Wait for it...Weight for it...June 2009 WL **PACKING** [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

TxRabbit

01-21-2009, 12:32 PM

I admit it. I am reward oriented!;)

Some people are goal oriented. Not me. I find that I need to set a goal and then figure out the reward for achieving the goal. THEN I am motivated to get busy to reach my goal.:upsidedow

This year, 2009, is THE year for my family to reach two elusive goals. They are interrelated. Like most, we have financial and weight oriented goals. Financially we are focusing on reducing our debt, which means we are really focusing on NOT spending. Especially on food. Especially eating out food. The problem is that I still buy groceries. Which would go bad, and then get thrown away. So food becomes doubly expensive. And closely related to this is the weight issue.

DH and I achieved a tremendous weightloss 3 years ago. Then we moved. I got unhappy about some things. We didn't exercise. We ate out. You see where this leads. So all that progress 3 years ago was lost.

But we've turned a corner this year. This has become the year of NO EXCUSES. It's time to face up to the things that need to be done and quit griping about it, and just get it done!::yes::

So. We have financial goals and weight goals. And we have a big wonderful Disney vacation planned to crown our achievements.:thumbsup2

May 6, 2008 is THE DEADLINE. Because that is when the balance is due. And I tell you. If we have not achieved our to date goals by that date, there will be NO Disney trip. This is serious business here! Serious consequences! I am MOTIVATED to get the job done!:cool1:

Be forewarned. I'm a talker. I can carry on quite a good conversation with voicemail, which I have proven time and again. I am striving to have there be some entertainment and educational value in the PTR. I will try to keep my fingers in check and not make super long posts every time.

I apologize right now for the length of this one, but the intro has to give some background and introductions right?

So, on to the introductions...

I love it when people characterize themselves by Disney characters, so I attempted to do the same for my family.

I'm Rabbit. From Winnie the Pooh. I love order. And I generally try to keep everything organized. I haven't quite succeeded yet, but it IS my goal. I also try to boss people around, which is a tendency that is actually appreciated when we need to know what to do at WDW! I also love to garden. I'm turning 37 in March. I worked while my DH was going to graduate school. Once he started working, I stayed at home to become a fulltime homemaker. DH and I will be honoring our 12th anniversary on this trip. Our actual anniversary is a week later, but then we couldn't get the 4/3 deal. My favorite thing about Disney is the escape. My family takes center stage and I can leave all other responsibilities at home.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2757.jpg

DH is Peter. And not in a bad way AT ALL. He has a youthful spirit and a zest for life. He's social. He's a fighter. He's a protector and a leader. He's adventurous. He's bummed that he has to work to earn money, but he continues to do so and sees value in me being at home. He just turned 36. Last April he made a career shift, for the better, I might add. But now he commutes 61 miles to work. We don't think this is sustainable, but we love our neighborhood and DS's school. So what to do? We wait. Until it becomes clear what to do. And I am grateful. DH deals in project management, so his idea of a vacation is not having to make any decisions. He is thrilled that I want to plan it ALL. He just doesn't want me to STRESS over the planning, because that is the antithesis of vacation to him.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2643.jpg

DS is Bolt. Coming up with a boy character that seems appropriate was really HARD! He is in second grade and just turned 8. He's still at that age where spending time with Mom and Dad (especially Dad) is preferable to anyone else. He loves playacting, coming up with stories and acting it out. He loves dressing up to play a part. He did inherit his mom's caution gene. He doesn't place himself into physical danger. However, he's aggressive on the soccer field. One grandma calls him a bulldog. He's incredibly smart and funny. He has timing to his one liners and has since he was 2. He is worth his weight in entertainment value alone. He's a joy to be around. He is currently "into" gaming, video games that is.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2668.jpg

So that's the crew.

I'll have to post our actual PLANS in a separate post.

Thanks for reading!
__________________________________________________ ________________________________

Because I talk/type A LOT, I have added the following Table of Contents to make it easier to actually read the meat of this report!:lmao: These posts either directly pertain to planning for our trip, working on the weightloss goal, or are mini-trip reports, a walk down memory lane with lots of pics!:goodvibes

The actual plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29813848&postcount=2)
Weight for it (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29834912&postcount=12)
Dining in Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29852082&postcount=20)
Zumba! Zumba! Zumba! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29924731&postcount=33)
Akershus Royal Banquet (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29926511&postcount=37)
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT PEOPLE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30083146&postcount=65)
Do you carry a bag? If yes, which one? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30100108&postcount=74)
Favorite Crock Pot Recipe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30114028&postcount=77)
Random MK Memory (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30131671&postcount=92)
Animal Kingdom Day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30153224&postcount=97)
Contemplating the idea of vacation (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30209972&postcount=110)
What about the REAL first day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30210550&postcount=111)
OT-All about SAB (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30213108&postcount=115)
Fast Track One Day Detox (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30229698&postcount=121)
About nutrition... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30247003&postcount=125)
First morning in the world (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30275964&postcount=146)
Results of Fast Track One Day Detox (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30285250&postcount=152)
The BIG Touring Plan (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30285626&postcount=153)
I just have to share... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30316739&postcount=168)
Time for another MK memory (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30331633&postcount=173)
In other news (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30345795&postcount=176)
Romaine Lettuce Wraps Recipe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30383401&postcount=201)
Fairy Godmother (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30383770&postcount=202)
Chipotle Potato Salad Recipe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30398673&postcount=209)
My Snack List Wants (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30399435&postcount=210)
Mmmmmm Lettuce Wraps Pictures (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30417773&postcount=216)
The Weight Report 2/23 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30455925&postcount=223)
Spring Break (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30512681&postcount=230)
Kitchen Reno Pictures (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30519114&postcount=236)
Some Actual Disney Planning: Road Trip Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30530829&postcount=245)
Hopeful ADR Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30533830&postcount=252)
Night of Joy (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30592790&postcount=265)
September Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30610564&postcount=278)
Room Change (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30650019&postcount=283)
Shoes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30651734&postcount=287)
My Sadly Neglected PTR (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30814447&postcount=309)
From One Trip to Three? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30848879&postcount=311)
??????
6.14.09 The Nitty Gritty of Packing (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32268490&postcount=389)
6.15.09 My new park bag... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32285353&postcount=394)
6.15.09 Online Check-in (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32290627&postcount=397)
6.16.09 Credit Card Info (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32297340&postcount=400)
6.16.09 If you use a PDA... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32304443&postcount=401)
6.16.09 Autograph book idea (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32305631&postcount=405)
6.17.09 Free Wifi Access (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32319729&postcount=406)

TxRabbit

01-21-2009, 12:58 PM

I'm sure you have figured out that we are staying at the Wilderness Lodge!

We'll be there June 20-27.

Two reasons for our dates. 1. The 4/3 deal. 2. I don't want to wish away my summer, which is what seemed to happen the year we went in August.

We will be driving this year. Simple economics dictate the drive. Airfare is just too expensive. The longest road trip that we have done to date is Fort Worth, TX to Estes Park, CO. I'd have to check my mileage, but I think this one will be slightly longer. Mapquest puts WL at 1000.69 miles from my address.

Right now we are signed up for the DDPQS. I'm not sure if that is what we will keep. On our previous trips, we did the DDP. Appetizers and tips were included. It was a good deal. And the structure that the meal times added to the day were beneficial. This year. Mmmm. Not sure. I'm thinking I may want some more freedom in my schedule.

However, I KNOW that one TS meal we HAVE to have is Donald's Safari breakfast. We have to see Donald this trip. We just HAVE to. And this is definitely the meal for us.

I'll have to analyze the DDP options once my plans begin to take shape.

Thanks for reading. Please join in!

TeaForTulips

01-21-2009, 02:53 PM

subbing! :wave2:

your goals are the same as mine this year! i wish you good luck on them! im sure things will work out perfectly for your trip! :cheer2:

cant wait to hear more! :goodvibes

TxRabbit

01-21-2009, 05:43 PM

subbing! :wave2:

your goals are the same as mine this year! i wish you good luck on them! im sure things will work out perfectly for your trip! :cheer2:

cant wait to hear more! :goodvibes

Hi Tarah!

Yay! Someone to chat with! Thanks for the good wishes. I'm hoping that this PTR will help keep us on track. Accountability is good. Reporting is good.

For right now, we are in the midst of a simple 30 day challenge. No eating out for 30 days. :scared: Some people may find that easy to do. For me it is a struggle. I love Love LOVE to cook. I hate Hate HATE to clean. We have been eating out so often for so long, it is taking a bit to reprogram DS8 to realize that dinners need to be PLANNED. You can't just eat whatever you want every night because you might have seen a commercial and now you really want pizza! LOL.

The 30 days should be good on the waistline and the pocketbook.:thumbsup2

I saw that you are headed out on your own trip in April. I read your PTR. I totally relate the frustration over NO HOURS! :headache: What's the deal? I think it is because the ADR window changed to 90 days. All I know is that the planner in me in being stiffled and frustrated because I don't have any park hours!! Park hours! Where are you?!?

tinkgurl

01-21-2009, 05:55 PM

I'm in. :wave2: I'll be getting there June 22nd!

TeaForTulips

01-22-2009, 08:16 AM

Hi Tarah!

Yay! Someone to chat with! Thanks for the good wishes. I'm hoping that this PTR will help keep us on track. Accountability is good. Reporting is good.

For right now, we are in the midst of a simple 30 day challenge. No eating out for 30 days. :scared: Some people may find that easy to do. For me it is a struggle. I love Love LOVE to cook. I hate Hate HATE to clean. We have been eating out so often for so long, it is taking a bit to reprogram DS8 to realize that dinners need to be PLANNED. You can't just eat whatever you want every night because you might have seen a commercial and now you really want pizza! LOL.

The 30 days should be good on the waistline and the pocketbook.:thumbsup2

I saw that you are headed out on your own trip in April. I read your PTR. I totally relate the frustration over NO HOURS! :headache: What's the deal? I think it is because the ADR window changed to 90 days. All I know is that the planner in me in being stiffled and frustrated because I don't have any park hours!! Park hours! Where are you?!?

I understand your 30 day challenge ... that would def be hard to do. I dont think we eat out too often, but I guess that really depends on your definition of eating out often. ;) We prolly eat out once a week on average.. maybe twice some weeks, none others. I love to cook too and Santa brought us some amazing new kitchen things (new pots and pans, knives, etc) so that makes it better too. Its the time it takes that I hate. Lately anytime I want to do/buy something I tell myself... that could be going to my disney fund. Sometimes it works... sometimes not. This past Monday we did end up at Chilis because I didnt want to cook. This week though my girlfriend and I decided it was time to buckle down and get serious.. I have a desk job and have gone up one size each year for three years. :sad2: I def want to feel comfortable about Disney and get down to a healthier size... My mom is the same way. She was concerned about squeezing into rides.. :crowded: I dont think any of us will have a problem with it, but still its just one of those things I want to take care of. :)

I am in Shreveport, so you're only a few hours from me. :goodvibes

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 08:22 AM

I'm in. :wave2: I'll be getting there June 22nd!

:tinker: Welcome!! I jumped over and started reading your TR. I haven't made it all the way through yet! Are you going back to OKW or WLV? Or are you trying something new? Any insider info you'd like to share about WL, please fire away. I have never been.

How fun to be there at the same time!

tinkgurl

01-22-2009, 08:31 AM

:tinker: Welcome!! I jumped over and started reading your TR. I haven't made it all the way through yet! Are you going back to OKW or WLV? Or are you trying something new? Any insider info you'd like to share about WL, please fire away. I have never been.

How fun to be there at the same time!

:wave2: The pictures should be back working tomorrow (Friday) hopefully. I accidently went over my bandwidth on photobucket or whatever. So please keep checking every day until they work because I'd love for you to see them!

We will be going back to OKW. We just fell in love with the place. The rooms are bigger than the villas at WL, the layout of the place is wonderful, and there's something peaceful and relaxing about the place.

Are you staying in the regular rooms at WL or the villas?

Some WL info?....:scratchin I can't remember exactly what time, but at least every hour the geyser goes off at WL. It's back behind the pool. Taking the bus to the MK is faster than the boat! But, if you have the time, ride the boat both to the MK and then back to WL at night- it's gorgeous! And as your leaving the WL dock, look at the main building-it's supposed to look like a bear face! You have to use your imagination of course, but it's so cool! Oh and the totem pole over by the WL gift shop...rub the bear's nose for good luck!

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 08:36 AM

I understand your 30 day challenge ... that would def be hard to do. I dont think we eat out too often, but I guess that really depends on your definition of eating out often. ;) We prolly eat out once a week on average.. maybe twice some weeks, none others. I love to cook too and Santa brought us some amazing new kitchen things (new pots and pans, knives, etc) so that makes it better too. Its the time it takes that I hate. Lately anytime I want to do/buy something I tell myself... that could be going to my disney fund. Sometimes it works... sometimes not. This past Monday we did end up at Chilis because I didnt want to cook. This week though my girlfriend and I decided it was time to buckle down and get serious.. I have a desk job and have gone up one size each year for three years. :sad2: I def want to feel comfortable about Disney and get down to a healthier size... My mom is the same way. She was concerned about squeezing into rides.. :crowded: I dont think any of us will have a problem with it, but still its just one of those things I want to take care of. :)

I am in Shreveport, so you're only a few hours from me. :goodvibes

Eating out often...let's see. My family has been know to do nothing but eat restaurant, including fast food and donuts!, ALL WEEKEND long.:crazy2: Many excuses from my quarter, like the kitchen is too dirty, I forgot to defrost something, I need to go to the grocery store, etc etc, leads to DH picking something up on the way home from work. Or us deciding to meet him somewhere. And when it is all said and done, we might as well have been at WDW for all the eating out!:lmao:

What I have found to be the biggest help is to have at least one or two things available that are basically no cook meals. I used to have a complex about prepared food. That wasn't good enough for my family, it's not healthy, etc. but then I realized how much we were eating out, and then prepared food found it's place in my fridge.:laughing: My fav quick meal is from Buitoni. The fresh four cheese tortellinis or raviolis and their pasta sauce. It's not exactly cheap. But it is cheaper than eating out. They taste awesome and they last in the fridge. Even when I don't feel like cooking, I can manage to boil water.:upsidedow If you have a bagged salad around too, then life is really good.:flower3:

If you have a crock pot, I would definitely recommend the book "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook." They studied wet slow cooking methods around the globe and made the recipes fit for a crock pot. The teriyaki chicken in there is THE best.

As much as I want to lose weight, I want to be healthy. I want to feel comfortable in my bathing suit at the pool. I want to be able to do all the walking that WDW demands without getting totally pooped out. It definitely sounds like we have similar goals!

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 09:06 AM

Are you staying in the regular rooms at WL or the villas?

We are in the WL rooms. WL is my second resort change, so I think that I finally landed on where we will be staying!;)

We went to WDW twice in 2007. The first time was during DSs spring break in kindergarten. DH was in environmental consulting at the time and his schedule was completely dominated by client needs. We couldn't ever make long term plans comfortably.

In February, DH and I decided to go on a real vacation for Spring Break, in early March, because he realized he could. I was so happy to find these boards before that trip! Such a sort time to plan!:scared1: I managed to find decent airfare on off days at off times and we made a 5 day trip to WDW. It was more like a 3 day trip because of our flight times...but still. It was our first family vacation and we had an absolute BLAST. At first, we couldn't imagine how people could spend 7, 10, 14 days in WDW. But we totally got it on that trip! We were hooked and we couldn't wait to get back.

So, we didn't wait.

We had stayed at AKL but didn't really get to enjoy the resort much. So we decided to stay there again. We were one of the ressies that was affected by the construction, so we were switched to Beach Club.

I'd love to share more about our other trips...but not right now. I AM trying to get to my point. I told you I talk a LOT!:rotfl:

We didn't make it to WDW last year.:sad1: I consolidated our credit card debt.:scared: The balance hadn't looked so bad spread out the way it was!:upsidedow I got a 0% rate and we started a savings plan to try to get it paid off. No vacation for us in 2008.

So, with budgeting on the brain, I was looking at the value and moderate resorts. DS was actually really excited about staying at All Star Sports. His interest in sports has just exploded in the past several months. But I admit. It didn't really appeal to me.

I saw the new pirate rooms at CBR and I thought that would be fun. My family and I had a *thing* about pirates for a while. I booked that room. But when DS saw the pictures, he wasn't too jazzed about it. The more I researched about where the rooms were located in relation to everything, the less excited I was.

So I switched our ressie to CSR and queen sized beds.;)

At first, I was excited. I was ready to try the Pepper Market, etc. But I was bumming over the no balcony situation.

You see, every evening, after DS goes to bed, DH and I sit on the balcony. We enjoy some adult libation, adult conversation, and each other in a relaxed wonderful place. It's our alone time on vacation. And that wasn't happening at CSR.:sad2:

So, I checked out AKL and WL, because they are the cheapest deluxes. Having never stayed at WL, I was excited to try it. And they had some inexpensive room catagories available. It wasn't THAT much more than CSR.

But when I went to change the ressie, they only had a more expensive room catagory available. Bunkbed courtyard view.:rolleyes: I booked it still thinking that I might still be able to downgrade our room catagory.

I think DS will get a kick out of the bunk bed though.:scratchin

So now I am trying to piece together what it will be like to stay at WL. I always get more excited as I plan the vacation and picture what we will do when. Thanks for the tips about WL! I need all the help I can get! Especially since there STILL are no hours! :headache:

TeaForTulips

01-22-2009, 09:07 AM

:thumbsup2 Thanks for the tip! I will def look into the book and the pasta! My crockpot recently bit the dust, but I will be getting a new one soon Im sure...

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 01:07 PM

While it may be boring to many, I MUST bring up the weight issue. I really hope that this PTR will chronicle my weight loss as the days, weeks, and months pass. After all, this trip is supposed to be a reward for a job well done in that department.::yes::

I don't have a definite 5 month strategy. Like our 30 day restaurant challenge, we have a 30 day let's just get more active agenda.

DH gave me one of the BEST gifts he has ever given me for Christmas! A new dance studio opened up two exits down the highway. DH got us unlimited dance classes for January!:banana: So we have been learning West Coast Swing and Beginning Ballroom. It has been such a good time. I LOVE it. I love dance.

I never really had dance lessons. I was able to take dance in highschool in stead of regular P.E. It was a big production. There with various levels, and you had to try out for it, and we had a big spring show with costumes, lighting, etc etc. And in college I was on the dance team. We would put on a performance at half time for football and basketball. DH and I took a swing class at the college when he was in grad school, which was over 13 years ago. So it's been a long, LONG time for me to be involved in dance.

And I get to spend some nice time with DH.:love:

Anyway, they also have a bellydancing class that is during the day. I just came from there actually. So much fun. The instructor brought scarves for everyone in the class, because you just can't bellydance without a scarf. She even had jingly ones like I always see at the Renaissance Festival. I always wanted one, but couldn't justify the expense. Well, the instructor had some she was selling from her stay in Morocco. She was there for 4 1/2 years. Only $20!!!:thumbsup2

So we have gotten off our bums in the evenings by hitting dance class. And really having a good time too.

I think we will do the classes in February too. They are starting 3 new exercise dance classes. One is zumba, which I have just started seeing on the web. Another in samba and other similar dances that they do in a fitness way. And another is hip hop. I am TOTALLY excited for this.

I can do this. Head on out to the gym and hop on a machine? Not so much. Go to dance class and shake your booty?!?!:hyper: I'm all over it.

So here are the most recent photos of my family and I. We were all dressed up and heading out to see the Nutcracker.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/11c67e4d.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/5593dee5.jpg

And here is what I looked like when we had lost so much weight. I had lost almost 40 pounds and DH had lost about 25. This is what I want to look like again.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/f114c27b.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/8393a79a.jpg

Coming up next...
Dining plans...

TeaForTulips

01-22-2009, 02:10 PM

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 02:23 PM

you look gorgeous in that red dress! i understand wanting to lose weight for sure, but i must tell you i think you look fabulous as you are now! ::yes::

dancing classes sound like a fun way to get up and do something! good job for that find! :cheer2:

:cheer2: :cheer2:
Thank you for the compliment! No matter what weight you are, a girl's gotta do what she can to look good! :laughing: and FEEL good. I WAS pretty pumped to find that dress.:lmao:

tinkgurl

01-22-2009, 02:51 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 02:58 PM

I know exactly how it is about losing the weight and then gaining it back. It's hard to stay motivated. It's also so easy to slip into bad habits about eating out and snacking on junk food for convenience sake. It's a never ending battle for me.

I don't want to wish away my summer, which is what seemed to happen the year we went in August.

I completely understand, as that's what I feel like I'm doing right now. We go the last week of August.

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 04:44 PM

Wow! You are one hot mama in that red dress and shoes! :)

And a great idea since you and DH like to sit out on the balcony at night...ask for a woods view room. They seem so secluded and quiet and away from everything so it'll seem like it's just you 2 there! :goodvibes

:blush: Hot mama indeed! DH certainly thinks so! And I'm grateful for it. I never hear anything negative about the way I look from him.

That reminds me of a commercial I saw just one time. A young mom was talking about something, and right at the end she calls her self a hot momma. It's just her voice. It's a total crack up. But I've never seen it again.:confused3

I know exactly how it is about losing the weight and then gaining it back. It's hard to stay motivated. It's also so easy to slip into bad habits about eating out and snacking on junk food for convenience sake. It's a never ending battle for me.

I completely understand, as that's what I feel like I'm doing right now. We go the last week of August.

::welcome:
It is something that I have battled my whole life. It is so frustrating. My tendency has been to go full steam, make good progress, and then slowly not be able to maintain that level of activity. We have moved A LOT too. And that hasn't helped at all. At one point, we were averaging moving every 13 months. A few interstate moves in there too. People would ask me if DH was military.:upsidedow Moving is especially hard.

That's why we are trying to incorporate sustainable change. Like the dancing lessons. I actually enjoy them. I look forward to them. I usually NEVER look forward to exercise.

We went the last week in August too! Well, we went the last week before school started. The week right BEFORE free dining started. *sigh* I spent so much time dreaming and planning Disney, I didn't really get summer started until August.:scared: It was a good time, but I'll be happy to have some recovery time after our WDW vacation this year. I think the week we get back DH will have a short work week with Independence Day. It'll help to ease back into the groove of real life. :laughing:

tinkgurl

01-22-2009, 04:46 PM

That reminds me of a commercial I saw just one time. A young mom was talking about something, and right at the end she calls her self a hot momma. It's just her voice. It's a total crack up. But I've never seen it again.:confused3

Aw I don't remember that commercial.

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 06:51 PM

::welcome:
It is something that I have battled my whole life. It is so frustrating. My tendency has been to go full steam, make good progress, and then slowly not be able to maintain that level of activity. We have moved A LOT too. And that hasn't helped at all. At one point, we were averaging moving every 13 months. A few interstate moves in there too. People would ask me if DH was military.:upsidedow Moving is especially hard.

That's why we are trying to incorporate sustainable change. Like the dancing lessons. I actually enjoy them. I look forward to them. I usually NEVER look forward to exercise.

We went the last week in August too! Well, we went the last week before school started. The week right BEFORE free dining started. *sigh* I spent so much time dreaming and planning Disney, I didn't really get summer started until August.:scared: It was a good time, but I'll be happy to have some recovery time after our WDW vacation this year. I think the week we get back DH will have a short work week with Independence Day. It'll help to ease back into the groove of real life. :laughing:

I did the same thing last year! I was obsessed w/ counting calories and I never faltered. I lost about 20 lbs, and then stopped worrying about b/c we were getting ready to move and the drive-thru was just so much easier than cooking! We were lucky to stay in the same town though (thank goodness). Moving stinks!!!!!! Glad to hear you're back on track.

I wish I could find an exercise format I looked forward to. I recently got an iPod and that made working out at the YMCA better...then it broke. :sad1:

I look forward to hearing which time of year you enjoyed better - June or August. I agree...having a recovery time to cope with post Disney depression is always a good thing! :thumbsup2

TxRabbit

01-23-2009, 11:09 AM

The dining decision has yet to be finalized. DDP QS or DDP Basic?

I don't mind figuring out ADRs and have a set schedule. It adds some structure to the planning. It's nice to plan the breaks for meals. My problem is that we like to eat at off times. I don't like a late dinner. One of our favorite times to eat is between 3:30 and 4:00! The problem is that most of the TS are CLOSED at those times. :headache: OR, we like to eat around 10:30 to 11:00 and that is the change over from breakfast to lunch. So that could be awkward.

And I am struggling with having food take too much of a priority on this trip. I don't want to be focused so much on where we eat. I have to figure it out though because DS8 is somewhat picky. Or rather, he does fine in most restaurants, except that Disney kid menus are generally dumbed down food, repetitive and not too tasty. So I need to know my way around all the restaurants to steer us in the happy food direction.

So, rather than starting with the plan and then working my schedule to fit the plan, I am going to start with my schedule. Where do I want to eat and when? Then I will do some math to see which plan is best for what we really want to do.

As I mentioned before, we HAVE to do Donald's Safari breakfast. Donald is one of the characters that we have not met yet. I want to do one of two plans with Donald's, either get an 8:00 AM ADR on a regular park day, and get in early OR get a 9:50 AM ADR on an am EMH day. I'm not really sure that I want to go to a buffet first thing in the morning. And THEN go ride EE. On a full stomach? We have never ridden EE before. DS was just a tad too short the last time we went, so we are all really excited to do it this trip! :banana:

We have a lot of fun at character meals. And because we all love pictures, I'll include a couple of my favs:

These are from Cape May Cafe:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/db3e5316.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/804f4012.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/c9274032.jpg

These are from Crystal Palace on a P&P night (I think DH looks AWESOME!):
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/380d9ba8.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/32238320.jpg
My pirate face wasn't NEARLY as good:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/868d4f6d.jpg

This was a different time at CP:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/940fd69a.jpg

These are from CRT. It was the highlight of our first trip:
Snow White kissed DS but I wasn't ready for the camera. So she gave him another kiss on his other cheek. DS was in heaven for the rest of the day.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/32f2020b.jpg

Belle grabbed a sword and had a sword fight with DS:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/b6a1bec2.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/97aa619e.jpg

Good memories at character meals. Ahhh.

littleboss

01-23-2009, 12:04 PM

Hi Rabbitt! Just joining and all caught up. I just wanted to say thank pic with your son and Belle is too cute w/lipstick on cheeck and all.:lmao:

jewels1916

01-23-2009, 12:36 PM

Subbing! Good luck with the weight loss goal, Rabbit! I am working on it too...counting calories, not eating out, and hitting up the gym. I gave up Dr. Pepper, which is probably my big food weakness. My December trip is my big reward, although I have two weddings that I am in in 2009 that I am wanting to look better for (I am seriously becoming Katherine Heigl from 27 Dresses with all the Bmaid dresses I have in my closet...).

Anyway, I am here, and :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: cheering you on to your goal!

WDWRocksMySocks

01-23-2009, 01:05 PM

You guys looked great at the P&PP! That pic of DH is great. Although, I really love the pic of DS w/ the lipstick on his cheek - too cute! It looks like you guys had such a blast.

TxRabbit

01-24-2009, 08:31 AM

Hi Rabbitt! Just joining and all caught up. I just wanted to say thank pic with your son and Belle is too cute w/lipstick on cheeck and all.:lmao:

:welcome:
Thank you. I think he's adorable, but I am TOTALLY biased of course. DS loved that lipstick. We ran into Push (the talking trash can) later on that day. He noticed the lip prints and asked which princess had kissed him? DS was so proud to say, "Snow White. TWICE!":thumbsup2 Push said, "OOOOOOOOOoooo, I'm soooooooo jealous!" DS wouldn't wash his face that night. We were leaving the next day. At the airport he was telling everyone who would listen about his kisses.:laughing:

Subbing! Good luck with the weight loss goal, Rabbit! I am working on it too...counting calories, not eating out, and hitting up the gym. I gave up Dr. Pepper, which is probably my big food weakness. My December trip is my big reward, although I have two weddings that I am in in 2009 that I am wanting to look better for (I am seriously becoming Katherine Heigl from 27 Dresses with all the Bmaid dresses I have in my closet...).

Anyway, I am here, and :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: cheering you on to your goal!

:welcome:
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Way to go counting calories, not eating out, and hitting the gym!:cheer2: I'm not counting calories quite yet. Just eating in is working for me. Next month I'm thinking.

I totally relate to quitting Dr. Pepper, except mine was Diet Coke. It is really difficult to do. I would drink A LOT of Diet Coke a day. Here's something that might help. There is a chemical in caramel colored soda. A phosphate of some sort, I think. Anyway. It prohibits your body from being able to absorb calcium. So even if calcium is in your diet or your multivitamin, that chemical blocks it and it just passes right out again. So soda is especially horrible for women to drink. Good job quitting.:cheer2: I know the difficulty. Soda is EVERYWHERE. I drink iced tea, but it can be hard to find good iced tea. I scoped out the good places at WDW on purpose before our last trip. I quit soda April 1, 2007. You can do it.::yes::

You guys looked great at the P&PP! That pic of DH is great. Although, I really love the pic of DS w/ the lipstick on his cheek - too cute! It looks like you guys had such a blast.

P&PP WAS a blast. I saw pics on your TR of how dressed up you were when you went. We fully dressed up too. Who CAN resist getting to go to MK in full costume? We managed to meet Cap'n Jack too. The wait time was for so long the entire party. So we decided to high tail it over there immediately after the fireworks show. It was a good plan.:thumbsup2 The photopass photographer took a pic with our camera too. I was so happy to see that he took a picture of us being social too.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/241f18aa.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/bce8aceb.jpg

Up next, another TS we HAVE to do...

TxRabbit

01-24-2009, 09:01 AM

OK. So I read about a Scotch Flight on a TR. DH and I aren't big time drinkers any more. We left that behind in college.:lmao: However, we do enjoy good beer (mostly microbrews and darker beers) and good wine. :drinking1 Donna, this makes me think of London Fuller's Porter. :laughing:

Drinking alcohol has been banned as part of our first 30 day challenge, with two preplanned exceptions:

1.DSs birthday, where we took him to our first professional NBA game. You have to enjoy an icy cold beer with sports! And I have to tell you. It tasted SO GOOD. But we resisted picking up more on the way home.:cheer2:

2. The Super Bowl. Of course! Hello?:upsidedow

DHs bday is January 1. So on New Year's Eve we were getting our libation for the weekend. We weren't exactly having a Fat Tuesday party, but we were having a hurrah before fasting alcohol. The line was long. We were waiting in the aisle with all the scotch. DH makes a comment about really wanting to try different scotchs. Could he tell the difference? Etc etc. It would be expensive to do, etc etc.

So I was PUMPED to read about the Scotch Flight. I posted a question about it and so far I have found it at Rose & Crown and Ragland Road. So now, I just have to decide, which one, and when? I copied the picture from the other TR and posted it for your enjoyment. I hope esterhead doesn't mind.:blush:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/4d2fd7f8.jpg

I like the idea of R&C and sitting on the patio and watching Illuminations. It seems like a pretty popular thing to do too. So I wonder how difficult it actually is to have that plan realized.:confused3 I think you can only request the patio at check in.:scratchin

We like DTD. And I love the idea of the entertainment at Ragland Road. But I'm thinking the band gets started pretty late in the night. And it seems like it would be really loud. But we have been watching the Superstars of Dance competition on NBC. Anyone? DS really enjoyed the Irish dancers. So that could be cool. I read they have a single dancer there.

Decisions decisions. I LOVE WDW decisions!:rotfl:

Anyone with personal experience at either TS?

TxRabbit

01-24-2009, 11:18 AM

I polled the men and the Irish Pub wins!

I'm not a big fan of big late night dinners, but I remember that if I ever made a ressie for aroun 5:00 to 6:00 we couldn't ever seem to get there in time!:confused3 We'd be rushing from swimming or other afternoon break type thing.

I'm glad the band and dancer are more appealing to DS. The menu is certainly more appealing to me.:rotfl:

Sounds like the band starts around 8:00 pm or so. I hear that it is best to get much earlier ressies because once the band starts, table turn over really slows down. I'm thinking 7:00 pm ADR.

Ok. So anyone ever been to hear the band? Can anyone confirm timing, etc?

2BoysMom

01-24-2009, 04:24 PM

:drinking1 Donna, this makes me think of London Fuller's Porter. :laughing:

I love the idea of the entertainment at Ragland Road. But I'm thinking the band gets started pretty late in the night. And it seems like it would be really loud. But we have been watching the Superstars of Dance competition on NBC. Anyone? DS really enjoyed the Irish dancers. So that could be cool. I read they have a single dancer there.

Decisions decisions. I LOVE WDW decisions!:rotfl:

Anyone with personal experience at either TS?

YAY! I got a shout out!:cool1: And as I have stated in my PTR, I'm Irish and my vote was going to be for Ragland Road. Not just b/c I'm Irish, but b/c I was recently reading a TR from an Australian lass, who said that Ragland Road was one of the best meals she had at Disney for her whole trip! I know she was doing both a TR and a Dining Report, so if you want me to find her name I can do that. But she and her DH just happened to love everything they ordered.

I didn't know there was music at RR. :scratchin I think I have to look into that for our trip. My DH and I are looking forward to the use of the Cub's Den at WL, at least one or two nights, maybe we can have date night at RR. I wonder if he would try the Scotch Flight? I don't know, he does like his beer.

YAY! Now I'm on board with your PTR.

TxRabbit

01-24-2009, 08:18 PM

YAY! I got a shout out!:cool1: And as I have stated in my PTR, I'm Irish and my vote was going to be for Ragland Road. Not just b/c I'm Irish, but b/c I was recently reading a TR from an Australian lass, who said that Ragland Road was one of the best meals she had at Disney for her whole trip! I know she was doing both a TR and a Dining Report, so if you want me to find her name I can do that. But she and her DH just happened to love everything they ordered.

I didn't know there was music at RR. :scratchin I think I have to look into that for our trip. My DH and I are looking forward to the use of the Cub's Den at WL, at least one or two nights, maybe we can have date night at RR. I wonder if he would try the Scotch Flight? I don't know, he does like his beer.

YAY! Now I'm on board with your PTR.

They have beer flights too!:thumbsup2

It would be nice to use the Cub's Den one evening. I just can't bring myself to do it though. It would be different if DS had a sibling or a cousin or SOMEONE else that he would know that would be going in there with him. But since he doesn't, I know that it wouldn't be that much fun for him. That thought makes me sad.:sad1: I wouldn't have any fun on my date evening. So DS will be along for the ride wherever we go.

