Pre-Trip englanddg's Surf and Turf Adventure - Pre-trip / Trip Report Aug 2013

Ok, since I've been slack, I've missed out on an ADR for Be Our Guest. So, anyone planning trips who wants to try this, be sure you hit the 180 marker!

Don't be a slacker like me!

However, Be Our Guest does not do reservations for lunch, so the kid and I will probably try to squeeze in for a Lunch seating, and of course will check for ADR cancellations closer to the trip.

So, I've got everything registered in the My Disney Experience App on my iPad and iPhone, but I used the website to link everything together.

I must say, I do like the new layout of the site. It was fairly easy to use. However, it did not bring over all the hotel reservations that I had already booked and set up on the website, even though it tried to do an import of them.

Not a major issue tough, as it took only a few minutes to re-link everything.

The planner utility looks rather nice, and allows you to assign parks to various days, gives you park hours and event times, etc. I am going to keep playing with it, but I think I may rely on this app instead of loading everything into Google Docs as I have done in the past.

For those not familiar, for the trip I put everything into Google Docs linked to a special email account I created just for trips. This is hours of data entry, but it's nice to have all that information at my fingertips.

It appears that the My Disney Experience will alleviate this requirement, which I think is fantastic!

My only issue so far is that it doesn't integrate with Disney Cruise Lines. That would make it a perfect app for planning the whole trip, in my view. Hopefully they are heading that direction sometime in the future.

There is a neat utility on the Disney Cruise site which allows you to schedule a call from either Goofy or Mickey. I chose Mickey. The neat thing is that you can either have the call go out immediately, or pre-schedule a time. I chose to pre-schedule it for 9a on August 3. The Kid and I should be at Chef Mickey's around that time eating breakfast before the DCL Magical Express picks us up to take us to Port Canaveral.

The inbound phone number is 866.882.5010, so I have put this number into my phone and saved it as a contact called "Mr. Mouse", that way when the call comes in, I will know exactly who it is (I don't like answering weird phone calls from 8xx numbers), plus the kid, who now reads quite well, will see Mr. Mouse on the caller ID, which I think is a nice touch.

I am trying to picture her face when she gets a call during breakfast from Mickey Mouse welcoming her on her new cruise. Mind you, I have decided I am not telling her anything about a Disney trip this year. Since we go every year, she may suspect we are doing something, but I haven't told her what, and I am quite sure she would never guess a Disney Cruise!

So, updating the itinerary here's what I've got so far. Things will probably change between now and August, but this is a general layout. By the way, any restaurants I mention, I will note if they are ADRs or not.

In 2010, I had no issues getting into restaurants without ADRs, except for Le Cellier. But, in 2011 we had a lot of trouble. So, in 2012, I booked us to the gills with ADRs. My experience with this was horrid.

I felt like the whole trip became focused not around what we wanted to relax and enjoy together, but making sure we rushed around to make our ADRs. So, this year I will not be making quite as many ADRs, focusing only on restaurants I really want to eat at, rather than trying to plan lunch / breakfast / dinner every day.

So, here's the general plan...

8/1 - Fly to DC, Eat Dinner at Pentagon City Mall (There's a Diner there she likes) and Stay in DC

8/2 - Fly from DC to Orlando International, early flight, arrive around 10a. Magical Express to Contemporary. If the room is not yet available, check our bags with Bell Services and head over to the Magic Kingdom.

Bell Services is a neat feature, for those who have not used it. Official Check In is around 3p, as I recall, so they may not have a room ready for you if you arrive earlier. I have never experienced this, but if that ever happens, it's not a big deal. Bell Services will hold your luggage in a monitored / secure location until your room is ready.

Now, you may ask why I don't use the room bag delivery option included with the Magical Express. Quite simple...I don't trust it. Something about making sure my bag gets put on the right bus and delivered to the right hotel is important to me. But, the service does exist, and I've heard is rather nice, as you can show up, check-in, and go to the parks. When you get back, your bags will already be in your room.

But, as I said, I don't trust it.

