A Halloween Adventure in Autism (11/12) New Thread Begun on TR Board!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Glad I'm not the only one fretting about the online ADR system! I'm going to keep paying attention on here about the bugs in the system but I think I might just go the old fashioned route and call. Seems easier to me than dealing with the site going down!

[KathyRN137]

... Apparently, the President hasn't either - "Are these wax" he said in the first clip! LOL! "Oh, robots!" :laughing: I just found that kinda funny!


Ed and I caught that too! Get that man to WDW!
As Sam Eagle would say, "It's the American thing to do!!" :thumbsup2

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Glad I'm not the only one fretting about the online ADR system! I'm going to keep paying attention on here about the bugs in the system but I think I might just go the old fashioned route and call. Seems easier to me than dealing with the site going down!


One "bug" in the system that they claim to have fixed is the one where the system did not recognize DVC resort reservation confirmation numbers! How could they forget us DVC members?? :snooty:

Seriously, I may just go online and have the phone on speaker at the same time!! :lmao:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I hope Kathy doesn't mind me popping in, but when I worked in special ed, we used boardmaker (http://www.mayer-johnson.com/).
Amy also used social stories, if you click on the PTR, you can see some cards she made. (Frankly, I think a lot of people at WDW could use them: Just because I cannot walk up to Le Cellier, does not mean my trip is ruined. I can calm down by grabbing a beer at the UK) :rotfl::rotfl:

:lmao: Love it!!

Of course I don't mind you "popping in!" That's what these boards are all about... sharing information and tips!! :goodvibes

I'll check out the boardmaker link myself...

Oh and thanks for the Oct. hours tip! I'm good with October... We are arriving so very late on Oct 30th that we'll just be checking in to Kidani and falling into bed! Then on the 31st we plan to explore/relax at the resort and go to MK for MNSSHP.

Now, all I need is November hours...

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Bill loves, loves, loves 'Ohana :thumbsup2. He says as long as no one minds that I cut up his food etc, he says it would be great to have dinner with your family!

As for co-ordinating the schedules, We arrive on Nov. 4th and are doing Planet Hollywood that night, other than that, you tell me what day you want 'Ohana and we follow you there :goodvibes.

** Confession time, yes I am an OTP (obsessive trip planner) but I normally don't even look at the crowd calendars :eek:. Bill and I usually do Epcot the first full day because we sleep in a bit the first morning to get his body back to normal after the travel day. We base our park days on Spectromagic and now since it isn't every night Fantasmic.

We are flexible, whenever you want to meet, we will be there :hug:.


Yay!! :dance3:

I won't mind you cutting Bill's food if you won't mind me repeatedly prompting Billy to slow down and not overstuff his mouth!!

I think we'll be just fine!! :hug:


Kathy

[All7OfUs]

Look at you, Kathy!! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: 7 pounds already!! You're going to make, and maybe even more!! Hoooray!!!

I am so glad you guys are going to get to meet! and at O'Hana's no less- that is my dream place! Def. at the top of my list of "want to try it" s.

[KathyRN137]

Look at you, Kathy!! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: 7 pounds already!! You're going to make, and maybe even more!! Hoooray!!!


Thanks Liesa! I'd love to drop a couple of dress sizes before our trip!! :goodvibes

And the food at 'Ohana is very healthy... lots of grilled meats (just have to lay off the dipping sauces...and the potatoes!)

I'll give them up gladly for a bit of that bread pudding, though!! Yum!


Kathy

[cjackearl]

Thanks for the social story explanation, Kathy.:)

Yea you on the weight loss!:yay: I need to put some hustle in my bustle.

Good luck with the ADRs. I don't think any of those resteraunts should be a problem to get ressies at. For pre-park opening breakfast, we tried Crystal Palace this year for the first time and :love: it. The character interactions were great the food was good. I've heard good things about Tusker House though; the juice sounds scrumptious. For us, the decision was based on which early park entry we'd gain the most benefit from. For us, MK early entry was the most advantageous.

[ILuvWishes!]

One "bug" in the system that they claim to have fixed is the one where the system did not recognize DVC resort reservation confirmation numbers! How could they forget us DVC members?? :snooty:

Hey Kathy,

I have read several of your TRs and PTRs and really enjoying them!!

I am also a DVC member. Just for ha-ha's, I booked an ADR through the online reservation system using my DVC reservation #. I had no problem at all and just booked it about a week ago!! Now all I have to see is if it works when we get there....

Question - because I don't know and I am a long time DVC owner. Can we get free dining?

[mousescrapper]

Hey Kathy guess where I went today......:confused3



















the DISNEY Store...oh yes :laughing:

After seeing yours and Carissa's loot I just had to check it out for myself, plus um I dropped off a job application (like most people the need for some extra cash is very much needed right now, so I'm scoping out my options :thumbsup2)

but to my shopping....sorry no pic's as I bought mostly Christmas presents.

But I got the summer serving platter ( alittle gift for me ;))

a long sleeve PJ Pal w/ Wall-E & Eve on it for Margaret ($5.99)

an Ariel Nightshirt for Mae ($9.99)

a ladies sm Eeyore Shirt for Aldine for next yr Disney ($5.99)

2 Wall-E figures for Michael one actual robotic Wall-E and the floor scrubber guy ($9.99 and $4.99)

and then the buy 1 get 1 free plush sale I got the small Eve for Margaret and a Marie for Mae they were w/ me.

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Crystal Palace Tusker House 'Ohana oh my!! Getting so hungry just thinking about it!!

Kathy please promise if you're at the Polynesian any day of your trip before 11am, you'll try a sticky bun at the Kona Island! Please!!

[preschoolmom]

(Frankly, I think a lot of people at WDW could use them: Just because I cannot walk up to Le Cellier, does not mean my trip is ruined. I can calm down by grabbing a beer at the UK) :rotfl::rotfl:

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

Seriously funny stuff!

We use social stories here from time to time... I think we'll make sure all of our kids have a visual schedule this trip. First we will get ready in our room. Then we will go on the bus. Then we will arrive at the Magic Kingdom! After waiting in line, we will walk quickly to Dumbo :woohoo:

My kids love charts and lists - and I'm thinking it might make them all happy to know what is coming...

[KathyRN137]

I am also a DVC member. Just for ha-ha's, I booked an ADR through the online reservation system using my DVC reservation #. I had no problem at all and just booked it about a week ago!! Now all I have to see is if it works when we get there....

Question - because I don't know and I am a long time DVC owner. Can we get free dining?


Hi there! So glad you were able to book online... they must've worked out the DVC kinks!

DVC members are not eligible for free dining with our ressies made with DVC points through DVC member services. Free dining is linked to resort room reservation packages booked through Disney Reservations, so if you wish to take advantage of the Free Dining promotions, you need to book your stay at a non-DVC resort.

I find that discussions on the DIS DVC Boards can be very helpful for both new and "old" DVC members! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for the social story explanation, Kathy.:)

Yea you on the weight loss!:yay: I need to put some hustle in my bustle.

Good luck with the ADRs. I don't think any of those resteraunts should be a problem to get ressies at. For pre-park opening breakfast, we tried Crystal Palace this year for the first time and :love: it. The character interactions were great the food was good. I've heard good things about Tusker House though; the juice sounds scrumptious. For us, the decision was based on which early park entry we'd gain the most benefit from. For us, MK early entry was the most advantageous.


I'm actually shocked that I've lost 7lb already... and I've "cheated" a little, too! :ssst:

Crystal Palace is a family favorite... I'd love to do that again. On the other hand, we've never done the Tusker House breakfast (although we loved Donald's Breakfastosaurus.) :laughing: Who knows, we may wind up doing both!!


Crystal Palace Tusker House 'Ohana oh my!! Getting so hungry just thinking about it!!

Kathy please promise if you're at the Polynesian any day of your trip before 11am, you'll try a sticky bun at the Kona Island! Please!!

Now, now!! I'm trying to be good :angel: and you're tempting me with visions of sticky buns!!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

We use social stories here from time to time...

My kids love charts and lists - and I'm thinking it might make them all happy to know what is coming...


I always have some sort of Itinerary posted on the fridge in the DVC kitchen... Billy loves to know the sequence of our plans.

But its also very important to stress that plans may need to change and we need to accept that. (I have to do that for me as much as him!) :rotfl:


Kathy

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I'm actually shocked that I've lost 7lb already... and I've "cheated" a little, too! :ssst:

Crystal Palace is a family favorite... I'd love to do that again. On the other hand, we've never done the Tusker House breakfast (although we loved Donald's Breakfastosaurus.) :laughing: Who knows, we may wind up doing both!!

Now, now!! I'm trying to be good :angel: and you're tempting me with visions of sticky buns!!

Kathy

:goodvibes You're working hard & doing great - sorry, what I really meant was, get a sticky bun (or two, you could get one with macadamia nuts, one without) and SHARE them. We do this, so it's only a few bites each... well SOMETIMES I do have my own.... :rotfl2:

[KathyRN137]

Hey Kathy guess where I went today......:confused3

the DISNEY Store...oh yes :laughing:

After seeing yours and Carissa's loot I just had to check it out for myself, plus um I dropped off a job application (like most people the need for some extra cash is very much needed right now, so I'm scoping out my options :thumbsup2)



Ooooh! Good luck with that!!

If you get it then we'll always get the scoop when the sales are coming!! :lmao:

Nice haul, too! ;)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

:goodvibes You're working hard & doing great - sorry, what I really meant was, get a sticky bun (or two, you could get one with macadamia nuts, one without) and SHARE them. We do this, so it's only a few bites each... well SOMETIMES I do have my own.... :rotfl2:


That's okay, Erin, I was only teasing!!

They do sound yummy!

Now let's see... do I want to splurge with half a macadamia nut sticky bun or with a scoop of that bread pudding?? :laughing:

The Poly is going to be a dangerous place to visit!!


Kathy

[brookelizabeth]

Hey there, Brook! Don't be afraid to check out these clips... they are about "the making of" and only show little pieces of the attraction... not the whole show! :goodvibes


Kathy


Well in that case....:surfweb: :goodvibes :thumbsup2

Congratulations on the 7 pounds!!!!!!!!!

The ADR plans are looking good. Doesn't it irk you a bit that Disney doesn't release their park hours PRIOR to the 1st? Give the OTPs a day or two please! :laughing: I think most people have both their computers going on the online system and their phones ready to dial lately...

The online system is available a couple hours before the dining line though, isn't it?

[Charleston Princess]

The online system is available a couple hours before the dining line though, isn't it?

Online ressies can be made starting at 6:00am EST and the phone ones at 7:00am EST so there is a little bit of a jumpstart.

[DisMomAmy]

Congratulations on the weight loss!!! :banana::banana:

Don't think of it as "cheating" - you have to live a little sometimes!

Tim has lost 20 pounds over the last couple of months - but now he has injured his knee and hasn't been able to go to the gym since Saturday! :headache: So don't over-do it! :goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

The ADR plans are looking good. Doesn't it irk you a bit that Disney doesn't release their park hours PRIOR to the 1st? Give the OTPs a day or two please! :laughing: I think most people have both their computers going on the online system and their phones ready to dial lately...

The online system is available a couple hours before the dining line though, isn't it?

Online ressies can be made starting at 6:00am EST and the phone ones at 7:00am EST so there is a little bit of a jumpstart.



I do kind of wish that we "first week vacationers" had a bit more lead time! :rolleyes:

I guess I'll try to make our ADRs online and if it doesn't work, the phone lines will be the fallback plan! :teeth:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Tim has lost 20 pounds over the last couple of months - but now he has injured his knee and hasn't been able to go to the gym since Saturday! :headache: So don't over-do it! :goodvibes


Thanks Amy! No chance of over doing it yet... I'm still just walking!
Congrats to Tim!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Weight-Loss Ticker Tinkering


Well, a few weeks ago I was toying with the idea of putting a weight-loss ticker in my signature... now I'm tinkering with it because to my great surprise, I am doing very well!

My original goal was to lose 20lb by our Halloween trip... if things keep going as they are and I don't fall off the wagon, I should meet that goal ahead of time. I've decided to be daring and change my goal to 30lb!! :scared:

Hope I'm not jinxing myself!!

