Our Honeymoon Redo! PTR: 11/15/15 - 11/20/15 - Trip Report Link!

[deedee2177]

I so relate to this! I look forward to the 4th of ever month just to see it drop again!

Yours will soon be down to just days!!!!!! woohoo!!!

 

[deedee2177]

Deeper Dive into DTD!!​

I thought I would take a deeper dive into our DTD plans. I have not been to DTD in YEARS. So, I would love to hear some suggestions about Must-Do’s.

Here are some of my plans:

As I mentioned before I think we will head over to DTD around 3:30 (at the latest…I’m pushing for more 3pm). I’m a bit nervous about the parking situation but hoping that will be a bit better by November!

SHOPPING (very important, therefore it must be in CAPS):

The Art of Disney: Now I know I will not be able to afford any of the paintings, but a girl can dream! I have a feeling I could spend quite a bit of time in here

Basin: I love all things Bath! Yet another store I feel like I could spend quite a bit of money at! I have heard/read wonderful things about the bath bombs (at least I think that is what they are called). I don’t think Keith will be able to hang out too long in this store…he tends to get headaches in stores like this (Bath & Body Works/Yankee Candle are no-no’s for him).

Disney Design-a-Tee: I think this would be fun! I also think Keith would enjoy this too. Anyone have any experience with this? How long does it usually take to get the shirts back after you design them?

Disney’s Days of Christmas: HELLO!! Christmas and Disney????? Automatic yes in my book!

Goofy’s Candy Company: Because I have a major sweet tooth, plus I think this would be a great use of some Snack Credits

Lefty’s – The Left Hand Store: I didn’t even know a store like this existed! My son (who is 3yrs old) is a lefty so I’m dying to check this place out to see what I can find for him.

The Lego Store: This is completely for Keith!

Marketplace Co-Op: Yet another place I think is just a Must-do!

Once Upon a Toy: Because I have 2 kids and I already feel guilty going to Disney without them this trip, so maybe a bit of Retail Therapy will help with the guilts.

World of Disney: I think this is a must when you go to DTD and I just might be escorted out if I don’t go in, so I will “force” myself to look around.

Entertainment:

Characters in Flight: This will be a solo adventure for me because Keith is not too keen on heights. I have never done this before and would love to know if anyone else has done this, and what their thoughts were.

DisneyQuest: I’m assuming we will receive a free ticket to this upon our check in at the hotel. I have not heard a lot of positive things about this place, but I think Keith will like checking this out. I figure he can always go check this out when I’m looking in some other places.

Amphicars: I don’t know too much about these, but have just recently started seeing information come out about them. I think they look so cool and we would get a kick out of riding in a car out on water. I’m hoping more information will come out soon!

Dining:

T-Rex: As previous mentioned a number of times throughout this PTR! ADR for maybe 5:30 or so. I would like to head out to HS around 6:30 if we can.

Ok, now I want to hear from all of you! What are your Must-Do’s for DTD (btw, I think I will always call it DTD and not Disney Springs, kinda like the whole MGM vs Hollywood Studios). Let me know your thoughts on what I have included below, something you think I should check out or stuff you think I might be able to skip.

Looking at this list I don’t think we will be able to check out everything we want to so I might have to narrow it down a bit. Or maybe we will find some time later on in the week to come back by again. ​

 

[deedee2177]

So, I found a bit more information on the Amphicars at DTD, the cost of the ride will be $125...guess we will be skipping that one! That just means more time for other stuff!​

 

[IowaTater]

9:00am: Park opens and my plan is to visit US first. Now this is where I’m at a complete loss as what to visit first within the park. I’m thinking we visit all the other parts of the park and then make our way over to the Harry Potter area, so we can then take the Hogwarts Express over to IOA. So, to be brutally honest I’m not too sure about the rides here….I am well what we can call “Pooh Size”. I have never had any issues with Disney Rides at all, and I ride them all. However, I have not had the same experience at US/IOA (and other parks for that matter). A little bragging moment: I have lost 25lbs over the last couple of months, I still don't think even by November I will be at a place where I could comfortably could ride all the rides at US/IOA...however we will see. My main goal is to see the HP sections, but I guess we shall see how it goes.​

I am Pooh sized (330 lbs., size 26/28) and as much as I loved the atmosphere of IOA/US, I HATED the ride selection for me. The only rides I could fit on were Jurassic Park, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Simpsons, Transformers, and Spiderman. There were a lot of rides I wanted to try at US but after riding so many 3D rides, I felt really sick and baled on trying anything else. That being said, DH and I are talking about going back in 2016 because we loved WWoHP so much. If you can swing it, I would say grab something to share at Three Broomsticks. The portions are pretty large and we thought the food was really good.

