Two Party Trip Report, 3-7 June Updated 6/10 COMPLETE
About This Page: This is a discussion on Two Party Trip Report, 3-7 June Updated 6/10 COMPLETE within the Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports, part of the PassPorter Community - Message Boards and Forums; Pre-Trip Report Well, as I mentioned in my Spring Break Trip Report, we had two Disney trips planned over ...

tkd lisa · 04-27-2007, 02:26 PM

Pre-Trip Report

Well, as I mentioned in my Spring Break Trip Report, we had two Disney trips planned over the summer. Here’s the pre-trip report for the first one.

Who:

Party #1
Me, Lisa, 42, single mom, experienced WDW visitor (mostly within the last 15 months, since moving to FL)
DM, Helen, late 60s, Disney is my thanks to her for taking care of my kids while I travel for work
DD, Kaylie, 15, loves thrill rides, Stitch, and Japan
DS, Casey almost 14, loves technology and the animation studio

Party #2 (the first 5 people haven’t been to Disney in about 5 years, the last one has never been)
DF, Lori, about my age, maybe 3rd trip to WDW?
DFH, Shawn, also about my age, probably same number of trips
DF DS#1, age 15 (he’s 3 months younger than DD)
DF, DS#2, age 12
DF, DS#3, age 10
DF, DS#4, age 7

When: 3-9 Jun 07
Where: SSR, OKW (Party 1)
Ft. Wilderness cabins (party 2)

Why: Seeing old friends!

Background: Hold on because this is one of those complicated stories. I’ll start with how the two parties know each other, then move into how this became a 2 party trip!

A very long time ago (back before anyone in these groups had kids – except my mom that is!) I started to work for the US Navy at an electronics type facility in Indianapolis IN. Being a young female engineer, you might say I was in the minority. And trust me, I knew every other young female engineer who worked in the building! And DF Lori was one of those few women. We never really worked together, and were just nodding type acquaintances. However, DFH, Shawn was my bosses’ college roommate and best friend. During the first couple years I was working there, DF and her husband got married, and I ended up moving into a different job (no longer working for Shawn’s friend).

Moving forward several years, I was very pregnant with DD, and had just finished up a job assignment. I interviewed for a new one (still with the Navy), and I realized they were interviewing me to replace DF Lori, who was expecting to stay home once her child was born. Once I made it clear that I was pregnant too (and due 3 months before her), but I would be returning to work, they hired me. We spent a couple months of job turnover and got to be pretty good friends. Even after she stopped working outside the home, we usually met for lunch, or playdates with the kids every couple of months, and kept in touch on the phone. I ended up transferring to a job in Maryland just before their 3rd son was born. We saw each other most Christmases when my ex and I visited his family in Indiana, but we hadn’t seen each other since 2003.

Moving forward again to this Christmas, when I sent out my cards, DF Lori sent me an email, and we got back in touch. We were talking about how much the kids had changed, and that we really needed to get together, when she said “Well, we’re thinking about going to Disney this year!” After comparing calendars, I realized they were going the week after our planned “end of school” trip. I tried to figure out if we could just meet them for a day, but I was planning a work trip the following week, and it was just getting too hard. Then I had a V-8 moment. There really was NO reason we had picked our trip dates, so there was no reason we couldn’t change them! A quick call to Members Services, and voila! We were going to Disney at the same time! Thus, the two party trip was born!

Up next, Background PLANNING!

tkd lisa · 04-27-2007, 02:28 PM

More background, and initial plans

When this was an end of school trip (May 29-June 1), I hadn’t set up any hard and fast plans. We were going to enjoy the last of the Flower and Garden Festival, since Mom had never visited during that time. I wasn’t going to schedule any ADRs. We were in a 1 bedroom at OKW, so I planned on cooking most dinners in the villa. I was thinking about capturing some good nighttime fireworks pictures but that was really my only goal for the trip. Boy did that change quickly!

