Will TarzansKat meet Captain Jack? ~A Pirate's Life for 3 Pre-Trippie~ We're back!

[TarzansKat]

TK,

I just read your entire pre-trip report in one day... I am kind of obsessive compulsive like that...

Happy to jump in when I did and can't wait to read more!

Wow!

I admire your courage and fortitude!

And

Happy to have you aboard!

 

[TarzansKat]

So it occurred to me...in all of my non-planning...that without the park hopper option, we also required something else.

A little song, a little dance, Batman's...nope, sorry, not that...

Riddle me this, riddle me that...who's even need of a great big map?



If you can't laugh at your own jokes, eh?

I like to work on my vacation planning on the weekends. Not much going on on Sundays, and we're all sort of winding down from the wedding we attended last night. Right now the menfolk are sleeping which is means it's time for me to have a little Disney fun.

However, before DH went off to take a nap (we've all taken naps today as they were sorely needed) he and I had a little trip discussion. A melding of the minds, if you will.

I think one of the reasons that our trips have been stressful in the past is that although there have been oodles of dining plans with the family, and oh, we must eat here at said time, there hasn't been a lot of, which rides/attractions are you priority? What do you expect to see/do?

I will totally be implementing this strategy for the as yet unspeakable family birthday trip next year.

And, I'm implementing it this year. DH and I sat down, and I had the Disney World website on and logged in to My Disney Vacation. For those of you who haven't tried it yet, it can be a wonderful tool. There are different portions of the website where you can select your park favorites, build customized maps, and create your own itineraries.

But my favorite feature today was...the favorites.

DH and I discussed our list of things we'd like to see. Will we see them all? Maybe. Will we be upset if we don't? Nah. Will we add on the park hopper option down there? Ah, only time will tell my friends...only time will tell.

After discussing our "must-sort-of-would-like-to-do's" I customized some park maps. Oddly, the maps didn't print everything on our list. So then I had to go in and handwrite some things. Ah well...maybe there's a limit to the amount of favorites you can put on a map.

Hence the chapter title. We are certainly off the edge of the map, mate.

But, it is a pirate's life for three.

And I know you're all dying to see pictures of my handiwork, so here they are:

After our discussion, it occured to me that I'm not exactly sure what the height requirements are for certain rides...so did a little search and found them.

And for those of you who can't read that tiny printing, here are my lists.

Yes, LL, there are lists.

And keeping in mind that if you see any type of thrill ride on this list, it's most likely something DH will be doing alone.

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland Transity Authority
TL Indy Speedway (DS can ride with an adult, we'll see if he wants to)
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
The Launching Pad - Slushy Coke for DH
Space Mountain Arcade

Toontown Fare - Multiple Character Spots Here
Mickey's House & Minnie's House
Goofy's Barnstomer (height requirement 35")

Dumbo the Flying Elephant
It's a Small World
Mickey's Philharmagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Snow White's Scary Adventures
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Story Time with Belle

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean (did I really have to even list this? )
Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial (please let there be a meet n greet, please let there be a meet n greet, please let there be a....oh, hi, guys!)
Aloha Isle - Dole Whip
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain (height requirement 40" - I'm going to try to find some footage of this on YouTube...I know DS would love the ride, but the drop I think would scare the you know what out of him)

The Haunted Mansion
Walt Disney World Railroad
Wishes
SpectroMagic Parade
Casey's Corner - Hot Dogs
Crystal Palace
Shopping on Main Street
Main Street - Find some hidden things in the alleys, like the piano lesson and the phone​

Epcot

Pavilions - China, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Norway, Morocco, UK
Mexico - Margarita (It must be five o'clock somewhere. Note to self - Toast CP and her beautiful little boy on the 19th)
Dragon Legend Acrobats
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Kidcot Fun Stops
Illuminations

Coral Reef
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Spaceship Earth
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Soarin' (height requirement - 40", DH would really like to do this all three of us...I am afraid of heights...not sure how DS would react, although if we make it fun, I think he'd be okay, this might be the one ride I give on...better Soarin' than Splash Mountain!)
The Character Connection
​

Disney's :::sigh::: Hollywood Studios

Al's Toy Barn
Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage
The Brown Derby
Lights, Motors, Action (I'm afraid this may be too loud for DS, but he does like cars...if not there's always next year)
Mickey Avenue Character Greetings
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage
The American Film Institue Showcase
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Block Party Bash (it's on here but we're not planning on it...if we run into it great, if not, no loss)
Rock N Roller Coaster (you know who this is for, right?)
Pizza Planet Arcade (have to win that traditional plush for DS)
Villain Candy Shop​