 

[deedee2177]

@IowaTater

Thanks so much for the recommendation. We decided we won't be going to US/IOA on our trip in November but we will go going in March/April 2016 when we take the kids back. I will keep this all in mind. Also hoping not to be so Pooh-size by that time

 

[Elevationist]

I am Pooh sized (330 lbs., size 26/28) and as much as I loved the atmosphere of IOA/US, I HATED the ride selection for me. The only rides I could fit on were Jurassic Park, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Simpsons, Transformers, and Spiderman. There were a lot of rides I wanted to try at US but after riding so many 3D rides, I felt really sick and baled on trying anything else. That being said, DH and I are talking about going back in 2016 because we loved WWoHP so much. If you can swing it, I would say grab something to share at Three Broomsticks. The portions are pretty large and we thought the food was really good.

It sounds like we might be similar in pooh-sizeness (I'm 340 lbs, but 6'0" tall) and you did better at US/IOA than I did. Granted, I only went for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections, and when I tried the test seat for Gringott's and it wasn't anywhere close to locking, I just gave up and didn't even bother trying to ride anything else. I just hung out in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, soaking up the atmosphere and the shopping and the BUTTERBEER. Then called it a day, and was perfectly content. But in December I'm going back with my aunt & uncle and they want to see more than just WWoHP, so it's good to know there's SOME stuff I might fit on!

 

[Chicago Mo]

I will probably complain about it but I will keep in mind others have it alot worse!

Complain away, It's BORING drive and still 9 hours in a car sucks...

picking my battles

Smart.. you don't want to ruin it from future trips!!!! anything to appease him to get him back!!!!

YAY! My countdown ticker has moved to a new month! I love seeing that number get lower and lower!

YAY YAY YAY!!!!!

So, I found a bit more information on the Amphicars at DTD, the cost of the ride will be $125...guess we will be skipping that one! That just means more time for other stuff!​

you got to be kidding me.. I was also thinking about doing this.. is that 125.00 per car? yikes!


I do love your DTD (Disney springs?) plans.. No Harley store? need a picture on the bike! they are a riot!! i will have to get a picture of the kids when we did it!!!

Zack is a lefty too.. i am sure we will have to pop in there.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hi!! Love the DTD plans...although every time we go I spend so much time in World of Disney store and just on the last trip, the Marketplace Co-Op (next to Trend-D), that I always miss out on Disney Quest. LOL I've always wanted to go though because it sounds like fun. I love the Marketplace as there were all these great stalls selling interesting art/products. I also recommend visiting the newly opened Disney Wunderground Gallery to check out the art there. They will probably have some affordable prints and postcards from celebrated artists (I'm a huge fan of Jerrod Maruyama's work, especially the Disney and Star Wars ones!). Hopefully you will get to hit everything you want to do! I get side tracked a lot at the parks so we always end up almost missing DTD on some trips! Good idea to do it at the beginning of the trip. Also, the Boathouse restaurant just opened. Not sure what it's all about yet (assuming a nautical theme) but it does look nice! Have a great time.

 

[deedee2177]

Complain away, It's BORING drive and still 9 hours in a car sucks...

Smart.. you don't want to ruin it from future trips!!!! anything to appease him to get him back!!!!

YAY YAY YAY!!!!!

you got to be kidding me.. I was also thinking about doing this.. is that 125.00 per car? yikes!

I do love your DTD (Disney springs?) plans.. No Harley store? need a picture on the bike! they are a riot!! i will have to get a picture of the kids when we did it!!!

Zack is a lefty too.. i am sure we will have to pop in there.

I plan on doing most of the driving, especially since we are planning on leaving so early. Keith can nap while I drive. We will probably switch about 11am and we will then lose all the ground I made with my driving (I drive a bit faster than him)!

I read about the Amphicars in an article yesterday...$125 a car for 3 people and a Disney Designated Tour Guide and the ride last about 20 minutes. I'll keep an eye on the prices but I don't expect them to come down any because when has Disney ever lowered prices?

Might have to make a stop by the Harley Store for a fun photo-op!

YAY! for the leftys!

 

[deedee2177]

Hi!! Love the DTD plans...although every time we go I spend so much time in World of Disney store and just on the last trip, the Marketplace Co-Op (next to Trend-D), that I always miss out on Disney Quest. LOL I've always wanted to go though because it sounds like fun. I love the Marketplace as there were all these great stalls selling interesting art/products. I also recommend visiting the newly opened Disney Wunderground Gallery to check out the art there. They will probably have some affordable prints and postcards from celebrated artists (I'm a huge fan of Jerrod Maruyama's work, especially the Disney and Star Wars ones!). Hopefully you will get to hit everything you want to do! I get side tracked a lot at the parks so we always end up almost missing DTD on some trips! Good idea to do it at the beginning of the trip. Also, the Boathouse restaurant just opened. Not sure what it's all about yet (assuming a nautical theme) but it does look nice! Have a great time.

Thanks for joining and all the great DTD suggestions! I'm definitely looking forward to checking out some of the artwork! I think it is definitely going to work for us by putting DTD at the beginning of the trip because we get too caught in the commando style parks that we don't ever end up having time to make it over to DTD.

Looks like you have an exciting trip coming up! I need to jump over to your PTR and check out the details! Thanks again for joining along on my PTR!

