Pre-Trip (Im)patiently Waiting For My Early Fall Trip

EDITED 07.07.17 - Photobucket has updated their policies so my photos aren't displaying. I'll try to switch them all over to Flickr eventually!

How early is too early for a pre-trip report? I’m pretty new here still. Sorry if I’m committing a forum faux pas.

Who am I kidding, I’m not sorry. I just want to spend more time thinking about my upcoming trip! My husband claims I spend about 60% of my free time thinking about or reading about Disney. He’s probably right, but I don’t see that as a bad thing! Speaking of my husband, he’s my travel buddy and fellow Disney fan, R. Our first trip was our honeymoon in 2012, and we got hooked.

Our 2015 trip is booked, and I’ve been counting down the days! It will come after a ridiculously busy wedding season (which has already begun), and will be a very welcome break for me.

From our honeymoon:

Who: Me (K) and R. Photographer and Engineer (you can tell from our careers how different we are)
When: September 28 – October 3
Where: Bay Lake Tower studio room, lake view
ADRs: Artist Point, California Grill (early anniversary dinner), San Angel

I’m still trying to get BOG for lunch one of the days that we’ll be in MK. I try two or three times a day, but no luck yet. If I don’t get it, I won’t be crushed, but I’d love to try it out. We’re also eating at Big River Grill one night, though it looked like they didn’t take ADRs. Rhett thought it sounded good, so we’re giving it a shot.

Transportation: Driving from Tennessee! I shoot a wedding the 26th, and we’ll leave the next morning. We will stay in an Orlando hotel the 27th then probably go to MK until our room is ready the 28th.

Tickets: We’ll get those later. Probably 5 day park hopper for R, and maybe an AP for me. I might take a girls trip in January, so I’m waiting to see if that is going to work out.

Other plans: MNSSHP

We try to be really easy-going with our trips because neither of us would have a good time if we rushed around everywhere. We make plans, but they are loose plans. The dining reservations are set, obviously, because we don’t want to be charged for a no-show, but when we make FPs, we don’t always use them. We’ve never ridden TSMM because I never wanted to get there at rope drop and rush back there. Then last year, we had FPs and the dang thing was closed during our window. By the time it was back, we’d left the park. So will 2015 be the year we ride TSMM? Maybe! We have done the one at DL, so we’re not desperate to do it.

I may post a few photos from our December trip last year. I didn’t know about the forums at that point to do a report. It was a fun trip! The weather during that one was AMAZING.

Ok, done rambling. Now I’ll get back to reading everyone else’s trip reports and pre-trip posts!

 

[DisneyMorgan]

WOW, that's a lot of coincidences! Haha. What part of Tennessee are you from? We're in West, kind of between Memphis and Nashville. I think I've just about got Rhett convinced to do a cruise next time we book a trip after this one, hopefully in 2016. He's not keen on being stuck on a boat, but I think we'd have fun!

I'm from Memphis! (well, a suburb lol) This is our first cruise, so we are only doing a 3 night Bahamian, but I already know we are going to be hooked!!! I think you could convince him to do a 3 or 4 night cruise, they seem like (and what I've read) the perfect starter cruise!

 

[sheriffwoody]

I'm from Memphis! (well, a suburb lol) This is our first cruise, so we are only doing a 3 night Bahamian, but I already know we are going to be hooked!!! I think you could convince him to do a 3 or 4 night cruise, they seem like (and what I've read) the perfect starter cruise!

How neat! I'm in Jackson, just about an hour up i-40. Small world!! My best friend lives in Cordova, and up until a couple of weeks ago, my dad was in Germantown. He's back in Jackson now. I'm thinking that's exactly what I want to do. Probably the 3 night would be plenty for us. Let me know if you do a trip report so I can read about it!

 

[Clamman73]

You know you're a little nutty when you go to open some new salad dressing, and your first thought is, "OMG THIS EXPIRES ON MY FIRST DAY AT DISNEY WORLD!"

That's my first day also...things get real when milk expiration dates start to be in the Disney vacay window!

 

[DisneyMorgan]

How neat! I'm in Jackson, just about an hour up i-40. Small world!! My best friend lives in Cordova, and up until a couple of weeks ago, my dad was in Germantown. He's back in Jackson now. I'm thinking that's exactly what I want to do. Probably the 3 night would be plenty for us. Let me know if you do a trip report so I can read about it!

Ha awesome! When me and my husband were dating we would always go to Jackson for fun. Like just to Best Buy or wherever. I don't know why but it was super exciting at the time lol! I lived in Cordova for a little bit! I'm definitely going to do a trip report!! I've never written one before! I also want to write a pre-trip report too but I may wait until I have my FP+ booked.

