Hello Everyone
I have been creeping and reading reports for about 2 years now and decided to take part in the fun. This is my first one so please be gentle
I was introduced to this wonderful forum by my office neighbour @mlegerto who literally sits an office away from me in the same hallway. Let’s just say we drive everyone in the hallway crazy once the Disney talk begins.
A little bit about myself. Working mom of two wonderful daughters; Miss N who is turning 16 and Miss K who turned 9 in the summer. Been married to hubby dearest for 19 years and is a very laid back fellow who allows me to make all the travel arrangements since I have been in the travel industry for a little over 20 years which he seems to regret each time he receives the credit card bill
Love travelling. My favourite (Canadian spelling) city is NYC and I MUST go at least once a year. Just returned a week ago and already planning another trip down in December with my girls
My first Disney experience (besides having my first Disney doll and watching my first Disney movie) was in 1992 when I took my first trip to Disneyland with my parents and siblings (pre-married). We stayed at a local hotel close by and a little bit of an amateur then, wearing a dress and heels at a Disney Park .
My second Disney experience was in 2007 for my firstborn’s Miss N, 5th birthday. I was a travel agent then and managed to get a great deal at Grand Floridian. Don't remember much about the trip itself but remember the weather being so comfortable
We threw in two Disney Cruises between 2007 - 2016 1. 4 days cruise 2. 7 days with a group of friends
Our most recent trip was in 2016 where we took our second born, Miss K to Disney for the 1st time and stayed at Poly. That was a fun trip.
Daddy and teen went on a horseback ride while Miss K and myself had tea with Princess Aurora. Did a lot of character dining, including Cinderella's Royal Table along with lots and lots of Dole Whip!
When booking and planning for the 2016 trip, Miss N was fussing about how she is going to be bored since she was older and doesn't care much about princesses yada yada yada – typical teenager rants!
Well Miss N's 16th birthday is coming up in Nov and we offered her a big party with friends – Nope! Jamaica? – Nope! Hawaii? – Nope!
"Well what do you want?" "Can we go to Disney?" "Why, of course dear" and the planning began
A little background of the title:
Since our last name is Arora (pronounced Aurora like the Princess) Miss K made a point to mention that since Miss N is turning 16 and will be at WDW. She must stay away from sharp objects or she will end up sleeping for eternity. Miss N of course being a teen and can actually sleep in till 2pm if no one bothers her, responded back with “No Issues Here"
Well not on this trip, Princess !!!
As Canadians, we were fortunate to receive a discount last year and without having any future plans at that time, I still went ahead and purchased the 5 days hopper, figure we will go one day before our youngest turn 10. Well it worked out well.
Here is the tentative itinerary:
Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, afterall I am among the experts here
Dates: November 5th - 10th
Staying at Poly + Animal Kingdom Lodge
Day 1 Monday, November 5th
We depart from Toronto at 8:30am, arriving into Orlando at 11:30am. 1st Surprise Booked leg room on the flight
We hope to do Epcot that day after checking in and enjoying lunch at the Food & Wine Festival (may change plans - read below)
FP+ Soaring, Living the Land, Spaceship Earth
Dinner: @ Via Napoli (May change that depends on what our final plans are)
Day 2 Tuesday, November 6th:
Early morning Breakfast at O’Hana. Kids love Lilo and Stitch
Uber to Universal Studios – another birthday wish from Miss N.
Late Dinner @ Kona Café
Day 3 Wednesday November 7th : Sweet 16th Birthday
Breakfast at Crystal Palace – Birthday girl loves Winnie the Pooh
FP+ 7DMT, Jungle Cruise, BTMT
Lunch will be a quick service if needed
Early dinner @ California Grill – Birthday girl loves Sushi and since it’s her birthday dinner, thought this would be nice
I have been debating back and forth on either ordering a small cake at dinner (mini cake) or forgoing the cake and book Dessert Party instead. She wants to be in MK for the fireworks however not sure if it is worth doing the Dessert party.
Coincidentally, it is also Diwali (Hindu Festival of lights which is a big celebration in the Hindu Culture) We will miss celebrating it with extended family this year however it will be very nice to be under the fireworks to bring in the New Year as well. So maybe worth while doing the Dessert Party and having a good spot for fireworks?