For this first leg of the trip, I am doing one night at the Contemporary. I've added a one day base ticket to this (for Friday at Magic Kingdom), and the Deluxe Dining Plan. This means, for this leg of the trip, I will have 6 table service credits and 4 snack credits.

I plan to use 4 of the dining credits for our traditional first meal at Disney at Cinderella's Royal Table. We always do this on the first and last nights of our trips since 2010, and it wouldn't feel right not to kick off what is certainly our longest trip, and most varied trip, without getting pictures with the Princesses.

Magic Kingdom is likely to have nighttime Extra Magic Hours on Friday (it does most years), so we'll just spend the whole day there. I doubt we'll finish out Magic Hours, as we need to be up early the next day.

8/3 - 8:45 ADR for breakfast at Chef Mickeys will use up our final two table credits. Disney Cruise Lines will be sending a bus to pick us up and take us to Port Canaveral. The bus should arrive between 10a and 12:30p, so that's plenty of time for a quick meal with Mickey. As I mentioned before, I also pre-scheduled Mickey to call at 9a, and I'll let him tell her about the Cruise. Of course, I plan to have the video camera primed for this!

That afternoon, we'll be taken to Port Canaveral and board the Fantasy. Off to the waves!

8/4 - At Sea - No plans right now outside of exploring the ship

8/5 - Grand Cayman Island - Grand Cayman Island Tour

8/6 - Costa Maya, Mexico - Dolphin Swim Port Adventure

8/7 - Cozumel, Mexico - Atlantis Submarine Expedition Port Adventure

8/8 - At Sea

8/9 - Castaway Cay - Castaway Cay Stingray Port Adventure

8/10 - Early arrival back to Port Canaveral. Disney Magical Transit will then take us to Port Orleans French Quarter. We'll leave the bag with Bell Services if our room is not ready and head out to EPCOT. No dinner plans (though I'd like to do Coral Seas or Germany Pavilion...we'll see how we feel).

8/11 - Breakfast at the Hotel, Animal Kingdom, Lunch wherever we like (I'd like Tuskers or Yak and Yeti), leave mid afternoon and head back to the hotel to hang out for a bit. Get freshened up and go to Jikos (ADR) for dinner.

8/12 - Breakfast at Hotel, Hollywood Studios, Dine with an Imagineer Lunch at Brown Derby (Yes, I want to do it again...though I may change my mind. This is the only day they are doing it during our trip).

8/13 - Free Day, possibly Universal Studios

8/14 - Wild Africa Trek at AK, then more AK or do whatever, like Water Parks. Dinner at EPCOT.

8/15 - Free Day, Possibly Legoland

8/16 - Richard Petty Driving Experience (afternoon) - Bowling at DTD for dinner.

8/17 - Free Day, Possibly Sea World

8/18 - Disney's Family Magic Tour at Magic Kingdom. Rest of the day wide open.

8/19 - Check bags with Bell Services. Crystal Palace for breakfast (before park opening ADR). Magic Kingdom. Leave after the 3p parade to catch a late flight back to DC. Drop off the kid.

8/20 - Head back to Atlanta, and start planning the trip for 2014!

As you can see, it's not all fleshed out, but I am also trying to hold myself back from overplanning the trip. I learned my lesson last year!

Anyhow, there's my pre-trip update so far!
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
As to liking the Parramore post, I just liked seeing a Dad expressing love for his daughter. That is all.


For the record...this is what started our habit of dancing at Disney...



Listen to the dialogue...we waltzed, and yes, that is me singing badly as I waltz (also badly) with her...I suddenly remembered vinefests in Germany...we waltzed on the stage (badly).

Unfortunantly I don't have bus stop video of us dancing, but this is the song I sang to her every time and no one was videoing us (CBR, DTD, etc...)



I was the Pearl Merchant in a production of this...so it's a rather close song to my heart.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
I'm just missing the kid so much right now...I'm sorry, this is how it is when I get close to seeing her...

Anticipation and all...