The positive feedback on RR seems to definitely outweigh the negative. DH is a British mutt with some Irish, Scots and Welsh. I think those that have an affinity for things Irish find more enjoyment at RR too.

I used to love going to this one Irish Pub where we went to college. The man there sang this hilarious song called Seven Ladies Locked in the Lavat'ry. The chorus is: Seven ladies locked in the lavat'ry, they were there from Sunday to Saturday, No body knew they were there. Each verse is about a different lady and why she went to the bathroom in the first place. Absolutely a crack up.

jewels1916

01-25-2009, 11:11 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

01-26-2009, 08:04 AM

P&PP WAS a blast. I saw pics on your TR of how dressed up you were when you went. We fully dressed up too. Who CAN resist getting to go to MK in full costume? We managed to meet Cap'n Jack too. The wait time was for so long the entire party. So we decided to high tail it over there immediately after the fireworks show. It was a good plan.:thumbsup2 The photopass photographer took a pic with our camera too. I was so happy to see that he took a picture of us being social too.

You should go to MNSSHP! You get to dress up AND trick-or-treat at MK. It was a blast - and we don't even have kids! it was so fun being dressed up at MK, although a lot of people thought I was a CM. :rotfl:

I love the pics of you guys w/ Jack. They turned out great!

MinnieLove

01-26-2009, 08:48 AM

subbing. I am enjoying your family and your battles......
You are a hot momma and your husband is yummy also. And you made a handsome son - enjoy....

TxRabbit

01-27-2009, 09:46 AM

Wow. I had no idea about the calcium-blocking danger of sodas! Thanks for telling me! I am going to have to share that with some other friends of mine that are trying to give up sodas. I like to drink iced tea also! But WDW doesn't have Sweet N' Low ("pink", as my family affectionately calls it) on the property, at least no where I've been able to find it, so I've taken to carrying "pink" in my camera case when I am at the parks!

You're welcome. The knowledge was a very helpful deterant, especially when soda choices abounded and iced tea was no where to be found.

You should go to MNSSHP! You get to dress up AND trick-or-treat at MK. It was a blast - and we don't even have kids! it was so fun being dressed up at MK, although a lot of people thought I was a CM. :rotfl:

I love the pics of you guys w/ Jack. They turned out great!

That picture was the one that I got with my MYW coupon. MNSSHP sounds like so much fun. I would love to that one year. I have to weigh the consequences of taking DS out of school against it though. If you are familiar with G&T programs and the children in them, you would understand my DS. He is anxious to please, is very tough on himself, and HATES coming back to school after being absent (like if he's sick). I'm not sure that he would do well with a MNSSHP trip until later years.:rolleyes:

subbing. I am enjoying your family and your battles......
You are a hot momma and your husband is yummy also. And you made a handsome son - enjoy....

:welcome:
You totally made my morning with your comments!

TxRabbit

01-27-2009, 10:36 AM

Zumba ROCKS!!! I LOVE it.:cool1:

I think I mentioned that the dance studio is starting 3 different dance fitness classes in February. Zumba, Hip Hop/Latin Mix, and Latin only. Before signing up for a month of unlimited, I thought I should try zumba to make sure I like it. I found that the instructor that will teach the class at the studio taught a Monday night class at a church not too far away. So I checked it out last night.

IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!

Jewels, I saw you were on a dance team in your sig. Have you ever tried zumba?

My loving mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I definitely want more dance classes!::yes::

Zumba does a little bit of all different kinds of dance moves, a lot of Latin dance moves. The music is really largely instrumental only, very percussiony and if there are vocals, the vocals have that South African sound. To me anyway. It wasn't annoying. It didn't sound like something you would get sick of easily. One song was so funny. It was a remake of "The Twist" and we twisted for most of it. Hel-lo obliques! Or should I say Goodbye?:rolleyes: There were words to that song. :laughing:

To find a class near you go to:
http://www.zumba.com/us

So the get active plan will step up a notch in February. I will be going to 3 or 4 individual fitness dance classes a week and 2 couples dance classes.:cheer2:

I'm also back to wearing my MBTs. Have you ever heard of these shoes? They look slightly orthopedic. They are supposed to awaken forgotten leg muscles. They do. You have to build up to wearing them all day. I volunteer in the art room at DSs elementary school for 3 hours on Mondays. I wore my MBTs. I could totally feel it. These shoes are great for adding just a little more ump to whatever walking and standing you may be doing. They are extremely comfortable too. They can be outrageously expensive. But I have been really pleased with my investment. btw, they DO come with a warranty. Check them out here:
http://www.swissmasaius.com/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

The food planning will begin once I check out a bunch of Ann Louis Gittleman books. I have requested four from the library. She wrote the Fat Flush series, including the plan, the diet, and the cookbook. Then she came out with The Fast Track One Day Detox Diet. From the excerpts I was able to read, these look like good references. DH and I have done several colon cleanses. Well, we have done one cleanse that we like multiple times. Doing that has been good for us. I'm just not up for doing that right now. I think this info might be really useful in the same kind of way. Anyone ever read any of these? Or tried them?:confused3

Speaking of food. I must confess what happened on Friday night. It's not as bad as you would think. DH was home early. He was the parent reader for DSs class on Friday. We were hanging out at the playground after school for quite while DS played with his buddy. DS wanted to hit the library so we could all play Club Penguin together. Ever heard of it? It's a Disney online multiplayer game. We used to do Toontown. Anyway, I digress.

We only have the one computer at home. But there are TONS at the library, which is connected to a community college. DH wanted DS to be able to do something he wanted since he would have to hang out and watch and wait during dance class later that evening. So, you know that we were at the library and when we left we had a little over an hour before we needed to be at dance class...and we still needed to eat dinner. There was no WAY to get home and eat and make it to class.

So we did a sort of compromise. We ate at the grocery store. I have the most awesome grocery store nearby. If you have ever lived in Texas and been to Central Market, then you KNOW how awesome it is. They have a tremendous amount of chef prepared food that you can eat there or take home. We ate there. DS had salmon and wood fired pizza. DH and I got a dinner for two. We had turkey meat loaf with a chipotle sauce, yukon gold mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and wheat rolls. It was a great compromise on not eating restaurant food, and having a great family evening.

And since this post is so focused on the weight portion of my planning, I thought that I would share one of the greatest products I bought for the kitchen last year. They are specialty storage containers that claim to make your food last longer. I can tell you folks. They work. They absolutely work. You push the lid up and down to remove all the air inside the container. Say goodbye to moldy strawberries, limp celery, slimy asparagus, squishy grapes, soft spotted peppers, etc etc etc. These have helped me to buy more when certain produce goes on sale. And produce is what you need around when you are trying to eat healthier. And being able to eat it before it goes bad is what helps your pocket book. I highly recommend these. They even just look cool in the fridge. Here's the link:
http://www.freshvac.com/

Definitely time for lunch. Up next...dining dilemmas.

jewels1916

01-27-2009, 11:20 AM

TxRabbit

01-27-2009, 11:39 AM

You loved the zumba class?! That's great! I have tried zumba before, my gym actually offers a zumba class that I was taking for a while. Such a good workout! I only stopped because I decided to start taking a few classes at a dance studio - honestly, I think you can get a better cardio workout with the zumba class though! I would still go if it wasn't the same night as my jazz class.

So you are from Texas, eh? I guess I didn't realize - or perhaps I didn't read closely enough! :rolleyes2 Whereabouts in Texas? I was born and raised in the DFW area, and am moving back there from DC in March! Central Market is yummy. :)

Technically I'm from California!:goodvibes Born and raised for 18 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. Then I went to San Antonio at Trinity University (where I met DH). My parents had moved to Scottsdale. I lived with them for a while after I graduated and DH still had a bit to go. Then off to Colorado, a little town called Loveland north of Denver and just south of Fort Collins. DH went to grad school at CSU. DH's first job took us to Wichita, KS where DS was born. Then we went to Lenexa, KS (Kansas City metro area), then North Richland Hills, TX (DFW), then Bedford, TX (also DFW) and now we are still in TX, but DH doesn't want me to disclose my exact location. We're still in TX!:thumbsup2

DH worked in downtown Ft. Worth. I loved the area there. We went to church in Southlake. I loved the Lifetime Fitness in Colleyville. They opened up a new Central Market in Southlake, but that was right after we moved. The Market Street grocery in Colleyville is pretty good too. The seafood counter will steam your fish for you while you shop. We would hit the salad bar and the bakery to round out a nicer easy meal sometimes.

Zumba was an excellent cardio work out! It's what I need!:laughing: Taking dance related classes will be fun, but I would enjoy taking a straight up dance class too, like your jazz. Maybe that would follow when I actually hit maintenance mode.:upsidedow

jewels1916

01-27-2009, 11:49 AM

Technically I'm from California!:goodvibes Born and raised for 18 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. Then I went to San Antonio at Trinity University (where I met DH). My parents had moved to Scottsdale. I lived with them for a while after I graduated and DH still had a bit to go. Then off to Colorado, a little town called Loveland north of Denver and just south of Fort Collins. DH went to grad school at CSU. DH's first job took us to Wichita, KS where DS was born. Then we went to Lenexa, KS (Kansas City metro area), then North Richland Hills, TX (DFW), then Bedford, TX (also DFW) and now we are still in TX, but DH doesn't want me to disclose my exact location. We're still in TX!:thumbsup2

DH worked in downtown Ft. Worth. I loved the area there. We went to church in Southlake. I loved the Lifetime Fitness in Colleyville. They opened up a new Central Market in Southlake, but that was right after we moved. The Market Street grocery in Colleyville is pretty good too. The seafood counter will steam your fish for you while you shop. We would hit the salad bar and the bakery to round out a nicer easy meal sometimes.

Zumba was an excellent cardio work out! It's what I need!:laughing: Taking dance related classes will be fun, but I would enjoy taking a straight up dance class too, like your jazz. Maybe that would follow when I actually hit maintenance mode.:upsidedow

That's too funny. You and I may have worked out at the same time, who knows! The gym I go to while visiting home is the Colleyville Lifetime Fitness. My family has been members for a long time. My sister and I used to hijack a raquetball court and dance in there. I even went to HS at Colleyville Heritage High School. :) Seems like you have lived a lot of places. I can't wait to be back in TX!

TxRabbit

01-27-2009, 11:58 AM

So Akershus made the list. For lunch.

DS has been asking about ethnicity. What are we anyway? What am I?:confused3 He's learning about all nationalities in his social studies.

Well, I am 1/2 Norwegian. So DS was all excited because he is 1/4 Norwegian and that is the most he is of anything. Boy, he really wants to try some Norwegian food! He wants lunch, not dinner. It's cool that it's in a castle, but not as big as Cinderella's castle, right? Right, son. The princesses are good. DS likes the princesses.:rotfl:

We might have to get Sleeping Beauty again so he can refresh his memory. It's been a long time since we saw it. He loved it. He had to have the Prince Phillip costume from the Disney store. And seriously, if you have seen that recently, it really is more about Phillip than Aurora. If you want to think of it that way. Aurora pretty much sleeps. Phillip gets all the action.:rotfl2:

This should actually be a pretty cool meal. It was the one restaurant that DH and I ate at in Disney on our Honeymoon. We did a timeshare tour thing to fund our honeymoon. So we had 4 days and 3 nights in Orlando as part of it. We did one day at Universal. We then picked Epcot, because I had been to Disneyland a ton, I wanted to see something new.

It rained all that day. So Epcot was pretty dead. The street acts were not anywhere. We ate in Norway because I wanted to try Norwegian food. Sound familiar?:scratchin It was a total buffet then. No princesses. The only thing that I really remember was that there was about 50 different kinds of herring. And I don't think I like any of them.:lmao:

I was missing DL so we headed on over to MK. We had such a blast.:banana:

So, since we are honoring our anniversary on this trip. I think I might order a cake to be served here. I've heard about people doing things like this. I need to research it more. It seems a fitting place to do it. I know that some other place may be more romantic, but this one has some sentimental value after all. Too bad I don't have any pictures from that meal.:sad1:

And I think I will mention here. I am pretty sure that I am going to upgrade DS to an adult. All the kid's menus are so dumbed down. I can't stand it. Even in the Norwegian place, there isn't any Norwegian option for a kid. You'd think they could offer one.:sad2: And don't get me started on CS. I've worked out the math. For what it will do for the value of my vacation, it will be money well spent.:thumbsup2 Oh. Incase you are wondering, it'll be just under $250 more if we did the basic DDP, and even less if we do the QS one.

TxRabbit

01-27-2009, 12:06 PM

That's too funny. You and I may have worked out at the same time, who knows! The gym I go to while visiting home is the Colleyville Lifetime Fitness. My family has been members for a long time. My sister and I used to hijack a raquetball court and dance in there. I even went to HS at Colleyville Heritage High School. :) Seems like you have lived a lot of places. I can't wait to be back in TX!

:lmao: :lmao: That IS funny!

I love that Lifetime! It's beautiful! It's like going to a spa. It just feels good in there. I miss the suana.:sad1: And the STEAM ROOM!:sad: I loved sitting in there after working out.:thumbsup2 We'd go swimming there a lot too. In fact, that's when we'd hit Market Street and get some healthy no cook food.:thumbsup2

I love living in TX. Especially with DS. There is something about it.:goodvibes

TxRabbit

01-27-2009, 01:02 PM

I'm in the mood to talk today! I took my car in for its 30K service, and am stuck at home alone. Maybe that's why!

I still haven't decided which way to go with the meal plan. We are starting to add a few TS meals. They aren't super expensive TS meals. We have some Disney Reward Dollars to spend too.

Anyway, sorry for the boring post, but I am going to use this one to keep track of my plans moneywise and will be updating it periodically as I try to figure this all out.

Sorry if this is boring!:blush:

Donald's Safari Breakfast
Adults (2) $18.99
Holiday surcharge 8.00
Child 10.99
Holiday surcharge 2.00
Subtotal 58.97
Tax (6%?) 3.54
Total $62.50 ($73.11 for 3 adults)

Akershus Lunch
Adults (3) $30.99
Holiday surcharge 12.00
Subtotal 104.97
Tax 6.30
Total $111.27

Ragland Road
Figuring this one is much harder. The ideal trio of entrees, if we did the DDP basic, would be this:

Serious Sirloin Steak $23.95
Salmon of Knowledge 22.95
Keen Eye for the Shepherd's Pie 16.95

But then I don't even know if we would have room for dessert! It might be easier to just order two entrees to split between the three of us and have plenty of room for dessert. But it's me, I would like to try the Shepherd's Pie!

Because the Scotch flight will be ordered here. And I am sure that I will have some brew. I only wish they served Beamish here. I wonder if they do? SOOO tasty. My parents drank it IN Cork! They fell in love with it and introduced me to it. :drinking1

Two entrees/two desserts: $67.71
Three entrees/two desserts: $85.68
Three entrees/three desserts: $94.15

QS DDP: $629.79
DDP Basic: $839.79

Difference: $210

Donald's Breakfast: $62.50
Arkershus Lunch: 111.27
Ragland Road: $67.71 min $94.15 max
Total $241.48 min $267.92 max
Difference ($31.48) min ($57.92) max

I was considering paying OOP for our TS meals. Depending on how we ordered at Ragland Road we would pay between $32 and $58 dollars more than the the cost of the basic DDP for the DDP QS plus three TS OOP.

At this point, it isn't worth it to me to get the DDP TS. Not yet. I don't have enough TS meals to make it worth while. Right now I am looking at a total of 42 CS meals, 42 snacks, 3 family trips to TS, and 3 refill cups for the cost of the DPP Basic plus $60 max. That seems like a lot of flexibility and some TS fun for the money.:thumbsup2

Of course, this is ALL dependent on whether or not I can resist any other TS right?:lmao: :lmao:

WDWRocksMySocks

01-27-2009, 01:40 PM

That picture was the one that I got with my MYW coupon. MNSSHP sounds like so much fun. I would love to that one year. I have to weigh the consequences of taking DS out of school against it though. If you are familiar with G&T programs and the children in them, you would understand my DS. He is anxious to please, is very tough on himself, and HATES coming back to school after being absent (like if he's sick). I'm not sure that he would do well with a MNSSHP trip until later years.:rolleyes:

Yeah, probably doesn't sound like a great idea to pull him out of school right now. Hopefully you guys will be able to go some time in the future. It's definitely worth it at least once.

And I think I will mention here. I am pretty sure that I am going to upgrade DS to an adult. All the kid's menus are so dumbed down. I can't stand it. Even in the Norwegian place, there isn't any Norwegian option for a kid. You'd think they could offer one.:sad2: And don't get me started on CS. I've worked out the math. For what it will do for the value of my vacation, it will be money well spent.:thumbsup2 Oh. Incase you are wondering, it'll be just under $250 more if we did the basic DDP, and even less if we do the QS one.

My oldest nephew (9 yo) wanted adult meals too. The kids menus at WDW are severely lacking. Although, I must admit that I like to order off them when I'm not too hungry. Hey, it's cheaper!

Disneyfan71

01-28-2009, 01:23 AM

I'm on board for your trip...I know you're excited. We're going in June too..14th-23rd, staying at Pop!! And you look very, very pretty in that red dress :)

TxRabbit

01-29-2009, 10:14 AM

Yeah, probably doesn't sound like a great idea to pull him out of school right now. Hopefully you guys will be able to go some time in the future. It's definitely worth it at least once.

My oldest nephew (9 yo) wanted adult meals too. The kids menus at WDW are severely lacking. Although, I must admit that I like to order off them when I'm not too hungry. Hey, it's cheaper!

If I were to pull DS from school, I'd really like to go during the Nights of Joy. I don't know if they still are planning those though.:rolleyes:

I'm on board for your trip...I know you're excited. We're going in June too..14th-23rd, staying at Pop!! And you look very, very pretty in that red dress :)

:welcome:
Thank you for the complement.

Your trip planning is a crack up! Very suspenseful post yesterday.:rotfl:

We ARE excited. My parents said that they hadn't seen Peter look so relaxed in a long time. Disney is really a wonderful break from reality. I am so looking forward to going.

jewels1916

01-29-2009, 11:47 AM

VroomVroomLightning

01-29-2009, 11:49 AM

I found your TR off of someone else's! I have read it all today and love when you go into detail with your thoughts. The Math you have there looks like my notebook I have made but all that was done when deciding to use my Mom's code or wait for free dining and what resort to stay at! And our winning decision was WL too! But we aren't going until September. So you can get me all excited about it when you get back! I look forward to hearing more about your plans!

TxRabbit

01-29-2009, 01:49 PM

I :rotfl2: that you sat down and calculated the expected cost for the meals. I do that too!! I want to know for sure if the dining plan is going to be worth it! Of course...my list of TS restaurants that I want to try far exceeds the number of meals I can have on my trip...heh.

Oh I definitely have more TS meals that I would love to try.::yes:: I could so easily get the deluxe plan and go to 3 TS a day!:rotfl:

I was actually contemplating the idea of this. What if I planned 3 TS a day and eat like I normally would? Would it still be a good deal?

Early start, head to The Wave at CR for breakfast and have eggs benedict (which I saw on someone's dining TR and looked divine). Do the monorail hop to Epcot and ride all around Future World in the morning. Then lunch in Le Cellier for Cheese Soup and Salad. I would probably skip dessert and eat a snack later in one of the countries. Play KP around the world and eat dinner at Coral Reef, Curry Cauliflower Soup (I LOVE curry) and Mahi Mahi, and probably share two desserts with the family. All of these restaurants would be new to my family.

So for me, $15.56 for breakfast, $24.36 for lunch, <$4.00 afternoon snack, $43.43 dinner equals <$87.35 for the day. This would be a savings on the $71.99 it actually costs to do this.

I'm hopeful that on another trip to the World, we will do this.:goodvibes

I AM feeling the pull of more TS restaurants though. I wish I had park hours so that I could get the feel of what my days would be like. I could be happy with eating TS just every other day on this trip.

I found your TR off of someone else's! I have read it all today and love when you go into detail with your thoughts. The Math you have there looks like my notebook I have made but all that was done when deciding to use my Mom's code or wait for free dining and what resort to stay at! And our winning decision was WL too! But we aren't going until September. So you can get me all excited about it when you get back! I look forward to hearing more about your plans!

:welcome:
You are so sweet, loving my detailed thoughts.:goodvibes I worry that they are beyond boring, but for those that like details, it may help. I hope it does.

I am getting really excited for WL! I think September would be a great month to visit. Still warm enough to wear summer clothes (which are so much easier to pack :laughing:) but not quite as hot.:thumbsup2 We'll be back in school then, so I'll have to relive our trip through yours!:flower3:

2BoysMom

01-29-2009, 05:31 PM

So Akershus made the list. For lunch.

So, since we are honoring our anniversary on this trip. I think I might order a cake to be served here. I've heard about people doing things like this. I need to research it more. It seems a fitting place to do it. I know that some other place may be more romantic, but this one has some sentimental value after all. Too bad I don't have any pictures from that meal.:sad1:

If you check out my trip report, the Princess party I had for the boys at Akershus included a nice sized cake. There is a small glimpse of it, in the picture where they are blowing out candles...

I still haven't decided which way to go with the meal plan. We are starting to add a few TS meals. They aren't super expensive TS meals. We have some Disney Reward Dollars to spend too.

Donald's Safari Breakfast
Adults (2) $18.99
Holiday surcharge 8.00
Child 10.99
Holiday surcharge 2.00
Subtotal 58.97
Tax (6%?) 3.54
Total $62.50 ($73.11 for 3 adults)

Akershus Lunch
Adults (3) $30.99
Holiday surcharge 12.00
Subtotal 104.97
Tax 6.30
Total $111.27

Donald's Breakfast: $62.50
Arkershus Lunch: 111.27
Ragland Road: $67.71 min $94.15 max
Total $241.48 min $267.92 max
Difference ($31.48) min ($57.92) max

At this point, it isn't worth it to me to get the DDP TS. Not yet. I don't have enough TS meals to make it worth while. Right now I am looking at a total of 42 CS meals, 42 snacks, 3 family trips to TS, and 3 refill cups for the cost of the DPP Basic plus $60 max. That seems like a lot of flexibility and some TS fun for the money.:thumbsup2

Hey Rabbit, I have been trying to work out the numbers on whether or not I should do the basic DDP. If I read your "musings" correctly, you think, b/c you only have a few TS's that the plan is not worth it for you? Am I correct? Could I ask you to look at my PTR and see the ADR's that I have reserved, and see if you think it would be worth it for me to get the DDP?

I've never done it before, and I have also tried working the numbers, and I thought since I do have a few TS's which include character meals, that it WOULD be worth it, but I can't get the #'s to work in my favor. Do you think I'm doing it wrong? Am I asking you for too much to look on my behalf? :flower3: (what if I included a flower?) :flower3: I feel like such a numbskull when it comes to these dining plans....
Thanks, Donna

Happydog

01-29-2009, 08:57 PM

Early start, head to The Wave at CR for breakfast and have eggs benedict (which I saw on someone's dining TR and looked divine).

I am getting really excited for WL!

First, The Wave is great. At least we thought so when we went in November, but we had dinner.

Second, We are going to WL in June as well, and I agree, It is super exciting to think about! We have never been in the summer. Only the fall. I am a little nervous about that. We live in MD, so no strangers to humidity, etc., but we live at the pool in the summer, vs. touring theme parks.:faint:

Your planning sounds great! I am now rethinking the whole Askershus idea after reading your post and others (if I can ever remember how to spell it :upsidedow) and thinking my two boys would like it ... And we are looking at a pirate cruise so my DH and I can have a mimosa-filled breakfast out while the boys are "captive" and captivated! :goodvibes The trip is a surprise for my sons (both June boys) and my DH (also June Bday). I can't take them out of school so all three of them have their actual B-day there, only two... Hubby and oldest boy. And I do mean out of school for all three b/c my DH is a teacher :lmao: I am trying to figure out how to actually "surprise" the kids. They still talk about our Nov trip, so I know they will be thrilled.

Here's to March and ADR day!:)

TxRabbit

01-30-2009, 08:48 AM

If you check out my trip report, the Princess party I had for the boys at Akershus included a nice sized cake. There is a small glimpse of it, in the picture where they are blowing out candles...

Am I asking you for too much to look on my behalf? :flower3: (what if I included a flower?) :flower3:
Thanks, Donna

What size cake was that? There are some cakes that you can order at the podium when you check in, but they can only be Happy Birthday cakes. I definitely want a Happy Anniversary cake. Did you eat the whole cake while you were there? We would probably have leftovers. I'm wondering what in the world I would do with the leftovers. We'll have a fridge in the room, but what do I do? Walk around with left over cake? Or would I have to head right back to the room? What did you do?

First, The Wave is great. At least we thought so when we went in November, but we had dinner.

Second, We are going to WL in June as well, and I agree, It is super exciting to think about! We have never been in the summer. Only the fall. I am a little nervous about that. We live in MD, so no strangers to humidity, etc., but we live at the pool in the summer, vs. touring theme parks.:faint:

Your planning sounds great! I am now rethinking the whole Askershus idea after reading your post and others (if I can ever remember how to spell it :upsidedow) and thinking my two boys would like it ... And we are looking at a pirate cruise so my DH and I can have a mimosa-filled breakfast out while the boys are "captive" and captivated! :goodvibes The trip is a surprise for my sons (both June boys) and my DH (also June Bday). I can't take them out of school so all three of them have their actual B-day there, only two... Hubby and oldest boy. And I do mean out of school for all three b/c my DH is a teacher :lmao: I am trying to figure out how to actually "surprise" the kids. They still talk about our Nov trip, so I know they will be thrilled.

Here's to March and ADR day!:)

:welcome:

How fun! We'll both be at WL in June!:banana: Great minds think alike!:rotfl:

I wouldn't worry about the heat in June. July and August are much worse. I've been there for both. June should be hot, don't get me wrong, but not as hot as later in the summer. Technically, summer doesn't even START until June 21.:lmao:

The heat is really so tolerable. Most of the lines have a/c. The stores have a/c. A lot of restaurants have a/c. The rides have a/c. Where you start to lose it is when you have to book it from one end of the park to the other. Or rush to make it to your ADR. You just need to relax. Get wet. Ride Splash Mountain. Play in the fountains at Donald's boat in Toontown. Play in the fountains in Epcot. Browse the stores in WS, and anywhere else for that matter. Ride Kali Rapids. Go in the bathroom and dunk your head in the sink. Get out of the sun in the afternoon, or go back to your resort and get into the pool.

I'm not a WDW expert. But going twice in one year gave me some insight that I will share here. Because I can. Because it's MY PTR and I will pontificate if I want to!:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

Spring Break touring was all about the parks. Really. The weather wasn't condusive to swimming. It was a time to focus on the parks, the rides, the shows, the food. Spring Break was all about DO DO DO.

Summer is still about the parks, but in a different way almost. Summer is also when you can take full advantage of the resort amenities. The games, the pool, etc etc. The heat makes you stop, relax, take a break. For us anyway. The resort means something more in the summer. You still should have a time where you live at the pool, or at the water parks. Even if you have a great personal pool, or community pool, it isn't the same as the atmosphere that you can enjoy at the resort pools. So take advantage of it. Have FUN! This probably won't be the last trip you ever take to WDW, so save something for another trip. Make FUN the ultimate goal of the trip, NOT riding as many rides as you possibly can so that you can be exhausted by the end of your vacation and need another vacation just to recover.

Surprising your boys is going to be so much fun! You'll definitely have to tell how you do when you do!:goodvibes

tinkgurl

01-30-2009, 08:52 AM

I wouldn't worry about the heat in June. July and August are much worse. I've been there for both. June should be hot, don't get me wrong, but not as hot as later in the summer.

I so agree with you! We were amazed how different June was from July!

TxRabbit

01-30-2009, 08:54 AM

I think we all can agree that we learn something new on every trip to WDW. :teacher: There is something that we definitely want to repeat.:thumbsup2 And something that we will definitely NEVER do again.:scared:

Since I am trying to NOT make super long posts every time, I will only talk about one definite repeater for our upcoming trip. In order for it to make sense, I must go BACK and reminisce about our August 2007 trip. It's a good story, keep reading.

I already mentioned that our ressie had changed from AKL std view (I admit, I WAS hoping for an upgrade:rolleyes1 ) to Beach Club, also std view. Many had gotten better deals. Many had gotten upgraded views, etc. I tried to quench my envy of others and determined to be grateful to get the Beach Club, which was a pretty good upgrade in and of itself.:angel:

After waiting, dreaming and planning for MONTHS, our travel date finally arrived.:banana:

Did I mention Bolt lost his third tooth the night before? He'd had two loose since before school ended. The toothfairy WAS all prepared for what was sure to happen in WDW. But the first one came out on Departure Eve.

Already, the trip was filled with excitement. Three half dollars from the toothfairy! (half dollars are big kid money I was informed by Bolt, because in Kindergarten, when they were learning about money, dealing with the half dollars was tricky, they would learn about that in an older grade.) So needless to say, Bolt felt very grown up with his half dollars, and we were off to the airport.

A trip to Starbucks and we were REALLY on our way!

We said goodbye to our luggage at the curb. Yay for ME!

Easy flight. Easy arrival. We were in Florida before NOON!:woohoo:

ME was a piece of cake. We walked into our bus line right as it was beginning to board the bus. What timing!

We arrived at Beach Club. Hello? Are you you? ::yes:: You are! Please follow me.

We were the Beach Club Family of the Day!:cool1:

Our oh-so nice and friendly CM handed us balloons, gathered many other official CM from the hotel and we took a lovely picture in the lobby.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/58aef23c.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/3b1bff2a.jpg

We were escorted to check in.

We weren't given our keys.

We were escorted to our room. It was explained to us along the way that we would need to use our key to access our floor, because, are you ready for it?, we had been upgraded to Concierge!!!

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Hello golden keys!

It turns out that we LOVED concierge level! I mean, who wouldn't? Especially when it's a free upgrade!:rotfl:

Now understand. I don't think many have a vacation style where they take full advantage of concierge. You really need to be at your resort at key times during the day. We understood this. And it fit with our touring, vacationing style.

Peter and I met in college. He was in the brother fraternity to my sorority. These were local Greeks, in some ways worse than nationals, and in some ways, so much better. Did we party? Um, yes.:rolleyes1 Do we still? No, not to that extent anymore. We have matured into responsible parents, who take that responsibility to heart. We have learned moderation. But let's just say that when the ocassion calls for it, we fully know how to take advantage of FREE. Especially when adult libation is involved.:drinking1

Evening is when concierge really shines. And Peter and I were masters at stocking our fridge. Sometimes the evening offerings were meal worthy, and we just filled our plates and relaxed in the privacy and peace of our beautiful room. One night ribs and soup were the main courses, with plenty of tasty side dishes and snacks. Each evening had an offering that satisfied our veggie cravings at the least. Don't you feel veggie deprived in WDW?:confused3

Because we were generally around the resort in the late afternoon/early evening we had a nice relaxing break from the crowds, the noise, the busy-ness. That's our touring style. We do like some peace on our vacation. Even if it's in WDW!

Every morning, Peter grabbed a latte on the way out the door. We all grabbed a bite which was enough to satisfy us for the early morning. We aren't big first thing in the morning eaters.

The point of the story is that the concierge lounge was a wonderful addition to our trip. We made excellent use of the convenience of the offerings. Sometimes, we would use the lounge. Most often, we would get plates and take them back to our room.

And here is the application of the lesson. Since we are driving this year, there is no reason why I can't be our own concierge service. I know that many people bring breakfast foods and snacks for their room, etc. Or they use a grocery delivery service. But I think their mindset isn't there.:sad2: They aren't thinking concierge when they plan their food. They may think convenience and saving money, but not concierge.

And here is where the beauty of those freshvac containers really comes into play. I've used them for travel in the past. They are HANDY. I can easily bring along yummy tasty concierge style treats. And yes, I DO mean that I am bringing veggies, dip, hummus, flat bread, fruit, bagels, cream cheese, and whatever else strikes my fancy. The fact of the matter is that I might even bring my toaster and my crock pot! Don't you just LOVE artichoke/spinach dip!?! I DO!:lmao:

For me, it is all about enjoyment. I love Disney. There is so much to do and see and experience. But relaxing and getting rest HAS to be a part of our vacation. Our life is too structured right now, especially with DH commuting 120+ miles a day!:drive: Down time has to be a regular part of our vacation days.

Concierge wasn't available for our dates. I'm not sure I would want to pay for it right now with our financial goals. But that won't stop me from deriving that same type of enjoyment during my vacation this year. I'm a smart girl and I can figure out how to do it in such a way that I don't feel like I'm still working while on vacation.

So stay tuned for how I plan to bring the concierge lounge level to our courtyard view! And please, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or experiences, please share.:goodvibes

Happydog

01-30-2009, 07:47 PM

Get out of the sun in the afternoon, or go back to your resort and get into the pool.

Spring Break touring was all about the parks. Really. The weather wasn't condusive to swimming. It was a time to focus on the parks, the rides, the shows, the food. Spring Break was all about DO DO DO.

Make FUN the ultimate goal of the trip, NOT riding as many rides as you possibly can so that you can be exhausted by the end of your vacation and need another vacation just to recover.

Surprising your boys is going to be so much fun! You'll definitely have to tell how you do when you do!:goodvibes

First, wow I am impressed with your calculations on the pros and cons of the DDP. Your ideas gave me more to think about. We are on the fence still, so it was really helpful.

Second, OH do I hear you about needing a vactation to recover. This past November was a little like that for us. We were at the park more or less all day, and we were staying at SSR, which was nice, but so far away from the parks, that coming back to take a break seemed like it would take too long. And then I had ADRS earlier for the kids' sake, so we just couldn't make it back in time if we did decide to leave. (we did earn two sets of YOMD fast passes at the MK so that was a little perk that kept us going during Jersey Week! :) ) So it was a fun week, in the sense that we took in a lot, rode rides galore (at least DS got to ride Space Mtn before it closed up) but each evening we all collapsed at the resort. I just felt wound up the whole time. :hyper: A little like the "Dumbo or Die" tour that is described in the "Unofficial Disney Guide" ! And so I have officially learned my lesson. We will be going back to the resort every day around noon, I just see it as the best thing to do, and the WL pool is great. We were there last when our boys were 3 and 6 mos. But we came with the MIL and a great grandmother, so they were the key. I realize that there was plenty we didn't do in November, so I am looking forward to this more leisurely trip to do those things and catch the rides we loved and to "have FUN" as you said! I will share my B-day surprise as soon as I come up with a good idea. :goodvibes

I love your ideas for bringing "gourmet" snack stashes to dress up your Courtyard view! We plan to bring wine and other things for the kids and us too. Breakfast mostly. I read on a post somewhere about people bringing toasters, I laughed originally, but it isn't a bad idea. One can only eat cherrios for so many days... :rotfl: I am looking forward to your ideas! If I have any I will let you know!