DF Lori has always enjoyed Disney. I know they went when the older boys were young, and I think they went again about 5 years ago. They adopted their youngest son from one of the former USSR countries about 4 years ago, and haven’t been able to visit since. With a family of 6, they were staying at Ft. Wilderness Cabins (they stayed there the last trip they took too). I’m pretty sure their first trip was at the Disney Institute. I seem to recall that they went there about the time of our first big trip in 97 (we stayed at what was then Dixie Landings). Lori said that they were interested in the water parks and had bought the hopper plus water park tickets. They planned on arriving Sunday the 3rd of June, and heading back home Saturday the 9th. They were driving from Indiana. They wanted to spend a lot of time in AK (didn’t visit it on their previous trip), and MK (for the youngest).

I had only been planning a 3 night stay. Since I had a business trip set for the 10th of June, I needed to be back in the office on the 8th to finalize details. I booked the Mon-Thursday stay, and we started talking about ADRs. Their youngest is 7, he’s in kindergarten. He really likes the Pooh characters, so a meal at Crystal Palace was on the agenda. The older boys really liked the idea of Sci Fi Dine In (and my kids like it too), so that was agreed to. We also wanted some down time just to visit, so we agreed that we’d cook at their campsite one night, and have a meal in our villa another night. DF Lori called Disney Dining and booked a Tuesday lunch at CP, and a Thursday lunch at Sci Fi. Party #2 is going to eat at Mexico on Friday evening after we’ve gone (their oldest son specifically requested it because it was their favorite meal last trip). They decided they couldn’t fit in a visit to Liberty Tree Tavern, so put that on the list for next time.

Then I started thinking about their ticket options. I was also planning for my July trip with my college roommate and doing ticket comparisons for them, and I realized that since both parties were staying on Disney property and I was a member of their party, they would be eligible for Shades of Green (SOG) tickets, including the Stars and Stripes passes. For those unfamiliar with this option, it’s similar to the old “length of stay” pass that Disney used to offer for resort guests. You buy a certain number of days ticket, but the days have to run continuously. You can drop your arrival and departure day. The tickets provide entry to all Disney venues (theme parks, water parks, Disney Quest, Pleasure Island, etc.), and include hopping. They are just a teeny bit more expensive than SOG base tickets + hopper + water park and more for the same number of days. But you don’t have to keep track of how many of the plus options you’ve used up. We haven’t finally decided on this, but I think that’s what Party #2 is going to do for tickets. This factors in to the next change in plans.

Once I realized that they should take advantage of the SOG tickets (even if they don’t get Stars & Stripes), I was going to have to go over to Disney on Sunday when they checked in to take care of the tickets. Otherwise, it would make for a big rush on Monday morning, and cause us to miss out on valuable uncrowded park time. Hmmm. What to do? Hey, I still have 15 DVC points left, which I was going to bank. OKW studios are only 10 points! I called MS, and found out OKW was out of studios, but SSR had one available for 12 points. Frankly at the price of gas, 12 points was worth less than the round trip drive!

Up next, the “final” plans.

tkd lisa · 04-27-2007, 02:30 PM

Detailed plans

I’ve got a couple of options depending on how crowded it is, and what the kids end up really enjoying, but my primary plan is:

Sunday, 3 June

Party 1

Church in the morning.
Check in to SSR by 1:30
Call DF and arrange to meet at SSR

Party 2

Drive in, arriving by 11
Check in to Ft. Wilderness
Grocery stop
Drive to SSR to meet Party #1

My mom (and maybe DD) will head over to EPCOT to catch the last day of the Flower and Garden show. We’re also squeezing in a day trip May 12th since moving this trip by a week pushed us out past the festival.

DFH and the boys will take advantage of SSRs pool, while DF Lori and I go over to Shades of Green to take care of their tickets. We’ll probably have to detour to the TTC to return the tickets that came with their package so I expect this to take up a bit of time.

We have no plans for this evening, but it might be the best time to have the cookout at Ft. Wilderness. If so, we may catch the campfire or walk down and watch the water parade from the beach.

Monday, 4 June

Party #1 checks out of SSR (transfer cold items through Bell Services, everything else self-move), and into OKW. Meet Party #2 at EPCOT in time for opening at 9:00.