Just a little over three weeks to go before November Park Hours are released and I can make our ADRs!! :woohoo: Then the real planning fun can begin!!


Kathy

[nu2wdisneyw]

:woohoo: that is so great you are losing so much weight...my goal is 10 lbs...I have 6 weeks to do it!! You are going to be my inspiration!!

[IluvXU]

Great job Kathy! I am impressed... I have shown little willpower of late!

[Charleston Princess]

Great job, Kathy!!! That's awesome!!! :cheer2:

[KathyRN137]

Great job Kathy! I am impressed... I have shown little willpower of late!

:woohoo: that is so great you are losing so much weight...my goal is 10 lbs...I have 6 weeks to do it!! You are going to be my inspiration!!

Great job, Kathy!!! That's awesome!!! :cheer2:


Thanks for the :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: I really appreciate them!!

I do hope I'm not being overly optimistic this early in the game. In truth, I started at around 100 lb over my "ideal" weight, so the 11 lb is really only a drop in the bucket, so to speak! :rolleyes: And before you all start PM-ing me to find out what "miracle diet" I'm using, just keep this in mind: the heavier you are, the faster the first few pounds come off... so I'm sure the rapid rate at which I'm losing will soon slow down. :snail:

As I said at the start, pounds lost look good on a ticker but what I'm really interested in is dropping a couple of clothing sizes. On a smaller person, an 11 lb weight loss would show, but I still look the same! :upsidedow At least my clothes don't feel quite so tight anymore, so that's very nice.

I would love to be able to take some clothes out of storage and slip on a pair of pants I haven't worn in five years... now that would be something to celebrate!! :dance3:

Again, thanks for the encouragement. No further trip planning updates... other than me purchasing a few more goody bag items for our Countdown to Disney Party.

BTW... anybody know where I can get some "Disney Food" recipes?? I think it would be fun to serve Disney Food at the party! I'm thinking I can shape hamburger into Mickey Heads and grill them... other than that, I have to plan the food a bit better!!

I was in Target today and was oh-so-tempted to peruse the travel size aisle, but it's kind of early still! :laughing: I'm glad that I have something to occupy my thoughts while waiting for park hours!!


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

BTW... anybody know where I can get some "Disney Food" recipes?? I think it would be fun to serve Disney Food at the party! I'm thinking I can shape hamburger into Mickey Heads and grill them... other than that, I have to plan the food a bit better!!

I was in Target today and was oh-so-tempted to peruse the travel size aisle, but it's kind of early still! :laughing: I'm glad that I have something to occupy my thoughts while waiting for park hours!!


Kathy

Congrats Kathy on the weight loss :hug:.

[GlassSlippers]

Hi Kathy!

Good job on the weight loss!

I made a Mickey Jello mold once. Color wise, not shaped like. The top layer was strawberry jello with strawberries, the middle was pineapple jello with (you guessed it!) crushed pineapple and for the black layer I used blackberry jello, which I darkened with extra food coloring, and blueberries. If you want white, a little cool whip or whipped cream would do it.

That particular party was a pot luck and someone else made cup cakes with red sugar Mickey heads stencilled on the top of each one. They were really cute!

We tried Mickey burgers and found that you have to make the ears kind of small and close to the head or they fall off.

You could maybe serve punch or lemonade from a punch bowl. If you use a flat-ish container you could make an ice block with orange, lemon or lime slices in it arranged in Mickey heads too.

Every once in a while I see Disney stuff at the grocery store, Super Wal Mart in particular. Snack cakes, chicken or fish nuggets, fruit snacks, juice boxes or pouches, sliced apples and baby carrots in the snack sized bags and most often, Mickey head cheese. I find that by the string cheese. Sometimes the bakery has Mickey or Minnie sugar cookies with the bottoms dipped in chocolate. Yum! My grocery store even had Disney bananas once! They had character stickers on them instead of Dole or Chaquita!

Hope this helps!

Lori

[KathyRN137]

Every once in a while I see Disney stuff at the grocery store, Super Wal Mart in particular.


Thanks, Lori!! :goodvibes

Hold onto your hat. Would you believe that we don't have any Wal Marts in our area? :eek:

We've got several Targets and a K-Mart, but no Wal Mart!

I almost bought Disney eggs in the grocery store the other day. (Regular eggs with Mickey & Friends images stamped on them!!)

Thanks for the tip on the Mickey burgers! :thumbsup2

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Congrats Kathy on the weight loss :hug:.

Thank you, dear! And may I say that you are looking quite svelte yourself these days!! :goodvibes

(Since I'm going to have my picture taken with you, I figured I'd better get on the ball!!)

Kathy

[brookelizabeth]

Congratulations once again on the continued weight loss-up to 11 pounds! :cheer2:

As far as Disney food...I do believe there is a thread/board here on the DIS somewhere with Disney recipes....

MeMom recently made a tye-dye cheesecake ala Pop Century. And I recall CP making Mickey sundaes with regular ice cream, oreos for ears, and a cherry for the nose. I believe it was on her PTR...

[DearDaisyinDurham]

AWESOME!!!!! Keep up the great work Kathy!!!

[melk]

Congratulations on the weight loss! I wanted to lose 15 lbs. for our last trip, which came and went :headache:. You've inspired me to try again, starting today! My blood pressure has been up a bit and I know that taking off some extra weight would do me well.

Thanks for the inspiration!

And btw, the link to disney recipes is: http://allears.net/din/rec.htm

Sorry, don't look at the dessert ones, look for lo-cal!;)

[KathyRN137]

Congratulations once again on the continued weight loss-up to 11 pounds! :cheer2:

As far as Disney food...I do believe there is a thread/board here on the DIS somewhere with Disney recipes....

MeMom recently made a tye-dye cheesecake ala Pop Century. And I recall CP making Mickey sundaes with regular ice cream, oreos for ears, and a cherry for the nose. I believe it was on her PTR...


That's right... I remember seeing the pix! The sundaes look great and would be quite easy to make! Great for the kids...Thanks!

Ugh! Cheesecake!! Sounds great but way too tempting!!


AWESOME!!!!! Keep up the great work Kathy!!!

Thanks Erin! :flower3:


Congratulations on the weight loss! I wanted to lose 15 lbs. for our last trip, which came and went :headache:. You've inspired me to try again, starting today! My blood pressure has been up a bit and I know that taking off some extra weight would do me well.

Thanks for the inspiration!

And btw, the link to disney recipes is: http://allears.net/din/rec.htm

Sorry, don't look at the dessert ones, look for lo-cal!;)


Good luck on the weight-loss plan! Getting started is definitely the hardest part. That link is perfect... so many recipes to choose from! :goodvibes I'm sure I can add a little healthy eating to those sundaes!! ;)

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Because I anticipate being in the MK's Liberty Square quite a bit... ;).... I found this blog entry very interesting and thought I might share it...


http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/07/liberty_square_odds_ends_1.html


Kathy

[winnapooh]

Coming out of lurkdom once again...check out this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1777635). It has an index of all the recipes that have been posted from Disney. Maybe you can find some of your favorite Disney restaurant foods to prepare for your party. I've used the recipe for the sticky wings from Ohana...they were really good!

[moparop]

I have a friend that is a Disney novice who booked her ADRs online at 6 am last week. She was able to get everything she wanted, pretty much at the time shew wanted and it took her 5 minutes. And, I am sure... she didn't try logging in before her trip to practice like your average DISer would. ;)

[KathyRN137]

Coming out of lurkdom once again...check out this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1777635). It has an index of all the recipes that have been posted from Disney. Maybe you can find some of your favorite Disney restaurant foods to prepare for your party. I've used the recipe for the sticky wings from Ohana...they were really good!

:thanks:

I'm having my "company" over to eat out on the deck, so I'm looking for BBQ-summer-picnic kind of foods... Sticky wings may fit the bill (no pun intended!)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I have a friend that is a Disney novice who booked her ADRs online at 6 am last week. She was able to get everything she wanted, pretty much at the time shew wanted and it took her 5 minutes. And, I am sure... she didn't try logging in before her trip to practice like your average DISer would. ;)


That is so reassuring!! Thanks! :goodvibes


Kathy

[joy13]

Congrats on the weight loss Kathy! Don't sell yourself short - 11 lbs is a big accomplishment because it means you are doing what you set out to do!

I like your ADR list, we have a few in common :)

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks for the link to the Jack Spence blog! It was really interesting-tons of stuff I've never noticed. :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

Kathy, I just finally was able to watch those YouTube videos on the HOP and WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From the very bit of clip they showed, my jaw dropped. I cannot believe how life like it all appears. And the clips-ah...it all had me in tears already. I'm gonna be bawling during that show! :goodvibes

The last clip was very interesting-it's kinda fun to see the business side of Disney World happening IN the 'World'!

[cjackearl]

Wow, Kathy, keep it up. You're doing really well and I'm sure you'll meet your goal with ease. You're almost half way there!:yay:

[All7OfUs]

HI Kathy,


LOVED the link to Liberty Square- It's my fav. Land of all in MK.

I also saved the link to the thread of recipes (THANKS winnapooh!) for future reference. Nice!

Keep up the good work with your weight loss! WOW, 11 lbs. already!

[KathyRN137]

Congrats on the weight loss Kathy! Don't sell yourself short - 11 lbs is a big accomplishment because it means you are doing what you set out to do!


Wow, Kathy, keep it up. You're doing really well and I'm sure you'll meet your goal with ease. You're almost half way there!:yay:

HI Kathy,
Keep up the good work with your weight loss! WOW, 11 lbs. already!


Thanks, guys! I'm halfway to my trip goal and God willing, I hope to continue on after that.

Its very hard to re-learn eating habits... and my thoughts about upcoming ADRs and Disney food isn't making it any easier!! :laughing:

Tricia's making popcorn in the microwave right now and its killing me!! popcorn:: I'll just have to reward my hard work with a few treats when we're on vacation!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for the link to the Jack Spence blog! It was really interesting-tons of stuff I've never noticed. :thumbsup2

Kathy, I just finally was able to watch those YouTube videos on the HOP and WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From the very bit of clip they showed, my jaw dropped. I cannot believe how life like it all appears. And the clips-ah...it all had me in tears already. I'm gonna be bawling during that show! :goodvibes

The last clip was very interesting-it's kinda fun to see the business side of Disney World happening IN the 'World'!


HI Kathy,

LOVED the link to Liberty Square- It's my fav. Land of all in MK.



I love finding out about all the lovely details around the World... sometimes we are in such a rush to hurry off to the next ride or show that we miss all the wonderful little touches that go into the making of the Disney Magic!! pixiedust:


Kathy

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Wow! 15 pounds! Congratulations and Great job!:thumbsup2 Care to share how you did it?

I have been walking almost every night (5/7 nights) but I need to cut out the sweets and the sweet tea. :rolleyes1

[KathyRN137]

Wow! 15 pounds! Congratulations and Great job!:thumbsup2 Care to share how you did it?

I have been walking almost every night (5/7 nights) but I need to cut out the sweets and the sweet tea. :rolleyes1

I cut out everything!! :rotfl: (Seriously!)

And walking, too. Billy and Aimee :dog: are walking with me and it's giving me time to talk with Billy about our trip. (We are "getting in shape" for all the walking at WDW!") He is not happy that Space Mountain will be closed when we are there! Also, he seems to only want to do the 3D movies and cycle rides like Dumbo and Aladdin's Carpets! :rolleyes:

I think this will change once we get there, but just in case, I'm going to make up some specific social stories to bring along in case we need to re-direct him.

Oh and BTW, Ed is getting back into running.... the show off!! :duck:


Kathy

[joy13]

4 more pounds! Good for you!

[brookelizabeth]

I cut out everything!! :rotfl: (Seriously!)



You have amazing willpower!!!!!

I have been trying to cut back on fatty/high calorie foods-and do smaller portions. I haven't weighed myself yet, but hoping it's nudged a bit.

Today was NOT a good food day. But, Henry and I were very active all day long, so that helps! :goodvibes

Thankfully sweets don't usually call my name, it's french fries and "quick foods"....