2BoysMom

01-30-2009, 08:46 PM

I love your ideas for bringing "gourmet" snack stashes to dress up your Courtyard view! We plan to bring wine and other things for the kids and us too. Breakfast mostly. I read on a post somewhere about people bringing toasters, I laughed originally, but it isn't a bad idea. One can only eat cherrios for so many days... :rotfl: I am looking forward to your ideas! If I have any I will let you know!

I'm actually thinking about bringing my Vitamix +/or juicer! There's an idea.

TxRabbit

01-30-2009, 09:06 PM

I'm actually thinking about bringing my Vitamix +/or juicer! There's an idea.

Is that that super powerful blender? My Mom has one of those. Hers needed a new motor or something. She bought a good but not super expensive blender (those Vitamix are a little pricy, good machines, but it is an investment in a kitchen tool) to use until she could deal with fixing her Vitamix. My blender recently bit the dust. My mom is giving me her temp KitchenAid blender when they visit in April.

Do you make smoothies? That is what I was using my blender for. Seriously.:scratchin I haven't had my blender for a while, so I totally forgot about it, but I LOVE smoothies in the morning. I just might bring MY blender!:rotfl:

Toasters are such a great idea. I would largely use mine for bagels for DS. He eats one on most days. I am happiest when he eats it with peanut butter. Cream cheese is okay. But I think peanut butter is healthier. Especially since I grew up on natural, must stir it, or have difficulty spreading it because it has to be in the fridge kind of peanut butter and now it is the only kind that I can stand to eat.:laughing:

Happydog

01-31-2009, 08:14 AM

My husband will think I am going way overboard if I bring appliances on this trip. But if a toaster magically appears ... pixiedust: he won't complain about a toasted bagel :thumbsup2 DO the WL resort rooms have space? I know the Villas have the wet bar space, and I think they come with them (and microwaves) We actually had a reservation for a studio, but I wanted to stay in the "resort" building this time, so we changed it. DH said we shouldn't stay in the studio just because we get a yard of counter space -- at SSR we only used the fridge and the sink to rinse out things anyway. When we stayed at WLV before, we had the kitchen, and we used it, but that was a different trip with a baby and more people involved.

SO have you finally decided to NOT do the DDP? Your notes and calculations for your plans seem like you are going to use QS meals mostly, so you can have the flexibility. I really appreciated your insight into the DDP and at what point it is or isn't a value. Are you an accountant?!! :upsidedow

Your dance classes sound so fun -- what a great idea. We don't have anything like that readily available, close, that is, except kick boxing where my kid takes Karate... Which I am not sure I am ready for!:)

I think you posted back somewhere about waiting for the June park schedules and I am equally as :mad: about that!

And I was glad to hear June won't be HOT hot, but only mostly hot:p

Did you say your son is in 1st grade? Or 2nd? Mine is in 1st. He will turn 7 this June. I understand the GT profile you were describing earlier in your TR... We did take ours out of school this past Nov, but b/c there were two days with no school (for a teacher workday and election day) he only missed three days. We left on Nov 1st, and stayed a week (we had to do Halloween at home it is insane in our neighborhood) but that was also Jersey Week, which, contrary to many reports, was not crazy crowded :crowded: I was able to come up with some great "lessons" for him, while he was there, he loved doing math and writing about Disney, and he had lots to share when he got back. Someone on the board had recommended giving kids disposable cameras. It was a great tip. I bought two before we left, and he had so much fun taking pictures of his own and was so proud of them.

I hope you don't mind me being so chatty and asking you all these questions... I talk a lot too...:p Your PTR is a place for you to tell us more about what you are doing! I will enjoy hearing all you plan until the big day! And I hope you meet your goals along the way as well!:cheer2:

TxRabbit

01-31-2009, 11:58 AM

My husband will think I am going way overboard if I bring appliances on this trip. But if a toaster magically appears ... pixiedust: he won't complain about a toasted bagel :thumbsup2 DO the WL resort rooms have space?

Peter reads what I write on the trip report. (I had to fast forward for where I was talking about the surprise cake:ssst:) He got to the part about my bringing toasters and crock pot and he gave me that look. The are you serious? look.:rotfl2:

I don't know if the WL rooms have the space.:confused3 I haven't done a major search for room pics yet. I think the rooms are pretty similar to AKL. At AKL, I would probably set up shop on top of the dresser. If you look at the floor plan of the rooms, here on the resort info pages, you can see a box inbetween where the door comes into the room and the closet that is across from the sink area. That is the dresser. In AKL, it was fairly tall, maybe 5-6 drawers? The kind an adult can see the top of, but not a kid. I can't remember if there was electricity there though.:scratchin I'm really hoping there is. That's where I anticipate putting the appliances I might bring.

I DO remember that the little coffee maker was in the bathroom area. I think there was a ledge of some sort that went the width of the sink area. The coffee maker was there. I don't think that ledge would be big enough for anything but a skinny toaster though. The kind with one big slot instead of two side by side.

SO have you finally decided to NOT do the DDP? Your notes and calculations for your plans seem like you are going to use QS meals mostly, so you can have the flexibility. I really appreciated your insight into the DDP and at what point it is or isn't a value. Are you an accountant?!! :upsidedow

:lmao: I am not an accountant. But the way I love math and puzzles, you'd think I would be! I studied marketing though. And then went on to graphics design and desktop publishing. But I was best at technical writing. The details, you understand.:upsidedow :rotfl2:

We still are signed on for the QS DDP. I really want this trip to be more of a go with the flow, relaxing kind of thing. There are a couple of things that are keeping the QS DDP in the running for me. And I have to preface this by saying that I am NOT a liar or a cheater. I WILL however, work the system. SO. That said.

The QS would entitle us to 28 adult meals and 14 kid meals. Because of my taste in restaurants, there are times where DS would be happy with the kids selections. Like WPE, WPCE, Pecos Bills' actually has hamburgers on the kids' meals, etc, And quite frankly, if we ever used CS for breakfast all 3 of us would be happy with a kid meal.

There are so many discussions on these boards about the CS credits, are they pooled, are they separate, etc etc. How will they know if you use an adult meal for a kid, etc.? I believe that I should be able to use my credits anyway I want. If we want adults to eat kids meals for breakfast, and let kids eat adult meals for lunch/dinner, we should be able to. And that's what I am analyzing right now.

The fact is that the DDP is a steal for the kids, especially the QS one. It's like they get free snacks and a free refill mug, because two kids meals pays for the DDP daily cost. I think that we will still do the QS DDP, and add on the 3 TS that I have already talked about.

I hate to say this, because in the future I want to be able to pay cash for everything. But I am fully intending on using my Disney Chase to pay for this trip. And I will do the 6 months same as cash. Our 0% interest rate is over May 15. And we are trying to pay off over 20K in credit card at that time. I'm squeaking every penny for what they are worth right now. I can't get the Disney trip done as well. However, we have successfully used same as cash financing in the past. I know I can pay Chase off in time. I need the majority of the cost of food to be a part of the vacation package so that I have 6 months to pay it off.:blush:

Your dance classes sound so fun -- what a great idea. We don't have anything like that readily available, close, that is, except kick boxing where my kid takes Karate... Which I am not sure I am ready for!:)

I think you posted back somewhere about waiting for the June park schedules and I am equally as :mad: about that!

And I was glad to hear June won't be HOT hot, but only mostly hot:p

Did you say your son is in 1st grade? Or 2nd? Mine is in 1st. He will turn 7 this June. I understand the GT profile you were describing earlier in your TR... We did take ours out of school this past Nov, but b/c there were two days with no school (for a teacher workday and election day) he only missed three days. We left on Nov 1st, and stayed a week (we had to do Halloween at home it is insane in our neighborhood) but that was also Jersey Week, which, contrary to many reports, was not crazy crowded :crowded: I was able to come up with some great "lessons" for him, while he was there, he loved doing math and writing about Disney, and he had lots to share when he got back. Someone on the board had recommended giving kids disposable cameras. It was a great tip. I bought two before we left, and he had so much fun taking pictures of his own and was so proud of them.

I hope you don't mind me being so chatty and asking you all these questions... I talk a lot too...:p Your PTR is a place for you to tell us more about what you are doing! I will enjoy hearing all you plan until the big day! And I hope you meet your goals along the way as well!:cheer2:

DS is in second grade. What you did sounds like what I would do, if I pulled him from school for a trip. Make it the week where there are already days off for some reason. Those weeks are never productive in the class anyway.:goodvibes

That's the umpteenth time I've read about giving your kid their own camera. I have GOT to remember that! I definitely want to do it. I would love to see what DS would take pictures of!::yes::

I LOVE you being chatty!::yes:: It's why I started a PTR! To chat!::yes::

Unfortunately, now I must go deal with the fridge. I have started buying groceries in bulk, and weird. I am taking advantage of the sales and rock bottom prices and buying a store full of that item. My fridge is packed! I can't find anything in it. I need to get it straightened out. But before I could do that, I needed a clean kitchen counter. And dishes and me...well we don't get along so well. DH cleaned the kitchen for me this morning though. :love: So I need to do something productive as well.

Not that this isn't productive.:upsidedow

Happydog

01-31-2009, 12:41 PM

I haven't done a major search for room pics yet. I think the rooms are pretty similar to AKL. I DO remember that the little coffee maker was in the bathroom area.

The fact is that the DDP is a steal for the kids, especially the QS one. It's like they get free snacks and a free refill mug, because two kids meals pays for the DDP daily cost. I think that we will still do the QS DDP, and add on the 3 TS that I have already talked about.

I need the majority of the cost of food to be a part of the vacation package so that I have 6 months to pay it off.:blush:

That's the umpteenth time I've read about giving your kid their own camera. I have GOT to remember that! I definitely want to do it. I would love to see what DS would take pictures of!::yes::

And dishes and me...well we don't get along so well. DH cleaned the kitchen for me this morning though. :love: So I need to do something productive as well.

Not that this isn't productive.:upsidedow

Well Allears.net has photos galore, fyi, and there are room photos there. There is some cabinet with the fridge in it. I bring my own coffee b/c I can't stand the fake-o stuff that they have at the resort (Nesca-crud) Though I remember WL has a REAL coffee spot in their market area... Refillable mugs were very handy.

Yeah, I think we are going to go ahead and do the DDP, but we are planning for a few signature meals, so that helps me to feel we are getting the $ for it, and with two kids, it makes sense. Yeah I was following all the discussion about the QS credits, too. I think they are pooled together, though what is available on the kid meal for QS and TS is often a deciding factor for if I go that restaurant, etc.

Yes to the 0%. We signed up for the Disney card for the same reason, so we could use it to finance the vacation, etc. Did it in Nov and now again for June. I have been using it for groceries since we got it, and have collected some points we can use on the trip.

DH does the dishes, I do the laundry. Though I think I get the short end of the stick with this one. 4 bodies = MOUNDS of laundry. :laughing: And since the mound that I have just pulled out of the dryer is calling me, I am off to fold!:wave2:

TxRabbit

02-03-2009, 10:13 AM

Two events are affecting my planning. One, I already knew about. One, I just found out about this past weekend.

So, event one. There is the thought that there will be a big family trip to WDW in 2010. I had asked about this year. No. Next year. Okay. The big group will most likely include my family, my Sister-in-law and her two kids (DS8 soon to be 9 and DD5), my sister-in-law and her new husband, my mother and father-in-law. The knowledge that this big crew may go on a family trip next year has me steering clear of certain TS choices. Like Ohana's. I think that sounds like it'd be more fun with a bigger group. And Sci-Fi, which we have been to before and love, but with 3 in the group, mmmm, it'd be better with even numbers. Etc etc. You get the point.

This has sort of been helping me to reduce the number of TS that I want to eat at this trip. Sort of.

The big event that is having immediate impact on my WDW planning is the announcement that my sister-in-law is getting married this summer. No real surprise there. Except it may be in Colorado.:scared: :crazy2: in July.

Normally, this would be cool. I used to live in CO. I have family in CO. I love CO. I was married in CO in July. But that would be quite a trip to pile on when we are already going to WDW in late June.

I'm talking about money and time. Money is obvious. Time off work. Do we try to fly there? It is farther than WDW! That could be expensive, because then we would have to rent a car as well.

And without being judgmental or critical, the fact is that DHs family commonly changes plans. They aren't planner people and even when they do make a plan, it often changes. So all this is somewhat putting a damper on my WDW planning.:sad1:

I'm beginning to feel like the money outlay this summer is too high. And I'm not quite sure what to do about it.

Going to a wedding is NOT a vacation. We need a vacation. DH NEEDS a vacation. I'm not thinking about canceling WDW. But I guess I AM considering cutting back on the expense of it. Which would mean changing resorts more than anything.

But I have to admit. That thought is like :sad: :sad: :sad: .

It's why I haven't been writing much.

On a different note. I'm going to dance class tonight. Belly AND zumba. oof. We'll see how that goes. I hope I can make it. Yesterday, I felt so sick. It was horrible. I'm a little better today though.

I could use some cheering up.:guilty:

jewels1916

02-03-2009, 10:22 AM

Oh, Rabbit! I feel your pain! My cousin announced that he is getting married this year. In Mexico. The Saturday after Thanksgiving. AKA, a week before my Disney trip. And Mexico or not, going to a wedding is not a vacation, because we would only be there for like, 2 days. I hope it all works out for you! And I hope that you feel better! Are you still enjoying your dance classes?

TeaForTulips

02-03-2009, 11:06 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about the added planning stress! :crazy2: Our trip is the last week of April and we are going to Florida again (non Disney trip) in July. That has me totally stressed in the time and money department, so I can't imagine how this wedding is impacting you. Luckily at the moment I know there will be no surprises such as that in my future. I'm sure all will go just as great as you are hoping! :goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-03-2009, 01:04 PM

Do you make smoothies? That is what I was using my blender for. Seriously.:scratchin I haven't had my blender for a while, so I totally forgot about it, but I LOVE smoothies in the morning. I just might bring MY blender!:rotfl:

Smoothies are the only thing I use my blender for nowadays. I love making them for breakfast!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that you're bummed about the family wedding. I hope it all works out without you having to sacrifice where you stay. Although it would stink to change resorts, at least you'd still be able to go to WDW. So, that's good news.

Happydog

02-03-2009, 03:45 PM

Another DISer had a similar dilemma on her PTR recently, she felt she wasn't hooked on her current resort enough to justify the DLX cost, and moved to CBR, which is great, and where of course they have the new pool so that was a plus, too ... that change saved her $800.00+ ... so maybe moving to a less expensive resort will still allow you to take the trip, and will allow you to feel more fiscally responsible with these pending expenses. Look at what is available for your week, then you can really see the difference a switch might make? Anything else you can do to trim the trip expenses to CO or to WDW?:scratchin

bethk78

02-03-2009, 04:35 PM

TxRabbit

02-03-2009, 05:05 PM

I just caught up on your pre-trip and am really enjoying it. I have similar goals. Lots more weight than you to lose but so far so good. :) We're planning a trip for January 2010 but only if we lose a certain amount of weight by June will we make the reservations.

I understand the family dilemma. DH's family lives in Canada and at first we used most of our annual vacation time visiting them but the last couple of years we've been doing more of what we want to do as those trips didn't seem like a vacation at all. There's just not enough vacation time to go around. Don't worry, everything'll work out for the best. :hug:

:welcome:

I wish you well with your weight goals.:goodvibes A Disney trip is really good incentive to get cracking with it.

We also spent vacation time visiting family. That's why our first family vacation was that spring break trip. I think I always knew, but that trip reinforced that visiting family isn't really vacation. And vacations are much needed in life!:lmao:

So, everyone, I did read the Fat Flushing books and some of the info in there is really good. It actually mirrors what DH and I did when we had such successful weight loss three years ago. So we are getting geared up to do the one day Fast Track Detox. There's a 7-day prequel to it. We are aiming for next Wednesday.

This will be followed up with the 14 day Phase 1 plan.

I'll let you know how it all goes.

Thank y'all so much for your encouraging words.:grouphug:

I think that I am just going to continue planning our vacation as I was. I don't know where everyone's faith is. I'll just say that in mine, I am not to be swayed by circumstances, but should pursue doing what is the right thing to do. I know that this trip as planned so far is the right thing to do. So. I am happy. Everything else will work out.:angel:

The deal is that the wedding could very well be right here.:confused3 If that were to take place, then I would regret the way that I altered our vacation. If the wedding is in CO, well, we will have to deal with that when it comes. I am comforted by the fact that the bride, groom, my sis-in-law and kids, and parents-in-law will ALL have to find a way up to CO from here. I think we can work something out. I may not end up as independent as I would like on that trip, but I think that we can get it done for not too much $$$.

2BoysMom

02-03-2009, 08:02 PM

What size cake was that? There are some cakes that you can order at the podium when you check in, but they can only be Happy Birthday cakes. I definitely want a Happy Anniversary cake. Did you eat the whole cake while you were there? We would probably have leftovers. I'm wondering what in the world I would do with the leftovers. We'll have a fridge in the room, but what do I do? Walk around with left over cake? Or would I have to head right back to the room? What did you do?

Hmmnn... I'm sorry Rabbit. I somehow missed this post. I was just re-reading some of your PTR and came across it...

I'm sorry I don't remember the size of the cake. I think it's the smallest cake you can order. I don't think I ordered it at the podium. I believe I called ahead of time to the restaurant and asked for it. Ours did say Happy Birthday, but maybe if you all ahead they can write Happy Anniversary?

We did have leftover cake, and they put it in a little box for us and I put it in the bottom of the stroller. I always have a stroller to manage the boys, even at this age. Whether it is ours from home or one we rent in the parks. Because it was May, and we were staying at FW cabins, we had the full kitchen to keep the leftover cake in.

Those are my facts, just not sure how much help I'm being.

Glad to pop on and say Hi anyway!:wave2:

TxRabbit

02-03-2009, 08:21 PM

Hmmnn... I'm sorry Rabbit. I somehow missed this post. I was just re-reading some of your PTR and came across it...

I'm sorry I don't remember the size of the cake. I think it's the smallest cake you can order. I don't think I ordered it at the podium. I believe I called ahead of time to the restaurant and asked for it. Ours did say Happy Birthday, but maybe if you all ahead they can write Happy Anniversary?

We did have leftover cake, and they put it in a little box for us and I put it in the bottom of the stroller. I always have a stroller to manage the boys, even at this age. Whether it is ours from home or one we rent in the parks. Because it was May, and we were staying at FW cabins, we had the full kitchen to keep the leftover cake in.

Those are my facts, just not sure how much help I'm being.

Glad to pop on and say Hi anyway!:wave2:

Hi!:wave2: You ARE being helpful. Thank you.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT PEOPLE!!!!!

So here I am. I am home from an AWESOME TWO HOUR WORKOUT!!!!:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Belly dancing followed by Zumba. I wouldn't choose to do it this way, but that's the schedule, so I deal with it. I'm like that. I suck it up and shake it!:hyper:

And I realized. WHY am I working so hard to get into shape to go to WDW and eat a bunch of crappy food? Why? Why am I doing that? It makes no sense at all.

Everywhere that I really want to eat is at TS restaurant.::yes:: It's true.

When we go again, IF we go with everyone in 2010, I don't know what the deal will be. I probably won't have much opportunity to plan too much then. Dhs family is just not that way.

So it's settled folks. You know it's coming. You may be surprised after all my talk about finances. But I tell you what, I KNOW I will get my money's worth!

Because we are upgrading to the DELUXE DINING PLAN!!! (echo echo echo)!!!

I'm so excited! Can you tell?:cheer2:

2BoysMom

02-03-2009, 08:30 PM

Because we are upgrading to the DELUXE DINING PLAN!!! (echo echo echo)!!!

I'm so excited! Can you tell?:cheer2:

Whoa! Cue the music! Holy Shamoly! Now there is a turn of events....

Are you going to mess me up and make me think I need the DDP again??:scared: :scared:

Happydog

02-03-2009, 09:00 PM

So it's settled folks. You know it's coming. You may be surprised after all my talk about finances. But I tell you what, I KNOW I will get my money's worth!

Because we are upgrading to the DELUXE DINING PLAN!!! (echo echo echo)!!!

I'm so excited! Can you tell?:cheer2:

Oh yay! Now someone to plan June TS ADRs with :rotfl:
What a complete turn around from your earlier post. Glad you are moving forward with what makes you happy for your family, no sense in focusing on the what ifs.

Good for you!:goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-04-2009, 06:03 AM

Whoa! Cue the music! Holy Shamoly! Now there is a turn of events....

Are you going to mess me up and make me think I need the DDP again??:scared: :scared:

Warning! Warning! If you want to eat multiple TS in one day, it is very easy to get your money out of the DxDDP. Think about it.

Basic gets 1 TS and 1 CS for $40.

The Deluxe gets 3 meals! 3! It could be 3 CS for those that want to spend more on food than they need to, or it could be 3TS for those that want to spend hours in restaurants on their trips. OR it could be one TS earlier in the day with a signature TS later in the evening! (which is my plan btw) And appetizers are included.:thumbsup2 And it's not even double the price of basic. It's a whopping $72.:scared1: *gulp*

Which is why I avoided this for so long. I mean. Who spends that kind of money on food? Really? That is like spending 3-4 months of groceries in one week!!:scared:

Did I mention that I am an EXCELLENT cook? I cook. There are times when I simply heat and serve. But the fact is that I can cook. Really good food. And seeing as how that is my JOB, when I go on vacation, that is, when I am NOT cooking. I would like to be served AND I would like to eat the same calibre of food that I serve. And I guess, in WDW, you have to pay out the nose to do it. Fine. I can afford it. I'm not thrilled that I have to, but I can. Enough said. Back to the excitement!!!:cheer2:

Oh yay! Now someone to plan June TS ADRs with :rotfl:
What a complete turn around from your earlier post. Glad you are moving forward with what makes you happy for your family, no sense in focusing on the what ifs.

Good for you!:goodvibes

Thank you! You are so right.::yes:: Focusing on the what ifs. I've gotten myself into trouble with DHs family in that way in the past. They've changed plans, but I've changed some plan of my own based on what they originally were going to do etc etc. I've learned my lesson.::yes::

Yes, I am very excited about planning ADRs now. When are you going in June?

So, because I feel like it, I will list the ADRs that I have been thinking/dreaming about and just see what we have:

Donald's Breakfast (MUST do)
Akershus Lunch (MUST do)
Ragland Road (Really excited for this one)
WCC (I'm not really excited about this one. DS can sometimes be a little sensitive. The menu looks just ok. The offerings aren't really in line with what I eat normally. Occasionally, yes, so it'll be good, and besides, you gotta eat at the TS at your resort)
Artist Point (I AM excited for this one. Reviews of this place are mixed. But I don't let that sway me. You gotta go and try for yourself. The restaurant looks pretty. The menu looks really good to me. I might do a wine flight! And again, you gotta check out the TSs at your resort.)
California Grill (This is the one that was starting to seal the deal. I really wanted to come to this restaurant, enjoy the view, etc. I was wavering, try to get fireworks tickets? Or try for sunset? Which I thought would be beautiful. I was thrilled to read that if you keep your receipt from earlier in the evening, you can go back up to the restaurant and watch the fireworks from the balcony!:cool1:)
The Wave (Not a signature restaurant, BUT I LOVE the intent of the restaurant. Every review I've read has been positive. I'm excited for this one)
Jiko (I wanted to eat here when we stayed at AKL, it was 2TS, it didn't work out. We are going this trip!)
Kona (Something about the menu really appeals to me. I picture coming for lunch actually, on one of our two MK days.)
The Plaza (I don't know why I want to eat here so badly. But I do love a good sandwich!:rotfl: Options in MK seem pretty limited. I don't want to repeat CRT lunch OR CP lunch. I want something new. The Plaza is next!)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (My DS LOVES steak. LOVES it. Hey, did I mention that he LOVES steak?)
Flying Fish (I LOVE fish. LOVE it. Hey, did I mention that I LOVE fish? btw DS does too!!! LOVES it.)
Yak&Yeti (I know. Mixed reviews AGAIN. I'm excited to try it out! I said, "Bolt, you want to eat at a restaurant called Yak&Yeti?" in an especially provoking voice. He cracked up. We gotta go.

And there's where the immediate list of things that I really wanted to try dwindles and I have to start actually THINKING about the rest...where am I?

18 credits! Only 3 more to go!:thumbsup2

See? I TOLD you I was wanting to eat at mostly TS restaurants!:lmao:

2BoysMom

02-04-2009, 07:13 AM

TxRabbit

02-04-2009, 08:20 AM

Oh no, :sad2: what have you done to me..:sad2: oh no....

OK..:sad2: Let me ask you this? How do you feel about paying all of this money up front? I'm not trying to get personal, but just to gather your thought processes on it, b/c that's a little bit of a hurdle for me. When you add it all up, it just looks like alot of money. And then I ask myself, "Are we really going to spend that much?" etc.

The thought of paying this much makes me rather ill.:crazy2: Yes, it does. I mean, seriously, $164.97 on food a night!?! You gotta be kidding me. $1154.79 for the whole vacation.:scared1:

Then I thought about how much money I watched my parents spend at restaurants in Hawaii (the one vacation I got to take with them there). At some of the nicer restaurants, they could spend that much at one meal. I know. HAWAII is different that Disney. Whatever. We are talking about the cost of eating out for 8 days in a vacation destination spot.

And that's the idea. This is a vacation spot where you will pay a premium for certain things simply because that is the way that it is. You just can't compare it to eating at home. It's apples and oranges.

The choice becomes this, what kind of food do you want to eat for 8 days straight? I was really struggling with the menu choices, partly because I have to consider DS. He has good taste in food. He loves salmon, mahi mahi, steak, grilled chicken, yummy pasta. Yes, he likes pizza and cheeseburgers, too, but I wouldn't feed him that for 8 days in a row.

So then it becomes this. Are you willing to pay that amount of money in order to have your vacation be one way versus another?

At the beginning of my thread, I said I would start with where I really wanted to eat first and then see what plan would suit that, if any would.

I can say this with all honesty. If there were CS options in the theme parks that were the equivalent of Wolfgang Puck Express DTD, I would absolutely do the QS plan. I don't know what has changed, but when we ate there, they had an awesome menu, a little bit of everything, you served yourself drinks, awesome iced tea btw, and they brought your food to you at your table when it was ready. How cool is that?

Unfortunately, not all CS are created equal. And I have to say. I do NOT want to work so hard on getting to be healthier, more physically fit, and also weighing less just to go to Disney and wreck all my efforts on vacation. Vacation is not a license to act horribly and treat yourself horribly, it is supposed to be an uplifting break from the daily grind. A time of renewal. A recharge. A time to connect again as a family with a lot of shared experiences packed into a short period of time. A time to relax. A time to do things that you don't otherwise have the time to do.

I feel like that Revlon commercial. Yeah, it's a lot of money. But I'm worth it.:snooty:

This helps though. I'm using my Disney Visa. The wonderful thing about the Disney Visa is the 6 months same as cash option WHENEVER you pay for a Disney vacation package. I've mentioned our big pay off in May. Well, I just can't pay that credit card AND Disney off in May. Not going to happen.

I will be able to pay it off during the six months following though. And that is what I am going to do.

I have at least the money for tips in Reward dollars from my Visa. Hopefully, I'll have some more for flights and other adult libation by the time the trip comes. I should. I'll have all my reward dollars from charging the trip!!:rotfl2:

The fact is that it IS a lot of money. What follows though, is that with the places that I would prefer to eat, it will actually SAVE me money using this plan.

I have a Bible study this morning. I can show you my calculations later.:thumbsup2

And btw, I don't mind personal.:goodvibes

tinkgurl

02-04-2009, 09:12 AM

we are upgrading to the DELUXE DINING PLAN!!! (echo echo echo)!!!

I'm so excited! Can you tell?:cheer2:

That's so exciting! We love doing the DDP!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-04-2009, 02:05 PM

Woo hoo...a two-hour workout -- good job!!!! That's awesome. I'm also impressed w/ you taking a stance against letting all your progress go when you go to WDW. Yay for you and upgrading to the DDP!! :thumbsup2

TxRabbit

02-04-2009, 04:32 PM

That's so exciting! We love doing the DDP!

Yeah! I LOVE eating!:lmao:

Woo hoo...a two-hour workout -- good job!!!! That's awesome. I'm also impressed w/ you taking a stance against letting all your progress go when you go to WDW. Yay for you and upgrading to the DDP!! :thumbsup2

Thanks! You wouldn't know it. But I'm something of a tidwad. I rarely spend money on myself. I consider to be one of the rare ocassionaly where I am willing to spend on myself.

OK. Tink, you have inspired me with your PTR. I just love your attraction of the day topics of discussion. It's BRILLIANT! I want to figure out my own deal. It begins on the next post...

TxRabbit

02-04-2009, 04:48 PM

I like the topics for discussion ideas.

Let's talk bags.

I have two bags that I have used in WDW.

One is a messenger style bag. It has drink holders in the sides, a nifty organization side panel, and a nice sized main compartment. I used it during the spring break trip. This is the exact color I have:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/3d170ff1.jpg

For the next trip, I decided to go smaller. So, using our autograph book as the necessary big item to take into the parks, I got this waist pack. It also has a nifty organizer area, a side pocket (good for fast passes/tickets), and a main compartment for the book. My camera case fits around the belt part of this and right next to the "pack" part, and since I don't normally wear belts, this is very handy. Mine is actually a gray color:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/e3768ce6.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/72cbc655.jpg

And DH used this one. It's claim to fame is being able to carry the water bottle and also having a small pocket for his necessary items. DHs is actually dark red/burgundy:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/ca0604fc.jpg

So, what bag do you carry in the parks?

tinkgurl

02-04-2009, 05:52 PM

Here's mine: It's a Tink bag I got at the Contemporary:

Sorry this is the best picture I found of it

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u278/dislover/ak07-09-08119.jpg

bethk78

02-04-2009, 08:20 PM

After all that yummy food talk, I'M HUNGRY! ::yes::

I'm a big believer in ditching the "diet" on vacations, especially WDW. You're going to be getting so much mileage walking everywhere from sun up to sun down it won't matter. When we went to London a long, long time ago I was eating greasy fish-n-chips, donuts, candy bars, milkshakes every day for 10 days straight and lost weight because we were walking so much. I wish it was like that here. I don't walk anywhere here. I'm kind of out in the country. But I do want to wear a pedometer when we go to WDW next year!

I think being at WDW, spending time with your loved ones and doing whatever you want while eating whatever you want, sounds like THE BEST VACATION!

TxRabbit

02-05-2009, 11:04 AM

I've decided to bring the topic for discussion back to the intent of my PTR!:thumbsup2

Let's talk about recipes.

I don't know about you, but I love it when people pass along tried and true recipes. I figure, with so many of us seeking to spend less, eat in, and be healthy, we could all use a boost in the recipe department.::yes::

We'll go by specific topic. I'd like to first share crock pot recipes.

Hopefully, the recipes we share are super yummy, easy, healthy, and somewhat cheap.

I have two to share. Both are from the Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook. FYI - lists of ingredients do NOT fall under copyright law. Instructions do. So when you post your recipes, if they come from a book, you need to put the instructions into your own words.:thumbsup2

1. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs (will also work with Boneless Skinless Chicken)

12 bone-in chicken thighs (remove the skin)
1 T canola oil
1/2 c sake (Japanese white wine, I have also just used any old white wine with success)
1/4 mirin (Japanese cooking wine. You should be able to find it in the ethnic food area of your local grocery store. If you can find the big wine looking bottle near where sushi might be made in your grocery store, that is the best one. Like any cooking wine, this is a pantry item, and lasts.)
2 T soy sauce
2 t brown sugar

Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. You will brown the chicken, either thighs or breasts, on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes a side. When you remove the chicken from the skillet, put it in your crock pot. Turn off the heat to the skillet.

Let the skillet cool off just a bit before adding all the liquid, or it will just splatter everywhere and make a huge mess. With a cooler skillet, add the rest of the ingredients and deglaze the skillet. This is, scrape all the browned bits (they shouldn't be burnt, just kind of stuck to the pan) off the pan. BTW this does a pretty good job of jump starting the cleaning of the pan! And you might not have to turn the heat back on the pan to do it.

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 5-1/2 to 6 hours. Remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to reduce the sauce.

This is the BEST. I highly recommend doubling the sauce. I usually cook rice and made a rice bowl type thing from this recipe adding steamed (microwaved) veggies.

This makes GREAT leftovers to take to work too.

2. Chinese Sweet-and-Sour Chicken with Sesame Seeds

one 3 to 4 pound broiler fryer
1/3 c soy sauce
1/3 c light brown sugar
1/4 c water
1/4 cup dry sherry or apple juice (you can use the mirin also!)
1 T ketchup (which is one fast food packet btw)
1/2 t red pepper flakes
2 green onion, trimmed and halved
1 clove garlic pressed
2 T cornstarch
1 T water
2 T sesame seeds, lighted toasted in a dry skillet over med heat until fragrant

Wash and dry the chicken. Cut off any lumps of fat. When I do this I generally end up removing a lot of the skin altogether. Put the chicken in the crock pot, breast side up. Combine all the other ingredients, except the last three, in a bowl. Stir it. Pour it over the chicken. Cook it on HIGH for about 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours.

When the chicken is done, remove it. Mix the cornstarch and water together and stir the slurry into the crock pot into the sauce. Stir the sauce until thickened.

You can sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken when you serve it. I never have though.

I do the same thing with this recipe. Make rice bowls. The sauce is just slightly different. The chicken doesn't come out quite as dark with sauce. The leftovers from this are really good too.

I like the first recipe better taste wise, but sometimes I don't want to deal with browning the chicken. Sometimes one type of chicken is on sale, etc. When you have these items in your pantry, these are very economical recipes, especially if you stock up on chicken when it is on sale. Here the fryers will get to 77 or 79 cents a pound, the thighs will be 99 cents a pound, and the b/s chicken will be 1.77 a pound.

