Pre-Trip First Trip in 6 Years with a WDW First-Timer!!!

Hello fellow Disney fans!

This is my first pre-trip report ever, and I tend to be a very detailed person, so I am apologizing in advance!!

I would consider myself a Disney veteran, having been to The World at least 8 separate times not including the year I had annual passes while living in Florida. However, I realized that is has been at least 6 years since I have been to Walt Disney World, and that needs to be fixed. I will admit that I have been frequenting Universal Studios more in the past several years. Don’t throw stones at me just yet! I am an absolute Harry Potter nerd, so I’m sure you can understand the draw for me…AND I was able to get free passes on several occasions from a good family friend, so that’s hard to pass up!

However, 6 years feels far too long in between visits so I am righting that wrong this year! I am also incredibly excited because my boyfriend will be joining me and he has never been to WDW (minus 1 day at DHS a million years ago – so I don’t really count that!)

Here I am at 5 years old on my first Disney trip…check out those pigtails!

As for the background of the trip, here we go….

We (my boyfriend Mark and I) began discussing a possible Disney trip around January of this year. We had been talking about how it would be awesome to go to WDW together and really take a full week to enjoy ourselves. In the past, our trips to Universal are 2-3 days on average and are a supplemented by to 2-3 days at my mom’s house in the Vero Beach area, and it always feels like a non-stop whirlwind. Knowing how much there is to see/do/eat at WDW I explained that a full week would be ideal (necessary). At this point we were honestly just fantasizing about taking a trip and what that would be like.

With all of the talk and excitement though, we agreed that if we saved $xxxx.xx amount by a certain date that we would take a trip this year. Our past Universal trips have been at the end of September/beginning of October and we have always been able to get very good flight prices, and we think it’s a great time to go in terms of crowds/weather. We decided our “decision-date” should be by the beginning of August at the latest for us to be able to get a room/flight/ADRs/etc.

WELL! Thankfully to portions of our tax returns and being thrifty little-savers, we were able to reach that $$ goal by March. Even before it was set-in-stone I had already started my research because the idea was already tempting me! I had been checking Southwest flights on a daily basis for any good deals, and one day a great deal for the two of us popped up. I reserved it immediately. I still check every now and again to see if there is any better deal since Southwest has an easy cancellation policy, but I’ve snagged the best rate so far.

In my research I discovered several blogs that I found to be incredibly helpful. What I did before Pinterest, Twitter, Forums, Blogs, etc. is beyond me! These blogs are where I first learned about Disney’s Free Dining promotion. I had never heard of this before and I was very excited to learn more since it would be (most likely) taking place when we were there (the dates hadn’t been announced yet.) I read everything I could about the Free Dining Promo and knew I really wanted to try and nab a spot.

Before even learning about Free Dining I was mentally planning our trips around what we would eat. The boy and I can seriously put back some food, so I figured the dining plan is probably a great option for us. It will also just be the two of us, so we don’t have to worry about kid-friendly options and things of that nature, so I knew I wanted to enjoy some good TS options.

I had heard plenty of mixed reviews about the dining plan previously, but when I calculated out what I would most likely order at the restaurants I wanted to go to, it seemed like I would break-even or come out on top. AND if we were able to get the free dining, we would be in a great spot.

I also did the math out in comparison to a room only discount, but we would be in better shape with the Free Dining promo. I’m also one of those people that has a hard time justifying spending that much money on a hotel room where I basically plan on showering and sleeping. That’s pretty much it on a Disney vacation for me. The rest of the time is in the parks, DS, water parks, etc. With all that said, a stay at the Poly or GF is on my bucket list of things to do at Disney! A girl can dream.

 

[Ciara]

Thanks for reading along! It's always nice to hear when someone has been in the same boat! Did your bf end up becoming a Disney die-hard? Mark has really enjoyed himself at Universal, so I'm hoping he has as much fun at Disney, but he is the type that likes to go with the flow and do things as they come, where I am the total opposite! So I'm trying really hard not to plan TOO much, but I think it's easier to go with the flow at Universal vs. Disney. There is just so much more to do at Disney.

