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

 

[LAKid53]

For my birthday I have three different scenarios I am debating between!

I definitely want to celebrate in the Magic Kingdom. It is my first full day there and what's more perfect than having a birthday in MK??

Should I..
1. eat at BOG for lunch and Skipper Canteen for dinner and stay in the park ALL DAY
2. eat at Skipper Canteen for lunch and have BOG for dinner still stay in park ALL DAY
3. eat at BOG for lunch take a mid day break and go back to the resort, have dinner at Ohana and then watch fireworks back at MK

I think I much preferred BOG lunch over dinner, but I am not sure if I should have a celebratory alcoholic birthday drink with dinner for my birthday...which leaves BOG dinner or Ohana...

WHY AM I CRAZY??>?

Lunch at BOG and dinner at Ohana's. If you are lucky, you might get a table near the windows and have a great view of the fireworks.

 

[Figgy1]

I vote for #2 celebration beverage and I'm a sucker for being in MK while watching Wishes

 

[Seanual757]

# 3 is My vote cannot beat the Ohana dinner buffet and have a few drinks

 

[blreinsel]

YES on the Magic Band.. I'm soooo excited! I purposely waited to personalize mine because I was hoping the purple ones would be available. Somebody sprinkled some pixie dust on my trip, that's for sure.

I preferred BOG dinner over lunch, but mostly because the Beast is kind of my Prince Eric equivalent. And Flynn.. and Peter Pan.. but I digress.

I would probably choose #2 because of the BOG dinner and Wishes in the park, however I really want to try Ohana dinner so option #3 sounds kind of good too.

Maybe we're both crazy.

 

[Tom]

#3!!!

 

[RyPat]

For my birthday I have three different scenarios I am debating between!

I definitely want to celebrate in the Magic Kingdom. It is my first full day there and what's more perfect than having a birthday in MK??

Should I..
1. eat at BOG for lunch and Skipper Canteen for dinner and stay in the park ALL DAY
2. eat at Skipper Canteen for lunch and have BOG for dinner still stay in park ALL DAY
3. eat at BOG for lunch take a mid day break and go back to the resort, have dinner at Ohana and then watch fireworks back at MK

I think I much preferred BOG lunch over dinner, but I am not sure if I should have a celebratory alcoholic birthday drink with dinner for my birthday...which leaves BOG dinner or Ohana...

WHY AM I CRAZY??>?

#3... Love 'Ohana.... Bananas Foster Bread Pudding....

 

[Missymoe4]

You are so cute! I have only read the first post and I wanted to comment prior to reading more.

 

[Missymoe4]

You are so cute! I have only read the first post and I wanted to comment prior to reading more.

Okay...read more...I can't wait to hear some more. You're going to have a blast!

 

[GoofyDadKB]

For my birthday I have three different scenarios I am debating between!

I definitely want to celebrate in the Magic Kingdom. It is my first full day there and what's more perfect than having a birthday in MK??

Should I..
1. eat at BOG for lunch and Skipper Canteen for dinner and stay in the park ALL DAY
2. eat at Skipper Canteen for lunch and have BOG for dinner still stay in park ALL DAY
3. eat at BOG for lunch take a mid day break and go back to the resort, have dinner at Ohana and then watch fireworks back at MK

I think I much preferred BOG lunch over dinner, but I am not sure if I should have a celebratory alcoholic birthday drink with dinner for my birthday...which leaves BOG dinner or Ohana...

WHY AM I CRAZY??>?

4. Lunch at BOG then a late dinner at Jiko (one of the best meals on property) at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. After dinner you can go out to the savana at the back of the lobby and watch the animals with night vision goggles.

 

[KathyJetson]

#3 sounds like a nice day but I am a get there at open and stay until they kick me out kind of girl.

 

[BuddyThomas]

For my birthday I have three different scenarios I am debating between!

I definitely want to celebrate in the Magic Kingdom. It is my first full day there and what's more perfect than having a birthday in MK??

Should I..
1. eat at BOG for lunch and Skipper Canteen for dinner and stay in the park ALL DAY
2. eat at Skipper Canteen for lunch and have BOG for dinner still stay in park ALL DAY
3. eat at BOG for lunch take a mid day break and go back to the resort, have dinner at Ohana and then watch fireworks back at MK

I think I much preferred BOG lunch over dinner, but I am not sure if I should have a celebratory alcoholic birthday drink with dinner for my birthday...which leaves BOG dinner or Ohana...

WHY AM I CRAZY??>?

You're "not sure if you should have a celebratory alcoholic birthday drink with dinner for your birthday"?!?!?! Or else what? Hot tea and a scone?

My advice is dinner at Ohana or even California Grill if you can afford that lunatic pricing, and then a drink around the Monorail celebration...but then again, look who you are talking to. Of course that is what I would suggest. Whatever you do, have a fantastic time!

 

[StephK]

I'm so jealous the purple band is out now! Its a definite yes from me to change it!!!
I also vote for option #3. BOG lunch is amazing, Ohana dinner is amazing and there is something about MK late at night when most of the kiddies have gone, its quieter and the darkness adds a touch more magic to the atmosphere
9 months to go!

 

[WASaMATTR]

Nicole - My wife and I did dinner at the California Grill and it was awesome. The key is to make reservations about 30 - 45 minutes on a night that wishes is scheduled. The cast understands that many people will be there just for that experience. Our waiter even mentioned it and stated that most of the people journey out to the outside decks to watch but if you have a good seat, you can eat dessert, watch and listen to wishes. Since it is only you and your BF, it would be a beautiful evening.

(Plus when we were walking to our seats, I noticed that we were being placed in the back away from the windows. I quickly asked the hostess if we could possibly have seat by the windows. So the hostess asked and we were able to secure a great spot. I even gave the guy a $20 for the great seats.)

All in all, no matter where you go, it would be great. Heck you're in Disney...

 

[LisaBelle]

You definitely need a celebratory beverage on your birthday! I think I have to go with option 3 (even though I've never been to O'hana)! I loved my BOG lunch and O'hana is a place. I've always wanted to try. The Poly is very romantic and then you can take the monorail or a boat back to MK for Wishes.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

You're certainly no crazier than the rest of us here!

My vote for your question would be # 3.

We're all crazy for Disney

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I vote for #2 celebration beverage and I'm a sucker for being in MK while watching Wishes

Was hoping to finish dinner and make it back to MK to watch, I wish the hours were up already!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

# 3 is My vote cannot beat the Ohana dinner buffet and have a few drinks

Lapu Lapu??

 

[prfctlyximprct]

YES on the Magic Band.. I'm soooo excited! I purposely waited to personalize mine because I was hoping the purple ones would be available. Somebody sprinkled some pixie dust on my trip, that's for sure.

I preferred BOG dinner over lunch, but mostly because the Beast is kind of my Prince Eric equivalent. And Flynn.. and Peter Pan.. but I digress.

I would probably choose #2 because of the BOG dinner and Wishes in the park, however I really want to try Ohana dinner so option #3 sounds kind of good too.

Maybe we're both crazy.

I am glad there is someone out there just like me! Leaning towards option three because I remember meeting the Beast at lunch as well.. however at dinner time they do that cute little drum roll and then he comes out and bows.. is it sick that this two second production could sway my vote??

If you haven't had BOG for lunch yet, you must. All I'm gonna say is croque monsieur.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

#3... Love 'Ohana.... Bananas Foster Bread Pudding....

I had Ohana back in like 2005? I have no idea what the dessert was then but I really don't think it was bread pudding!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

You are so cute! I have only read the first post and I wanted to comment prior to reading more.