I love crock pot cooking.

Anyone have any crock pot recipes they'd like to share?

jewels1916

02-05-2009, 11:20 AM

Hm...I fell behind. :(

On the subject of bags...last time I went I carried a hipster purse that I got on clearance at Target. It help the essentials like the camera, the sunglasses, the cc, the id, and the kttw. Oh, and of course, anti-bacterial hand gel and advil. Just in case.

Sometimes I only carry my camera in it's case, which has room for nothing but my kttw and my id along with the camera. But I stopped doing that, because the case had a magnetic clip and kept demagnetizing my kttw! Fair warning about those with magnetic clips on them.

Your recipes look yummy! I don't have a crock pot though....sad.

TxRabbit

02-05-2009, 11:56 AM

TeaForTulips

02-05-2009, 12:06 PM

Lunch is in 15 minutes for me thank goodness! (at work :surfweb: ) Those sound oh so yummy!

I have been on a Disney bag hunt myself... we usually just take a comfy back pack because we bring snacks and such. I'm not sure if that's what we are doing this time ...

I printed out the recipes! My cabinets are bare right now, but hopefully I can try them soon! :goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-05-2009, 12:28 PM

Your crock pot recipes sound really yummy. I've had mine for at least two years and have only used it once. Isn't that shameful? I really need to branch out and cook more things, instead of the three things we currently eat. :sad2: Here's a recipe I've always wanted to try:

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
garlic powder to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

TxRabbit

02-05-2009, 06:31 PM

I think being at WDW, spending time with your loved ones and doing whatever you want while eating whatever you want, sounds like THE BEST VACATION!

I agree. The key is getting to eat what you would like to eat.:thumbsup2

Lunch is in 15 minutes for me thank goodness! (at work :surfweb: ) Those sound oh so yummy!

I have been on a Disney bag hunt myself... we usually just take a comfy back pack because we bring snacks and such. I'm not sure if that's what we are doing this time ...

I printed out the recipes! My cabinets are bare right now, but hopefully I can try them soon! :goodvibes

They ARE yummy!

I'm not sure which bag I'll use on this trip. I started to get bugged by the one on my shoulder. Then I got bugged by the one around the waist. Finding a good Disney bag isn't easy.

I've had mine for at least two years and have only used it once. Isn't that shameful? I really need to branch out and cook more things, instead of the three things we currently eat. :sad2: Here's a recipe I've always wanted to try:
[/LIST]

:scared1: Once in TWO years!

Actually, I can relate to that. My mom basically used the cooker to cook pot roast and little else. I always thought of it being used mainly for meat. I started experimenting more when DS was younger and I needed something easier. I use mine a lot more with the aforementioned cookbook.

The recipe you added looks really tasty. I definitely want to try it.

Thanks!

2BoysMom

02-05-2009, 07:19 PM

TxRabbit

02-05-2009, 07:31 PM

I use mine for Pea Soup (sorry I'm Irish, it's a staple).

You get one of those bags of dried split peas.

It tells you on the wrapper, but a few (6-7?) cups of water or chicken/vegetable stock.

I cut up celery, onion and carrots.

I place ham hocks in the bottom of the crock pot, and the above ingredients on top of them and then the water.

Let it cook all day. If I want it less chunky, I will use an immersion blender to blend up the vegetables. After the first batch, I also pull the ham off of the ham hock bone, so it's easier to serve and store.

That's my favorite use of the crock pot. I have to say, I am very interested in that book. The recipes sound great. Do they also mention the nutritional breakdown of each recipe?

I LOVE split pea soup! What is a ham hock?:blush: No spices? Do you not need it because of the ham hock? How big is the crock pot you use? Mine is only a 4 quart one.

The recipes are really good. They have breakfast cereal. Like put your steel cut oats and dried fruit etc in the pot overnight, have hot cereal in the morning, chilis, wings, meat, chicken, etc etc. I tend to like the recipes more than other books I've seen (like the fix it and forget it series).

TxRabbit

02-05-2009, 07:34 PM

P.S. I'm a big fan of the local library. The book is popular and has been out for a while. Check your local library for it! The author is Beth Hensperger.:thumbsup2

2BoysMom

02-05-2009, 07:53 PM

I LOVE split pea soup! What is a ham hock?:blush: No spices? Do you not need it because of the ham hock? How big is the crock pot you use? Mine is only a 4 quart one.

Gosh, I'm not sure the size of my crock pot. I always considered it "standard size." Does that help?

Regarding spices... The ham hocks are smoked, so they give off alot of flavor, and I do often mix the water with whatever stock I have in the house, either chicken or vegetable. Some of those dried bean/pea packages come with a packet of spice to add to the soup, but they are often high in salt, and the ham hocks are going to have salt, so I find I usually don't need the extra spice packet. Maybe if you were just doing the water.....? Also celery, onion and carrot add alot. I forgot to mention garlic. Most Irish cooking does not include garlic, but I am known for throwing it into as many dishes as I can think of, so sometimes that too goes in my soup, minced.

Ham hocks are found in the grocery store usually at the far end of the meat counter with other smoked products. One good thing about ham hocks is that they have a good amount of meat on them, give off nice flavor and they are CHEAP!! I'm know to keep extras in my freezer, to always be able to make a pot of pea or bean soup whenever I feel the whim.

That's one of the good things about this recipe, it's a really inexpensive meal. Very filling, healthy with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, and CHEAP. There are leftovers for days.

Happydog

02-05-2009, 08:05 PM

Yes, I am very excited about planning ADRs now. When are you going in June?

So, because I feel like it, I will list the ADRs that I have been thinking/dreaming about and just see what we have:

Donald's Breakfast (MUST do)
Akershus Lunch (MUST do)
Ragland Road (Really excited for this one)
WCC (I'm not really excited about this one. DS can sometimes be a little sensitive. The menu looks just ok. The offerings aren't really in line with what I eat normally. Occasionally, yes, so it'll be good, and besides, you gotta eat at the TS at your resort)
Artist Point (I AM excited for this one. Reviews of this place are mixed. But I don't let that sway me. You gotta go and try for yourself. The restaurant looks pretty. The menu looks really good to me. I might do a wine flight! And again, you gotta check out the TSs at your resort.)
California Grill (This is the one that was starting to seal the deal. I really wanted to come to this restaurant, enjoy the view, etc. I was wavering, try to get fireworks tickets? Or try for sunset? Which I thought would be beautiful. I was thrilled to read that if you keep your receipt from earlier in the evening, you can go back up to the restaurant and watch the fireworks from the balcony!:cool1:)
The Wave (Not a signature restaurant, BUT I LOVE the intent of the restaurant. Every review I've read has been positive. I'm excited for this one)
Jiko (I wanted to eat here when we stayed at AKL, it was 2TS, it didn't work out. We are going this trip!)
Kona (Something about the menu really appeals to me. I picture coming for lunch actually, on one of our two MK days.)
The Plaza (I don't know why I want to eat here so badly. But I do love a good sandwich!:rotfl: Options in MK seem pretty limited. I don't want to repeat CRT lunch OR CP lunch. I want something new. The Plaza is next!)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (My DS LOVES steak. LOVES it. Hey, did I mention that he LOVES steak?)
Flying Fish (I LOVE fish. LOVE it. Hey, did I mention that I LOVE fish? btw DS does too!!! LOVES it.)
Yak&Yeti (I know. Mixed reviews AGAIN. I'm excited to try it out! I said, "Bolt, you want to eat at a restaurant called Yak&Yeti?" in an especially provoking voice. He cracked up. We gotta go.

And there's where the immediate list of things that I really wanted to try dwindles and I have to start actually THINKING about the rest...where am I?

18 credits! Only 3 more to go!:thumbsup2

See? I TOLD you I was wanting to eat at mostly TS restaurants!:lmao:

Hi there! :wave2: Busy few days for me, glad to catch up with your posts.
We are going June 17 - 24, courtyard view bunk room. We are going to do the reg DDP again, and I have already realized that we will be paying OOP for a few meals, b/c based on the credits we have for TS, we would be short 2 for adults. But it isn't enough to justify the DXDP. You are picking some great places, especially The Wave. We loved dinner there. It was really good. And we ate at Artist Point last time. It was nice -- but I didn't think it was worth the 2 credits, compared to Cali Grill, at least. However, I agree with you about eating at your resort, and trying things for yourself. So along that line, I decided against Hoop De Do, and we are going to eat at WCC and then go over for the campfire thing. I keep going back and forth between Ohana and Kona. Never been to the Poly before for anything.

So I got one of those Pin Code things. for Aug - Sept. The last days include the FWF... and it includes "free dining"... :scratchin I couldn't possibly even consider going 3 mos after our June trip. It is ridiculous, however we do have the 28th of Sept off... the offer ends Oct 1. I can't believe I am even writing about it. BUT, I did bring it to my DBIL's attention (he is a big Disney nut)...

On the BAG front ... Have you ever seen those Skip Hop diaper bags? I KNOW this is going to sound weird. BUT I have two of them, matched both of my Maclaren strollers, and this past Nov, I pulled one out and used that as my "park bag". They are pretty versatile and look like a "metro bag" not really babyish. It worked perfectly and had lots of pockets. I didn't load it down too much, so it wasn't uncomfortable. My youngest was 3.5 in Nov so I still had a stroller in Nov. Not sure if I will bring it this time...
I have a small REI bag, similar to the one you showed, but smaller. But I thought it would be too small for Disney.

Crock Pot?! I make cheese dip. that is about it :upsidedow

Okay, I think I have said enough:lmao:

olafgypsy

02-05-2009, 08:23 PM

Trying to get caught up with this thread 'cause I am enjoying it immensely. I have gotten to the red dress, but now I have to go to bed. I, too, understand wanting to lose weight, but I've gotta say, in that dress, wow! Your husband is one lucky guy ;) I've got a dress kind of like that . . . I call it my Marilyn Monroe dress. It is brown with white polka dots and makes me look totally va-va-voom. Don't you just love it when you find that perfect dress?

Okay, subscribing!

2BoysMom

02-05-2009, 09:54 PM

Trying to get caught up with this thread 'cause I am enjoying it immensely. I have gotten to the red dress, but now I have to go to bed. I, too, understand wanting to lose weight, but I've gotta say, in that dress, wow! Your husband is one lucky guy ;)

I know. I don't get that part. She looks so fabulous in that dress, and this PTR is about losing weight??? Don't get it.:confused3

TxRabbit

02-06-2009, 05:47 AM

Gosh, I'm not sure the size of my crock pot. I always considered it "standard size." Does that help?

That's one of the good things about this recipe, it's a really inexpensive meal. Very filling, healthy with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, and CHEAP. There are leftovers for days.

Help? Not so much.:lmao: Sometimes mine is a bit small for the chilis and things. I have been wanting a bigger one, but putting off the expense. That is my kind of recipe. I actually have a bag of split peas in the pantry. I have a bone from a spiral cut ham around. I may use that. I sounds like it will be similiar.:thumbsup2

We are going June 17 - 24, courtyard view bunk room....I keep going back and forth between Ohana and Kona. Never been to the Poly before for anything.

So I got one of those Pin Code things. for Aug - Sept. The last days include the FWF... and it includes "free dining"... :scratchin I couldn't possibly even consider going 3 mos after our June trip. It is ridiculous, however we do have the 28th of Sept off... the offer ends Oct 1. I can't believe I am even writing about it. BUT, I did bring it to my DBIL's attention (he is a big Disney nut)...

On the BAG front ... Have you ever seen those Skip Hop diaper bags? I KNOW this is going to sound weird. ...But I thought it would be too small for Disney.

Crock Pot?! I make cheese dip. that is about it :upsidedow

Our trips overlap!! How fun is that?:goodvibes We ended up at the Poly one day when we very unexpectedly had to leave MK around 10:00A.M. If you're reading Tinkgurl's PTR, then you might have read about our Goofy's Barnstormer meltdown in my BMTTR memory. We were just in the lobby area. It was really pretty.

I haven't seen the Skip Hop bags. I don't think it's weird. I looked at diaper bags for a park bag. Generally, they're insulated, tons of organization, and now they really are clever at having them look more stylish for what they are. There are times when having a small bag is really handy...

You really should untap the power of your crock pot.::yes::

Trying to get caught up with this thread 'cause I am enjoying it immensely. I have gotten to the red dress, but now I have to go to bed. I, too, understand wanting to lose weight, but I've gotta say, in that dress, wow! Your husband is one lucky guy ;) I've got a dress kind of like that . . . I call it my Marilyn Monroe dress. It is brown with white polka dots and makes me look totally va-va-voom. Don't you just love it when you find that perfect dress?

Okay, subscribing!

:welcome:
Every lady should have a dress like that.::yes:: I love it. MM dress! And yes, I was absolutely thrilled to find that dress.::yes::

I know. I don't get that part. She looks so fabulous in that dress, and this PTR is about losing weight??? Don't get it.:confused3

Okay. I thought I could get away with not getting particular about things, but this did it.:rolleyes: EVERYONE can find a dress that they look fabulous in. It just takes the right season, the right store, and hours worth of trying dresses on. It just so happens that I don't take pictures of myself on a regular basis, so the most current one had to be from a special occasion. So that's me at my best.:thumbsup2

The deal is that I weight 197 pounds in that picture. It's true. I'm told that I carry my weight well. And unfortunately, I carry a lot of it around my abs and hips. So that A-line dress is just the ticket. My measurement around my stomach really shot up after gaining weight, and I gained about 10 inches there.:scared1: And after years and years of low cholesterol, when I had it measured last year, it was a whopping 220. Fortunately, my ratio of good to bad is right on target so I'm not TOO freaked out about it. Just aware. I'm happy that my blood pressure is still low. BUT I've hit my upper limits. 200 pounds of non-pregnant weight is my upper limit. It's time to get serious and make changes.::yes:: Enough said.

I've been working really hard on not being too down on myself. And I have to say, everyone, that all your comments about me and that dress have been so positive and self-image boosting.:goodvibes Thanks everyone.

jewels1916

02-06-2009, 07:29 AM

:blush: What do you mean by a hipster purse?

Oh, just a purse that you wear across your chest, and falls right at your hip. It's really small. What I liked about it is that it was small enough that on some rides, you can just leave it on when you fasten the safety thing, and on other ones, it fits in the little net bags infront of you to hold your personal belongings with room to spare. It does not have room to hold a water bottle, however, which was the downside. :)

Hope that is a good enough visual. Sometimes I am not good at explainin' things. :rotfl:

TxRabbit

02-06-2009, 07:40 AM

It's time for a RANDOM MEMORY!!!

There's been a decided last of pictures lately.:scratchin So it's time to interject some, just as a visual reminder of the reward awaiting our arrival in Florida.:goodvibes

Ever ride a ride that you thought would just kind of be...meh...and it surprises you and is much more FUN that you thought? Well that was Astro Orbitor for us!

Our touring strategy is to get up early.:thumbsup2 I LOVE am emh in MK!:thumbsup2 Especially if you like to ride the rides in Tomorrowland, because so many people head on over to Fantasyland, Tomorrowland ends up being a breeze. It was just such a morning when DS announced that he really wanted to ride Astro Orbitor. Since this ride has horrible wait times later in the day, we headed on over.

I have a confession to make. I've never ridden Dumbo.:scared1::sad2: I'm pretty sure I rode it as a child in DL. But I haven't ridden it as an adult. DS has never really been interested. But I considered AO to be in the same genre as Dumbo. I was expecting a pretty tame ride. But maybe Dumbo isn't that tame?:confused3

There's something about being up high! And it's pretty FAST! And the little cars have an in out tilt to them when you go up and down. And the view is cool! I think we rode it 2 or 3 times in a row because it was so much fun and the line was virtually non-existent. DS took turns riding with DH and me:thumbsup2

It's the little moments like this that make WDW such great fun. You plan. You schedule. You get as much knowledge as you can. And then you need to let go a bit and just let the day unfold. Hopefully, you'll find many happy surprises along the way.
pixiedust:

These photos are fairly random. But here they are!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2512.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2510.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2514.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2517.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2507.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2522.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2521.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2520.jpg

TxRabbit

02-06-2009, 07:43 AM

Oh, just a purse that you wear across your chest, and falls right at your hip. It's really small. What I liked about it is that it was small enough that on some rides, you can just leave it on when you fasten the safety thing, and on other ones, it fits in the little net bags infront of you to hold your personal belongings with room to spare. It does not have room to hold a water bottle, however, which was the downside. :)

Hope that is a good enough visual. Sometimes I am not good at explainin' things. :rotfl:

I got it!:thumbsup2 That's what I liked about the waist pack. I never had to take it off for the rides.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-06-2009, 09:29 AM

I can't believe you have never ridden Dumbo! Shame on you!!! :lmao: Totally kidding. DH hasn't rode it either, but he's quite fine w/ that. It's just one of those obligatory Disney experiences that you must experience. AO is definitely more exciting, though. I highly recommend riding AO one night during Wishes. It is such a fun experience!!

2BoysMom

02-06-2009, 10:36 AM

AO is definitely more exciting, though. I highly recommend riding AO one night during Wishes. It is such a fun experience!!

Wow. What a great idea! I never thought of that. I'm going to have to try that!

TxRabbit

02-06-2009, 10:52 AM

Wow. What a great idea! I never thought of that. I'm going to have to try that!

Ditto!:thumbsup2

TxRabbit

02-07-2009, 09:16 AM

Planning time...

I'm very excited to go to all the parks, of course:goodvibes , but I must admit that I am most excited to go to AK!

This was the first park we went to on our first trip to WDW. Here we were waiting to get into the park
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_1987.jpg
and Bolt was talking NON STOP about how excited he was to see the naked mole rats!:lmao: Everyone around us was talking about EE or the Safari. No, we were excited to go find those naked mole rats. Because we are all KP fans, Bolt was so excited to see what Rufus looked like in real life!

We only caught a distant glimpse of the opening ceremony. We followed the herd to the Safari, got our FP for it, and hit the Pangani Forest Trail.
Here we are in the bird place
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_1990.jpg
Peter is performing for the camera (I have pictures of him doing similar things all throughout WDW)
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_1991.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_1992.jpg

We loved these two little guys:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_1994.jpg
because they reminded us of our two kitties. The taller, skinnier one was like our prissy little ballerina kitty, Molly:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/e2a2200e.jpg

and the shorter, chunkier one was like our linebacker kitty, Toby. Seriously, I don't know that these pictures do justice to how big this cat is. Everyone who see him in person exclaims over his size, which measure 27" from nose to rump (doesn't include tail):
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/80946913.jpg

DS wasn't tall enough to ride many of the rides in AK on this trip. And for our second trip, a few short months later, he still wasn't tall enough, so we didn't go to this park AT ALL.

We checked out a book from the library that tells the story of Sue, the T-Rex.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2029.jpg
So we were really excited to see Sue. If you don't know the story, it is pretty awesome. And because I promised some educational value in this PTR, I will share the jist of it now. Basically, Sue Henderson found the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found. It was on Indian owned land. The Indians fought for and won ownership of Sue and they put her up for auction. Most companies interested in bones (museums, think non profit company) can't compete with private ownership (multi millionaire excentric tycoons). It broke the heart of the museum community to think of Sue ending up in a private collection, especially because then, they couldn't study her, so the museum in Chicago, Disney, and McDonalds teamed up to buy the bones. The museum got to keep the original fossils. McDonalds got a copy and sponsors the traveling Sue exhibit. You may have heard of Sue visiting a museum near you. Disney got a copy for AK. I think it cost something like $5 million to buy Sue.:confused3 Can't remember exactly. If you have kids, get the book. It'll add something to seeing Sue.

Most of AK will be new to us!!

I am very excited to do all of the following for the first time!!:

Expedition Everest
Kali Rapids
Primeval Whirl
Nemo
Flights of Wonder
Maharaja Jungle Trek

From what I've read, am EMH is totally not worth it at AK. But I've also read that pm EMH is pretty cool. It isn't too crowded, because there isn't that much to do, a lot of the animal exhibits are closed. And I'm interested in seeing AK at night. I like seeing the parks at night too.

I'm thinking about getting a before the park opens ADR for Donald's on a pm EMH day. I haven't thought of an exact touring plan, but I want to do EE, Safari, the Tiger Walk, Flights of Wonder, and Nemo for sure in the morning time. I think that we'll have some lunch here in the park. Definitely grab an FP for Kali before lunch.

What for lunch is a debate. Yak & Yeti or just a CS? The CS in AK are actually pretty decent. Ride Kali, get soaked. Maybe do the Tiger Walk if we haven't already, and then leave for a break.

After an afternoon swim, we'll hit dinner. Logistically, it would be best to have dinner either at our hotel (AP or WCC) or CR (The Wave or CG) and then head back over to AK to enjoy it in the evening hours.

If we did CS for lunch, maybe eating at Y&Y for dinner would also be a good idea. I was thinking about Jiko before heading back into the park, but it seems like too much effort transportation wise. Unless we decided to drive ourselves. OR, if we did Y&Y for lunch, maybe we do TH for dinner?

That would be scheduling two buffets in one day.:scratchin I'm not sure about that. You have to be careful to not fall into the trap of "getting your money's worth" at the buffet. Your money's worth being an extra couple of pounds because you stuffed yourself as much as you could.:rotfl2:

Anyway, that's my AK day thoughts. What do you think?

bethk78

02-07-2009, 06:17 PM

TxRabbit

02-07-2009, 07:03 PM

So DS is tall enough to those rides now? That's so neat that there is so much left in the park for you to explore and try. When we go, I know we won't be able to do near everything we want to and I'm counting on that so we have reason to go back again and again. How many times have you gone? Have you done anything off-site?

Great pics! I love family pics, they give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. :)

Yes. DS is tall enough now.:thumbsup2

Looking forward to the things that you didn't get to do is part of the fun of planning WDW all over again.:rotfl: The key is to not get too caught up in the quantity of what you ride/do each trip. On our first trip, DS LOVED Buzz Lightyear. We were there during am EMH and could ride it over and over. All 3 of us fit in the car, so we would take turns on which two would shoot and which one would drive. It was a blast. It's really good to have a plan. It helps with the decisions of what should we do next. It's really good to have the wisdom to go with the flow of the day too! That's where the great memories are.;)

We have gone twice as a family. DH and I went on a funded by time share presentations honeymoon to Florida/Bahamas. For the Orlando 4 day/3 night portion of the trip, we really only had two touring days there. We went to Universal on day one. We did Epcot/Magic Kingdom on day two. Sea World isn't much of a draw for us because there is one right here in Texas.

Happydog

02-08-2009, 12:33 PM

Planning time...

I'm very excited to go to all the parks, of course:goodvibes , but I must admit that I am most excited to go to AK!

DS wasn't tall enough to ride many of the rides in AK on this trip. And for our second trip, a few short months later, he still wasn't tall enough, so we didn't go to this park AT ALL.

From what I've read, am EMH is totally not worth it at AK. But I've also read that pm EMH is pretty cool. It isn't too crowded, because there isn't that much to do, a lot of the animal exhibits are closed. And I'm interested in seeing AK at night. I like seeing the parks at night too.

I'm thinking about getting a before the park opens ADR for Donald's on a pm EMH day. I haven't thought of an exact touring plan, but I want to do EE, Safari, the Tiger Walk, Flights of Wonder, and Nemo for sure in the morning time. I think that we'll have some lunch here in the park. Definitely grab an FP for Kali before lunch.

What for lunch is a debate. Yak & Yeti or just a CS? The CS in AK are actually pretty decent. Ride Kali, get soaked. Maybe do the Tiger Walk if we haven't already, and then leave for a break.

After an afternoon swim, we'll hit dinner. Logistically, it would be best to have dinner either at our hotel (AP or WCC) or CR (The Wave or CG) and then head back over to AK to enjoy it in the evening hours.

If we did CS for lunch, maybe eating at Y&Y for dinner would also be a good idea. I was thinking about Jiko before heading back into the park, but it seems like too much effort transportation wise. Unless we decided to drive ourselves. OR, if we did Y&Y for lunch, maybe we do TH for dinner?

Anyway, that's my AK day thoughts. What do you think?

Hi there -- on our Nov 08 trip, our oldest could ride Everest, but not our youngest. We ALL rode Kali, and our oldest and I rode Dinosaur. They would not let youngest on (he was not quite 40" -- but he made it on all the 40" rides at MK and Epcot). Though I will say Dinosaur was very jerky, alot like Star Tours, and also a bit scary. Even to my 6 yr old. Everest is 44". The Primeval Whirl was under refurbishment, but it is 48", I thought, to ride... So I don't think we'll be able to do that one. I think your plan to go a.m. until lunch time sounds right. We were planning to go early, and leave after a late lunch there -- the Yak and Yeti market has better QS food, as does the FlameTree BBQ, and there are great ice cream sandwiches across from the bone yard (like the ones you get at MK with the real cookies) :thumbsup2 Your early ADR for breakfast is a smart move for that reason, and it doesn't need to be an EMH day to take advantage of that. Never made it to Nemo last time, but def want to this trip. Everything I read gave me the impression that the park is slow with not much open in the evening. Which made me weigh the idea of going back to the park in the "evening" at all. :scratchin So I think our strategy is going to be early morning arrival, be there until a late lunch, then go back to resort, and then go do something else that evening, like mini golf and dinner, or make dinner at Ohana's which is a "fun" dinner event, or do the WCC and then boat to the campfire at FW, rather than go back to the park. That trip we did take a bus from AK to AKL and had dinner at Boma's which was great fun and good food. We are planning to go to AK two days, though. This is the other thing I am trying to figure out. How many of the 8 days for each park? In Nov we went to DHS twice, but I was struggling to find enough to do at DHS that second day, other than to get there early to get on Toy Story... What are you doing? How many days are you spening in each park? So many decisions! ADR day cant come soon enough! :p

TxRabbit

02-08-2009, 05:09 PM

Hi there -- on our Nov 08 trip, our oldest could ride Everest, but not our youngest. We ALL rode Kali, and our oldest and I rode Dinosaur. They would not let youngest on (he was not quite 40" -- but he made it on all the 40" rides at MK and Epcot). Though I will say Dinosaur was very jerky, alot like Star Tours, and also a bit scary. Even to my 6 yr old. Everest is 44". The Primeval Whirl was under refurbishment, but it is 48", I thought, to ride... So I don't think we'll be able to do that one. I think your plan to go a.m. until lunch time sounds right. We were planning to go early, and leave after a late lunch there -- the Yak and Yeti market has better QS food, as does the FlameTree BBQ, and there are great ice cream sandwiches across from the bone yard (like the ones you get at MK with the real cookies) :thumbsup2 Your early ADR for breakfast is a smart move for that reason, and it doesn't need to be an EMH day to take advantage of that. Never made it to Nemo last time, but def want to this trip. Everything I read gave me the impression that the park is slow with not much open in the evening. Which made me weigh the idea of going back to the park in the "evening" at all. :scratchin So I think our strategy is going to be early morning arrival, be there until a late lunch, then go back to resort, and then go do something else that evening, like mini golf and dinner, or make dinner at Ohana's which is a "fun" dinner event, or do the WCC and then boat to the campfire at FW, rather than go back to the park. That trip we did take a bus from AK to AKL and had dinner at Boma's which was great fun and good food. We are planning to go to AK two days, though. This is the other thing I am trying to figure out. How many of the 8 days for each park? In Nov we went to DHS twice, but I was struggling to find enough to do at DHS that second day, other than to get there early to get on Toy Story... What are you doing? How many days are you spening in each park? So many decisions! ADR day cant come soon enough! :p

We did Dinosaur on that first trip. DS survived, but that one place where they take your picture? Oh my. I felt so bad. He looked horrified in that pic!:scared1:

We ate a Boma's the first night of our trip. It was rough business. Somehow, our ADR was for the night before?:confused3 You know, the night BEFORE we arrived?:sad2: The CM worked his magic and helped us with a later ADR but DS was starving by the time we got there. He was cranky. DH and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. DS actually did too. But let's just say that it was a rough start to that first trip. Luckily, it got so much better.:goodvibes

I am in what to pick for each day dilemma too. I got the family talking about Disney last night at dinner. I have to be careful and not bring it up too much.:upsidedow Or I drive the men crazy.

Anyway, we did decide a couple things. We are going to eat at WCC on our arrival night. We estimate that we will make it to WL somewhere around 3 to 4 pm. We anticipate swimming and exploring the resort and eating a fun meal at WCC. It's hard sometimes to get the inside scoop and not share it all. I want them to be surprised by the antics at WCC and I was trying to think of examples to tell them how the servers can be. I remember reading this one TR where the father had arranged for the girlfriend to call his son during their WCC meal. Apparantly, the family had a rule about phone calls and dinner, so the son was looking at his dad, who said he could answer the phone. The server sees the son on the phone and yells at the whole restaurant, "Everyone! Quiet please! He's on the PHONE!" Then the server takes the phone and starts talking to the girl friend and then she starts passing the phone around the restaurant so everyone can say HI! I love that story. Cracks me up.

OK. Back on point. For our two travel days, we will not PLAN any particular thing. If on arrival, we really feel like hitting a park, fine. If not, fine. On check out day, we will leave that open for the one we really want to do again. We just start driving home that day, we can leave whenever we think we should.

That leaves 6 full touring days. I've already talked about AK for one day. I really enjoy this park. I know that DS has fun even in the Boneyard, which is open late. I'd like to ride EE in the dark too. FOTLK runs during pm EMH. I loved it when we went, and since I really want to see Nemo and FoW this time, we might be able to do FOTLK late. I'm not thinking that we will have a ton of time there in the evening, just enough to catch the atmosphere after dinner at Jiko. (Yeah, we've decided that decision.) I'm pumped for AK.

We need two days for Epcot. We love it. And we are really looking forward to checking out KP. I told my men about it last night, and they think it sounds "awesome in its awesomeness."

We need one day for MK, of course. We do tend to get up early. We usually go to bed early too. So, we can only really take MK until the crowds get too much. We generally leave after doing a FP ride on something following lunch, depending on how things go. I'm thinking that we will hit a water park after MK. Get there after the afternoon showers have ended.:upsidedow. Maybe this will be our Ragland Road night, since we'll be so close to DTD. And we'll be hungry for all that heavy food after the water.

We need one morning for DQ. This will probably be our sleep in day. Maybe have a yummy relaxing breakfast day. Hang out at DTD day. Go shopping, etc. IF we don't do RR on a different night, maybe hit it tonight. OR go to a pm EMH.

I was asking the men about DHS. There are definitely things we like here, but maybe we would prefer something else? We had a great day here on our last trip, so maybe we will take the time to do something else this trip.

I think we will definitely want an evening in MK. Watch the parade, Wishes, and do someother rides at night. Fun stuff. there.

That's about where I am in the planning.

I'm about to get kicked off at the library!! Gotta run!:flower3:

SunnieRN

02-09-2009, 02:24 AM

SunnieRN

02-09-2009, 02:30 AM

Oh yea... sorry, have been to disneyland about 35 times, including the 50th birthday but only WDW once for a short trip. We are going in May from the 13th until June 1st and may do a combo of DxDDP and QSDP as we are staying at AKV Kidani for three nights, OKW for 7 and SS for 9!!!
My son in law will be on leave from Iraq for two of the weeks so we had to buffer the trip a couple of days in both directions!!

TxRabbit

02-09-2009, 06:01 AM

Wow, love this thread!!! I feel like you are a friend and we're just enjoying talking about everything. Must be your warmth and openness!!
1st: You mentioned eggs benedict. Grand Floridian cafe has lobster eggs benedict at breakfast. How good does that sound??!! They also have steak and eggs if your husband likes that and he could share with your son!
2nd: Where near SF are you from? I grew up in Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek area, have lived in Grand Junction and am now in TX!
3rd: Your son is so cute and your husband is very handsome and you are gorgeous!
4th: Love my crock pot but mostly make soups as I love soup!
5th: Hope you have a great trip and can't wait to read more!!!:thumbsup2

Oh yea... sorry, have been to disneyland about 35 times, including the 50th birthday but only WDW once for a short trip. We are going in May from the 13th until June 1st and may do a combo of DxDDP and QSDP as we are staying at AKV Kidani for three nights, OKW for 7 and SS for 9!!!
My son in law will be on leave from Iraq for two of the weeks so we had to buffer the trip a couple of days in both directions!!

:welcome:
Thanks for the tips about GFC! I really like the look of that restaurant. Seems so bright and cheerful. I might think about doing that on a slow morning.

So I was born in Cupertino. I lived elementary school in and around San Jose, a short stint in Fremont, and then the longest time in Danville! In highschool, I worked at the Nordstrom in Walnut Creek!:rotfl: This is during the 80s. CA was still okay then.

Then I went to school in San Antonio. My parents were complaining about CA. I told them I wouldn't be moving back, if they were sticking around thinking that I would... They moved to Scottsdale.:lmao: My in laws lived in Grand Junction for a while. They loved it there. We only visited them a couple times. It seemed nice. Pretty area. Kind of a laid back, almost farming kind of vibe. But I really love Texas. I'm happy to be back here.

Thanks for the complements.:flower3:

I love soup too! What is your favorite recipe?

You have such a fabulous trip planned!!! I would LOVE to go on vacation for that long. Someday...:cloud9:

jewels1916

02-09-2009, 08:00 AM

Hey Rabbit! I've been MIA for a few days on the boards, but your AK plan looks great! I love AK because I feel like of all the parks, (except WS at Epcot), it is the one where you can really just take your time and enjoy everything. It's not one of those that you are running from ride to ride. :thumbsup2

SunnieRN

02-10-2009, 12:44 AM

[QUOTE=jmsadams;30185210]:welcome:
Thanks for the tips about GFC! I really like the look of that restaurant. Seems so bright and cheerful. I might think about doing that on a slow morning.

So I was born in Cupertino. I lived elementary school in and around San Jose, a short stint in Fremont, and then the longest time in Danville! In highschool, I worked at the Nordstrom in Walnut Creek!:rotfl: This is during the 80s. CA was still okay then.

Then I went to school in San Antonio. My parents were complaining about CA. I told them I wouldn't be moving back, if they were sticking around thinking that I would... They moved to Scottsdale.:lmao: My in laws lived in Grand Junction for a while. They loved it there. We only visited them a couple times. It seemed nice. Pretty area. Kind of a laid back, almost farming kind of vibe. But I really love Texas. I'm happy to be back here.