The Animal Kingdom

Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails
Discovery Island Trails
Finding Nemo - The Musical
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pagani Forest Exploration Trail
The Boneyard
The Tree of Life
Wildlife Express Train
Expedition Everest (three guesses?)
Festival of the Lion King
Kali River Rapids (height requirement - 38", alright DS loves loves loves to swim...but getting totally soaked on a ride...not so sure...)
TriceraTop Spin (I said to DH, isn't this just like Dumbo? Yes, but DS loves it. So on the list it goes.)​

So those are my lists and my maps. I don't have one for MNSSHP because plans for that are simple...ride some rides...see some characters, trick or treat, watch the parade, watch the fireworks...I think it's so basic, I don't need to write it down. And I'm much mucho flexible on that night anyway.

So at least we have an idea of what our expectations are. Will we do everything? I doubt it. But at least we know what's not important to us, and have some kind of a pla...ahem...a non-itinerary itinerary....ahem...

 

[Lady Lallie]

So it occurred to me...in all of my non-planning...that without the park hopper option, we also required something else.

A little song, a little dance, Batman's...nope, sorry, not that...

Riddle me this, riddle me that...who's even need of a great big map?



If you can't laugh at your own jokes, eh?

I like to work on my vacation planning on the weekends. Not much going on on Sundays, and we're all sort of winding down from the wedding we attended last night. Right now the menfolk are sleeping which is means it's time for me to have a little Disney fun.

However, before DH went off to take a nap (we've all taken naps today as they were sorely needed) he and I had a little trip discussion. A melding of the minds, if you will.

I think one of the reasons that our trips have been stressful in the past is that although there have been oodles of dining plans with the family, and oh, we must eat here at said time, there hasn't been a lot of, which rides/attractions are you priority? What do you expect to see/do?

I will totally be implementing this strategy for the as yet unspeakable family birthday trip next year.

And, I'm implementing it this year. DH and I sat down, and I had the Disney World website on and logged in to My Disney Vacation. For those of you who haven't tried it yet, it can be a wonderful tool. There are different portions of the website where you can select your park favorites, build customized maps, and create your own itineraries.

But my favorite feature today was...the favorites.

DH and I discussed our list of things we'd like to see. Will we see them all? Maybe. Will we be upset if we don't? Nah. Will we add on the park hopper option down there? Ah, only time will tell my friends...only time will tell.

After discussing our "must-sort-of-would-like-to-do's" I customized some park maps. Oddly, the maps didn't print everything on our list. So then I had to go in and handwrite some things. Ah well...maybe there's a limit to the amount of favorites you can put on a map.

Hence the chapter title. We are certainly off the edge of the map, mate.

But, it is a pirate's life for three.

And I know you're all dying to see pictures of my handiwork, so here they are:

What beautiful maps. I have been planning to do this when we get a bit closer or when I change my printer ink. Whichever happens first.

After our discussion, it occured to me that I'm not exactly sure what the height requirements are for certain rides...so did a little search and found them.

And for those of you who can't read that tiny printing, here are my lists.

Yes, LL, there are lists.

And keeping in mind that if you see any type of thrill ride on this list, it's most likely something DH will be doing alone.

Sweet, sweet lists. I think we are living the same life, I don't like thrill rides either.

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland Transity Authority
TL Indy Speedway (DS can ride with an adult, we'll see if he wants to)
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
The Launching Pad - Slushy Coke for DH
Space Mountain Arcade

Toontown Fare - Multiple Character Spots Here
Mickey's House & Minnie's House
Goofy's Barnstomer (height requirement 35")

Dumbo the Flying Elephant
It's a Small World
Mickey's Philharmagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Snow White's Scary Adventures
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Story Time with Belle

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean (did I really have to even list this? )
Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial (please let there be a meet n greet, please let there be a meet n greet, please let there be a....oh, hi, guys!)
Aloha Isle - Dole Whip
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain (height requirement 40" - I'm going to try to find some footage of this on YouTube...I know DS would love the ride, but the drop I think would scare the you know what out of him)

The Haunted Mansion
Walt Disney World Railroad
Wishes
SpectroMagic Parade
Casey's Corner - Hot Dogs
Crystal Palace
Shopping on Main Street
Main Street - Find some hidden things in the alleys, like the piano lesson and the phone​

Check for the slushie coke! Also, don't forget the footprints from Lady & the Tramp by Tony's. Has DS discoverd that movie yet? I really want to go to Storytime with Belle too!

