Who knew you had to plan for a trip to WDW! PTR and TR Combined: Completed

[Tinkerbellarella]

Jules, the footwear dilemma runs rampant for me as well, though I think I also found my solution this weekend. I should be posting a whole Chapter on this very subject on my PTR this week about it!

I also refuse to wear the Croc clogs, regardless of how comfy they might be. Just. Can't. Do. It. And sneakers with socks are just far to hot.

What do I normally wear????

Flip Flops. Cheap 3 for $10 Old Navy flippies. (I know, I know, DISboard cardinal sin #1, boooo, hissss and all that.) However, they've always served me well and have actually ended up with blisters and sore feet on only one occasion.

But I think I've found a compromise.

 

[pajules]

Enjoying your trippie so far.

You will have to let us know how the trekkers are for Disney. I usually wear sneakers since I really need the arch support, but I'm usually at Disney in October or May when it's a bit cooler. I'm hoping to find something cooler that still has arch support. I find my mary jane crocs to be a bit hot so I don't really want to so the crocs route.

Thanks for reading, the more the merrier!

As for the trekkers, so far so good. I wore them yesterday and today and I have to say they are extremely comfortable. Much more comfortable than regular sneakers. Granted, I wasn't walking all day like I will be at Disney, but yesterday I did do a lot of walking as DGM and I took in a local home decorating show....

so far I am very happy with my purchase. Once I'm back in May, I'll give you my full Disney verdict.

 

[pajules]

Flip Flops. Cheap 3 for $10 Old Navy flippies. (I know, I know, DISboard cardinal sin #1, boooo, hissss and all that.) However, they've always served me well and have actually ended up with blisters and sore feet on only one occasion.

Tink...can I call you Tink? You are brave! I think I would be ready to rip my feet off my legs if I only wore flip flops all day. For some reason, I have never been able to enjoy wearing flip flops. It's something about just having a piece of plastic between my toes that bothers me. Also, I'm very uncordinated in them. Instead of it being a flip flop, it's a "flap, flap" for me because that's the sound it makes when I try to walk in them.

I've tried just wearing them when I go to the beach, but walking in them across the sand is a joke. Every time I take a step sand goes flying onto my leg. I usually get so frustrated, I take them off and then try to run as fast as I can across the hot sand. Of course that doesn't work either because DS is yelling behind me to come back and help him!

Who knew flip flops could create so much stress in my life

 

[pajules]

It's amazing how a trip to disney can create a common bond. Thursday and Friday I was freelancing at my old station. I will be working two days a week producing their 5pm newscast through the end of April.

Many were very surprised and happy to see me and of course it was hard to stay on track writing with so many people to say "hi" to. Everyone wanted to know why i was back, and when I mentioned it was to pay for our trip to Disney World, everyone had a Disney story to share.

One of my co-workers Alex is a huge Disney fan, but I didn't know until this week. As soon as I told her we were going next month, she got all excited. She and her family go every year and of course she wanted to make sure I knew all the secrets and unique things to see and do. It was very cute and makes going to work easier knowing their are people there who I can share my trip planning information with. It's especially cool, when I can surprise them with things I've learned here on the DIS.

One of my other co-workers, Nellie is a huge Disney fan. She and I have been friends for 10 years and I've always ribbed her about her Disney "obsession." She's got a mickey kitchen, mickey bathroom, and a teeny tiny mickey tattoo. And now, thanks to me, she's got her own HDMH luggage tag. I know it's not much, but she was genuinly touched when I gave it to her on Friday. She had never seen them before and I was proud to say I learned it here.

 

[Native NYer]

Love your ptr!!! So sorry you had such a rough year.
And I think I have a houseboy for your DGM

 

[spokanemom]

I am enjoying your PTR. Thanks for taking the time to write one. I love that everyone is so willing to open themselves up and write about their planning. I probably should. Instead I drive everyone NUTS telling them about my planning. They are just not *real* Disney people I guess...

