"UnOfficial" May 2013 planning thread. It's never to early to start planning!

[lisa-upnorth]

We will be heading down to the Mouse May 22-June 1

We travel by train and will leave our house around 4:30AM on May 21 and arrive by noon on the 22nd. I have a train trip report from our last trip on the trans board if ya wanna check it out
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2386340

We are celebrating my 'baby' graduating college!!! We are ME(AGE 42),HUBBY,GRADUATING DAUGHTER AND 8YR OLD DAUGHTER

CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE NEW FANTASYLAND!!!!!!!!!!
I have been about a dozen times since 1977 and am very excited to see the new things!

We plan to stay at either Yacht and Beach or ?? I can't decide yet!Stayed at CBR last time and loved it!

For dindin, we hope to hit T-Rex since we never have.I am glad the Rainforest Cafe is now in the dining plan so we will go there on our Animal Kingdom day. We loved The Wave last trip so will go there again. Honestly, I have never been to Chef Mickey's and don't see the draw????? I know some of you will scream, but why would I want to go there so badly?sell me! For the buffet type we do enjoy the Crystal Palace, because it is beautiful ,but Chef Mickey's doesn't look that pretty to me.Maybe with lil ones. We LOVED having breakfast in the castle our last trip(my first time in the castle EVER) because we got into the park before it opened for great pics and everyone should eat in the castle at least once! It was NOT cheap, at about $170 for breakfast for 4!!! Knowing the price I would still recommend it to people to do at least once with their lil ones! My daughter nearly fainted!!!It is also soooo cool to say that you have been up in HER castle!
we MUST eat at Be our guest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to that A LOT! Also might try the new San Angel in Mexico and we loved the nice Italian place in Italy at Epcot.Guess I gotta get planning my list! I plan trips f pretty much everyone in town so I will be making someone's ADRs this weekend so I will see how the new process online works for me(since it has changed a bit since I last did it 3 yr ago)

Then to plan our outfits.........

[Corrine 1973]

Originally Posted by lisa-upnorth

We will be heading down to the Mouse May 22-June 1

We travel by train and will leave our house around 4:30AM on May 21 and arrive by noon on the 22nd. I have a train trip report from our last trip on the trans board if ya wanna check it out
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2386340

We are celebrating my 'baby' graduating college!!! We are ME(AGE 42),HUBBY,GRADUATING DAUGHTER AND 8YR OLD DAUGHTER

CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE NEW FANTASYLAND!!!!!!!!!!
I have been about a dozen times since 1977 and am very excited to see the new things!

We plan to stay at either Yacht and Beach or ?? I can't decide yet!Stayed at CBR last time and loved it!

For dindin, we hope to hit T-Rex since we never have.I am glad the Rainforest Cafe is now in the dining plan so we will go there on our Animal Kingdom day. We loved The Wave last trip so will go there again. Honestly, I have never been to Chef Mickey's and don't see the draw????? I know some of you will scream, but why would I want to go there so badly?sell me! For the buffet type we do enjoy the Crystal Palace, because it is beautiful ,but Chef Mickey's doesn't look that pretty to me.Maybe with lil ones. We LOVED having breakfast in the castle our last trip(my first time in the castle EVER) because we got into the park before it opened for great pics and everyone should eat in the castle at least once! It was NOT cheap, at about $170 for breakfast for 4!!! Knowing the price I would still recommend it to people to do at least once with their lil ones! My daughter nearly fainted!!!It is also soooo cool to say that you have been up in HER castle!
we MUST eat at Be our guest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to that A LOT! Also might try the new San Angel in Mexico and we loved the nice Italian place in Italy at Epcot.Guess I gotta get planning my list! I plan trips f pretty much everyone in town so I will be making someone's ADRs this weekend so I will see how the new process online works for me(since it has changed a bit since I last did it 3 yr ago)

Then to plan our outfits.........

Welcome lisa-upnorth. Yea some else going to be there at about the same time I am going to be there. You will just get there a couple of days before me so you will have to sprinkle some pixie dust around for me.

I am with you, I so can't wait to see fantasyland expansion. I just wish that the mine train would be open. Oh well, at least everything else looks like it will be open. I also want to check out Be Our Guest. There are so many rumors out there that I want to see what is real and what isn't.

