Pre-Trip I'm almost there

People down here think I'm crazy but I don't care

Today is Fast Pass day! I started my countdown at over 200 days but I am finally down to 60. I have a few hours before 7am WDW time so I thought I would write a pre trip report.
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful people on here who share their trips, families and love of Disney with me. When real life gets me down it is great to come on here to virtually escape for awhile.
Now on to the trip,

Who? Me

My nickname is Mimi, this is me in 2015, the last time I was at the World. That was a trip with a group including some first timers. We had 12 days but because I was the organizer and "expert" I was mostly busy with making sure everyone else was happy and on time to Fp's and ADR's so I didn't get to relax much. I still had an amazing time but this trip will be all about me.

When? 16 till 31st of January.
Travel from Amsterdam to Gatwick on 16 January, spend the night at an airport hotel, fly to MCO on 17 January.

Where?

(Got this image of the internet)
I have rented DVC points to stay 15 nights in a deluxe studio with Savannah view. I am so excited to be staying here, I fell in love with AKL on my first visit to Jiko in 2011. It feels very decadent staying in a deluxe resort as it is just me in the room but I decided to treat myself. I can't wait to drink my coffee on the balcony while looking at the animals.

Why? It has been 2 years since my last visit and I miss the magic also

I will be turning 41on the 21st.

I am not planning a whole lot for my 14 days in the parks. I do have a few ADR's and I will book Fast Passes for every day but I will play it by ear and see what I feel like doing.

 

[King Panda 77]

Fellow UKer following along.

 

[Mander]

So excited to see your report- especially since we will be there at the same time!

I hope AKL is as wonderful as it looks! We've been considering renting points for our next trip at either AKL or Old Key West.

I'm just so excited! We are both so close!

 

[12in12]

Sounds like the perfect birthday trip to me!

Thank you, I can't think of anywhere else I would like to celebrate my birthday.

I'm following along too. Wouldn't want to miss this one

Thanks for following, I will do my best to keep it interesting.

This trip sounds amazing

Thank you, the nice thing about a solo trip is the fact that only what I want is important, makes planning much easier.

I'm following along, too!

Happy to have you along.

So excited for you! And so jealous you get to stay at AKL!

Thank you, I did look for a room mate so you could have stayed there as well.

Count me in @RedNoseMickey

You lead and I will follow

Max

Happy to have you here Tuvalu of Asia

I'm here pal!

Hi Courtney, I am counting on you for a Christmas trip report

Fellow UKer following along.

Welcome Mr Ferret, I am sure you, like me, are dreaming of Florida sunshine.

 

[12in12]

So excited to see your report- especially since we will be there at the same time!

I hope AKL is as wonderful as it looks! We've been considering renting points for our next trip at either AKL or Old Key West.

I'm just so excited! We are both so close!

I am super excited as well and so happy to be able to share my plans on WDWMagic. I found renting points very easy and a lot more affordable than renting from Disney direct.

 

[becca_]

I am here!! Our trips overlap - I will keep an eye out for you

 

[DryerLintFan]

A two week trip by yourself, no kids... no husband.... nobody to be responsible for.... this sounds like an absolute dream. I'm jealous!

Can't wait to see how amazing it is!

 

[12in12]

I am here!! Our trips overlap - I will keep an eye out for you

Please say Hi if you see me, I would love to have a little WDWMagic meet up.

A two week trip by yourself, no kids... no husband.... nobody to be responsible for.... this sounds like an absolute dream. I'm jealous!

Can't wait to see how amazing it is!

I am so lucky I get to take this trip and I intend to enjoy it to the fullest.
Your trip with your little princess will be wonderful as well just very different.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Congratulations on your birthday trip, your 60 day out fp day, and your solo trip. It sounds like a wonderful trip and you are staying at a beautiful place.
I was wondering? Have you gone to WDW in January before? We are going late Feb/ early March, and went this past year in February. We really love that time of year. Wondering if you have experience with Jan. before?
Following and can't wait to hear your report!