Have a great time planning!

 

[pajules]

I am enjoying your PTR. Thanks for taking the time to write one. I love that everyone is so willing to open themselves up and write about their planning. I probably should. Instead I drive everyone NUTS telling them about my planning. They are just not *real* Disney people I guess...

Have a great time planning!

thanks again for all of the tips you sent me! I am also the proud owner of the UG. I thought about buying the Passporter too when I was at the book store, but since we're not on DDP and are staying offsite, I don't have too many ADRs to remember. But I must say it looked very cool and I was extremely tempted.

Here's my advice for you. Until you feel like writing your own PTR, feel free to add comments to mine. I found that I soon as I started reading and writing comments on others I had so much to say that I started my own PTR.

 

[pajules]

Love your ptr!!! So sorry you had such a rough year.

Thanks for reading and welcome aboard!

Thank you for the kind thoughts. Saturday was Dad's birthday, which was a little hard. In the morning, my Mom (DGM on here) and I went up to the cemetery to put flowers on his grave. We shared some tears and hugs. I miss my Dad a lot, but time does help heal. I'm just lucky I was always so close with my parents that I have so many wonderful memories to remember him by.

And I think I have a houseboy for your DGM

DGGM will be happy to hear that! Maybe I'll start taking applications. Start my own Match.com for the over 90 set.

 

[pajules]

Happy Monday! Though if you live near me it's cold and rainly...typical March.

But at least this brightened my day...I took another step towards our vacation. Today, I ordered my park tickets. I decided to go with Undercover Tourist. Using the link on the Mousesavers newsletter, I saved $32 off our 6 day park hopper passes vs. the WD website.

That's for 1 adult and 1 child. It's not a huge savings, but I figure that $32 dollars can go towards something else, like lunch and snacks in the park one day....

My confirmation says they should arrive in 12 business days or less. That puts our deadline at April 16th, but let's hope they come before that.

By the way, I feel like I ordered my customized maps from Disney weeks ago and still haven't gotten them yet. Does anyone know how long it usually takes?

 

[chcmama]

Woo Hoo, it is fun to get the tickets bought, it makes it seem more real. I think I got mine faster than they said. I hope they come quickly.

 

[askelton]

I know you said you don't like flip flops, but my Athens Crocs are all I wear at Disney. Sometimes I use Body Glide on the bottom of my feet, but those shoes rock!

My grandmother, 95, is coming to visit Wednesday and wants to go to Epcot to see the flower & garden festival. We get her a wheelchair for the day, but she has a blast. Your DM and DGGM might consider going while you're here.

 

[Maddie2]

Hello! I'm IN for reading your Pre-Trippie too!

I can COMPLETELY understand the work frustration! Both DH and I used to work in TV. Me-8 years and DH - 9.5 yrs. I started in News, moved to Promotions and spent most of my years in Sales. DH was in Promo the entire time. It was a tough decision to leave, but it was the best decision we ever made. We moved away and he now does in-house stuff for a utility company and I am a SAHM. He still has OT at times, but I sure don't miss sweeps or political season! We still have quite a few friends in the business all over; mostly in news.

Good luck keeping the secret! We went last spring and kept the secret until 2.5 weeks before the trip -- we told our boys on April Fool's Day. It was SO fun! This worked for us as they both needed the time to do make-up homework prior to departing. That, and, I couldn't stand it anymore. I NEEDED to tell them.

I don't know anything about the CG, but we did go to Sci-Fi and really enjoyed it. It wasn't on the menu, but we were able to order cheeseburgers, onion rings and chocolate malts. Simple food and it seemed appropriate for being at a drive-in movie. The onion rings were HUGE and so, so yummy!

At MK, I would suggest the hotdogs and fries at Casey's Corner. It is on Main Street -- at the end closest to the castle. Simple fare for probably the best price in the park. We picked up the food and made a little picnic of it closer to the castle.