What kind of outfits do you plan? Are they home made? Personalized? I have already made my DD an outfit for DAK.

Added you to the list.

[lovethattink]

Originally Posted by Lidian

I'm hesitant on T-Rex because of my DS6, but I really want to try it one year! It looks like so much fun!

Your son may surprise you with T-Rex. Mine loved it! The loud dinos didn't bother him, but he was a bit apprehensive about the meteor showers; same as he was about the thunderstorms at the Rain Forest and the Volcano at Margaritaville. He loved the digging in the sand (which we saved for after we ate and paid the bill.) He also did a build-a-dino, but the Build-A-Bear coupons don't work there (or at least didn't when we were there.)

Originally Posted by lisa-upnorth

We will be heading down to the Mouse May 22-June 1

We travel by train and will leave our house around 4:30AM on May 21 and arrive by noon on the 22nd. I have a train trip report from our last trip on the trans board if ya wanna check it out
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2386340

We are celebrating my 'baby' graduating college!!! We are ME(AGE 42),HUBBY,GRADUATING DAUGHTER AND 8YR OLD DAUGHTER

CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE NEW FANTASYLAND!!!!!!!!!!
I have been about a dozen times since 1977 and am very excited to see the new things!

We plan to stay at either Yacht and Beach or ?? I can't decide yet!Stayed at CBR last time and loved it!

For dindin, we hope to hit T-Rex since we never have.I am glad the Rainforest Cafe is now in the dining plan so we will go there on our Animal Kingdom day. We loved The Wave last trip so will go there again. Honestly, I have never been to Chef Mickey's and don't see the draw????? I know some of you will scream, but why would I want to go there so badly?sell me! For the buffet type we do enjoy the Crystal Palace, because it is beautiful ,but Chef Mickey's doesn't look that pretty to me.Maybe with lil ones. We LOVED having breakfast in the castle our last trip(my first time in the castle EVER) because we got into the park before it opened for great pics and everyone should eat in the castle at least once! It was NOT cheap, at about $170 for breakfast for 4!!! Knowing the price I would still recommend it to people to do at least once with their lil ones! My daughter nearly fainted!!!It is also soooo cool to say that you have been up in HER castle!
we MUST eat at Be our guest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to that A LOT! Also might try the new San Angel in Mexico and we loved the nice Italian place in Italy at Epcot.Guess I gotta get planning my list! I plan trips f pretty much everyone in town so I will be making someone's ADRs this weekend so I will see how the new process online works for me(since it has changed a bit since I last did it 3 yr ago)

Then to plan our outfits.........

The Yacht and Beach Club are great resorts! It would be hard to chose. We stayed at the Beach Club twice, our first two Disney trips ever, back in the early 90's.

The breakfast buffet at the Captain's Grille at the Yacht club is very nice! It's rarely crowded and a quick way to eat a great breakfast at a TS restaurant. On the buffet is fresh fruit, eggs benedict, breakfast casseroles, breakfast potatoes, bacon, hot and cold cereal and fixings, pastries, yogurt, smoked salmon, capers, bagels, biscuit and gravy, Mickey waffles, etc.

Congrats on your DD's graduation. My oldest son just graduated too, and my youngest is also 8 years old.

[Lidian]

Originally Posted by lovethattink

Your son may surprise you with T-Rex. Mine loved it! The loud dinos didn't bother him, but he was a bit apprehensive about the meteor showers; same as he was about the thunderstorms at the Rain Forest and the Volcano at Margaritaville. He loved the digging in the sand (which we saved for after we ate and paid the bill.) He also did a build-a-dino, but the Build-A-Bear coupons don't work there (or at least didn't when we were there.)

Tink, he was terrified of the animals at RFC and still recalls hiding under the table from them. He was younger then, but it stuck with him, and he can't break that he's older and might not be scared. He's terrified of TOY dinosaurs in the stores ... so until he can be near a toy animatronic dino, I'm not sure he can handle a large animatronic one ... he was a bit skittish at IoA with the dinos, but once he saw they didn't move and were not real, he did get close to them.

He claims he'd be okay eating at T-Rex or RFC ... but I worry it would be a wasted ADR if he freezes up. No point dining somewhere if a child is going to hide under the table and cry for the entire meal. I'd rather plan things that will be fun. So we'll wait and see. He has several months to mature and overcome his fears before we make our ADRs ... and even then, we will have some that could be flexible if he matures closer to our trip.