Day 4 Thursday November 8th: This day is going to be a hectic one
Hubby dearest loves animals and both times we have been to The World, he had to stop off at DAK and do the Safari ride and go to the Lodge and look at the animals in the Savannah. Well this year, I decided to surprise him with a split stay. He doesn’t know as yet but we will be checking out from Poly (Miss N’s wish) and move to AKL (hubby’s wish) Yes I will take the award for BEST WIFE EVER!
We booked a studio with Savannah view using DVC (we are not members therefore purchased some points)
We are starting off with early breakfast at Kona Café. First time and super excited before checking out and heading off to DAK.
For those who have done split stay, is the transfer of luggage simple?
FP+ FOP, Safari & Everest with the teen. Daddy and Miss K may go to a show with their FP.
We will have to head back to our room by 3pm and freshen up so we can head to MK by 435pm for our early dinner at Skipper Canteen. 2nd Surprise Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I know many of you will say skip dinner and just enjoy the treats but Skipper Canteen has been on my list to try therefore I am trying to squeeze it in
Day 5 Friday November 9th Hollywood Studios
This plan may change and I think I may decide to do Epcot this day and switch HS to the arrival day. The reason being since I have split stay, I do not have the opportunity to select FP when my 60 days open up for the last 2 days of my stay at WDW. I do not want to give up the chance to trying to get Slinky Dog Dash therefore may have to change plans up a little. Thoughts?
Dinner plans for the evening is Sanaa and may book a Nighttime Safari in the evening. Has anyone done this before? Thoughts?
Last Day Saturday November 10th
We originally had a flight booked to depart at 12:40pm however I changed it without hubby dearest knowledge. That is what happens when you allow your wife to make the travel arrangements and have her own credit card. Surprise!!!! Now we will be departing at 9:00pm
Breakfast will be at Boma but based on when I can get breakfast at Trattoria Al Forna, I may do a switcheroo with the breakfast on the Friday and Saturday. We are flexible.
On Saturday itself, no plans. I want to allow hubby dearest to take his time waking up, sipping his coffee on the balcony and enjoy the Savannah view. We may go back to MK or Epcot on that day. Depending on what the family is feeling the night before
Family has no interest in Disney Springs but that may change so allowing Saturday to be a freebie before heading to the airport
Again any tips/suggestion or advice will be greatly appreciated.
I have been creeping and reading reports for about 2 years now and decided to take part in the fun. This is my first one so please be gentle
I was introduced to this wonderful forum by my office neighbour @mlegerto who literally sits an office away from me in the same hallway. Let’s just say we drive everyone in the hallway crazy once the Disney talk begins.
A little bit about myself. Working mom of two wonderful daughters; Miss N who is turning 16 and Miss K who turned 9 in the summer. Been married to hubby dearest for 19 years and is a very laid back fellow who allows me to make all the travel arrangements since I have been in the travel industry for a little over 20 years which he seems to regret each time he receives the credit card bill
Love travelling. My favourite (Canadian spelling) city is NYC and I MUST go at least once a year. Just returned a week ago and already planning another trip down in December with my girls My first Disney experience (besides having my first Disney doll and watching my first Disney movie) was in 1992 when I took my first trip to Disneyland with my parents and siblings (pre-married). We stayed at a local hotel close by and a little bit of an amateur then, wearing a dress and heels at a Disney Park .
My second Disney experience was in 2007 for my firstborn’s Miss N, 5th birthday. I was a travel agent then and managed to get a great deal at Grand Floridian. Don't remember much about the trip itself but remember the weather being so comfortable
We threw in two Disney Cruises between 2007 - 2016 1. 4 days cruise 2. 7 days with a group of friends
Our most recent trip was in 2016 where we took our second born, Miss K to Disney for the 1st time and stayed at Poly. That was a fun trip.
Daddy and teen went on a horseback ride while Miss K and myself had tea with Princess Aurora. Did a lot of character dining, including Cinderella's Royal Table along with lots and lots of Dole Whip!
When booking and planning for the 2016 trip, Miss N was fussing about how she is going to be bored since she was older and doesn't care much about princesses yada yada yada – typical teenager rants!
Well Miss N's 16th birthday is coming up in Nov and we offered her a big party with friends – Nope! Jamaica? – Nope! Hawaii? – Nope!