 

[LisaBelle]

You know you're a little nutty when you go to open some new salad dressing, and your first thought is, "OMG THIS EXPIRES ON MY FIRST DAY AT DISNEY WORLD!"

LOL!!!! That is something I would do, too!! Definitely Disney obsessed!

 

[miltimo5]

i get your being excited.. i am going 9/12 thru oct 4th... and have had a countdown on my desk at work since the day i booked. I CANT WAIT...

 

[sheriffwoody]

i get your being excited.. i am going 9/12 thru oct 4th... and have had a countdown on my desk at work since the day i booked. I CANT WAIT...

Wow, that's a long trip! I'm jealous. I have my countdown at work too I have a grid with the number of days and I mark off each day with a Disney sticker. I look forward to marking off another day every morning!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Update on our MNSSHP costumes!

Neither of us are big Halloween celebrators, so we never dress up. I think it would be fun to go all out on costumes, but Rs not a fan. He said he'd wear something simple, so I decided I could get him a character t-shirt. I thought about Woody & Jessie, but I don't care for Jessie, and a Buzz costume looked too difficult. So we're going to go as Mike & Sully. Monster's Inc. is one of my favorite movies, and a Mike Wazowski shirt wasn't hard to find. I thought about going as Boo, but she was closer to Sully than Mike (plus pink and pigtails are two things I normally don't participate in). I also thought about Roz, but I didn't feel like I could make it work without some green makeup.

So...Sully it is! He's kind of awesome anyway Now I get to figure out how to portray him! Any ideas? I need to dust off the sewing machine.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Down to 74 days today! Also, I forgot to post a few weeks ago when I booked another trip in January. This time with my girlfriends!

There are 5 of us from college who were really close, and I originally wanted all of us to go together. Two of them have babies now, so while they initially said they'd go, they backed out. I can't be upset because I don't have a kid, so I don't know what I'd do in their shoes. I just wish we'd taken a trip all together before they started their families! So ladies, learn from me: Take your girls trip pre-kids!

Here are the three of us that are going:

I have plenty of normal pictures of us together, but this is kind of more realistic. (I'm using initials because I don't know if they want their names out there) That's L on the left. She's our bubbly little accountant. She's a major planner, so we've had fun going back and forth about plans and getting excited together. M is in the middle, a pre-k teacher. She's my cousin, and of course my friend as well. We never lived in the same town growing up but we went to college together and roomed together, and we are great friends! That's me on the right. And now you know what the inside of my mouth looks like. You're welcome.

When: January 14-18th. M only get's two personal days, so we're taking advantage of her being out for MLK Day.
How: Driving (12 hours). Leaving after M gets out of school on the 13th and checking in on the 14th. We'll sleep in a hotel outside of the world the night we arrive.
Where: POFQ. MY FAVORITE! We wanted to stay at Coronado Springs, but there is no availability. If something opens up, we'll switch, but I'm good with French Quarter if not. I love it there. I just don't know if we'll end up getting any discount since it's usually excluded.

I get to make ADRs Saturday! I'm only trying for one. I want to do breakfast at Crystal Palace. L absolutely loves Winnie the Pooh, and I have always wanted to do a character meal (my husband isn't interested). We'll probably do quick service the rest of the time. This is mainly for budgetary reasons. Like I said, M is a teacher. She doesn't make nearly as much as she should as hard as she works, so we're trying to keep this manageable for her.

Ok, that's it for now. Happy Thursday! I'll update again in 14 days when I make fast passes for my trip in Sept/Oct

 

[sheriffwoody]

Not sure if anyone is still following along, but I thought I'd update anyway

Today has been super hard because one of my best friends left this morning to move down to Florida. Post-college life is hard! People just keep moving away... Luckily she's in St. Petersburg, so maybe I can convince her to come up to Orlando (or meet me halfway) when we go to Disney this fall!

The one thing that's cheered me up today has been making Fast Passes! Yep, that's right, we're at 60 DAYS!!