[daisy_77]

Originally Posted by lovethattink

For JTA it's like TSM and a mad dash to register. Unless it changes, you go to Sounds Dangerous to register. The child participating must be present and must answer some questions. You'll get a return time and told where to meet prior to going on stage and everyone walks to the stage together. Well, sort of, the kids walk together with the parents all following. There is a photopass photographer who will take lots of pictures of the kids! You'll be handed a photopass with all the pictures taken. During SWW this year, registration was at Indian Jones, but they met at Sounds Dangerous before the show to walk to the stage.

Make full use of the baby care centers! They are great! All but AK have huge diaper changing tables. AK's are smaller, unless they've changed. There are nursing rooms too and rockers. There is an area for high chairs, coloring, a tv, and usually some toys. Great place to cool down with little ones!

May and September temps are pretty comparible. 90's during the day and 70's at night usually.

Thank you for your tips on JTA. I don't know if DD would be interested. I just know it's something new since the last time we were there. I will definitely keep it the list of maybes.

AND Big Thank you for the baby care center reminder! It will be nice to take an air conditioned break away from crowds.

I was thinking that the weather would be pretty similar. Maybe this time we can skip the love bugs.

Originally Posted by Lidian

We love May. Absolutely amazing weather, in our experience. Yes, it does get hot, but it's not usually as hot as it is later in the summer.



Chef Mickey's is definitely on our list! I'm hesitant on T-Rex because of my DS6, but I really want to try it one year! It looks like so much fun!

Also, I saw you mention JTA via someone's quote, but couldn't find the exact post. I did JTA with my kiddos this March, and wrote about it in my TR.

Here's the first part of our experience (as it gives some info on signing up):
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...&postcount=295

If you have questions, there are several here with experience who would be happy to answer any questions! We'll be signing up again in May for at least my two kiddos (unsure if the DN will do this or not).

Thank you
I love warm weather, but I am from a dry heat kinda place, so it's the humidity that knocks me out.

I don't know how an infant would do in T-Rex. I know my DD would love it because it has a dino-theme. I mostly want to try it bc I have a few landry gift cards to use and we are rainforest cafe'd out. I am curious about Chef Mickeys...its a toss up between that and Tusker House.

I am so behind on your TR! I am not to the JTA portion yet. Thank you so much for the link though, I am going to take a sneak peek.

[Lidian]

Originally Posted by daisy_77

Thank you
I love warm weather, but I am from a dry heat kinda place, so it's the humidity that knocks me out.

I don't know how an infant would do in T-Rex. I know my DD would love it because it has a dino-theme. I mostly want to try it bc I have a few landry gift cards to use and we are rainforest cafe'd out. I am curious about Chef Mickeys...its a toss up between that and Tusker House.

I am so behind on your TR! I am not to the JTA portion yet. Thank you so much for the link though, I am going to take a sneak peek.

I also have reviews of Chef Mickey's and Tusker House (which DH has insisted is a must do for May as well).

And if I have to pick just one between CM and TH, it would be TH hands down. When I sat down with DH to discuss possible dining options for May, he said he was okay with CMs, but asked for TH. I think his exact words were, "We ARE eating at Tusker House again, right? I don't care if it's with characters, you plan to reserve a table, correct?" That's my Disney-hating man!

[lovethattink]

Originally Posted by Lidian

Tink, he was terrified of the animals at RFC and still recalls hiding under the table from them. He was younger then, but it stuck with him, and he can't break that he's older and might not be scared. He's terrified of TOY dinosaurs in the stores ... so until he can be near a toy animatronic dino, I'm not sure he can handle a large animatronic one ... he was a bit skittish at IoA with the dinos, but once he saw they didn't move and were not real, he did get close to them.

He claims he'd be okay eating at T-Rex or RFC ... but I worry it would be a wasted ADR if he freezes up. No point dining somewhere if a child is going to hide under the table and cry for the entire meal. I'd rather plan things that will be fun. So we'll wait and see. He has several months to mature and overcome his fears before we make our ADRs ... and even then, we will have some that could be flexible if he matures closer to our trip.