Epcot

Pavilions - China, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Norway, Morocco, UK
Mexico - Margarita (It must be five o'clock somewhere. Note to self - Toast CP and her beautiful little boy on the 19th)
Dragon Legend Acrobats
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Kidcot Fun Stops
Illuminations

Coral Reef
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Spaceship Earth
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Soarin' (height requirement - 40", DH would really like to do this all three of us...I am afraid of heights...not sure how DS would react, although if we make it fun, I think he'd be okay, this might be the one ride I give on...better Soarin' than Splash Mountain!)
The Character Connection
​

I am not crazy about heights either but have been looking forward to at least trying Soarin. Have you ever done it?

Disney's :::sigh::: Hollywood Studios

Al's Toy Barn
Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage
The Brown Derby
Lights, Motors, Action (I'm afraid this may be too loud for DS, but he does like cars...if not there's always next year)
Mickey Avenue Character Greetings
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage
The American Film Institue Showcase
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Block Party Bash (it's on here but we're not planning on it...if we run into it great, if not, no loss)
Rock N Roller Coaster (you know who this is for, right?)
Pizza Planet Arcade (have to win that traditional plush for DS)
Villain Candy Shop​

I love that tradition of the plush for DS. Too cute. I am so going to the Villain Candy Shop per your recommendations. I feel the same way about Block Party Bash.

The Animal Kingdom

Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails
Discovery Island Trails
Finding Nemo - The Musical
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pagani Forest Exploration Trail
The Boneyard
The Tree of Life
Wildlife Express Train
Expedition Everest (three guesses?)
Festival of the Lion King
Kali River Rapids (height requirement - 38", alright DS loves loves loves to swim...but getting totally soaked on a ride...not so sure...)
TriceraTop Spin (I said to DH, isn't this just like Dumbo? Yes, but DS loves it. So on the list it goes.)​

Hehehe. But it's a flying dinosaur!

So those are my lists and my maps. I don't have one for MNSSHP because plans for that are simple...ride some rides...see some characters, trick or treat, watch the parade, watch the fireworks...I think it's so basic, I don't need to write it down. And I'm much mucho flexible on that night anyway.

So at least we have an idea of what our expectations are. Will we do everything? I doubt it. But at least we know what's not important to us, and have some kind of a pla...ahem...a non-itinerary itinerary....ahem...

I am very proud of your lists. *wipes tear out of eye* I feel much better about your non-itinerary itinerary with some sort of, dare I say it...structure.

 

[willwriteforears]

I do encourage you to give Soarin' a shot! Honestly, you aren't lifted all that high in the air--top level may be one story at the max. And the seats are really like a long bench, so I don't think there are "security" issues with feeling like you might fall.

If you're really concerned, though, you could request to be on the bottom row. There will be feet in your vantage point (hopefully they will have been wise and not taken off their shoes, or at least not have stinky feet like yours truly if they do ), and you'll see black at the bottom of the screen--though that might help you remember that you're not really high in the air above California.

 

[Native NYer]

Everything looks great!!!

I love the personalized maps. And getting a list of the height requirements is a great idea.

I don't like heights and thrill rides don't thrill me, but I agree that you should try Soarin'. It is amazing!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Good lists! I am thrilled that Connor and I were mentioned!!!

As you know, I feel the same way about thrill rides, but I love Splash Mountain, love the idea of Everest, and Soarin' is just my favorite ride EVER at Epcot. I would request the back row if you decide you want to try it -- it may make you feel better.

 

[TarzansKat]

Sweet, sweet lists.

Check for the slushie coke! Also, don't forget the footprints from Lady & the Tramp by Tony's. Has DS discoverd that movie yet? I really want to go to Storytime with Belle too!

DS loves Lady and the Tramp. And the second one with Scamp in it. I forgot about the footprints, but that should be an easy find as we're walking in.

I am not crazy about heights either but have been looking forward to at least trying Soarin. Have you ever done it?

I have never been on it. I think actually everyone in my family but me has gone on it. Well, me and the little nut. I'm still debating whether or not he's old enough to be okay with it.

Hehehe. But it's a flying dinosaur!

Well, when you put it that way.

I am very proud of your lists. *wipes tear out of eye* I feel much better about your non-itinerary itinerary with some sort of, dare I say it...structure.

That's not structure, mate! No, no, no!

It's a vaguish conceptualization of an idea of some of the attractions/events/food items we may or may not choose to partake in during our vacation stay...yeah, that's it.