After living in CA all my life, Grand Junction was a total culture shock!!! lol pretty, nice people, but after a year and 1/2 I learned that I love visiting snow, but not living it; that even though the high desert is beautiful I was VERY homesick for GREEN; I missed my daughter and grandsons TOO much!! Love TX, it's a great pace to raise kidlets!!!

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
* 1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
* 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups water
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
* 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
* 7 corn tortillas
* vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3. Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet.
4. Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.

If you don't like enchilada sauce you can substitute something else, but I like that smoky taste and the spice it lends!

I've never been on vacation this long. Kind of scary lol. Coming back to real life will be hard! It is once in a lifetime most likely as we are using some of our dvc points and most of our developer points, at saratoga springs. We used 80 on our only other trip when we bought our animal kingdom points. Our next trip will be in December. Seven nights concierge at AKV Jambo house Dec 2-9 and Bay Lake Dec. 9-10 magic kingdom view!! I've never vacationed like this before, having been a 5 day to 1 week trip taker to disneyland. All trips were off site except one at the disneyland hotel.
Looking forward to more of your plans!!

Megan76

02-10-2009, 01:39 AM

i am loving your PTR!
i'll be leaving for WDW in a few weeks! (march 8-14!)
i planned on going to bed hours ago...it is now 2:22am!!
& i love the fact that you are "chatty"...great details=)

WDWRocksMySocks

02-10-2009, 07:35 AM

Aw, your kitties are so cute!!! I love how the one is just lounging on the little ledge. I just love how cats have no boundaries on space. Ours will lay anywhere...and I do mean ANYWHERE!

Ooh, you're going to have such a fun time riding Everest and Primeval Whirl at AK. They are two of my favorites at WDW. A lot people don't care for PW b/c they say it is too shaky. It does jerk you around a bit, but it's so fun!!! Hopefully, when they refurbished it they smoothed it out a bit.

TxRabbit

02-10-2009, 09:54 AM

I love AK because I feel like of all the parks, (except WS at Epcot), it is the one where you can really just take your time and enjoy everything.

I think that's one of the reasons that I am SO looking forward to AK! Dare I say, it could be a relaxing day!:laughing: Seriously though, we switched on a show this morning about giant pandas and red pandas (did you even KNOW there were RED panda?) before school and DS was totally caught up in the pandas. Animals are so fun.

After living in CA all my life, Grand Junction was a total culture shock!!! lol pretty, nice people, but after a year and 1/2 I learned that I love visiting snow, but not living it; that even though the high desert is beautiful I was VERY homesick for GREEN; I missed my daughter and grandsons TOO much!! Love TX, it's a great pace to raise kidlets!!!

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sunnie!!!:banana: I LOVE chicken tortilla soup. I really do. You and me. (picture fingers pointing ala Chandler) I can't wait to try this.

Your vacation plans sound incredible. May and then December. I hope I can do that someday.

i am loving your PTR!
i'll be leaving for WDW in a few weeks! (march 8-14!)
i planned on going to bed hours ago...it is now 2:22am!!
& i love the fact that you are "chatty"...great details=)

:welcome:
You are going during DSs Spring Break! I have to admit. When we were talking about Disney the other evening, DH was like, "I'm half way there. I'm so excited to go. I can't believe we have to wait until June. Let's go!":rolleyes: I got on to check out a vacation during spring break!:rolleyes1 It's just not a smart idea...but still, I was tempted.

Aw, your kitties are so cute!!!

Ooh, you're going to have such a fun time riding Everest and Primeval Whirl at AK.

Thanks! We think they are pretty adorable ourselves. I can't believe they are 9 now!:upsidedow Barn cats. They were part of an abandoned litter. DHs then boss brought two cute calico girls to the office and DH called me saying how I HAD to see these little kittens. I've never been much of a cat person, but I had to have little Molly girl. I worked from home then and she was quite attached. After a couple weeks we found out DS was on his way. We worried and decided to get Molly one of her littermates. And that's how Toby came to join the household. DS really wants a puppy now. He wants to see an animal grow up. I just don't know how the cats will react to that one.:scared1:

TxRabbit

02-10-2009, 10:18 AM

This whole planning business is really REALLY difficult when you don't have PARK HOURS!!:headache: :mad:

But from what I am reading, even if you DO have park hours, they keep CHANGING, so you can't really rely on the park hours for planning anyway.:confused3

And I'm a planner people. Yes I am. And I think that most of us here are similar. We all understand the value of having a plan, a schedule. Some people think it is restrictive. What they don't understand is that it is FREEING! (think Ice Age: the Melt Down...I believe I can FLY!)

Yeah. Sometimes your plans run into a tree. You have to change course. But the planner has become so knowledgeable about things to do, you generally have a clue. Precious little time is wasted in trying to figure these things out. Vacation continues...

So our last vacation was really good. We all had a blast. Looking back to that vacation, I realized that we were at Disney for TWO DAYS before we went to a park!:crazy:

I know. Some of you are in shock.

But it's true!

On arrival day, we were at the resort by 12 noon. I told the story of how we were named the Beach Club Family of the Day. Our room wasn't ready and so we were given a complementary lunch. This was handy, because I was planning on eating lunch anyway.:laughing:

Our room was ready after a somewhat leisurely lunch. And SAB was calling our name. It was time to go swimming. Seriously, how can you resist this view from your room:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2390.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2389.jpg

Not to mention the sounds of people enjoying themselves in a sparkling, WET pool on a HOT summer afternoon?

Here's more SAB photos for your enjoyment:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2481.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2557.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2558.jpg

Naturally, we heeded the call, suited up, and headed down.

We had plans to eat at Citrico's that night. But check out these eyes:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2391.jpg

These eyes did not want to do everything that would have to be done to get to the GF from BC.

This is how I know that on our arrival day, we will probably do nothing more than swim in the pool, explore the resort, and eat at WCC, the TS at our resort.

Continued thoughts on next post...

TxRabbit

02-10-2009, 10:47 AM

Travel day may count as Day 1, but it's not really the first day of vacation. It's really only a half day, and even that may be a stretch. The first REAL day of vacation is the first day where you wake up in DISNEY!:banana: And you realize, I am going to have a great fun day today, doing things that are solely intended to bring me pleasure!:thumbsup2 THAT'S the beginning of vacation.

What did we do on our first day of vacation?

We did a character meal!! 8:10 ADR at our own resort. Yeah Baby! :woohoo: It was Cape May Cafe and it was AWESOME!

Originally, we were planning to do a water park. But we didn't feel up to it. Seemed like to much WORK on vacation to get ready and go there.

DS was just ITCHING to go to the Lego Store. So that's what we did. We headed to DTD FIRST!:rotfl: It was GREAT. There was hardly anyone there! We wandered all around and took a bunch of pics. Again for your enjoyment:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2406.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2407.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2408.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2409.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2411.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2412.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2413.jpg

I told you I have pics of Peter being eaten alive all over WDW!!:rotfl2:

We had an amazing lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express. It was a late lunch. An off time. We had the patio to ourselves. It was time to head back to the resort.

When we got back to the room. DH and DS totally flopped out on the bed and watched TV! Which is a major treat in our household, because we live on rabbit ears. We got a serious upgrade in TV with the digital converter. I didn't realize that we could get MULTIPLE PBS stations!:) DS found KP on the Disney Channel and I look at DH and he is ASLEEP!!:cloud9:

I left them to their heavenly bliss and explored the resort and took a bunch of pictures!

I called DH to get him to stand on the balcony of our room for a pic:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2496.jpg

And that's all it took. DH and DS had to come get in this:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2483.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2485-1.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2469.jpg

We ate dinner in our room AGAIN (yay! concierge! yay! for burgers from HH for DS!) and called it a night shortly after 11 pm AGAIN.

We were on vacation. We had a really fun day. And we hadn't even been to a PARK yet!

I guess I'm sharing all this with y'all because everyone freaks out about what to do on what day. Myself included. And I just wanted to share all this to remind everyone what going on vacation is all about. It's about having a break from the daily grind. It IS about having everything exist for your enjoyment. We all need to beware that we don't exchange our hectic daily lives for a hectic day in Disney. Which I admit, is far BETTER. But VACATION is what a trip to Disney is all about.

And now, I'm back to planning like crazy so we can have a relaxing time in Disney.:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

2BoysMom

02-10-2009, 11:29 AM

... DS really wants a puppy now. He wants to see an animal grow up. I just don't know how the cats will react to that one.:scared1:

Easy. CATS RULE, DOGS DROOL.

Contrary to myth, it is always cats that rule the house, not a dog. So, getting a puppy would be good b/c your cats would teach the dog manners and the proper way to show respect to cats when necessary (which is always). Your cats would remain as King and Queen of the house, with the dog as their lowly Subject, no matter how big a dog you selected.

You should see my cat with the two big Collies in the house. Sometimes, without any provocation, he will just jump on the dogs to start a fight, just to show them who's boss. The Collies look at me like, "Mom..... Did you see that? He's picking on me again!!:rotfl:

2BoysMom

02-10-2009, 11:40 AM

OK. Now I'm commenting on your BC photos. WOW! WOW! WOW!

I don't think I have ever been envious of someone's trip..... UNTIL NOW!

Your pics are great. We have not stayed yet at BC. I'm not a pool person normally, but I have to admit that SAB looked fantastic. And I loved how you didn't rush to a park. Why? Because you are still having SO MUCH FUN at Disney, at a fabulous resort! It's still Disney, no matter which way you look at it.

Hopefully, this year, my DH and I want to buy DVC, and we will probably do resale. Based on my research, it just seems like the best deal. ANYWAY... if we do buy resale, I'm not sure between two resorts WL or BC. I love that WL is a boat ride away to the MK, and my boys are still young and I think will enjoy MK for several more years.... But the pool and surroundings at BC are just to die for! Isn't the SAB a "lazy river" kind of thing? How did you handle that with your son? Was one of you with him in the water the entire time? That's the part I wonder about with my twins? When, and How will they enjoy the pool...... One of my boys is pool and slide crazy already, the other one, likes the water, but is afraid of the slides......
whatever, whatever, whatever, blah, blah, blah.... Sorry to hijack.

Just wanted to post and say LOVIN THESE PICS.

2BoysMom

02-10-2009, 11:41 AM

PS: what does SAB and HH stand for?:confused:

TxRabbit

02-10-2009, 12:37 PM

I haven't been to WL (obviously) but I HAVE to say that BC rocks!!!:cool1:

I love so much about it. Really.

DH and I have a timeshare. NOT DVC. We bought it on our honeymoon, which was time share presentation funded. We told ourselves over and over, just say no, No, NO! And we did. Then they sent us to the closing people and they DID make an offer we couldn't refuse. And so now we are time share owners at a resort that we have never been to in Palm Aire, FL! :laughing:

We always deposit our week and go somewhere else.

Anyway, I was seeing what kind of deals RCI had for spring break. (RCI is the exchange company.) And they were so proud to announce their newest affiliation, DVC!!!:banana: :banana:

Which means that I can have access to SOME DVC resorts! I say some, because DVC hasn't shared WL, AKL, or BC with RCI. But they DO share Boardwalk!! I still wouldn't get access to SAB.:sad1: But if I remember right, DVC owners are allowed to pool hop!:confused3 And it is just a hop, skip and a jump over the lake to BC from BWI.

Because I am ME, here are links to my reviews about BC:

Here's the kid area of SAB:
http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20674510&postcount=16

Here's the Shipwreck Slide:
http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20674569&postcount=17

Here's the lazy river:
http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20693023&postcount=23

Here's the Beach Club Marketplace:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20528028&postcount=2131

I think all your questions will be answered in those links. But if this brings up more questions, I'm happy to answer to the best of my memory.:goodvibes Remember, I like to talk. There is no thread hi-jack going on. This is all part of the pre-Disney build up of excitement before a trip!;)

OH! SAB is Storm-a-long Bay, the name for the pool area at YC/BC/BCV. And HH is Hurricane Hannah's which is the poolside/lakeside CS at BC/YC.

2BoysMom

02-10-2009, 12:53 PM

We rented DVC points for a stay at Boardwalk. We rented a studio and LOVED IT! It pretty much convinced us to do DVC once we were ready (and the fact that we seem to spend so much dough there every year...)

Thanks for SAB and HH explanations. I already knew what they meant but was TOTALLY blanking on it today... I could not remember for the life of me. Then when you told me it was like, "Oh, yeah, duh!"

I can't wait to look at those BC links.

TxRabbit

02-10-2009, 01:47 PM

Lovin' hearing that!

One of the reasons I was so excited to see the DVC affliliation is our possible family trip in 2010. I was thinking that getting a villa onsite would be a great option for the trip. (The other being a house rental.) If I could exchange my time share week for it, that would just about seal the deal for onsite villa. Not to mention many future vacations for DH, DS, and me!:rotfl:

Happydog

02-10-2009, 04:07 PM

I haven't been to WL (obviously) but I HAVE to say that BC rocks!!!:cool1:

I love so much about it. Really.

DH and I have a timeshare. NOT DVC. We bought it on our honeymoon, which was time share presentation funded. We told ourselves over and over, just say no, No, NO! And we did. Then they sent us to the closing people and they DID make an offer we couldn't refuse. And so now we are time share owners at a resort that we have never been to in Palm Aire, FL! :laughing:

We always deposit our week and go somewhere else.

Remember, I like to talk. There is no thread hi-jack going on. This is all part of the pre-Disney build up of excitement before a trip!;)

We did the same thing about 10 years ago, bought a silly timeshare in Orlando, and have never been there -- :laughing: We exchange it every time... we have toyed with the idea of DVC as well... not quite ready to take the plunge, but it does seem that the cost can catch up to the investment long-term if you keep going anyway. And what a great excuse :rolleyes: . We have never stayed at the Boardwalk resorts, BC or BW, and I agree with everyone that your photos of the BC makes it look amazing! I would like to consider going there for the next trip. Thanks for sharing the information and the links!
I really enjoy reading your posts and have enjoyed replying to your comments. I am glad you don't mind others chatting along with you! :o It really gets me excited too! :yay:

Thanks so much for emphasizing that a relaxing and fun vacation at Disney IS possible. I have to keep reminding myself of that! :rolleyes:

I think you are really going to like WL. It has such a peaceful feeling :goodvibes

2BoysMom

02-10-2009, 05:31 PM

Oh Gosh! You are such a bad influence on me. First, it was the DDP, and now it's going to be my new obsession with BC!:sad2:

This is no exaggeration, your pictures of BC are the best I have ever seen on these boards. Somehow, you've been able to get different photography angles, which I haven't seen before, and I like your explanations with the pics, too.

I always knew that BC has (probably) the best pool of the resorts, but after looking at your pics, I am now convinced it does. Wow. And the view from your room was just great.

Gosh, for the longest time I daydreamed about WL. Now that, that dream is being realized, I guess now I have to daydream about BC.

Here's a little anecdote: when I was looking at your BC pics, one of my DS's was also looking, as he is the one who loves Disney pools. After I told him what I was looking at I had to explain that we were staying at WL this time, but another time we will do BC. At this point my DH chimes in and says, "You can count on it Alex, if your mother has anything to do with it.."

Ah yes.......:surfweb: let the planning begin.....

TxRabbit

02-11-2009, 09:08 AM

We did the same thing about 10 years ago, bought a silly timeshare in Orlando, and have never been there -- :laughing:

I am glad you don't mind others chatting along with you! :o It really gets me excited too! :yay:

Thanks so much for emphasizing that a relaxing and fun vacation at Disney IS possible. I have to keep reminding myself of that! :rolleyes:

I think you are really going to like WL. It has such a peaceful feeling :goodvibes

I can it my SILLY timeshare too! I still can't believe we did that. How do you exchange your week? Or points, I guess. If you use RCI, you just might be able to give DVC a try!

I have to keep reminding myself that I am going on vacation and to quit freaking out about the planning. I have a tendency to do that.:rolleyes1

I LOVE chatting. One sided conversations are so boring!:goodvibes

I was checking out the WL picture thread yesterday. I am totally looking forward to it. I think you are right about the peaceful feeling. The pictures make it feel a little tucked away.:cloud9:

Oh Gosh! You are such a bad influence on me. First, it was the DDP, and now it's going to be my new obsession with BC!:sad2:

Gosh, for the longest time I daydreamed about WL. Now that, that dream is being realized, I guess now I have to daydream about BC.

Ah yes.......:surfweb: let the planning begin.....

LOL!!:lmao: That is the great thing about WDW, there are so many resorts. Each one has something different to offer. It's great fun to learn about them all and dream about staying at each one!:rotfl:

BC has a couple weird quirks, like the balcony situation. It's a take your chances kind of thing to see whether or not you get a full balcony.

The view from our balcony was considered a standard view. I think because you actually had to be on the balcony to see the pool or the water area. Our room was also a smaller room. The inner corner type rooms like the one we had are smaller in square footage than others and therefore, they only have double sized beds. They are few and far between, but they are there at BC.

Now this freaked me out when I moved our AKL ressie to there because of the construction. I wanted a full balcony and queen sized beds. As it turned out, I STILL ended up in a double bed, but with the free upgrade to concierge, who could complain?:confused3

Some people opt to book YC instead because of these reasons. Others think that YC is more formal, less kid friendly, because it is a convention resort and you see a bunch of suits around talking business, so they keep going back to BC. If you really start to study the whole situation, you will find that there is a prevailing stereotype about the differences between these two resorts. It's kind of funny, because there is always someone who declares the stereotype wrong and thinks of it differently. I always say that you have to form your own opinion.

I hope you aren't second guessing WL.:eek: I can tell you this. When we went to WDW in March, we swam one day. And maybe we could have gone more. The pool was heated. But seriously. The weather was not there for me. We were wearing jackets on several days. I think WL will be perfect for your spring trip. Besides the fact that SAB is currently being refurbished and while the whole pool isn't shut down, parts of it are shut down and walled off as they work on it.

Meanwhile...concentrate on one vacation at a time!!!:laughing: :rotfl: Have you checked out the WL picture thread? Wow! It is going to be so much fun exploring the resort.

TxRabbit

02-11-2009, 10:07 AM

I haven't posted on the Weight end of the deal for a bit. Just wanted to share.

We are in the midst of the prequel to the one day detox. We are schedule for that on Friday. It hasn't been too bad. During the prequel, you have include various different foods from different food groups each day. All these groups are to support liver and colon function.

You also have to avoid certain other things. Caffiene has been the hardest for DH. Especially with the early mornings, he was seriously missing his coffee. We had to head on out to Whole Foods to pick up some herbal coffee. Teeccino. Interesting product. It brews just like regular coffee. DH actually found a flavor that was tolerable.

Gluten has been the hardest thing to avoid overall. Do you realize how many things have gluten?:sad2: I feel such sympathy now for anyone with Celeriac.

I went to my Tuesday double class night last night. Good times. Good times.

I'm holding steady weightwise. Normally, I'm the kind of body type that actually GAINS weight when I start exercising. It's so frustrating. Not that I bulk up, but I start building muscle and my body won't let go of it's potential famine stores. Then one day, finally, my body says, well, I guess we won't starve to death any time soon, even with all this extra activity, and I'll lose like 8 pounds overnight.

Meanwhile, I have a ton of housework to do. There it is. I hear it calling my name.:headache:

And with that in mind, I wanted to share this piece of research with you, especially the you-s that are also pursuing a weight loss goal.

There was a study done of housekeepers that worked for the hotel industry. They divided the housekeepers into two groups, the control group and the study group. For the study group, they educated the housekeepers explaining that their JOBS satisfied their daily requirements for exercise. Neither group altered any diet or exercise regimes. And do you know what happened?:confused3

The study group lost weight. This information is too old in my brain to tell you how much, but it was a significant percentage of weight. The control group didn't.

The results of the study showed the power of the mind.:idea: In whatever activity you pursue, understand that you are exercising your body. That scrubbing action in the bathroom and kitchen? Exercise. Bending over, making beds, doing laundry, going up and down stairs, vacuuming, sweeping, etc etc. It all amounts to a form of exercise, and if you actually think of your body movements as exercise, your body WILL respond to it.:thumbsup2 If you don't think of it as exercise, your body WON'T respond to it.:sad2:

And now ladies, I have a TON of exercise to do around the house this morning!:lmao:

Happydog

02-11-2009, 08:17 PM

Our exchange is through Interval International, we deposit a week. They only have Disney Vero Beach and Hilton Head, but not Orlando DVC. We have stayed on rented points from a DVC owner twice now, once as WLV and once at SSR. When we next do it, I want to try the BLT or BC or BW. :)

We have historically exchanged our week for Scottsdale AZ in August. it is the off-season, but it is dry heat, and the desert is much easier to handle, pool-side, especially at the Four Seasons resort ;) -- as an exchange it is a great deal.

Have you checked out the WL photos on AllEars.net? I just want to get my ADRs done! :mad:

I found your explanation about exercising and housework High-larious. :rotfl: I should be ten lbs lighter!:rolleyes1

jenseib

02-11-2009, 09:29 PM

Jumping in!
I've only read a few pages so far.
I am so jealous of yougoing to WL. I would love to go some day, but my DH is so cheap and thinks it's dumb to pay more for a hotel. I disagree! LOL!

TxRabbit

02-12-2009, 08:19 AM

We have historically exchanged our week for Scottsdale AZ in August. it is the off-season, but it is dry heat, and the desert is much easier to handle, pool-side, especially at the Four Seasons resort ;) -- as an exchange it is a great deal.

Have you checked out the WL photos on AllEars.net? I just want to get my ADRs done! :mad:

I found your explanation about exercising and housework High-larious. :rotfl: I should be ten lbs lighter!:rolleyes1

Did I mention my parent LIVE in Scottsdale? That's so funny! :rotfl: I don't know where the Four Seasons resort is located though. There is a timeshare that is close to the Princess. I can't remember what it is called. It's right across a very small street from the Princess. So not as close as the villas are to their sister resorts like BW, BC, and WL, but still really close. If you could use the amenities of the Princess, that might be worth looking into. It's been a while since we hung out there. My parents used to live right around the corner. We would walk there and eat there and enjoy some tasty drinks around the pool area/bar.:cool2:

I think August is a fine time there too. You really can enjoy all the pools, etc. It's just opposite world in AZ as my parents say. In some parts of the country, you bundle up, hunker down and turn on the heat. In AZ, you strip down, grab a drink, dip in the pool, and turn on the a/c! Bonus! No aching back from shoveling snow!:lmao:

I have checked out the allears photos. I hear you about ADRs. But I'm not really ready yet.:scared1: I need park hours people!:eek:

I hear you about housework. I have a ton to do. I'm very behind. I just think the power of your thoughts is amazing. I can't wait to see the difference all this exercise around the house is going to make!:banana:

Jumping in!
I've only read a few pages so far.
I am so jealous of yougoing to WL. I would love to go some day, but my DH is so cheap and thinks it's dumb to pay more for a hotel. I disagree! LOL!

:welcome:
We are really excited to stay at WL. It's a blessing to be able to stay at the deluxe resorts. Whether or not it makes sense to pay more for the hotel is really a matter of your touring style. IMO. If you just use the hotel for sleeping and bathing, then it really doesn't make too much sense to pay too much for the privelege. But if you spend time at your resort and enjoy all the amentities, then it does. For the summer time especially, we enjoy our resort time.

I would like to stay at all the different resorts at some point. I think each one has its time and place to fit into different vacations. I know that DS was really pushing to stay at All Star Sports. He has just exploded in interest in sports recently. I think that he would really enjoy that theme. I think it was recently renovated too. I think it'd definitely be worth checking out if only to make him happy.:goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-12-2009, 08:37 AM

Diet and nutrition is really on the brain right now. Sorry everyone if it's too boring, but if you are reading my report, it must be on your brain somewhat too.:laughing:

I'll get back to Disney in the next post. I promise.:goodvibes

But I just have to touch on one more subject, because I know that several of you are pursuing great healther.

So let's just briefly touch on High Fructose Corn Syrup.:teacher:

You may have been hearing random bits of info about this lovely addition to most processed foods. Indeed, when you start actively trying to avoid it, you will find that it is in most EVERYTHING!:sad2:

I've read the "You" Series. Have you? You the Owner's Manual, You on a diet, You being healthy, staying young, whatever they all are. Anyway, in one of them is an excellent detailed discussion on why HFCS is so horrible. I will sum this up with what stuck in my brain.

HFCS suppresses the release of your body's chemical/hormone/whatever that makes you feel satiated, you know satisfied with the amount of food that you have eaten. The thing that makes you start to feel full. I've had enough. I don't need to eat anymore because my hunger is satisfied. HFCS keeps your body from being able to send you that signal.:eek:

Can you see the vicious cycle that HFCS can put you on? You are hungry. You get a snack. It has HFCS in it. You don't stop feeling hungry after that snack. You eat more. Or you stop, because you think you should, and you still feel hungry and are miserable because you are on this stinking diet trying to lose weight and it is really hard...:headache:

So the point is. This is why people are now saying that you should try to avoid those foods that contain HFCS.

I will tell you that it is really difficult to avoid it entirely. I think, given the information available, you have to pick and choose what foods you will allow this cheap sweetener to be added to. For me, for instance, I had to find a granola bar that didn't have it in it. I did find it. It's a snack food that I grab and take along when I am out and about. It helps me make it back home to eat instead of hitting a drive through. In this case, having a snack that I like without HFCS is important.:thumbsup2

And that is the end of my educational pontificating for today.

I must go exercise around the house now.:rolleyes1 I'll probably talk about all my planning thoughts later today!

jewels1916

02-12-2009, 10:00 AM

More good info, Rabbit!! Thanks for the update!

TxRabbit

02-12-2009, 10:59 AM

This is so hard to do without the park hours. I know y'all understand.:upsidedow

And really I would be happy without the park hours themselves. I just need to know when the EMHs are and when the parades are scheduled.:rolleyes:

Bear with me everyone. I'm trying to get my thoughts in order. This is the best way I know for doing that. And of course, commentary and helpful hints are always welcome.:goodvibes

I may be in the minority here, but I can only take so much of MK in at a time. It's the crowds really. I like how in Epcot, we can cruise around the countries and even if it's crowded, you find little nooks and crannies off the beaten path throughout the day.

Therefore, I have to break up my MK times. Go in the morning on one day or more. Hit the evening on a different day. I do prefer to go on EMH days. I've had good success with that, especially in the am. I'm not sure I want to get up that early this trip, so we'll see how the calendar looks, and how many really early mornings we plan.

And you realize that all this planning is really about ADRs right?:rotfl:

I'm not sure if I want to do this day on an am EMH day or not. I've never seen the opening ceremony for MK. I think I'd like that. But I don't think they do it on an am EMH day. And I think staying at WL would be the perfect time to get there early and in plenty of time to get a good spot to see the opening ceremony.

I read on another trip report about them picking a family to open the park. I guess they ride in on the train or some such thing. I guess they were picked at 7:30 am for a 9:00 am opening. Wow. What do you do for an hour and a half in front of MK? Still... I think it'd be cool.

I'd like to hit the Main Street Bakery for breakfast. Never been. Totally want to go.:thumbsup2 Hello two snack credit per person per day!:banana:

We tour the park on a sugar high. We have never spent too much time in Fantasyland, so we just might have to concentrate on that. I definitely want to ride HM because it was closed on our last trip, and it is one of my favs. I'm excited to be the refurb. We always grab FP for something like SM or BTMRR before lunch.

An early lunch seating at the Plaza. I'm not sure why the thought of this appeals to me so much, but it does, so I'm going with it. After what I anticipate to be a scrumptious dessert, we'll hit our FP and see how the crowd feels. We will leave whenever it seems like the right time to do so is.

From MK, I picture either swimming in the pool at WL or hitting a Water Park. I'm imagining that the time will be after 3:00 pm when we would actually get to the water park. I'm hoping that the afternoon storm will have come and gone, as well as much of the crowd that has been there since opening.

I'm thinking about driving ourselves to the Water Park. Because I am thinking that we will eat at Ragland Road that night. I'm not sure what else we would do with our wet swim suits after the water park. I don't want to carry them around all evening. I think I'll just leave them in the car.

If we don't feel like going to the water park, we still could do Ragland Road for dinner. We could swim or relax. Just take the bus and head on out to DTD, especially if we want to walk around DTD before dinner.

Either way. I think that a RR ADR will work out that day. We'll definitely have to hit Goofy's while we are at DTD and get some yummy tasties for the room.

So this is one scenario for an MK day/and a water park/DTD evening.

TxRabbit

02-12-2009, 11:09 AM

Another scenario for an MK morning is to get there early, of course, and to plan on leaving for the day slightly earlier than the other day.

We would take the monorail over to Poly for lunch at Kona. I think their menu looks really yummy and I really want to try it.

We could really relax away from the crowds here. Everything I've read leads me to believe that most resort restaurants are pretty quiet during the day.

Then I'm thinking that we take the monorail and head on over to Epcot for some country browsing/show watching. We might have to grab an FP for TT if the wait time is too long, because that is one of DSs favs. Meanwhile, its a see what's happening kind of day at Epcot.

Then I want to catch an early dinner seating for either Flying Fish or Yachtsman Steakhouse. It's just a short boat ride away! Time to relax again and eat some yummy delicious food.

From there, we see what time it is, how we are feeling. Do we want to stay out and about and watch Illuminations or even Fantasmic? Both would be easy enough to do. Or do we just head on back to the hotel for some R&R? It's all good.

I like BOTH of these days. I think I just might plan them both. Three days down.:laughing:

TxRabbit

02-12-2009, 11:31 AM

I love seeing the different parks at night. MK is no exception. In fact, I really LOVE this park in the evening. I love seeing the castle lit up, Main Street lit up, etc etc.

This evening will have to be planned for a Spectromagic night. I really want to watch this parade. Followed by Wishes of course.:goodvibes

It'll depend on how late the park is open whether or not we'll have to do this plan on a pm EMH night.

Dinner of choice tonight will either be AP, CG, Citrico's, or Narcoossee's. Decisive huh? These are the signature dining with easy transportation to MK, that's why. Things will get narrowed down as the days progress.

Ok. I just realized that I have 7 nights, and thus, 7 dinners. One is RR. One is WCC on arrival night. That means I can only eat at 5 signature restaurants for dinner.

1. Pick between YS and FF.
2. Must do AP
3. Must do CG
4. I really want to do Jiko.
5. ????

I'm telling you, writing this out is really helping me get a handle on what is going on with these ADRs!

That settles my inner argument over whether or not we should do HDDR!!:rotfl2:

Back to MK evening...obviously, I want plenty of time in the park in the evening. I'm thinking an early dinner again. Head on over to MK, watch parade and fireworks, ride our favs to ride in the evening. I've actually never ridden BTMRR in the daytime at MK, only in DL!

What we do earlier in the day on this day is still a mystery. I think I need to start a spread sheet.:idea:

jenseib

02-12-2009, 04:35 PM

2BoysMom

02-12-2009, 05:51 PM

I carry a small Baggalini that I can wear across my body and never have to take off. I have one in lime green (OH YEAH) and khaki, which I got for my Halloween costume last year. This is how Baggalini describes this style:
wallet bagg (small)
The most versatile, organized and convenient bag ever.
Wear it around your waist, over your shoulder, across your body, attached to a belt or use as a wallet
Outside zippered pocket for cell phone or other small items
Roomy, secure interior with 3 zippered pockets, 2 pen and lipstick holders and 12 credit card slots
Includes a detachable, adjustable 52” strap
Lightweight water resistant fabric

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/Donnatb1/WBS107L.gifhttp://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/Donnatb1/WBS107K.gif

I wish there was a photo of the interior, I love how organized I can be with this one little bag, it just holds everything, and even on water rides, I have not had anything get wet.

We also use a basic black backpack for drinks, snacks, change of clothes, toys. This we leave in a stroller. There is nothing too valuable in it, that we can't afford to lose, and all our valuables like cameras, ID, credit cards, tickets, phone, LIPSTICK, etc are on me in the Baggalini.

That's how we roll...:cool2:

2BoysMom

02-12-2009, 05:56 PM

Here is a picture of me wearing the khaki one from our Halloween trip.
I just LOVE these bags, I think if I ever forgot (God Forbid) to bring one for a Disney trip, I would feel absolutely naked. They keep me very organized and worry free.:thumbsup2

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/Donnatb1/P1000395-2-1.jpg

jenseib

02-12-2009, 06:36 PM

i am loving your PTR!
i'll be leaving for WDW in a few weeks! (march 8-14!)
i planned on going to bed hours ago...it is now 2:22am!!
& i love the fact that you are "chatty"...great details=)

I'm going that same exact week! What resort are you staying at?

2BoysMom

02-12-2009, 06:54 PM

I'm going that week, too. March 7th-14th.
We are staying at WL for the first time, like Rabbit.

Where are others staying?

SunnieRN

02-12-2009, 06:57 PM

Wow!! Just got caught up!! What an awesome amount of trip planning you've accomplished in a short amount of time!!
Your BC report was awesome!! I hope to stay there in the future, when my grandsons are older!!
Love your MK plans, they sound fantastic!
Decided to split our dining up. We will do QSDP for KV, before my son in law arrives for R&R, QSDP at OKW as it will be his first trip to the world and our second, so we will be touring pretty hard.
When we move to SS for our last 9 nights we are going to do DXDDP!! Woo hoo! Our first trip was a spur of the moment trip. ALL CS, so I am really excited!
Made our first day reservations for that portion. Wolfgang Puck Cafe for lunch (DTD afternoon) and Turf Club dinner!!
Have to call every day as we are on the 10th day of our +10.
We will be doing one or two TS during our QSDP trip, just not sure what or when, except for sanna which we can book the 16th!
Looking forward to more!!

Happydog

02-13-2009, 09:30 AM

I love seeing the different parks at night. MK is no exception. In fact, I really LOVE this park in the evening. I love seeing the castle lit up, Main Street lit up, etc etc.

Dinner of choice tonight will either be AP, CG, Citrico's, or Narcoossee's. Decisive huh? These are the signature dining with easy transportation to MK, that's why. Things will get narrowed down as the days progress.

Ok. I just realized that I have 7 nights, and thus, 7 dinners. One is RR. One is WCC on arrival night. That means I can only eat at 5 signature restaurants for dinner.

