"Last Minute" Flower & Garden Festival Trip! Pre-Trip Report

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"Last Minute" Flower & Garden Festival Trip! Pre-Trip Report

Ok so maybe it's not THAT last minute, but last minute for me! Last month I convinced Jon that we just HAD to plan another trip this April! So with just over 100 days to go I was planning a new trip! For me this is very last minute as our trips are normally planned at least a year and a half out. That being said, it still feels like it's dragging to get here! But today we finally hit our 60 day mark so it's about that time for a pre-trip report! awesome

The People

If you haven't read any of my trip reports before, here's a quick run down of my little family.

Allison aka ME!
I'm obviously a huge Disney freak and have been since day 1. I love all things Disney and Disney World, but my favorite movie is Little Mermaid. I love thrill rides (which we'll be skipping this trip sad ) and the shows (I'm also a theater nerd. Have been in plays since I was 3 and will be playing Rizzo in Grease the three weekends prior to our trip). I'm also a big foodie and have not been to Flower and Garden since the addition of the food kiosks so I'm pretty excited about that.

Jon aka DH
Jon is a Disney junkie though the Disney World love is spurred on mostly by me wink He patiently listens to all my Disney World ramblings and even remembers some of it sometimes! This will be our fourth trip together and he took on trip with his family when he was younger as well so this is officially trip #5 for him. He also likes thrill rides and his favorite Disney movie is Aladdin. He used to be a picky eater pre-me but now is willing to try almost anything that I offer to him. He's a BIG eater and can pack away more then you would expect by his frame. laugh

Penny aka Penelope aka P aka Boo aka DD
Penny is 2-1/2 years old and this will be her second trip to Disney. She got pretty rundown and then got a stomach bug of sorts while we were there in December so this trip is 100% about her. Last time we went with my in-laws too and I was preoccupied with trying to please everyone else so I might have tried to push us too hard. This time around we're focusing on hitting things that she missed out on last time, things she really liked last time, and basically just taking it easy and working around her schedule. She LOVES the princesses but she really does like all things Disney just like her parents. Oliver and Company and Peter Pan are the two latest movies to be added to her repertoire. Rapunzel is her favorite character and Under the Sea: The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is her favorite ride.

The Location
Because this is a last minute, budget trip we will be staying at Pop Century this time around. This is our first value resort (with the exception of our one night stay at All Star Sports last trip which we were not too happy with) and we just stayed at our first deluxe on our last trip so I'm a little worried about this transition. I've heard fantastic things about Pop though so we're crossing our fingers crossfingers I completed online check-in today with a request for "straight to room" so that we can get to the parks ASAP. Hoping this goes better then our last trip as neither All-Star Sports or Saratoga worked with our "direct to room". We have requested a 4th floor lake view room in the 50s section to hopefully have a view of the fireworks.

The Plan
No park hoppers this time around eek so we have to make the most of our time at each park.

Monday, April 25th - Epcot
*We should be landing at MCO by around 11:30am and taking the Magical Express to Pop to drop off our carry ons and hopefully head straight to the park.
*Late lunch at the F&GF kiosks - I have lots of things on our list to hit! Maybe a taco for Penny from Mexico
*Penny normally naps around 2pm EST so we will probably spend the afternoon exploring the World Showcase while she sleeps in the stroller
*FastPasses at 1:30pm - 2:30pm for Seas with Nemo and Friends (this was Penny's first ride on our last trip, and her first ride ever at Disney World so carrying the tradition), Character Spot from 5:10-6:10pm, and IllumiNations 8:40-8:55pm...I have a feeling we'll be skipping the IllumiNations but just in case
*Dinner at the F&GF kisoks, of course

Tueday, April 26th - Magic Kingdom
*FastPasses for Cinderella and Rapunzel from 10:00am-11:00am, Peter Pan from 11:00am-12:00pm, and Under the Sea from 12:05pm-1:05pm
*Planning on Peco's Bill for lunch and Captain Cook's at the Poly (did I mention that this is a budget trip)?
*I currently have the Wishes Dessert Party booked tonight as a surprise but I'm still undecided on whether I will keep it.

Wednesday, April 27th - Animal Kingdom
*Planning on sleeping in a bit this morning and maybe even hit the pool
*FastPasses for Festival of the Lion King 10:30am-10:50am (may trade this out with our Finding Nemo FastPass if we get started later today as Penny is a bigger fan of Lion King), Kilimanjaro Safaris 11:30am-12:30pm, and Finding Nemo 12:30pm-12:50pm
*Lunch at Harambe Marketplace (really excited to try the curry corn dog!) and dinner reservation at Yak & Yeti at 5:45pm (we LOVE this place and really missed it on our last trip)
*Hoping hoping hoping for Rivers of Light tonight!
*Finding DiVine is a priority today! Jon is fascinated by this and we have yet to spot her!