I think I like roller coasters more than him, and Rockin is one of my all-time favorites. He's more of the one-and-done type. But, I do like the idea of rope dropping TSM instead.

I'm super excited for Food & Wine Fest! I've been there when it's going on, but never paid much attention. We have the dining plan, so all of my snack credits will be going there I also love the idea of the monorail loop and maybe stopping off at some of the bars in the resorts on the loop.

As for the costumes, I am racking my brain trying to come up with a creative/easy/lightweight costume for both of us. But I just got an update about the costume policy, and it seems fairly restrictive now for adults. I was just going to go in our Harry Potter robes because we are already bringing them to wear at Universal, but one of the restrictions is the costume can't drag or come close to touching the ground (which they absolutely do!) Any suggestions??

It's DisneyTouristBlog. What is yours if it isn't that one? I love finding new blogs about Disney. To paraphrase Jasmine, it's like a whole new world to me.

I wouldn't say he is a die-hard. But he definitely had a great time! We talk about it much more often now, and day dream about future trips. We are currently planning our trip back for 2017 I was just worried he would never want to go again ever, so right now id say i am winning! Haha

My BF, Billy, is also that way about go with the flow! I tried not to go too crazy but did anyway. We didn't end up packing in all our plans but that was just fuel to the fire of why we HAD to go back soon!

Toy story just seems to get busier and busier throughout the day so we like doing it first! And then that means more rides on rockin (our favorite) We absolutely love roller coasters though! I think we went on the dragon one in Uni like 6 times

GREAT idea about the snack credits, we did this as well and thought it was the best idea we had the whole trip! No worries about how much something was we just eat, eat, eat! The monorail loop had become a must-do for us next trip so i definitely recommend it. Contempo cafe in the contemporary has better QS that MK (we think) So we like to make that our first or last stop and have lunch as well as a drink!

Hmmm costumes... I lean more towards a Disneybounding side for costume instead of a full on costume. If you don't know what disneybounding is definitely look them up on insta or tumblr. TONS OF IDEAS I actually love your splash mountain idea! Easy one and a classic would be just wearing mickey ears/minnie ears and wearing similar clothing but cooler! Like you could just wear a red polka dot dress and your BF a tee and shorts with maybe a bow tie?

Knew it! haha. My favorite by FAR is Disneytouristblog, i love them and i have read like very single one of their TR. My dream come true would be to have their life and go to disney all the time.

I hope you guys have the best trip ever! Cant wait for the TR You plan on writing one right?

 

[kimberlymautz]

How funny! Are you and your bf going to dress up for MNSSHP? I'm trying to convince Mark to dress up with me, but he thinks it's too early and others won't be dressed up

I just saw this! Ahhhh! We are! My daughter is dressing up as Jessie, I'll be Buzz, and my BF will be Woody permitting my daughter's Jessie costume from last year still fits. If not we may go another route, but that's my idea so far.

 

[Second Star to the Right]

Following along! you'll be arriving just a few days after we leave.

I haven't been to Disney in September since I had my annual passes when I lived there 6 years ago, and I am really excited as I think it's a great time to visit! Where are you all staying?

 

[Second Star to the Right]

I wouldn't say he is a die-hard. But he definitely had a great time! We talk about it much more often now, and day dream about future trips. We are currently planning our trip back for 2017 I was just worried he would never want to go again ever, so right now id say i am winning! Haha

My BF, Billy, is also that way about go with the flow! I tried not to go too crazy but did anyway. We didn't end up packing in all our plans but that was just fuel to the fire of why we HAD to go back soon!

