Pre-trip: Our first DVC Trip!

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Pre-trip: Our first DVC Trip!

We've hit the 80 day mark, so I figured now was a good time to start our pre trip report Smile

We purchased DVC back in February of this year so this will be our first trip as members. It will also be the first time we've stayed in a Deluxe Resort! We usually stay at the Value Resorts so it should be quite different. We are staying at our home resort Bay Lake Tower. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be able to WALK to MK yay We are set to arrive October 19 and check out October 27 (our 2nd Anniversary). We have many more firsts happening on this trip as well. We are trying 5 new restaurants, attending MNSSHP, going to an Eat to the Beat concert (Smash Mouth), and attending the F&W Festival. Technically we attended the festival last year as we ran the Wine and Dine Half but we only spent time there during the race after party so we didn't get to experience much so I'm not counting it Wink I tried booking the Sunday Morning with Buddy Valastro on October 19 but after being on hold for 50 minutes, I was informed it was sold out Sad . The CM told me we could try showing up anyway to see if there were any cancellations or no shows so we still may go a day early to try. Not sure yet though.

Now for some introductions!
My name is Erica, I'm 29 and work as a manager at the Dairy Queen my parents own. We live in North Bay Ontario and apparently summer has decided to skip us this year. Feels more like September here these days. To be honest, Fall is my favourite so I can't complain too much.
My Husband is Erik who is 30 and is an Automotive Service/Diagnostic Technician. He's a big fan of old Volvo 240's and we currently own 3 with another one coming on Saturday. He also owns a 1967 Mercedes and about 20 bicycles. His nickname is Scrapmaster for a reason laugh
I really lucked out with Erik as he has no desire to travel anywhere but Disney! He is quite happy to go every year and even agreed on a Mickey themed wedding (not that he had much choice Wink ) We plan on starting a family in a few years, but for now we are content with our little penguin named Mister. He comes everywhere with us, especially Disney (even has he own Mickey ears). People, namely my family, think we're odd which we kinda are, but he's quite entertaining laugh

Here is what we look like

PreviewAttachmentSize
erik and erica
erik and erica4.28 MB
Mister
Mister527.38 KB
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Here is our current itinerary which of course is subject to change especially since we haven't done FP+ yet.

Sunday Oct 19
Arrival day! We are driving so I'm not sure what time we'll get there (I'm hoping early afternoon). Our plan is to check in at BLT and head to Publix. Hopefully by the time we're done there our room will be ready so we can drop off our stuff and then head to Epcot. Dinner will either be F&W booths or Kringla in Norway.

Monday Oct 20
We have a 9:30AM breakfast ADR at Boma. We've never been there so we're pretty excited. After breakfast we'll hop a bus to AK and spend most of the day there. Afterwards, we may take a nap then head to MK as its (so far) open until 10PM. Dinner will probably be Cosmic Rays or Pecos Bills.

Tuesday Oct 21
Today we will spend the first part of the day at Typhoon Lagoon. Hopefully the weather is nice crossfingers Then we have a 5:00 ADR at Trails End where we will stuff our faces before heading over to MK for MNSSHP. We will be dressing up as Flynn Rider, Rapunzel and Pascal. I'm really looking forward to this! I've been wanting to go for years

Wednesday Oct 22
If we're feeling up to it, we might ankle over to MK to see Rope Drop as we've now missed it two trips in a row (we were about 2 minutes late last time Stare ) The later afternoon/evening will be spent at Epcot. We plan to catch Smash Mouth this night and attend the meetup if it's still happening mickey We'll probably stay for the EMH this night. Dinner will be somewhere is WS if not at the booths.

Thursday Oct 23
This morning we head to HS! We plan on trying the Backlot Express for lunch. Afterwards we head to DTD for a 5:00 ADR at Paradiso37. I'm sure we'll also head to DisneyQuest and do some shopping before calling it a night. We also may pop up to TOTWL to say hello to Robyn as I think this is the night of their vow renewal?

Friday Oct 24
Ahhhh sleep in day! Whenever we decided to get up we will head to Epcot. We have a 4:30 ADR at the Garden Grill which is my favourite restaurant awesome We also may take a stroll to HS for Fantasmic.

Saturday Oct 25
We'll be heading back to AK this AM. Lunch will most likely be at Yak and Yeti CS. We'll have an afternoon nap before heading to MK for EMH which go until midnight! I plan on sticking around for the Goodnight Kiss which I did not know about until recently. Dinner will be at Cosmic Rays or Pecos Bills (whichever one we didn't go to earlier in the week). I have also planned a surprise this night for Erik. I've booked the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. I'm pretty excited about all those desserts biggrin

Sunday Oct 26
Another sleep in which we'll need after closing out MK the night before. The evening will be spent at HS and we have a 6:00 ADR at the Sci Fi Dine In. Deep fried pickles anyone!? It's our first time there so I can't wait.