 

[Elevationist]

T-Rex: As previous mentioned a number of times throughout this PTR! ADR for maybe 5:30 or so. I would like to head out to HS around 6:30 if we can.

Are you SUPER excited for T-Rex? It's on my my ADR wishlist for my December trip. I'm thinking about maybe requesting the ice cave room, as I know the lights in there would just tickle me to death! (And I know it's just a request, but a girl can dream, right? )

 

[deedee2177]

Are you SUPER excited for T-Rex? It's on my my ADR wishlist for my December trip. I'm thinking about maybe requesting the ice cave room, as I know the lights in there would just tickle me to death! (And I know it's just a request, but a girl can dream, right? )

To be honest I wasn't excited about this ADR at first but I thought it was a good choice because of the variety of food they have. I have also eaten at Rainforest Cafe a number of times (at Disney and away from Disney), so I figured it was a safe choice for me and DH and my DH really enjoys Rainforest. Now I'm getting excited about it though since I've looked into it more!! I totally think the Ice Cave will be fun, but I think I will let the cards fall where they may and see where we end up. I am planning to add that we are celebrating a special occasion (Honeymoon Re-do) when I make the ADR.

Have you ever eaten at T-Rex before?

 

[Elevationist]

Have you ever eaten at T-Rex before?

I haven't, this will be my first time! For my December trip, I'm trying to create a balance of old favorites and new places. T-Rex, Mama Melrose, and Akershus are going to be the three new-to-me ones. I'm pretty stoked for each!

 

[deedee2177]

I haven't, this will be my first time! For my December trip, I'm trying to create a balance of old favorites and new places. T-Rex, Mama Melrose, and Akershus are going to be the three new-to-me ones. I'm pretty stoked for each!

Can't wait to hear all about them. I will let you know what we think of T-Rex

 

[Elevationist]

Can't wait to hear all about them. I will let you know what we think of T-Rex

Yaaaay! Looking forward to reading about your experience there!

 

[IowaTater]

Oops, sorry. I must have missed the post where you all decided against US/IOA. Sometimes my brain shuts down after I spend too much time on the computer. We're not going back until November 2016 as well and I too hope to not be as Pooh-sized either!

 

[deedee2177]

Oops, sorry. I must have missed the post where you all decided against US/IOA. Sometimes my brain shuts down after I spend too much time on the computer. We're not going back until November 2016 as well and I too hope to not be as Pooh-sized either!

No need to apologize...we just made the decision the other day. Mainly because my DD announced she wanted to go to US/IOA when we go in March/April 2016. I figured since we will go then, no need to go when DH and I go in November. Plus that gives us more time at WDW...which is never a bad thing!!!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[Tracy161]

YAY! My countdown ticker has moved to a new month! I love seeing that number get lower and lower!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, isn't that the best?!

Goofy’s Candy Company: Because I have a major sweet tooth, plus I think this would be a great use of some Snack Credits
​

I can SO relate to this!!!!!!!

 

[deedee2177]

How exciting - a honeymoon trip! As far as I'm concerned, you can have as many honeymoons as you like. I am using my staycation to look at a trip reports and PTR's to live vicariously this week. I've only stayed at value resorts, but as I've only been 3 times so far I still don't spend much time at the resorts. I did do some resort exploring on my last trip. I like hopper tickets - just gives you more options, depending on how the day turns out. Plus, I also have to start and end each trip with MK! I've been to the Christmas Party, but not to the Halloween party (yet...) - the ride lines were very short, but I really enjoyed the special parade and the fireworks show the most! The only thing to keep in mind was that some of the dining locations were closed during the party, which I wasn't expecting. Then again, I've only done the QS dining plan on my trips. CHH is my favorite (upstairs as well), which is likely why I was disappointed that it turned into a hot chocolate and cookie location.
Universal - I hope you really enjoy the HP section. I can do the Forbidden Journey, but was not brave enough for Gringott's rollercoaster (maybe I would consider it with an enthusiastic partner though). I am a big chicken!
I enjoyed Lombard's Seafood Grille for a light lunch, but there is also a lot of new choices at Fastfood Boulevard and of course many choices at City Walk outside of the parks. Oh - just got to the post about cancelling Universal for this trip, which I totally agree with! More magic for your honeymoon!
Your plans look great - I also choose most of my FP selections in the evening to guarantee a spot, and take my chances in the morning. I've used FP selections for Wishes and Illuminations, but didn't really find that it made a difference for either show. I finally figured out that as long as I can hear the music, I'm content watching those shows from virtually any park location. Hard to believe that DH doesn't love Soarin' but can handle Mission Space - I think I am green even if on Team Green on that ride. If wait times are not bad, you can spend time together in line, he wouldn't have to ride, lol.
I've only ever been in November due to holiday scheduling at work, and twice was great weather, the last trip was not rainy but much cooler than I was expecting. It sounds like you are going to have a great trip!

Thanks for joining and for all the great suggestions!