Thursday, April 28th - Magic Kingdom
*FastPases for Enchanted Tales with Belle from 10:10am-11:10am, Ariel's Grotto 11:20am-12:20pm, and Buzz Lightyear from 12:25pm-1:25pm (hoping to trade this out for Anna & Elsa but there was no availability when I made our reservations this morning)
*We had been planning on chicken and waffles at Sleepy Hollow for lunch but since that has now been taken off the menu we are open to suggestions. We might go with our old standby, Columbia Harbor House, or try for a walk up at the Plaza. I'm open to suggestions, though! I'm thinking we'll walk over to try the Contempo Cafe for dinner.

Friday, April 29th - Hollywood Studios
*Penny almost entirely missed this park last trip because she was sick. There's not a lot to do here for her but we have a pretty strict show schedule to get all of those in.
*FastPasses for Disney Jr from 9:20am-9:35am, Frozen Sing-a-long from 10:05am-10:20am, and Beauty and the Beast from 12:30pm-12:50pm. It was REALLY weird to not make a TSMM FastPass for our Studios day but we're not sure how excited Penny would be about this ride so we opted for better seats at Beauty and the Beast because we know she will love that. We also have to fit in Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Great Movie Ride at some point and then that pretty much knocks out all of the Penny related attractions.
*Really hoping Olaf's meet and greet will be open as Penny would absolutely die over this! And she got to meet Doc, Jake, and Sofia last time but I'm sure she'll want to do these again.
*Jon will probably explore the Star Wars areas while Penny naps.
*I have dinner reservations for us at Sanaa tonight at 5:40pm which I'm super excited about! After dinner we'll go back over to the Studios for the 9pm Fantasmic show.

Saturday, April 30th - Epcot
*Pack and check out of the resort early
*We were really hoping for an early Frozen soft-opening today but it now sounds like this will be a no go.
*FastPasses for Spaceship Earth 9:40am to 10:40am, Living with the Land 10:40am to 11:40am, and Imagination 11:40am to 12:40pm
*Lunch and afternoon snacks at F&GF kiosks
*Back to the resort by 2:50pm for the Tragical Express sad

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Sounds fantastic!! I'm so excited that you all get to go back so soon.

I've stayed at Pop quite a few times and we loved it every time. We sat out by the lake behind building 6 during the Princess Marathon weekend and watched the fireworks. It was a great view!

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Allie's picture
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That's awesome, that's what we're hoping for! awesome

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Sounds like a great trip for you. I am so sorry that Penny was sick your last trip down. Hopefully everything will run much smoother.

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Very happy for you Allie! Hope you have a wonderful trip and looking forward to your report!

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Your trip sounds awesome!! We are planning to be in MK on the 28th as well so we should definitely try to meet for a dole whip (other snack items are available laugh )

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Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

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Yay yay

I love your last minute trip! I'm bummed that I'll be missing you by just a couple of days though.

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yay yay yay You're going back soon!!! mickey

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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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RobynPrincess wrote:
Your trip sounds awesome!! We are planning to be in MK on the 28th as well so we should definitely try to meet for a dole whip (other snack items are available laugh )

me too!!!! this could be a potential meet up!!! yay

sounds like you have a great trip planned!!!! cant wait to hear all about it!

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amy1989 wrote:
RobynPrincess wrote:
Your trip sounds awesome!! We are planning to be in MK on the 28th as well so we should definitely try to meet for a dole whip (other snack items are available laugh )

me too!!!! this could be a potential meet up!!! yay

sounds like you have a great trip planned!!!! cant wait to hear all about it!

I see a plan forming!

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Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

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RobynPrincess wrote:
amy1989 wrote:
RobynPrincess wrote:
Your trip sounds awesome!! We are planning to be in MK on the 28th as well so we should definitely try to meet for a dole whip (other snack items are available laugh )

me too!!!! this could be a potential meet up!!! yay

sounds like you have a great trip planned!!!! cant wait to hear all about it!

I see a plan forming!

That works perfectly for us! awesome awesome Maybe around Penny's nap time? She's pretty shy with people she doesn't know and we'll be looking to kill time then so that would be the ideal time for us!

Kristen K. wrote:
Yay yay

I love your last minute trip! I'm bummed that I'll be missing you by just a couple of days though.

I know, right?! Why can't I just live there so I never miss any meet up opportunities?! muchlove laugh

alicemouse wrote:
yay yay yay You're going back soon!!! mickey

juneau biscuits wrote:
Very happy for you Allie! Hope you have a wonderful trip and looking forward to your report!

