Whirlwind Work Trip - It's on!

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Kristen K.'s picture
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Whirlwind Work Trip - It's on!

Ugh - have you ever been in need of a Disney trip and checked prices only to find that the dates you look at are super cheap - but you don't actually have any money to book? This is my quandary today. waiting SO annoying.

I need a whirlwind work trip, really badly. There's just so much new stuff down in Disney that I have no pictures of or haven't experienced. I need to head down early one morning just me and my camera, take two or three days worth of pictures and fly back late at night. I'm thinking May, after the spring breakers are gone, before the summer crowd. All business, but as much new Disney stuff as possible packed into maybe 3 days. yeah So, silly me I hopped on waltdisneyworld.com and looked at prices. Wouldn't you know it, I could get a room at Pop for $92 a night on the dates I checked. So of course I went to look at flights, and they are the cheapest I have seen in years for those dates. Oh my gods! Two nights, Two Park Days, Flights - $615.

I started making a list of all the things that I thought I could reasonable hit in a 55 hour Disney trip. There's a lot of ground to cover, but if I'm moving on my own I should be pretty quick. wheelchair Well, sort of.

I headed upstairs to talk to my hubby. He's expecting some "magic money" (that's what we call anything that comes our way outside of the paychecks) but I have no idea how much. I presented my quandary and the great prices I found. To my surprise he totally agreed that I need to do it! He checked the bank - and sadly it hasn't dropped yet. *sigh* So close, yet so far.

So - what would you do if you had just 55 hours on your own in Walt Disney World?

RobynPrincess's picture
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Omg that would be an awesome trip!! You'd have to squeeze in a mini meet though muchlove we are there till the 10th of May! Fingers crossed that money drops super quick crossfingers

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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

Kristen K.'s picture
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RobynPrincess wrote:
Omg that would be an awesome trip!! You'd have to squeeze in a mini meet though muchlove we are there till the 10th of May! Fingers crossed that money drops super quick crossfingers

You are such an enabler. That would be awesome! I checked different dates, and the airfare and hotel price is the same for May 3rd as it was for the 17th that I was looking at. If, that is, I can book soon.

*deep breath* My hubby's check so needs to drop!

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Awwww! crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers

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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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Fingers crossed. If the money comes go for it! That is what I did when I found a great deal for April.

JoAnn C's picture
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crossfingers I hope it works out for you.

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JMed's picture
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So funny you say this, I was thinking of sneaking down one weekend while Mr and Mrs Princess are there!!! LOL

Now that I know what the rates are, I just might do it LOL

I would park hop all day long! Talk to everyone I am in line with. Drink GranMa Slushes in France. Shop till I drop And Pin trade!!!!!!!!!!!

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oHIo's picture
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Completely understand! I had 41 DVC points that I would lose if I didn't use them. Had just renewed our annual passes and my May trip was sooooo far away. When DH was pouting because we didn't have a January trip planned, I took charge and took action! Booked three nights at Saratoga Springs. Flying out Jan 28 and returning Jan 31. Always finding a restaurant or something that I've never done before. Booked the Backstage Magic Tour. It includes all four parks in one day plus lunch at Whispering Caynon/Wilderness Lodge. Also have reservations at Libery Tree Tavern and Sunday brunch at Narcoossees with friends fromTampa. Plus a possible meet up with Mr Hub, Scrappy, Jan J and Ken J. It's been Labor Day since we've been there and I can hardly wait!! Three weeks from tomorrow!!

banana banana banana banana banana banana

Kristen K.'s picture
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Hahaha! laugh It's a good thing I didn't want you all to talk me out of this. I'm so glad that everyone thinks I should go for it!

My car acquired some damage tonight (ice from the roof sliding off the top crashing into the edge of the hood) but hopefully it won't be enough that it interferes with this. crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers

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JMed wrote:
So funny you say this, I was thinking of sneaking down one weekend while Mr and Mrs Princess are there!!! LOL

Now that I know what the rates are, I just might do it LOL

I would park hop all day long! Talk to everyone I am in line with. Drink GranMa Slushes in France. Shop till I drop And Pin trade!!!!!!!!!!!

O.M.G.!!!!!! yay yay yay yay yay yay

__________________

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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Hope it works out for you Kristen! If I had 55 hours by myself I would hit all four parks and Disney Springs and make sure that I hit everything that I'VE been wanting to do on past trips but have missed out on due to trying to get everyone else's wish lists met. I probably wouldn't do any sit down, reserved meals eek eek eek eek which is so unlike me, but I would definitely hit up places like Tutto Gusto, Captain's Grill, Jock Lindsay's, etc.

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Allie wrote:
I probably wouldn't do any sit down, reserved meals

I've been been batting this around, but I think I need to hit some of the new to me places so that I can review them on the blog. The thought has crossed my mind that there is so much food that I need to taste and try that I can't possibly do it all on my own. I just have no idea how I'm going to eat everything I need to in just 3 days.