Oh! I forgot about that, sorry. Yes, skip. Maybe you can test the water by allowing him to dig in the sand there at the dig site. It's free, and you have to walk by a dino or two to get there. If he can't do that, you know you eating there is out of the question. If he can do that, then maybe next trip you can book an ADR?

Originally Posted by daisy_77

Thank you for your tips on JTA. I don't know if DD would be interested. I just know it's something new since the last time we were there. I will definitely keep it the list of maybes.

AND Big Thank you for the baby care center reminder! It will be nice to take an air conditioned break away from crowds.

I was thinking that the weather would be pretty similar. Maybe this time we can skip the love bugs.

We stayed at CSR May 11 to 14 this year. There were love bugs everywhere. They come out twice a year. By the time it was SWW, the last 2 weekends in May, they were gone!!

[Christine9125]

Originally Posted by Corrine 1973

Welcome DISNEY1975, it's good to have you hear. Sounds like you have some many good plans already, now we just need Disney to release those dates. I love POFQ, but since it is the only Mod that I have stayed at I don't have alot to compare it to. Can't wait until dates come out and I can officially add you to the list.



Welcome AJ1983. How exciting to be going on a cruise after spending a couple days at Disney. Sounds like you have a pretty full couple of days before heading off on your cruise. I someday want to do a cruise, I like the idea of having the same wait staff everyday and getting to know them. I am kind of thinking of doing Pop again as well, I hope it works out for both of us.

OK for starting a PTR, go to the Disney Trip report section of the main page of the forums, than click at the top at PreTrip Reports and Plans, than finally go to the bottom of the page and click on the new thread box. I by passed the first two steps for you so all you have to do it scroll down to the bottom of the page and press the button to start your thread. http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=144
Please let me know when you start your PTR and I will add it to post # 4. People start when every they feel most comfortable. I actually started mine in Dec. because it helped me get past my post trip depression.

I have add you the list.



Welcome PrincessLilysMommy, can't wait to hear more about your trip. AoA looks like a great place to stay.

You have been added to the list.



Welcome Christine9125. I assuming that CL means Cruise Line. (Sorry I am not always the best with the abriviations) If that is the case, I am very excited to have another cruiser with us.

You have been add to the list.

Corrine,

We will be there 5/11-5/17, POP the first night BC CL 5/12-5/16

[lisa-upnorth]

Originally Posted by Corrine 1973

Welcome lisa-upnorth. Yea some else going to be there at about the same time I am going to be there. You will just get there a couple of days before me so you will have to sprinkle some pixie dust around for me.

I am with you, I so can't wait to see fantasyland expansion. I just wish that the mine train would be open. Oh well, at least everything else looks like it will be open. I also want to check out Be Our Guest. There are so many rumors out there that I want to see what is real and what isn't.

What kind of outfits do you plan? Are they home made? Personalized? I have already made my DD an outfit for DAK.

Added you to the list.

I do have a BLAST with our outfits!! I plan a theme for each day.Like last trip we had Tink,Mermaid,Zebra for AK,Mickey and Minnie,Toy Story,Nemo,Pirates...I just can't stop!! I custom make them all with my mom's help(since she is a great at sewing) and buy some pieces from Walmart or Disney online.I use the AMAZING Disigners on the boards and they make me the best shirt designs!! We usually go for 10 day at least and last trip we bumped into many castmembers who recognized us during the trip and wanted to see what we were wearing that day! We had 2 photopass people spot us days after meeting us and flagged us down to see what we had for a theme that day I also plan fun stuff for us to wear as we travel! Some can be seen in my train thread.I am sooo lucky the whole family gets on board with my craziness! i will post pics soon.

[daisy_77]

Originally Posted by Lidian

I also have reviews of Chef Mickey's and Tusker House (which DH has insisted is a must do for May as well).

And if I have to pick just one between CM and TH, it would be TH hands down. When I sat down with DH to discuss possible dining options for May, he said he was okay with CMs, but asked for TH. I think his exact words were, "We ARE eating at Tusker House again, right? I don't care if it's with characters, you plan to reserve a table, correct?" That's my Disney-hating man!

Tusker House sounds like it may end up being the winner! We ate at Restaurantosaurus back when it was a character dining place...and it was a blast!

I REALLY hope my DH loves Disney. I worry so much bc he has never been to a Disney park. So I feel like this trip is the make it or break it for me and future trips as a family. So the fact that your "Disney-hating" husband is making requests gives me hope.

