MY TRIP TO WDW

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Hardy0109's picture
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MY TRIP TO WDW

Introduction/Day 1
Alright, so as you guys might know, I'm driving to Disney from Kansas. It's 24 hours, so what we are doing is driving 12 hours (which we did Friday night) and staying at my Aunt's house to see her baby all day today (Saturday) and then finally tonight we will make our final 12 hour trip until we get to Pop Century Resort at Disney World!! clapping I'm super excited! So we are planing on driving 9pm-9am on both nights. Last night, since I have a permit, I drove from 9pm to 1:45am, and then slept on and off until 8am. We have a 2006 Honda Odyssey and it is PACKED full! You have no idea, it's crazy. Especially since we are going to St.Pete the week after Disney, we have A LOT of stuff. But it's all going to be worth it in the end. Wanted to share a little story..at about midnight I saw my first shooting star in my life without even looking for it. Maybe it was good luck? Who knows. While you guys might not want to hear all about my trip, I'm sharing the info just because I love to write (want to be a journalist) and because I've seen some others post their experiences. I would love it if you guys asked questions at any time about my trip! Don't be shy!

Day Two - Tennessee
As I mentioned above, we are at my aunt and uncle's house today. She had a newborn baby about a month ago. She now has four kids (all girls) and one boy who is my age but her step son. My uncle is really good on the grill, so hopefully I'll get sent off to Disney with some real good home cooking! I finally got back on my sleeping schedule with a three and a half hours nap...that'll definitely be huge in the next couple weeks when I go to sleep at 1:00am and wake up at 7ish! More importantly, it will keep me awake on the drive.

Day Three - Downtown Disney and Pop Century Resort
I ended up driving from 9pm central to 2am eastern time. Then I slept about 4-5 hours before approaching Orlando. I had a ton of trouble sleeping this time. Too much excitement! However, we arrived at POP Centruy at about 9:30 am eastern. My father wanted to sleep, so we said to getus any room that we could get into now! We also all wanted showers after a long car ride. We ended up getting a room on the bottom level (something we also requested) and in the 90s, about 30 yards from the computer pool. So when we arrived we unwinded; unpacked, showered and ate in the cafeteria (I had the breaksfast wrap and orange juice...ehh it was ok I guess). Then we walked around for quite sometime, taking pictures around the resort (many of which can be found on my instagram, @cshardy97 on there.) It's a very cool resort for a value price. So many good photo spots, and so many things you will remember all around the hotel..in fact..there was so much that I remembered from about six years ago! Including the computer pool! Speaking of that pool, before leaving for the night, we took a quick 15 minute dip that was definitely refreshing. After that we headed over to the Disney Premier Outlet (i believe is what it was called). The place was absolutely packed. There was a line just to get into the parking lot, and it took about 30 minutes to park. It was insane, and the stupid, clueless tourist drivers certainly did not help. After we got our pins at discount price and some other knick-knacks, we headed over to DTD to pick-up the rest of our necessities at the World's Largest Disney Store. I picked up a reversible lanyard, an autograph/photo book, and a keychain to put at the bottom of my lanyard. Then we headed to Garden Grove for MY only character dinner (the girls are going to a princess lunch in Epcot, the name escapes me at this moment). The main courses were good, not awesome, but the sides and desserts were out of this world. I love the Mac and cheese, cole slaw, and almost all of the desserts. Also, Pluto was Hilarious. All-in-all a great character dinner although I am a bit disappointed that it's my only one. ): After a little mishap with the boats out of Swan/Dolphin to try to make it back to our resort quicker, we ended up finally making it to HWS and taking a bus back to our hotel, where I sit and type this now. Better get to sleep! We've got a long day(Drunk ahead of us with the EMHs. (I hope I didn't bore you to death and you come back tomorrow and read some more!!! Don't forget to ask questions if you have any!)

Day Four - Hollywood Studios w/Extra Magic Hours (9pm - 12am)

Day Five - Epcot w/Extra Magic Hours (9pm-12am)

Day Six -Magic Kingdom

Day Seven - Park of choice

Day eight - Check out of resort/Head for St.Pete

Thanks for the read! Let me know what you think!!
mickey mickey mickey mickey mickey mickey

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Whoa driving all night, that's dedication to WDW! Sounds like a good trip Smile can't wait to hear all about it Smile

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Sounds like a great vacation. I checked the DHS calendar for Monday. The park hours are 9:00am - 10:00 pm with EMH from 10:00pm - 1:00am.

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JoAnn C wrote:
Sounds like a great vacation. I checked the DHS calendar for Monday. The park hours are 9:00am - 10:00 pm with EMH from 10:00pm - 1:00am.

Thanks! there must have been a typo on the calendar that I was looking at.

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Sounds like a fun trip so far! Can't wait to hear the rest!