I've also been going over prices at some of the new spots (Boathouse, Morimoto, Skippers Cantina) and it has dawned on me that prices are seriously out of control. I thought "I'll do lunch at Morimoto to save money" and figuring out the bill still came to $55 - for one person - for lunch! Craziness! When I tallied the bill at the Skippers Cantina it wasn't a whole lot less. If I get the Deluxe DDP though I can order more food than I normally would, and still have a fairly fixed price, plus there are the extra snacks. Someone is going to have to roll me home.

Here are a few of the places I feel like I really need to stop at in that 55 hours --- I think I just decided that I'm going to need a Parkhopper.

Morimoto / Forbidden Lounge (Day 1)
Ganachery (Day 1)
The Tea Shop (Day 1)
Vivoli Gellatoria (Day 1)
Jock Lindsey's (Day 1)
Boathouse (water taxi ride and maybe cocktails - I don't eat seafood so I'm not sure about this)
Garden Grill Breakfast (Day 2)
Spice Road Table (Day 2)
Skipper's Cantina (Day 2)
Trader Sam's (Day 2)
Polynesian Pool Bar (Day 2)
Harambe Market (Day 3)
The Smiling Crocodile (Day 3)
Thirsty River Bar (Day 3)
Pop Food Court (Day 3)
Pop Pool Bar (Day 3)

Kristen K.'s picture
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Allie, Holly, anyone -

If I book a room and park tickets at pop one day - can i add on the park-hopper option, or change the days on my ticket, and DDP later? Or do I have to make my mind up all at once?

Kristen K.'s picture
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yay yay yay yay

OMG!!! *SQUEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeee!

My BFF Becks just bought my plane ticket as payment for some DVC points I had given to her this year. T

yeah yeah yeah

This is really a thing. May 3rd-May5th Disney here I come!! And... I get to meet Robyn!

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Kristen K. wrote:
yay yay yay yay

OMG!!! *SQUEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeee!

My BFF Becks just bought my plane ticket as payment for some DVC points I had given to her this year. T

yeah yeah yeah

This is really a thing. May 3rd-May5th Disney here I come!! And... I get to meet Robyn!

yay yay yay yay yay yay yay sooooooooo excited!

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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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clapping clapping clapping clapping

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Allie's picture
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Wohoo, that's awesome! Excited for you and I'm excited to see all your pictures when you get back!

Kristen K. wrote:
Allie, Holly, anyone -

If I book a room and park tickets at pop one day - can i add on the park-hopper option, or change the days on my ticket, and DDP later? Or do I have to make my mind up all at once?

You should be able to. I know that I have an option to pull up tickets and dining plan options for clients and make changes to them online so I wouldn't see why that would be an issue. If you call a cast member should be able to make the changes for you.

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Good for you! mickey

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YAY yay yay yay yay yay yay yay

Spook's picture
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Sounds like a busy but fun time! We're trying the Garden a Grill breakfast tomorrow after our 10K mickey

Kristen K.'s picture
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OMG - I feel like I'm running amuck! Yesterday this was just me complaining and now it is actually happening.
yeah
In an effort to really maximize my time on the ground I needed to be closer to some of the locations I want to hit. So I threw caution to the wind, borrowed DVC points from 2016 and booked in for two nights at Saratoga Springs! As much as I stay there, you would think it was my home resort. I just couldn't pass up the quick access to everything I need to do at Disney Springs, and the direct access bus everywhere. Now I just need to call to request a Congress Park Room, and I'll be a happy camper.

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NikkiMouse's picture
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yay yay yay

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RobynPrincess's picture
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Woohoo!! It's all coming together now!

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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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How awesome! Have fun planning and of course even more fun being there.

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Nice! We loved Saratoga Springs when we were just there. We were in Congress Park and could see Fulton's from our room.

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We will be there in 17 days! This will be our third time at Saratoga. While it is not one of our favorites or one of our home resorts it is convenient to Disney Springs and it is not usually difficult to book on short notice. Someday I would like to stay in one of the Tree Houses, thinking my grandsons would probably enjoy staying there.

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oHIo wrote:
it is convenient to Disney Springs

This ended up being the deciding factor for me. A lot of the things that I need to do are right at Disney Springs, it just made sense. Plus, it was 12 less points than Bay Lake.

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Sounds wonderful. And Saratoga Springs looks so pretty. Looks like it'll be a great trip!

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mickey Because I'm so dedicated to being able to share lots of different Disney experiences with you all - I just threw myself on the opportunity to try out the Saratoga Springs Senses Spa hydrotherapy treatments in May.

Bubbly Bath Body Treatment - 50 minutes / $145 A champagne grape and sugar scrub is just the beginning of this pampering indulgence. Succumb to the pleasures of a Mimosa Champagne bubbly bath; then finish with a hydrating Mimosa body lotion application. Cheers!

wink All for you guys, all for you...

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I think I would like that.

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Way to take one for the team! laugh That sounds incredible!