Beth & Steve's 5th Anniversary: The Pre-Trip Report About This Page:

[bfth]

Well there are only 2 weeks to go till our trip to WDW so I decided it was time to start a pre-trip report to get me in the mood. With my passporter in hand, I know I'll have a fabulous trip report when we return. Those little pockets really do help! I was amazed at how much more I wrote and remembered on our May trip thanks to Passporter. Much easier than lugging my journal down there!

Any way, this will be our 4th and final trip to WDW this year. We don't usually go quite so much, but with the purchase of APs (regular, not premium) last year, I was of the mind that "we've got the passes so..." Hence we didn't just do our traditional September trek, but we did a December long weekend (for the holiday stuff), a May long weekend (for the Flower & Garden Fest) and now our 5th Anniversary trip.

We are NOT renewing our APs as we just can't afford to at this time (actually due to Steve's unemployment situation which has been dragging on way too long, we considered cancelling or even "downgrading", but in the end decided we needed a great vacation and hence we are going for it). As much as I love our APs, I wish they were made of stronger stuff (paper just doesn't do it for me) and I always seem to have a problem with that darn hand monitor. An alien must have zapped my hand the first day I used it because I rarely am able to get through. I always have to try 2-3 times and then show ID to prove I'm me and to get let into the parks. Steve has no problem with his and I always dread entering the parks and backing everything up. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

But onward to our pre-trip report...

My bags have been out (and nearly packed) for at least 2 weekends now. Steve will pull his out on September 3rd and throw it all together that night (while I'm trying to sleep, no doubt. Love my hubby, but hate his packing tactics! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] ). I am bringing 2 suitcases (we are, after all staying for 10 days and I always seem to have more on the trip back). My wonderful, relatively new Costco black bag with wheels and a (non-wheeled) large duffel (also known as a soft trunk. It's very big). Neither will be that full going down, but you just know coming back they will be jam packed! I have heard of the ribbon idea (since everyone has black luggage these days and who knows which is whose!) and went a bit farther (cause I've seen the ribbon idea used a lot these days). I have tied bandanas onto the handles of my luggage, and also have a Mickey stickers on each. That SHOULD make my bags a bit more unique and easier to find.

I am also bringing 2 carry-ons (the smaller one will be within the larger). And then there's my fanny pack which I will be wearing.

Do I have enough stuff?????

We do have the long holiday weekend to do any catching up before we go (like I'm thinking of finding a small bottle of Woolite and doing some hand washing in the sink. Just in case. I can't see doing laundry, but maybe just a few things that I could hang to dry in the shower).

Then, on Tuesday the 4th, I haul my butt out of bed and get my brother to take me to work (with only my fanny pack). I have to figure out how to work this out completely because I don't want to bring my card key with me, but can't get in the building without it! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Hoping someone will take pity on me and just let me in. I don't want to drag my office card key and other keys with me to FL.

Hubby will be at home with various luggage and get picked up around 10:30. THey will head south, passing the airport exit, and picking me up at work. (this way I can clear away any little things that might be outstanding and make sure that my boss knows exactly what is going on).

Hit the airport and hopefully our Continental flight gives us no problems and takes off on or around time (12:45).

Arrive at MCO around 3:30. Hop on the airport monorail (you know you're almost there when you see this. It's a silly thrill for me). Hopefully there is some wonderful Tiffany Towncar driver waiting for us who will carry all of my bags! And hopefully our luggage comes quickly.

Get in the car, make a quick grocery stop (why pay $1 for a can of coke, when you can buy a 2 liter bottle for just a little over that?).

Pull onto Disney property and get that thrilling feeling. I just love it. All those signs. Just thinking about it makes me happy inside.

Pull up to the Wilderness Lodge. Don't know what to expect there. But hopefully, they will have a nice romantic room ready for us and maybe something extra nice for our 5th anniversary (believe me I'll drop the hints -- it hasn't always helped, but a few times it has).

Get into our room (which is hopefully gorgeous with a fabulous view of something).

Have dinner that evening at Artist Point at 6 PM. Hopefully bump into some email friends that evening as well.

No evening plans for us. It is an e-night, but as I will have been up early, we're thinking we'll pass and do the one the following week. Hopefully we'll just relax, explore the hotel and maybe do a little swimming.

[PhilaDisney]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned. I wouldn't want to take my work keys with me either. Throw them in the room safe and forget about them. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I laughed when you mentioned your black luggage looking like everyone else's. It reminds me of the scene from "Meet The Parents" when he's yelling at the airport that perhaps in some weird marketing scheme Samsonite made more than one suitcase that looked the same. Too funny. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Have a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear more about your trip when you come back.

[arielsmom]

Beth-I believe your husband took the same packing class as mine [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I have already pulled out our suitcases and started putting pre-trip items in. (We leave in 57 days and counting.) My husband saw me the other day and asked if we had a trip planned somewhere for this weekend. LOL I hope you have a wonderful time and get out a quick post trip report...I'll be waiting.