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Wow..I've been really busy with everything guys, sorry for not updating this. So now I am in St. Pete visiting my aunt and some other family and have some time to chat. Everything at the parks was magical. I didn't realize how much I really love this place until just now. The fireworks, the characters, the shows, the food, the resorts, everything, it's just magical and it really takes me back to my childhood (although I am still a kid). I don't know how they manage to pull it off.

So on our last day there, I started pondering internships. (Note: I love to plan ahead and you'll see it more in this post, I'm a junior in high school and have basically mapped out everything you could think of until I get out of college. I realize not all of it will happen, but I can dream, right?) So anyways, I started looking at WWOS Internships (primarily for graduate students though sad ) and, primarily, the Disney College Program. I started watching youtube videos, reading articles, and even choosing what spots I might want to apply for. Internships in college will be perfect for me, and I will likely study abroad for another semester. The reason is: I skipped kindergarten so I am a year ahead right now, so as I long as Oklahoma State will allow me to take time off of school for these internships, I will still be on track to graduate when I am 22 (should graduate when I'm 21 with no itnernships/time off of school). So I am really looking into that, and will probably apply (and get accepted with my really good grades, because I'm a nerd in school) in what would be my Soph. or Junior year. Do you guys know much about the program? Have any of you guys done it? I think I would either be a photopass guy, an attractions guy, and I'll probably audition to be abig head character if that is available. I know, I'm dreamin', but I might as well try!

And then also, I loved Disney so much this time, that I want to go back after my senior year of high school. So, here's the thing on this trip. Everyone in my family gets a bunch of money (not going to put a figure on it, but it's a lot) to spend on whatever they want when they graduate, likely a trip. So what I'm going to do is buy a MacBook Air (right now would cost about $1,350) and then take an all Disney trip with my mom (probably cost about $3,000 for about a week of Disney) and then about $500 from my parents for whatever I need for college, just to sort of help out. If you didn't notice, it was only with my mom because my dad doesn't feel the magic of Disney (lol),.so we're excluding him in our trip. He gets to stay home and watch the kids wink Anyways I could do that, or I could take a huge trip to anywhere in the World (my choice) for two weeks and get nothing else. For me, it's a no brainer. A trip to Disney (my happy place, lol), cash for college, and a macbook that will last me for years is much better than one long trip across the world. Which would you choose? Why? If you choose Disney, I can tailor the trip how I want it, so where would you choose to stay at? What resort?

EDIT: Just thought of a brilliant 3rd option that I think my parents would go for..Fly to PARIS and stay for a week and go to Disneyland there for 4 days and tour Paris for the other three days and still get my MacBook. While I don't get the full two week trip. I still get a new Disney experience, and the laptop I am going to NEED for college. Would you guys do this one? I feel like 4 days would be enough. 2 days in their Hollywood park and then 2 days in the main Disneyland park. I don't know if my parents would do this, but it sounds fair, right? You guys have no idea how much I am banking on your responses!

If you read all of this, thanks for bearing with me as I released my inner thoughts. Below I will post a few thoughts on Disney World as a whole. I absolutely loved the trip, as you can see above, I want to make Disney an unforgettable part of my life. (In fact, I've even told my mom that if I got the chance, Disney World would be the place I would choose to propose to my fiancee when I become of age. Like I said...I like to plan ahead mickey )

-Writer's shop is easiest one of my favorite places to go in all of Disney. The place it's self is awesome, the people at the counter are friendly, and the chocolate danish is to die for.
- Peter Pan is the best character by far. The dude is hilarious. We sat for 20 minutes just watching him talk to others because he was so funny. a Really nice guy too. Perfect fit for that job.
- Best show of any kind is Laugh Floor. I watched it three times and laughed my butt off everytime.
- Car is faster than bus everywhere except at maagic kingdom where the busses are right by the gate.
- Dole Whip at MK should be your top priority. It's well worth the sometimes long wait, and not outrageously expensive.
- On a money note, Disney food and drinks and what not is so much cheaper than that of other theme parks. My parents don't agree it's that much different, but when a 32 oz is a dollar less and you get 10 a day, it makes a difference.
- You must have the Baklava at Morrocco.
- Somehow, Norway ruined School Bread. I used to love it, and it was one of my secrets, now they changed it and it is not nearly the same.
- The animator thing where they show you how to draw Disney characters at MGM was also a highlight of my trip. I did it four times and drew Genie, Mickey, Goofy, and Jimminy Cicket. It got me into drawing Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Merida, Pluto and Sully when I got home. I sure wish they had a Disney drawing class in HS, because I love it, although it's time consuming.
- Always arrive at the parks early and spend every minute you can there. You will miss it. I already do!
- Don't forget to visit the largest McDonald's in the world (I think that's it) in Orlando just off Disney property if you have kids.

AGAIN! THANKS FOR READING!

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admin's picture
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Hey -- great TR so far! I agree on Peter Pan! Every one I've seen has been a blast to watch. Smile mickey

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Thanks so much for your trip report!