Future World including:
Soarin
Test Track
Turtle Talk
Mission Space
JIYI

Explore WS, and do some of the Kidcot stations with the younger two boys. Lunch in WS. I expect to do a lot of splitting up here. I think the older boys will spend some time in Innoventions. DF’s older two are dying to be independent. This is a tough decision, and we’ll play it by ear.

The plan is to leave the park by 12:30 or 1:00 for a mid-day break (at least for the youngest).

Meet back up at AK, planning to be there in time for the 4:00 parade. AK has Evening EMH and we’ll stay for the whole thing ends at 10:00. Must dos:
Nemo musical
Safari (just before sunset)
EE
Lion King

Tuesday, 5 June

Meet at MK for morning EMH 0800

Split into two groups. One focusing on fantasy land, other focusing on thrill rides.
Goals include:
Mountains
Pirates of Caribbean
Buzz Lightyear
Philharmagic
Haunted Mansion (it’s closing this week)
Tom Sawyer Island (maybe)

Lunch at Crystal Palace, then leave for a trip to the water park (may take a break if youngest needs it).

Return to MK (counter service dinner) and catch early Spectro and Wishes.

Wed June 6th

Meet at AK for EMH at 0800

Goals:
DinoLand
Exploration Trails
EE
Kali River Rapids
Conservation Station (maybe)

Head over to OKW for lunch in villa, and swim in pool.

DF and DFH may leave the boys with me and take some adult time

Return to EPCOT by about 5 pm to finish up World Showcase. CS dinner in WS.
Illuminations

Thursday, 7 June

Party #1 checks out of OKW
Meet at MGM for opening 0900
Goals:
Thrill Rides
Playhouse Disney (split into two groups)
Animation Studio
Stunt Show
Star Tours
Lunch at Sci Fi

Head to water park
Party #1 heads for home by 5:00

Party #2 heads back to MGM
Fantasmic

Friday, 9 June Party #2 only
MK for anything not yet done

Water park or break

EPCOT for re-dos
Dinner in Mexico

**Colexis Mom** · 04-27-2007, 02:50 PM

Great plans Lisa

I'm so jealous you get to go back again so soon

Have a great time

bsblady01 · 04-28-2007, 10:15 PM

sounds like you have some great plans. I hope that you have a magical time at the world.

**mattnkatsmum** · 04-29-2007, 02:15 AM

I'm so envious of your proximity to Disney.

It sounds as if you have a fabulous trip in the planning.

I can't wait to hear all about it.

**NanaTink** · 04-30-2007, 07:07 AM

Sounds like a plan!

ariel14 · 04-30-2007, 03:31 PM

I love your TRs and your proximity to Disney!!!!

**PrincessSharon** · 05-04-2007, 09:15 AM

Great plans, Lisa! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear about it!

**DyanKJ130** · 05-07-2007, 08:11 PM

Your plans look great, Lisa!! I can totally sense your excitement about this trip with your friends. Can't wait to read more!

Annabel · 05-08-2007, 04:27 AM

Great plans

Thanks for sharing

Mauimouse · 05-08-2007, 08:34 AM

Sounds like you are going to have a fantastic time. Enjoy!

tkd lisa · 05-28-2007, 04:45 PM

I thought I'd better post an update before the actual trip. I spoke to DF Lori yesterday, and they are really getting excited. She's been finishing up the shopping, and plans to pack this week. Their boys finish school on Thursday, and they will hit the road as soon as her husband gets home from work.

I told her that I'm way too old to drive all night, and don't envy her a bit! They plan to head through the Tampa area Friday afternoon (I warned her about rush hour at the I-4/I-75 interchange!) and make it over to the Cocoa Beach area by dinnertime. They're going to visit the Space Center Saturday, then spend a little time at the beach Sunday morning and plan to check in to FtW by 1:00.

I found out that our summer schedule at church starts this weekend, so the kids and I don't have nursery duty! They strongly encourage the regular workers to take the summer off. We had one Sunday where pastor asked folks to volunteer to fill all the regular slots, and we got 150% of the people we needed! So we're going to head east right after our worship service, and should be checking in by 11:30. If our room (studio at SSR) isn't ready, we'll probably hit DTD while we wait on our friends.

