Pre-Trip Report: WDW & DCL (Fantasy) WITHOUT the kids! October 16-29, 2012

[TXTaylors5]

For me, half the fun is planning our vacations. Okay, 10% is planning and 90% having fun. But, you know what I mean! I have never posted a trip report on this site. I am soooooo excited for our upcoming trip. I just needed an outlet to build up the anticipation of this trip and to have a place to tell of our experiences. I am tired of the rolled eyes from family and friends when we talk about our Disney trips. I think y'all would appreciate it more . . .

As the title reads, we are leaving our three kiddos at home with my Mom for two weeks. She might need a straight jacket when we get home. We'll owe her big for this favor! We didn't want to take the kids out of school, two are in sports and to be totally honest, we want to get away on an adult-only trip. We have a group of friends meeting us on the cruise.

We will spend a few days at Walt Disney World before embarking the Disney Fantasy. We've sailed on the Wonder, Magic and Dream. It's time to experience DCL's newest ship. I can't wait!!!

[disneyrunrchick]

Wow! Two weeks! That's awesome!
So where are your ADRs? How long is the cruise? What resort? Any special treats?

We've got two adult only trips planned- one for the ToT race and one for the Wine & Dine. Can't wait so I feel you're enthusiasm!!!

[TXTaylors5]

We've got two adult only trips planned- one for the ToT race and one for the Wine & Dine. Can't wait so I feel you're enthusiasm!!!

We did Food & Wine and the 5K race last year WITHOUT the kids. That is the trip that inspired this upcoming trip. Once my hubby and I experienced WDW without the kids, it was a totally different experience. I couldn't wait to go back just the two of us. In the past, I had seen adults having fun at WDW without children and honestly didn't get it. Now, I DO get it!!!! Walt Disney World is NOT just for kids/families!!!

You have to note, my husband and I never went to Walt Disney World as children. Our first trip was with our two oldest when they were 2 and 4. (Those are the perfect first trip ages IMHO. The 2 yo was still FREE and remembers the trips!!!) We were bitten by the Disney bug and have been going back at least once a year since.

[TXTaylors5]

I'm a visual person, so once this trip is completed . . . expect lots and lots of pictures.
I'm going to blow-up my photobucket account!!!

[TXTaylors5]

Cast of Travelers


Jennifer (Me)
40 - SAHM and self-proclaimed Disney nut.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (DHS)
(In the name of all that rocks. Hit it dude! - Stacy)
Favorite Disney Character: Snow White
(Brunettes need to stick together!)


Bill (My Hubby)
43 - Hard working IT Manager.
Our WDW trips are his "escape" from the fast-paced high stress environment of work.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Expedition Everest (DAK)
(This is from a man who when I met him, didn't ride rollercoasters. You've come a long way baby!)
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse
(He's a classic. Who doesn't love Mickey?!?!)

[Sare]

I am going to have to start one of these trip reports. My vacay isnt till October though, but I'm experiencing a lot of eye rolling from my friends and coworkers already!

[TXTaylors5]

I am a planner. I am one of those people who has a color-coded spreadsheet and already knew what ADRs I was going to book months before it was time. However, we don't go commando in the parks and DO take time to enjoy our resort. We are Disney Vacation Club owners. So, we know we'll be back!

ADRs have been booked for WDW. Here's what is planned . . .

Walt Disney World ADRs
Epcot
Via Napoli*
Nine Dragons*
Les Chefs de France*

Magic Kingdom
The Plaza Restaurant*

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater*
Hollywood Brown Derby*

* We've eaten at this restaurant in the past.

Usually, we don't make a visit to WDW without dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse or our new favorite Jiko. But with the cruise, I think I'll have my steak fill for awhile. We don't do the DDP and pay OOP for all our meals and use a TIW card for the discount.


Walt Disney World Events


This will be our third visit to WDW during F&W. We love to meet friends at Epcot and Eat/Drink Around the World during F&W.

This year, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be held from September 28, 2012 to November 12, 2012. If you are at WDW during this timeframe, I suggest you set aside an afternoon or evening to graze through World Showcase. We are foodies. So, I love this event.

For more information on Epcot International Food and Wine Festival check out the Disney link HERE.



(Yes, that's Bill in a banana suit. It was a fun night. You don't know how many people yelled at him, "Peanut Butter Jelly Time!" LOL!!!)

Of all the parties we've attended at the MK, this is my favorite! Where else can you trick-or-treat as an adult! LOL!

This year, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be offered at the Magic Kingdom on select nights from September 11, 2012 to November 2, 2012.

For more information on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party check out the Disney link HERE.