1. Pick between YS and FF.
2. Must do AP
3. Must do CG
4. I really want to do Jiko.
5. ????

Uhh, "ONLY eat at 5 signature restaurants for dinner" :upsidedow

Some of us ONLY get to go to one :laughing: WOW, I wish I had that dilemma ;) I would vote on a GF restaurant, vs. AP. Maybe an off night, or the atmosphere, but I wasn't feeling "signature" with AP, especially for 2 credits. Enjoyed The Wave much more... and it was only 1! Decisions, decisions :) Happy to vicariously join you for 5 signature restaurant ADRs!

Jiko sounds neat. I have to save it for another trip.

PS (from earlier post)
Re AZ, Four Seasons is at Troon North. Up near pinnacle peak. I love AZ. I was born there and grandmothers both live there, too!

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 10:07 AM

Uhh, "ONLY eat at 5 signature restaurants for dinner" :upsidedow

PS (from earlier post)
Re AZ, Four Seasons is at Troon North. Up near pinnacle peak. I love AZ. I was born there and grandmothers both live there, too!

Oh WOW! I didn't read it like that!:rotfl2: Right. ONLY!:rotfl2:

I have to admit, I am really excited about all the food I am going to eat.:rolleyes1 Especially since today is the fast/drink miracle juice all day Day. I'm drooling as I think about it all...

I LOVE the area around Troon North. So pretty. My parents aren't quite that far north. Just south of Pinnacle Peak. That would be a wonderful place to vacation.:cloud9:

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 10:12 AM

I love this bag, where did you get it?
I just use a bag I got from AAA last year. It's basic and it works. We also have a stroller wit hus too though.

I got mine at REI. It's an Overland Equipment brand.

I just LOVE these bags, I think if I ever forgot (God Forbid) to bring one for a Disney trip, I would feel absolutely naked. They keep me very organized and worry free.:thumbsup2

There are a LOT of Baggalini fans on the Dis. I can see why. That's a really handy bag!

Wow!! Just got caught up!! What an awesome amount of trip planning you've accomplished in a short amount of time!!
Your BC report was awesome!! I hope to stay there in the future, when my grandsons are older!!
Love your MK plans, they sound fantastic!
Decided to split our dining up. We will do QSDP for KV, before my son in law arrives for R&R, QSDP at OKW as it will be his first trip to the world and our second, so we will be touring pretty hard.
When we move to SS for our last 9 nights we are going to do DXDDP!! Woo hoo! Our first trip was a spur of the moment trip. ALL CS, so I am really excited!
Made our first day reservations for that portion. Wolfgang Puck Cafe for lunch (DTD afternoon) and Turf Club dinner!!
Have to call every day as we are on the 10th day of our +10.
We will be doing one or two TS during our QSDP trip, just not sure what or when, except for sanna which we can book the 16th!
Looking forward to more!!

I was doing a lot of thinking while I was exercising around the house! That's why I got so much planning done!:rotfl:

Your dining plans sound very fun. I think it sounds awesome to have the freedom to eat when and where at the beginning and then, when you are feeling like some more sit down, being served food, you end with Deluxe! Awesome! What a pain though to have to call each day.:headache:

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 10:15 AM

Ok. Today is the day. We are drinking miracle juice today. One cup every other hour, alternating with one cup of water every OTHER hour.

So far so good. The juice is a mixture of 100% Cranberry juice, water, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fresh squeezed orange and lemon juice. It's a bit tart. But not too bad.

DH and I both weighed ourselves this morning. They recommend that you don't weigh again until the next morning.

Remembering the power of thoughts and expectations, I am expecting AMAZING results from this detox.

It's going to be a bit rough thinking about the restaurants today, but I will survive!:laughing:

I seriously need to get working on a spread sheet.:rolleyes1

Hope everyone is having a great day. :pixiedust:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 10:41 AM

catherines_mama

02-13-2009, 01:08 PM

Subscribing a little late and I cannot wait to read more later.

We'll be there the same exact time. Our reasons 1) my bday is 6/21 2) 4/3 allowed us a much longer vacation then the planned 4 day weekend. YAY

We'll be as ASMo as with 3 kids we'd rather spread between 2 rooms. Otherwise I would LOVE to stay at WL - it is my favorite and I'm totally jealous!

Can't wait to read more about your plans.

oh also - I don't have set goals and rewards, but Steve and I both also need to lose weight and are trying really hard this year. We are very prone to say "oh its been a long day - lets go out to eat" when we REALLY don't need to. Its not good for the waistline OR the wallet. So I'll be cheering you on to your goal.

jenseib

02-13-2009, 01:18 PM

I got mine at REI. It's an Overland Equipment brand.

Can you PM me the link to it? (or post it). I am looking, but can;t find one like it. But there is so much stuff on that site. Wow!

OK, I need to go exercise. I haven't done anything all day except straighten the living room up.

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 01:50 PM

You should definitely do the rope drop at MK at least once. I'm usually not a fan of stuff like that, but it was a lot of fun. Not to mention, we were able to ride Space Mountain about three times before it really got crowded! :thumbsup2

I agree with rope drop 100%:thumbsup2

On our last trip, we made it to MK and Epcot for either rope drop or am EMH. For that trip, we arrived home one day before DS started second grade. We really couldn't afford to arrive home too tired from vacation. We were up early most every day, and we were only out late one night, for P&PP.

So sad. Space Mtn will be closed during out trip.:sad1: I'm excited to ride the refurb though. I remember that the one in DL was so much smoother than the one in WDW.

Subscribing a little late and I cannot wait to read more later.

We'll be there the same exact time. Our reasons 1) my bday is 6/21 2) 4/3 allowed us a much longer vacation then the planned 4 day weekend. YAY

We'll be as ASMo as with 3 kids we'd rather spread between 2 rooms. Otherwise I would LOVE to stay at WL - it is my favorite and I'm totally jealous!

Can't wait to read more about your plans.

oh also - I don't have set goals and rewards, but Steve and I both also need to lose weight and are trying really hard this year. We are very prone to say "oh its been a long day - lets go out to eat" when we REALLY don't need to. Its not good for the waistline OR the wallet. So I'll be cheering you on to your goal.

:welcome:

How exciting to be in WDW for your birthday! I would LOVE to do that but mine is March 25. We'd have to pull DS from school to accomplish that and it's peak season. Not good.

I totally relate to the long day excuse.:rolleyes1 I'll tell you though, the funny thing about eating at home v. restaurant is that it really does take some time/effort to go to a restaurant. When you do start eating at home more, the evening gets so much longer. That's what we've found anyway.

Losing weight and being more healthy is really hard. It's a struggle. If it were easy, you wouldn't hear about how everyone needed to do it. It takes trying hard. I wish you well.:cheer2:

Can you PM me the link to it? (or post it). I am looking, but can;t find one like it. But there is so much stuff on that site. Wow!

OK, I need to go exercise. I haven't done anything all day except straighten the living room up.

Here's the link:
http://www.rei.com/product/767099

Mine looks a bit different. I bought it in late 2006/early 2007. Mine was clearanced because it was last season's color. I bought it for 50% off.

2BoysMom

02-13-2009, 05:37 PM

Hey! My DH's birthday is March 25th!!!
What are the odds of that happening?:scratchin

SunnieRN

02-13-2009, 06:29 PM

Wow, happy to hear you are doing so well on your detox!!!! :worship:

I think it's safe to post this as your detox day was yesterday..... I got Teppan Edo for lunch and Le Cellier for dinner for our second SS day!! Woo hoo!
Tomorrow I will be calling for Crystal Palace and a few days ago we made a reservation for cinderellas royal table for dinner (my adult daughters choice).
I also made reservations for Ohanas and Olivias Cafe for our week at OKW.
Sorry about all the food talk, I must be hungry lol.

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 06:52 PM

Hey! My DH's birthday is March 25th!!!
What are the odds of that happening?:scratchin

:lmao:

Wow, happy to hear you are doing so well on your detox!!!! :worship:

I think it's safe to post this as your detox day was yesterday..... I got Teppan Edo for lunch and Le Cellier for dinner for our second SS day!! Woo hoo!
Tomorrow I will be calling for Crystal Palace and a few days ago we made a reservation for cinderellas royal table for dinner (my adult daughters choice).
I also made reservations for Ohanas and Olivias Cafe for our week at OKW.
Sorry about all the food talk, I must be hungry lol.

Actually the detox IS today!:rotfl2:

I'm so glad that you are getting the ADRs that you want. What you have so far sounds like a fun and TASTY plan.

__________________________________________________ _____________

I have to say that I am rather glad that our vacation is toward the end of the month. It'll take be more than a hot minute to finalize everything once I seen the park hours.*sigh*

We have made some decisions about what we will NOT be doing this trip.

1. DHS. Like we skipped AK to do DHS last time...We skip DHS...TTM will have to wait until next year.
2. BB or TL. As much as it looks fun, I think that it will be more frustrating than fun for DS.
3. Ragland Road. I want to hear the band. The band plays late. That doesn't fit with my touring plans. I'm thinking date night when the whole family goes in 2010.

And I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt what we will be doing on our first morning in the World...can you guess?...wait for it...DTD!

I asked DS today, "What is the first thing that you would like to do when we wake up in WDW?" And HE said..."The Lego Store.":rotfl2:

Looks like we will be easing into vacation all over again.:rolleyes:

Because I refuse to make ANOTHER post without pictures, I've included the following DTD scenes for your enjoyment:

***WARNING: The following contains images that may be upsetting to anyone counting calories***

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2430.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2436.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2437.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2431-1.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2432-1.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2433-1.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2434-1.jpg

It is always a good idea to hit Goofy's at the beginning of the trip...then you can snack on the wonders from there all throughout the week!;)

2BoysMom

02-13-2009, 07:10 PM

Happydog

02-13-2009, 07:40 PM

I think I read somewhere that the reason they shortened the ADR window is b/c people do not finalize their plans until closer to the the trips. I guess they have the ADR cancellations or double bookings to prove it. I think everyone makes a plan then changes them, then makes them again -- some more than others. So maybe their change makes sense, b/c it takes us this long to sort our our plans. If they were to upgrade anything, it would be to post the hours at least 30 days ahead of the ADR window, since the hours play a big role in the decisions. I was just thinking that their logic may not be all that off... :scratchin

My boys love the lego store too! :thumbsup2

You know we liked DHS, and we spent time there, but the second day we could have left earlier, or not even have gone. So why did you decide against the water parks? We are not including these either. Just curious....

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 08:24 PM

Would you believe I don't have a sweet tooth, so the pastry pics didn't phase me a bit (it's so unfair that I'm not skinny:confused: ).

Also, the music at Ragland Road starts at 6pm, not at 9pm. Just an FYI. I confirmed that with the restaurant, for my trip.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth either. DH, on the other hand...

That's good news about the band. The more I thought about it though, the more I thought that DH and I would enjoy RR more as a freewheeling couple than a mom and dad.:upsidedow

You know we liked DHS, and we spent time there, but the second day we could have left earlier, or not even have gone. So why did you decide against the water parks? We are not including these either. Just curious....

We loved DHS on our last trip. We had a full funfilled day there. So much so that skipping this time isn't that big a deal. DS rode ToT on our first trip and wasn't eagar to repeat the experience, so the big headliners there don't have enough pull to make us regret not going. There's so much to do over all.

We've been to some water parks here in Texas. DS does okay at them. But he's picky about what he's willing to do. He's not a thrill seeker kind of boy. So water parks aren't the get there early so we can do what we want to do thing for us. They become more of a it might be nice to get wet later in the day after we've done the other things that we really want to do kind of thing. And for that, the pool at WL looks way more appealing, less hassle, less stress. The water parks might definitely be more fun when we go with the cousins next year.:yes:

SunnieRN

02-13-2009, 09:49 PM

Sorry about being a day early! Can't wait to spend more time in DTD this trip!! We just went once for a couple of hours last time. We did go to goofys though!:thumbsup2

Happydog

02-14-2009, 07:47 AM

We've been to some water parks here in Texas. DS does okay at them. But he's picky about what he's willing to do. He's not a thrill seeker kind of boy. So water parks aren't the get there early so we can do what we want to do thing for us. They become more of a it might be nice to get wet later in the day after we've done the other things that we really want to do kind of thing. And for that, the pool at WL looks way more appealing, less hassle, less stress. The water parks might definitely be more fun when we go with the cousins next year.:yes:

I was thinking the same way you are for the water parks. Initally we had the water park options on our tickets. But then I started thinking that I can get plenty mileage out of the resort pool. Boys still too young to just let loose at the WP, and the resort pool is so nice, that it makes better sense to save the $ on that one... and I don't know that we would get our use out of DQ either. It is like you said, there is plenty to do. You have a good planning strategy. I like it. :thumbsup2 Hope you made it through yesterday! :goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-14-2009, 12:59 PM

Sorry about being a day early! Can't wait to spend more time in DTD this trip!! We just went once for a couple of hours last time. We did go to goofys though!:thumbsup2

No worries!:) DTD is fun. If you like shopping.:laughing:

You have a good planning strategy. I like it. :thumbsup2 Hope you made it through yesterday! :goodvibes

Thanks!

We made it through yesterday just fine. We weighed ourselves this morning. DH lost about 3 pounds and I lost somewhere between 4 to 6 pounds:banana: (the scale isn't so good and kept moving it while I was standing on it!)

Now we do a 3 day sequel.

Then we start the two week Fat Flush plan. The mission of the plan is to boost metabolism and cleanse your liver and lymphatic system, which are the two main things responsible for fat metabolism. I am excited!

AND we have figured out our ENTIRE touring plan, mostly. I'll make it a separate post...

TxRabbit

02-14-2009, 01:31 PM

So this morning DH and I sat around and talked Disney. We really worked through a bunch of planning. DS got in on the action and we have...wait for it...A PLAN!:cool1:

This plan is based on the MOST LIKELY days for EMH, therefore it is subject to change.

Saturday, June 20
Arrival Day
Dinner at WCC at WL
Plenty of time to swim, explore the resort, maybe see the campfire and some characters at FW, watch the boat parade, etc etc. It is whatever we feel like doing! I LOVE days like that!:rotfl:

Sunday, June 21
After being on the road for two days, we need a slow morning...plenty of time to shower and look pretty for the day.
9:15-9:30 am BOMA breakfast
Then onward to DTD and possibly even DQ, plenty of snacking going on, I'm sure.
5:00 or other earliest available dinner ADR for Yachtsman Steakhouse
Depending on our mood, we will either head on over to Epcot to catch the evening vibe there, or just check out the Boardwalk area night life.
We will be driving ourselves around this day. It'll be easier to get to AKL, then to DTD (I dislike the DTD bus route), and park at YC. Then if we do go to Epcot and check out Illuminations, we will be well positioned at the mass exodus, leaving through the int'l gateway exit and just walking to YC and our car. AND we can stop for some yummy tasty gelato at BC Marketplace on the way.:thumbsup2

Monday, June 22
AK am EMH, be there!:woohoo:
9:30 am ADR Tusker House Donald's Safari Breakfast
1:30 pm ADR Yak n Yeti
6:00 pm ADR Narcoossee's decision made!
We hope to get EE first thing. That's pretty much all we care about. Whatever else we can get done in an hour and a half will be a bonus. We'll be ready for Donald and buffet dining. We saw the pictures of the restaurant and that's it, we MUST eat here.

Tuesday, June 23
EPCOT am EMH, be there!:woohoo:
early lunch ADR Akershus
early dinner ADR Les Chefs de France

Wednesday, June 24
Time for a more relaxing morning...
9:15-30 am ADR Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at GF
DQ!!
early dinner Jiko: The Cooking Place
AK pm EMH
Again, we will drive ourselves over to GF and then DTD and then AKL. It will just be easier. I really don't like the DTD bus!

Thursday, June 25
MK am EMH, be there!:woohoo:
early lunch at The Plaza
early dinner at Cali Grill
This day is all about MK, however we want it to be.

Friday, June 26
8:20 am ADR WCC
Wing it for lunch!*gasp*:scared1:
7:00-30 pm ADR AP
This is our FREE DAY! The day to pick to go where we want because we just didn't get enough of it!:banana:
That's why dining is all at our resort this day. I believe we will end up in Epcot again this day. There are multiple CS options we enjoy there, plus all the snacking around the world, and maybe even eating at a TS walk-up at an off hour.:confused3 It'd be interesting to try that just to see how it goes for future reference.

Saturday, June 27
Departure Day:sad1:
Time to pack the car...
9:00 am ADR Chef Mickey's
We should have enough time this morning to do something, if we feel like it.

Now. Depending on our choice of resort dining on Monday night, we may still have one credit left for lunch on departure day...So now, back to reading menus and looking at pictures! I'm partial to Citrico's, Narcoossee's, Kona, and The Wave. Ahhhh. Disney Decisions.

Decision MADE!!! Narcoossee's it is!:yay:

jenseib

02-14-2009, 03:08 PM

Sounds good, and yummy. LOL!

What does DQ mean?

Happydog

02-15-2009, 06:50 PM

Saturday, June 27
Departure Day:sad1:
Time to pack the car...
9:00 am ADR Chef Mickey's
We should have enough time this morning to do something, if we feel like it.

Now. Depending on our choice of resort dining on Monday night, we may still have one credit left for lunch on departure day...So now, back to reading menus and looking at pictures! I'm partial to Citrico's, Narcoossee's, Kona, and The Wave. Ahhhh. Disney Decisions.

Decision MADE!!! Narcoossee's it is!:yay:

Hey! These plans all look great for your first official go at it! You really are not letting the parks and going to the park drive your vacation, so I applaud you for that. Let me ask you -- we have never made Chef Mickey's before. Only Crystal Palace... I have an ADR for Chef Mickey's at 11am, so we can do late breakfast but call it lunch ;) It was perfect at Crystal Palace. Do you have any strong preference for any character breakfast in general? Did you pick Chef Mickey's b/c you have enjoyed it before? And the Tusker House? I am just curious. Some one started a thread that they didn't have a good experience at CM, and judging from the responses, that seems to be the message... which made me sad, b/c I always understood it to be the best Character meal... :confused3
So how many more days do we have until we can make our plans "official"?!!!:yay:

jenseib

02-15-2009, 08:27 PM

I had breakfeast at CM's 2 years ago and it was just OK. Not bad, but nothing to knock your socks off. I thought the biscuits and gravy was gross though. Mickey waffles! YUM!

TxRabbit

02-15-2009, 09:00 PM

Sounds good, and yummy. LOL!

What does DQ mean?

DQ means Disney Quest which is in DTD.

Hey! These plans all look great for your first official go at it! You really are not letting the parks and going to the park drive your vacation, so I applaud you for that. Let me ask you -- we have never made Chef Mickey's before. Only Crystal Palace... I have an ADR for Chef Mickey's at 11am, so we can do late breakfast but call it lunch ;) It was perfect at Crystal Palace. Do you have any strong preference for any character breakfast in general? Did you pick Chef Mickey's b/c you have enjoyed it before? And the Tusker House? I am just curious. Some one started a thread that they didn't have a good experience at CM, and judging from the responses, that seems to be the message... which made me sad, b/c I always understood it to be the best Character meal... :confused3
So how many more days do we have until we can make our plans "official"?!!!:yay:

My family is kind of funny. We really like to try new things. We repeated CP on our last trip, doing dinner instead of lunch, because that's just the way that it turned out for our P&PP planning. But it wasn't our first choice.

So, with one exception, every restaurant listed here will be a first time for us!:woohoo:

That exception is Boma, where we have eaten for dinner, but not breakfast. We wanted Tusker House to be our first character meal of the trip, but we were really liking the idea of a buffet for breakfast. We all LOVE breakfast food, and Boma is a buffet with NO characters!:thumbsup2 I enjoyed our dinner there, although it was something of a mess, but that's a WHOLE story. I'm looking forward to breakfast there. I love AKL too and think it's beautiful.

That said, I don't have a strong preference for any character breakfast in general. Haven't done CP breakfast but we feel like we have definitely been there done that with Pooh and friends. We did Cape May Cafe when we stayed at BC and we loved it. Very laid back. Good character interaction. Seeing characters multiple times. Loved that it was at the resort we were staying at.

I read that thread about CM. Doesn't bother me. Misery loves company, you know? And with it being a thread that wants to bash CM, I think the CM lovers will leave it alone.

I've read too many good reviews. And in fact, just read a good one from AussieAngel? I showed my men the pics in her review and they are both so excited that we are eating there! We LOVE us some Krispy Kreme donuts!!!:love: And they are at TH and now, I learn, CM!:banana:

I thought CM would be a great ending. One last chance with the characters. Eat whatever you want. We have to start our drive home that day. As you can see, I've tried to plan so that we mostly have two TS a day. My men LOVE snacking, so I fully anticipate using our snack credits throughout the day to sustain us inbetween.:laughing:

We have three character breakfasts scheduled. Two will have similar, if not exactly the SAME characters.:confused3 I figure we'll get great pictures between the two of them.

And we have like a MONTH before we can make the plans official.:eek: :sad2:

Happydog

02-15-2009, 10:09 PM

I read that thread about CM. Doesn't bother me. Misery loves company, you know? And with it being a thread that wants to bash CM, I think the CM lovers will leave it alone.

I've read too many good reviews. And in fact, just read a good one from AussieAngel? I showed my men the pics in her review and they are both so excited that we are eating there! We LOVE us some Krispy Kreme donuts!!!:love: And they are at TH and now, I learn, CM!:banana:

I thought CM would be a great ending. One last chance with the characters. Eat whatever you want. We have to start our drive home that day. As you can see, I've tried to plan so that we mostly have two TS a day. My men LOVE snacking, so I fully anticipate using our snack credits throughout the day to sustain us inbetween.:laughing:

We have three character breakfasts scheduled. Two will have similar, if not exactly the SAME characters.:confused3 I figure we'll get great pictures between the two of them.

And we have like a MONTH before we can make the plans official.:eek: :sad2:

Yeah, I think you are right. I am going to go ahead and stick with CM. This way I can say I have been there and can experience it myself. Breakfast food is less difficult to "mess up" in my mind. We really liked the Crystal Palace for Breakfast. We had lots of face time with Pooh et al. CM has always been booked, never room, and just looks fun. Since I was able to get an ADR already, we are going to give it a try as well.

Thanks! ;)

catherines_mama

02-16-2009, 06:49 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

02-16-2009, 08:07 AM

Wow, congrats on the great loss. That's awesome! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Your (tenative) touring plans look great. I have always wanted to go to the California Grill. If only I could convince DH...

tinkgurl

02-16-2009, 08:50 AM

I can't wait to see where I will be compared to you once we can call and make our ADR's!

Monday, June 22

6:00 pm ADR Narcoossee's decision made!: We'll be across the Seven Seas Lagoon from you! Chef Mickey's is a must for us since it'll be our first night!

TxRabbit

02-16-2009, 10:28 AM

Your plans look wonderful!! I'm working on ours still but cannot get as detailed as you w/out park hours! Is it March yet???? :)

From my draft plan we might be at Akershus together. Its my way to let my girls see Princesses without having to stress to get CRT ADRs. :)

Your ADR choices look wonderful - lots of variety.

That would be TOO fun if we were there together! The cool thing about the Akershus princess meal is that you get an included photo package, just like CRT! But only 1 TS!:woohoo: I think I mentioned before, DS is just too pumped to eat some Norwegian food!

The park hours aren't available yet. I did my best guess based on the previous months trends of which days are most likely to be the am EMHs. The pm EMHs seem to be a bit more erratic, but the am EMH seem to have a pretty good pattern. I might have to adjust my plans when the actual hours come out.

Wow, congrats on the great loss. That's awesome! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Your (tenative) touring plans look great. I have always wanted to go to the California Grill. If only I could convince DH...

Cali Grill is one of the ones I'm most excited about. Not only for the food, but for the view. I'm not worried about fireworks viewing, if it works in our plans, we can go back up to the restaurant later to view the fireworks. I'm just excited to see the panarama of the area. Of course, we might not end up doing that even...I haven't decided whether or not we are going to request kitchen seating.:confused:

I can't wait to see where I will be compared to you once we can call and make our ADR's!

Monday, June 22

6:00 pm ADR Narcoossee's decision made!: We'll be across the Seven Seas Lagoon from you! Chef Mickey's is a must for us since it'll be our first night!

Too fun!! See Happydog, another CM fan! No worries.:hug:

It would be funny if our paths crossed on our trip. I think that I would recognize your group from your TR!

tinkgurl

02-16-2009, 12:19 PM

Too fun!! See Happydog, another CM fan! No worries.:hug:

It would be funny if our paths crossed on our trip. I think that I would recognize your group from your TR!

Oh I'm a BIG CM fan!!

I think it would be funny too! If you see me, you have to come say hi!!! And we can get a picture together so we can be featured in each other's TR!

2BoysMom

02-16-2009, 12:28 PM

I've been off the boards for over 24 hours, EEgads!:scared1: So, I'm just catching up. This is how bad my memory/brain is these days.... I almost posted asking what CM stood for?:sad2: :sad2: :sad2:

So, sad....:sad2: Luckily I DID remember eventually it was Chef Mickey's. I, too, am scheduled there for our March trip. I have NEVER been able to get an ADR for that place, so for me, it is more for the experience and being near the monorails, and being able to say "Oh, yes, of course I have been to CM.":snooty: I almost don't care about the food. To me, a buffet is a buffet is a buffet. They all seem the same to me (the only one being different is Akershus, b/c of it's regional fare).

OK. just piping in letting you know I'm still around.

Happydog

02-16-2009, 12:35 PM

See Happydog, another CM fan! No worries.:hug:

CM here we come! Thanks Rabbit and Tinkgurl, can't wait to try it out! ;)

I agree with the sentiment that after all these dis board conversations you practically do know people... after reading so many of these amazing PTRs, I am almost inspired to do one myself! Wait. That really didn't come out of my mouth!!! :scared1: Just kidding. Can't wait to hear more of your planning favorites, Rabbit! And Tinkgurl, I am headed over to join your PTR officially, I have been reading for a few weeks now :rolleyes: !!!

Happydog

02-16-2009, 12:36 PM

TxRabbit

02-16-2009, 02:02 PM

Oh I'm a BIG CM fan!!

I think it would be funny too! If you see me, you have to come say hi!!! And we can get a picture together so we can be featured in each other's TR!

Same goes for you. If you see me, DH and DS, you HAVE to come over.:goodvibes

I've been off the boards for over 24 hours, EEgads!:scared1: So, I'm just catching up. This is how bad my memory/brain is these days.... I almost posted asking what CM stood for?:sad2: :sad2: :sad2:

OK. just piping in letting you know I'm still around.

24 WHOLE hours!:scared1: Haha. I about had a conniption (spelling?) fit today when I tried to post and found out the board was down for ONE HOUR this morning.:laughing:

I agree with the sentiment that after all these dis board conversations you practically do know people... after reading so many of these amazing PTRs, I am almost inspired to do one myself! Wait. That really didn't come out of my mouth!!! :scared1: Just kidding. Can't wait to hear more of your planning favorites, Rabbit! And Tinkgurl, I am headed over to join your PTR officially, I have been reading for a few weeks now :rolleyes: !!!

I HEARD that! You have to AT LEAST post your ADRs so we know if our paths might cross. We have a high likelihood of crossing paths considering we are both at WL. We are right? Or am I losing my mind? If you don't start a PTR yourself, post your ADRs on my PTR.:thumbsup2

TxRabbit

02-16-2009, 02:17 PM

***Warning: TMI alert***

I just have to further elaborate on the success of the Fast Track One Day Detox. I share in the hopes that, if one of you has a similar body type, you might benefit from my experience. It's not gross, btw, just personal.

So. One of the main missions of the One Day is to relieve water clogged tissues of their excess water. That's water retention.

I went to a spa with my mom. Her treat. I got a body wrap. It was fantastic, btw, but the POINT is that the person performing the service asked me a personal question because she could SEE the excess water on my back.:eek:

She told me about body brushing, which you would do before bathing, which is supposed to encourage excess water to flow toward your lymph nodes. I got a body brush but never really got into the habit.:sad2:

After we did the One Day, I could SEE such a difference in the way that I looked in the mirror, and I could tell when I put on my undergarments that things had changed. I took a measurement and I lost an full INCH around my upper chest area. All around that area. Above, below, around. It is all the loss of water retention in my back area.

I can see it in other areas as well, but the only recent measurement I have is from having to purchase ladies undergarments recently, and so I don't have any other points of comparison to be able to say, wow, I lost whatever inches here and here and here.

So. If you are the type that has some water retention, then I highly recommend the Fast Track One Day Detox. If you follow the program, then I imagine that you would see similar results.

Now, of course, the key to not regaining that excess is to stay hydrated. Because lack of drinking water is what makes your body horde it. I have been doing this faithfully, and I have maintained my loss so far. And I admit, that I haven't been drinking my 8-10 glasses of water consistently prior.:sad2:

And NO, I am not getting paid to talk about this.:laughing: I'm just trying to be a helper:grouphug: to those of you that have expressed that you have similar goals. Like all things out there, you have to read and get info and make your own decisions for yourself.

Tomorrow we get started on the Fat Flushing Plan. There are three phases, where the third is the lifestyle phase. Phase one has been described as diet boot camp.:scared:

DH and I are pretty pumped about it all because so far we are seeing good things result. I have never before followed anyone's diet regimen. I've never done Atkin's, South Beach, cabbage soup, apple, or any other diet phenomenon. This is the first one that I could understand from a scientific standpoint to make good sense.

I'll definitely keep y'all posted on our progress!:thumbsup2

Happydog

02-16-2009, 06:41 PM

SunnieRN

02-17-2009, 01:45 AM

Glad you had such good results from your detox day!! I hope the fat clensing detox goes just as well!!
I must say that I am getting very tired of having to call reservations for adr's in every day now.
With them implementing the new phase of the dining plan for reservations after May 25th, it has meant two waits on hold. The first day they implemented the changes I got a prompt and only had the one wait on hold. Yesterday I had to call the regular dining line, waited on hold a couple of min., then had to be transfered to the cm's handling the adr's for beyond May 25th. That was a 20 min. hold. A bit frustrating when I am at work, although I am pretty free at 6 a.m. What I am having a hard time with is different rules and restrictions from every cm I talk too and it did cost me a problem with one of the reservations I needed and didn't get. I did however get it for a different day in our trip. Oh well, I only have 6 more days to go and I will be done!!!!!
When the system is up for everyone I think it will be great!! The cm could look at a restaurant for the whole day. Not just a specific meal or time frame. They still will not be offering on line reservations however. :headache:

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 08:15 AM

Okay, so I will say yes, you are right I think we will be there overlapping, I think you mentioned it before... we are there June 17 - 24th. You are there the 20th, I think you wrote... so somewere at the beginning of yours and the middle of ours! I am still :stir: scheming about my plans, ADRs, etc. I will present it to you this week, once I have a few more decisions made, but everyday we plan to be at the resort for at least a 3 - 4 hour break, so it would be fun to say HI! :wave2: Your ideas have helped me out a lot... I might start a ptr at the 90 day mark... that gives me something to distract me from March 19th.... The DAY I get to call! ;) And maybe you can give me some advice about a few things.

I think your diet plan sounds great. Everyone has to find a system or plan that works for them. I just need to exercise more, that is my deal. So, on that note, I have to go exercise LOL... no really :upsidedow and I don't mean house work!!!

Ooo. Definitely start a PTR!:thumbsup2

What do you do for exercise?

Glad you had such good results from your detox day!! I hope the fat clensing detox goes just as well!!
I must say that I am getting very tired of having to call reservations for adr's in every day now.
With them implementing the new phase of the dining plan for reservations after May 25th, it has meant two waits on hold. The first day they implemented the changes I got a prompt and only had the one wait on hold. Yesterday I had to call the regular dining line, waited on hold a couple of min., then had to be transfered to the cm's handling the adr's for beyond May 25th. That was a 20 min. hold. A bit frustrating when I am at work, although I am pretty free at 6 a.m. What I am having a hard time with is different rules and restrictions from every cm I talk too and it did cost me a problem with one of the reservations I needed and didn't get. I did however get it for a different day in our trip. Oh well, I only have 6 more days to go and I will be done!!!!!
When the system is up for everyone I think it will be great!! The cm could look at a restaurant for the whole day. Not just a specific meal or time frame. They still will not be offering on line reservations however. :headache:

What you are having to do to get your ADRs would certainly try my patience. You'll be so happy once it's all said and done though. Have you started a PTR? What is your ADR plan?

tinkgurl

02-17-2009, 08:39 AM

After we did the One Day, I could SEE such a difference in the way that I looked in the mirror, and I could tell when I put on my undergarments that things had changed. I took a measurement and I lost an full INCH around my upper chest area. All around that area. Above, below, around. It is all the loss of water retention in my back area.

Oh my gosh! How cool! Congrats! :)

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 09:25 AM

Whenever the planning gets too heavy, I feel the need to lighten things up with stories of WDW...I try to include something that will aid in future planning, even as I share about the past...

I hope y'all enjoy!

Bolt's first ride on Splash Mountaing and Pirate Tutorial...

On this day, we had arrived somewhat late, but still during am EMH to MK. We had ridden Buzz to our hearts content, we fell in love with Goofy's Barnstormer, and rode many other rides much to our enjoyment. We were ready for our 11:20 ADR at CP before 11:00. We grabbed a FP to Splash Mtn and headed over to check in. After lunch, we headed over to SM.

It was unfortunate that Splash Mtn broke down just as we were about to round that last bend in the line...:eek: :headache: And thus, all our best laid plans were laid to waste as we waited and waited and waited to ride this most awesome ride. I must admit that I was very impressed with the patience Bolt expressed. He had never ridden SM so he didn't even know what he was waiting for!:rotfl:

Finally, we were able to hop on board. Bolt absolutely LOVED this ride. It did contend with number 1 (against Buzz) for his fav ride. His expression in the ride pic was so cute, we had to buy it. We are in the back row. Here is my photo of that photo:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3112.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3113.jpg

We were done. It was time to head out of MK and take a break.

I looked at my handy dandy little Palm Z22, which I had purchased specifically for this trip. I bought a used one that had been used as a display model at trade shows. And here's the educational portion of this memory...

I had subscribed to Walt Disney World to Go by Andy Danelley. He puts the current menus for all WDW restaurants, park hours, show hours, parade hours, etc for the week into different files that are in a portable format. I picked to download the iSilo files, because I can use those on my Palm. I know there are other file formats available.

I found that the Pirate Tutorial was scheduled to begin shortly. So we headed over to the area, it was on our way out after all, and we waited a bit. I was pumped that I knew about this little side act because we might have missed seeing it otherwise...