I did confirm that DF Lori and I are going to be switching out the tickets Sunday afternoon. They decided that the money they will save will pay for a couple of meals, so it's worth the hassle. I told them that I think they'll enjoy the flexibility of the S&S tickets too.

My kids are finished with school now. I'm heading out on a business trip tomorrow morning and won't be back until late Thursday. I took the kids down to my mom's, and she's going to bring them back up Friday or Saturday. I was able to finish up one set of the t-shirts I was making for the group. Now I just need to get the tie-dyed ones done.

And with that, I'm off to stitch Mickey's into the shirts!

I may post with pictures of the shirts if I have time this weekend, otherwise, I'll fill everyone in when I get back!

**Colexis Mom** · 05-28-2007, 06:24 PM

Have a great trip Lisa

**DyanKJ130** · 05-28-2007, 08:33 PM

Hope you have a magical trip!! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!!

04-27-2007, 02:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
tkd lisa Community Rank: Traveler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 320	Two Party Trip Report, 3-7 June Updated 6/10 COMPLETE Pre-Trip Report Well, as I mentioned in my Spring Break Trip Report, we had two Disney trips planned over the summer. Here’s the pre-trip report for the first one. Who: Party #1 Me, Lisa, 42, single mom, experienced WDW visitor (mostly within the last 15 months, since moving to FL) DM, Helen, late 60s, Disney is my thanks to her for taking care of my kids while I travel for work DD, Kaylie, 15, loves thrill rides, Stitch, and Japan DS, Casey almost 14, loves technology and the animation studio Party #2 (the first 5 people haven’t been to Disney in about 5 years, the last one has never been) DF, Lori, about my age, maybe 3rd trip to WDW? DFH, Shawn, also about my age, probably same number of trips DF DS#1, age 15 (he’s 3 months younger than DD) DF, DS#2, age 12 DF, DS#3, age 10 DF, DS#4, age 7 When: 3-9 Jun 07 Where: SSR, OKW (Party 1) Ft. Wilderness cabins (party 2) Why: Seeing old friends! Background: Hold on because this is one of those complicated stories. I’ll start with how the two parties know each other, then move into how this became a 2 party trip! A very long time ago (back before anyone in these groups had kids – except my mom that is!) I started to work for the US Navy at an electronics type facility in Indianapolis IN. Being a young female engineer, you might say I was in the minority. And trust me, I knew every other young female engineer who worked in the building! And DF Lori was one of those few women. We never really worked together, and were just nodding type acquaintances. However, DFH, Shawn was my bosses’ college roommate and best friend. During the first couple years I was working there, DF and her husband got married, and I ended up moving into a different job (no longer working for Shawn’s friend). Moving forward several years, I was very pregnant with DD, and had just finished up a job assignment. I interviewed for a new one (still with the Navy), and I realized they were interviewing me to replace DF Lori, who was expecting to stay home once her child was born. Once I made it clear that I was pregnant too (and due 3 months before her), but I would be returning to work, they hired me. We spent a couple months of job turnover and got to be pretty good friends. Even after she stopped working outside the home, we usually met for lunch, or playdates with the kids every couple of months, and kept in touch on the phone. I ended up transferring to a job in Maryland just before their 3rd son was born. We saw each other most Christmases when my ex and I visited his family in Indiana, but we hadn’t seen each other since 2003. Moving forward again to this Christmas, when I sent out my cards, DF Lori sent me an email, and we got back in touch. We were talking about how much the kids had changed, and that we really needed to get together, when she said “Well, we’re thinking about going to Disney this year!” After comparing calendars, I realized they were going the week after our planned “end of school” trip. I tried to figure out if we could just meet them for a day, but I was planning a work trip the following week, and it was just getting too hard. Then I had a V-8 moment. There really was NO reason we had picked our trip dates, so there was no reason we couldn’t change them! A quick call to Members Services, and voila! We were going to Disney at the same time! Thus, the two party trip was born! Up next, Background PLANNING! Last edited by tkd lisa : 04-27-2007 at 02:37 PM.

