Possible 1-day surprise. WWYD?!

[sweetpee_1993]

This is kinda a different little situation I have going here. Bear with me.

My 20th anniversary is coming up this September. I'm slated to go on the Dream Girls cruise Sept. 8-12. The itinerary is as follows:

When I get off the girls cruise I'll be returning to a studio at AKV/Kidani and will be joined by my husband at about midnight that night (he has to work all day before his flight).

We'll have all day Friday, Sept. 13th to do whatever.

Saturday, Sept. 14th we head back out to Port Canaveral to sail on the Disney Fantasy for the week.

So I have that ONE day/night that we will be on Disney property with nothing to do but maybe wander the resort or relax by the pool. We've stayed at AKL/Jambo before so it's not like we're all new & fresh to the entire resort there.

The old man is kinda wistful for the parks lately whereas I'm mostly fine to skip them. But, it being our anniversary and all, I was thinking he would be shocked to the marrow of his bones if I surprised him with park time. He'd never in a bazillion years expect it because I'm pretty adamant about not spending the crazy amounts to go to the parks these days.

Looking at Sept. 13th, there's a lot of options out there. Without feeling him out a little as to which of the parks he misses and would like to revisit most I'm left sorta wondering what would be best crowd-wise for that day/night plus considering cost for just a single day. I mean, we all know what the 1-day price is now. I'm almost nauseated just thinking about it but I'll try to remember he's worth oh-so much more.

If he's wishing most to revisit Epcot then that will trump anything any of us think and leave me with the decision made. However, I realize DHS has the Villians Unleashed thing going on for day guests until 1 am which I assume will draw quite a crowd particularly after the other parks are closed up for the day. Buuuuuut, the MK is also having MNSSHP that night which would be cool for a list of reasons:

1.) Guests may opt to do the halloween party another night during their stay because this night is a bonus night at DHS.

2.) Tickets would cost waaaaaay less for this vs. 1-day full tickets.

3.) We could skip all the party hullabaloo & just hit attractions which tend to have shorter waits because party-goers are busy doing the special shows/parade/etc.

Hmmmmm...decisions decisions! I kinda lean towards doing MNSSHP because we could sleep in (he is getting in at midnight the night before), enjoy the resort a little during the day, nap, and still get into the MK @ 4:00 giving us 8 hours of running around for a lot less than a 1-day ticket. Then again, how many visitors will think the exact same things I am and do the same thing??? Ugh! What to DO?!?! What would YOU do???

And now I'm dreaming up how I'll surprise him..... oooohhh.... this could get goooooooood!

**edit**
Breaking up of paragraphs courtesy of @englanddg...

 

[englanddg]

This is kinda a different little situation I have going here. Bear with me.

My 20th anniversary is coming up this September. I'm slated to go on the Dream Girls cruise Sept. 8-12. When I get off the girls cruise I'll be returning to a studio at AKV/Kidani and will be joined by my husband at about midnight that night (he has to work all day before his flight). We'll have all day Friday, Sept. 13th to do whatever then Saturday, Sept. 14th we head back out to Port Canaveral to sail on the Disney Fantasy for the week. So I have that ONE day/night that we will be on Disney property with nothing to do but maybe wander the resort or relax by the pool. We've stayed at AKL/Jambo before so it's not like we're all new & fresh to the entire resort there. Anywhoo, my old man is kinda wistful for the parks whereas I'm mostly fine to skip them nowadays. But, it being our anniversary and all I was thinking he would be shocked to the marrow of his bones if I surprised him with park time. He'd never in a bazillion years expect it because I'm pretty adamant about not spending the crazy amounts to go to the parks these days. Looking at Sept. 13th, there's a lot of options out there. Without feeling him out a little as to which of the parks he misses and would like to revisit most I'm left sorta wondering what would be best crowd-wise for that day/night plus considering cost for just a single day. I mean, we all know what the 1-day price is now. I'm almost nauseated just thinking about it but I'll try to remember he's worth oh-so much more. If he's wishing most to revisit Epcot then that will trump anything any of us think and leave me with the decision made. However, I realize DHS has the Villians Unleashed thing going on for day guests until 1 am which I assume will draw quite a crowd particularly after the other parks are closed up for the day. Buuuuuut, the MK is also having MNSSHP that night which would be cool for a list of reasons: 1.) Guests may opt to do the halloween party another night during their stay because this night is a bonus night at DHS, 2.) Tickets would cost waaaaaay less for this vs. 1-day full tickets, & 3.) We could skip all the party hullabaloo & just hit attractions which tend to have shorter waits because party-goers are busy doing the special shows/parade/etc. Hmmmmm...decisions decisions! I kinda lean towards doing MNSSHP because we could sleep in (he is getting in at midnight the night before), enjoy the resort a little during the day, nap, and still get into the MK @ 4:00 giving us 8 hours of running around for a lot less than a 1-day ticket. Then again, how many visitors will think the exact same things I am and do the same thing??? Ugh! What to DO?!?! What would YOU do???