As for your future trip planning, I personally would go for a WDW/Disney Cruise combo over Disneyland Paris. But that's just because I'm obsessed with getting back on a Disney Cruise. wink

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Agreed on Laugh Floor. I LOVE it. Will put Baklava on my try it next time list. Great trip report!

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Good finish up on the report Hardy. "Hello Admin!"

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Ok so if you don't want to read everything above (which I can understand), I'm begging you to answer these questions for me.

- Have you done the Disney College Program? If so, what did you think of it? If not, what have you heard about it?
- If you were to take a graduation from high school trip with your parents which would you do:
A) Get a 13'' MacBook Air for college, $500, and week long trip tailored to me at Disney World or Disneyland
B) A two week vacation to anywhere in the world. (If so, where?)
C) Get a 13'' MacBook and travel to France for a week. 4 Days at Disneyland Paris and 3 days in Paris.
D) Not listed, but another reasonable choice.
- What is the best resort at Disney World? Best value? Best moderate? Best deluxe?

I want to get an answer from other Disney fanatics, that's why I want your responses! Thank you!

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Hardy0109 wrote:
Ok so if you don't want to read everything above (which I can understand), I'm begging you to answer these questions for me.

- Have you done the Disney College Program? If so, what did you think of it? If not, what have you heard about it?
- If you were to take a graduation from high school trip with your parents which would you do:
A) Get a 13'' MacBook Air for college, $500, and week long trip tailored to me at Disney World or Disneyland
B) A two week vacation to anywhere in the world. (If so, where?)
C) Get a 13'' MacBook and travel to France for a week. 4 Days at Disneyland Paris and 3 days in Paris.
D) Not listed, but another reasonable choice.
- What is the best resort at Disney World? Best value? Best moderate? Best deluxe?

I want to get an answer from other Disney fanatics, that's why I want your responses! Thank you!

I love Disney, but would pick "C". Best of ALL worlds! Get the necessary technology, get a Disney fix in France, and see the most lovely city in the world. I think that is PERFECT!

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I have a few friends who have done the college program and loved it, although they did it a few years ago and one of them has a wife working for Disney now and she has met many numerous people taking part in the program right now and she said she thinks it has changed a lot but I'm sure it's still amazing. I also was just at DTD and spoke to someone in the program right now and she said she's loving it so I say go for it! I would love to as I am a junior in college at the moment but it requires you to take 6 months off of school which I'm not sure I want to do!

I also think I would choose the Mac and the Disney Paris trip. I feel like it would be a lot more convenient to travel to Disney World whenever you want rather than Disney Paris, budget wise as well so I'd do Disney Paris while you have the opportunity of your parents willing to pay for both the Mac and Disney Paris.

Best deluxe... I think Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Club are deluxe? If so, I LOVE those. Love the theming and if they're not deluxe then the Poly! As for moderate and value I'm not sure what resorts are part of which and am on my phone so can't really look them up at the moment silly

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Wow thanks so much bifader, that helps a ton. I'm going to do Paris if my dad let's me. My mom is all in on it! It's still two years away so we will see when it actually comes around. I am super excited for the chance to get in the college program. Since I am you g taking time off from school will be no biggie. It sounds like so much fun even though it is work.

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Hardy0109 wrote:
Wow thanks so much bifader, that helps a ton. I'm going to do Paris if my dad let's me. My mom is all in on it! It's still two years away so we will see when it actually comes around. I am super excited for the chance to get in the college program. Since I am you g taking time off from school will be no biggie. It sounds like so much fun even though it is work.

I've never done it but have worked with Disney recruiters when I did scheduling for on campus events and promotions. I remember they were specifically promoting to juniors and first semester seniors (which is around the time you would usually do an internship or semester abroad).

Jessi would have info on this...

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The Cookie Crumbler wrote:
Hardy0109 wrote:
Wow thanks so much bifader, that helps a ton. I'm going to do Paris if my dad let's me. My mom is all in on it! It's still two years away so we will see when it actually comes around. I am super excited for the chance to get in the college program. Since I am you g taking time off from school will be no biggie. It sounds like so much fun even though it is work.

I've never done it but have worked with Disney recruiters when I did scheduling for on campus events and promotions. I remember they were specifically promoting to juniors and first semester seniors (which is around the time you would usually do an internship or semester abroad).

Jessi would have info on this...

I was actually planning on doing mine in second semester and summer of my sophomore year (going into junior year). Does that mean I'm less likely to get in?

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Oh, it sounds like you had such a fantastic time, and I'm so excited for you in your internship planning!

I agree with you about the Writer's Stop and the Animation Place!!

You're such a motivated kid...I wish there were more 15 year olds out there like you, kiddo!! Smile

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Lol everyone says that. I still love being a kid, but at the same time, I can't wait to grow up and go to college. Anyways, yeah the Writer's Stop was amazing. Honestly think it's the best kept secret in the parks for food.

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