Thanks!!! We can't wait! Penny has been counting down the days with me every morning. I say, "Hey, Penny. Where are we going in 59 days?" and she goes, "Um.....you go to.....DISNEY WORLD?!" and then she names off what she wants to do and see.

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Allie wrote:

Penny has been counting down the days with me every morning. I say, "Hey, Penny. Where are we going in 59 days?" and she goes, "Um.....you go to.....DISNEY WORLD?!" and then she names off what she wants to do and see.

I want video!

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I'll see what I can do wink

amy1989's picture
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we are planning to be in MK until after the Festival of Fantasy parade so if that fits in with Penny's nap schedule fab if not I'm sure I can shuffle some things around!!!!

yay yay

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amy1989 wrote:
we are planning to be in MK until after the Festival of Fantasy parade so if that fits in with Penny's nap schedule fab if not I'm sure I can shuffle some things around!!!!

yay yay

Who knows. She hasn't taken a nap at all to speak of in the past 4 days so I might be kidding myself that we'll be back on a schedule by then anyways laugh

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Allie wrote:
amy1989 wrote:
we are planning to be in MK until after the Festival of Fantasy parade so if that fits in with Penny's nap schedule fab if not I'm sure I can shuffle some things around!!!!

yay yay

Who knows. She hasn't taken a nap at all to speak of in the past 4 days so I might be kidding myself that we'll be back on a schedule by then anyways laugh

laugh well I'm sure we can sort something out!!!

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Sounds like an amazing trip! yay

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Thanks! We're getting really excited! 49 days to go!

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I officially cancelled our Wishes Dessert Party reservation and added a 1900s Park Fare reservation for Thursday night. Penny has gotten really into Cinderella lately and LOVES the Fairy Godmother so I'm crossing my fingers that they'll add her to this meal now that she isn't in any of the parks. I know it's a long shot, but at the very least she'll get to meet Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine (who she always calls "Oooooh....STEPMOTHER!" in a sinister voice) and Anastasia and Drizella who she also enjoys.

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Awesome you will have to let me know how the dinner is! I have gone to breakfast before and it was pretty good. I was in a terribly bad mood that day, I was expecting a proposal that didn't happen as we were in my favorite place on earth and it happened to be out anniversary. But nope it didn't happen for another two years! lol.

So needless to say I don't remember much about the food just the characters. Mary Poppins and Alice were really good. And pooh gave a great hug! I think the dinner character are awesome though! I have never met, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia or Drizella before, or Prince Charming!

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We've done breakfast their too and enjoyed. Jon and I have met Lady Tremaine/Anastasia/Drizella and they were a riot, but Penny never has. She adores them though and always feels bad for them when they're whining/crying in the movie. She even knows which one is which. I thought that was pretty impressive as I didn't know for sure until a few years ago! laugh

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We are planning to do that dinner in October! Can't wait to read your review Smile

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Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

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Just added a breakfast reservation at The Wave! I do not do well with this whole "no ADRs" thing...

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Allie,

We may run into you and the family on your last day.. We also plan on being at EPCOT on the 30th of April. We'll probably hit MK in the AM, and do EPCOT after lunch.. Have a wonderful trip!! awesome clapping stars

LouisianaMike

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Allie wrote:
Just added a breakfast reservation at The Wave! I do not do well with this whole "no ADRs" thing...

I don't do well with no ADRs either I was told I could book "1 or 2" I have 5!!!! oops!

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LouisianaMike wrote:
Allie,

We may run into you and the family on your last day.. We also plan on being at EPCOT on the 30th of April. We'll probably hit MK in the AM, and do EPCOT after lunch.. Have a wonderful trip!! awesome clapping stars

LouisianaMike

Awesome! We won't be there long after lunch as we will have to be at Magical Express by 3pm, but I'll keep an eye out for you! We've got a bright green stroller so we're usually easy to spot. awesome

amy1989 wrote:
Allie wrote:
Just added a breakfast reservation at The Wave! I do not do well with this whole "no ADRs" thing...

I don't do well with no ADRs either I was told I could book "1 or 2" I have 5!!!! oops!

I know, I had to ashamedly tell Jon that I added yet another and he just told me he was surprised I held out as long as I did laugh

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Magic Bands are painted and ready to go! Four more days!!!!

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Wow, those are cool! Great job. You could make that a business. awesome

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JanJ wrote:
Wow, those are cool! Great job. You could make that a business. awesome

I wish I could take credit but those are all Jon! I tell him what I want character I want on mine and then he does the rest.

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They are amazing! I agree he should start a business Smile

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The magic bands are awesome.

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