Monday Oct 27
Our Anniversary muchlove Unfortunately, it's also check out day Sad As we usually do, our last day will be spent at MK. We have a 1:25 ADR at the Plaza and will probably stay to catch the Festival of the Fantasy parade. I can't wait for the Tangled float! Then we will make the long, sad drive home. BUT, we are returning in January yay My parents rent a house for the month so we are spending 10 days there (including a night at AKL Jambo).

Thanks for reading my pre trip report! Now if these 80 days can just fly by waiting

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Yes! 23rd is our vow renewal and we would love to see you there Laughing out loud we are doing MNSSHP on the 21st too Smile

Your plans are sounding awesome and YAY for DVC Smile

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RobynPrincess wrote:
Yes! 23rd is our vow renewal and we would love to see you there Laughing out loud we are doing MNSSHP on the 21st too Smile

Your plans are sounding awesome and YAY for DVC Smile

yay yay yay

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Your plans sound lovely, Spook! There's such a great crew going mid-end of October. I'm sorry that we'll miss all of you!

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Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

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Your vacation sounds awesome. I think it's a perfect place to celebrate your anniversary! DH and I go to WDW every year for our wedding anniversary.

amy1989's picture
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Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned!!!! can't wait to hear all about it!!!

CEB NYC's picture
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What a great trip you have planned! I love the ease of walking from the Contemporary over to the Magic Kingdom and hope you do, too. Congrats on joining DVC.

Magic Mirror's picture
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stars stars congrats stars stars

SOOOOOO Happy that you are going as a DVC member!!!!

I bet you can't wait to hear that first greeting "Welcome Home!"

yay yay yay yay yay yay yay

I would love to see more of Bay Lake Towers... pictures please ??? biggrin

Your plans sound fun ~ and don't worry ~ we know you and Erik aren't odd ~
Your just Disney Fanatics with a penguin! Completely normal for our group awesome

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Yay for your first DVC trip! stars I'm so jealous! Jon and I will be there a little over a month before you celebrating our 3-year anniversary. No place better to celebrate an anniversary, IMO. muchlove You will absolutely love MNSSHP...so much fun! And I agree with Magic Mirror, lots of pictures of BLT please and thanks! awesome

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Magic Mirror wrote:
stars stars congrats stars stars

SOOOOOO Happy that you are going as a DVC member!!!!

I bet you can't wait to hear that first greeting "Welcome Home!"

yay yay yay yay yay yay yay

I would love to see more of Bay Lake Towers... pictures please ??? biggrin

Your plans sound fun ~ and don't worry ~ we know you and Erik aren't odd ~
Your just Disney Fanatics with a penguin! Completely normal for our group awesome

I plan on taking LOTS of pictures awesome Gotta get some use out of my G15 biggrin

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We have decided to arrive a day early and check if there is any last minute availability for Sunday Mornings with Buddy (which the CM I talked to on the phone suggested). We've got nothing to lose so why not? Plus, even if it is still full (which I expect) at least we gain an extra Disney day awesome

So now we check in on October 18 and spend a night in the Little Mermaid section of Art of Animation muchlove

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Spook wrote:
We have decided to arrive a day early and check if there is any last minute availability for Sunday Mornings with Buddy (which the CM I talked to on the phone suggested). We've got nothing to lose so why not? Plus, even if it is still full (which I expect) at least we gain an extra Disney day awesome

So now we check in on October 18 and spend a night in the Little Mermaid section of Art of Animation muchlove

Woohoo for another day and a different resort too. Split stays are kinda fun. mickey

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Sounds like a great plan Spook, and as I mentioned before, those deep fried pickles are amazing!!!! awesome

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Oh my gosh, it sounds like such a fun trip and I know you're going to love DVC!

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The trip looks like you are going to have a blast! You are going to love the pickles and get the oreo milk shake it is amazing.

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yay for extra day and different resort!!!

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Great plan! Check out the mini donuts in TL.

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The Colonel wrote:
Great plan! Check out the mini donuts in TL.

