KylesMom's 8th Annual Pre-Trip Report

[KylesMom]

The Darcy’s Annual Trip to The World
Pre-Trip Report

Who: Self, DH & DS (9)
When: June 9-23, 2007
Where: Wilderness Lodge

Finally it’s here – time for our pre-trip report! As always, we go with a plan but are not “stuck” to it, as something always gets changed along the way. We’ll depart 7:05 am Saturday the 9th from O’Hare, grab our rental car via Emerald Aisle & off to Wilderness Lodge!

This will be our eighth annual trip. I have to chuckle, because if you would have told me back in 2000 that we’d be going every year, I would have told you it wasn’t possible. We’ve been A/P holders since 2002, which has allowed us visits each year, two trips on each pass, usually 13-15 days each. Last year was our first at WL, and due to the wonderful experience we had, we’re not upset that CR was out of reach for us price-wise again without A/P discounts. I enlisted the help of Magical Journeys, who scored a AAA room only standard view for us back in September, and our air fare was purchased back in November. ADRs were made in December, and I just called & confirmed all are in “the system”. Funny, the nice CM who took my call to confirm everything was “oohing and ahhhing” at some of the difficult ADRs we were able to snag. We have our DDE card in hand, and are ready to use it – all I have to do is transfer our reward dollars to our Disney Visa Rewards Card and finish packing.

Our plan is to pre-check into the hotel, try to schedule a Flag Family date during the course of our stay, and head over to MGM for Star Wars Weekends. We’ve been having a blast at this event since 2001 (when it has fallen during our vacation, of course), and we’re pleased to once again experience the fun and photo ops with the Star Wars characters. I am going to miss the WWTBAM experience, but I’m sure we’ll still have a great time. We’re having my 41st birthday celebration at Mama Melrose at 3 pm, hit a few attractions including R&RC and then will return to WL. We may catch the boat over to MK in the evening, since we’re breaking our ‘first park, first day’ tradition, but it’ll all depend on how we’re feeling after being up at 3 am!

Day Two plan is to once again hit MGM at opening for Star Wars festivities, the parade and some of our favorite attractions. None of us have done ToT yet, so we’ll see if this is the day. We have an ADR for 11:40 at Sci Fi, then will probably go back to WL for a break – and may head to Downtown Disney to order our Annual Xmas ornament & check out the World of Disney merchandise & Lego store. Following that, we’ll hit the grocery store for adult beverages and such - we’re having a box shipped down with breakfast items & snacks, so hopefully the grocery bill won’t be too painful!

Day Three plan is finally MK with an 11:40 ADR at Crystal Palace! We’ll hit all our faves including the Triple Mountain Whammy (utilizing FP extensively), and then may head back to WL for a break. We have a 6:40 ADR at The Plaza Restaurant, and will catch more attractions, Spectro and Wishes in the evening. I will mention here that DS is still lamenting that HM will be down . . .

Day Four plan is Epcot with a visit to The Garden Grill to celebrate our 16th Wedding Anniversary/21st Anniversary of meeting each other (which is actually today, the 1st). I sure wish they still did the Renewal Vow Ceremony! We’ll head out mid to late afternoon since it’s EMH at Epcot, and will bounce back to MK for more magic. We have another ADR on standby for The Plaza this evening.

Day Five – Early EMH @ Animal Kingdom to tackle EE, Dinosaur, Kali, KS & FotLK, with a 6:00 ADR for Whispering Canyon. We’ll plan an early-to-bed tonight after catching the Electric Water Pageant . . .

Day Six – Early EMH at MK! We’ll be ready at 7:15 to line up at the dock. Lunch will probably be @ Columbia Harbour House. The plan is to go back to WL early afternoon, swim for awhile & then drive to the Poly for our 6:20 ADR at Ohana.

Day Seven brings a 9:10 am ADR at Whispering Canyon (we haven’t yet eaten breakfast here), then the plan is to hit the marina to rent a pontoon boat for a few hours. We’ll drive over to Epcot in the late afternoon, and have a 6:50 ADR at LeCellier. Bellies full, we’ll catch Illuminations somewhere around the lagoon.

(Continued below)

[KylesMom]

Day Eight – The tentative plan is to perhaps visit with the DVC folks to see if we can swing ownership. Other than that, we have no set plans. Perhaps we’ll once again check out Star Wars Weekends until our 5:50 ADR at Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Go Mickey!

Day Nine – Happy Father’s Day! We have a 9:20 ADR for Chef Mickey’s, with the rest of the day open for a trip to Downtown Disney and whatever else DH wants to do.

Day Ten – We gave DS the opportunity to take yet another Pirate Cruise, or let him pick whatever we do for the morning. Since he’s done three cruises and is getting a bit too “old”, he opted for “Kyle’s Morning”. I’m very curious to see what park he’s going to pick! We’ll head to the MK in the afternoon for a 6:20 ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. We haven’t been to this restaurant since 2001 (it was such a disappointment way back when), so we’re hoping to have a good experience. Spectro & Wishes will follow.

Day Eleven – Another Epcot day, with a 12:15 ADR at Nine Dragons. We’ve never experienced this eatery before, so we’re hoping it’s a good one. As late EMH occur at Epcot, we’ll probably depart the park fairly early. We have another Fantasmic Dinner Package scheduled at Mama Melrose for 6 pm – which is a good excuse to go back to Mama Melrose. Did I mention we love it there???

Day Twelve – Early EMH at Animal Kingdom to catch our faves, head out early afternoon to swim & recreate, and head back to Whispering Canyon for a 5:00 pm ADR. Evening is open to do what we wish.

Day Thirteen – Early EMH at MK, with a 12:05 ADR at Tony’s. Another new experience for us, I’m excited to try it for the first time. We have no afternoon or evening plans – we’ll float where the wind takes us.

Day Fourteen – our traditional “day before departure” we always spend at MGM. If there’s any money left in our souvenir budget, I’m sure it will be spent on Star Wars merchandise! One more 12:00 ADR at Mama Melrose, then we’ll go back to the room to begin packing. It is questionable whether we’ll head to MK for late EMH hours or not – based on crowds last summer, it was simply not enjoyable. Too hot, too crowded & not enough FPs available. Somehow, though, I’m sure the urge will be too strong to resist!

Day Fifteen – departure day – Check our luggage & get our boarding passes at WL & head to MK for our faves. Our flight departs at 7:05 pm, so we’ll head to the airport around 4:45 to be on the safe side.

Now it’s just a matter of trying to stay focused over the course of the next few days! As always, I’ll report back upon our return & let you know the highs, lows & everything in between. Thanks for reading!

[ChipnDaleGal]

WOW! Those look like spectacular plans!! I am sure you will all have a wonderful trip.

[Mickey'sGirl]

Terrific Carol! Sorry we can't be there to meet you this year ... I feel Kyle's pain. I too would be heartbroken if the HM were not running during a visit. It is a favourite! I hope you have a Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, and Happy Dad's day to your DH whilst you are down! I look forward to reading your trip when you post your reports! Safe journey for you all!!

[MOJoe]

My family (Joe, Jan, DS8, DS13) arrives the same day as yours. We're looking forward to our first SWW. Funny - we have some similar ADR's. We will be at Sci-Fi at 12:50 on the 10th! Also, why not meet us and MinnieMommie at ESPN at 4:00 on the 12th? The more the merrier. Hope to see you at WDW!

[faline]

Just a couple of days left before you left! What a nice, long vacation you have planned! Have a wonderful time!

[Beach Club Babe]

Carol, it sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! So, I am sure you will have a fantastic time!

[DREAMADREAM93]

That is one of the most detailed trip plans ive ever seen.
well, behind the one my dad did a few years ago where he split our trip into 15 minute intervals :]

have fun!

JOrdan :]

[Disney Diamond]

Carol,

I look forward to reading about this year's trip when you return. We too decided to head back to the Lodge this year after our wonderful experience last year.

Unfortunately due to sport schedules, we'll be visiting in mid-July! I know you can sympathize, but we'll do much like you -- get out early, take our breaks back at WL & back to parks in the evening. I look forward to hearing about your dining experiences as we'll be at more than a few of the same.

Have a wonderful time. Good luck snagging the Flag Family again -- that is such a treat! Happy Birthday & Happy Annivesary!

Carrie

[January-2007]

What a wonderful trip you have planned, and looking at the dates, you're there right now! Hope you are having a fabulous time! Thanks for the pre trip report!

[DizNee143]

first..im jealous you get to go for sooo long!!
sounds like you got everything together..and i love how you planned but didnt go over board and you really just gonna go with the flow!!! i hope you have a great time and i cant wait to hear all a bout the trip once you get back!!

[T-Belle]

Sounds great! Have a wonderful time and
Happy Birthday
&
Happy Anniversary!!!