It sounds like you have a WONDERFUL family! Reminds me of when I was growing up and spending time with DGM and DGGM. We had a history of strong women too -- which is SO empowering and rejuvenating! Good for you!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[pajules]

I can COMPLETELY understand the work frustration! Both DH and I used to work in TV. Me-8 years and DH - 9.5 yrs. I started in News, moved to Promotions and spent most of my years in Sales. DH was in Promo the entire time. It was a tough decision to leave, but it was the best decision we ever made.

Yea, another reader Thanks for stopping by. Now I have someone to share my 2 days a week of newsroom antics with. The tv business is such a small world, I'm sure if we played 6-degrees of seperation we'd find someone who knew someone. I just hope DS doesn't want to go into the business when he gets older. His Dad is a photog in Philly and I hope it's not in his blood. The newsroom is almost like a second home to him. Whenever we had a huge snowstorm and everything else shut down, he came to work with me so everyone knows him. When I was the Assistant News Director (which is the job I had when I left) he always wanted to go in and visit "the workers." Yes, that's what he called the staff, not sure they liked it very much, but I kinda thought it was funny.

Yes, I am so glad, no sweeps, no elections, and to top it off, I can take vacation whenever I want! I never thought I would say this, but I've actually enjoyed producing 2 days a week. It's been fun and the extra cash is paying for the trip.

thanks for the food tips, I have a post coming up today about our dining endevours and will need advice.

 

[pajules]

So, I finally did it, I called to make my ADR's. Yes, I know there were only 2 to make, but making that call was hard. For some reason, I was very nervous. Anyway, since it was an ugly day here yesterday after I got home from the gym I decided I would get some Disney work done. First I ordered the park tickets and then it was on to dining, which usually is the most important part of a trip for me. But, since there were so few decisions to make right now, it's kinda been on the back burner.

Yes, I know you all have told me to cal ASAP and since I didn't listen, it bit me in the butt....just a little.

First things first, I had to find the Disney Dining phone number, after heading over to the WDW website and some quick clicks we were set, grabbed the cell phone and started dialing. I was surprised how quick it got answered, but then I had to go through all the prompts so Disney could "get the goods on me." "Have you been to WDW in the last year?", "Are you staying in a WDW Resort", "Do you promise to spend your life savings at WDW" okay that wasn't a question, but they might has well asked it.

Anyway, after a couple of questions, Roland in DD answered the phone. He was very polite and took my first ADR. Sci-Fi for lunch on Tuesday May 6th. After doing some checking he found a 12:10pm, perfect, mark me down. With Confirmation number in hand, It was on to ask about California Grill. I knew I had probably waited too long, but figured it doesn't hurt to ask...So when I asked if there was anything available in the evening Wednesday, May 7th for CG, the earliest he could find was 9:30pm. Too late for me. There's no way DS and DGGM would be able to wait that late for dinner.

So, now I'm up for suggestions on other places for a dinner for the family, Me, DS, DGM, and DGGM. I was talking with my Mom (DGM) last night and said maybe our best bet would be to do a buffet style. That way, even if it was a little later than we'd like, we at least could get our food right away. I suggested Ohana, Boma, and Cape May Cafe.

So what do you think? Remember this is a dinner that must span an 80 year age gap from DS to DGGM and cannot be in the parks. You have been given your mission, go forth and destroy!

 

[PrincessV]

"Do you promise to spend your life savings at WDW" okay that wasn't a question, but they might has well asked it.

SO true, so true!

Sci-Fi for lunch on Tuesday May 6th. After doing some checking he found a 12:10pm, perfect, mark me down.

Woo hoo!

With Confirmation number in hand, It was on to ask about California Grill. I knew I had probably waited too long, but figured it doesn't hurt to ask...So when I asked if there was anything available in the evening Wednesday, May 7th for CG, the earliest he could find was 9:30pm.

Darn.

Okay, I have some suggestions that may still have availability...