Are they the same as at Blizzard Beach? Because those were good awesome

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Thanks everyone! Only 15 days til FP+ day biggrin

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I've finally compiled my list for the Food and Wine Festival! Not sure how much we'll actually manage to try but here is my list

Belgium
Potato & leek waffle with braised beef
Belgian waffle with warm chocolate

Brazil
Pao de Queijo- Brazilian cheese bread
Cocadas- Brazilian coconut candy

Canada
Cheddar cheese soup

China
Chicken potstickers
Mongolian beef in steamed bun with chili mayo

Desserts and Champagne
Frozen Smores
Guylian Belgian Chocolate truffles
Dessert trio

France
Bouef Bourguignon- braised short ribs in cabernet and mashed potatoes

Germany
Schinkennudeln- pasta gratin with ham and cheese
Roast Bratwurst in pretzel roll

Greece
Chicken Gyro This is low priority since we can get chicken gyros at home

Hops and Barley
Carrot cake with Craisens Again low priority
Florida grass fed beef slider

Italy
Ravioli all Caprese- cheese ravioli and tomato sauce
Cannoli al cioccolato- chocolate covered cannoli

Japan
Teriyaki Gyoza bun- steamed bun with chicken, veggies and sweet teriyaki

Morocco
Kefta Pocket- ground beef in pita pocket

Patagonia
Beef Empanada this is also low priority since we had it last time. It was good though!

Poland
Kielbasa and potato pierogi with onion and sour cream

Refreshment Port
Croissant doughnut low prioity since it seems to be available all the time

Scotland
Vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties- vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes

South Korea
Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce
Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw

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Looks great, Spook! Caprese Ravioli?? Frozen S'mores? I'm in!

I've got to get moving--I haven't even studied the offerings yet. We're doing some rearranging of furniture at home to make things a little more functional (including moving my entire office to another room--who knew I had so much junk!!) and I'm so far "behind" in fall trip planning!!

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Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch

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Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

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Sounds great. Looking forward to meeting you.

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Sounds like a great list!!!!! actually not that different from ours!!!!

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Everything sounds delicious! Take tons of pictures please and thanks! awesome

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Getting closer! We made all our FP+ last night yay
Here's what we've got

Sun 19 Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Figment
Mon 20 Expedition Everest, Safari, Lion King
Tues 21 Buzz, Haunted Mansion, Small World
Wed 22 Soarin, Mission Space, Captain EO
Thurs 23 Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Lights Motors Action
Fri 24 Test Track, Nemo, Character Spot
Sat 25 Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl
Sun 26 Toy Story, Start Tours, Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Mon 27 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Anna & Elsa meet and greet

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Spook, did you try to get Maelstrom with Soarin' or Test Track at all? Just curious. Amy and I were both trying in September. I was able to get that combo for our first EPCOT day, but not again after that. It's my understanding that Maelstrom is now supposed to be tier 2. Not sure why we're having trouble booking it as such and just surveying to see if you experienced the same thing...

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Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch

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Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

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alicemouse wrote:
Spook, did you try to get Maelstrom with Soarin' or Test Track at all? Just curious. Amy and I were both trying in September. I was able to get that combo for our first EPCOT day, but not again after that. It's my understanding that Maelstrom is now supposed to be tier 2. Not sure why we're having trouble booking it as such and just surveying to see if you experienced the same thing...

I think that after the end of Sept you cannot get a FP for Maelstrom, it doesn't come up on the FP list, there is that rumour its closing

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alicemouse wrote:
Spook, did you try to get Maelstrom with Soarin' or Test Track at all? Just curious. Amy and I were both trying in September. I was able to get that combo for our first EPCOT day, but not again after that. It's my understanding that Maelstrom is now supposed to be tier 2. Not sure why we're having trouble booking it as such and just surveying to see if you experienced the same thing...

Maelstrom wasn't listed for FP Sad otherwise I'd have chosen it instead of Figment.

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Sally-Ann wrote:
alicemouse wrote:
Spook, did you try to get Maelstrom with Soarin' or Test Track at all? Just curious. Amy and I were both trying in September. I was able to get that combo for our first EPCOT day, but not again after that. It's my understanding that Maelstrom is now supposed to be tier 2. Not sure why we're having trouble booking it as such and just surveying to see if you experienced the same thing...

I think that after the end of Sept you cannot get a FP for Maelstrom, it doesn't come up on the FP list, there is that rumour its closing

aww that would be such a bummer. We always enjoy Maelstrom.

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Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch

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Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

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Great FP choices Spook!!!

I will be actually devastated if they close Maelstrom and open it as a frozen ride - I know its outdated and everything but that's exactly what I love about it!!!!!

I will be waiting whatever waits necessary to get on it incase it closes for good!