I'm not much for planning down to the minute, so it's not likely we'll keep all these fast passes. Last year we used some, but others we just let expire. We like to wander at our leisure And with Food & Wine, there's no telling if we'll even leave Epcot. But anyway, here's what I've planned (with old photos sprinkled in):

Monday - Sept 28th

• We actually booked the Disney Visa exclusive F&W event, Brews, Breakfast and More on this morning. It'll be from 8:30-10:30. Hoping we're ok to hang around the park for a while after because there's no way our room will be ready by the time we're done! I made some Epcot FPs for us while we hang around.
• Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Mission Space. R's not a big Soarin' fan, so we may not end up doing that at all. He'd rather have a TT fastpass.
• Hopefully the room will be ready by early afternoon and we can go back and rest.
• Dinner is at 7:15 at Artist Point, so if we feel like it, we'll pop in Magic Kingdom before taking a boat over to WL and we'll go back to MK if we have time after dinner.

Tuesday - Sept 29th

• My plan is to catch the opening show at MK for the first time ever!
• We have FP+ for Pirates, Peter Pan and Splash this morning. We'll make one for Seven Dwarves that night if we can. If not, no big deal. The ride isn't a must-do. Peter Pan isn't either, but I didn't care for it the first time and want to give it another chance. I figured Space Mountain could be our first stop in the park, so no FP necessary. Also want to ride the train at some point
• Might got to Epcot to get some snacks and hang out in WS...not sure.
• Big River Grille and Brewery for dinner (no ADR for this...didn't see an option). I'm excited to see that area for the first time! I'd love to stay on the boardwark one day.

not sure if either of us knew where the camera was, we were just THAT into it. This was our first trip.

Wednesday - Sept 30th

• FP+ at Hollywood for Toy Story, Frozen sing-a-long, and ToT. I haven't told R about the Frozen thing yet I hope he goes for it. I think it sounds fun. After 3 trips we STILL haven't made it to Toy Story. We have to do it this time. Nothing can stop us!
• Dinner will be at San Angel Inn in Epcot, which will of course mean more snacks from the kiosks before or after. We'll likely be waddling around most of this trip like penguins or overstuffed bears.

Thursday - Oct 1st

• AK day!! FP+ for the Safari first thing (supposedly animals are out mostly early), Everest and Dinosaur.
• We will definitely take in the shows in AK and enjoy the atmosphere. I love this park, so I want to soak it in! Not sure about food here, but we'll play it by ear.
• MNSSHP night! I've got "costumes" which are really just regular clothes that resemble characters. I've got Sully ears and will wear Sully colors and R has a Mike Wasowski shirt. I think we'll be cute I'm just super pumped to see everyone's costumes and see the villians and Hallowishes.

Friday - Oct 2nd

• Last full day No FP+ this day because we don't know where we'll want to go. I think probably a little at MK and a little at Epcot for some F&W action.
• Early anniversary dinner at California Grill (3 year anniversary on the 6th!) - I've already looked at the menu and drooled a little. I've never been this excited about a meal before! The cast member I talked to on the phone when I booked the F&W event saw that we were eating here and commented on how much she loved it. She said the bison was amazing, and she's got me wanting to try that! It's going to be hard to decide....I may have to flip a coin (my usual way of making decisions because I'm like a 6 year old in that regard)

Saturday - Oct 3rd

• We'll close out our trip in a park, not sure which one. I will have an annual pass by this point, and R got 6 days so that we could go to a park before getting on the road. It'll be so sad to leave, but I know I'll be ready to see my baby again (my 3 year old beagle).

You can't tell, but he totally ruvs me too.

Let me know if you guys have comments on our plans! I know everyone's planning style is totally different. It's so hard for me to just say "we're going to be in this place at this time"...because I know we will change our minds A LOT. At least if we only plan a few key aspects, we still have a bit of room to be spontaneous. I do want to make sure I leave a little time to explore Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary while we're there.

Hope you guys enjoyed the planning process! I guess we're pretty much good to go until we get on the road in 59 days. AHHHH!!! I am so excited. I've been fueling my excitement with so many trip reports on these forums So thanks @disneypearl @disneyfirstLJ @b33b33 @officialtom @Disneygal1 and so many others! I have several more to read

 

[LisaBelle]

I'm still following along! Hooray for FastPass selection day! You chose many of the rides I always choose.
You will LOVE the opening show at MK. It always makes me cry tears of joy. Have you ever seen the Kiss Goodnight at MK? I love that one too.
As for food at AK. If you want quick service we like to go to Flame Tree Barbecue and Yak and Yeti. If you enjoy Dole Whip and adult beverages, the Tamu Tamu refreshment stand sells Dole Whip with coconut rum. YUMMY!
Your MNSSHP costumes sound adorable. I think you will make a great Sully and Mike. They are such fun characters.
Your girls trip sounds fun. My sister and I will be going on a girls trip in February to celebrate my 50th birthday. We are really looking forward to it.
Enjoy your two countdowns!