[carissanboys]

Congrats on the 15 lbs!! That's awesome! :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

4 more pounds! Good for you!

You have amazing willpower!!!!!
I have been trying to cut back on fatty/high calorie foods-and do smaller portions. I haven't weighed myself yet, but hoping it's nudged a bit.
Thankfully sweets don't usually call my name, it's french fries and "quick foods"....

Congrats on the 15 lbs!! That's awesome! :thumbsup2


Thank you,
Thank you, and,
Thank you!!! :goodvibes

Unfortunately, all my weight loss so far seems to be from my bustline! :eek:
Hope the hips get with the program soon!

Kathy

[joy13]

Thank you,
Thank you, and,
Thank you!!! :goodvibes

Unfortunately, all my weight loss so far seems to be from my bustline! :eek:
Hope the hips get with the program soon!

Kathy

Murphy's Law alive and well :rolleyes: The hips will cooperate soon I'm sure.

[irish dancer]

Unfortunately, all my weight loss so far seems to be from my bustline! :eek:
Hope the hips get with the program soon!

Kathy

LOL, sounds familiar. When I lose weight the first place I notice it is in my wrist and fingers, my watch and rings get looser. :rolleyes:

[eandesmom]

First and foremost, you rock.

Second. Be careful with the "cutting out everything". The harder we try, the more severe and strict we are, sometimes, the easier it is to slide.

I believe this. Different diets work for different people, different metabolisms. Only you can figure out that magic mix of diet and exercise (and regardless of what diet actually works ALL need exercise).

Be smart. Take notes. Figure out what, when actually makes a difference.

Little things are HUGE. Soda. Butter. The type of salad dressing..

Cutting out everything though, isn't realistic, long term. Modifying, being cognizant, is.

You are a truly amazing, inspirational person and if 30 is your goal, I have no doubt, you can achieve it.

Pounds are not what matters. how you feel, how your clothes fit, what your true health is, does. Ignore the scale. Ignore the measuring tape. You will know, by how things fit, if you are being successful. More focus than that, only detracts. Balance this, with life.

Sorry for the diatribe but...it's heady, the first big loss. And I know you know that.

[eandesmom]

third.

Which had NOTHING to do with anything!
:rotfl2

all of the recipe links do not feature the best tuna noodle casserole of my life. Or the killer ahi from Kona (are the recipe poster tuna haters? one wonders...) So I'll have to keep attempting to replicate and the post, if successful!

[KathyRN137]

Murphy's Law alive and well :rolleyes: The hips will cooperate soon I'm sure.

From your lips to my hips!! :rotfl:


LOL, sounds familiar. When I lose weight the first place I notice it is in my wrist and fingers, my watch and rings get looser. :rolleyes:

Have you seen the commercial that has a cartoon hubby and wife and the wife says, "we both lost X number of pounds"... then the cartoon hubby shrinks proportionally and looks great and all that shrinks on her is her mammary glands?? :laughing: It is so true!

Well, at least when Tricia hugged me goodnight tonight she said I "felt a little thinner!"

I'll take it!!




Pounds are not what matters. how you feel, how your clothes fit, what your true health is, does. Ignore the scale. Ignore the measuring tape. You will know, by how things fit, if you are being successful. More focus than that, only detracts. Balance this, with life.



Thanks for all the advice! :flower3: Yes, I know I've been talking "pounds" just because its the only measurement of success I have right now... but as you say, the real achievement comes when the dress sizes go down. :thumbsup2

I have some cute Disney shirts I'd love to wear this fall!!

Kathy

[familyblackout]

Unfortunately, all my weight loss so far seems to be from my bustline! :eek:
Hope the hips get with the program soon!

Kathy

:rotfl:
DH keeps telling me that I should just lose weight around my thighs- he likes my butt! Or I should "keep the weight I'm at, just tone it up a little."
I'm like, Buddy, if I "tone up" I will lose weight, and it will probably not be from my thighs (I was 102 lbs once and my thighs STILL touched!):rotfl: Ah, marriage...


ANYWAYS, my REAL comment!
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:
Hooray!
Awesome job! It's not easy to do what you're doing! I am so happy for you!
:dance3:

[mom2mek]

Yay Kathy! :cheer2: 15 pounds is AMAZING!!! Keep up the good work! :thumbsup2

I completely understand the whole "not really SEEING the weightloss for a while" - that's why the scale is so good. You might not see it yet, but you know it's coming off....and then all of a sudden WHAMO you will be able to wear those smaller clothes! I hate weighing myself, but in the beginning it can actually be a good motivator to see it going down when you can't actually SEE it coming off.

It's that first initial weigh-in that I can't stomach! Ok, all of this talk has made me realize I have got to get back on track! Thanks for some inspiration!! :hug:

Sara

[miabellarose]

I love those Disney plates! I wish there was a Disney store where I live because you got some great deals:thumbsup2 Congratulations on your weight loss...keep it up, you're doing great!:cheer2:

[KathyRN137]

Yay Kathy! :cheer2: 15 pounds is AMAZING!!! Keep up the good work! :thumbsup2

I completely understand the whole "not really SEEING the weightloss for a while" - that's why the scale is so good. You might not see it yet, but you know it's coming off....and then all of a sudden WHAMO you will be able to wear those smaller clothes! I hate weighing myself, but in the beginning it can actually be a good motivator to see it going down when you can't actually SEE it coming off.

It's that first initial weigh-in that I can't stomach! Ok, all of this talk has made me realize I have got to get back on track! Thanks for some inspiration!! :hug:

Sara


Thanks, Hon!

I hated the first weigh-in, too. In fact, I had to go out and buy a bathroom scale because for years I've refused to have one in the house!! :rotfl: Bad Kathy!

So yesterday Ed says to me, very casually, "Kathy, where's the scale you bought?" I guess he wanted to weigh himself. He was not happy, either! :sad2: So he's back to his running and biking now!!

Yikes! do you think this means another WDW Marathon Weekend may be in our future?? :scratchin


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

:rotfl:
DH keeps telling me that I should just lose weight around my thighs- he likes my butt! Or I should "keep the weight I'm at, just tone it up a little."
I'm like, Buddy, if I "tone up" I will lose weight, and it will probably not be from my thighs (I was 102 lbs once and my thighs STILL touched!):rotfl: Ah, marriage...


ANYWAYS, my REAL comment!
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:
Hooray!
Awesome job! It's not easy to do what you're doing! I am so happy for you!



:lmao: Your hubby's thinking weight loss is like lipo-suction..."Just a little off the thighs, please!"

Wouldn't that be great?? :cloud9:

Thanks for the encouragement and I love your "veggie ticker!"

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I love those Disney plates! I wish there was a Disney store where I live because you got some great deals:thumbsup2 Congratulations on your weight loss...keep it up, you're doing great!:cheer2:

Thanks so much! :flower3:

They do have the plates on the official website. The six-piece set is $12.99!
Hmmm. I may get the matching serving tray... they didn't have any left in the store.... ;)

www.disneystore.com



Kathy

[tarak]

Just popping in to say hi! I read the first 100+ pages of this PTR and then decided to read through the others. I was completely done in by your first post for your 11/07 trip:
"I love you, Mommy."


It’s an unprompted declaration….not just something he echoes woodenly when I say it to him. He looks me in the eye, wraps his arms around my neck, and tells me that he loves me.

Every night I’ve prayed. I’ve wished upon a star. Please, God, make him…..a real boy.

"I love you, Mommy" is a beautiful start.
Must remember to not read these on my lunch hour. :)

[KathyRN137]

Just popping in to say hi! I read the first 100+ pages of this PTR and then decided to read through the others. I was completely done in by your first post for your 11/07 trip:

Must remember to not read these on my lunch hour. :)


:welcome:

Thanks for stopping in to say "Hi!"

I've learned how to do links for posts just recently... Hope you can slog through the old reports without too much trouble!!


Kathy

[Tnkrbelle565]

I hated the first weigh-in, too. In fact, I had to go out and buy a bathroom scale because for years I've refused to have one in the house!! :rotfl: Bad Kathy!

I would never put one of those liars in my house :lmao:

Congrats on your 15lb weight loss. That's fab!!! I need to start my Disney Diet so I can actually fit into my Disney clothes

[mousescrapper]

Hi Kathy!

How great for you!


:cheer2:

you are doing wonderful! keep up the great job and thanks for sharing w/ us and as others have said inspiring those of us too who wish to shed a pound or 2 and feel better about ourselves!

I also wanted to say what a great thought below!





Pounds are not what matters. how you feel, how your clothes fit, what your true health is, does. Ignore the scale. Ignore the measuring tape. You will know, by how things fit, if you are being successful. More focus than that, only detracts. Balance this, with life.

[KathyRN137]

I would never put one of those liars in my house :lmao:

Congrats on your 15lb weight loss. That's fab!!! I need to start my Disney Diet so I can actually fit into my Disney clothes


Good Luck!! :shamrock:

It's rough around here! We need to encourage each other when there's so much random talk of Mickey Bars and Dole Whip Floats!! ;)

MMMM!!! If only Disney could imagineer some fat- and sugar-free versions!!


Kathy

[Tnkrbelle565]

Good Luck!! :shamrock:

It's rough around here! We need to encourage each other when there's so much random talk of Mickey Bars and Dole Whip Floats!! ;)

MMMM!!! If only Disney could imagineer some fat- and sugar-free versions!!


Kathy

No kidding. South Beach is the only thing that really works for me since I have PCOS. But it's SOOOO hard to go carb-free/low carb all summer.

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy!

How great for you!

:cheer2:

you are doing wonderful! keep up the great job and thanks for sharing w/ us and as others have said inspiring those of us too who wish to shed a pound or 2 and feel better about ourselves!




Thanks, Scrappie!

I had a rough time a little while ago. Billy did not want to leave the town pool, despite it being dinner time and the fact that his fingers had gone all pruney. He pitched a fit... loudly. :headache:

I got the kids home and after he was all showered up he continued with his tantrum... flopping down on the floor and screaming... the whole nine yards. I'm sure you've been there.

I went downstairs to start dinner and the ice cream in the freezer was soooo calling my name!! Ugggh. Emotional eating is my nemesis.

(I had a glass of skim milk instead.) :angel:

Thanks for the support!!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

It's things like this that make me worry... about letting the two 13 year old girls go off on their own at Disney!


Even in the most magical place on earth, some very un-magical things can happen... :sad2:



Man arrested for molesting girl in Typhoon Lagoon wave pool

On Friday, July 3, the Orange County Sheriff's Office arrested Robert C. Double, Jr., 51, at Typhoon Lagoon on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. According to a police report, Double "crashed into" a 15-year-old girl, then pulled down her bathing suit top and grabbed her breast on two occasions. He also allegedly pulled her bathing suit bottom to the side but did not touch her.

According to MPNnow.com, a local news Web site near Double's hometown of Farmington, NY, Double is a youth minister at Willowbrook Christian Church in Victor, NY.

After the second incident, the girl told her father, who informed Disney security, who then alerted Orange County deputies. According to the MPNnow.com story, a deputy then saw Double do the same to other girls on a security camera, and Double was removed from the pool and arrested.


Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

:eek::scared1::eek::scared1:

Ick! Ick! Ick!

I am right there with you about being overprotective -- there are reasons for it, unfortunately!

[KathyRN137]

:eek::scared1::eek::scared1:

Ick! Ick! Ick!

I am right there with you about being overprotective -- there are reasons for it, unfortunately!

How very sad for those poor young girls. Now their wonderful Disney memories will be forever spoiled by that creep. :mad:

Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

:hug: I know how you feel when it comes to emotional eating, I am having issues with that right now.

I can see how reading things like that at TL would make you really concerned :grouphug:.

[eandesmom]

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

that made me ill. :scared1:

I feel your paranoia :hug:

[cjackearl]

Things like that truly break my heart. Those poor girls and their poor parents!:sad1:

Skim milk over ice cream? You have an iron will, lady!:cheer2: Yea for you!!

[mousescrapper]

Thanks, Scrappie!