I do encourage you to give Soarin' a shot! Honestly, you aren't lifted all that high in the air--top level may be one story at the max. And the seats are really like a long bench, so I don't think there are "security" issues with feeling like you might fall.

If you're really concerned, though, you could request to be on the bottom row. There will be feet in your vantage point (hopefully they will have been wise and not taken off their shoes, or at least not have stinky feet like yours truly if they do ), and you'll see black at the bottom of the screen--though that might help you remember that you're not really high in the air above California.

This is actually what DH recommended. Requesting the bottom row, which he estimated was only 2-3 feet off the ground, and he thought would make me feel better.

Everything looks great!!!

I love the personalized maps. And getting a list of the height requirements is a great idea.

It's really easy to find online, pm me if you need it for T.

I don't like heights and thrill rides don't thrill me, but I agree that you should try Soarin'. It is amazing!

Alright, you're slowly bringing me around here...however, I reserve the right to change my mind at any given time.

Good lists! I am thrilled that Connor and I were mentioned!!!

As you know, I feel the same way about thrill rides, but I love Splash Mountain, love the idea of Everest, and Soarin' is just my favorite ride EVER at Epcot. I would request the back row if you decide you want to try it -- it may make you feel better.

CP, how old were your kids when they started going on Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids?

 

[MRYPPNS]

In regards to Soarin'. I don't have a fear of heights.....I have a fear of falling. Just as long as I feel safe I have no problems with heights. Soarin' has a really good seatbeat system. Once you are gently lifted off the floor, the screen shows clouds...once the clouds are gone (probably 10 seconds) you kind of forget you are in the air. The movements are more like a swaying then anything else. I hope you try it because it's a beautiful ride.

 

[TarzansKat]

In regards to Soarin'. I don't have a fear of heights.....I have a fear of falling. Just as long as I feel safe I have no problems with heights. Soarin' has a really good seatbeat system. Once you are gently lifted off the floor, the screen shows clouds...once the clouds are gone (probably 10 seconds) you kind of forget you are in the air. The movements are more like a swaying then anything else. I hope you try it because it's a beautiful ride.

Thanks for that description.

It really helps to hear about it from the perspective of someone else who could be a little wary as well.

For me, personally, I hate heights, and I'm claustrophobic. Which resulted in a HUGE fear of flying as a kid. Now that I'm older, I am able to "talk myself out of it" and maintain a sense of peace and calm. I also remain calm and we make it a big adventure for DS, who is not afraid and thinks that plane rides are fun. I don't want to pass on my fears to him, know what I mean?

It also sounds like such a pretty ride, and a nice experience. It's not like Expedition Everest which would scare the beejezus out of me!

 

[Charleston Princess]

CP, how old were your kids when they started going on Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids?

As soon as they were tall enough -- those are two rides that they both adore -- any excuse to get wet, I think, is their reasoning!

 

[MRYPPNS]

You won't feel boxed in on Soarin' so that would help.

 

[TarzansKat]

As soon as they were tall enough -- those are two rides that they both adore -- any excuse to get wet, I think, is their reasoning!

DS does LOVE going in the pool. I think he might be okay on the Rapids as long as he didn't get a gush of water in his eyes, kwim?

Splash concerns me because it's a huge drop. But you can see it from outside, so we can always say, do you want to go on that and explain what it is, kwim?

You won't feel boxed in on Soarin' so that would help.

That is true. I could never, ever go on Mission Space.

 

[Lady Lallie]

DS loves Lady and the Tramp. And the second one with Scamp in it. I forgot about the footprints, but that should be an easy find as we're walking in.

That's not structure, mate! No, no, no!

It's a vaguish conceptualization of an idea of some of the attractions/events/food items we may or may not choose to partake in during our vacation stay...yeah, that's it.

Keep telling yourself that.

That is true. I could never, ever go on Mission Space.

No. No. No. No. Me either. Blech. I am stressed out about Everest and ToT. DH really wants me to go on ToT but I am DEATHLY afraid of plunging to my death.

 

[TarzansKat]

Keep telling yourself that.

Whatever illusions I can maintain about repressing my OCD tendencies makes for a happier trip, savvy?

No. No. No. No. Me either. Blech. I am stressed out about Everest and ToT. DH really wants me to go on ToT but I am DEATHLY afraid of plunging to my death.