It is a hilarious act with Jack Sparrow and another Pirate. Since this isn't a TR, I won't do any spoiling with the dialogue. Bolt did NOT get picked to be one of the trainees for this performance. But he did get to be one of the kids that received a pirate training certificate and pledge his oath to Cap'n Jack.

If you have seen it, these should bring back good memories...
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2051.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2053.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2055.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2056.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2059.jpg

Yes, Bolt is the young boy about to pick his nose...:rolleyes1
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2062.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_2066.jpg

I look at this pics and it is funny to remember that we were wearing jackets in March! But it was still quite cool then, especially if your blood has thinned like ours has from living in the south!:laughing:

TeaForTulips

02-17-2009, 05:14 PM

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 08:15 PM

I got caught back up on everything today. Yay! :goodvibes All your plans sound so wonderful! I'm glad the detox is working out. After I read that post I started google-ing away. :surfweb:

After reading everything it makes me want to fast forward so we can hear about the trip itself! I had a ton of crazy customers at work today who took all my patience I think ... :confused: I'm sure Ill refuel this evening.

I love the mini reports from previous trips. Great pics!

Glad things are going well! :hug:

If after your google-ing you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I don't mind. Everyone is different, but I'm happy to share how my experience has been if you're interested in more details.

I'm glad you like the mini reports. It's fun to elaborate on our memories. I never finished any TR. :blush:

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 08:24 PM

Happydog

02-17-2009, 08:38 PM

Ooo. Definitely start a PTR!:thumbsup2

What do you do for exercise?

Hi there -- well, we have a treadmill and a stairmaster in our basement. I complained that we didn't have cable channels downstairs so I couldn't watch mindless TV while I "treaded" :laughing: So I should have kept my mouth shut b/c we switched to Verizon from Comcast, and when we did, we got cable downstairs... :rolleyes1 NOW what is my excuse... So that is what I do. I need to kick it up a notch before bathing suit season...:rotfl:
TODAY is officially 4 months till Disney :yay: My spring break trip is closer and I am less excited about it! I like your pictures from Splash! My boys loved Splash as well, right up there with Buzz, just like you said! So what other favorites are you going to use your dxDDP credits on? TS only?
Any awesome snack favorites?

SunnieRN

02-17-2009, 11:42 PM

Love your splash mountain picture!! Your sons expression is priceless!! I've only made one other trip to disney world so hadn't really thought about a pre trip report. I don't think it would be very exciting actually. lol.
I do plan on doing a trip report and a dining report when we get home though!
Love all of your tips! They are so helpful! Looking forward to more.

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 06:02 AM

NOW what is my excuse... So that is what I do. I need to kick it up a notch before bathing suit season...:rotfl:

That's the funny thing about having your own exercise equipment. You'd think it be an easy thing to just hop on it, but it isn't.:sad2: I understand about bathing suit season...I need a new one too. Generally, I HATE bathing suit shopping.:confused:

TODAY is officially 4 months till Disney :yay:
:banana:

My spring break trip is closer and I am less excited about it!

We decided to not go on a big trip this year. More like day trips. DH is only going to take two days off to make a long weekend. Where are you going?[/QUOTE]
I like your pictures from Splash! My boys loved Splash as well, right up there with Buzz, just like you said! So what other favorites are you going to use your dxDDP credits on? TS only?
Any awesome snack favorites?

There is one day where we are winging lunch that we may use a credit for a CS. Depends on where we end up that day. Other than funnel cake, we don't have any snack favorites. For our last trip, with the concierge lounge, we really didn't use up too many snack credits. We didn't have a ton left over, like I've read about some others, but enough that we were buying bags of candy left and right to use the rest. We won't make that mistake again. DH drinks lattes, so he can probably get his fill of those. I'm excited to try a lot of pastry places that we skipped before, Main St. Bakery, France, Norway, etc etc. Of course, we'll definitely hit Goofy's early too!

Love your splash mountain picture!! Your sons expression is priceless!! I've only made one other trip to disney world so hadn't really thought about a pre trip report. I don't think it would be very exciting actually. lol.
I do plan on doing a trip report and a dining report when we get home though!
Love all of your tips! They are so helpful! Looking forward to more.

Let me know when you start your reports, I definitely want to read about your trip!

Thanks! I'm trying to be helpful.:rotfl:

jenseib

02-18-2009, 06:07 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

02-18-2009, 07:23 AM

For right now, we are in the midst of a simple 30 day challenge. No eating out for 30 days. :scared: Some people may find that easy to do. For me it is a struggle. I love Love LOVE to cook. I hate Hate HATE to clean. We have been eating out so often for so long, it is taking a bit to reprogram DS8 to realize that dinners need to be PLANNED. You can't just eat whatever you want every night because you might have seen a commercial and now you really want pizza! LOL.

The 30 days should be good on the waistline and the pocketbook.:thumbsup2

I think your 30 day challenge is great, and definitely inspirational for me. I feel the same way you do. I really enjoy cooking, but absolutely DESPISE cleaning up afterwards. It's just so easy and convenient to eat out. Planning meals to cook can be a struggle -- especially when you realize you don't have a key ingredient and you've already started cooking. :mad:

We're currently attempting to cut back on dining out in hopes of saving money and saving the calories. Hopefully, it will work for both of us! :goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 07:37 AM

With all this exercise talk, I better go get started! I do have a treadmill and exercise bike. Love them both, but some days it's harder to get on than others. I do have satillite TV in the basemtn, so I do watch and walk/ride and it makes it more doable. Sometimes that the only TV time I get to myself. :happytv:

When we lived in KS, I wanted to have some exercise equipment in the basement. I figured that I would get on it every time Divine Design came on. I LOVE Candance.:worship: She could do my whole house.::yes:: We live off rabbit ears now...so that wouldn't even be an option. Now that we don't have a basement...I don't know where I would put the equipment.:confused3

I think your 30 day challenge is great, and definitely inspirational for me. I feel the same way you do. I really enjoy cooking, but absolutely DESPISE cleaning up afterwards. It's just so easy and convenient to eat out. Planning meals to cook can be a struggle -- especially when you realize you don't have a key ingredient and you've already started cooking. :mad:

We're currently attempting to cut back on dining out in hopes of saving money and saving the calories. Hopefully, it will work for both of us! :goodvibes

We were really successful during our 30 day challenge. It really helped to reprogram our thoughts to think of HOME first when thinking of eating. How sad is that? But true.:blush:

I agree that the meal planning is difficult. I recently adjusted my grocery shopping style. I think of my kitchen more like a running inventory. I watch for when the prices of the things I normally buy are rock bottom and I stock up big time. I have something of a mental list of things that must ALWAYS be in my house. I really need to get it written down. I've been wanting to make a master grocery list for a long time.

Right now, I'm REALLY struggling with dinner planning because of this Fat Flush Plan. Many of my typical meals are not plan friendly so I am having to really think about what we can and can't eat. And cook new recipes. It's an absolute pain.:headache: And of course, DS isn't eating exactly what we are, so I feel a little like a short order cook.:upsidedow

It should be worth it though. DH is doing his typical male thing and the weight is just starting to fall off him.:rolleyes:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-18-2009, 07:45 AM

I don't think it's sad at all, you got to stick w/ what works! It's just so hard to stay on track. That usually does the trick for us, but sometimes the convenience overpowers that. Like Saturday afternoon, I slipped up and got Wendy's. It was gross and I couldn't even finish it. I would've preferred a salad or something from home but I hadn't gone grocery shopping yet. It was sad, and I was being really lazy. :sad2:

I've started keeping tabs on what staples I always need in the kitchen, and stocking up when they're on sale. I've tried making lists, but I also seem to forget them at my office. I just haven't figured out a plan that works well for us...yet.

What kind of meals are you eating on your current program? I'd love to get some possible dinner ideas. I'm stuck in a rut! Plus, DH and I don't like the same things so it makes it even more difficult.

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 08:15 AM

What kind of meals are you eating on your current program? I'd love to get some possible dinner ideas. I'm stuck in a rut! Plus, DH and I don't like the same things so it makes it even more difficult.

The current program is something of a detox eating plan. It eliminates foods that are common allergens, causes of inflamation, and causes of water retention. So, NO grains, of ANY kind, NO sugary veggies (i.e. sweet potatoes, potatoes, winter squash, corn and peas), NO sugar, NO fat except Flax Seed (whole and oil) and naturally occuring in meat and veggies, and NO dairy, none.

So, two whole fruit servings, two servings of flax, 8 oz of flesh protein (NO soy unless you are vegan, then twice a week), two eggs (separate from the other protein) and unlimited veggies (except only one carrot and three olives). And there is NO alcohol, caffeine, fake sugar (except stevia), or any other anything. This is why so many label it diet boot camp. It sounds worse than it is...:rolleyes:

You also drink a cran-water drink all day long. You drink a lemon drink in the morning. And you drink a fiber rich drink when you first wake up and before you go to bed. (Add psyllium husks or ground flax seed to the cran-water).

The idea is that many of us have sensitivities to foods and don't even realize it. So eliminate these and then after two weeks, slowly start adding different carbs back into your diet, while you monitor how your body responds. So you can see if there are trigger foods that you would be better off avoiding.

So yesterday, we had two scrambled eggs with asparagus and mushrooms for breakfast. Fruit for a midmorning snack. Lunch was a huge serving of a tomato based soup with tons of veggies and beef. A spinach/romaine salad with cucumbers and tomatoes and homemade flaxseed oil dressing. A mixed veggie snack. A fruit snack. Dinner was blackened chicken with mashed cauliflower and stir fried veggies. We made a frozen whey thing for dessert.

You are encouraged to eat hot spices because it boosts your metabolism. So eat as much cayenne, cumin, curry, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, etc as you want.

I have many other meals that my family really likes. What kind of cooking do you do? Crock pot? Grilling? Broiling? Soups? Salads? Did you see the crock pot recipes I posted? They are really good. I know it's hard to keep up with my big long posts.:laughing:

Tell me what you would like to see and I'd be happy to share. Maybe we all can share...

jewels1916

02-18-2009, 08:25 AM

TeaForTulips

02-18-2009, 08:48 AM

I ordered the vacation guides for Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida today!:cool1:

I ordered my Texas one a while back. It is really fun to look at. I thought that it might be helpful for planning our big 1000 mile road trip!

That's where my thoughts are now...planning the actual travel to the World.

We have budgeted for an overnight hotel stay. The big decision is WHERE?:confused:

We would like to stop about 2/3 of the way if possible and have a much shorter drive the following day. I'm hoping that the guides may highlight some good places to stop and stretch. Especially for the ride home. We don't have to be crazy non-stop on the way there. Just efficient!:goodvibes

Any other drivers out there? Any tips?:confused3

This will be DSs first really LONG road trip. Should be great memories. Many good stories come from road trips.

I think its so great you are ordering guides! You guys are gonna have a blast. I LOVE road trips and I agree that many good stories come from them.

I am full of Louisiana and Florida knowledge because I've spent most of my life in both places. :goodvibes What route are you taking? Where is the 2/3 mark on your trip there and back?

My favorite place of all time next to Disney World is Santa Rosa Island, Florida or better known Pensacola Beach, Florida. :sunny: It's where I spent half my childhood years. It is the most beautiful beach, lots of fun shops and places to eat. Not everyone is a beach going as we are, but if are then you must go! :boat:

Anytime I have taken long trips with children the best thing we found to help ease it all was the portable dvd players. We have the kind the hooks on the back of the seats because the kids were younger, but we also have the kind that you hold for any of the older kids or adults who arent keen on the movie choice. :) Id usually let the kids pick out a new movie for the road so they are attentive when it comes on.

I usually pack a ton of options. Most of my road tripping experience comes from being a nanny. Every child is different and what holds their attention is different. A few times I would get them their own map and highlight our route and they would "help" out finding us on the map, etc.

We are driving about 900 miles on our trip to Disney, but no kids this trip. Our goal is to drive almost all of it in one stretch. I'm a road trip queen though and have driven the about 1200 mile trip from erie, pa back to louisiana numerous times. Most of those times being by myself. I have learned how to self entertain! :goodvibes Also Ive been a certified professional nanny for years and Ive learned how to entertain children in the car and on planes. I could go on and on with ideas so Ill end this now because it is already super long! Sorry! :flower3:

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 09:16 AM

I am full of Louisiana and Florida knowledge because I've spent most of my life in both places. :goodvibes What route are you taking? Where is the 2/3 mark on your trip there and back?

My favorite place of all time next to Disney World is Santa Rosa Island, Florida or better known Pensacola Beach, Florida. :sunny: It's where I spent half my childhood years. It is the most beautiful beach, lots of fun shops and places to eat. Not everyone is a beach going as we are, but if are then you must go! :boat:

I don't know where the 2/3 mark is! I have to figure that out still. I think it might be in the middle of nowhere! It's on my to do list...:rolleyes1

We'll be driving I-10. I'll have to look at a map to see where Pensacola is. I'm a beach lover myself.

Anytime I have taken long trips with children the best thing we found to help ease it all was the portable dvd players.

I totally agree with this!:thumbsup2 Unfortunately, ours broke.:sad2: I'd like to replace it, especially if we end up having to drive to CO for a wedding in July!

DS also has a Ninetendo DS, which is OK for a while, but I don't want him looking at that small screen for too long. I've thought about getting the kind of DVD player that will accept an input so we could bring the PS2... but then I think that I'm going too far.

A part of me thinks that kids these days need to learn how to be BORED!!:lmao: :rotfl: I rebel and I think that we need to suffer without all this electronic entertainment and just deal with it like in the good ole days!:laughing:

A few times I would get them their own map and highlight our route and they would "help" out finding us on the map, etc.

I am LOVING this idea. I actually have found some exit by exit explanations of I-10 too. I might put it all together for a guide book for DS.:thumbsup2

We are driving about 900 miles on our trip to Disney, but no kids this trip. Our goal is to drive almost all of it in one stretch. I'm a road trip queen though and have driven the about 1200 mile trip from erie, pa back to louisiana numerous times. Most of those times being by myself. I have learned how to self entertain! :goodvibes Also Ive been a certified professional nanny for years and Ive learned how to entertain children in the car and on planes. I could go on and on with ideas so Ill end this now because it is already super long! Sorry! :flower3:

If we didn't have DS, Dh and I would probably drive it all in one stretch. He did it with his sister in college when he parents lived in Florida for a season. But with DS, the one stretch driving is rough not only during the drive, but after. We won't have that time of crash and recover once we got there. We have to be responsible parents now and can't black out for a time upon arrival.:laughing:

I don't mind long posts. Please do go on and on...popcorn::

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 11:15 AM

Hi Everyone!

I know there are people out there that aren't chatting along...:rolleyes1

And that's okay!

And some of you actually have a LIFE outside the DIS!:lmao:

So because I am a chatter box (I warned you!), I added an index to post 1 that highlights things that directly pertain to trip planning, losing weight, or as Tarah refered to them, are mini-TRs from past trips!:goodvibes

I hope this might help some of you...It'll help me get back to certain posts of my own.:laughing:

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 11:18 AM

Hey Rabbit! I've been MIA, but I am all caught up now! Just wanted to say hi and see how everything was going! How is the detoxing going? I am going to steal some of the info that you are posting for my own use. Sounds like a good plan. Hope you are well!

Please steal away...that's why it's posted.:goodvibes

The detox is going well. The kitchen is a DISASTER, my fridge is PACKED with veggies and it's hard to find ANYTHING, but I still keep cooking!:banana: I find that's the hardest thing to deal with right now, all the cleaning that all this cooking requires! :crazy2:

2BoysMom

02-18-2009, 01:26 PM

Hi Everyone!

And some of you actually have a LIFE outside the DIS!:laughing:

WHAT?????
People have lives outside of the DIS??

I don't believe it.... I just don't believe it.......:sad2:

jewels1916

02-18-2009, 02:01 PM

Please steal away...that's why it's posted.:goodvibes

The detox is going well. The kitchen is a DISASTER, my fridge is PACKED with veggies and it's hard to find ANYTHING, but I still keep cooking!:banana: I find that's the hardest thing to deal with right now, all the cleaning that all this cooking requires! :crazy2:

Ha ha. I know. The cleaning is my least favorite part of cooking as well. My whole apartment is a wreck cause of all the packing. It's making it hard for me to stick to the diet. How easy to just order a pizza and then get back to work. *sigh* It's a process. :upsidedow

jenseib

02-18-2009, 04:43 PM

The current program is something of a detox eating plan. It eliminates foods that are common allergens, causes of inflamation, and causes of water retention. So, NO grains, of ANY kind, NO sugary veggies (i.e. sweet potatoes, potatoes, winter squash, corn and peas), NO sugar, NO fat except Flax Seed (whole and oil) and naturally occuring in meat and veggies, and NO dairy, none.

So, two whole fruit servings, two servings of flax, 8 oz of flesh protein (NO soy unless you are vegan, then twice a week), two eggs (separate from the other protein) and unlimited veggies (except only one carrot and three olives). And there is NO alcohol, caffeine, fake sugar (except stevia), or any other anything. This is why so many label it diet boot camp. It sounds worse than it is...:rolleyes:

You also drink a cran-water drink all day long. You drink a lemon drink in the morning. And you drink a fiber rich drink when you first wake up and before you go to bed. (Add psyllium husks or ground flax seed to the cran-water).

The idea is that many of us have sensitivities to foods and don't even realize it. So eliminate these and then after two weeks, slowly start adding different carbs back into your diet, while you monitor how your body responds. So you can see if there are trigger foods that you would be better off avoiding.

So yesterday, we had two scrambled eggs with asparagus and mushrooms for breakfast. Fruit for a midmorning snack. Lunch was a huge serving of a tomato based soup with tons of veggies and beef. A spinach/romaine salad with cucumbers and tomatoes and homemade flaxseed oil dressing. A mixed veggie snack. A fruit snack. Dinner was blackened chicken with mashed cauliflower and stir fried veggies. We made a frozen whey thing for dessert.

You are encouraged to eat hot spices because it boosts your metabolism. So eat as much cayenne, cumin, curry, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, etc as you want.

I have many other meals that my family really likes. What kind of cooking do you do? Crock pot? Grilling? Broiling? Soups? Salads? Did you see the crock pot recipes I posted? They are really good. I know it's hard to keep up with my big long posts.:laughing:

Tell me what you would like to see and I'd be happy to share. Maybe we all can share...

That is the nastiest diet I ever heard of. LOL! There is no way I could do it. Flax seed? Barf! LOL! I give you alot of credit...if it was between that and being fat, fat would win! LOL!

TxRabbit

02-18-2009, 06:45 PM

WHAT?????
People have lives outside of the DIS??

I don't believe it.... I just don't believe it.......:sad2:

I don't either, but I've HEARD it's true.:confused3

Ha ha. I know. The cleaning is my least favorite part of cooking as well. My whole apartment is a wreck cause of all the packing. It's making it hard for me to stick to the diet. How easy to just order a pizza and then get back to work. *sigh* It's a process. :upsidedow

Moving while trying to eat at home and eat healthy is the WORST!! The absolute WORST. Here's what I did. Whatever you cook, cook double, triple or quadruple. Eat leftovers, and FREEZE leftovers. These are especially helpful when you start having to pack your kitchen. I called it my, "If you are going to cook, cook A LOT!" strategy.:lmao:

And IF you order pizza, you should seriously supplement that pizza with a salad (from a bag for ease) or some cooked veggies (shove them in the microwave) and eat fruit for dessert that night. Limit your servings and only order a pizza with ONE meat product on it. Then continue to eat off the pizza for a couple DAYS. Am I lecturing?:confused: It's like WARNING! Diet police!:laughing: I hope I don't sound horrible, but you can see why I called myself Rabbit. I do like to order people around...:lmao:

That is the nastiest diet I ever heard of. LOL! There is no way I could do it. Flax seed? Barf! LOL! I give you alot of credit...if it was between that and being fat, fat would win! LOL!

Flax seed isn't so bad. The oil actually has a really nice flavor. It makes a really good salad dressing. For the plan, we combine it with apple cider vinegar (the only allowable vinegar), fresh squeezed lemon and chopped fresh parsley. Ground flax seed is a nothing thing to add to whatever. It's supposed to keep the pipes flowing, KWIM? And it's only like 1 or 2 tablespoons a day...:confused3 Like I said, it sounds worse than it is.

Tonight I made the most AMAZING lettuce wraps. Blacked flank steak with a super yummy sweet and sour type cabbage mixture on top. Very Asian flare. Put it all in a Romaine lettuce leaf and enjoy. Btw, the Romaine leaves worked out so much BETTER than the iceberg from places like PFChangs, which I LOVE. I find the iceberg cracks and then the juices run down to your elbows and it's just a total mess. But the Romaine was almost like eating a hard taco shell, you just fold it over on the stem/seam with all the goodies there and presto, easy peasy!:thumbsup2 If anyone thinks it sounds good, I'll post the recipe...

Going to west coast swing class tonight with Peter. So much fun to dance with my hubby. I skipped last night :blush: I just wasn't up for any of it. So no bellydancing or zumba for me. I feel a little guilty, a little wimpy, but this eating plan is really taking a lot of energy to plan and deal with. I felt brain dead and drained. Not a good frame of mind for hitting two hours work of exercise.:upsidedow

jenseib

02-18-2009, 08:15 PM

Again you are making me gag! LOL!

I am really picky though on stuff. I will only eat French dressing for the most part. I will eat italian, but I don't like all of them. So if a salad doesn't have one of those dressings, it's pretty much just nasty to me, but if I got a dressing I love then I'll eat salad forever.
If I'm not enjoying my food, I won;t stick with it, and from the sounds of it, this would not be a diet I would enjoy at all. I'm also not big on eggs. Only every once in awhile will I eat them.

TxRabbit

02-19-2009, 05:43 AM

If I'm not enjoying my food, I won;t stick with it, and from the sounds of it, this would not be a diet I would enjoy at all. I'm also not big on eggs. Only every once in awhile will I eat them.

It definitely sounds like you would have some issues with this plan!:scared:

:teacher: Eggs are a must do. They are a lecithin rich food, which is the main component of bile, which is the key component that helps the liver break down fats. So eggs help improve the quality of your bile which in turn, helps your body breaks down fats efficiently, something anyone trying to lose weight wants their body to be able to do!:lmao: Combined with adding half a freshly squeezed lemon to water, which helps to thin bile, you have a powerful addition to your diet.

The author of this plan had her clients add nothing but two eggs and two glasses of lemon water a day for six weeks. Without any other changes, every client lost weight. The highest weight loss being 21 pounds, which no other changes.

Maybe if you think of the benefits of eggs you can tolerate them better.:confused3 :goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-19-2009, 08:14 AM

I have many other meals that my family really likes. What kind of cooking do you do? Crock pot? Grilling? Broiling? Soups? Salads? Did you see the crock pot recipes I posted? They are really good. I know it's hard to keep up with my big long posts.:laughing:

Tell me what you would like to see and I'd be happy to share. Maybe we all can share...

I'm open to pretty much all types of cooking. I do a lot of soups, salads, and baking (fish and chicken). I would love to use my crock pot more, but I just can't find a good recipe that both DH and I would like. He's a much pickier eater than I am. He likes pastas and spicy food -- that's it. It makes cooking very frustrating!

I saw your recipes, and I thought they'd be great to attempt. But, since I'd be cooking for just one (DH would never eat them) I don't think it'd be worth it. That's why I stick to salads and cooking individual pieces of fish.

jewels1916

02-19-2009, 09:32 AM

Ha ha! Nah, didn't sound too much like a lecture! But even so...I listened! No pizza for me! I have to start keeping bags of salad in my fridge. I used to buy them all the time, but never finished them, and I hate letting stuff go to waste. :scared: I LOVE steam in the bag veggies. I can just make a bag of the asian seasoned ones, toss on a tiny bit of soy sauce, and it makes a full-on meal for me. :) Your suggestions are definitely going to help me get through this moving/trying to stay healthy time.
I am also training for a few running events...a 5k...a 10K...hopefully working up to a half-marathon at the end of the year. So eating healthy is a must! :thumbsup2

TxRabbit

02-19-2009, 09:53 AM

He likes pastas and spicy food -- that's it. It makes cooking very frustrating!

That IS frustrating. I have two recipes that he might like that I REALLY like. One is Thai Chicken Curry (spicy and oh so good) and Chipotle Potato Salad (which I have also made into a pasta salad instead of potato). Interested?

I am also training for a few running events...a 5k...a 10K...hopefully working up to a half-marathon at the end of the year. So eating healthy is a must! :thumbsup2

WOW! That is so impressive! Healthy eating IS a must!:goodvibes Are the running events here in TX?

2BoysMom

02-19-2009, 11:02 AM

yes, interested in the recipes...

Happydog

02-19-2009, 03:58 PM

Hi there! I have emerged victorious from a big event at work, so I just caught up on the past four pages! Now time to make dinner, all these ideas are making me hungry! OH, and I would like the asian lettuce wraps, rabbit! That sounds good. My husband and I both like similar dishes in restaurants. Interesting about eggs and lemon water -- who would have thought?!? Will catch up again later this evening ... :)

TxRabbit

02-19-2009, 04:29 PM

I did not use the recipe for seasoning the chicken/flank steak. It wanted you to marinate the meat/chicken for at least 1 hour, and I didn't have the time.

I used The Spice Hunter brand of Cajun Creole Seasoning, which is a salt free seasoning that can be used to blacken meat. The real beauty of these wraps is in the cabbage topping for whatever meat/poultry you choose.

You may use 2 5-ounce chicken breasts or 1/2 pound flank steak. Cook these however you would prefer separately. I covered in blackened seasoning and broiled. No marinating time.:thumbsup2 tons of flavor. (We still have to refill the gas tank for the grill :sad2: )

Here is the marinade that I didn't use:
1 t ground cumin
1/2 t cayenne
1/2 t cinnamon
2 t fresh ginger, minced
1 T fresh parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced

Place all ingredients and your choice of chicken/flank into a plastic bag and let spices coat the meat for at leat 1 hour to overnight.

Combine the following in a small bowl:
2 T apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup no-salt-added chicken broth
1 T fresh ginger, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, minced (optional), which I used, seeded and deveined

Add this dressing and the following to a large saucepan:
3 scallions, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, sliced

Saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
Then Add:
1 carrot shredded
6 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced (I already had regular cabbage at home and I used that, it was fine)

Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and toss in:
1 cup cilantro, chopped
2 T flaxseed oil
Juice of 1 lime

Use Romaine leaves. They form a nice taco really. Put the meat/poultry on the leaf and then top with the cabbage mixture. Because of the dressing on the cabbage mixture there is no need for any additional sauce.

This recipe serves 2.

It was fast cooking once all the chopping was done!:thumbsup2

This was super tasty. Peter said we could definitely make this on a regular basis, even after the two week phase 1 is done!

This recipe came from The Fat Flush Cookbook by Ann Louise Gittleman, which I borrowed from my local public library.;)

I'll post the others separately.:goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-19-2009, 04:50 PM

I am so excited!!!:cool1:

I just found a Fairy Godmother for DS!:thumbsup2

She is going to send him a postcard from WDW!!!:banana:

It will be a message from Donald Duck!!:goodvibes

I think it's going to be so cool to get that in the mail!!!:cloud9:

If any of you are interested in setting it up, there is a sticky on the Disney Families thread.

2BoysMom

02-19-2009, 05:56 PM

jewels1916

02-19-2009, 06:28 PM

Yes, my running events are in Texas. I can send you some info if you are interested! I am trying to stay away from the ones that happen in the DEAD of Summer...lol. :)

SunnieRN

02-20-2009, 02:24 AM

Been working so I just got caught up! Wow I an so impressed with your fat detox dedication! Lol what a shock the dxddp will be to your body!!!!
Seriously though, there are a lot of healthier choices to be had at the ts places!!
I only have two more days of ressies to make (or 1 if we decide to do a cs breakfast at artist's pallette, or wolfgang puck express on departure day).
I will post it for you if you are interested when I am done!!

TxRabbit

02-20-2009, 08:14 AM

I've done this a few times for people when I have gone to WDW. It's fun, trying to find the perfect postcard for a stranger, a little stranger, who you know will enjoy it so much when they receive it in the mail.

I encourage people to do it, one way to spread happiness in the world, from the World.

I'm thinking about doing it. A sort of pay it forward thing. DS will then figure it out that it was a different momma sending the card to him. I hope that he would think that would be neat. He could help find the card and might think that's cool.

Yes, my running events are in Texas. I can send you some info if you are interested! I am trying to stay away from the ones that happen in the DEAD of Summer...lol. :)

They would have to be on the other side of summer if I was to be in shape for it!:lmao: I would be interested in the 5K one though. If not for me, then for DH. He is more into running. I've always found it to be a little rough on the knees. But I like the thought of being able to say, "I ran a half marathon at such and such." Donna will get to say Disney! That would seriously motivate me! Running at Disney...

Been working so I just got caught up! Wow I an so impressed with your fat detox dedication! Lol what a shock the dxddp will be to your body!!!!
Seriously though, there are a lot of healthier choices to be had at the ts places!!
I only have two more days of ressies to make (or 1 if we decide to do a cs breakfast at artist's pallette, or wolfgang puck express on departure day).
I will post it for you if you are interested when I am done!!

We are beginning day 4 of our two week phase 1 plan. It's going well. Peter and I both think that we see a difference and feel a difference. The scale isn't too helpful at this point because we are drinking SO MUCH liquid every day, we are chock full of water weight. Technically, I haven't lost another pound yet, but I haven't gained any either.:thumbsup2

Yeah. The deluxe dining might be a bit of a shock. I was checking out all the menus, verifying our choices, contemplating what we would order. I made an excel spread sheet to make sure that our real choices would still save us money by doing the dining plan v. paying OOP.

Some people eat major appetizers and then eat a huge steak, and then eat a huge dessert. Oof. I went through and picked healthier options. I still have two meals to calculate and all the snacks of course. And I didn't select any drinks, and I know in some places that we will at least SPLIT a milkshake or a smoothie. So far we are spending $166 less by doing the dining plan. Not a ton, but then, we don't have 3 meals planned everyday. By and large, I planned for two. I think if you actually eat 3 a day, even a CS, you would save a lot more. I just don't want to plan it that way...

SunnieRN

02-20-2009, 10:49 AM

Imho if you are eating what/the way you want and you save $1.00 then you are ahead in my book, let alone the ability to have it paid for ahead of time!!
Congratulations on the success you are having on your program!! Remember, fat weighs a lot less then muscle. You are getting rid of fat and building muscle with all of your exercise!! Keep up your good work!!:thumbsup2

jewels1916

02-20-2009, 11:44 AM

Well, that is what I am working up to! The half-marathon. I have no idea if I will actually get there, I have never been much of a runner. I'm a dancer. We are built for grace and agility...and enough endurance to last a 3 minute song. Ha ha...

But we'll see. :)

TxRabbit

02-20-2009, 12:21 PM

Chipotle Potato Salad
from The Whole Food Market Cookbook

The Dressing:
1 canned chipotle pepper in 1/8 cup adobo sauce (not the whole can, just one pepper from the can!)
3 small cloves garlic, minced (1-1/2 t)
1/4 cup plus 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar (which I never have, I used red wine vinegar)
1/4 t freshly ground pepper
Salt to taste.

To make the dressing, put all ingredients into a blender or small food processor until pureed, or combine everything in a mixing bowl with a whisk. You would probably need to really chop up the chipotle before mixing in a bowl though.

The Salad:
2 lb small red potatoes, unpeeled and quartered (I have used bigger ones too when I thought the small ones were too expensive and it was fine)
1/2 med red pepper, diced
1/2 med green pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, diced
1-1/2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro.

To make the salad, steal or boil the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through but still firm. Chill them completely. In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients and the chilled potatoes and pour the dressing over the whole bunch. Toss. Serve.

Serves 8. Per serving: Cal 180; cal from fat: 80; cal from sat fat: 10; protein 4 g; carb 23 g; total fat 9 g; sat fat 1 g; chol 0 mg; sodium 10 mg; 44% cal from fat.

This recipe has some fat, but it's fat from the olive oil, so it's good fat. Good fat is a good part of your diet.

I made this salad to accompany Friday night cheeseburgers. My healthier sub for French fries. I give DS potato chips. I love it because then we just keep eating it as a side for sandwiches all weekend. It makes the rather boring, ordinary sandwich into a more special lunch. And then I also have a side ready for lunch on Monday.:thumbsup2

The cookbook also recommends trying this potato salad warm served underneath a grilled chicken breast or lean grilled sausage.

I was thrilled to find this recipe for the dressing because I used it to create my own version of the Southwest Pasta Salad that is ocassionally served at Sweet Tomatoes.

To make that, I mix in a personally pleasing proportion:
red peppers
green peppers
corn
red onions
black beans
cilantro
penne pasta
and dress it with the above dressing. Very good!

And btw, I have found that if I put the left over from the canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in a tupperware type container in the fridge, it lasts for a good long while. I have since found more and more recipes that require only one or two of these chiles/tablespoons of adobe sauce and the chiles/sauce have never gone bad before I could use them.

Enjoy!

TxRabbit

02-20-2009, 12:55 PM

I don't know what my deal is. You'd think that I would stay away from all talk about food, but I just can't seem to. Maybe it's because I am constantly trying to figure out what to eat for lunch and dinner that works with our plan! LOL.

Anyway, I want to start a list of different snacks and things that I see that look so good. I got the idea reading a dining review and they had eaten at Boulangerie Patisserie for lunch. Their dessert was a Strawberry tart $3.95 and I thought, I WANT one of those RIGHT NOW!! It's beautiful and I think I will definitely have to get one.

Incase you would like to drool over it as well, here's the link to the post with the pic:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30342878&postcount=263

The strawberry tart is not on the confirmed snack list, but another item for the same price is, so I will take my chances on it. There are tons of other things that look wonderful in the display case in any event.

This list does not include the basic lattes, popcorn, ice cream snacks, etc. They are location specific type snacks that I don't want to forget about!

Boulangerie Patisserie: Strawberry tart
Mara: Zebra Domes (after Jiko dinner, pick them up for breakfast the next day!)
Main Street Bakery: French toast loaf, cinnamon roll
Goofy's Candy Co!!!: Whatever my heart desires:lovestruc
Sleepy Hollow: Funnel Cake
Carts: Glazed nuts
Cookes of Dublin: "Doh-Bars" Fried Candy Bars
BC Marketplace: Gelato
Roaring Forks: Side of Bacon (I need to remember this for DS when we are eating a snack type breakfast!)

jewels1916

02-20-2009, 01:02 PM

I don't know what my deal is. You'd think that I would stay away from all talk about food, but I just can't seem to. Maybe it's because I am constantly trying to figure out what to eat for lunch and dinner that works with our plan! LOL.