"Well what do you want?" "Can we go to Disney?" "Why, of course dear" and the planning began
A little background of the title:
Since our last name is Arora (pronounced Aurora like the Princess) Miss K made a point to mention that since Miss N is turning 16 and will be at WDW. She must stay away from sharp objects or she will end up sleeping for eternity. Miss N of course being a teen and can actually sleep in till 2pm if no one bothers her, responded back with “No Issues Here"
Well not on this trip, Princess !!! As Canadians, we were fortunate to receive a discount last year and without having any future plans at that time, I still went ahead and purchased the 5 days hopper, figure we will go one day before our youngest turn 10. Well it worked out well.
Here is the tentative itinerary:
Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, afterall I am among the experts here
Dates: November 5th - 10th
Staying at Poly + Animal Kingdom Lodge
Day 1 Monday, November 5th
We depart from Toronto at 8:30am, arriving into Orlando at 11:30am. 1st Surprise Booked leg room on the flight
We hope to do Epcot that day after checking in and enjoying lunch at the Food & Wine Festival (may change plans - read below)
FP+ Soaring, Living the Land, Spaceship Earth
Dinner: @ Via Napoli (May change that depends on what our final plans are)
Day 2 Tuesday, November 6th:
Early morning Breakfast at O’Hana. Kids love Lilo and Stitch
Uber to Universal Studios – another birthday wish from Miss N.
Late Dinner @ Kona Café
Day 3 Wednesday November 7th : Sweet 16th Birthday
Breakfast at Crystal Palace – Birthday girl loves Winnie the Pooh
FP+ 7DMT, Jungle Cruise, BTMT
Lunch will be a quick service if needed
Early dinner @ California Grill – Birthday girl loves Sushi and since it’s her birthday dinner, thought this would be nice
I have been debating back and forth on either ordering a small cake at dinner (mini cake) or forgoing the cake and book Dessert Party instead. She wants to be in MK for the fireworks however not sure if it is worth doing the Dessert party.
Coincidentally, it is also Diwali (Hindu Festival of lights which is a big celebration in the Hindu Culture) We will miss celebrating it with extended family this year however it will be very nice to be under the fireworks to bring in the New Year as well. So maybe worth while doing the Dessert Party and having a good spot for fireworks?
Day 4 Thursday November 8th: This day is going to be a hectic one
Hubby dearest loves animals and both times we have been to The World, he had to stop off at DAK and do the Safari ride and go to the Lodge and look at the animals in the Savannah. Well this year, I decided to surprise him with a split stay. He doesn’t know as yet but we will be checking out from Poly (Miss N’s wish) and move to AKL (hubby’s wish) Yes I will take the award for BEST WIFE EVER!
We booked a studio with Savannah view using DVC (we are not members therefore purchased some points)We are starting off with early breakfast at Kona Café. First time and super excited before checking out and heading off to DAK.
For those who have done split stay, is the transfer of luggage simple?
FP+ FOP, Safari & Everest with the teen. Daddy and Miss K may go to a show with their FP.
We will have to head back to our room by 3pm and freshen up so we can head to MK by 435pm for our early dinner at Skipper Canteen. 2nd Surprise Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I know many of you will say skip dinner and just enjoy the treats but Skipper Canteen has been on my list to try therefore I am trying to squeeze it in
Day 5 Friday November 9th Hollywood Studios
This plan may change and I think I may decide to do Epcot this day and switch HS to the arrival day. The reason being since I have split stay, I do not have the opportunity to select FP when my 60 days open up for the last 2 days of my stay at WDW. I do not want to give up the chance to trying to get Slinky Dog Dash therefore may have to change plans up a little. Thoughts?
Dinner plans for the evening is Sanaa and may book a Nighttime Safari in the evening. Has anyone done this before? Thoughts?
Last Day Saturday November 10th
We originally had a flight booked to depart at 12:40pm however I changed it without hubby dearest knowledge. That is what happens when you allow your wife to make the travel arrangements and have her own credit card. Surprise!!!! Now we will be departing at 9:00pm
Breakfast will be at Boma but based on when I can get breakfast at Trattoria Al Forna, I may do a switcheroo with the breakfast on the Friday and Saturday. We are flexible.
On Saturday itself, no plans. I want to allow hubby dearest to take his time waking up, sipping his coffee on the balcony and enjoy the Savannah view. We may go back to MK or Epcot on that day. Depending on what the family is feeling the night before
Family has no interest in Disney Springs but that may change so allowing Saturday to be a freebie before heading to the airport
Again any tips/suggestion or advice will be greatly appreciated.