Toy story just seems to get busier and busier throughout the day so we like doing it first! And then that means more rides on rockin (our favorite) We absolutely love roller coasters though! I think we went on the dragon one in Uni like 6 times

GREAT idea about the snack credits, we did this as well and thought it was the best idea we had the whole trip! No worries about how much something was we just eat, eat, eat! The monorail loop had become a must-do for us next trip so i definitely recommend it. Contempo cafe in the contemporary has better QS that MK (we think) So we like to make that our first or last stop and have lunch as well as a drink!

Hmmm costumes... I lean more towards a Disneybounding side for costume instead of a full on costume. If you don't know what disneybounding is definitely look them up on insta or tumblr. TONS OF IDEAS I actually love your splash mountain idea! Easy one and a classic would be just wearing mickey ears/minnie ears and wearing similar clothing but cooler! Like you could just wear a red polka dot dress and your BF a tee and shorts with maybe a bow tie?

Knew it! haha. My favorite by FAR is Disneytouristblog, i love them and i have read like very single one of their TR. My dream come true would be to have their life and go to disney all the time.

I hope you guys have the best trip ever! Cant wait for the TR You plan on writing one right?

I think the fact that your BF is talking about future trips is a definite win!! Mark said he is completely fine if we don't do everything on our list because that gives us a reason to go back, so I count that as a win as well!

The biggest issue right now is trying to get in all the shows/fireworks. Star Wars Galactic fireworks schedule is not out for our DHS day, and I've heard it's awesome and a must-do. But, I'm not sure if Mark would want to miss Fantasmic in order to see the fireworks and to me, it looks like it is one or the other.

I got the snack credit tip from DisneyTouristBlog!! haha. Tom's advice was basically, "If you are going during F&W, stop reading. Use all your snack credits here!"

Thanks for the tip about Contempo Cafe, I have never eaten there. I don't dislike any of the QS options at MK, but it's nice to have another option close by. Plus, it's a nice break from the park. So even if we can't make it back to the hotel for a nap, it's time for us to sit in the AC!

My bf was laughing at me this morning because I got a notification that DisneyTouristBlog recently uploaded a new vlog on YouTube and I was watching as I was getting ready for work. I always make references like, "The Disney blog I read..." and he just shakes his head and laughs. I would love if Sarah wrote a post covering all the girly things like, what makeup she uses that doesn't melt off in the FL heat, how she gets in and out of rides in her sundresses, how on Earth she wears her hair down all day long without overheating! lol

I have seen the Disneybound ideas, and they look really fun and that might have to be the way to go. How things are planned out now, we might not have time to go back to the hotel and change before the party. I also might just buy some fun Halloween-themed ears and get him a fun Nightmare before Christmas shirt since that's one of his favorite Disney movies.

I am planning on hopefully writing a full trip report when we return. I don't have an awesome camera like Tom, but hopefully my phone and my point and shoot will do the trick to be able to bring some life to the report!

Thanks for following along!!

 

[Second Star to the Right]

I just saw this! Ahhhh! We are! My daughter is dressing up as Jessie, I'll be Buzz, and my BF will be Woody permitting my daughter's Jessie costume from last year still fits. If not we may go another route, but that's my idea so far.

That sounds so cute! My sister-in-law dressed my niece as Bullseye last year for her first Halloween, and she went as Jessie. She could not convince my brother to dress as Buzz though lol. Party pooper!
Have you seen the new costume restrictions though? The adult restrictions sound fairly limiting. They are calling for no floor length costumes (i.e. princess gowns) but that means our Hufflepuff robes won't be able to work either

 

[Ciara]

I think the fact that your BF is talking about future trips is a definite win!! Mark said he is completely fine if we don't do everything on our list because that gives us a reason to go back, so I count that as a win as well!

The biggest issue right now is trying to get in all the shows/fireworks. Star Wars Galactic fireworks schedule is not out for our DHS day, and I've heard it's awesome and a must-do. But, I'm not sure if Mark would want to miss Fantasmic in order to see the fireworks and to me, it looks like it is one or the other.

