Going Squirrelly ... OCD Planning Sept 2013

[WyldLynx]

Shall we start with an intro...

Howdy Ya'll! Welcome to my crazy little corner of the web. I'm Sheila (sorry I am usually behind the camera) I'm 37, I work FT for a book company, homeschool my boys, help run our farm (Tennessee Fainting Goats, Great Pyrenees Dogs, couple mustangs and a few rescue cats), and take care of my 85yr old grandmother. And if that is not enough I am a Disney/Harry Potter fanatic, and slightly obsessive compulsive when is comes to planning our vacations.
Favorite Park: Wizarding World of Harry Potter...whoops lol
Favorite Disney Park: Animal Kingdom and Epcot

Next in the line up is my DH he's 40, actually gets to leave the house when he goes to his job, is a bit of a picky eater, does not like roller coasters or wet rides (no fun right ) loves Disney but doesn't understand why I go so crazy especially when it comes to planning.
Favorite Park: Animal Kingdom

Now we have my oldest DS He's 14 now, loves all thrill rides (follows in his momma's footsteps there).
Favorite Park: Animal Kingdom and Epcot (and he had a hard time choosing those two..LOL)

Next is my youngest DS , likes mild rides, and is my little foodie.
Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom (because they have pirates)

And last but certainly not least my DBro , he's 28, never been to Orlando and I can't wait to take him, he has always been there when I have needed him (best farm hand ever ), recently been diagnosed with insulin diabetes (working on his limits). So we have new things to worry about...

Our trip is going to be 8 days 7 nights in September after Labor Day. We are planning on 2 rooms at the Wilderness Lodge, and keeping fingers crossed for FD. I would love to do MNSSHP. Halloween is my favorite holiday. So much less stress the other holidays.

Going to add more in a bit...

[WyldLynx]

Ok so here I go again driving myself crazy, (but what else is new) 

Our 2012 trip fell through so I am working up our 2013 trip which is going to have a few more changes. For 2012 it was just going to be DH, myself and our two boys(14 and 7 now), but for 2013 we are adding my DBro (our invitation and so we told him to only worry about spending money – we owe him so much so taking on vacation is the least we can do) and my now 7yr old will be 9. My DBro is diabetic (newly diagnosed) and my 7yr old already eats like a horse.

So here is my current dilemma, we are planning on going in Sept 2013, so there is a fair chance for free dining. But even without FD we are debating on a DDP so I am running the numbers and you’ll see my comparisons shortly. My dilemma is whether to go ahead as planned and do a DDP or just pay OOP.

Now please remember my DBro is insulin diabetic so he HAS to eat fairly close to a set schedule and that boy eats!!! My DBro can put the food away (worse part of that is that he is not even close to being overweight, I wish I had his metabolism). My oldest son can eat most people under the table also (he too has the high metabolism) but he can be picky at times. My youngest son loves food and is my little foodie and gets bored with the same thing all the time. DH is the pickiest of our crew but likes a good steak. As for myself I like a variety to my diet, but I am working on losing some weight.

With out free dining;

DDP will run about $1800 – with tips, extra meals and snacks $1450 = Est total $3250
DxDP will run about $3000 - with tips est about $350 – Est Total $3350
OOP with tax, resort mugs and tips – Est Total $2970

IF we luck out with FD we would be looking at about $1200 difference to upgrade to the DxDP.

And trust me I am being conservative on my OOP est. we could end up well above that depending on where we end up actually eating.

I know it is a lot of money no matter what but I could have it paid off before we go, if we go with the DDP or DxDP and not worry about it while we are there and know for a fact that everyone would get enough to eat. I think the money difference may be worth the peace of mind.

Is $400 worth one less thing (major thing) to worry about?



Ok now since the 2013 numbers have some out here is the update

DDP will run about $1945.65 – with tips, extra meals and snacks $1750(fairly conservative est) = Est total $3695.65
DxDP will run about $3498.95 - with tips est about $350 – Est Total $3848.95
OOP with tax, resort mugs, tips, and extra groceries – Est Total $3807.08

[WyldLynx]

I so meant to do this post sooner but totally squirreled out....