Originally Posted by lovethattink

We stayed at CSR May 11 to 14 this year. There were love bugs everywhere. They come out twice a year. By the time it was SWW, the last 2 weekends in May, they were gone!!

One year when we went the love bugs were in full swing. It was awful. I didn't really see them at the parks but at the resort it was yuck! They will just coast right into your eye, mouth, whatever.

[Corrine 1973]

Originally Posted by Christine9125

Corrine,

We will be there 5/11-5/17, POP the first night BC CL 5/12-5/16

Sorry about that Christine. I fixed it for you.

Originally Posted by lisa-upnorth

I do have a BLAST with our outfits!! I plan a theme for each day.Like last trip we had Tink,Mermaid,Zebra for AK,Mickey and Minnie,Toy Story,Nemo,Pirates...I just can't stop!! I custom make them all with my mom's help(since she is a great at sewing) and buy some pieces from Walmart or Disney online.I use the AMAZING Disigners on the boards and they make me the best shirt designs!! We usually go for 10 day at least and last trip we bumped into many castmembers who recognized us during the trip and wanted to see what we were wearing that day! We had 2 photopass people spot us days after meeting us and flagged us down to see what we had for a theme that day I also plan fun stuff for us to wear as we travel! Some can be seen in my train thread.I am sooo lucky the whole family gets on board with my craziness! i will post pics soon.

It sounds crazy and wonderful all at the same time. I can't wait to see some pics and maybe get some ideas.

[AvasMommy526]

Originally Posted by lisa-upnorth

Hey 'neighbor' we are going the same time! Hope you have a wonderful dream wedding with the Mouse

We travel from up near Lake George!! Long trip to WDW but we love it



PS-Black Fri for our ADRs!!!!!!!!!!! gonna be a LONG day!!!!

Neighbor!! We are about 45 mins south of you! Rotterdam! What a small world, we were just in Lake George 2 weekends ago! Spent every summer there as a kid, we love taking the baby now to walk around and go to the beach
Thank you for the wedding wishes, we are so excited!
I got DF to agree to an extra day as long as he can get it off so my ADR date becomes Thanksgiving I made a RO res yesterday because I couldnt wait any longer and she assured me they would be there bright and early Thanksgving and Black Friday mornings and to call at 7 am!

[Lidian]

Originally Posted by daisy_77

Tusker House sounds like it may end up being the winner! We ate at Restaurantosaurus back when it was a character dining place...and it was a blast!

I REALLY hope my DH loves Disney. I worry so much bc he has never been to a Disney park. So I feel like this trip is the make it or break it for me and future trips as a family. So the fact that your "Disney-hating" husband is making requests gives me hope.

On our first trip, my DH (who hates all things WDW and theme parks) said several times "next time we'll...." Every year, DH whines and complains about our upcoming WDW trip, and he usually whines and complains ON the trip, but he always has a "next time we'll...." comment.

If you read my Chef Mickey review, you'll understand why CM holds a special place in my heart! And you'll see what a Disney-hating-DH -can- look like while on WDW property.

DH denies to friends/family that he ever helps plan, but he offers input (and usually picks) the resort, some dining, and he has his own "must-do's" when we're there. Just prepare him for lots of cheesey attractions, crowds, and lines. He should walk away with his favorites. If it helps, my DH loves EP and DHS, tolerates AK really well, but dislikes MK. He may be more receptive if he understands how much YOU love it. My DH would never go on his own free-will ... but he goes because it makes me and the kids so happy!

[lovethattink]

Originally Posted by daisy_77

One year when we went the love bugs were in full swing. It was awful. I didn't really see them at the parks but at the resort it was yuck! They will just coast right into your eye, mouth, whatever.

That's exactly what it was like when we checked in at CSR on May 11. Love bugs every where outside out door. DS(8) was playing with them as if they were lightning bugs. Some cars in the parking lot had them splatted all over the front. They were all over the parks too. By evening they'd go away, but come back by 10 am.

[ocalla]

I'd LOVE to join.....................Not sure of our dates yet, but usually a day or two after school lets outs, we head to the airport!!!

Have stayed at YC/BC the last 3 trips.....looking to shake things up a bit this go round. Just haven't decided WHERE to shake things up!!