 

[LisaBelle]

Forgot to say that I have been drooling over the menu at California Grill, too. My sister and I are hoping to get a reservation there.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Have you ever seen the Kiss Goodnight at MK? I love that one too.
As for food at AK. If you want quick service we like to go to Flame Tree Barbecue and Yak and Yeti. If you enjoy Dole Whip and adult beverages, the Tamu Tamu refreshment stand sells Dole Whip with coconut rum.

We haven't! I mentioned that to R and I think we're going to try to see it. We're early birds and usually go to bed at 10, so hopefully we can stay up Thanks for the tips on AK food! I wonder if the refreshment stand is where we went last time...I got hummus and veggies that were really good. It was a light, refreshing snack, I just can't remember the name of the stand. I'll try Flame Tree if I can though. We're from near Memphis so we looooooooove BBQ.

Your trip with your sister sounds wonderful! Can't think of a better place to celebrate a birthday. I'm excited to hear about that trip since it's in February! I bet that time of year will be pretty nice in FL.

 

[LisaBelle]

We haven't! I mentioned that to R and I think we're going to try to see it. We're early birds and usually go to bed at 10, so hopefully we can stay up Thanks for the tips on AK food! I wonder if the refreshment stand is where we went last time...I got hummus and veggies that were really good. It was a light, refreshing snack, I just can't remember the name of the stand. I'll try Flame Tree if I can though. We're from near Memphis so we looooooooove BBQ.

Your trip with your sister sounds wonderful! Can't think of a better place to celebrate a birthday. I'm excited to hear about that trip since it's in February! I bet that time of year will be pretty nice in FL.

You will love the Kiss Goodnight. Hope you can stay awake to see it!
You probably got the hummus and veggies from Tamu Tamu. I had read about the spiked Dole Whips here on the forum, but did not see them listed on the big menu. I was determined to try one so I got in line to ask the CM about them. Then I noticed a small sign in a picture frame on the counter. The spiked Dole Whips were listed on there. Definitely ask if you don't see them listed on the big menu.
Thanks! I can't wait for trip. I agree that I can't think of a better place to celebrate my birthday!

 

[FlaggNL]

Off course i'm still following along. Was quite a busy time here.... but know we have a 2 week holiday break. And still counting down for the October trip!

Btw your plans look great! And we are totally the same. Not that kind of planners. Off course the FP+ but maybe we dont do them all and let them pass.....

 

[MegRuss626]

You will LOVE MNSSHP!!!! We went for your first time October 2014 and absolutely loved it! We're going for Thanksgiving this year so we're going to miss them! And I totally feel you about not being able to get your husband in costume...this is as close as I got...
View media item 638

 

[sheriffwoody]

Btw your plans look great! And we are totally the same. Not that kind of planners. Off course the FP+ but maybe we dont do them all and let them pass.....

Glad we're not the only ones! We just kind of make up the day as we go I tried to do all the FP+ early this time so we can wing it most of the day. Sometimes it's fun just to wander!

You will LOVE MNSSHP!!!! We went for your first time October 2014 and absolutely loved it! We're going for Thanksgiving this year so we're going to miss them! And I totally feel you about not being able to get your husband in costume...this is as close as I got...
View media item 638

The picture is private if you have another link But yeah I'm SUPER excited about the party. I hope we're able to get good spots for the parade and fireworks. I've listened to the Hallowishes music and love it so much.

 

[MegRuss626]

MK_TSHOLIDAY_7074170847

• MegRuss626
• Aug 10, 2015

Still figuring this site out so hopefully this one works! If you like pumpkin, def go to Sleepy Hollow and get the pumpkin spice waffle with ice cream! And take advantage of the trick or treating!!

 

[sheriffwoody]

If you like pumpkin, def go to Sleepy Hollow and get the pumpkin spice waffle with ice cream! And take advantage of the trick or treating!!

Yes that worked! So cute Glad he was a trooper for you! I'm still trying to talk my husband into green pants to go with his Mike Wazowski shirt We'll see. ha! And I LOVE pumpkin, and that waffle sounds like heaven. I will definitely get that!

 

[MegRuss626]

Yes that worked! So cute Glad he was a trooper for you! I'm still trying to talk my husband into green pants to go with his Mike Wazowski shirt We'll see. ha! And I LOVE pumpkin, and that waffle sounds like heaven. I will definitely get that!

Pumpkin spice waffle

• MegRuss626
• Aug 10, 2015

It was delicious!! And you can only get them during the party!