Okay, I know this sounds crazy, but I'm starting my trip report now, even though we don't go to the World until July 28, 2008. I'm just so excited. In everyone's trip reports they talk about what dates they made reservations and things. Our family is really beginning to start making our reservations.
We've only made a few very definite plans. Our dates are set in stone as July 28, 2008-August 4, 2008, an 8-day trip. Mom and I will be getting 7-day tickets, and my grandparents (known as Mommom and Poppop) will use their annual passes. Mom and I will probably fly down to the Daytona airport July 26 or 27, but we haven't made flight reservations yet. We are definitely staying at the Contemporary Resort for the entire stay, with one day in the middle of the trip to enjoy the hotel and Downtown Disney. Other than that our plans are wide open. I really want to go to Magic Kingdom on my birthday, but I don't know where I'd like to eat there for a special meal. And I've been recording other information as well for knowing what days are normal for extra magic hours, attraction closings, etc. If you know of any refurbishments during this time, please tell me! I really appreciate it and will work to help you out if you need to know anything about what day Disney usually opens Magic Kingdom early or whatever park for whatever day, morning or evening. I can also tell you what attractions open early or late. Thanks! I'll write more when we make more plans!!!!

Looking forward to reading more of your plans. Plannng is half the fun. Just don't sweat it if you have to change plans. Enjoy!

Wow, this is great!! We will be there at the same time. We decided on dates just yesterday. July 25 - Aug 3. Our oldest daughter's birthday is July 28, so we will be also celebrating at the World. We are thinking of staying at the Boardwalk or the Beach Club, we are still deciding that one. We ALWAYS (14 years) stay at the Contemporary 12th floor Concierge, Castle side. But we are changing this year. I will answer any questions you might have on the Contemporary. Well - happy planning!!

Ellen

There is a page somewhere on all ears that details the refurbishments which are scheduled by month. This enabled us to switch from POR to POFQ last year when we found out the food court at POR would be closed during our stay; not great with small children in tow. (As it happens it re-opened early and was open and better than the POFQ food court but hey, that wasn't my point)!

Fun to get the "pre-trip" in real time. Looking forward to more info as it comes....

wow we will be there at the same time.we go on the 24 july for 21 days and are staying at por.im so excited and in planning mode my family think it is a military campaign rather than a holiday.look forward to reading your trip report.

Hot !! Humid !! Sticky !! Did I Say Hot ? What Better Place To Spend A Vacation Than The Happyist Place On Earth.

Thanks for sharing your plans.

Wow! It's been such a long time since I last posted! We now have flight reservations booked for Friday July 25, leaving for Daytona around noon. I'm so excited already, just being technically in the month of our "Big Disney Trip"! We're starting to talk about places to eat for a birthday meal, and I guess I should pick the place since it's my birthday, but I don't know where we should go for lunch or dinner. My grandmother made reservations for Chef Mickey's in our hotel (Contemporary) on that day and then we're going to Magic Kingdom the day of my b-day. What's your favorite place in Magic Kingdom or in a nearby hotel? Do you think we could get reservations there this close to our trip? Thanks for any and all input!

We just got back from New York City yesterday, and on Fifth Avenue there is a World of Disney store! Pretty cool, huh? I always thought that those were only in WDW or DL, but it was three stories and pretty cool inside, just not nearly as big as the ones in the Downtown Disneys on either coast. Anyways, I just thought that was an interesting tidbit if you were interested.

I'm trying to think of any other plans we've made for our trip. We're staying in the Garden Building of the Contemporary Resort, and I think we've got a garden view or standard view room, I'm not positive which. I haven't seen a whole lot of reports about the Garden Building, and I'm a little concerned about how far it is from the Tower building and also about how good the view from our balcony/window will be. Do the Garden Building rooms even have balconies? I've read that most of them have mini-balconies, meaning that there is just enough space to step out, which should be fine.