We will have a blast, but I know, when we have to say goodbye, it will be hard.

This was her the first year...

8121024516_61e219058d_b.jpg


But, she's still my kiddo! This was us leaving the Cirque concert last year...

7483256118_082a94cf9e_b.jpg


We got to stay late due to my union card and a few call-ins through my sis...

This was the show we saw...



We had a blast last year, and I suspect we will this year...

But, every year is a goodbye...it has to happen (school and custody and all...)...
 

Pooh Lover

Well-Known Member
Love the Figment ears! Is that black hat her Michael Jackson hat? Love it! She is definitely a cutie.

I just happened to think. Every time we take a cruise we have to call our cell phone provider and have them turn on international calling. They usually ask us what ship we are sailing on and for how long. It made calling home much easier and affordable than using the cabin phone.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
Love the Figment ears! Is that black hat her Michael Jackson hat? Love it! She is definitely a cutie.

I just happened to think. Every time we take a cruise we have to call our cell phone provider and have them turn on international calling. They usually ask us what ship we are sailing on and for how long. It made calling home much easier and affordable than using the cabin phone.

That is her Mike Jackson hat, indeed!

She asks to see it through facetime every now and then. It is hanging in her room. I keep a two bedroom apt, just so I can keep her room. The past few years she's been able to live there, but this year I burned the money I would use for her summer camps for a Disney Cruise...
 

Pooh Lover

Well-Known Member
Love the check-in video! I must say the nightmare part really did put a wee pit in my stomach but in case you are a tad nervous about check-in, it really is quite easy and should only take less than 5 minutes. Just have your passport and parental permission in hand and you'll be good to go. I don't know if DCL takes care of your credit card information for charges before the cruise or at check-in.
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
I think this will be our last Disney trip for a while...at least to Disneyworld.

We may do a cruise next year, or go see Disneyland in California, or do Europe. We will have a trip. But, after 4 years of annual trips to Disneyworld, it's time. She is growing out of the age where Princesses amaze her every visit, and she stands at the signs wishing she was tall enough for rides.

So, this trip (I suspect) will be a goodbye trip to Disneyworld. At least when it comes to long trips.

I won't know until after this trip is done, but if it is, I tip my hat to the cast members who gave me years of wonderful memories. You all are the Disney Magic, whether you realize it daily or not. It's not the stage (the castle) it's the Cast that makes a show memorable...and I have so many memories of fantastic Cast Members who make Magic every day.

She no longer asks for Disneyworld anymore. This trip she actually wants to do Legoland...and is not impressed with Disneyworld (even though she doesn't know she's going to both...)

I can't disagree...I'm not impressed with Magicbands or Sorcerers (and the spin offs)...I find myself less and less attracted to Disneyworld, and I really hate to say that!



Perhaps I am just letting go of what Disney used to be to me. The Parks were a huge part of my being...But, it's a huge part of my kids life as well. I'm not sure we'll completely say goodbye.

However, I think for now, there are other things for future plans.

All that being said...I'm pumped for THIS years plans!
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
Here's the trailer I was looking for...

I used to watch it in 2010...it's rather hard to find now...

We saw the movie together (TS3) at Disney...as I'd just lost her (her mom and I had split)...

Anyhow...best...trailer...ever...at least the beginning...to a parent...

 

DisneyDebNJ

Well-Known Member
I think this will be our last Disney trip for a while...at least to Disneyworld.

We may do a cruise next year, or go see Disneyland in California, or do Europe. We will have a trip. But, after 4 years of annual trips to Disneyworld, it's time. She is growing out of the age where Princesses amaze her every visit, and she stands at the signs wishing she was tall enough for rides.

So, this trip (I suspect) will be a goodbye trip to Disneyworld. At least when it comes to long trips.

I won't know until after this trip is done, but if it is, I tip my hat to the cast members who gave me years of wonderful memories. You all are the Disney Magic, whether you realize it daily or not. It's not the stage (the castle) it's the Cast that makes a show memorable...and I have so many memories of fantastic Cast Members who make Magic every day.