Anyway, I want to start a list of different snacks and things that I see that look so good. I got the idea reading a dining review and they had eaten at Boulangerie Patisserie for lunch. Their dessert was a Strawberry tart $3.95 and I thought, I WANT one of those RIGHT NOW!! It's beautiful and I think I will definitely have to get one.

Incase you would like to drool over it as well, here's the link to the post with the pic:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30342878&postcount=263

The strawberry tart is not on the confirmed snack list, but another item for the same price is, so I will take my chances on it. There are tons of other things that look wonderful in the display case in any event.

This list does not include the basic lattes, popcorn, ice cream snacks, etc. They are location specific type snacks that I don't want to forget about!

Boulangerie Patisserie: Strawberry tart
Mara: Zebra Domes (after Jiko dinner, pick them up for breakfast the next day!)
Main Street Bakery: French toast loaf, cinnamon roll
Goofy's Candy Co!!!: Whatever my heart desires:lovestruc
Sleepy Hollow: Funnel Cake
Carts: Glazed nuts
Cookes of Dublin: "Doh-Bars" Fried Candy Bars
BC Marketplace: Gelato
Roaring Forks: Side of Bacon (I need to remember this for DS when we are eating a snack type breakfast!)

You see my friend? This is exactly why I am working out and dieting. Is it to be healthy? Nah. Just so I can eat all this yummy goodness while at WDW. :) :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :thumbsup2

TxRabbit

02-20-2009, 01:21 PM

You see my friend? This is exactly why I am working out and dieting. Is it to be healthy? Nah. Just so I can eat all this yummy goodness while at WDW. :) :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :thumbsup2

:thumbsup2 You betcha.;)

2BoysMom

02-20-2009, 02:13 PM

I almost fainted when I saw the strawberry tart:faint: Holy Moly!

Now I need a picture of Mara: Zebra Domes!

TxRabbit

02-20-2009, 02:22 PM

I almost fainted when I saw the strawberry tart:faint: Holy Moly!

Now I need a picture of Mara: Zebra Domes!

I have personally experienced these awesome little wonders on our AKL trip. They are at the Boma TS but the Mara CS sells them 5 to a box for a snack credit! The are a lovely mocha flavored thing. If you like Dreyer's French Silk ice cream, then you should LOVE these. There are the striped things in the last two pics here:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28873592&postcount=1621

Happydog

02-21-2009, 06:05 AM

I don't know what my deal is. You'd think that I would stay away from all talk about food, but I just can't seem to. Maybe it's because I am constantly trying to figure out what to eat for lunch and dinner that works with our plan! LOL.

This list does not include the basic lattes, popcorn, ice cream snacks, etc. They are location specific type snacks that I don't want to forget about!

Boulangerie Patisserie: Strawberry tart
Mara: Zebra Domes (after Jiko dinner, pick them up for breakfast the next day!)
Main Street Bakery: French toast loaf, cinnamon roll
Goofy's Candy Co!!!: Whatever my heart desires:lovestruc
Sleepy Hollow: Funnel Cake
Carts: Glazed nuts
Cookes of Dublin: "Doh-Bars" Fried Candy Bars
BC Marketplace: Gelato
Roaring Forks: Side of Bacon (I need to remember this for DS when we are eating a snack type breakfast!)

I love talking food -- it is fun to have so many different choices with restaurants and snacks and such right at your fingertips MONTHS away! :upsidedow

So here is my long babble strand of various things you have posted lately (I really got behind b/c of work this past few days)

1. Okay, so the recipies OMG, that potato salad sounds wonderful, I am always looking for a unique and healthy potato salad that is not mayo based, so wow, and thanks! Salad wraps too, going to add these to menus this spring.

2. Re diet/exercise glad all that is going well. I think the detox concept is interesting, if only for health reasons, not just to loose weight. Just wake up your body reasons. Kinda like a steam in a sauna wakes up your skin, so I am intrigued. Another good idea for spring.

3. SNACK choices. When we went to Disney during the FWF, the snack credits were worth their weight in disney gold, b/c the food snacks were all between $6-7 and that was a deal in my book. But in the parks, I like the challenge of finding "snack-credit worthy" snacks. Sounds silly, I guess, but I'd rather pay OOP for a 2.50 mickey icecream bar and use my snack credit on the $3.95 ice cream sandwich.... Fiscally, it probably doesn't make sense, but that is how we did it in the fall, and though we did pay OOP for some things, we got the most $ out of the plan, IMO. OR at least that is how it felt, and we didn't really spend that much more. So, some items I am determined to try include this apparently to die for ice cream sandwich at the main street bakery/ice cream shop? Also, never had these nuts I keep hearing about, what are those? I thought someone said the funnel cake was no longer a snack credit, is that true?, We have not been to Goofy's I must confess... we will do that this time. Also, the bakery in Norway, I keep hearing good things about that. I have scoured that list for confirmed snacks - I printed it last trip (the 08 one) and took it with us, looking forward to doing the same thing this time. The issue for me is that I am not always jazzed about sweets all the time. I'd rather have other kinds of snacks, which is why I love the FWF... the wine helps too :thumbsup2 So I am going to look the list over again and take some notes.

4. The post card, wow! Who knew?!? I think that is fabulous, and you know I am still trying to figure out how to "surprise" my boys for their birthday... that might be something... :rolleyes: Hey?! Where did the "scratchin the chin/thinking smilie" go?!?!? :rotfl:

5. I have past the 4 mos. mark! Now I am counting down my remaining ADR days... just a few more weeks :yay:

TxRabbit

02-21-2009, 01:00 PM

So I was in such a Disney mood today, I took pictures of our lunch, which just happened to be the Lettuce Wraps from the recipe in a PP. btw, we like our meat medium, the pics looks a little redder than the actual...

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3116.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3117.jpg

Mmmmmmmm....Tasty...These actually came out pretty hot. I decided the recipe could use some heat. We like our hot food!:rotfl: :rotfl: So I left in half the pithe and the seeds from the jalapeno. Wow. I think maybe I'll cut back on that next time...since we weren't eating anything else to cut the heat, it was really hot by the end.:laughing:

SunnieRN

02-21-2009, 01:18 PM

Yummmm, that looks so fantastic!! We just got a gangis grill here (opened 4 days ago). We went for dinner last night, but this looks better than that was! I am waiting to try this on my next night off!! Yummmm! Thanks for sharing the pic!

I broke down and started a pre-trip report. So I could keep track of things...lol. Well see hos it goes.

Happydog

02-21-2009, 06:58 PM

SunnieRN

02-22-2009, 04:38 PM

OMG!!! Thank you for the linky dink to your Wolfgang puck cafe meal!! I am so excited for this lunch now!! We want to eat at the express cafe while we are on the QSDP, but figured we would love a second meal also. Funny as after I looked at the menu a few weeks ago I know I wanted the entree you ordered!! That is definately one place I will order dessert to go for sure lol!
Thanks again so much!!

TxRabbit

02-22-2009, 06:51 PM

Yummmm, that looks so fantastic!! We just got a gangis grill here (opened 4 days ago). We went for dinner last night, but this looks better than that was! I am waiting to try this on my next night off!! Yummmm! Thanks for sharing the pic!

You're welcome!

So I say you post this in the restaurant photo thread call it "Rabbit's Cafe" and see if you get anyone asking which park or resort it is located in :laughing:

I am excited to try these!
:thumbsup2

Didn't you know? It's the new CS window at Crystal Palace!! Rabbit is really tired of being left out of the fun...:lmao: :rotfl:

OMG!!! Thank you for the linky dink to your Wolfgang puck cafe meal!! I am so excited for this lunch now!! We want to eat at the express cafe while we are on the QSDP, but figured we would love a second meal also. Funny as after I looked at the menu a few weeks ago I know I wanted the entree you ordered!! That is definately one place I will order dessert to go for sure lol!
Thanks again so much!!

Again, you're welcome!:goodvibes You know there are two different WPE? One is on the marketplace side, called WPE. One is attached to the Cafe, called WPCE. We ate at both. When we ate at the WPE, DH and I both ordered salads. They were excellent. I think I alluded to that in my review of WPC. When we ate at the WPCE, we went for the oven fired pizzas. Also excellent. I highly recommend them. I would be really excited to eat at WPE because it just underwent a major remodel and it looks beautiful. Check it out:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/downtown_disney/wolfgang_puck_express/

The cool thing about the WP CS is that it is a hybrid of CS and TS, so especially when you do the QSDDP you may appreciate it. It's like PeiWei, you get your own drinks and they give you a number for your table and they bring you your meal after it has been prepared. So, a little bit of service. They are under different management, so the menus are similar, but different. The major difference IMO is that at WPE, creme brulee was a dessert option, and it was NOT a dessert option at WPCE.

Happydog

02-22-2009, 07:03 PM

You know there are two different WPE? One is on the marketplace side, called WPE. One is attached to the Cafe, called WPCE. We ate at both. When we ate at the WPE, DH and I both ordered salads. They were excellent. I think I alluded to that in my review of WPC. When we ate at the WPCE, we went for the oven fired pizzas. Also excellent. I highly recommend them. I would be really excited to eat at WPE because it just underwent a major remodel and it looks beautiful. The major difference IMO is that at WPE, creme brulee was a dessert option, and it was NOT a dessert option at WPCE.

So the WPCE is a QS credit on the DDP or is the WPE? I knew one was... I didn't realize there were two... We missed this one last time too, I heard it was good...

Have you heard about all the trouble making ADRs? Got me a little worried...:scared: you are just a few days behind me on the trip, but have so many more to make! Hopefully it will get sorted out. Did you end up planning to pay the child plan for your son? Somehow I thought you were contemplating adult for him... was that before you decided to go with the deluxe?

TxRabbit

02-22-2009, 07:25 PM

So the WPCE is a QS credit on the DDP or is the WPE? I knew one was... I didn't realize there were two... We missed this one last time too, I heard it was good...

Have you heard about all the trouble making ADRs? Got me a little worried...:scared: you are just a few days behind me on the trip, but have so many more to make! Hopefully it will get sorted out. Did you end up planning to pay the child plan for your son? Somehow I thought you were contemplating adult for him... was that before you decided to go with the deluxe?

There are two. There are multiple WP restaurants down there. There is one stand alone CS in Marketplace. That's the one in the link that was just remodeled.

Then there is the location that includes WP Cafe. There is an Upstairs that isn't on the DDP, there is a sushi bar area, and there is the CS area. Unless the CS area at that location has changed, there is virtually no indoor seating there, just a bar height counter really, and a huge outdoor patio.

We are not upgrading Bolt to an adult. That's part of the reasoning behind the deluxe plan, with all that food to work with, we can get him a decent meal. Plus the kids meals at the signature TS look more his speed. I am already planning on talking to the servers about how we would like them to prepare Bolt's food, especially in the signatures. From what I read, the kids food is prepared very plainly. Well, Bolt really likes flavor. And I plan on asking for a bunch of substitutions too. They can only say no, I figure. You have to just get some knowledge beforehand to know what to ask for. So, for example, when we go to Jiko, I look at the oak fired filet option for the adults, it's served with macaroni and cheese actually, the kids is with mashed potatoes. Well, please prepare my son's meal like the adult meal in a child serving. Please add the same spices, please put some sauce on the side, and please sub mac and cheese for the mashed potatoes. I know already, the servers are going to LOVE me.:lmao:

It's just difficult. If you look at the Yak n Yeti kids meal, it is pathetic. Simply pathetic. I don't even know if it's worth it to order one. So, appetizers will definitely be ordered and I think Peter and I will both order the salmon and plan on Bolt sharing it with us. Bolt LOVES him some salmon! So that's the whole plan.

I'm really hoping to not have to deal with hold times that I was reading about today too!:scared1:

TxRabbit

02-23-2009, 02:07 PM

I was really hoping to post pics with this...they will have to be added later.

I just have to share that over the weekend, I got on the scale and I am down 8 pounds since Feb 13!:dance3:

Because I was avoiding the scale before Christmas... I got on it and I almost cried. My scale is light to begin with. I think we have it figured at 7 pounds light... Anyway, at one point, I got on and I was 195 on my scale.:sad: It was a night :headache: when you way WAAAAY more than you do in the morning :rolleyes1 so it was a stupid thing to do....

I think I was about 190-ish in the red dress picture...(about 197 in real weight)

And now, I am a fabulous on-her way down 171!!!!:woohoo:

I'm calling it a total loss of around 20 pounds since Thanksgiving-ish.

I am in the biggest of my skinnier jeans!! Y'all have them, you know you do. There are there in the closet waiting for you...:rotfl:

I have a huge stack. Pair number 2 still looks a little, shall we say, um, strained. But pair number 1 looks HOT, if I say so myself. And I do. Because if I don't, no one will...except Peter because he's an AWESOME hubby like that.:love:

And incase you were wondering...I'm shooting for 155 by May 6, the big must pay off the vacation date.

I'm gonna put the red dress back on and have Peter take my pic so we can all see the difference...and hoping I don't appear to be bragging...I'm just really excited!!

jewels1916

02-23-2009, 03:19 PM

jenseib

02-23-2009, 05:28 PM

I'm there with you! I haven't fit into any of my pre pregnancy clothes until recently (and she is now 4) Those clothes were at my higher end of weight then too. LOL! But I am so happy to fit into them now. I still have a ways to go to get in my really skinny stuff.

SunnieRN

02-23-2009, 06:17 PM

Wow!! Congratulations!! Your weight loss is totally awesome!! That will be a great motivation to see yourself in your red dress before and after! Too cool!!

I am excited to try both the QS and TS puck restaurants, just to have the comparison. I think it will be fun, since I haven't been to either one.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-25-2009, 07:38 AM

:cheer2: :cheer2:

Congratulations on the awesome weight loss!!! I'm so happy for you! I think that's great -- 20 lbs since November?! I'm jealous, but in a good way of course. Way to go!!! :thumbsup2

UsNew2Disney2008

02-25-2009, 12:33 PM

TxRabbit

02-26-2009, 06:54 AM

Brag away!! You are doing so great! Congrats!! I just have 3 more (arg those last three!) to meet my goal of 20 pounds before the big move! I have two pair of work pants that weren't fitting and are now too! Also, my jeans are way too big on me now, but I haven't dragged out the "skinny jeans" yet.
So congrats, girl! Keep workin' at it! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Thank you! Congrats yourself! You are so close!!! Those last pounds can be the hardest to lose! Think you lost one with your haircut?:rotfl: Sometimes I feel that way when it's been a while...:rolleyes1

I'm there with you! I haven't fit into any of my pre pregnancy clothes until recently (and she is now 4) Those clothes were at my higher end of weight then too. LOL! But I am so happy to fit into them now. I still have a ways to go to get in my really skinny stuff.

It takes a while to get back into the pre pregnancy. I totally relate to that. The funny thing about my skinny stuff is that it's all the same size! Some are just seriously bigger or smaller, like there could be a size difference between them, but the manufacturers all call them the same size.:confused: I hate that. Women's clothes.:sad2: Men seriously have it easier when it comes to figuring out what size they are.

Wow!! Congratulations!! Your weight loss is totally awesome!! That will be a great motivation to see yourself in your red dress before and after! Too cool!!

I am excited to try both the QS and TS puck restaurants, just to have the comparison. I think it will be fun, since I haven't been to either one.

Thank you! Our evenings have been busy. I haven't been able to get the pic yet. I'm hoping for tonight... Definitely try all the Puck restaurants, they were some of my favorite meals. I loved the mango iced tea!!

:cheer2: :cheer2:

Congratulations on the awesome weight loss!!! I'm so happy for you! I think that's great -- 20 lbs since November?! I'm jealous, but in a good way of course. Way to go!!! :thumbsup2

Thank you, thank you!

Hi. Don't know why I just noticed the link in your signature over on my pre-TR.

We could be seperated at birth! I'm struggling with the weight. Always have, I'd tell you about it, but I think you already know!

We did TUSKER last year and it was my FAV! LOVED IT and it was my must do too! Can't wait to read more (have to pick son up from pre-school) but I'm subbing for sure! :thumbsup2

:welcome:
I hear you on the weight struggle. I'm really hoping that what we are doing now will help to ingrain some better habits. Seems to be working...I'm happy with the results not only in the weight/inches dept. but also just getting into the habit of eating at home and how I am thinking about our meals.

I'm glad to hear the good report on Tusker. We are really excited for it. The characters, the Krispy Kremes, it's ALL good.::yes::

TxRabbit

02-26-2009, 11:59 AM

Is just around the corner and so the plans and planning for WDW are coexisting with those for Spring Break.

As well as the pressing needs of my house reno. Did I mention that we are currently in the process of updating our almost 21 year old house? No?

We aren't doing anything TOO major. Just the kitchen and bathrooms!:laughing:

It's almost comical what happens to my kitchen every time my parents visit. The first time, within a month of moving in, the wallpaper came down. And so did the peek-a-boo cabinets. You know those cabinets that hang from the ceiling (generally a soffit). They separate an informal dining area from the kitchen. When you're in the kitchen and trying to talk to someone in the dining area, it feels like you need to duck down a bit, like peek-a-boo, I see you!

Well, we opened up the space by getting rid of those. They currently hang in the garage now.

So my parents left. I had walls that looked rather horrid, because we didn't do anything to them, just got rid of the wallpaper. So actually, despite the fact that they looked horrid, they were much better looking than before!;) And I had fewer cabinets.

The next visit. My parents were eyeing that soffit. It was just like a big bump in the ceiling. So how great would it be to get rid of that and just have a nice flat ceiling?

I came home from a dental appt I think, and they were trying to take it down. A little help from me and the sledge hammer and we had that soffit down. Bummer about the pipe we found in the soffit.:headache:

So they left again. Still, the walls looked the same and now there was a big HOLE in my ceiling.:lmao:

After about a year of the hole, we finally did something about it. And finalized the plans for the kitchen update.

We couldn't rework the kichen arrangement without spending tons of money, so we opted to keep the base cabinets. We ordered new wall cabinets. I designed a new arrangement for them to regain lost cabinet shelving from taking down the peek-a-boos. New 42" tall cabinets. So nice. I have 8' ceilings, so they go almost to the top. We are adding crown molding to them. They are looking good.

Since I got such a great deal on the wall cabs, and we kept the base ones, we splurged on the countertop. Home Depot had a major sale on solid surface counters. I found an excellent choice in Grade B of Silestone. It goes so well with the current tile!! So we got that!:banana: No fancy edge. I said, I have solid gray formica right now. It's 20 years old. Silestone is enough of an upgrade. I don't need any fancy edges. We had a plan to hide the counter decking anyway, so no big.

The counters are in and they are beautiful. It's amazing the difference shiny counter tops make.

So, you're probably wondering if the new wall cabs and base cabs match, right? (If you are still reading that is!:rotfl: ) They don't. They plan was always to paint them.

The color is called Fudge Cookie. I love it. It is kind of a mahogany type color. I am going to add a glaze too. The doors are a typical raised panel oak door. My old oak cabs have faded to a lovely orange, so I'm pretty excited to get them updated.

So that's the big project for when the parents come this year. We are painting the cabinets. Among other things.

I finally got sick of all the wall paper in the house. I took it all down months ago, and we have been living with bare walls since then.:rolleyes1

Needless to say, I have many many household projects on my to do list. Things that I really need to do if ever we are to deal with Peter's 61 mile commute.

I enjoy it all though. I AM a HUGE Devine Design fan, even though I can't watch Candice anymore because I don't have cable or satelite.:sad1: If I could, I would do something with design for a career.

That's about enough rambling for today. The Disney planning is rather hard to continue with without June hours.:confused3

Anyone else doing any reno?

Hope everyone is having a magical day! pixiedust:

jewels1916

02-26-2009, 12:11 PM

TxRabbit

02-26-2009, 12:47 PM

And I've patched the holes that I made in the walls by hanging pictures and stuff. Does that count? Ha ha! :laughing:

Depends on the size of the holes!:lmao:

I have some after pics. I'll have to see if Dad will send me some of the before. He has those.:confused3

WDWRocksMySocks

02-26-2009, 01:02 PM

Have you taken before and after pictures of all the renovations? You should definitely post them!! Ooh, I would love to redo our kitchen and bathroom. We recently moved into a house that is about 100 years old. Sadly, it's not charming like some old houses. It's just old. The kitchen has this awful tin-like stuff on the walls. I can't even describe it. :scared1: The bathroom had this really scary, moldy vanity that came up to my knees (not really, but it was pretty darn close). DH and I thought about redoing the kitchen and the bathroom, but since I'm getting ready to go back to school we just decided against that. We did rip out the old, icky vanity. We put in a new one, along w/ a sink. It was definitely an improvement. But still...those kitchen walls drive me nuts ever stinking day!!

And I've patched the holes that I made in the walls by hanging pictures and stuff. Does that count? Ha ha! :laughing:

:lmao: You have my sister's sense of decorating! :thumbsup2

jewels1916

02-26-2009, 02:22 PM

Depends on the size of the holes!:lmao:

I have some after pics. I'll have to see if Dad will send me some of the before. He has those.:confused3

Have you taken before and after pictures of all the renovations? You should definitely post them!! Ooh, I would love to redo our kitchen and bathroom. We recently moved into a house that is about 100 years old. Sadly, it's not charming like some old houses. It's just old. The kitchen has this awful tin-like stuff on the walls. I can't even describe it. :scared1: The bathroom had this really scary, moldy vanity that came up to my knees (not really, but it was pretty darn close). DH and I thought about redoing the kitchen and the bathroom, but since I'm getting ready to go back to school we just decided against that. We did rip out the old, icky vanity. We put in a new one, along w/ a sink. It was definitely an improvement. But still...those kitchen walls drive me nuts ever stinking day!!

:lmao: You have my sister's sense of decorating! :thumbsup2

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: Good times.

TeaForTulips

02-26-2009, 04:11 PM

Yay for your weight loss! My scale is my Wii Fit. :laughing: It is friendly and kindly mentions when it hasn't seen me in a while. :goodvibes

Your reno sounds fun and stressful all at the same time! I agree that you should def take some pics! I wanna see too! :cutie: I have not done any of my own reno because I am apartment bound, but I have assisted my parents! Nothing too major though... new floors, painting, etc. Everything sounds lovely though for your new kitchen!

TxRabbit

02-26-2009, 05:10 PM

Since y'all seem to be interested in the reno, I will go ahead and post some pics. I got a couple of before pictures. These are the ones that were used on the flyer for the house when it was for sale. We bought the house from the original owner.

Here are some before pictures. Notice the oh so lovely wall paper. There were two layers, btw. Notice the lovely flourescent light fixture. I can't stand the buzz of flourescents.:headache: Notice the cabinets blocking the view into the kitchen and the soffit that the cabinets are hanging from. Notice the big fabric valance over the sink and if you can notice, see the old sink and faucet. Not to mention the lovely gray coutertops.

Unfortunately, the tile floor photographs horribly, but it is really gorgeous. The style is called French Quarter. My parents actually had it in their house. It is multicolored and that's why it looks so horrible. It's a stone look tile. I really love the tile, actually!:lovestruc

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/hr1664580-61.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/lr1664580-21.jpg

Now here are some after photos. Remember, we removed all the wall cabinets, removed the soffit, replaced the sink, the faucet, the microwave, installed four halogen spots to replace the flourescent fixture, installed 42" cabinets in a new configuration, are starting to install crown molding, still need to add the molding under the countertop, and got the Silestone countertop.

I spent about $600, including shipping on the cabinets, $100 on the sink, $40 on the faucet (it was a steal!), $60 on the lighting, $200 on the micro, and just under $1400 on the countertops. So, for $2400 you get this:

This is the day the countertops were installed:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3076.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3073.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3072.jpg

And this is today, the microwave has been added:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3135.jpg

Notice the crown molding, it's the only cabinet with it!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3137.jpg

And please disregard the messy kitchen, but I wanted to get this view, which I didn't have to contrast on the other one, and well, my kitchen is messy :blush: SO AFTER:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/100_3138.jpg

BEFORE:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/jmsadams/hr1664580-61.jpg

We still have a lot of work to do. We updated the look of the back side of the peninsula, but it will be painted to match the cabinets. We have molding to install under the countertops to hide the decking there. We still have molding to install in the lighting area. That project isn't quite done yet. And we still have to install the backsplash, which I am planning on white subway tile. Classic. And cheap! And it will look really great with the countertops, which aren't white. They are speckled. It's hard to see though.

And eventually all the ceiling and walls of the back area will be painted that same color!

Well. What do you think? HaHa. Rate my space!

jewels1916

02-26-2009, 06:37 PM

Happydog

02-26-2009, 07:48 PM

Hey! This is the other language I speak, besides DIS speak. WOW. what an improvement. So much lighter. I like it! Back splashes are easy. I did my whole kitchen counter on top of existing laminate at my old house. counter and backsplash. You can get tile at discounts very easily, and the counter is great, so nice and light. What color are you going to paint? The cabinets look nice. when it is all done it will look fab -- already nice! And I LOVE HGTV it is the only way I can survive my Treadmill... We have a few "little" projects, nothing major as this though. Looking forward to seeing all done at Spring break :) Don't let them leave until it is :rotfl:

SunnieRN

02-26-2009, 09:52 PM

Wow, your kitchen looks fantastic!! I bought my house 14 months ago. Even though it is a new house it was already built (I like to think it was waiting for us as we wanted to move in before my daughter had the baby).
It has oversized kitchen cabinets on top and I love them!! Love your cabinets and your counters!!

DWFan4Life

02-26-2009, 11:53 PM

How I wish that we could also go as early as anyone here. We are planning on December, hope we can.

Have a nice day to all. :)

TxRabbit

02-27-2009, 06:06 AM

Oh, it looks so good! So much more open and airy!! And I love the tile floor! Looks great! DIY home improvement! (and while you're at it....grab a few lime green mickey heads!)

I am looking around at my bare, boring white walls of my apartment. So sad. I can't wait until I have a space I can actually do something with! :artist: <--Ok, so he isn't exactly painting the walls, but you get my picture. :rotfl:

Thank you! Open and airy was what we were going for! The 80s homes can still be a bit choppy with the kitchen, setting it apart a bit. Since the kitchen in my domain, it was important to open it up and be a part of what else is going on at home!:goodvibes

I remember hating white walls! I was so excited for our first house. I painted murals on the walls in Bolt's nursery and playroom. I loved them. They were so colorful and fun. And we finished the basement in that house, so there were lots of decisions to make there too. So much fun. It's a lot of work, but it's really rewarding.:thumbsup2

Hey! This is the other language I speak, besides DIS speak. WOW. what an improvement. So much lighter. I like it! Back splashes are easy. I did my whole kitchen counter on top of existing laminate at my old house. counter and backsplash. You can get tile at discounts very easily, and the counter is great, so nice and light. What color are you going to paint? The cabinets look nice. when it is all done it will look fab -- already nice! And I LOVE HGTV it is the only way I can survive my Treadmill... We have a few "little" projects, nothing major as this though. Looking forward to seeing all done at Spring break :) Don't let them leave until it is :rotfl:

So HGTV is like a major weakness with me. I used to be able to tell time by what so was on!:rotfl2: I realized that I was spending was too much time watching other people do what I was supposed to be doing!:sad2: And that was one of the contributing factors toward us deciding to get rid of satelite and not get cable.:laughing:

Thanks for the compliments! I love the way the light reflects on the new counters. LOVE IT! I'm glad to hear tile is easy. My parents and I are pretty patient when it comes to projects. I think that we will do a good job.

I'm going to paint the cabinets a color called Fudge Cookie. It is a warm mahogany type color. It will darken up the cabinets a bit. But I think the color will inspire the words "rich" more than "dark" because it isn't a chocolate dark, KWIM? I'm also going to glaze them so they don't have that monotone, painted cabinet feel.

The walls and ceiling in the kitchen have one coat of the new paint color for the whole back area of the house (kitchen, nook, and family room). It's a gold color. Not really yellow, not really tan, just a nice warm golden color, called Kansas Corn. I love that name!;) You can see the color in the pictures, better in some than others. Light always plays with color.

The whole look in the end is going to be very Tuscany, which isn't exactly a goal I had, but I think it's just going to happen, with the stone look floors, the reddish/brown cabs, the gold walls, and muted green and tan colored accents. It's not a bad thing I think.

The previous owners updated most of the flooring in the house. Except for the nook, kitchen and utility, the entire first floor is hardwood. The stairs are hardwood and the landing upstairs is too. The bedrooms are wood look laminate. One bath is tile, the master is travertine. It was one of the things that attracted me to the house. Flooring is expensive.:eek: So I am generally working with it everywhere because it's nice.

My parents are coming the first week of April, actually. They will probably stay longer than a week. They really want to help me move forward with the project list.

Right now, I am actually working in the powder room! I'm going to paint the vanity cabinet in there white. Get some cabinet painting experience before I hit the kitchen. That room has had a dramatic overhaul too. Fun stuff.

Wow, your kitchen looks fantastic!! I bought my house 14 months ago. Even though it is a new house it was already built (I like to think it was waiting for us as we wanted to move in before my daughter had the baby).
It has oversized kitchen cabinets on top and I love them!! Love your cabinets and your counters!!

Thank you! Your house WAS waiting just for you. I know. I've had that happen for me too! I wanted to take Bolt home to a home and we were living in an apt at the time. It was our first home. The oversized cabs are so wonderful. It took a while to get used to the feel of the doors. It felt funny to open such a tall door at first!:laughing:

How I wish that we could also go as early as anyone here. We are planning on December, hope we can.

Have a nice day to all. :)

:welcome:
I don't think you've posted here before?:confused3 Forgive me if you have.

Courtney (Jewels) isn't going until December too! I hope you can go to! Vacations are wonderful and much needed. I don't understand people who don't use their vacation time.:confused:

Have a wonderful day yourself!:cutie:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-27-2009, 07:16 AM

TxRabbit

02-27-2009, 07:33 AM

WOW! I love the changes you've made -- especially the cabinets. It seems like you guys got a pretty good deal on everything too. :thumbsup2 Oh, and I absolutely LOVE that flooring.

Btw, I love watching HGTV too!! It's an obsession. That's one channel that I truly could not live without. I don't know how you do it. :confused3

I went through some serious withdrawl, let me tell you. Oh. I didn't know what to do with myself. This was almost 4 years ago now, though. Everything is just habits really. You get used to it. My Dad gave me the best Christmas gift ever one year. He recorded all the episodes of Divine Design, and also some episodes of Holmes on Homes (I LOVE that man! He CRACKS me UP!), Designed to Sell, and Flip This House (I think that's the name?). He made me a ton of DVDs with all these shows and gave them to me for Christmas!:love: Just a great Dad!:cool1:

Thanks for the compliments. This is a budget makeover for sure. The deal is that I am really trying to get this house in shape to hit the market when the timing is right. I have that unsettled feeling that lets me know that this isn't a long term house. Unfortunately, when we bought the house, we didn't get it for a song and a dance, so home improvement needs to be really budget conscious. But I constantly have the potential house flyer verbage in mind..."Updated kitchen with 42" cabs, new and newer appliances, tile floor, halogen lighting, new sink, new faucet, garden window, and Silestone countertops." So I try to make good decisions, like splurging on the countertops, though really, when you think about what people spend on higher grades of Silestone and some granites, $1380 for Silestone is a pretty good deal. (The sale was $300 any installation.) That is one of the benefits of a comparatively smaller kitchen though, too.

And incase you are wondering, Silestone ROCKS!!:thumbsup2 My parents have granite.:eek: It's horrible granite too. No at all the low maintenance thing they thought it would be. But my Silestone can stand my messes. We are having to drink so much cranberry juice, it's unbelievable. It's messy to dilute it too. There is juice all over the countertops, and I miss some, and it stays overnight and longer. NO STAINS!!!:woohoo: Excuse me. I get all excited when my house can stand up to my lifestyle and still look good!:goodvibes

TeaForTulips

02-27-2009, 07:58 AM

Wow! It looks great! It's amazing what a few changes can do to a room! I love the new look! I can't wait to see it painted! I think the color you described will go great with the floor tiles! :goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-27-2009, 10:36 AM

:rotfl2:

Peter and I decided our driving plans to WDW! Yay!

He thinks that he might be able to leave at 11 am on Friday! Oh I SOO hope so. We've picked a random destination that is supposed to be an estimated 9 hours and 44 minutes away. We are thinking about planning a nice break right before 5 pm. I have to figure out where we might be then. Our best idea is to figure out the location, grab Subway or some other decent fast food option and find a local park to eat a nice dinner. We'll bring the football, a soccer ball, find a picnic table and stretch our legs a bit. If indeed we leave at 11 am, we are budgeting a nice hour long break, at least.

Then we hit the road for our hotel destination. I just put in major hotel chains that I find to be decent and found a seemingly random location in the Florida panhandle. Too funny.

The hotel has a free breakfast. We plan to sleep in a bit. Fill up on a good breakfast. The hotel has a mini fridge, yay!, so I can definitely bring stuff for Disney as well as the road. We'll hit the road by 9 am, which is pretty late actually. We should have an unhurried but efficient morning.

Then the actual drive time remaining to WDW is somewhere between 5 and 5-1/2 hours, but there is a time change, so we have to budget 6 or so.

Depending on where we are, we will probably break and eat lunch around 12:30 to 1:00. I like our stretch the leg planning. We'll try to do a repeat of that, but not quite a long probably.

We should be pulling into WL around 3:30 or 4 at the latest.

Hopefully our room will be ready, we can unpack the car and get settled. Get refreshed and kick it up into vacation mode with dinner at WCC!:banana:

From there, I really don't care what we do. It pm EMH at MK, so if we feel up to it, we could totally go there to check out the parade or fireworks or whatever. We could swim. We could do all of the above. Our next day is an easy late morning Boma breakfast hang around DTD kind of day, so we could stay up later if we are feeling the magic!pixiedust:

I'm totally excited!

Now I just need to try to estimate where we might be at 5:00 pm to figure out some dinner options! And no, I can't just see how it goes...because it's FRIDAY night, and it's summer, and we are driving through many vacation destinations, and like a good Dis planner, I avoid crowds and lines and wait times exceeding 15 minutes! And I plan my meals WAY far in advance!:lmao: