight that my Aunt, Uncle, and two cousins will be joining us as well! We are all hoping to meet at the hotel, and then head over to Magic Kingdom for a few hours. We try to make sure that our trip always starts and ends with Magic Kingdom!

We have dinner Reservations for Le Cellier that night so we will be hopping from MK to EP via monorail. Paul and I actually honeymooned in WDW back in 2013 and ate at Le Cellier- we loved it! There is just something about that place, besides the fact that the food is excellent there. I like how you feel like you are in the actual countries in World Showcase- I just love it there. Here is actually a few pictures from our Honeymoon:









It was pretty delicious!!!!

My only complaint with the signature meals is you get less food. With Le Cellier you get a basket of asstd breads and butter which is nice, however, I think they should at least provide a salad or something lol. Or maybe at least some filling sides with the entrée instead of making you add a la carte items to your check. Although I think I read somewhere that you can substitute your dessert for like a cup of soup or salad now- not sure how true that is. Anyway, my parents and sister have never been here, and we think its a great way to ease into the evening at Epcot . After all, dining in a beautiful place with excellent food and being with family is what it is all about right?

After dinner I suppose we will probably try to get some attractions in (totally bummed that Soarin' will be down for refurb, however, hoping that the new Frozen ride will be in a soft opening by then). There are magic hours this night, so I think we may save our fast passes for earlier in the day at MK, and we will be more or less just strolling around until it is time for Illuminations. My dad is really into the fireworks so this is a must for us

Well there you have it, there is our first day! We do try to fit a lot into our trip, but our itinerary is not scripted. We may say we are going to do one thing, and wind up doing something totally different. Its fun to plan ahead of time, and throw your plans to the wind once you arrive at WDW, and just do whatever feels right at the time. The only plans we will have set in stone are our dining plans and our fp's.

Until our next installment, sweet Disney dreams to all!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hey Janine!! Yep, our flight leaves at 6am too. Ugh! We live about 1 hour away from the airport so it's a necessary evil to get up by 2:30am. Unreal!! OMG I didn't know that all those people were joining you.....that's a lot of people. You don't plan on spending every minute with each other do you?? That's a lot of ADR's and fastpasses to coordinate if you are. We've never eaten at Le Cellier but I hear it's wonderful. Maybe we'll try it someday. I, too, love the World Showcase. I love just walking around there. I'm soooo bummed about Soarin!!! That's one of our favorite rides, but oh well. I hope that doesn't make Living with the Land extra busy. I just can't believe it's a Catagory 1 in Fastpass world now. It used to be walk-on all the time. You have a lot packed into that first day. Usually we go to Disney Springs and eat and shop a little. We do have annual passes that have not expired yet, so we could possibly hit a park, but after getting up at 2:30am, it's more likely to just hang around the resort for pool time, unpacking, etc. I really wish I knew where we were staying. As I said in my PTR we are booked at OKW but are on the waiting list for AKL. I supposed it really doesn't matter, but I'd like to know. I'm the super planner, you know!!!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Hey Janine!! Yep, our flight leaves at 6am too. Ugh! We live about 1 hour away from the airport so it's a necessary evil to get up by 2:30am. Unreal!! OMG I didn't know that all those people were joining you.....that's a lot of people. You don't plan on spending every minute with each other do you?? That's a lot of ADR's and fastpasses to coordinate if you are. We've never eaten at Le Cellier but I hear it's wonderful. Maybe we'll try it someday. I, too, love the World Showcase. I love just walking around there. I'm soooo bummed about Soarin!!! That's one of our favorite rides, but oh well. I hope that doesn't make Living with the Land extra busy. I just can't believe it's a Catagory 1 in Fastpass world now. It used to be walk-on all the time. You have a lot packed into that first day. Usually we go to Disney Springs and eat and shop a little. We do have annual passes that have not expired yet, so we could possibly hit a park, but after getting up at 2:30am, it's more likely to just hang around the resort for pool time, unpacking, etc. I really wish I knew where we were staying. As I said in my PTR we are booked at OKW but are on the waiting list for AKL. I supposed it really doesn't matter, but I'd like to know. I'm the super planner, you know!!!

Hehe!!!! Yeah we do have a large group- but we will not be together the whole trip. My parents like to sleep in, whereas we (along with my sister) like to get out early. My aunt and uncle do not have park hoppers so they will not always be in the same park as us. My parents and sister have the same dining reservations as is, however, my aunt, uncle, and cousins are only joining us for two sit down meals. We all vacationed together in wdw back in November 2014- it wasn't too bad, however we did realize that we didn't need to be together all the time! Paul and I took Austin to Epcot for a half day one of the days, and we're able to do a few family things. We rode test track, and ate lunch at the electric umbrella, and then hopped over to HS for the evening to meet up with my parents/sister for Fantasmic! What a nice day that was!