I got the kids home and after he was all showered up he continued with his tantrum... flopping down on the floor and screaming... the whole nine yards. I'm sure you've been there.

yes....:sad2:


(I had a glass of skim milk instead.) :angel:

super good for you!!!!!!

Thanks for the support!!

your very welcome :hug:



It's things like this that make me worry... about letting the two 13 year old girls go off on their own at Disney!


Even in the most magical place on earth, some very un-magical things can happen... :sad2:





UGH! and YIKES!!!!!

I think we have tough guards in and around our homes...but at Disney you think how could stuff like this happen...truly a shame, but glad the girl was brave anough to tell her Dad and in turn he was smart enough to let the proper authorities do their jobs.

Never hurts to be protective of our kids!

[Tnkrbelle565]

This is the exact reason that Aisling will HATE me when she's older...I'm never letting her out of my sight!

[KathyRN137]

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

that made me ill. :scared1:

I feel your paranoia :hug:

I showed the article to Tricia and she just shrugged. I truly think that she thinks something like that could never happen to her. :sad2:


Things like that truly break my heart. Those poor girls and their poor parents!:sad1:


I'm so glad they caught him. They saw him on video, so it's no "he said, she said." And to think that he's a Youth Minister! (Not anymore, I'm sure.)


UGH! and YIKES!!!!!

I think we have tough guards in and around our homes...but at Disney you think how could stuff like this happen...truly a shame, but glad the girl was brave anough to tell her Dad and in turn he was smart enough to let the proper authorities do their jobs.

Never hurts to be protective of our kids!

If that ever happened to Tricia, I'm not sure I could keep Ed from beating the guy to a pulp!

I'm really not sure about letting the girls go off on their own just yet...

Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! :scared::scared::scared: That man is sick! What is wrong with people!!

I don't blame you for wanting to keep Tricia in your sight!

[KathyRN137]

This is the exact reason that Aisling will HATE me when she's older...I'm never letting her out of my sight!

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! :scared::scared::scared: That man is sick! What is wrong with people!!

I don't blame you for wanting to keep Tricia in your sight!


I know they have to grow up sometime and the cord needs to be cut...

...but it's not going to be this year!!! I just know she's not going to like it at all! :mad:
Oh well, nya-nya, I'm the mommy!!


Kathy

[joy13]

That story from TL is really scary!!! I don't blame you for not letting them on their own after reading that.

[brookelizabeth]

I heard about that HORRID incident on the PodCast. :scared1::sad2: I did not hear he was a youth minister. As a Christian, I am embarrassed by this man who calls himself a pastor.

And a YOUTH pastor.

ICK.

I'm with ya Kathy, if I had a young girl, I would be keeping her in my sight! Come to think of it, I don't think my parents ever let us out of their sight until we were 17 and 18 years old and out of high school. Too many crazies out there, unfortunately.

[KathyRN137]

That story from TL is really scary!!! I don't blame you for not letting them on their own after reading that.

I heard about that HORRID incident on the PodCast. :scared1::sad2: I did not hear he was a youth minister. As a Christian, I am embarrassed by this man who calls himself a pastor.

And a YOUTH pastor.

ICK.

I'm with ya Kathy, if I had a young girl, I would be keeping her in my sight! Come to think of it, I don't think my parents ever let us out of their sight until we were 17 and 18 years old and out of high school. Too many crazies out there, unfortunately.


It's such a sad commentary on our society, isn't it?

As a children growing up in Brooklyn, my mom would frequently send my younger sister and me to the corner Mom & Pop store (a full city block away) to pick up a gallon of milk or whatever.

We were only seven or eight years old! But nobody ever bothered us.

Now, can you imagine doing that today?? :sad2: No way!


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I know, we used to run around and play all over our small town at 7 or 8 and never thought anything bad would happen to us. That story makes me sick. You have to do what you and Ed are comfortable with Kathy, she will get over it.

[KathyRN137]

I know, we used to run around and play all over our small town at 7 or 8 and never thought anything bad would happen to us. That story makes me sick. You have to do what you and Ed are comfortable with Kathy, she will get over it.


Luckily, at thirteen she has no choice!! :laughing:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

The latest PTR news:

MNSSHP Costumes:

I went ahead and ordered Ed's pirate costume... I want to have plenty of time if he decides he doesn't like it and we need to find another!


http://www.costumes4less.com/Prodimages/Previews/14/previewAC14186.jpg


If this works out, all he'll need is a sword. And he might want a hat instead of the bandana. Sheesh!

Also, my original plan was for Billy to use his "blue pirate" costume from last year (blue hat, an ecru shirt and blue vest, worn with a pair of jeans), but I'm having second thoughts. It sounds silly, but the colors of his costume will not match the black-red-white color scheme of the rest of the family's costumes. (Catie may get the same pirate lass costume Tricia did and just accessorize it differently.)

I had no idea that pirates "accessorized!" :rotfl:

I've already got a black peasant blouse that would work and I'm thinking of the black harem pants... maybe red, but the black would be more flattering. Some kind of vest (red, black, or perhaps purple) will finish my ensemble. Not sure if I want to be bothered with a sword or blunderbuss or any other kind of weaponry. After all, according to Billy I'm the Pirate Queen... so I have my pirate crew to do my fighting for me! ;) I do have my heart set on a hat with a big ostrich feather!!

So... I may break down and get Billy a different costume just so that we all coordinate better. At least I have a back up if I don't find anything I like!


Countdown to Disney Party:

It's definitely on for next Wednesday (and I still need to finalize the menu and shop for the food!) I spoke with DSis Eileen on the phone last night and casually suggested that she and DNiece Catie might want to wear Disney shirts that day... she said they already have their Disney Outfits planned!!! :thumbsup2

I have a ton of Disney music that we can play and I plan to order some fun Mickey and Minnie balloons for decoration. Now, all we need is a good weather forecast so we can have it outside!! :sunny:



Kathy

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Wow, go to the beach for a few days and you miss alot. That incident at Typhoon Lagoon is very scary to me. I am glad to know that he was arrested. I hope he is kept locked up for a long time.

I love Ed's costume. And the girls will be really cute in the matching costumes with their accessories. Good Luck with Billy's and your costumes. It sounds like things are really coming together.


The Disney Party sounds like a lot of fun! I have some of those plates but I only bought the Mickey ones.

[jordanyosh]

Okay, I'm on lunch break and had to do a little catching up....can't go all the back and read, but I'll comment on a few things Kathy:

CONGRATS! on losing weight. We all have our crosses to bear and our setbacks. Hang in there. A healthier you will emerge happier!

I had heard about not one but 2 incidents at TL. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in now. It's unnerving to parents for sure.

[moparop]

I am a matcher - so I'd need to redo Billy's outfit -- totally know where you are coming from!

I cannot wait to see and hear all about the countdown party. It blows my mind how close that is. Have you figured out your Disney outfit yet?

[KathyRN137]

I love Ed's costume. And the girls will be really cute in the matching costumes with their accessories. Good Luck with Billy's and your costumes. It sounds like things are really coming together.


The Disney Party sounds like a lot of fun! I have some of those plates but I only bought the Mickey ones.


Hope you had good weather at the beach! We've been enjoying a spectacular July... warm, but not humid, and much much less rain than we had in June!

Hope it lasts for our outdoor party!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Okay, I'm on lunch break and had to do a little catching up....can't go all the back and read, but I'll comment on a few things Kathy:

CONGRATS! on losing weight. We all have our crosses to bear and our setbacks. Hang in there. A healthier you will emerge happier!

I had heard about not one but 2 incidents at TL. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in now. It's unnerving to parents for sure.



Hi Jordan! :yay:

Thanks for the support... I'm feeling better already!

The TL molestations were so awful to read about, especially since the perpetrator is a youth minister. I'm sure that really made you feel sick. :sick:

Wow! I don't envy you all the catching up you need to do. But it's so good to see you back!


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Hi Jordan! :yay:

Thanks for the support... I'm feeling better already!

The TL molestations were so awful to read about, especially since the perpetrator is a youth minister. I'm sure that really made you feel sick. :sick:

Wow! I don't envy you all the catching up you need to do. But it's so good to see you back!


Kathy

I hadn't heard about it being a youth pastor. Unfortunately, I'm not surprised.

It's good to be back even if it's fleeting....

[KathyRN137]

I am a matcher - so I'd need to redo Billy's outfit -- totally know where you are coming from!

I cannot wait to see and hear all about the countdown party. It blows my mind how close that is. Have you figured out your Disney outfit yet?


Thank you! :hug: I felt a bit silly sharing that. After all, he has a perfectly servicable costume already. But then I began thinking the pictures would look funny. I'm glad I'm not the only one who would think along the same lines!!


I'll definitely wear one of my WDW tee shirts and probably a pair of capris. It's just us, DSis, and Catie, so its going to be very casual!

Naturally, I'll be wearing my lime green crocs!


Kathy

[joy13]

That party sounds very fun!!!!!!!!!!

[mousescrapper]

SHHHHHH! :rolleyes1

I have a confession to make...I told Mae I'd take a day off the Dis to play w/ her today...and thus far we did good. Ran errands, colored a picture and listened to a story and even when she was at camp for 2 hrs I worked out w/ the Wii Fit and cleaned up. But after she got home from camp...I got bumped for a neighborhood kid and her sis to play w/ oh well

so I'm quickly sneaking a little Dis in before she come in and I was scanning the banter and I saw this line:






Naturally, I'll be wearing my lime green crocs!




and at first I thought you menat you'd be wearing them w/ the Pirate Queen Costume :confused3 :laughing:

had to go back and actually read what you wrote....now I get it for the party DUH! Scrappie...

guess it doesn't pay to speed read on the Dis....;)

ps I think I meant to mention this but forgot....for the party...do you all like Watermelon? Do you have a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter?

you could cut out Watermelon mickey heads....:thumbsup2

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Wow, the party is NEXT WEEK!!!! It's going fast!!

[joy13]

ps I think I meant to mention this but forgot....for the party...do you all like Watermelon? Do you have a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter?

you could cut out Watermelon mickey heads....:thumbsup2


What a great idea :thumbsup2

I get bumped for neighborhood friends all the time! :laughing:

[KathyRN137]

I was scanning the banter and I saw this line:


Naturally, I'll be wearing my lime green crocs!



and at first I thought you menat you'd be wearing them w/ the Pirate Queen Costume :confused3 :laughing:



:lmao: That would look strange!!

I don't have a Mickey cookie cutter... have to add that to my World of Disney shopping list!!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

That party sounds very fun!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, the party is NEXT WEEK!!!! It's going fast!!

Ladies, finally hitting that 99 day mark is going to feel so good!! :cloud9:

I keep looking at the Disney menus on All Ears and I'm having a tough time choosing what I want to make for the party... it all sounds so good!! (But I also don't feel like spending the whole day cooking!)


Kathy

[brookelizabeth]

I had no idea pirates accessorized either! :rotfl: They will look great though wearing the same outfit-pirate twins! :goodvibes

I completely understand about your wanting for Billy to match - I'd be right there with ya.

The party sounds like it's gonna be a blast! I can't wait for the pics. I hope you are able to boil it all down on what to make. You could do "Earl of Sandwich" and just have people make their own! ;)

[KathyRN137]

You could do "Earl of Sandwich" and just have people make their own! ;)

:rotfl:


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

Enchanted has a Disney recipe section now :rolleyes1.

[KathyRN137]

Enchanted has a Disney recipe section now :rolleyes1.


Gosh, I haven't been over there in ages! :blush:
Bad Kathy!


Kathy

[cjackearl]

Yea, I'd probably figure out something else for Billy too. I think pictures look much nicer when everyone is at least wearing the same color scheme.

I can not wait for your Disney party. If I promise to wash dishes, can I come too?:flower3:

[KathyRN137]

Yea, I'd probably figure out something else for Billy too. I think pictures look much nicer when everyone is at least wearing the same color scheme.

I can not wait for your Disney party. If I promise to wash dishes, can I come too?:flower3:

Awww! Hopefully I'll take so many pictures, you'll all feel just as if you were there!! ::yes::


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Well, it's lunchtime here on the East Coast, the perfect time to post my...


