Pre-Trip The "I NEED HELP" Pre-Pre-Trip Report

Okay.
Deep breaths, Nicole.

Inhale, exhale.

Hello, friends. I am Nicole, and I need HELP. After my whining, and begging, and downright temper tantrum-ing, I have finally gotten my boyfriend to agree to a Disney trip! It has been FIVE years since we went to Disney together, and one whole whopping longgggggg 2015 of no Disney for me. But it's a new year... it's 2016, and this little princess is getting her behind to Disney.

So, I am thinking of booking Disney from Friday, November 4th to Sunday, November 13th. My birthday is the 5th, and I REALLY want to wake up in the world. I know it's a little bit more expensive to fly out Friday afternoon and pay for an extra night, but I don't think there is any monetary amount that can compare to waking up in Disney on your birthday.

Now here's where you guys come in.

Should I stay at a Value Resort (thinking Art of Animation) or should a spend about 600 bucks more and stay at Port Orleans Riverside?

I really want to go to Universal (don't throw things at me) because I have never been! Do you think 6 days Disney and 2-3 days Universal for a first timer would be appropriate?

Should I book now (please say yes) or should I wait until like 6 months prior which would bring me to the end of April...I know NOTHING about how airline flights work and I've been checking every day on the Disney website. It does seem like Tuesday is the cheapest day for flights for some reason, no clue why!

So my dear fellow Disney obsessed friends, please help me. I will be forever and ever grateful.


DSC00471 by nicole tiffany

 

[prfctlyximprct]

That looks like soooo much fun! Do you know how long the exhibit will be there? It looks like it may be worth the drive

I think I read somewhere it's there until September! I honestly cannot get over all the time and effort that goes into making a Pixar movie!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

This looks like so much fun! Your outfit is ADORABLE! And love your hair, too.

Thank you you are too sweet!!

 

[LindaZR]

Found out that daylight savings happens when I'm in Disney so that means one extra hour for me! Lol

Us too! Silly how happy one extra hour makes me

 

[bee]

Found out that daylight savings happens when I'm in Disney so that means one extra hour for me! Lol

YES! I was in WDW for DST last year and it was so exciting!

 

[Figgy1]

I think I read somewhere it's there until September! I honestly cannot get over all the time and effort that goes into making a Pixar movie!!

Thank you. Now I have to find some time it's going to be a very, very busy summer for us! But in mostly good ways!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Enjoy your planning too! I think this is one of the reasons I absolutely love Disney trips! THE PLANNING. There are so many options to choose from and you can really cater your vacation to your preferences! Whether you want to eat at fancy restaurants, sleep in, have more resort time, go here this day and there that day... there are just so many options! I am currently struggling with the abundance of options that I have! LOL!

Trying to do 2 days at Uni and I don't know where to fit them in! I have two days mapped out so far, that is if I get the restaurants I want on that day. I think next week I will be a much less stressed Disney princess.

Good luck on booking your flights! I booked mine already way back when, so now I am just on the lookout for Christmas party tickets. Which reminds me, what night can I fit in the party....

Back to the drawing board

See U there~!!

I don't usually get as much planning time as I have right now - because our trips are often booked maybe a month or two in advance. Planning a special occasion trip that is now 16 months away has me thoroughly enjoying and taking my time with the process - reading books, listening to podcasts, etc. and I am totally loving it. It's always amazing how many things we've never done before.

 

[Doc Disney]

Found out that daylight savings happens when I'm in Disney so that means one extra hour for me! Lol

I found out its the night before the Half Marathon! Now thats luck!! Extra hour of sleep before getting up at 3 am haha

 

[Longers]

This looks like so much fun! Your outfit is ADORABLE! And love your hair, too.

I can't see the picture

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I can't see the picture

I wonder why!!

 

[Longers]

I wonder why!!

I'm not important enough how's the planning going? Can't see any fireworks for Magic Kingdom yet unless I have missed something but things are updating slowly

 

[Figgy1]

I'm not important enough how's the planning going? Can't see any fireworks for Magic Kingdom yet unless I have missed something but things are updating slowly

Things seem to be updating very slowly from June on. There aren't even after 5 hours for August posted yet

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I just heard that fantasmic will be down for a refurb?? Please say it's not so!!!

 

[Longers]

Just seen firework updates for MK but no sign of fantasmic (yet?)

 

[Chef Kronk]

I just heard that fantasmic will be down for a refurb?? Please say it's not so!!!

Where did you hear that? I'll be going in November. I'm hoping it won't be closed then!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Where did you hear that? I'll be going in November. I'm hoping it won't be closed then!

Someone over on the restaurants and dining forum said they heard from a CM that it will be closed in November. I just can't see them shutting this down with so much closed already,

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Just seen firework updates for MK but no sign of fantasmic (yet?)

Since my ADRs are booked, I haven't been obsessively checking the site anymore. I want the firework schedules and AK's night schedule to be released already!! How's your planning going?!

 

[LisaBelle]

Just seen firework updates for MK but no sign of fantasmic (yet?)

I waited a long time for the Fantasmic times to be posted for our February trip, too. It made me crazy because my sister had never seen it before.

 

[Longers]

Since my ADRs are booked, I haven't been obsessively checking the site anymore. I want the firework schedules and AK's night schedule to be released already!! How's your planning going?!

Not too bad - we have quick service so only want 1 be our guest for lunch but having trouble getting that so going to phone later. I have got a big excel sheet with loads of info but really want to involve my brother rather than taking over but need to travel 2 hours to his house - will do that soon so we can all discuss fast passes - but I guess we have until Sept for that - I know he is happy for me to plan but want them to enjoy it too.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Christmas party tickets!!!

 

[MinnieM123]

Checked out the Pixar exhibit today at the Franklin Institute with an old friend!

Ha! I love all the "lovely" hats!

By the way, I returned home from WDW on Weds. evening. Had a blast down there (as usual).