 

[ariane37]

Joining! Your first day looks fun That early morning flight makes me shudder though lol. I do prefer getting in early-if we left at 6am we'd land about 8:40ish- and then you have a whole day ahead. But getting up that morning is so hard

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Joining! Your first day looks fun That early morning flight makes me shudder though lol. I do prefer getting in early-if we left at 6am we'd land about 8:40ish- and then you have a whole day ahead. But getting up that morning is so hard

Welcome ariane37!!! On a normal day getting up at 2:30 am would bother me- but since it's disney, I don't mind at all lol! It's usually hard to sleep the night before disney anyway because I am up so late just making sure we have everything, and just plain excited!!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Good Evening fellow DISfriends! I hope everyone is having a great night! Ugh what a long week at work- I am so glad to see the weekend come! I went grocery shopping tonight and tried to pick out healthy options for my family lol. I have teamed up with my buddy Ann (Victoriasmom98), and together we are going to do this! I actually haven't been doing too bad. I set myself up on My Fitness Pal, and have been making a conscious effort to really watch what I eat, and exercise. Both Wednesday and Thursday nights I did 1/2 hour on the treadmill. Tonight, I walked around Shoprite and Walmart for two hours, so I don't think its necessary to get on the treadmill lol. The good news is, although it isn't a lot, I've lost one pound already ! I also decided to get my eyebrows waxed while I was out- so much easier than plucking! I think before my trip, I might treat myself to a mani/pedi if I can get this weight off! Nothing like going to Disney a few lbs lighter, with some pretty nails! With that being said, I think I just might post our Plans for Day 2 !

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Day 2

Our official first full Disney Day. Magic Kingdom has late Magic hours this night, so we will be here a good portion of the day. Not sure if we are going to hop or not, as we have a Lunch Reservation that I am SUPER excited for- Liberty Tree Tavern !!!!! This will be a first for all of us and I already think I know what I am going to order- New England Pot Roast, and.... the infamous Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake!!! My mouth just waters looking at pictures of these on AllEars! Has anyone ever tried this restaurant for lunch? If so, what is your opinion?

As I said, I am not sure if we are going to spend the day here, or hop somewhere else for a few hours and come back for EMH's. So, we will more than likely do our FP's here this day. Did anyone notice that Allears and other Disney websites had Big Thunder Mountain Railroad down for refurn from 4/04- summer, and now they removed the listing?!?! I will be soooooo happy if it is no longer down for refurb because I was really bummed about that, as BTM is one of my favorite rides, and it is extra special at night ! I love Frontierland! Paul bought me a Splash Mountain tshirt for Christmas that he ordered off of the new Disney Parks App. I will show pics of it when I start to pack.

Anyway, back to Day 2. We will probably do quick service for dinner this night- I am thinking maybe Columbia Harbour House. The fried shrimp platter here is delicious and they give such big portions!


We always try to eat here at least once every trip.

I believe we are going to try to get in the Main Street Electrical Light Parade and Wishes this night too because of the EMH's. Speaking of the parade, I am such a geek, I just downloaded "Baroque Hoedown" (the Main Street Electrical Light Parade theme song) off of iTunes and set it as my ringtone!



This song makes me so happy!!!!!

Back on to planning. We have our favorites that we must do each and every time, yet, we always try to do something new. One of the new things we will be doing this trip is the Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom game. We bought Austin the Spell binder and a set of starter cards for Christmas and he is super excited to try it out! I have to admit, I am pretty darn excited about it too. The only thing is, I am not too keen on carrying that thing everywhere and risking having it get lost or ruined, soooo...... I think we are going to keep the Spell binder back at the room, and bring the cards in a Ziploc bag into MK, and add them back to the book when we get back to the room later that night. I also have thought about ordering the Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom tshirts for Paul and Austin to wear. How cute would that be?!?!?! Another thing we ordered him for Christmas was Disney Monopoly-LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! If you do not own this, you must get it, as it is so much fun! I think I might pick up the Tower of Terror Clue game this trip because shipping is ridiculous lol.

Ok, I am getting tired so I think I am going to call it a night. Sweet Disney Dreams to all!!!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Good Evening fellow DISfriends! I hope everyone is having a great night! Ugh what a long week at work- I am so glad to see the weekend come! I went grocery shopping tonight and tried to pick out healthy options for my family lol. I have teamed up with my buddy Ann (Victoriasmom98), and together we are going to do this! I actually haven't been doing too bad. I set myself up on My Fitness Pal, and have been making a conscious effort to really watch what I eat, and exercise. Both Wednesday and Thursday nights I did 1/2 hour on the treadmill. Tonight, I walked around Shoprite and Walmart for two hours, so I don't think its necessary to get on the treadmill lol. The good news is, although it isn't a lot, I've lost one pound already ! I also decided to get my eyebrows waxed while I was out- so much easier than plucking! I think before my trip, I might treat myself to a mani/pedi if I can get this weight off! Nothing like going to Disney a few lbs lighter, with some pretty nails! With that being said, I think I just might post our Plans for Day 2 !