I got the snack credit tip from DisneyTouristBlog!! haha. Tom's advice was basically, "If you are going during F&W, stop reading. Use all your snack credits here!"

Thanks for the tip about Contempo Cafe, I have never eaten there. I don't dislike any of the QS options at MK, but it's nice to have another option close by. Plus, it's a nice break from the park. So even if we can't make it back to the hotel for a nap, it's time for us to sit in the AC!

My bf was laughing at me this morning because I got a notification that DisneyTouristBlog recently uploaded a new vlog on YouTube and I was watching as I was getting ready for work. I always make references like, "The Disney blog I read..." and he just shakes his head and laughs. I would love if Sarah wrote a post covering all the girly things like, what makeup she uses that doesn't melt off in the FL heat, how she gets in and out of rides in her sundresses, how on Earth she wears her hair down all day long without overheating! lol

I have seen the Disneybound ideas, and they look really fun and that might have to be the way to go. How things are planned out now, we might not have time to go back to the hotel and change before the party. I also might just buy some fun Halloween-themed ears and get him a fun Nightmare before Christmas shirt since that's one of his favorite Disney movies.

I am planning on hopefully writing a full trip report when we return. I don't have an awesome camera like Tom, but hopefully my phone and my point and shoot will do the trick to be able to bring some life to the report!

Thanks for following along!!

That can be really tough! We aren't huge fireworks people, we only make it a goal to see one whole show on the trip. We usually catch snipets of the others. But we have goals to make them all next year!

Personally, if you can only go to one i would do star wars! I have seen bits of fantasmic and wasn't overly impressed, i am actually not even looking forward to seeing the whole thing next year and have hopes they will surprise me with something new! Haha Plus! Starwars fireworks could change at any time!

Its a great tip! Otherwise snacking around the world adds up so quick.

I am the same way! I saw your reply that they posted a new video and i had to immediately go and watch I NEED to know how she keeps her hair down, mines long and thick and i just cannot keep it down all day!

The ears and T'shirt sound like a great option! They have the Nightmare characters for meeting at the party too. I am excited to see what you end up choosing

 

[kimberlymautz]

That sounds so cute! My sister-in-law dressed my niece as Bullseye last year for her first Halloween, and she went as Jessie. She could not convince my brother to dress as Buzz though lol. Party pooper!
Have you seen the new costume restrictions though? The adult restrictions sound fairly limiting. They are calling for no floor length costumes (i.e. princess gowns) but that means our Hufflepuff robes won't be able to work either

I did! Luckily my Buzz dress is just a knee length that I got from Hot Topic, and my boyfriend is just wearing a t-shirt with the same design as Woody's and jeans. Nothing too crazy. Haha. I'm sure you'll find something. Check Pinterest!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Love all your details! I can't wait to hear about Yachtsman, I have heard AWESOME things about this place from my usual Disney travel buddy who just came back from a trip with his sister (how rude!) She raved and raved about this place! I liked reading how you chose which restaurant over the other and why, dining has never been so hard for me until this go around. And look at us! With TS to spare! Hello signatures!

I am so excited for you, and I love the picture of the Harry Potter robes

 

[joshsprincess921]

[QUOTE=" I would love if Sarah wrote a post covering all the girly things like, what makeup she uses that doesn't melt off in the FL heat, how she gets in and out of rides in her sundresses, how on Earth she wears her hair down all day long without overheating! lol[/QUOTE]

LOL I always wonder the same things!

 

[Second Star to the Right]

That can be really tough! We aren't huge fireworks people, we only make it a goal to see one whole show on the trip. We usually catch snipets of the others. But we have goals to make them all next year!

Personally, if you can only go to one i would do star wars! I have seen bits of fantasmic and wasn't overly impressed, i am actually not even looking forward to seeing the whole thing next year and have hopes they will surprise me with something new! Haha Plus! Starwars fireworks could change at any time!

Its a great tip! Otherwise snacking around the world adds up so quick.