And now I'm dreaming up how I'll surprise him..... oooohhh.... this could get goooooooood!

Ok, I'm sorry...can you edit this to put some carriage returns (spaces) into it?

I'd do the MNSSHP...but, have you considered something else special? Maybe a chefs table at Kouzzina? (dunno how he feels about food, to me...that would win me over immediately as opposed to a ride on Peter Pan!).

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Ok, I'm sorry...can you edit this to put some carriage returns (spaces) into it?

Okay.

I'd do the MNSSHP...but, have you considered something else special? Maybe a chefs table at Kouzzina? (dunno how he feels about food, to me...that would win me over immediately as opposed to a ride on Peter Pan!).

Nah, food isn't a big deal to us. It's hiiiighly unlikely anything at WDW short of Shula's would do much of anything for us. We're not big on even the most highly rated WDW food. It's not our deal. We've sorta given up on that.

 

[englanddg]

Okay.



Nah, food isn't a big deal to us. It's hiiiighly unlikely anything at WDW short of Shula's would do much of anything for us. We're not big on even the most highly rated WDW food. It's not our deal. We've sorta given up on that.

Ya'll have done the party before though, haven't you?

 

[englanddg]

This is kinda a different little situation I have going here. Bear with me.

My 20th anniversary is coming up this September. I'm slated to go on the Dream Girls cruise Sept. 8-12. The itinerary is as follows:

When I get off the girls cruise I'll be returning to a studio at AKV/Kidani and will be joined by my husband at about midnight that night (he has to work all day before his flight).

We'll have all day Friday, Sept. 13th to do whatever.

Saturday, Sept. 14th we head back out to Port Canaveral to sail on the Disney Fantasy for the week.

So I have that ONE day/night that we will be on Disney property with nothing to do but maybe wander the resort or relax by the pool. We've stayed at AKL/Jambo before so it's not like we're all new & fresh to the entire resort there.

The old man is kinda wistful for the parks lately whereas I'm mostly fine to skip them. But, it being our anniversary and all, I was thinking he would be shocked to the marrow of his bones if I surprised him with park time. He'd never in a bazillion years expect it because I'm pretty adamant about not spending the crazy amounts to go to the parks these days.

Looking at Sept. 13th, there's a lot of options out there. Without feeling him out a little as to which of the parks he misses and would like to revisit most I'm left sorta wondering what would be best crowd-wise for that day/night plus considering cost for just a single day. I mean, we all know what the 1-day price is now. I'm almost nauseated just thinking about it but I'll try to remember he's worth oh-so much more.

If he's wishing most to revisit Epcot then that will trump anything any of us think and leave me with the decision made. However, I realize DHS has the Villians Unleashed thing going on for day guests until 1 am which I assume will draw quite a crowd particularly after the other parks are closed up for the day. Buuuuuut, the MK is also having MNSSHP that night which would be cool for a list of reasons:

1.) Guests may opt to do the halloween party another night during their stay because this night is a bonus night at DHS.

2.) Tickets would cost waaaaaay less for this vs. 1-day full tickets.

3.) We could skip all the party hullabaloo & just hit attractions which tend to have shorter waits because party-goers are busy doing the special shows/parade/etc.

Hmmmmm...decisions decisions! I kinda lean towards doing MNSSHP because we could sleep in (he is getting in at midnight the night before), enjoy the resort a little during the day, nap, and still get into the MK @ 4:00 giving us 8 hours of running around for a lot less than a 1-day ticket. Then again, how many visitors will think the exact same things I am and do the same thing??? Ugh! What to DO?!?! What would YOU do???

And now I'm dreaming up how I'll surprise him..... oooohhh.... this could get goooooooood!

**edit**
Breaking up of paragraphs courtesy of @englanddg...

Now I feel like a dork! But, I did find that easier to read! <grin>

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Ya'll have done the party before though, haven't you?