[Ursunique2001]

Speaking of keys.... I still haven't found my door keys since we went to Disney in May. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I know I left them home but where is the problem. I am like you i did not want to take mine with me either, but if you leave it home please make sure you make a note of where you left it. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[mikki]

What a wonderful trip plan - hope you both have the magical trip you deserve! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Do you think I would fit in one of the bags on the way out? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[bfth]

Ok, with a little over a week to go, here are some more of our plans (but we all know that once you hit WDW, plans can just fly out the window).

As I said, we arrive on Tuesday and have 6 pm dinner plans at Artist Point (I need to call them on Sunday to remind them of my food allergies. And I encourage anyone with any kind of food allergy to do this. If you mention it when you make your PS they will give you the restaurant # to call 3 days prior, this will make your dining experience much more pleasurable).

That night is up in the air. It is an E-ride night, but I don't think we'll do it. There should be another the following Tuesday.

What I do need to do when we check in is make Fantasmic ressies for Thursday night at Mama Melrose for 3 (and again let them know of my allergies). Our friend Ken, although a FL resident, has yet to see Fantasmic at MGM (although he has seen it at DL). He has a strange work schedule (works nights and weekends), so we are catching him on his "day off" which is Thursday afternoon. But more on that later.

After dinner (and hopefully meeting the Norris' from the UK who emailed me before they left last week!) we will just relax.

Wednesday is also a relaxing day. An Epcot day too (probably my favorite park). We have PS for the Coral Reef for an early lunch (no breakfast that day, we'll probably sleep in -- if we can!) at 11:30. We've never eaten there. Dinner that night is scheduled at Le Cellier at 6 ish (don't have my schedule in front of me). Might catch Illuminations that night. (of course I'm also wondering if we should run over to Epcot the night we get there just to do TT at night, which I have not yet done).

Thursday is a leisure day as well. Although we do have PS at Chef Mickey's at 8. We might wander over to MK. Or we might just wander around the monorail hotels (which we've stayed at. I LOVE the monorail).

Ken will be by in the afternoon and we will drive over to MGM in the early evening (probably parking where we shouldn't! Ken has a good way of doing that!). We'll probably HAVE to catch the Muppets (the 3 of us LOVE Muppet 3 D. You know it's bad when three of you are in the preshow repeating it line by line and laughing at the same time). Then on to dinner at Mama and Fantasmic! Hopefully Ken will drive us back to the hotel. We all know how bad Fantasmic is when it lets out!

Friday -- you know I can't remember a darn thing about any plans that we might have for that day! Need to go home and look at the spreadsheet!

Saturday -- up and out early. We are meeting our friend (and newly registered Passporter), Emily at Epcot and taking the Behind the Future World tour! We need to be registered by 8:45. I'm really looking forward to this one! I've heard alot about it and I'm hoping it lives up to what I've heard. After the tour, we have to bop over to MK so that Em can see Timekeeper (this is her "excuse" for driving from GA to FL for the weekend. To see Timekeeper one last time). We have PS at Le Chef De France that evening. Again, this is a new one for me, and I'm a bit apprehensive with the allergies and all. Will probably stay for Illuminations!

Sunday -- MK and Cindy's for breakfast at 9:30. We are hoping Emily will join us. (Need somebody to take all the photos of the anniversary couple with the princesses). Then Em has to head home (boo, his) and we spend some more time in MK.

I'm drawing a blank for the rest of our trip, so I guess I'll end this pre-trip here!

[Fortissimo]

Beth, it sounds like a wonderful way to spend your anniversary.

Don't forget to take tons of notes for our trip report!

[bfth]

Tons of notes? With my passporter, that's easy! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Okay, back to Friday...

We're getting up early and going to AK. Safari and Dinosaur are a MUST. We'll leave AK around quarter to 10 and catch the bus over to AKL for a late breakfast at...BOMA! (a Boma-tastic breakfast! I'm drooling just thinking about it).

No serious plans for the rest of the day. We do have dinner plans at my favorite restaurant (well one of my faves), Kona Cafe at the Poly. Maybe we should hang out here and at the GF. Catch the GF Orchestra and dance?

I've already told you about Saturday and Sunday morning.

Sunday evening we figure out a Way to get to AKL again. (will probably go from a park to the hotel and from the hotel to a park and then back to WL). We're doing Jiko for dinner and I'm happy to have heard so many great things about this restaurant (although I still am apprehensive with my allergies).