She no longer asks for Disneyworld anymore. This trip she actually wants to do Legoland...and is not impressed with Disneyworld (even though she doesn't know she's going to both...)
I went thru this with my son for a couple of years. He *said* he outgrew Disney, so we did other vacations.... he finally said he MISSED Disney!! LOL I guess all kids reach that *Disney is SO not Cool* stage... my son is 24 LOLOL, he's in that nostalgia stage (yeah ok LOL) This year we are cruising with Disney for the first time, and doing our usual F&W visit to Disneyworld. They ALWAYS come back!! LOL Enjoy this upcoming trip!! Flinging pixie dust your way :)

I can't disagree...I'm not impressed with Magicbands or Sorcerers (and the spin offs)...I find myself less and less attracted to Disneyworld, and I really hate to say that!



Perhaps I am just letting go of what Disney used to be to me. The Parks were a huge part of my being...But, it's a huge part of my kids life as well. I'm not sure we'll completely say goodbye.

However, I think for now, there are other things for future plans.

All that being said...I'm pumped for THIS years plans!
 

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
Making me sad...but for a lot of kids/families...there really does come a time when you want to do something other than Disney. While my girls still sit down and talk about what they'll be tall enough to ride "next time" and what special seaons they'd like to experience at WDW as well as DL...DD6 already asks for things beyond Disney. NYC, Hawaii, and DC are very high on her list - with a few hints toward Europe- and even her little sis seem pretty smitten with the idea of a cruise. While I may do WDW in 2014 as a just me thing to meet up w/fellow WDW Magic folks- this upcoming trip may be it for a while for DH and the kids.

Still, I'm sure she is going to LOVE everything you've put together here for her and we'll all get to see some wonderful pics and video from you as a result. :) In fact, one of my coworkers happened across some of your vids the other week at work and I was all like "Hey! I know those vids! I know those faces!" :D They kinda wanted to get up and dance!
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
Making me sad...but for a lot of kids/families...there really does come a time when you want to do something other than Disney.

I wasn't trying to make anyone sad! <grin>

It's just that our trip last year (even though we had a blast) wasn't quite the same level of "magic" as previous trips. We both know the parks too well now. In some ways, that's a great thing. In others...not so much. We certainly will be doing WDW again, and if we are around a different Disney Park there I will be sure to work that into our plans for at least a few days.

But, like you and @DisneyDebNJ said, there does come a time. I don't want to keep dragging her there (not that she wouldn't enjoy it) just because it's where I want to go! <grin>

Right now I'm starting to look at next years trip (as I need to start working out a budget for it), and on the docket is:

1) Few days at a Universal Hotel (Harry Potter 2.0, yay!), day at SeaWorld, few days at WDW (enough to hit up each park once), and then drive to Tampa and go to Busch Gardens

2) Cruise (different destinations.

3) Europe (Not sure where yet...but probably UK/France or Germany) If we do this we will certainly go to Disneyland Paris

4) California doing the drive down the Pacific Coast Hwy from San Fran to Anaheim, ending with Disneyland / Knotts Berry / Universal CA

<shrug> I dunno at this point. I won't make any final decisions until I see how this trip goes.

Still, I'm sure she is going to LOVE everything you've put together here for her and we'll all get to see some wonderful pics and video from you as a result. :)

Oh, this I am sure of. I'm quite excited for the trip! Not trying to be a downer at all...I know we'll have some wonderful experiences and memories to boot. We do every year!

In fact, one of my coworkers happened across some of your vids the other week at work and I was all like "Hey! I know those vids! I know those faces!" :D They kinda wanted to get up and dance!

That's awesome. Wonder which one (though, I bet it was the Dancing one, that one has more hits than any of the others...). I'm glad they enjoyed it. We certainly enjoyed making it!
 

