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.

 

[Stacey LeDuc]

Hi~
So happy to follow along.
I’m on your page about the dessert party but our friends have gone several times and say it’s so worth it. So...we’re giving it a try. Also I agree with @mrferret88 that the Marceline tour is fantastic!
Live that we will be there at the same time. Maybe we will bump into each other...

 

[12in12]

Thanks @ajmt660 and @MrFerret88 for the tour suggestion. I will look in to those over the weekend.
@Stacey LeDuc I hope you have a great time at your dessert party. Which one are you going to?

 

[21stamps]

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.

The one at Hollywood Studios is nice and relatively inexpensive. The gingerbread martinis were delicious!

If not, I think the tour at Animal Kingdom looks great.. Wild Africa Trek (I think that’s the name), all I know is my son is not old enough for it.lol.

Or.... maybe book a massage sometime during the 2 weeks, mid way thru to rejuvenate.

 

[12in12]

@21stamps Thank you for the excellent suggestions. I have read reviews of the trek and it did look very nice. I will have a look at duration and cost etc. over the weekend.
I was thinking about booking a massage but then I read a bad review by @Courtney6682 so I would be hesitant to get one as they are quite expensive.

 

[DryerLintFan]

@21stamps Thank you for the excellent suggestions. I have read reviews of the trek and it did look very nice. I will have a look at duration and cost etc. over the weekend.
I was thinking about booking a massage but then I read a bad review by @Courtney6682 so I would be hesitant to get one as they are quite expensive.

I could be totally wrong (I have a bad memory on things like this) but I think @ajrwdwgirl also had a bad Disney massage experience, but hers was on the cruise. Or I could be mixing up my stories.

 

[Courtney6682]

@21stamps Thank you for the excellent suggestions. I have read reviews of the trek and it did look very nice. I will have a look at duration and cost etc. over the weekend.
I was thinking about booking a massage but then I read a bad review by @Courtney6682 so I would be hesitant to get one as they are quite expensive.

I've never gotten a massage at Disney, but it sounds like it would be great after all that walking lol

 

[12in12]

I've never gotten a massage at Disney, but it sounds like it would be great after all that walking lol

Apologies Courtney, I was thinking of another mother/daughter duo whose trip report I was reading the other day.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Apologies Courtney, I was thinking of another mother/daughter duo whose trip report I was reading the other day.

@Doc Disney maybe?

 

[12in12]

No not them, let me go and look it up.
It was @BDL.

 

[MinnieM123]

@21stamps Thank you for the excellent suggestions. I have read reviews of the trek and it did look very nice. I will have a look at duration and cost etc. over the weekend.
I was thinking about booking a massage but then I read a bad review by @Courtney6682 so I would be hesitant to get one as they are quite expensive.

I used the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin. It's very nice in there, and they are very professional. It is expensive though--resort rates and all. But as a treat on vacation, sometimes I've indulged.

 

[Big Hair]

I am going to be there January 22nd to the 25th with daughter, son and daughter in law. Fly in at 700ish Monday than fly out at 1000ish on Thursday. Hitting he parks hard for 2 days. See what your schedule is Monday. If it's open you can join us at the dvc lounge atop the bay lake tower for the fireworks. Hopefully we will get Shirley status on the trip as well as magic express and the taxi to bay lake for a smooth and timely trip debut for 2018 and monorail crawl is in the cards for after HEA. I could make Tuesday or Wednesday work if you have firm plans for Monday. Your distance traveled and time between vists elevates you to princess status so if your interested the invite is there. Actually any forum contributor is welcome. It would be fun to share some real Disney magic as we do with the trip reports.

 

[12in12]

I am going to be there January 22nd to the 25th with daughter, son and daughter in law. Fly in at 700ish Monday than fly out at 1000ish on Thursday. Hitting he parks hard for 2 days. See what your schedule is Monday. If it's open you can join us at the dvc lounge atop the bay lake tower for the fireworks. Hopefully we will get Shirley status on the trip as well as magic express and the taxi to bay lake for a smooth and timely trip debut for 2018 and monorail crawl is in the cards for after HEA. I could make Tuesday or Wednesday work if you have firm plans for Monday. Your distance traveled and time between vists elevates you to princess status so if your interested the invite is there. Actually any forum contributor is welcome. It would be fun to share some real Disney magic as we do with the trip reports.

Wow, talk about getting pixie dusted! That is such a sweet offer. My plans are totally flexible, and even if not I would change them. I will pm you with my details so we can arrange our meet up.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I could be totally wrong (I have a bad memory on things like this) but I think @ajrwdwgirl also had a bad Disney massage experience, but hers was on the cruise. Or I could be mixing up my stories.

The massage I got was on a Disney cruise, but there are Senses spas at Disney World too.

 

[Big Hair]

19 days and a wake and you will be in the magic. We have 23 days and a wake up. I am getting excited!!!!

 

[Pardonmypixiedust]

Mickey !
I am bighairs son. Looking forward to meeting up and sharing some magic! Safe travels from across the pond.

 

[LisaBelle]

@21stamps Thank you for the excellent suggestions. I have read reviews of the trek and it did look very nice. I will have a look at duration and cost etc. over the weekend.
I was thinking about booking a massage but then I read a bad review by @Courtney6682 so I would be hesitant to get one as they are quite expensive.

I have only had one Disney massage and it was hands down the best massage I have ever had! My sister and I went to the Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian. It was definitely pricey, but I felt it was well worth it. As with any massage anywhere, I guess it all depends on the massage therapist.
Your plans sound wonderful. I am wishing you a magical time. I will be following along!

 

[12in12]

19 days and a wake and you will be in the magic. We have 23 days and a wake up. I am getting excited!!!!

Mickey !
I am bighairs son. Looking forward to meeting up and sharing some magic! Safe travels from across the pond.

I will be on the plane this time next week! I am looking forward to meeting you all and talk Disney

 

[DryerLintFan]

I will be on the plane this time next week! I am looking forward to meeting you all and talk Disney

One week!!!! That's so exciting!!

 

[12in12]

Time has just flown and I am now so close to my trip. Christmas and New Year were amazing and it took me a few days to switch gears to get in Disney mode but I am ready to go now.
I had a thorough look at all the tours and party offerings and will follow the advice of Max and mr.ferret to do the Marceline tour. I am also interested in doing the Divequest in EPCOT. I haven't booked anything yet because you need to call to make a reservation and I am too cheap to call from outside the States. I am sure I can book once I am there since I am a party of 1 and very flexible on days.
I haven't started packing yet but I know what I am bringing so not feeling stressed.

 

[Stacey LeDuc]

Enjoy your trip! We leave a week from this Saturday. We are also doing the Marceline tour. You will love it.