I am the same way! I saw your reply that they posted a new video and i had to immediately go and watch I NEED to know how she keeps her hair down, mines long and thick and i just cannot keep it down all day!

The ears and T'shirt sound like a great option! They have the Nightmare characters for meeting at the party too. I am excited to see what you end up choosing

They're videos have already gotten better from their first one, but it's just so fun to meet the people behind the words and pictures!

Maybe if a whole bunch of us request a post from Sarah they will do it! lol

I have been racking my brain for an easy option for Halloween the past day. I MIGHT have an idea, but we will see if I can get Mark to go along with it lol.

 

[Second Star to the Right]

I did! Luckily my Buzz dress is just a knee length that I got from Hot Topic, and my boyfriend is just wearing a t-shirt with the same design as Woody's and jeans. Nothing too crazy. Haha. I'm sure you'll find something. Check Pinterest!

I've seen that dress! It is super cute! That's a nice way to go for a "simpler" but awesome costume. I also don't want to waste time going from Epcot to our hotel to change, and over to MK for the party. So i may rent a locker that day, and change in a bathroom stall, so it definitely can't be anything too complicated.

 

[Second Star to the Right]

Love all your details! I can't wait to hear about Yachtsman, I have heard AWESOME things about this place from my usual Disney travel buddy who just came back from a trip with his sister (how rude!) She raved and raved about this place! I liked reading how you chose which restaurant over the other and why, dining has never been so hard for me until this go around. And look at us! With TS to spare! Hello signatures!

I am so excited for you, and I love the picture of the Harry Potter robes

Thank you for reading along! I'm a pretty long winded person, I should have added in more pictures to break things up lol.
I think I will do the full trip report, and will definitely be taking notes on the meals. I LOVE food, so I'm really excited for The Yachtsman and Cali Grille. I love having the problem of credits to spare!

And thank you, the robes were a definite splurge! It was February and a little cold that day, so we figured why not?! My sister-in-law was there with us and she bought Ravenclaw ones as well.

I'm looking forward to reading your trip report when you come back, and really hoping for an awesome engagement story!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Thank you for reading along! I'm a pretty long winded person, I should have added in more pictures to break things up lol.
I think I will do the full trip report, and will definitely be taking notes on the meals. I LOVE food, so I'm really excited for The Yachtsman and Cali Grille. I love having the problem of credits to spare!

And thank you, the robes were a definite splurge! It was February and a little cold that day, so we figured why not?! My sister-in-law was there with us and she bought Ravenclaw ones as well.

I'm looking forward to reading your trip report when you come back, and really hoping for an awesome engagement story!!

Food and credits to spare, a great predicament to be in! I am determined to one day try every single Disney restaurant! Fat girls at heart

 

[Second Star to the Right]

Food and credits to spare, a great predicament to be in! I am determined to one day try every single Disney restaurant! Fat girls at heart

Ha! That is the name of one of my Pinterest boards

 

[Doc Disney]

Your plans look great! PS you have inspired me to make an excel sheet packing list. My family may put me through an intervention if I make one more list this is really calling to me haha. Nothing like a good spreadsheet. I usually use a different packing list that I found online but it is not organized enough

 

[Second Star to the Right]

Your plans look great! PS you have inspired me to make an excel sheet packing list. My family may put me through an intervention if I make one more list this is really calling to me haha. Nothing like a good spreadsheet. I usually use a different packing list that I found online but it is not organized enough

Glad I could inspire another list-making fan This is actually my first spreadsheet for a packing list. I normally just have a list in my Notes on my phone, but then I thought, why not step it up a notch? I end up having to pack for my bf anyways, so this is easier to keep track of his packing essentials vs mine! I also have another tab of items I need to buy beforehand, and things I want to order and have set to the room (i.e. water, snacks, etc.)