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04-27-2007, 02:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
tkd lisa Community Rank: Traveler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 320	More background, and initial plans When this was an end of school trip (May 29-June 1), I hadn’t set up any hard and fast plans. We were going to enjoy the last of the Flower and Garden Festival, since Mom had never visited during that time. I wasn’t going to schedule any ADRs. We were in a 1 bedroom at OKW, so I planned on cooking most dinners in the villa. I was thinking about capturing some good nighttime fireworks pictures but that was really my only goal for the trip. Boy did that change quickly! DF Lori has always enjoyed Disney. I know they went when the older boys were young, and I think they went again about 5 years ago. They adopted their youngest son from one of the former USSR countries about 4 years ago, and haven’t been able to visit since. With a family of 6, they were staying at Ft. Wilderness Cabins (they stayed there the last trip they took too). I’m pretty sure their first trip was at the Disney Institute. I seem to recall that they went there about the time of our first big trip in 97 (we stayed at what was then Dixie Landings). Lori said that they were interested in the water parks and had bought the hopper plus water park tickets. They planned on arriving Sunday the 3rd of June, and heading back home Saturday the 9th. They were driving from Indiana. They wanted to spend a lot of time in AK (didn’t visit it on their previous trip), and MK (for the youngest). I had only been planning a 3 night stay. Since I had a business trip set for the 10th of June, I needed to be back in the office on the 8th to finalize details. I booked the Mon-Thursday stay, and we started talking about ADRs. Their youngest is 7, he’s in kindergarten. He really likes the Pooh characters, so a meal at Crystal Palace was on the agenda. The older boys really liked the idea of Sci Fi Dine In (and my kids like it too), so that was agreed to. We also wanted some down time just to visit, so we agreed that we’d cook at their campsite one night, and have a meal in our villa another night. DF Lori called Disney Dining and booked a Tuesday lunch at CP, and a Thursday lunch at Sci Fi. Party #2 is going to eat at Mexico on Friday evening after we’ve gone (their oldest son specifically requested it because it was their favorite meal last trip). They decided they couldn’t fit in a visit to Liberty Tree Tavern, so put that on the list for next time. Then I started thinking about their ticket options. I was also planning for my July trip with my college roommate and doing ticket comparisons for them, and I realized that since both parties were staying on Disney property and I was a member of their party, they would be eligible for Shades of Green (SOG) tickets, including the Stars and Stripes passes. For those unfamiliar with this option, it’s similar to the old “length of stay” pass that Disney used to offer for resort guests. You buy a certain number of days ticket, but the days have to run continuously. You can drop your arrival and departure day. The tickets provide entry to all Disney venues (theme parks, water parks, Disney Quest, Pleasure Island, etc.), and include hopping. They are just a teeny bit more expensive than SOG base tickets + hopper + water park and more for the same number of days. But you don’t have to keep track of how many of the plus options you’ve used up. We haven’t finally decided on this, but I think that’s what Party #2 is going to do for tickets. This factors in to the next change in plans. Once I realized that they should take advantage of the SOG tickets (even if they don’t get Stars & Stripes), I was going to have to go over to Disney on Sunday when they checked in to take care of the tickets. Otherwise, it would make for a big rush on Monday morning, and cause us to miss out on valuable uncrowded park time. Hmmm. What to do? Hey, I still have 15 DVC points left, which I was going to bank. OKW studios are only 10 points! I called MS, and found out OKW was out of studios, but SSR had one available for 12 points. Frankly at the price of gas, 12 points was worth less than the round trip drive! Up next, the “final” plans.