I'm so glad a lot of other people have started writing pre trip reports like I did! It's fun to read about people making plans, and I look forward to reading about the actual trip after reading all the pre-trip info.

Since my first post, I've also heard lots about how many changes there have been since July 2007, my last visit to WDW. In August 07 I went to Disneyland (I also went to DLR in 2005) and will eventually post a thread about some of the changes if you're interested. I'm looking forward to seeing Hollywood Studios (everytime I talk about it, I always call it MGM...), Toy Story Mania in particular, I'm looking forward to seeing any changes on Spaceship Earth and Splash Mountain, and I'm still trying to figure out what will be closed when we're there.

I'm not really all that concerned about heat. I'm pretty used to it being hot outside. We'll be going indoors on many rides throughout the day and drinking lots of water to keep us cool and hydrated. What I am a little worried about is rain and thunderstorms. I've heard that it literally storms every day during the summer, and in July 07 when we were at WDW it stormed during one day, but not another (it was only a two-day spur-of-the-moment trip). Hopefully we'll get lucky with the weather situation.

I was just saying something about going to Disneyland last summer and I remembered how much i LOVED their Space Mountain. It was incredibly smooth and barely jerked you at all (important especially to my grandparents) and the music was perfectly timed with the ride. There have been many rumors and speculation about whether they'll change over WDW's Space Mountain to be the same. Does anyone know if it will still be open in July/August? I would assume that they would have put out there in a million places that it's closed for renovations if it was, but I have been so slack lately about checking my Disney Web sites (we've been out of town for summer vacation the last couple of weeks) and I thought this would be an easy place to post. Anyways, thanks for all your help, and sorry for making this one post kind of long! Keep posting your pre trip plans everyone! I enjoy getting all the details before the actual trip.

What's your favorite place in Magic Kingdom or in a nearby hotel? Do you think we could get reservations there this close to our trip? Thanks for any and all input!

Well, if you like dinner shows, the Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian or the Hoop-de-doo-revue at Fort Wilderness would be pretty nice, but alas, it may be to late to book them. Im not sure where in the world you could go where their gonna give you special treatment for your birthday ;)

Do the Garden Building rooms even have balconies? I've read that most of them have mini-balconies, meaning that there is just enough space to step out, which should be fine.

The first floor rooms in the Garden Wing have small patios, but not really balconies, however the upper floors do not have balconies.

Does anyone know if it[space mountain] will still be open in July/August?

yes, its gonna be there :rolleyes:. here, read the park update. (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=wd080630mg)

Thanks everyone! We check in three weeks from today and I'm soooo excited! I haven't begun to pack yet, but I'm starting to think about what sorts of clothes I'll want to wear. Obviously a lot of shorts and tank tops will be key here, with the hot hot weather. I'll pack a couple of nicer clothes for dinners or days when I feel like dressing up a little more, but generally I'm staying casual for this trip. Sunglasses are also a necessity. Anything else that I'm missing hugely? I'll pack my shoes carefully, sneakers and a pair of sandals...hmm I'm going to plan out my WDW wardrobe. Please write if you can think of things i need! Thanks!

hey Iheartwdw-

sounds like you're gonna have fun! When I went to Disney I planned out my outfits so I knew exactly what clothes to take. I didn't wear them exactly like I planned but I didn't have to worry about forgetting anything and it made packing easier!

Next Friday we're leaving for Florida, then 2.5 days in Daytona Beach (where my grandparents live). So I've been thinking about what we'll do there. We went to visit them in April for spring break (I'm 13 [14 in August during our Disney trip!!] so I still have my school schedule to plan around). We're probably just going to see the beach, visit with family, and have some seafood, but if you know the area well and have any special touristy suggestions, they are welcome. My mom grew up in this area so I'm sure we'll find something to do. I think the days in Ormond/Daytona are going to be full of Disney planning more than anything.

My grandparents went to WDW last Tuesday (they're Annual Passholders so they go every other week) and scoped out some things that we don't normally do when we're there. My birthday meal is still undecided, but that's fine. To be honest, I'd rather spend the day doing quick meals and lots of rides rather than sitting down and spending a couple park time hours eating.