Intros - Going Squirrelly
To Dinning Plan or Not to Dinning Plan....
It's all Set - Castle 2 Castle - MNSSHP
First Draft Plans
My Disney Bible...LOL
BEIRGARTEN!!!!
Must DO's - Magic Kingdom
Must Do's - Epcot
Do's and Don'ts - Animal Kingdom
Do - Don't Do Hollywood Studios
The Darkside....lol
Dentures, seizures, and brand new broken laptops
Friday the 13th
Binders, School and a Horse
Less than a Year
Getting Creative - Autographs part 1, ... part 2, ... part 3, ... part 4
Getting Creative - Mousekeeping Envelopes
Possible ADR Schedule ... Part 1

[WyldLynx]

Whoo Hoo!!! We are booked!!!! I went down to AAA last Friday and made our ressies!!

Wilderness Lodge 2 rooms DxDDP Woods View Sept 14-21.

Now starts the payment schedule $100 a week out of DH check and $200 every other week out of my check. Hoping to have it paid off by April earlier if I put my end of the year bonus on it. Keeping fingers crossed for "Free Dining" because then we would be paid off that much sooner. Plus that would give us that much more to spend down in Orlando.

We will be doing MNSSHP and possibly my oldest and I will go to Halloween Horror Nights.

More Details to Come....

[WyldLynx]

My family thinks I'm nuts, making reservations 413 days out. *sigh* (It is just too far away)

Oh well they also think that house elves set Thanksgiving dinner on the table

So here goes our first draft plans.

We will be driving down (definite)
Renting a car (possible)
Leaving out Sept 13 as early as possible (definite)
Over-nighting as close to Orlando as possible (possible - depends on how early we get to head out)
Getting up early and heading for Wilderness Lodge to check in early and head out to have some park time while waiting for our rooms to get ready.

Saturday - Hollywood Studios
(B) ? (L)Sci-Fi Dine In (D)50's Prime Time

Sunday - Universal Studios
(B) ? (L) ? (D) Raglan Road (DTD)

Monday - Animal Kingdom
(B) Tusker House (L) Flame Tree BBQ (D)Rainforest Cafe?

Tuesday - Magic Kingdom & MNSSHP?
(B) Crystal Palace (L) Liberty Tree Tavern (D) ?

Wednesday - (Sleep in) Epcot - focus on World Showcase
(B) Whispering Canyon Cafe? (L) Akershus? (D) Beirgarten

Thursday - Epcot - focus on Future World
(B) Sunshine Seasons (L) Coral Reef (D) Rose & Crown

Friday - Islands of Adventure
(B) Roaring Forks (L) Three Broomsticks (BUTTERBEER!!!) (D) Whispering Canyon

Saturday - Check out - DTD
(B) Chef Mickey (L)?

[WyldLynx]

My family started calling my binder the Disney bible back when I made one for our 2010 trip.

Here are a few pics of this year's binder.

Front Cover


Inside Front Cover


My Dividers






I may have to get a new binder

This one is not holding up as well

[Elleshoodat]

Joining in! We are hoping to go back in October '13, and I thought I was crazy for planning so far out. Glad to see I'm not the only one! I am a slacker compared to you, though ... I don't have my tentative park days and meals set yet!

[WyldLynx]

Originally Posted by Elleshoodat

Joining in! We are hoping to go back in October '13, and I thought I was crazy for planning so far out. Glad to see I'm not the only one! I am a slacker compared to you, though ... I don't have my tentative park days and meals set yet!

Welcome fellow uber-planner I just can't help myself. I've been driving my family nuts because I have plan A and plan B before our trip I'll most likely have a plan C and D LOL

At least I don't feel alone here on the DIS because there are others who are worse then me

[WyldLynx]

OMGs I really need to quit reading PTRs and TRs.

My DH actually said to me
"Didn't we already go through the menus?"

I said
"Yes but I would like to go to Akershus. Even if we have to split up for a lunch."

He says to me "I just want Beirgarten"

I say "But hun we can't go to Beirgarten every day"

He actually says "Why Not?"