Monday we're off to MGM for a 9 AM breakfast at Hollywood & Vine. We attempted to do a late breakfast there last September, but unfortunately, I had been really sick early in the morning and we really didn't eat there (Steve had a bagel, I sipped coke). So I wanted to give this a second chance. I don't know we'll spend the whole day at MGM (though I could probably spend a whole day at Millionaire. GOTTA get in that hot seat, but have a feeling I won't! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] ). We have an early dinner planned at the Prime Time Cafe (4:30). This is a place that I've always wanted to try, but again, been hesistant because of my allergies (hey, if every time you ate out you had to worry if you were going to end up inadvertantly poisoned and on your way to the hosptial, you'd be hesitant too!). I figure "Mom" had better take care of me! If we do hang out long enough, maybe we'll stay for another round of Fantasmic!

Tuesday we have absolutely NO plans whatsoever, other than dinner at Tony's Town Square at 6 PM. As this is an e-night we'll be staying on after dinner. And I'll make sure we sleep in a bit so we're rested up. (Yes, I know e-nights aren't THAT late in September, but I can always use more sleep!).

Wednesday: No really plans again, although we're scheduled to try the Whispering Canyon Cafe for breakfast and the Yachtman Steakhouse for dinner. This will be our 3rd shot at the Yachtsman. For 2 years running we've made PS for there, but some how never ended up there! We also figure after a nice dinner, it might be an ideal time to go visit PI (which is NOT included on our APs, but one night out of 10 isn't going to kill us). I have never been to the Adventurer's Club and really want to try it. Steve and I are not club people and in all our visits we have only been to PI twice. The first was on our honeymoon and we got there too early (before everything was really open) and we were too worn out from running around all day. The 2nd time was in 1999 when we saw Squeeze at the West End Stage (FANTASTIC!). Unfortunately, we could only stay for one set, as I had an awful head cold and just wanted to go back to the hotel (GF) and take some cold medicine and rest! This time though will be different! (right). I'm ready to join the Adventurer's Club and see all the wonderful things I've heard about.

Thursday, September 13th marks our 5th anniversary and again we have no real plans. We are scheduled for the Kona Cafe for breakfast and possibly the Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner (not romantic at all, I know, but...). This is also a good back up date for PI if for some reason we don't make it on Wednesday.

Friday, September 14th. We check out! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] We will probably spend the day at our favorite park, Epcot. I didn't make PS for anything, although I know Steve wants to visit Akershaus again.

Tiffany picks us up around 5:30 (I think) and we head back to the airport for a 7:50 flight home.

This is going to be hard. Our APs will have expired, our fantasies will be behind us and we will have to return to the reality of only one of us having a job! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] And unlike previous trips, there is no other WDW venture in the near future.

Oh well, home is still a long time off (heck, I haven't even left yet!).

Now, let's just see how close I actual stay on the path outlined above!

[lab3]

Beth-
You have so many fun things planned--good for you! I would love to go to WDW alone with my dh sometime! We're not usually "club people" either, but we both really enjoyed the Adventurers' Club! We're planning on going again on our next trip--and taking my sister and her dh along with us. Can't wait to read your trip report!

[bfth]

Ok, we're down to 2 days and DH finally pulled out his suitcase! [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img]

I have 2 suitcases ready to go (a real suitcase and a "soft truck") Neither is completely full, but I want to have lots of space to bring back stuff. I also have a carry on (which is practically empty) and a shoulder bag (which will fit in the carry on) and my fanny pack.

We went shopping yesterday for a few last things, basically more underwear and I needed socks (but I couldn't find anything cute. I wanted really cute socks). Also made sure I got another small toothpaste.

Today hubby says he might need more socks too! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Back to Target later???

Tomorrow is wash day and final packing. Of course there are some things I can't pack till the very last minute.

Brother will drive me to work Tuesday morning (bribed by Dunkin Donuts coffee) and then it's just a few short hours!

[Fortissimo]

The Disney Store has some really cute Pooh and Friends and Mickey ankle socks. I wore Tigger with my Tigger Vans and Pooh Skort to school on Friday.

Beth, do you think there is a "Just-throw-things-in-a-suitcase-at-the-last-moment" gene that men carry?

[bfth]

Fortissimo!

YES!!!!! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[wdwlovers]

Beth, Sounds like you have a great trip planned! You will love WL! Whispering Canyon Cafe is such a fun place to eat. We did eat at Artist Point once, but I am a picky eater so the experience wasnt all that good for me. I hope you and Steve have a wonderful anniversary! Can't wait to hear all about the trip upon your return! Have a tiggerific time! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[CU Tigger]

Beth,

Happy (early) Anniversary to you and Steve! You have a terrific plan! I can't wait to read your report when you return.

I'm glad to see there are other people who entertain the option of multiple viewings of Fantasmic! Have a great time! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Beast_fanatic]

Beth!

I wish I was going too! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I'd love to meet you, Steve & Emily all in person!

Hope you and Steve have a fabulous trip and a Fantasmic anniversary! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Don't let your worries get you down - everything will work out in the end! Have fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: Beast_fanatic ]