My mom's birthday is in September, after our trip, but I wanted to get her an early birthday present so that she'd have something cool for WDW. We recently got back from New York City (I said that in a previous post), and while we were there I got a necklace from Tiffany's. I got the same charm, just a different size, for my mom and it arrived last Friday. She was so surprised and excited about having her own Tiffany necklace. I was glad that she liked it!

So now I'm thinking about our schedule, but I'm kind of a procrastinator, and I haven't started true specific planning yet. Anyway, any other suggestions for restaurants, attractions, hidden treasures, etc. are very very welcome! We check in and begin our Disney trip in exactly two weeks!! Thanks for reading.

we'll be there 7/25 - 8/3!

Staying at Wilderness lodge - cant wait - 10 more days!!!!:)

Sounds like a plan, enjoy your trip, we are going to the Wilderness lodge on 8/16 -8/23. I can't wait.

ah yes, just came back from the world, and looked at the garden wing. the upper levels did have a small stepping area like you were hoping for!

Also, the Bay Lake Tower will not be a problem at all. The only mishap is that the 4th floor balcony by the fantasia gift shop has construction walls on it on one end. I'll have pictures later from my trip report....

Have Fun!

With Deepest Regards,

Thanks for answering my questions! One week from tomorrow until we leave, and I haven't begun packing, planning or anything really. I'm being so slack, which is unlike me when it comes to Disney. Today it was sprung on me that we might have to cut our vacation short a few days, but I think we worked things out to keep our original plans and still be there for the entire time (thank God). Anyways, I'm looking forward to reading more of the reports here to get excited. For some reason I can't seem to get as hyped up as usual. I think exhaustion has just hit. It's been a rough week with an illness of someone in our family. Anyways, I'll write more soon!!

My plans for now (Please comment and tell me what you think!!):

DISNEY PLANS!!

July 28, 2008—Check in at Contemporary, then walk over to Magic Kingdom (park hours: 9am—11pm) (we probably won’t arrive until around 11am)

Meal plans: breakfast at grandparents’ house [6am?], lunch at MK (Columbia Harbour House, etc.), afternoon snack at Contemporary or MK (Dole Whip, ice cream parlor), dinner at MK (Pecos Bills, Cosmic Rays, etc.), evening sweet snack (Main Street Bakery!!)

Special notes: return to hotel around 3pm to rest and get our room, stay and rest/swim/snack for about 1.5—2 hours. Plan to stay until closing and shop for a while on Main Street after SpectroMagic and Wishes (must see them both!), then return to Contemporary.

July 29, 2008—Epcot, evening Extra Magic Hours (park hours: Future World: 9am—7pm, World Showcase: 11am—9pm, Extra Magic Hours, open until 12am)

Meal plans: breakfast at Contemporary food court, morning snack in Epcot (Crepe in France, etc.), lunch in Epcot (Electric Umbrella, Cantina de San Angel, Tangierine Café, etc.), afternoon snack in Epcot (Kringla Bakery og Cafe), dinner in Epcot (Sunshine Seasons in the Land), evening sweet snack (Boulangerie Patisserie in France for an éclair or Napoleon while we watch IllumiNations)

Special notes: again, return to Contemporary to refresh around 3pm. I’m only putting snacks between every meal because I can’t finish a meal at Disney, so I split all my meals with Mom, therefore we all get hungry around 10:30am and 2pm every day, making snack suggestions necessary), DEFINITELY get Kringla in Norway, and also go to the free drinks place (what is that place called again?). Catch IllumiNations if possible.

July 30, 2008—Hollywood Studios, evening Extra Magic Hours there for Fantasmic! (park hours: 9am—10pm, Extra Magic Hours until 1am?)