He was being serious. He is a total carnivore. It totally drives me nuts! Meat and potatoes is all he ever wants to eat. It literally took me 5 years to get him to even try sweet and sour chicken and even that he won't eat the sauce.

He loves Disney but rarely rides anything, NEVER any rollercoasters. No sense of adventure.

Thank the heavens my boys are not that way. My oldest loves rollercoasters and all thrill rides. He does try new things may not like them all but he will try. My youngest is not quite as adventurous ride wise but he is my little foodie.

I swear between DH and DBro, they are going to drive me up into the trees with the squirrels. DBro is also a meat and potato kind of eater even though he really shouldn't be with his diabetes.

Ok enough of my rant, for now...LOL

[WyldLynx]

I'm so glad we are going in Sept. Last time the parks were wonderful not too crowded and not to cold either. So here I shall start our "Must Do Lists", they will include our NEVER Do/Never again lists (these will be short since we have only been once before)

Starting with the first

MAGIC KINGDOM

Must Do - (not in any type of order)
Walt Disney Railroad
Jungle Cruise (missed out on it last trip will not miss this trip)
Liberty Square Riverboat (wonderful break in the afternoon)
Monster's Laugh Floor (another miss last trip, major regret)
Pirates of the Caribbean (loved it may hit it 2-3 times)
Space Mountain
BTMR (another one to hit multiple times)
Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Mad Tea Party
Tomorrowland Speedway (youngest son wants to drive this time)
CoP
TTA
Buzz Lightyear
Fantasyland update
Dumbo
Astro Orbiter
Pirate's League
Hallowishes
MNSSHP

Must NOT Do
Stitch (we did not enjoy it last time, went on the never again list)
IaSW (I know blasphemy right. I just can't to the little dolls. I know it is iconic but just not my thing, plus I have boys. Singing dolls are not top on my boys' lists)

Might do
Philharmagic
Hall of Presidents
Country Bear Jamboree
Tom Sawyer Island

Eats -

Will DO
Crystal Palace - Breakfast before park opens (hopefully)
Liberty Tree Tavern - Lunch

May do
Be Our Guest?
Pecos Bills?
Cosmic Ray's?

We have time to make this decision or may even wing it NOT!!! I'm too much a control freak to just wing it. I will have a 1st choice and 2nd choice if not ADR by the time we go.

I love to plan it out but I always keep in mind that things may change and will fall back and punt if needed.

[WyldLynx]

Next Up ...










Epcot

We are planning on 2 days here. One focused on Future World and the other focused on World Showcase. Now that doesn't mean we will not wander the entire park if we want to ride/see/shop or eat

First up Future World Must Do list -

Spaceship Earth
Soarin' (multiple times we love this one)
Living with the Land (I love this attraction, may have to ride this a couple times)
Turtle Talk
Innoventions East and West
Test Track (another multiple time attraction)
Mission Space
Sum of all Thrills
Character Greetings

Will not do List -


Nothing in this section

May Do
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Circle of Life
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Journey Into Imagination With Figment


World Showcase
Must Do
extensive time to explore each country
Maelstrom (several times) I even love the movie!
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Reflections of China

Eats
Must do
BEIRGARTEN -I love it but if I would even suggest not going there would be a riot at my house and DH would not be fit to live with.
Rose & Crown
Akershus (even if I have to go by myself)
Kringla (again even if I have to go alone)

May do
Sunshine Seasons
Liberty Inn
Via Napoli
San Angel Inn
Coral Reef (I would love to give this one a shot but I may have to concede this one)

OK that is all I can think of for now. I shall add Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios over the next few days.

[Elleshoodat]

Originally Posted by WyldLynx

Welcome fellow uber-planner I just can't help myself. I've been driving my family nuts because I have plan A and plan B before our trip I'll most likely have a plan C and D LOL

At least I don't feel alone here on the DIS because there are others who are worse then me

Yes, there are definitely people worse than us! I'm terrible about revising my plans time and again, too ... but that's half the fun!