I have been on Tower of Terror three times. I actually liked it. However, this was when it was brand new. By the time I got there with DH (then DF) I refused to go on with him, so my mom had to. This was because they had recently started implementing the multiple drops concept. Initially it was one-two fake outs and then the drop, which was doable for my stomach. Any more up down and you'd be seeing my junky apple in a not so pleasant state...

 

[Lady Lallie]

Whatever illusions I can maintain about repressing my OCD tendencies makes for a happier trip, savvy?

We all need those illusions and the right to change our minds.

I have been on Tower of Terror three times. I actually liked it. However, this was when it was brand new. By the time I got there with DH (then DF) I refused to go on with him, so my mom had to. This was because they had recently started implementing the multiple drops concept. Initially it was one-two fake outs and then the drop, which was doable for my stomach. Any more up down and you'd be seeing my junky apple in a not so pleasant state...

Yeah...doesn't sound like fun to me. There is a chicken exit though right? I dunno. I have yet to discuss the great Space Mountain Meltdown of 1995 on the DIS.

 

[TarzansKat]

We all need those illusions and the right to change our minds.

D--- skippy!

Yeah...doesn't sound like fun to me. There is a chicken exit though right? I dunno. I have yet to discuss the great Space Mountain Meltdown of 1995 on the DIS.

Huh...have you ever read my Space Mountain debacle I posted on CP's thread?

 

[willwriteforears]

Splash concerns me because it's a huge drop. But you can see it from outside, so we can always say, do you want to go on that and explain what it is, kwim?

Ooh, I would also be sure to explain that you don't go under the water. For some reason when I was younger, I thought you did (maybe because of the brier patch?) and while I went on it anyway, I remember scaring myself needlessly and trying to hold my breath.

I seem to recall other people saying their children had a similar misconception.

 

[TarzansKat]

I blame it on the genetic link.

The power of the dark side.

Because not only do we have cookies, we have shoes.

And you all know how my pirate-lovin', tiara-wearin' sis loves her some shoes. And it's rubbing off I tell you.

That and all the bag talk on everyone's pre-trip reports! The search for the perfect bag and shoe is enough to drive any compulsive internet shopper mad, mad I tell you, MAD!

By the by, I already have the perfect Disney bag. And it's called a backpack I got for free when I opened a checking account at my bank. And why is the backpack the perfect Disney bag? Well, I happily tell you, folks. It's the perfect bag because DH carries it! Oh yeah, baby! As long as I got the man something masculine...read black and silver...and it's a backpack, he'll carry it.

Hee hee. Ah, I love a bargain. And things I don't have to carry.

But don't cry for DH, my friends. NoEvaPeron. He only has to wear it if it's not in the bottom of the stroller, so it's not so bad.

Back to Shoe-Per girl and the genetic link.

I wasn't going to buy any more shoes. I was so done. So over it. They were yesterday.

But I blame it all on this thread. Oh, that pesky budget board.

Gets me every time.

So there they are. In the color, Petite Pesto. I mean, how cute is that? Used to be that everything I bought was blue, blue was my favorite color, but lately I've gravitated towards green, different shades, etc. Green...it's the new blue.

So they're Tevas and supposedly comfortable, mold to your foot, dry quickly, don't slip off like traditional flip flops, yadda yadda.

I like them for two, well, three reasons.

1. They were inexpensive. As in $14 covered cost and shipping.

2. They're green. And cute. And look like me. If I were a shoe. Which I'm not...but you get it.

3. It's some new footwear for Disney!

Now, I plan on rotating my footwear anyway, but I noticed the other day that my beloved Adidas flips are getting a bit worn, and although I think they'll do, they won't make it on the comfort level for the whole trip.

So those are my new shoe purchase. I bought a size up for comfort, and I'm that they fit and are remotely comfortable. And I don't even have to feel guilty, my good friends. Because they fit into the budget.

As of yet, I haven't hit the budget for our month, and there's only a week and a half to go. If there was a running man smiley, it'd be right here.

Who's happier than TK?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Huh...have you ever read my Space Mountain debacle I posted on CP's thread?

I don't remember if I have or not. If I did, I don't remember.

 

[TarzansKat]

Ooh, I would also be sure to explain that you don't go under the water. For some reason when I was younger, I thought you did (maybe because of the brier patch?) and while I went on it anyway, I remember scaring myself needlessly and trying to hold my breath.

I seem to recall other people saying their children had a similar misconception.

Good point, thanks. I would never think of that, so we'll be sure to explain away!

I don't remember if I have or not. If I did, I don't remember.

I'll see if I can find it and post it over here. It's more funny than scary.