 

[12in12]

Congratulations on your birthday trip, your 60 day out fp day, and your solo trip. It sounds like a wonderful trip and you are staying at a beautiful place.
I was wondering? Have you gone to WDW in January before? We are going late Feb/ early March, and went this past year in February. We really love that time of year. Wondering if you have experience with Jan. before?
Following and can't wait to hear your report!

Thank you for your kind words. I haven't been to WDW in January before, but I have been during less crowded times. I am hoping for a bit of sunshine in January but I will enjoy myself regardless of the weather and crowd levels. I am happy for you that you have a trip coming up as well. Having a countdown is the best.

 

[Zipadeelady]

I'm in!! So happy for you. It'll be here before you know it!

 

[12in12]

I'm in!! So happy for you. It'll be here before you know it!

Thank you, the days are going very quickly at the moment thanks to heavy workload and Christmas will be busy as well. That being said I can't wait to hear those wonderful words, "Welcome Home".

 

[AKemily]

Yay, looking forward to this report! I get to Disney World on February 1st so your report will be like the countdown for our trip! Just 10 days for us until we can book our FPs.

People down here think I'm crazy but I don't care

Trials and tribulations, I’ve had my share
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now ‘cause I'm almost there!

I'm going to be singing this every time I read your report!

 

[12in12]

Trials and tribulations, I’ve had my share
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now ‘cause I'm almost there!

This is my countdown to Disney song, has been for years now and it never fails to make me smile.
I am happy your trip is so soon, will you be writing a (pre) trip report?

 

[AKemily]

This is my countdown to Disney song, has been for years now and it never fails to make me smile.

It's a great countdown song!

I am happy your trip is so soon, will you be writing a (pre) trip report?

Technically no, my sister @krause is writing it, but I will most definitely be chiming in! She has already started it here.

 

[12in12]

I am starting to think about adding a few extras to my trip. I have been looking at the dessert parties but the only way that is worth the money is if you drink the alcoholic beverages. I only enjoy things like Bailey's, chocolate liqueur or Kaluah and none of those are offered at any of the parties.
Paying $80 for a few mediocre snacks just doesn't seem worth it.

 

[DryerLintFan]

I am starting to think about adding a few extras to my trip. I have been looking at the dessert parties but the only way that is worth the money is if you drink the alcoholic beverages. I only enjoy things like Bailey's, chocolate liqueur or Kaluah and none of those are offered at any of the parties.
Paying $80 for a few mediocre snacks just doesn't seem worth it.

We added a dessert party to our trip and I'm surprisingly looking forward to the mediocre snacks. We mainly booked it to have an open space for the toddler to run around while we wait for fireworks, though.

From everything I read, there's almost zero chance of anyone getting their "money's worth" with the dessert parties. You're paying for the convenience or the experience, but you aren't going to eat thirty macaroons.

 

[12in12]

but you aren't going to eat thirty macaroons

I don't even like macaroons
I understand that the party has it benefits, especially with kids or if you only have 1 night to see the fireworks etc. but none of that applies to me. After doing some research I just don't think a dessert party makes sense for me.
I would rather spend the money on cupcakes and icecream.

 

[DryerLintFan]

I don't even like macaroons
I understand that the party has it benefits, especially with kids or if you only have 1 night to see the fireworks etc. but none of that applies to me. After doing some research I just don't think a dessert party makes sense for me.

I do think it would be a fun eating challenge.... getting your money's worth at a dessert party...

 

[amjt660]

Have you considered a behind the scenes tour?
We did our first one this summer at DLR and really enjoyed it

Max

 

[King Panda 77]

Have you considered a behind the scenes tour?
We did our first one this summer at DLR and really enjoyed it

Max

I second that fine idea.
Marceline to Magic Kingdom is a good shortish tour., 3 hrs at about $50.
Backstage Magic is very very informative,
9 hrs at around $275 ( with lunch provided).