[WyldLynx]

Here is our Animal Kingdom Day

Must Do's
Kilimanjaro Safari (at least 3 times)
Expedition Everest (multiple times)
Wildlife Express Train (we didn't get to do this last time because we only spent a few hours here)
Kali River Rapids (a few times)
Primeval Whirl (another one we missed last time)
Pangani Forest Trail
Discovery Island Trails
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Character Meets

Will NOT Do
Dinosaur (I will never ever ride this again. During our last trip we rode this and I was on the outer edge where through out the ride I was constantly being thrown against the side of the car and ended up with a large nasty bruise across my left ribs. It was not fun for me.)

May Do
Finding Nemo
Festival of the Lion King
Flights of Wonder

Eats will do
Tusker House
Rainforest Cafe

Eats may do
Yak and Yeti
Flame Tree BBQ



"]

[WyldLynx]

Next up....





Hollywood Studios
Must Do List

Star Tours (it was closed the last time we were there)
Toy Story Mania (as many times as we possibly can!!! loved this)
The Great Movie Ride (I wanted to give this one a shot last trip but since we only spent a 1/2 day here we just didn't have enough time. In fact we missed much of this park and Animal Kingdom)
Tower of Terror (my oldest has been trying to talk me into this but I don't know, I am very claustrophobic.)
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Studio Backlot Tour (my oldest and I saw this and we have to take the others)
Muppet*Vision 3-D (DH and youngest went here and DH wants to go again he is a big Muppet fan, I must say I love Animal myself)

Probably do list
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Fantasmic
Indiana Jones
The Magic of Disney Animation
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
Pixar Pals Countdown (we are not much on parades but if we are here all day then I don't see why we couldn't fit this one in)

Won't Do
Voyage of The Little Mermaid
The American Idol Experience
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
(Not that there is anything wrong with these shows, I'm just going with all guys and these show don't appeal to me enough to fight with them to see these)

Must Eats
50's Prime Time
Sci Fi Dine In
These just look awesome, maybe more for ambiance then food but hoping food will be good too.

Will not eat
Backlot Express (we had lunch here last trip and it was just meh...the food was not good, I have had better at McDonalds)

*****Warning******Warning*******Warning*******
Personal Opinion about to be voiced.


Ok for me Hollywood Studios just doesn't feel very "Disney". I know there are many who love it but it just feels a bit cheesy. It feels very just thrown together like this is the stuff that doesn't fit in the other parks so we will just throw it together. Don't get me wrong I LOVE TSMM!!! And maybe last trip I just didn't have enough time there to let it sink in but this one just doesn't do much for me. But since DH and boys loves parts of the park we are making a day of it.

Well I'm off for now need to get a couple hours sleep before heading to the Farmer's market in the morning.

[WyldLynx]

OK now for a little trip to the Dark Side *insert evil laugh here* ahhhh haaa haaa ha

Universal Studios
Must Do List
Despicable Me (we love minions)
Shrek 4D (did not get to do this last trip)
MIB (loved this one may have to do it 2-3 times)
Disaster (did not get to do this last trip)
Woody Woodpecker (my youngest loves these easy rollercoasters)
Animal Actors

May Do
Twister
Terminator 2
Simpsons
Mummy
Horror Make up show
Blues Brothers
Beetlejuice

Won't do
E.T. (it was boring)
Fear Factor (don't care for the tv show so why suffer through a live show)
Barney (NO NO NO, my boys never got into that purple dino and that is just fine with me)

We may get Park to Park Tickets for our Universal days or we might just do 2 days at IOA

Islands of Adventure
Must do's
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (4-5+ times )
Dragon Challenge (3-4 times)
Flight of the Hippogriff (10-20 times ) ok so we are HP fans
Spiderman
Hulk (2-3 times if not more)
Jurassic Park River Adventure (2-3 times)
Popeye & Bluto (enough times that we are soaked through or DH says he has had enough)
1 fish, 2 fish, Red fish, Blue fish
Storm Force Accelatron

May Do
Caro-Seuss-el
Cat in the hat
Fearfall
Poseidon's Fury
Oh the stories you'll hear

I am looking forward to IOA as much as any of the Disney park.