DisneyDebNJ

Well-Known Member
Making me sad...but for a lot of kids/families...there really does come a time when you want to do something other than Disney. While my girls still sit down and talk about what they'll be tall enough to ride "next time" and what special seaons they'd like to experience at WDW as well as DL...DD6 already asks for things beyond Disney. NYC, Hawaii, and DC are very high on her list - with a few hints toward Europe- and even her little sis seem pretty smitten with the idea of a cruise. While I may do WDW in 2014 as a just me thing to meet up w/fellow WDW Magic folks- this upcoming trip may be it for a while for DH and the kids.

Still, I'm sure she is going to LOVE everything you've put together here for her and we'll all get to see some wonderful pics and video from you as a result. :) In fact, one of my coworkers happened across some of your vids the other week at work and I was all like "Hey! I know those vids! I know those faces!" :D They kinda wanted to get up and dance!
Sandy, I have a creedo in this house.... *ya dont like Disney?!?!? That's OK, you can change your mind, however, I can change my Will" For some reason, that phrase seems to work!! LOL
 

DisneyDebNJ

Well-Known Member
I wasn't trying to make anyone sad! <grin>

It's just that our trip last year (even though we had a blast) wasn't quite the same level of "magic" as previous trips. We both know the parks too well now. In some ways, that's a great thing. In others...not so much. We certainly will be doing WDW again, and if we are around a different Disney Park there I will be sure to work that into our plans for at least a few days.

But, like you and @DisneyDebNJ said, there does come a time. I don't want to keep dragging her there (not that she wouldn't enjoy it) just because it's where I want to go! <grin>

Right now I'm starting to look at next years trip (as I need to start working out a budget for it), and on the docket is:

1) Few days at a Universal Hotel (Harry Potter 2.0, yay!), day at SeaWorld, few days at WDW (enough to hit up each park once), and then drive to Tampa and go to Busch Gardens

2) Cruise (different destinations.

3) Europe (Not sure where yet...but probably UK/France or Germany) If we do this we will certainly go to Disneyland Paris

4) California doing the drive down the Pacific Coast Hwy from San Fran to Anaheim, ending with Disneyland / Knotts Berry / Universal CA

<shrug> I dunno at this point. I won't make any final decisions until I see how this trip goes.



Oh, this I am sure of. I'm quite excited for the trip! Not trying to be a downer at all...I know we'll have some wonderful experiences and memories to boot. We do every year!



That's awesome. Wonder which one (though, I bet it was the Dancing one, that one has more hits than any of the others...). I'm glad they enjoyed it. We certainly enjoyed making it!
I can only speak from personal experiences, but there DOES come a time, where *coolness* goes out the window... and "Hey Dad, remember when???" comes into play. There is no doubt in my mind, this will happen to you! Nostalgia is a wonderful thing :)
 

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Original Poster
I can only speak from personal experiences, but there DOES come a time, where *coolness* goes out the window... and "Hey Dad, remember when???" comes into play. There is no doubt in my mind, this will happen to you! Nostalgia is a wonderful thing :)

Yes. I remember when I reached that phase myself! <grin>

My kid isn't "too cool" for Disney, I just think it's not as "fresh" for her as it used to be. Though, some of that could have been the rigid ADRs I set up last year that she really wasn't old enough to understand it, and it was a HUGE departure from how we usually do the parks, which is laid back and rather spur of the moment (which is largely how we will be doing it this year...lesson learned!).

She's at the age (8, nearly 9) where she has started to frump (Lord, help me for what's coming around the corner!). So, last year, at 7 nearly 8, it sometimes could be hours for her mood to reset because I'd tell her "no, we can't do Tower of Terror right now, we have to get over to Epcot because we have a lunch ADR at 1p.

She just didn't understand it. And, in retrospect (I didn't quite get it during the trip that it was part of her issue), I learned my lesson and won't be so rigidly planning again. Not at least until she's older and I include her in the planning. I still want to squeeze a few more "Oh my goodness, we're here" surprises out of her while she is young!

Though...she knows WDW is in Orlando, and she reads at a 4th grade level (she's about to enter 3rd grade)...so, keeping the secret is going to be much harder this year! The cruise, at least, will be a shock, I suspect!
 

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