04-27-2007, 02:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
tkd lisa Community Rank: Traveler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 320	Detailed plans I’ve got a couple of options depending on how crowded it is, and what the kids end up really enjoying, but my primary plan is: Sunday, 3 June Party 1 Church in the morning. Check in to SSR by 1:30 Call DF and arrange to meet at SSR Party 2 Drive in, arriving by 11 Check in to Ft. Wilderness Grocery stop Drive to SSR to meet Party #1 My mom (and maybe DD) will head over to EPCOT to catch the last day of the Flower and Garden show. We’re also squeezing in a day trip May 12th since moving this trip by a week pushed us out past the festival. DFH and the boys will take advantage of SSRs pool, while DF Lori and I go over to Shades of Green to take care of their tickets. We’ll probably have to detour to the TTC to return the tickets that came with their package so I expect this to take up a bit of time. We have no plans for this evening, but it might be the best time to have the cookout at Ft. Wilderness. If so, we may catch the campfire or walk down and watch the water parade from the beach. Monday, 4 June Party #1 checks out of SSR (transfer cold items through Bell Services, everything else self-move), and into OKW. Meet Party #2 at EPCOT in time for opening at 9:00. Future World including: Soarin Test Track Turtle Talk Mission Space JIYI Explore WS, and do some of the Kidcot stations with the younger two boys. Lunch in WS. I expect to do a lot of splitting up here. I think the older boys will spend some time in Innoventions. DF’s older two are dying to be independent. This is a tough decision, and we’ll play it by ear. The plan is to leave the park by 12:30 or 1:00 for a mid-day break (at least for the youngest). Meet back up at AK, planning to be there in time for the 4:00 parade. AK has Evening EMH and we’ll stay for the whole thing ends at 10:00. Must dos: Nemo musical Safari (just before sunset) EE Lion King Tuesday, 5 June Meet at MK for morning EMH 0800 Split into two groups. One focusing on fantasy land, other focusing on thrill rides. Goals include: Mountains Pirates of Caribbean Buzz Lightyear Philharmagic Haunted Mansion (it’s closing this week) Tom Sawyer Island (maybe) Lunch at Crystal Palace, then leave for a trip to the water park (may take a break if youngest needs it). Return to MK (counter service dinner) and catch early Spectro and Wishes. Wed June 6th Meet at AK for EMH at 0800 Goals: DinoLand Exploration Trails EE Kali River Rapids Conservation Station (maybe) Head over to OKW for lunch in villa, and swim in pool. DF and DFH may leave the boys with me and take some adult time Return to EPCOT by about 5 pm to finish up World Showcase. CS dinner in WS. Illuminations Thursday, 7 June Party #1 checks out of OKW Meet at MGM for opening 0900 Goals: Thrill Rides Playhouse Disney (split into two groups) Animation Studio Stunt Show Star Tours Lunch at Sci Fi Head to water park Party #1 heads for home by 5:00 Party #2 heads back to MGM Fantasmic Friday, 9 June Party #2 only MK for anything not yet done Water park or break EPCOT for re-dos Dinner in Mexico

05-28-2007, 04:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
tkd lisa Community Rank: Traveler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 320	I thought I'd better post an update before the actual trip. I spoke to DF Lori yesterday, and they are really getting excited. She's been finishing up the shopping, and plans to pack this week. Their boys finish school on Thursday, and they will hit the road as soon as her husband gets home from work. I told her that I'm way too old to drive all night, and don't envy her a bit! They plan to head through the Tampa area Friday afternoon (I warned her about rush hour at the I-4/I-75 interchange!) and make it over to the Cocoa Beach area by dinnertime. They're going to visit the Space Center Saturday, then spend a little time at the beach Sunday morning and plan to check in to FtW by 1:00. I found out that our summer schedule at church starts this weekend, so the kids and I don't have nursery duty! They strongly encourage the regular workers to take the summer off. We had one Sunday where pastor asked folks to volunteer to fill all the regular slots, and we got 150% of the people we needed! So we're going to head east right after our worship service, and should be checking in by 11:30. If our room (studio at SSR) isn't ready, we'll probably hit DTD while we wait on our friends. I did confirm that DF Lori and I are going to be switching out the tickets Sunday afternoon. They decided that the money they will save will pay for a couple of meals, so it's worth the hassle. I told them that I think they'll enjoy the flexibility of the S&S tickets too. My kids are finished with school now. I'm heading out on a business trip tomorrow morning and won't be back until late Thursday. I took the kids down to my mom's, and she's going to bring them back up Friday or Saturday. I was able to finish up one set of the t-shirts I was making for the group. Now I just need to get the tie-dyed ones done. And with that, I'm off to stitch Mickey's into the shirts! I may post with pictures of the shirts if I have time this weekend, otherwise, I'll fill everyone in when I get back!