Yahoooooooie!!!!! 1 lbs. You are on your way my buddy!!!!! You are doing so well! I think it's important to just be more aware of what's going into your body. For me learning that the DD sandwich I was eating every day was 1/2 of the entire day's worth of food was really an eye opener. WE CAN DO THIS!!!! I think it's a wonderful idea to have a mani/pedi before the trip. I think I should do that, too. After all we'll be nice and tone and looking good so our nails should, too. It's funny about the eyebrows, though. Mine are blonde and thin so I have to use a pencil them in. I wish mine were darker. Victoria has nice dark eyebrows and she gets them waxed about once per month. She looks good. Some people can really do their brows and I just wish I had that talent. Oh well......Keep on plugging away Janine......WE GOT THIS!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

HELLO????? Where arrrrrrrrrreeeee you???

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

HELLO????? Where arrrrrrrrrreeeee you???

Lol!!! I am still here lol. Don't you worry now- I will probably post Day 3 at some point today

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Just making sure you are here........don't want you falling off the Displanet again!!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Day 3

Now we usually do not venture outside of "the world" lol, but this time, we are getting the 2 day park to park Universal Studios pass! I have not been there in a long time, so a lot has changed since I've been there last. So the plan for this day is to get up early and more than likely eat breakfast at the hotel. That's the great part of the dining plan- as long as your staying on Disney property, you get the meals per night of your stay. So really, we could get a big breakfast at the hotel and either have dinner at the hotel or venture to Disney Springs afterwards. That really only leaves lunch/snacks to buy while we are at Universal. Speaking of snacks, I am on a mission to try a Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

We are super excited to be goi g here- especially for the whole Harry Potter experience. The only thing is..... We need a ride! My parents and sister are driving down so two people can ride in their car. So that leaves 5 of us hitchhiking lol!!! Actually we have been looking into Uber and are thinking of splitting the cost with my aunt and uncle. I think that may be are quickest/cheapest bet. Has anyone used Uber? If so, what did you think?

Other than that- I would like to happily announce that we are 90 days out today!!! In fact, I finally got around to making our 100 day calendar the other night. Actually it is a 92 day calendar lol- but who cares right? I will post a pic later.

Ok everyone- have a great day!!?

 

[Lhaase]

Use Uber. Last time we went we used them multiple times. If you are new to Uber you will receive a credit for joining. Then refer your husband, he joins and receives a credit. After he uses Uber you will receive another credit. We went to Universal, from BW to SS and a grocery store trip and only had to pay a few dollars. Credit amounts vary, depending on their current offers.

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Use Uber. Last time we went we used them multiple times. If you are new to Uber you will receive a credit for joining. Then refer your husband, he joins and receives a credit. After he uses Uber you will receive another credit. We went to Universal, from BW to SS and a grocery store trip and only had to pay a few dollars. Credit amounts vary, depending on their current offers.

Hi Lhaase! Thanks for your advice on Uber. I will definitely look into it because I heard taxis are expensive and we definitely do not want to rent a car!

 

[ariane37]

We took our boys to Universal for the first time last August. DH and I hadn't been since 2000 so it was a totally different experience for us, too! The boys loved it. None of us are huge HP fans although I've read all the books, but even so you can't help but be amazed by all the HP stuff. We planned for 3 days there but honestly, 2 would have been fine. The almost lack of planning you need to do for Universal is almost laughable compared to Disney!

We haven't been to LTT in a couple years but I can still taste the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake And speaking of dessert, congrats on beginning your weight loss!

 

[PixieDustPrincess05]

We took our boys to Universal for the first time last August. DH and I hadn't been since 2000 so it was a totally different experience for us, too! The boys loved it. None of us are huge HP fans although I've read all the books, but even so you can't help but be amazed by all the HP stuff. We planned for 3 days there but honestly, 2 would have been fine. The almost lack of planning you need to do for Universal is almost laughable compared to Disney!

We haven't been to LTT in a couple years but I can still taste the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake And speaking of dessert, congrats on beginning your weight loss!

I soooo want some of that Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake! I don't think I will be limiting myself to anything when we are at Disney! In fact, I have been poking around on AllEars to see which new snacks I want to try?