Meal plans: breakfast at Contemporary food court, morning snack in DHS (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) (Anaheim Produce Company for fruit, Tune-In Lounge, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, etc.), lunch in DHS (Starring Rolls Café, possible reservations at 50’s Prime Time Café, Catalina Eddie’s, etc.), afternoon snack in DHS (Hollywood Scoops, Peevy’s Frozen Concoctions, Anaheim Produce Company for fruit again, etc.), dinner at DHS (this is a tough one. We rarely eat there…. Maybe try to get a reservation at the Dine-In Theater or do counter service at Toy Story Pizza Planet), evening sweet snack before Fantasmic! (Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Distinction, Peevy’s Frozen Concoctions, or Hollywood Scoops)

Special notes: As usual, return to hotel midday and maybe take a swim, or possibly go to Magic Kingdom for a couple hours in the afternoon if we need a break from DHS or we want to kill time before Fantasmic, and catch Fantasmic!!! (we missed it last time but I’ve seen it a few times before, and once at Disneyland).

July 31, 2008—Rest day (Contemporary, pool, Resorts, Downtown Disney, etc.) (much needed!)

Meal plans: breakfast in Contemporary’s food court, morning snack at a resort, skipping lunch to make space for: the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club Resort, dinner (if we’re hungry), back at the Contemporary’s food court, definitely a sweet treat sometime in the evening.

Special notes: Getting up a little later, tour Polynesian and Grand Floridian in the morning, with a snack at one of them, then taking a bus to Downtown Disney, shopping and walking around there, then taking a bus/boat to the Epcot resort area and checking out Beach/Yacht Clubs and BoardWalk, then heading back to Contemporary around 5 for a swim and nap. Plan to watch the Electrical Water Pageant as it comes around our hotel, then getting to bed pretty early or maybe going back to Grand Floridian for some girl time shopping with my mom and grandmother if my grandpa wants to watch sports in our room.

August 1, 2008—Epcot day 2, no Extra Magic Hours (park hours: FW: 9am—7pm, WS: 11am—9pm)

Meal plans: breakfast in Contemporary, morning snack (if we’re not still recovering from yesterday’s Kitchen Sink ice cream) in Epcot (churros at Cantina de San Angel), lunch at Epcot (Sommerfest in Germany or Yorkshire County Fish and Chips in UK), afternoon snack at the Sand Bar at the Contemporary pool, possibly make dinner reservations at San Angel Inn, or have quick service meal at The Land pavilion, evening sweet snack at Fountain View Café or our little Boulangerie Patisserie again.

Special Notes: returning to our hotel again, this time having our afternoon snack here as opposed to in the park. Definitely riding a lot today, planning to focus more on World Showcase than we did on July 29, but still hope to get a few runs of Mission Space and Soarin’. Love Test Track too! Hope to catch IllumiNations.

August 2, 2008—Morning Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom, then going to MK for the evening since AK closes so early for the animals (park hours: AK: 9am—8pm MK: 9am—12am, AK Extra Magic Hours have it opening at 8am)

Meal plans: breakfast at the Tempo Grab & Go food court in the Contemporary (I just realized why it’s call Tempo when I wrote that, because it’s like ConTEMPOrary. Yeah so anyways), morning snack at AK (Harambe Fruit Market, Dino Bite Snacks, etc.), lunch at AK (Flame Tree BBQ, Pizzafari, Tusker House, etc.), afternoon snack at AK (Anandapur Ice Cream, Dino Bite Snacks, Kusafiri Coffee and Bakery, etc.), dinner at MK (Pecos Bills, El Pirate Y el Perico, etc.), evening sweet snack in MK (Aunt Polly’s, Lunching Pad, Aloha Isle, Auntie Gravity’s, Main Street Bakery, Sleepy Hollow, Scuttle’s Landing, etc. [so many options!!])

Special notes: Return to Contemporary in the afternoon and rest for a little while, then either go back to Animal Kingdom for a bit longer before heading to MK, or, if we’ve already seen everything we wanted to see, head to MK earlier for extra time there. Plan to catch Wishes and SpectroMagic in Magic Kingdom.