 

[Doc Disney]

Glad I could inspire another list-making fan This is actually my first spreadsheet for a packing list. I normally just have a list in my Notes on my phone, but then I thought, why not step it up a notch? I end up having to pack for my bf anyways, so this is easier to keep track of his packing essentials vs mine! I also have another tab of items I need to buy beforehand, and things I want to order and have set to the room (i.e. water, snacks, etc.)

Oh man, extra tabs....I need this...in fact I have started it as we speak! I pack for myself but also go through my Mom's suitcase, my Sister's suitcase and tell my Dad what he needs too so this makes it much easier

 

[Second Star to the Right]

Disney Inspired Outfits

As soon as I knew this trip was a reality, I began thinking about different outfits for the parks. Since this is my first time back in so many years, and I’m going with the greatest boyfriend in the world, I want to take A LOT of pictures. Which means, I don’t want to look like a complete bum while at the parks!

I knew I didn’t want to go completely over the top, but I definitely want to show my Disney side while still being comfortable walking for hours while in the FL heat. We both thought it would be fun to get a different Disney shirt for each day we are there, so we started there and I think Mark only needs one more shirt at this point. We are in search of the perfect Darkwing Duck shirt for him, since that was his favorite cartoon as a kid.

I found some fun Disney-themed items that I liked because they didn’t scream Disney, but still showed my love for Disney….mainly Peter Pan as you will see.

I love this tank because it has so many characters built into the shape of the castle and it is super soft. I do like Stitch, but I wish he wasn’t so front and center, and huge!

I like this dress because it’s hard to tell that the design has Tinkerbell on there, plus again – super soft and comfy!

This is another fun one because at first glance it just looks like a skull, but then you can see Tinkerbell, and the “How do you get to Never Land” quote. The coloring is actually much nicer in person.

This is the first shirt I bought because…it’s awesome! I knew I had to get it as soon as I saw it.

 

[Second Star to the Right]

SHOES!

Now, time for the ever-important shoes! I’ve always worn flip flops at Disney and never had issues, but I figured 6 days of park-hopping (including my Universal day) warrants some greater consideration into my footwear. Plus, I’m 6 years older…ugh...and I'm guessing I can't hack it liked I used to.

After reading several recommendations and reviews, I picked up a pair of Skechers Go Walks and I’ve already broken them in and I think they will be awesome for long days in the parks. I also read another recommendation to change shoes every other day if possible, so I looked into some alternate options.

That’s when I realized the customized TOMS I wear to Universal are incredibly comfortable to me and would be an excellent addition to my Disney outfits.

These are the TOMS I received as a Christmas gift, and I get so many compliments on them when I wear them at Universal!

I searched on Etsy for a pair of Disney-themed TOMS for much longer than I care to admint, but I still wasn’t finding any that I loved. There were so many Mickey and Minnie TOMS to choose from, but I wanted something not a lot of other people would have.

That’s when I came across this pair of Mary Poppins silhouette TOMS and fell in love. During my searches I also found this one artist who did an amazing job on her shoes, and I knew I wanted her to recreate them if she could. Her shop name is ButterMakesMeHappy in case you want to check her out!

Then, after listening to me talk so much about my TOMS, Mark asked if they had any men’s options. So we started looking at different designs for him. Mark is a huge fan of everything Pirates, so we thought a Pirate-themed shoe would be fun but again, we weren’t finding any that either of us loved. But, we did find two different pairs of shoes that had elements that we really liked so we asked the Etsy artist if she could recreate them into one pair and she said, ‘Absolutely!’

We actually blended Pirates of the Carribean and a little bit of Peter Pan together into one shoe, and I think they came out AHHH-mazing!

One of my favorite things about customizing TOMS is that you can pick a quote or additional pictures to add on the sides/backs of the shoes. Since Mary Poppins is one of my favorite movies, I had to choose one of my favorite quotes.

Here is what Mark chose; I love the script-style she used!

 

[MinnieM123]

Oh my goodness--the clothes and shoes! You really are a big WDW fan. The designs on the t-shirt and the dress are very cleverly done. All of those are nice.