Who Says You Can't Party for New Years in WDW *12/28 Update

[IheartDDuck]

So I am officially starting my next Pre-Trip report. I didn't think that I would be starting a PTR this soon after my last trip, but I love the spontaneity of it! I just got back to from the World in October and decided that I wanted to take a trip over New Years. I didn't have my mind set on the World, I just wanted to be able to go somewhere. Well, I checked many places, and wooooeeee, were the flights expensive!

So for giggles, I checked flights out of Milwaukee or Chicago to Orlando. Lo and behold, I found a very decent rate for a flight out of Milwaukee to Orlando on AirTran. But then the question was.....who would go with me? I asked my BFF Farrell, but knew that she most likely wouldn't go, because she is in the midst of planning her wedding. Plus, unfortunately, she doesn't get as much vacation time as I do. OK. Now who to ask? My bro Jason is a no, because it's hard for him to come up with enough money on short notice because he's a single parent.

So, I brought up the idea to my mom. In case you haven't read my trip report, this is how I feel about my mom. She and I take mom and daughter trips often. However, she told me she couldn't go this time, because she doesn't get her vacation time until February. Doh! OK, now I was seriously considering something that I never thought about until I was on the DIS boards. Do I want to take this trip by myself? There was a part of me that thought this would be a wonderful experience, and that it would be empowering for me. I'm not afraid of traveling alone, but I've always met up with people on the other side.

I mention this to my dad. And he says:

Dad: So how much is this flight?

Me: Pretty cheap...

Dad: And what days were you looking at?

Me: December 31st to January 6th.

Dad: Hmmmmm.....I do have an annual pass too.

Me: Do you want to come along? We've never done New Years at Disney before.

Dad: Hmmmmm

OK, whenever my Dad does this, this means that he's on board. So, he called the DVC and we crossed our fingers hoping that we could get something. Well, he called and they had.......NOTHING! Nothing at all at any of the DVC resorts. Not a studio, not a 1 bedroom, nada. Well, my dad is not quite as enterprising as I am (i.e. obsessive, ), so he gets off the phone with DVC and tells me that nothings available. I ask him if he asked about any of the moderate resorts. Then I get this . He didn't ask. So he calls back and asks if any of the moderate resorts are available. Well........they had Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter. I told him to book French Quarter. I like this resort better because of the size, and because they normally get picked up first and dropped off first at the bus stop.

So now, the reservation was made! I quickly hopped online after this, so I could make the reservation for the flights. That was done and we were off. I couldn't believe it! I don't normally take trips this quickly!

Up Next: Did I get any dining reservations?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sounds fun! We've gone a few times over New Year's and it can be kind of crazy but it's definitely worth it.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Sounds fun! We've gone a few times over New Year's and it can be kind of crazy but it's definitely worth it.

Welcome! Yeah, I'm expecting a little bit of the crazy, but I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I've done Vegas before for New Years, so I think I can handle a little crazy.

 

[IheartDDuck]

So, I completely forgot to give a little run down of the players. If you've happened to read my trip report (that I'm still working on), you can glance over this section.

Me: Danielle. I'm 28 and single from the greater Chicagoland area. I am a Disney freak, and have been since my first visit when I was four. This is normally where we take our trips. I work as an Accounting Supervisor for a catalog company, and I'm working on getting my Master's Degree in Accountancy. I'm also a big nerd. I love video games and I love to read. The reading thing is a little bit of an issue. It's always been one of my favorite things to do, and I need to be stopped because I buy too many books. Mind you, I buy them from a used book store, but still, wwwaaaayyyy too many! My favorite ride is the Haunted Mansion, and Donald is my favorite character. Could you tell?

Here is a pic of me and my mom.

Dad: Rick, or Rickey (that's his given name). He is 61 and Disney is his favorite travel destination. My Dad and I get along amazingly well and people always think that it's weird that we take father and daughter trips. I say to them that maybe it's weird that you don't have a good relationship with your father. I am very fortunate in that department. He loves to golf and was a cop for 25 years, so he's very protective. He says he doesn't have a favorite ride at Disney, that he loves everything. He also really doesn't have a favorite character, except he says that it's either Grumpy or Dopey, depending on his mood that day.