Proposed "Double-Digit Countdown to Disney" Party Menu

This is going to be a very small outdoor party, so I don't want to go too crazy and make way too much food. My goal is to include at least one menu item from each of the four parks! This is what I've come up with so far:


Appetizers:

~ Chips 'n Dips, including the Artichoke Dip recipe from Tony's Town Square, the Magic Kingdom.


Salad:

~ Tossed salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette recipe from the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, Disney's Hollywood Studios.


On the grill:

~ "Mickey" burgers, one regular-sized for Mickey's "head" and 2 sliders for his "ears!"

~ Hot Dogs ( I suppose this could represent Casey's at the Magic Kingdom!)

~ B-B-Q chicken, using the BBQ Sauce recipe from Flame Tree BBQ, Disney's Animal Kingdom.


Side Dish:

~ Macaroni Salad, using the recipe from the Biergarten in Epcot.

Dessert

~ Mickey Sundaes
~ Fresh Fruit Salad


Kathy

[mousescrapper]

YUMMY!!!!! popcorn::

[joy13]

Sounds delicious!!!!!!!!!

[irish dancer]

I second the YUMMY!!

I LOVED the macaroni salad at the Biergarten, guess I'll have to find that recipe for our next BBQ. Did you find it online?

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Sounds yummy! :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

Your plans sound great!! I want to come :sad1:.

[moparop]

Sounds tasty to me!! What time should I be there? :)

[KathyRN137]

YUMMY!!!!! popcorn::

Sounds delicious!!!!!!!!!

I second the YUMMY!!

Sounds yummy! :thumbsup2

Your plans sound great!! I want to come :sad1:.

Sounds tasty to me!! What time should I be there? :)



Gosh, I wish I could have all of you over for a WDW Party someday... wouldn't that be so much fun??

party: :rockband: party:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I LOVED the macaroni salad at the Biergarten, guess I'll have to find that recipe for our next BBQ. Did you find it online?


Here it is!!

Biergarten Macaroni Salad

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni, dry
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup peas
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup pickle juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar


Method of preparation:
Cook macaroni according to directions. Drain and cool macaroni. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add to macaroni. Toss it well and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Sounds great, doesn't it? I thought a Biergarten recipe would be perfect since that's one of the "new" restaurants we hope to try on this trip!


Kathy

[irish dancer]

Thanks for the recipe. Yumm, it sounds great. We tried Biergarten on our June trip for the first time and LOVED it. Even picky eater DS found things he liked. DD7 had two bowls of the potato leek soup and I think three helpings of the cold sausage/wurst from the buffet. The Oompah band was fun too.

[cjackearl]

Great menu Kathy! Did you get your recipes from the thread on here somewhere?

[Hedy]

What makes a mickey sundae a Mickey sundae?
Also, I'm sure you've heard of it, but if not...http://www.wdwautism.com/

[KathyRN137]

What makes a mickey sundae a Mickey sundae?
Also, I'm sure you've heard of it, but if not...http://www.wdwautism.com/

Mickey Sundae = Ice cream with two Oreo cookies for ears!! :rotfl:

(Plus whatever else you like on your ice cream!)

Thanks for the link... I had not heard of that site before! :surfweb:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for the recipe. Yumm, it sounds great. We tried Biergarten on our June trip for the first time and LOVED it. Even picky eater DS found things he liked. DD7 had two bowls of the potato leek soup and I think three helpings of the cold sausage/wurst from the buffet. The Oompah band was fun too.


At first I was a bit skeptical about Biergarten, but I really enjoy trying a few new restaurants along with visiting the old favorites. So many people have said it was a great buffet, plus I looked up the menu and saw that if all else fails, they serve good ole mac 'n cheese for the picky kids... so we should be okay!

DNiece Caity is taking German lessons (her father is originally from Germany) and I think she will get a real kick out of trying out her German on the Biergarten CMs!


Kathy

[nu2wdisneyw]

Yummy!!!

[KathyRN137]

Great menu Kathy! Did you get your recipes from the thread on here somewhere?

As mrsksomeday posted earlier, there are WDW recipes posted on www.wdwenchanted.com. I got this recipe from allears.net.

http://allears.net/din/rec.htm


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Yummy!!!

Another vote for yummy! I must be making you all hungry! ;)


Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Kathy, my stomach is growling away just from reading your menu! Sounds fabulous!

[joy13]

I can't wait to try Biergarten! When I was young (tween age I think) my family took a trip to Canada and I think in Montreal we went to a German restaurant with a band and people dancing - I still remember how much fun it was! I hope Maddie has a similar experience.

[KathyRN137]

I can't wait to try Biergarten! When I was young (tween age I think) my family took a trip to Canada and I think in Montreal we went to a German restaurant with a band and people dancing - I still remember how much fun it was! I hope Maddie has a similar experience.

I do, too!

I just hope the music isn't too loud...

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Oh, Kathy, my stomach is growling away just from reading your menu! Sounds fabulous!

:laughing: (Sorry!)

My stomach is growling, too.

Not as much as last week, however. I've moved to the next phase of my diet and it is a bit more inclusive of carbs. I've been weighing myself every other day and what do you know? Wham-o, I put on two pounds immediatelly!! :eek:

I'm not to worried... trying not to focus on the scale... Ed says the exercise is making muscle and muscle weighs more than fat, so that's why the scale went up a bit.

I really hate to have to change my ticker, though!!! :rotfl:


Kathy

[joy13]

:laughing: (Sorry!)

My stomach is growling, too.

Not as much as last week, however. I've moved to the next phase of my diet and it is a bit more inclusive of carbs. I've been weighing myself every other day and what do you know? Wham-o, I put on two pounds immediatelly!! :eek:

I'm not to worried... trying not to focus on the scale... Ed says the exercise is making muscle and muscle weighs more than fat, so that's why the scale went up a bit.

I really hate to have to change my ticker, though!!! :rotfl:


Kathy

I'm glad your not getting worried - 2 lbs can be a fluxuation in water retention too.

[Charleston Princess]

:laughing: (Sorry!)

My stomach is growling, too.

Not as much as last week, however. I've moved to the next phase of my diet and it is a bit more inclusive of carbs. I've been weighing myself every other day and what do you know? Wham-o, I put on two pounds immediatelly!! :eek:

I'm not to worried... trying not to focus on the scale... Ed says the exercise is making muscle and muscle weighs more than fat, so that's why the scale went up a bit.

I really hate to have to change my ticker, though!!! :rotfl:

Kathy

Don't change it yet -- see what happens over the course of a few more days.

[jordanyosh]

The menu looks great...that Bleu Cheese Vinegarette sounds soo good, but sooo bad for my stomach.......;)

[KathyRN137]

I'm glad your not getting worried - 2 lbs can be a fluxuation in water retention too.

That's true! :flower3:

Don't change it yet -- see what happens over the course of a few more days.

Well, I decided that if I had to look at it every time I DISed that it would be a good incentive for me! Hopefully the numbers will start going down again soon.

I did expect to plateau, I just didn't expect to gain! :rolleyes:

My clothes are fitting better, though. Went down a size in my tops, and my bottoms feel nice and comfy now.

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

The menu looks great...that Bleu Cheese Vinegarette sounds soo good, but sooo bad for my stomach.......;)

I thought it was the onions that were your enemies! :laughing:

(I still remember that story about the salad from Everything Pop!)


Kathy

[brookelizabeth]

The menu for your party sounds VERY yummy! A perfect Backyard BBQ - which you can also say it's Mickey's Backyard BBQ! :goodvibes



My clothes are fitting better, though. Went down a size in my tops, and my bottoms feel nice and comfy now.

Kathy

THAT IS AWESOME!!! CONGRATULATIONS!:woohoo::yay::dance3::banana:

[joy13]

My clothes are fitting better, though. Went down a size in my tops, and my bottoms feel nice and comfy now.

Kathy

That's the important thing :thumbsup2 Keep up the good work!

[jordanyosh]

I thought it was the onions that were your enemies! :laughing:

(I still remember that story about the salad from Everything Pop!)


Kathy

I have many enemies when it comes to food:sad2: I'm lactose intolerant so any aged cheese is usually not friendly to the tummy....

Red Onions....yup...the debacle of 2008.....oy.

I'm allergic to peaches, apricots and nectarines....

[jordanyosh]

My clothes are fitting better, though. Went down a size in my tops, and my bottoms feel nice and comfy now.

Kathy


:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

THAT IS AWESOME!!! CONGRATULATIONS!:woohoo::yay::dance3::banana:

Thanks, Brook! :flower3:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

That's the important thing :thumbsup2 Keep up the good work!

You're absolutely right... thanks! :goodvibes

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Thanks Jordan!

Hmmm. Green thumbs... green light... so glad to see you DISing!!

Kathy

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks Jordan!

Hmmm. Green thumbs... green light... so glad to see you DISing!!

Kathy

I was thinking that same thing. :goodvibes He's posting ALL OVER THE PLACE, I see him on everyone's TRs tonight. Some major DISing! :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

I was thinking that same thing. :goodvibes He's posting ALL OVER THE PLACE, I see him on everyone's TRs tonight. Some major DISing! :thumbsup2

I know... call TMZ... it's a celebrity sighting! :rotfl:

Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Thanks Jordan!

Hmmm. Green thumbs... green light... so glad to see you DISing!!

Kathy


Yeah, I think I'm gonna do an update tonight if I can stay awake.

Good to be back at least for a short while. I'm hoping to have a day off this week so I'm not working 22 days in a row.

[MRYPPNS]

I know... call TMZ... it's a celebrity sighting! :rotfl:

Kathy

:rotfl2:

[jordanyosh]

I was thinking that same thing. :goodvibes He's posting ALL OVER THE PLACE, I see him on everyone's TRs tonight. Some major DISing! :thumbsup2

I am everywhere..........

Gotta catch up for sure....loving it....

[jordanyosh]

I know... call TMZ... it's a celebrity sighting! :rotfl:

Kathy

:rotfl2:

Heidi I was just about to post...:rotfl2: as well.

[brookelizabeth]

I am everywhere..........

Gotta catch up for sure....loving it....

I'm so glad you have snuck in some break time.

Now DON'T GET SICK! :goodvibes

(Love the TMZ comment :lmao:)

[All7OfUs]

HI Kathy!

That's great your clothes are feeling more comfy, and I'm sure you are looking fabulous! Even only 10 pounds would certainly make a difference!

Keep up the good work, hon!

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Kathy - All caught up again... I like the costume you got for Ed. I can't wait to see pictures of you guys all dressed up. :thumbsup2 I'm glad Ed plays along - Tim wouldn't go as far as a full costume. I was lucky to get him into a couple Disney shirts. (Which he still wears around the house sometimes. ;))

Your menu looks great!! I can't wait to see lots of pictures from the 99 day party!! :cool1:

Have Fun!!

[princesskelz]

Hey Kathy
were going to be down the same time!
this is our first MNSSHP were doing ours on the 31st and were all so excited!
out of the 11 people were taking its 7 of them are first timers:goodvibes
Hope to see you there!
Kelsey

[KathyRN137]

I am everywhere..........

Gotta catch up for sure....loving it....

Yeah... loving it for three hours, isn't that right??!! :rotfl:


:rotfl2:

Heidi I was just about to post...:rotfl2: as well.

I'm so glad you have snuck in some break time.

Now DON'T GET SICK! :goodvibes

(Love the TMZ comment :lmao:)


Thanks! Glad I could make you :rotfl2:



HI Kathy!

That's great your clothes are feeling more comfy, and I'm sure you are looking fabulous! Even only 10 pounds would certainly make a difference!

Keep up the good work, hon!


Thanks!! I'm walking every day, but soon hope to increase to a wog (walk/jog)



Hi Kathy - All caught up again... I like the costume you got for Ed. I can't wait to see pictures of you guys all dressed up. :thumbsup2 I'm glad Ed plays along - Tim wouldn't go as far as a full costume. I was lucky to get him into a couple Disney shirts. (Which he still wears around the house sometimes. ;))

Your menu looks great!! I can't wait to see lots of pictures from the 99 day party!! :cool1:

Have Fun!!