Staying near the MK so you can catch Wishes, I really like both Concourse Steakhouse at teh CR (which will be closing, but I'm pretty sure will still be open in May) and Kona Cafe at the Poly. I haven't eaten there myslef, but Grand Floridian Cafe mihgt be a good option, too.

If you're willing to leave the MK area, Flying Fish is tied with the CG as my favorite WDW restaurant. Equally pricey, but also equally delicious.

 

[pajules]

Staying near the MK so you can catch Wishes, I really like both Concourse Steakhouse at teh CR (which will be closing, but I'm pretty sure will still be open in May) and Kona Cafe at the Poly. I haven't eaten there myslef, but Grand Floridian Cafe mihgt be a good option, too.

If you're willing to leave the MK area, Flying Fish is tied with the CG as my favorite WDW restaurant. Equally pricey, but also equally delicious.

We single Mom's must think alike because I was also thinking about Grand Floridian Cafe as an option.

After getting the thumbs down from CG yesterday, I went to check out the menu page on allears.net. and started researching some of the other restaurants in the MK area. I think we would all like Flying Fish so that will be added to our short list. I need to go check out Kona's menu now, I think I remember reading somewhere, maybe on another PTR that they had really good chicken wings...we'll just have to find out.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

By the way, I feel like I ordered my customized maps from Disney weeks ago and still haven't gotten them yet. Does anyone know how long it usually takes?

I think mine took a month. I'm not sure. I just know that when I finally did get them I was like, "Oh! That's RIGHT! I ordered these!"

"Have you been to WDW in the last year?"

"Are you staying in a WDW Resort?"

"Do you promise to spend your life savings at WDW?"

Will that be personal check or direct deposit?

Only a month to go!!!

 

[Maddie2]

Yea, another reader Thanks for stopping by. Now I have someone to share my 2 days a week of newsroom antics with. The tv business is such a small world, I'm sure if we played 6-degrees of seperation we'd find someone who knew someone. I just hope DS doesn't want to go into the business when he gets older.

No doubt we would find ppl we know in common! I hear you on the concern of our kids going into the business. DS14 is already showing signs of it ... and as much as I want to wholeheartedly support his choices, this route is not one I can see being all that good for him ... for many reasons. I know I need not go any further; you know exactly what I mean.

Thoughts on restaurants in the MK area ....

Chef Mickey at the Contemporary. PROS: BUFFET; kid friendly choices. Convenient with a quick monorail over there -- would DGM & DGGM enjoy taking the monorail? CONS: Character Meal -- no Milk Duds, but the Mickey crew. I'm sure you could wave them by and they wouldn't stop at your table, but even 5 feet away might be too close?

'Ohana - Pros: We LOVE visiting the Poly (would love to stay there too; but we are a Pop Century-budget kind of family). Great location to view fireworks from (ask for a table near the windows)... or go out on the beach and watch from a chair or hammock. Fun little Hawaiian-themed show ... if DGM and DGGM liked Don Ho or "Tiny Bubbles", they would get a kick out of it. Cons: (for us anyway) ... meal is very meat-centered. We like "some" meat, but this was a bit much.

Perhaps these are maybe suggestions that you "don't" try.

 

[pajules]

Perhaps these are maybe suggestions that you "don't" try.

yes, until we get this whole, "I'm scared of characters" thing worked out, my choices are limited. I think we're going to try Kona for our Wednesday Night menu. That way we're still in the MK area and can see Wishes from the beach. I still have to call to make my adr. I'm working today and tomorrow at the station, so it may have to wait until the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that we can get a table!

 

[pajules]

Great news to share......I got my tickets, I got my tickets!


Undercover Tourist comes through with not only the great dicount and no cost for shipping, but I got my tickets 3 days after I ordered them!

I have to say, that is great customer service!

If you're looking for park tickets, I would highly reccommend them!

Oh, and did I mention, I have less than a month until our trip and I haven't spilled the beans on the surpise....way to go me! Trust me if you knew how hard it was not to say anything to DS about this trip.....