Here's Dad

We unfortunately are not taking my mom on this trip, but after reading JordanYosh's TR and Winkers TR, I'm really tempted to make a Flat Jackie.

The title of my PTR came from the fact that everyone I know outside of my immediate family does not understand how I can go to Disney World so much. Their reaction always is "don't you get bored of that place?" My answer to that is NEVER! I could never get bored of going. Plus, I think that the people who ask that question need to be more in touch with their inner child. In addition to that, people didn't think that you could have the appropriate kind of New Years fun in Disney World. Trust me people, I went to Las Vegas for New Years last year. I'm not sure I want more debauchery. Plus, it's not like there's not enough there that will be a blast....and there's a tequila bar. 'Nuff said.

After we got our hotel and flight situated, I had to make our dining ressies right away. I was hoping to get some of the ones that I wanted, but I am flexible. My Dad and I love food, so really, I'm happy eating just about anywhere. We will be doing the Basic Dining Plan again. So I got online, crossed my fingers and away I went. Here is what I got.

Arrival day, Thursday Dec. 31st -
Flight arrives at 9:30pm. We both have to work this day at 6am. I am really hoping that my excitement takes me through. The minimum that we want to do is see fireworks that night. We both figured if we could do that, we'll both be happy. If we are still pushing on later, then party on! My thought is that I'm going to find out if all of the parks are doing fireworks (I assume they are, except for Animal Kingdom, but if anyone knows exactly what they do, let me know!) and we'll pick on accordingly. I think we're going to do Hollywood Studios if possible, because they are open until 3am.

Day 2, Friday Jan. 1st-
My plan is to go to Magic Kingdom in the morning. However, this may change, because I know it's the 1st and everyone may indeed be in the Magic Kingdom. For the evening, we will be in Epcot, as they are open until 12am.
Lunch - Columbia Harbour House
Dinner - Rose & Crown at 5:05pm

Day 3, Saturday Jan. 2nd
Plan is Animal Kingdom in the AM and we will stick to this. I left the evening open for us. That way we can gauge the crowds appropriately.
Lunch - Tusker House at 12:30pm

Day 4, Sunday Jan. 3rd
Plan is Hollywood Studios for sure in the morning. Definitely going to make rope drop so we can hit up Toy Story Mania at least twice. Then we would like to go to Magic Kingdom for evening, since they are open until 1am.
Lunch - 50's Prime Time Cafe at 12:05pm
Dinner - Cosmic Rays

Day 5, Monday Jan. 4th
The only plan we have here is to definitely make it to Epcot in the morning. We know we won't make it for rope drop because of our breakfast ressie. Evening is open depending on what we get done at Epcot
Breakfast - Grand Floridian Cafe at 8:50am
Lunch - Tutto Italia at 2pm

Day 6, Tuesday Jan. 5th
We have no plan on this day except for our dinner reservation. Since our dinner reservation is at a resort, our thought is that we may just end up spending the little bit of money on a cab to get us there quicker, so we have more freedom during the day and in the evening. We will most likely do DTD on this day. I am a fan of DTD in the morning, because there are a lot less people there. So, potentially it's:
Lunch - Wolfgang Puck Express
Dinner - Jiko at 5:30pm

Departure day, Wednesday Jan. 6th
Our flight departs at 3:30pm on this day, so we do have some time in the morning to do things if we get up and out early enough. What I want to do is use this day to evaluate what we haven't been able to do, get up very early so we can get where we want to go and have enough time to be back at the hotel 3 hours before our plane departs.

This trip is exciting for me, because we have a lot of firsts planned. Our firsts are:
Disney on New Years Eve
Tusker House - only ate there when it was an awesome counter service
Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast
Tutto Italia
Jiko
Characters in Flight

Ha ha! Isn't it funny how most of my first have to do with food?!

 

[IheartDDuck]

So there have been a few changes on the horizon for me with this upcoming trip. First I can't believe it's only 14 days away! Woot woot! Everything has been so busy for me lately, that I've been neglecting my PTR. Well, I got a new camera. You'll notice if you read my TR that I mentioned wanting to get a new camera. I bought a Nikon P90 on black Friday. As a former retail employee (for 7 years), I always said that I would never ever go shopping on Black Friday.....I lost.

The camera I wanted was over $100 off on black Friday. How could I pass it up! So, I battened down the hatches, put on my battle gear, and clearly stated that if any crazies got in my way that I would go ballistic! Okay, a little dramatic, I know, but I relish my day after Thanksgiving time. I really do. I don't want to deal with people who have been up since 2am, shopping like crazies, with nothing else running through their blood stream except for Red Bull, Jolt, Mountain Dew, Starbucks, and whatever else they can consume for energy!

I have to say that after I hyped myself up for this, it wasn't too bad. Emphasis on the word TOO. There were lots of people. They were rude. But no one kicked or bit. So everything was copacetic. I bought my camera! Woo hoo! Now let's hope that this baby does what I need it to. I'm still going to bring my smaller camera along though, just in case.

I made a slight change to our plans too. Originally we were planning on taking the Magical Express. However, I found a good rate on a rental car, so instead we're going to rent a car for the whole time. That's fine by me because I like having the freedom of a car for going places like other resorts for dining, and for going to DTD. This makes me very happy!

On my list of things to do in the next two weeks:
Pack my bags (I'm an early packer, so I feel like I'm already slacking in this area!)
Go shopping at Target (helllloooooo travel aisle. I love the Target travel aisle and must take a visit every time I take a trip. I will take a picture just for Jordan to drool over!)
Get my hair did. Seriously need a color touch up here.
Get a mani/pedi.
Shop for more outfits (I'm one of those weirdos who likes to have some new things for my trip. Already got the underwear!)

Obviously, those were in no particular order. Let's just hope I can accomplish them before I feel like I've run out of time!

 

[jkCT]

I'm here, I'm reading, and I can't wait to hear more!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Woo hoo, so close!

 

[pixiedust9]

I don't think your crazy at all. I am taking my girls to disney for new years and my dad is coming with us too, my brother will be joining us a few days after we leave. I have told them both to expect there to be millions and millions of people and play to ride nothing...that way when we get there, maybe it won't be as bad....I can't wait to read more

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm here, I'm reading, and I can't wait to hear more!!

Welcome to my PTR!

Woo hoo, so close!

I know! I can't believe it!

I don't think your crazy at all. I am taking my girls to disney for new years and my dad is coming with us too, my brother will be joining us a few days after we leave. I have told them both to expect there to be millions and millions of people and play to ride nothing...that way when we get there, maybe it won't be as bad....I can't wait to read more

I am also keeping my expectations that way. I figure we won't be able to get on a whole lot of rides, but I just need to get away myself! Maybe it won't be as bad as we think.

Keep an eye out for us Just look for the older bald guy who acts like he's five years old and the person everyone thinks is his wife!

 

[IheartDDuck]

So in all my rambling off of all the things that I need to do before I leave, that I almost forgot one of the most important things that I need to accomplish....getting my eye exam! Don't want to be a blind person wandering around WDW!

Tomorrow is the day that I attempt to go shopping at one of the largest shopping malls in our area! I have to get my fix in of new outfits or at least tops to take on the trip. I think I may actually be losing my mind! I can't believe I'm going to shop the weekend before Christmas! Everyone pray for me that I at least come home with something.

 

[DVCWDWMEMBER]

Don't forget to make a Flat Jackie to take with you. I will then feel like I am there with you

 

[IheartDDuck]

Don't forget to make a Flat Jackie to take with you. I will then feel like I am there with you

I have to make Flat Jackie first! Thanks for reminding me!

 

[IheartDDuck]

So out of my list of things to do, I have accomplished most of them. I:

Went shopping and survived the mall the weekend before Christmas. I got a lot of good deals, and there will be pictures of my finds on the trip.

Packing - I'm almost done. Just the last minute essentials.

Mani/pedi - I'm so saddened by this, but I'm not going to have time. It's okay though, because I'm not sure it's going to be warm enough for flip flops anyway.

Hair - Got my hair did on Saturday. I'm good there.

Eyes - Just got my eyes examined today. Yup...I'm even more blind then I was before. Kind of sad. Also kind of sad how quickly they strip you of money when you get your eyes checked. $300 once everything was said and done! I swear, Lasik is sounding better and better.

The countdown is on now! I can't wait to get out of here! I am bursting at the seams! Only 2 more days!