Ed wears his Grumpy shirts a lot! (I think he has two Grumpys and one Mickey.) This costume is "acceptable" because it is very "man in black"... no ruffled shirts, no striped pants, very macho.

I'm going to call him the Dread Pirate Ed! :laughing:


********************************************


So, not much time to DIS today... Tricia and I spent the day doing laundry and cleaning since company's coming Wednesday!! I love my dog but, ugh! The hair! The hair!

I also took the opportunity to unpack a few boxes of books and actually put them away in the bookcases. Geez, we've only been in the house for 8 1/2 months already!

Billy was ecstatic because he had the computer to himself all afternoon! He's been watching clips of Mickey's Philharmagic and the Hall of Presidents over and over again on YouTube! :rolleyes:

He's also dead set on watching Fantasmic! again, which I'm not thrilled about. :headache: The limited showings will make those F! days so crowded at DHS! I may just have to plan a split day and go to DHS just for dinner and the F! show one night because I do not want to be in that park all day with the crowds.

I can't refuse him, though. He asks so sweetly... "Mom, I want the incredible nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! at Disney Hollywood Studios! Pleeeese, Mom??"

I am a marshmallow...


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Hey Kathy
were going to be down the same time!
this is our first MNSSHP were doing ours on the 31st and were all so excited!
out of the 11 people were taking its 7 of them are first timers:goodvibes
Hope to see you there!
Kelsey


Sorry, I missed this Kelsey! :flower3:

Your big group party sounds like so much fun!! Wow! So many "newbies" to indoctrinate! Your hands will certainly be full!!

I'm planning to meet up with Nancy, aka Dreamer & Wisher, for Hallowishes... perhaps you could either join us or we could meet at some other point... :hmghost:

Kathy

[joy13]

I don't think I could deny that either - so I'm a marshmellow right with you :)

[brookelizabeth]

That is so sweet, I couldn't deny it either....ooey gooey marshmallow here too! :lovestruc

[jordanyosh]

Kathy, I would maybe do the Fantasmic Dinner Package. I know that still doesn't guarantee you seating, but it prevents you from having to wait in that crushing line..

[All7OfUs]

It sure doesn't sound like Billy asks for a lot, so I'd say I'd have a hard time with saying no to his F! wish too. I agree with the PP; go for the dinner package, it will cut out a lot of the wait time- esp. good for Billy, too!

[Charleston Princess]

I can't refuse him, though. He asks so sweetly... "Mom, I want the incredible nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! at Disney Hollywood Studios! Pleeeese, Mom??"

I am a marshmallow...


Kathy

I would have an awfully hard time saying no to Billy, too! Too sweet!

[jcc0621]

I can't refuse him, though. He asks so sweetly... "Mom, I want the incredible nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! at Disney Hollywood Studios! Pleeeese, Mom??"

I am a marshmallow...


Kathy

Awwww:hug:

I haven't exposed Jimmy to Fantasmic yet and I think I won't for a while:rolleyes1

[mousescrapper]

I can't refuse him, though. He asks so sweetly... "Mom, I want the incredible nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! at Disney Hollywood Studios! Pleeeese, Mom??"

I am a marshmallow...




I'd be all squishy w/ a yes after that too....sounds like something I'd say to my DH...:rotfl:

[irish dancer]

We were in the same predicament with F! during our June trip. We ended up not seeing it though because it stormed the night we were at DHS. DS8 handled it well I thought since he really wanted to see it too.

One note about the F! dining pkg. Be sure to read up on it, I've seen a lot of posts lately from people who are upset with the new admission procedure. I guess the pkg people enter in the same queue as the regular seating until inside the theatre, then they get seated in the reserved section. I also read that they are opening that section up fairly early too so you'd have to be there early to make sure you have a seat in the reserved section.

Can't wait to hear all about the party tomorrow!! Have a GREAT time!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Hi Kathy

Missed a couple of updates. We went away for the weekend. Great news on going down a size. Doesn't it feel great????

Menu looks great! Very jealous about the party! I want to come!!

My thoughts on Fantasmic package: Not worth it. If you go early you can get seats just as close. Plus, personally we'd rather sit in the back so you can get out of there quicker!

[cjackearl]

You can throw me into that big bag 'o marshmallows too.:)

[KathyRN137]

Hello Everybody!!

I've been busy with our "Countdown to Disney Party" today so I haven't been able to DIS until after midnight! I've read all your posts, but will save replies (and my party report) for tomorrow if you don't mind... have to get up early tomorrow for work. I'm only popping in to say...


:yay: :woohoo: :cool1: We are now officially in Double Digits!!! :yay: :woohoo::cool1:

:cheer2: "Only" Ninety-Nine days 'til Disney!! :cheer2:


Anybody out there feel like dancing with me?? :rolleyes1


Kathy

[All7OfUs]

I do, I do! I just can't believe how fast it's come! You were so worried that your summer would creep by and feel like an eternity, but see it's going fast (okay, it's easy for me to say ) and you've come up with some really creative ways to make it seem like it's getting here quicker :thumbsup2

I can't wait to see your update and pictures tomorrow!

[mrsksomeday]

I would be a marshmellow when it came to Billy too. He is too sweet.

As for dancing, heck yeah!!

:banana::banana::banana::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::c heer2::cheer2::cheer2:

Congrats on the double digits!!

[nu2wdisneyw]

I'll day with you Kathy!!! I will soon be doing my 30 day dance!!

:banana:party::dancer::jumping1::dancer:party::ban ana:

[jcc0621]

:banana::cool1::woohoo::yay::dance3:

[Hedy]

Hello Everybody!!

I've been busy with our "Countdown to Disney Party" today so I haven't been able to DIS until after midnight! I've read all your posts, but will save replies (and my party report) for tomorrow if you don't mind... have to get up early tomorrow for work. I'm only popping in to say...


:yay: :woohoo: :cool1: We are now officially in Double Digits!!! :yay: :woohoo::cool1:

:cheer2: "Only" Ninety-Nine days 'til Disney!! :cheer2:


Anybody out there feel like dancing with me?? :rolleyes1


Kathy

:dance3::dance3::dance3:

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for double digits!!! :banana:

Can't wait to read about your Disney party -- I am sure you had a blast!

[cjackearl]

Wahoo!!! Sounds like a great reason for a dance!

:dance3::banana::dance3:

[MRYPPNS]

Get down and boogie!!!! :woohoo:

[annnewjerz]

WOOHOO! Double digits is so exciting---finally makes the trip feel more real. Only 9 more days until it's time for ADRs! Shame on me, I might have missed your ADRs discussion and list if you had one. :guilty: If so, can you point me in the right direction? :goodvibes If not---what ADRs are you trying to get? :hyper:

[DearDaisyinDurham]

:rainbow: ~the wave!~ :rainbow:

[Dreamer & Wisher]

:cool1::cool1::cool1::dance3:I'll dance with you. Only 99 more days for us too!:cool1::cool1::cool1::dance3:

[Tnkrbelle565]

You should be dancin' dancin' ya!!!!!! :banana::banana::banana:

[jordanyosh]

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

[irish dancer]

Woo Hoo!! I'll join in the dance!!

:banana::banana::banana::banana:
:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:


Can't wait to hear all about the party!

[princesskelz]

im right there with ya Kathy!:banana::cool1::dance3::cheer2::yay::woohoo:

[KathyRN137]

I don't think I could deny that either - so I'm a marshmellow right with you :)

That is so sweet, I couldn't deny it either....ooey gooey marshmallow here too! :lovestruc

It sure doesn't sound like Billy asks for a lot, so I'd say I'd have a hard time with saying no to his F! wish too...

I would have an awfully hard time saying no to Billy, too! Too sweet!

Awwww:hug:

I haven't exposed Jimmy to Fantasmic yet and I think I won't for a while:rolleyes1

I'd be all squishy w/ a yes after that too....sounds like something I'd say to my DH...:rotfl:

You can throw me into that big bag 'o marshmallows too.:)

I would be a marshmellow when it came to Billy too. He is too sweet...



I'm so glad I'm not the only marshmallow in the bag!! :rotfl:

I don't know whether it's the fact that he puts so many words together appropriately, or his big blue eyes looking up at me, or hugs he gives me when he's asking, but I just melt and say "yes."

If he continues to ask for it this way, I can say for certain that we will be seeing Fantasmic again!

As for the dinner package....

(Continued)

Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

popcorn::popcorn::

[KathyRN137]

Kathy, I would maybe do the Fantasmic Dinner Package. I know that still doesn't guarantee you seating, but it prevents you from having to wait in that crushing line..

...I agree with the PP; go for the dinner package, it will cut out a lot of the wait time- esp. good for Billy, too!

We were in the same predicament with F! during our June trip. We ended up not seeing it though because it stormed the night we were at DHS. DS8 handled it well I thought since he really wanted to see it too.

One note about the F! dining pkg. Be sure to read up on it, I've seen a lot of posts lately from people who are upset with the new admission procedure. I guess the pkg people enter in the same queue as the regular seating until inside the theatre, then they get seated in the reserved section. I also read that they are opening that section up fairly early too so you'd have to be there early to make sure you have a seat in the reserved section.



My thoughts on Fantasmic package: Not worth it. If you go early you can get seats just as close. Plus, personally we'd rather sit in the back so you can get out of there quicker!

....Only 9 more days until it's time for ADRs! Shame on me, I might have missed your ADRs discussion and list if you had one. :guilty: If so, can you point me in the right direction? :goodvibes If not---what ADRs are you trying to get? :hyper:



Okay... the Fantasmic! dining package... yay or nay?? :confused3

We've seen F! three times over the years and we never used the dining package. We never had a problem getting seats (in the way back, which is where we want to be), but that was before Disney reduced the number of shows per week.

I've also heard that the original perk of being allowed to enter the theater via a separate entrance no longer exists... everyone enters together... so that does dilute any advantage package guests might have over non-package guests.

In addition, the dinner package reserved seating is located all the way to the far right of the theater seating, so it's not "the best" sight line. And if it fills up fast, well, we're out of luck. So even those with reserved seating have to get to the theater super-early! :rolleyes: So... what's the point??

The thought of having to "waste" an hour of good park time sitting looking at an empty stage just makes me sigh heavily. Perhaps if Ed saves us some seats I could take the kids for a ride on R&RC or ToT using the GAC during that hour... that way Billy won't go crazy waiting so long.

I'm sure Ed wouldn't mind... he sits out those rides anyway.

Does anyone have any experience with seat saving at Fantasmic? :confused: Is it do-able?

(annewjerz, I'll touch on ADR plans in the next post!)


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I will throw this idea out there, if Fantasmic is on the two nights we are going to be there when you are there the 5th and 6th, we could meet up with Ed and help "save the seats". It would be at the top of the theater because of Bill. They have me sit by Bill and anyone with us sits directly in front of us so Abbey, Josh, Christian, Hannah, and Ed could spread out enough to save you some seats :rotfl:.

[DisMomAmy]

Happy Double Digits Kathy!!!

party::rockband:party::rockband:party:

Sounds like you are going to be a marshmallow (I would be too) based on your FDP question... I don't have any advice there other than to say that the reserved seats aren't bad. We saw F! with the FDP in 06 and thought the seats were OK. But I have nothing else to compare them with. :confused3 We skipped it this year because of the reduced schedule. Maybe next time?? I like your idea of having Ed save the seats if that's do-able.

[KathyRN137]

Ack! I was halfway done my Party Post and I somehow clicked off the DIS while transferring a picture! :headache:

... Let me just get Billy off to bed and I'll be back to try it again!!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Happy Double Digits Kathy!!!

party::rockband:party::rockband:party:

Sounds like you are going to be a marshmallow (I would be too) based on your FDP question... I don't have any advice there other than to say that the reserved seats aren't bad. We saw F! with the FDP in 06 and thought the seats were OK. But I have nothing else to compare them with. :confused3 We skipped it this year because of the reduced schedule. Maybe next time?? I like your idea of having Ed save the seats if that's do-able.