August 3, 2008—MY BIRTHDAY!! Magic Kingdom, evening Extra Magic Hours (park hours: 9am—11pm (plus 3 Extra Magic Hours, open until 2am)

Meal plans: We have breakfast reservations at Chef Mickey’s for my birthday, morning snack in MK (I plan to eat like a chocolate queen all day, by the way! I get to pick all the places since I’m turning 14 today!) (Auntie Gravity’s, Sunshine Tree Terrace, Aloha Isle, Main Street Bakery, Mrs. Pott’s, etc.), lunch in MK (Pecos Bill’s or Columbia Harbour House (my favorite quick service places), afternoon snack in MK (Main Street Bakery, Sleepy Hollow, Scuttle’s Landing, Sunshine Tree Terrace, etc.), make dinner reservations at Crystal Palace, my favorite Magic Kingdom full-service restaurant (you get to meet Tigger and Pooh!)

Special notes: may or may not leave the park today, depends on whether or not I want to. I plan to make special decisions to do just my favorite rides today (Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Splash Mountain, PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress, and Peter Pan’s Flight are in; Stitch’s Great Escape is definitely out!!). I really want to catch the afternoon parade, SpectroMagic, and Wishes today!

August 4, 2008—Check out :( from Contemporary, day at Magic Kingdom (park hours: 9am—12am)

Meal plans: quick breakfast at Contemporary, morning snack at MK (Toontown Farmer’s Market, Auntie Gravity’s, Aloha Isle, etc.), lunch in MK (Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill’s, El Pirata Y el Perico, Cosmic Ray’s, etc.), afternoon snack at MK (Main Street Bakery, Sleepy Hollow, Sunshine Tree Terrace, Enchanted Grove, etc.), dinner on the road home to my grandparents’ house :(!!

Special notes: our last day! :(. Hope to catch the afternoon parade and do some favorite rides for the last time this year…I will miss you, WDW!

Wow, sounds like some great plans, and its great that you have plans, I just sort of winged it.

Sounds great that your staying at the contemporary. we were thinking about it for next year. And please, keep me updated about the construction going on where Concourse Steakhouse used to be, I have pictures of it, I;ll post it later.

Keep in mind, I was at Tempo Grab and Go and they don't have a side selection. There was ice cream, chips, and assorted drinks, but not much actual "food". If there's not much there, take a monorail ride over to the contemporary and use Captain Cooks. Don't forget to find the hidden mickey on the screen!

Anyway, have a wonderful vacation and I hope and know you will have a lot of fun!

Off topic but I just had to comment: I am really glad that there are bright young ladies and gentlemen in America. Very impressed with both 14 year-olds iheartwdw & monoman. You two come across as intelligent, organized, and mature. Your parents must be proud.

Pokie Are You Suggesting That Iheartwdw
Be Monoman Running Mate ?

Thanks Pokie! I'm just stuck in a Disney family...I guess I figured I might as well like it!

Mom made reservations this weekend. We have 3 ADRs for our trip (we leave in just 4 days, on Friday!):

July 30: Reservations at the 50's Prime Time Cafe in Hollywood Studios for lunch

August 3 (birthday!): Reservations at Chef Mickey's for breakfast and reservations for Crystal Palace for dinner.

Thanks!

Pokie Are You Suggesting That Iheartwdw
Be Monoman Running Mate ?

Vote election 2008 Valente/Lumpkin for the Disney Party.

I like the sound of that!

I forgot to say that we also have ADRs for San Angel Inn at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot for August 1 for dinner.
We're leaving Friday!

We leave tomorrow--flight takes off at 12:55 and we have a connecting flight...I don't think we get to Daytona until around 4pm. The weekend will be spent seeing movies, going to the beach, and swimming in my grandparents' pool. Then Monday morning (early!) we drive into Orlando and WDW! SOOO excited. But I have to get back to packing.