Yep. 2011. Also done the Christmas party twice and the now-defunct (unfortunately) Pirate & Princess party twice. We know the party drill. If the herds are lining up for candy distribution, character meets, shows, and parades we're seeking attractions where the people are not.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Now I feel like a dork! But, I did find that easier to read! <grin>

You're not a dork. It was a lot to take in. Breaking up the MNSSHP reasoning list was a logical thing to do and something I prob'ly should've done from the get-go. If it makes the whole thing easier to comprehend then you're not a dork, you're a friend. A friend can make constructive criticism. No problem with that from me.

 

[englanddg]

Yep. 2011. Also done the Christmas party twice and the now-defunct (unfortunately) Pirate & Princess party twice. We know the party drill. If the herds are lining up for candy distribution, character meets, shows, and parades we're seeking attractions where the people are not.

I thought you had.

Well, I don't know your man like you do (and never wish to, I don't swing that way!), but if he's into the parks...a half day for the party may just be the best plan.

Personally, I'm with you, I'd skip the parade and trick or treating, and take advantage of the lower crowds and explore NFL. The kid and I see Wishes and the EP the first night, but on later visits, use it as a time to do rides! Splash Mountain during Wishes is amazing!

Maybe look into a BOG reservation? Not because it's all that great (mixed reviews so far), but just to say you've done it?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I thought you had.

Well, I don't know your man like you do (and never wish to, I don't swing that way!), but if he's into the parks...a half day for the party may just be the best plan.

Personally, I'm with you, I'd skip the parade and trick or treating, and take advantage of the lower crowds and explore NFL. The kid and I see Wishes and the EP the first night, but on later visits, use it as a time to do rides! Splash Mountain during Wishes is amazing!

Maybe look into a BOG reservation? Not because it's all that great (mixed reviews so far), but just to say you've done it?

Just looked for a reservation. I clicked "search" and crickets started chirping. If I'm going to use any of my alloted lifetime luck I think I'd rather utilize it for lottery tickets. I'd love to score a reservation for BoG just to say we did it but I seriously doubt it will happen. Not with it being a party night.

I do sorta lean more and more towards the party. We've always enjoyed seeing the costumes of other guests. It's like bonus fun.

 

[englanddg]

Just looked for a reservation. I clicked "search" and crickets started chirping. If I'm going to use any of my alloted lifetime luck I think I'd rather utilize it for lottery tickets. I'd love to score a reservation for BoG just to say we did it but I seriously doubt it will happen. Not with it being a party night.

I do sorta lean more and more towards the party. We've always enjoyed seeing the costumes of other guests. It's like bonus fun.

Hah! Yeah, I missed my day 180, and by day 160 it was booked solid already...and we are there 11 days total in August! Popular. Not sure if I want to wait an hour or two to eat at a Quick Service, but I'll leave that up to the kid on our trip.

As far as the party, I've never been, due to schedules with the kid. Maybe when she's older (if they are still doing it). But, seems to me, paying for it since you'll probably want (as you indicated) to sleep in and laze around the hotel during the day and it includes admission...seems the best plan to me!

The real question is, would he enjoy it? Or, is the time spent better at another park? And, how "special" do you want to make it? I mean, you'll just be back from the girls cruise (which, I will be attending and wearing my life vest on...as long as you all don't figure out I'm in drag!) and he'll be coming in late and probably tired and needed a day to reset before your cruise...

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Hah! Yeah, I missed my day 180, and by day 160 it was booked solid already...and we are there 11 days total in August! Popular. Not sure if I want to wait an hour or two to eat at a Quick Service, but I'll leave that up to the kid on our trip.

As far as the party, I've never been, due to schedules with the kid. Maybe when she's older (if they are still doing it). But, seems to me, paying for it since you'll probably want (as you indicated) to sleep in and laze around the hotel during the day and it includes admission...seems the best plan to me!

The real question is, would he enjoy it? Or, is the time spent better at another park? And, how "special" do you want to make it? I mean, you'll just be back from the girls cruise (which, I will be attending and wearing my life vest on...as long as you all don't figure out I'm in drag!) and he'll be coming in late and probably tired and needed a day to reset before your cruise...

I think he would. Last night one of those behind the scenes shows at WDW was on and he commented once again that he wished I was more agreeable to the parks because he kinda misses some stuff. He gets all nostalgic. I dunno, I kinda think if there's any park he'd choose with no other variables or crowd predictions thrown in I can almost guarantee he'd say Epcot. It's hard to tell. I think either Epcot or MK would be meaningful and something he'd love, tho.