[TXTaylors5]

I am going to have to start one of these trip reports. My vacay isnt till October though, but I'm experiencing a lot of eye rolling from my friends and coworkers already!

LOL!!! I feel your pain. Some people just don't get it. Even some of our friends and family that have visited Walt Disney World didn't feel the magic. One trip was enough for them. I think it takes a special and open-minded person to walk into the Magic Kingdom, walk down Main Street and get a lump in their throat at the sight of Cinderella Castle. It never gets old for me.

[Sare]

This will be my 22nd visit (Im 29) and it hasnt gotten old yet. I get the lump when I take the ferry over and see the castle come into view. When I stand at the front of the ferry and cant see anyone in front of me, it feels like the moment is just for me and I get so emotional. And I noticed your trip is in October as well, which means it's not too early for me to get started on my trip report

[TXTaylors5]

LODGING
We will be staying at Walt Disney World four nights pre-cruise and two nights post-cruise.


Pre-cruise will be spent at our "home" resort, Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. We are currently waitlisted for Boardwalk Villas. We'll see if that works out. If not, I am fine with AKV. We've stayed here a few times in the past. Contrary to how most people feel, I like it being far, far away from the other resorts and parks. You really feel immersed in the environment and transported to Africa. This is probably the closest I will ever get to Africa. So, I appreciate the attention to detail.

We are staying in a Studio with a non-savanna view. We have yet to stay in a savanna-view villa. However, on our first visit we had a partial savanna-view and our second visit had a nice view of the pool area. I am honestly fine where our room is. I'll be at Walt Disney World!


After the cruise will be spent at Disney's Boardwalk Villas. Again since it is just the two of us, we are staying in a Studio villa. I love this location during Food & Wine because we can walk to Epcot and enter the park via International Gateway.

[TXTaylors5]

I noticed your trip is in October as well, which means it's not too early for me to get started on my trip report

It's never too early. I can't wait to read it.

[TXTaylors5]

This will be our sixth Disney cruise. Yea!!! Finally, I get a gold lanyard!!! First cruise without the kids. We are booked on the Disney Fantasy for an Eastern itinerary. We were able to book our onboard dining and excursions a few weeks ago.

ITINERARY

10/20 (Saturday)
Leave WDW (AKV)
Embark Disney Fantasy

10/21 (Sunday)
At Sea
Dinner in private dining room at Palo.

10/22 (Monday)
At Sea
Palo Brunch

10/23 (Tuesday)
Port: St Maarten
Excursion: 12 Metre Regatta

10/24 (Wednesday)
Port: St Thomas
Excursion: St John Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel

10/25 (Thursday)
At Sea
Palo Dinner

10/26 (Friday)
Port: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Excursion: Couples Cabana Massage @ Serenity Bay

10/27 (Saturday)
Port: Port Canaveral
Disembark the Fantasy
Back to WDW (BWV)

We did this same itinerary a few years ago on the Magic with the kids. This time, we are doing more adult excursions. Last time, we visited the Butterfly Farm on St Maarten and Coral World on St Thomas.

I've already been researching online to do some duty-free shopping too. There's a Gucci bag with my name on it, IF the price is right!!!

(We've opted to NOT dine at Remy on this cruise.)

[disneyrunrchick]

This looks like an awesome trip! We love Boardwalk and AK! So fun!

We, too, started going to Disney as adults. Actually, my fiancé's first trip was last year when I took him for our annual ten-day adventure. He fell in love, and we've made good use of our annual passes! But we haven't done a cruise yet...

Anyways, looks like you guys will be having an awesome time. We left a day open on both trips to eat at the F&W festival. Did you see the menu came out? :-) Yummy!!!

[TXTaylors5]

This looks like an awesome trip! We love Boardwalk and AK! So fun!

We, too, started going to Disney as adults. Actually, my fiancé's first trip was last year when I took him for our annual ten-day adventure. He fell in love, and we've made good use of our annual passes! But we haven't done a cruise yet...

Anyways, looks like you guys will be having an awesome time. We left a day open on both trips to eat at the F&W festival. Did you see the menu came out? :-) Yummy!!!

Thank you for reading along!

Yes, I saw the menu the other day. My husband is funny. He came home all excited. I hadn't been online. So, I had no clue what he was so giddy about. He called me over to check-out "something" on his laptop. We browsed the menus (most the same from last year) and picked out some favs.

[TXTaylors5]

This will be my 22nd visit (Im 29) and it hasnt gotten old yet. I get the lump when I take the ferry over and see the castle come into view. When I stand at the front of the ferry and cant see anyone in front of me, it feels like the moment is just for me and I get so emotional. And I noticed your trip is in October as well, which means it's not too early for me to get started on my trip report

Thank you for reading along!