Planning around these "incredible nighttime spectaculars" is getting more and more difficult. It isn't easy being a marshmallow! :rolleyes:


I will throw this idea out there, if Fantasmic is on the two nights we are going to be there when you are there the 5th and 6th, we could meet up with Ed and help "save the seats". It would be at the top of the theater because of Bill. They have me sit by Bill and anyone with us sits directly in front of us so Abbey, Josh, Christian, Hannah, and Ed could spread out enough to save you some seats :rotfl:.


That might work! :laughing:

I can't imagine one person saving seats for four others! Even if he is a cop... ;)

(Secretly, though, I'm hoping Billy's current fascination with the show will wane. :ssst: It's not on my top ten to do list, if you know what I mean!)

Okay... back to the party post!


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I can't imagine one person saving seats for four others! Even if he is a cop... ;)

(Secretly, though, I'm hoping Billy's current fascination with the show will wane. :ssst: It's not on my top ten to do list, if you know what I mean!)

Okay... back to the party post!


It is a must do for us, Josh really liked it last time and Bill always enjoys it, we just have to wait for those darn hours to come out!

[KathyRN137]

Our Countdown to Disney Planning Party!


On Wednesday we finally reached an important milestone... 100 days til Disney! :woohoo: I planned a little get-together with my DSis Eileen and my DNiece Catie so we could talk a little Disney and get some basic planning done. If your recall, we are bringing Catie with us and although it's not going to be her first time at Disney, it will be her first time going with us, so I wanted to get a good idea of what she wanted to do. (DBIL owns a bicycle shop and it's his busy season, so he couldn't make it.)


Ed was also in absentia. Well, technically he was there... he was just sleeping in our bedroom! After working a twelve hour night shift, his mean old wife made him cut the grass and tidy the yard that morning because company was coming... so after doing the yard work and showering, he was just settling into bed when they arrived a little after noon.

Mean old wife! ;)


Billy was on a field trip as part of his summer program and would not be home until three, so we decided to take the girls to the pool so they could swim and we sisters could catch up on each others lives and talk about our other sisters behind their backs. (Just kidding!)


I had been concerned about the weather because we had a lot of rain the day before. Fortunately the storm passed through our area and we had a sunny, just slightly humid, day... so the barbeque plans were on! :thumbsup2


The girls had about two hours in the pool and then it was time for us to pack up and go home to meet Billy's bus. Oh, he had been so excited going off to school that morning! A field trip and a party all in one day!! He had been counting down the days until the party on the calendar for weeks! As soon as he came home, I made him take a shower right after the girls were finished with theirs because his field trip had been to a local state park and they had been swimming in a lake. (Sorry, but I think that's icky!) I am just not a lake swimmer. Give me a nice chlorinated pool, thank you very much!


Soon everyone was all neat and pretty and we went out onto the back deck and prepared for our Disney-inspired feast! I had found some Mickey Ears head bands at the party store and we all wore them. We brought Tricia's old kareoke machine outside so we could play Disney CDs. Billy served as program director and his first choice was the Wishes! CD. Very good choice, young man!



The table, set with my super-bargain plates from the Disney Store...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2306.jpg


Our "appetizers" consisted of popcorn (mostly for Billy) and chips with dips (ranch, salsa, and sour cream & onion) served in the cute Disney serving piece with the little LGMH handle. Representing the Magic Kingdom, we had the Artichoke Dip from Tony's Town Square Restaurant:


Ingredients:
½ pound Ricotta Cheese
½ pound Mozzarella Cheese
13 ounces Artichokes (Canned) (drained and chopped)
¼ pound Romano Cheese
1 ½ ounces Heavy Cream
2 ounces Frozen Spinach (chopped)
½ ounce Garlic (chopped)
To Taste Salt and Pepper


Method of Preparation:
Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Romano, artichoke, spinach, garlic, salt, and, pepper. Add mixture to crème brulee dishes, filling no more that ½ full. Top mixture with more mozzarella cheese to come flush with top of dish. Heat in oven to melt cheeses.




This was a big, big hit! So yummy with tortilla chips...


Here is your hostess bringing it to the table...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2328.jpg



The Cousins

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2309.jpg


The Girls

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2308.jpg



Billy and Aunt Eileen

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2310.jpg



I had originally planned to have the Disney Hollywood Studios represented by the Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing from the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, but the kids said "Yuck!" and I didn't want to make it just for Eileen and me, so we bagged it and just went with the standard bottled dressings for the salad. Here is the recipe, however, in case you're interested...



Ingredients

2 oz. Dijon mustard
8 oz. olive oil
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 oz. bleu cheese
3 oz. white balsamic vinegar
2 TB basil
1 tsp Kosher salt


Method:

In a blender, blend vinegar and mustard together. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream until incorporated. Add rest of ingredients and blend.


Here's our dog, Aimee, looking very interested in what's cooking on the Barbie...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2311.jpg


Barbequed Chicken (a la Flame Tree)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2312.jpg


I had a bit of a challenge here because Tricia refuses to eat chicken with bones in it! :rolleyes: Therefore, I had skinless breasts on the grill, which were a bit more difficult to keep moist, but I had coated them with the spice rub at about nine in the morning and let them sit in the fridge... I think it really added to the flavor!

Representing the Animal Kingdom: BBQ Sauce and Rub from the Flame Tree Barbeque.

BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

58 ozs Ketchup
7 ozs Rice Wine Vinegar
4 ozs Molasses
2 Tbsps Chili Powder
2 Tbsps Paprika
2 tsps Tumeric
2 tsps Ground Cumin
2 Tbsps Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
2 Tbsps Onion Powder
16 ozs Water
2 Tbsps Brown Sugar

Method

Mix all ingredients together and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

BBQ RUB

Ingredients

2 LBS Sugar
8 ozs Season Salt
2 ozs Paprika
2 ozs Chili Powder
2 ozs Ground Black Pepper
1/2 ozs Garlic Salt
1/2 ozs Onion Powder
1 oz Cumin



This just smelled heavenly on the grill!!

Once everyone saw and smelled the chicken cooking, they decided they did not want burgers, so no Mickey-Head hamburgers were made after all!

The Wishes! CD had ended and now we listened to the soundrack from SpectroMagic! Billy kept popping up out of his chair to jump up and down to the music! He finally sat down when his hot dogs were ready... we'll just pretend that they're from Casey's at the MK! ;)


While the kids were eating I brought out their goody bags. Tricia had helped me by decorating the outside of the bags with stickers, but the contents of the bags were a surprise to her. The bags contained glow sticks and glow "jewelry" (necklaces, bracelets, and for the girls... earrings!)


Catie thought the glow earrings were so cool...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2314.jpg


They also got some Disney stickers, a clip-on mini fan, little magic wands, silly string (don't ask me how this ties into WDW...I just thought it was fun), and some candy.


Billy is facinated by the mini-fan...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2323.jpg



M&M mini tubes when emptied are good containers for pennies for the pressed penny machines!
Shake! Shake! Shake!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2317.jpg


"Princesses!"

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2322.jpg



Some of the goodies...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2341-1.jpg



"Okay, I'm wearing the ears..."

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2316.jpg



"...Can I have some of that chicken, now?"

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2315.jpg



(Continued next post!)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

The SpectroMagic CD was done, now Billy chose to play the CD that Kristine had kindly sent several weeks back; the music from the MNSSHP and the P&PP. Billy just loves this and he was shrieking with laughter as it played. "Everybody Scream!!"

(I wondered if my neighbors would be puzzled hearing Halloween music coming from our house in the middle of the summer!) :laughing: It was great to let Eileen and Catie listen to it. I had printed out all the MNSSHP pictures and information from the DIS... The Boo to You Parade, Hallowishes, the Villians Mix & Mingle, etc... and it really got Catie excited about the party!



The chicken was ready, so it was time to bring out the Macaroni Salad from The Biergarten, Germany, so that Epcot could be represented:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2334.jpg


Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni, dry
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup peas
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup pickle juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar


Method of preparation:
Cook macaroni according to directions. Drain and cool macaroni. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add to macaroni. Toss it well and adjust seasoning if necessary.




This was very tasty, too! I made so much that I sent some home for DBIL (who is German) because Eileen said she knew he would love it! :lovestruc Everyone loved the chicken as well. The kids chowed down and poured over the contents of their goody bags


Of course, no goody bag for Billy would be complete without either a CD or a DVD! I was thrilled when I found Disney Pixar Greatest Hits with songs not only from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 (which can be found on several Disney CDs) but with songs from Monsters, Inc, Cars, A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Wall-E, Ratatouille, and even Up!! :yay:


Billy is very impressed!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2313.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2319.jpg



Yes, a definite hit!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2320.jpg



I believe it was DisMomAmy and mousescrapper who had recommended Guide to the Magic, so I decided to give each of the girls a copy of Guide to the Magic: The Lost Journals.

"Little known facts, Hidden Mickeys, Scavenger Hunts, Mystery Photos, and more! Discover a cryptic scroll with mysterious markings that's your key to unlocking the secret behind the magic of Walt Disney World! Decipher the code as you journey throughout all of the parks and see if you can discover the secret behind the magic!"


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2342.jpg



Another group pose...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2324.jpg


"Say MICK-EEY!"

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2330.jpg



Not long after we had finished eating, the sun had fallen below the tree line and it started to get a little buggy...so we moved the party inside. We set the music up in the kitchen and listened to Magic in Our Streets, a CD containing WDW parade music. As I filled the dishwasher, Aunt Eileen and the girls got down to some serious planning. (Billy decided that he needed a little computer time, so off he went to look at Mickey's Philharmagic and Hall of Presidents videos for the bazillionth time!) :rotfl2:


Off to play on the computer...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2340.jpg


Meanwhile, we talked about what attractions each girl wanted to see... especially Catie, who had not visited WDW since 2005. We also talked about what rides she couldn't do because of her heart condition... namely Mission Space-Orange... which is no problemo because we only do the Green version!! She's done ToT in the past and loved it, but we'll probably play it safe and avoid riding it twice in a row... something that Billy will need to accept. ("Again! Again!!")



Hard at work using park maps to make their "lists" of attractions for each park:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2339.jpg



Well, well!! Look who's up and ready to head off to work again!!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2337.jpg



I fixed Ed a plate of party food so he could eat it later on his dinner break, which is typically around 11pm. It's so hard to be on that schedule... hopefully he won't have to do it much longer.


Oh! Speaking of schedules, I had an e-mail notification yesterday from Travelocity... "Flight Change for your 10/30/09 Trip!" :eek:

Oh no!! Please don't let it be a big change.....

Turns out that our flight out of New York is Now departing at 7:30 PM instead of 8:30 PM, which means we'll be arriving at MCO at 10:43 PM and not 11:50 PM. (An hour earlier.) :woohoo: It was great news to me, but as usual, Ed heard this and began stressing. He has an obsession with getting to the airport at least two hours before our flights.


"So now we have to get into New York and be at the airport by 5:30 PM on a Friday night?" he groaned. "We have to leave very early because of traffic!" Eileen decided that in light of this change, she would pull Catie out of school at 1:00 PM so she will get up to our house in time. (They live over an hour away.)


Sooo, although it will put a bit of a time squeeze on us to get to the airport... and probably cause Ed to be a Bear that afternoon... I'm still thinking its a good thing to get into Orlando an hour earlier. The old schedule would certainly have us checking into Kidani Village well past midnight.


Back to the party...

After brainstorming about the touring itinerary, the girls decided they wanted to talk Halloween costumes. They went upstairs and Catie tried on the pirate lass costume we got for Tricia and modeled it for her mother. She really liked it and Eileen thought it was cute but modest, especially with leggings under the short skirt. Tricia said she was fine with her cousin having the same costume, that they would each accessorizd it a bit differently and they would both be happy. Eileen jotted down the web address so she could order one for Catie and that problem appears to be solved.


The girls disappeared upstairs to Tricia's room, only to re-appear every ten minutes or so wearing wacky combinations of clothes that they proceeded to model for Eileen and I. Each successive "outfit" was crazier than the next and they had a good time being silly while my sister and I sipped our tea and talked.