 

[englanddg]

I think he would. Last night one of those behind the scenes shows at WDW was on and he commented once again that he wished I was more agreeable to the parks because he kinda misses some stuff. He gets all nostalgic. I dunno, I kinda think if there's any park he'd choose with no other variables or crowd predictions thrown in I can almost guarantee he'd say Epcot. It's hard to tell. I think either Epcot or MK would be meaningful and something he'd love, tho.

Why not do Epcot with dining at R&C for Illuminations?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Why not do Epcot with dining at R&C for Illuminations?

Yeah, maybe Epcot would be a solid option. The bulk of the crowds will likely be at DHS or MNSSHP. Lemme go check ADRs for Epcot.

 

[englanddg]

Yeah, maybe Epcot would be a solid option. The bulk of the crowds will likely be at DHS or MNSSHP. Lemme go check ADRs for Epcot.

Book R&C for around 8p (assuming Illuminations is 9p)...when you show up, ask for outdoor seating and say you are willing to wait.

If you've never done this, I HIGHLY recommend it! Best seat in the house!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Book R&C for around 8p (assuming Illuminations is 9p)...when you show up, ask for outdoor seating and say you are willing to wait.

If you've never done this, I HIGHLY recommend it! Best seat in the house!

Well, they show a time available of 7:45 but, of course, the system is throwing all kinds of errors and I can't book it. I've gone at it 3 different routes. Zip. Par for the course with their stupid system.

 

[englanddg]

Well, they show a time available of 7:45 but, of course, the system is throwing all kinds of errors and I can't book it. I've gone at it 3 different routes. Zip. Par for the course with their stupid system.

Yeah, I've stuck to 407.WDW.DINE for my ADRs...they've had so many issues...

7:45 would work fine. Have you done this (seen illuminations from R&C)? The food is ok (I'm a fan of the Scotch Eggs, but it's really just ok pub food...but the view while sitting there sipping on a bitter or an ale, is something that is amazing.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Yeah, I've stuck to 407.WDW.DINE for my ADRs...they've had so many issues...

7:45 would work fine. Have you done this (seen illuminations from R&C)? The food is ok (I'm a fan of the Scotch Eggs, but it's really just ok pub food...but the view while sitting there sipping on a bitter or an ale, is something that is amazing.

Nope. Never eaten at R&C. Back in '06 when we brought the inlaws they got some fish & chips from the walk-up nearby as we munched around the world. I don't eat fish (yuck!) so I wasn't game. I guess the fish made an impression because I never have give R&C a passing thought. The menu looks cool and I'm game to sit and drink beer aaaaaanywhere. I like the list of beer cocktails. I picked 3 right off that I'd love to have.

 

[englanddg]

Nope. Never eaten at R&C. Back in '06 when we brought the inlaws they got some fish & chips from the walk-up nearby as we munched around the world. I don't eat fish (yuck!) so I wasn't game. I guess the fish made an impression because I never have give R&C a passing thought. The menu looks cool and I'm game to sit and drink beer aaaaaanywhere. I like the list of beer cocktails. I picked 3 right off that I'd love to have.

I did it first in 2011, and had to do it again in 2012. First, the view of Illuminations, not being stuck in a crowd or on cement, is amazing. Second, the food is pretty good (not amazing, but pretty good)...

I would recommend the scotch eggs! They are soft boiled eggs wrapped in spicy sausage, then coated with crunchy things (I use corn flakes, but not sure what Disney uses) and then deep fried! Served with mustard. With a nice Bass Ale...my god, so good...SO GOOD!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I did it first in 2011, and had to do it again in 2012. First, the view of Illuminations, not being stuck in a crowd or on cement, is amazing. Second, the food is pretty good (not amazing, but pretty good)...

I would recommend the scotch eggs! They are soft boiled eggs wrapped in spicy sausage, then coated with crunchy things (I use corn flakes, but not sure what Disney uses) and then deep fried! Served with mustard. With a nice Bass Ale...my god, so good...SO GOOD!

By soft boiled do you mean the egg is runny in any way? Another big gross thing to me - runny eggs. If the yolk is liquified I'd require ketchup which, in turn, grosses out my poor husband. He says I'm the only person alive who can make an egg look like vomit on a plate. We're such a fun couple.

**disclaimer**
My runny yolk rule does not apply to eggs benedict because holandaise sauce makes up for skipping ketchup.

 

[englanddg]

Untitled by englanddg, on Flickr

Those are some scotch eggs I made a few weeks ago.