Oh... you may be wondering about the Mickey ice cream sundaes we planned to have for dessert! Well.... we had a little meltdown. Literally. When I had brought the ice cream home from the grocery store the day before I went to put it away in the small refrigerator/freezer we have in our garage. I discovered that the freezer door had swung open and the items in the freezer were starting to melt. Thinking that as soon as the door was tightly shut, the freezer would get cold again quickly (and having no room for the extra ice cream in my regular freezer anyway) I decided to put the ice cream inside and that it would be all right.


It was not.

It was soup!! :rolleyes:

Even though the other stuff in the second freezer seemed frozen, the ice cream had melted and had stubbornly refused to re-freeze. Oh well... there go the Mickey sundaes!


Despite this little drama, however, the rest of the meal had turned out very well. We got a lot of planning done, the kids all had a chance to play together, and DSis and I had the opportunity to iron out Catie's medical and financial details. We agreed that I would hold onto Catie's souvenir and "incidentals" money and that we would cover her meals. Which leads me to the next question.... should we re-think our decision to not use the Dining Plan??


Ed did have a chance to put in his two cents about ADRs before he left and it looks like we want to have TS meals at:

~ Crystal Palace
~ 50's Prime Time
~ Hollywood and Vine (Play & Dine)
~ Biergarten
~ Le Cellier
~ Boma
~ 'Ohana

With all these TS meals and the fact that we have one more mouth to feed, i think it would be best to go with the Dining Plan (regular). Ed seems to feel that ADRs are a nuisence, but I keep telling him that they are necessary whether you are on the dining plan or not, so it just seems to make sense for us to use the plan.


Whew!! Lots to report! Let's hope I didn't time out on this....


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

It sounds like you had a great party!! Bill loved all of Billy's music selections, now he wants the Pixar's greatest hits :rotfl:. Sounds like a surprise gift from me, I can't ever seem to surprise him so thanks for telling us about that!!

I can't pick which is my best picture, they are all great!! I might have to try that BBQ chicken recipe, Bill laughed about Tricia and the "no bones" policy :rotfl2:.
These past days have been dragging, I want the November hours already :mad:.

[jordanyosh]

Another group pose...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2324.jpg


"Say MICK-EEY!"

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/Disney%20Halloween%2009/DSCN2330.jpg[/CENTER]

Kathy

Okay, first, you can really tell you lost some weight. You look fantastic!

The group pose is a great pic of all of you!

That artichoke dip looks great as does all the food. You went all out.

ED and I---great minds fret alike! I, too, have to get to the airport 2 hours before the flight. I try and make it 2 1/2 hours. I want to get all the checking in of bags, security lines out of the way and have plenty of time to wait to board. Once I get past the security checks, I can feel my body relax and I know I'm on vacation.

[mrsksomeday]

ED and I---great minds fret alike! I, too, have to get to the airport 2 hours before the flight. I try and make it 2 1/2 hours. I want to get all the checking in of bags, security lines out of the way and have plenty of time to wait to board. Once I get past the security checks, I can feel my body relax and I know I'm on vacation.

I forgot to comment about this. I am like Ed as well. I want to have plenty of time to get there have them check the wheelchair, check the luggage, etc. Then they have to get touchy feely with Bill in the security box :rotfl:. Then when we find the gate they recheck the chair again, then I can relax :), like I really relax.

[jordanyosh]

It sounds like you had a great party!! Bill loved all of Billy's music selections, now he wants the Pixar's greatest hits :rotfl:. Sounds like a surprise gift from me, I can't ever seem to surprise him so thanks for telling us about that!!

I can't pick which is my best picture, they are all great!! I might have to try that BBQ chicken recipe, Bill laughed about Tricia and the "no bones" policy :rotfl2:.
These past days have been dragging, I want the November hours already :mad:.

When are they supposed to be out?

[jordanyosh]

I forgot to comment about this. I am like Ed as well. I want to have plenty of time to get there have them check the wheelchair, check the luggage, etc. Then they have to get touchy feely with Bill in the security box :rotfl:. Then when we find the gate they recheck the chair again, then I can relax :), like I really relax.

I still can't figure out why they always search Bill....

I also love people watching at the airport...

[KathyRN137]

It sounds like you had a great party!! Bill loved all of Billy's music selections, now he wants the Pixar's greatest hits :rotfl:. Sounds like a surprise gift from me, I can't ever seem to surprise him so thanks for telling us about that!!

I can't pick which is my best picture, they are all great!! I might have to try that BBQ chicken recipe, Bill laughed about Tricia and the "no bones" policy :rotfl2:.
These past days have been dragging, I want the November hours already :mad:.


Thanks for remarking about making the BBQ chicken... it reminded me to add 'Ohana to our TS meal list!!

The kids can be so picky about food... even at their ages! Tricia won't eat any chicken with bones and Billy won't eat any chicken that isn't formed into the shape of a nugget! :laughing:

I was shocked that Billy didn't want to listen to the Pixar CD right away! (I really wanted to hear it!) He wanted to play park music instead... which I suppose better fit the actual "theme" of the party... that's the way his brain works!

BTW, The Wall-E songs are Down to Earth by Peter Gabriel, and Define Dancing and First Date from the movie score.

The Up song is Carl Goes Up from the movie score. I can't imagine getting this music on any other CD...


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

When are they supposed to be out?

If we are lucky within the first couple of days in August.

I still can't figure out why they always search Bill....




Jordan, have you seen him? He is suspicious looking :lmao:. Who knows what he might be smuggling in his wheelchair :rolleyes1.

[KathyRN137]

Okay, first, you can really tell you lost some weight. You look fantastic!

Thanks Jordan! :flower3:

Women love to hear those three little words... no, not "I love you"...

"You lost weight!" :rotfl:



The group pose is a great pic of all of you!

That artichoke dip looks great as does all the food. You went all out.

ED and I---great minds fret alike! I, too, have to get to the airport 2 hours before the flight. I try and make it 2 1/2 hours. I want to get all the checking in of bags, security lines out of the way and have plenty of time to wait to board. Once I get past the security checks, I can feel my body relax and I know I'm on vacation.


That's exactly how he is... so tense until we get through security! I don't get tense at all! I'm too thrilled and excited about the trip to get all tense over silly old security!

If our flight is now at 7:30 PM, he'll probably want to leave our house at 3:30... I'll have to have the kids all packed because the minute they get off the school bus, Ed will want to take off right away!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I forgot to comment about this. I am like Ed as well. I want to have plenty of time to get there have them check the wheelchair, check the luggage, etc. Then they have to get touchy feely with Bill in the security box :rotfl:. Then when we find the gate they recheck the chair again, then I can relax :), like I really relax.

Ed always... ALWAYS... gets frisked because he wears his off-duty badge. Not his gun, his badge. Our luggage always gets opened and searched, too. Now, why would a badge-carrying police officer be suspicious, especially travelling to Orlando with his wife and kids?? :confused3

Ed thinks the guards just like to mess with cops because they can.

I tell him it's because they think cops are trying to bring their guns on the plane, but he still gets really mad! :mad:

Hakuna Matata, I say!


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Thanks Jordan! :flower3:

Women love to hear those three little words... no, not "I love you"...

"You lost weight!" :rotfl:

Really? Well I done gud.






That's exactly how he is... so tense until we get through security! I don't get tense at all! I'm too thrilled and excited about the trip to get all tense over silly old security!

If our flight is now at 7:30 PM, he'll probably want to leave our house at 3:30... I'll have to have the kids all packed because the minute they get off the school bus, Ed will want to take off right away!


Kathy

This sounds soo much like me. I usually have someone drop me off at the airport and they don't care that I'm more than 2 hours early because they're not waiting with me. So I can really go as early as I want....:thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

Kathy, you look fantastic! It is very evident you have lost weight!!

The party looks like a great success! I love the pic of the girls at the table busy planning our their "plan of attack". DISers in the making right there! :laughing:

Today makes 98 days right? :dance3::dance3::dance3::yay:

[KathyRN137]

Kathy, you look fantastic! It is very evident you have lost weight!!

The party looks like a great success! I love the pic of the girls at the table busy planning our their "plan of attack". DISers in the making right there! :laughing:

Today makes 98 days right? :dance3::dance3::dance3::yay:


Yes... I noticed my ADR countdown ticker was a bit off, so I fixed it. I can make them this Saturday! :goodvibes

It was fun to see the girls mapping out their desired rides/attractions and to hear Tricia give Catie the "updates" on more recent ones like Expedition Everest and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. We're all so very anxious to try Toy Story Midway Mania... I've a feeling that its going to be a huge family favorite!! :thumbsup2

Billy rattles off his list of favorites for each park on a regular basis. Aunt Eileen took out the park maps and had him point to them and guess what? He had no problem picking them out on the maps! I'm telling you, he has the park layouts memorized!! :lmao:


Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

What a fun party! The table looked great, the food looks delicious, the goody bag treats are cute, and everyone looks like they are having a wonderful time! I adore the picture of your dog in the Mickey ears! :laughing:

Chelsea and Connor had a copy of The Lost Journals this past summer, and it was a lifesaver as we waited in various lines! :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

What an awesome idea for a party and the kids looks like they had a ball!

I need to plan something for the night before we leave. Probably nothing as elaborate as you did. I'm not creative (or a good cook;)) maybe pizza and some Disney movies (and a Universal movie or 2) to get us in the spirit of the trip!:thumbsup2

[moparop]

Looks like a wonderful party!! I love the Mickey ear headbands... how fun! Looks like the kids were thrilled with hte goody bags and quite a few of those recipies are going to need to go on my "need to try" list!

I am glad the costumes are mostly figured out. I remember the stress my mom and I had agreeing on clothing for me when I was 13 and I can't imagine it's easier from the other side. I guess I'll be finding out in a few years, huh?

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Great Party! That food looks yummy!

Have you seen the Disney Movie Night thread on the family board? I think I am going to start doing that, it looks like a lot of fun!

I am on the phone right now with Disney to see if I can add free dining.

Here is the information from the October Code Watch thread.



VALUE RESORTS get free quick service dining when purchasing an applicable Magic Your Way Package. Code EVN

MODERATE AND ABOVE get the free basic Dining Plan. (with the one table service a day) Code GCA

Travel period September 27 to December 17

You CAN upgrade your value resort to basic dining and pay the price point difference. Code RGV

[KathyRN137]

Great Party! That food looks yummy!

Have you seen the Disney Movie Night thread on the family board? I think I am going to start doing that, it looks like a lot of fun!

I am on the phone right now with Disney to see if I can add free dining.

Here is the information from the October Code Watch thread.


I called without a code and the CM put me on hold and do a search. She came back and said it was Disney Visa free dining and then applied to our existing ressie. She did say that it was based on resort availibility. Luckily our resort qualified.

This is from another thread - I am assuming they are correct

VALUE RESORTS get free quick service dining when purchasing an applicable Magic Your Way Package. Code EVN

MODERATE AND ABOVE get the free basic Dining Plan. (with the one table service a day) Code GCA

Travel period September 27 to December 17

You CAN upgrade your value resort to basic dining and pay the price point difference. Code RGV


Thanks so much for passing along the Free Dining codes... I do appreciate it! Unfortunately DVC members staying on points are not eligible for free dining. :sad1: (They've already "got" us, I guess, so there's no need to give us incentives.) Oh well. Good luck with adding it on to your ressie, that would really be a fantastic savings!!

I would love to initiate a Disney movie night, except Billy is so impatient and controlling when it comes to audio-visual things. He likes to FF to his favorite parts/songs and play them over several times, go to the "bonus features" and watch them, and he also has a penchant for watching parts of the movies in Spanish or French!! :crazy: He cries when we won't let him have control of the remote, so it tends to make everyone a bit crazy!! :laughing: (But he loves it, so sometimes we let him!)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

What a fun party! The table looked great, the food looks delicious, the goody bag treats are cute, and everyone looks like they are having a wonderful time! I adore the picture of your dog in the Mickey ears! :laughing:

Chelsea and Connor had a copy of The Lost Journals this past summer, and it was a lifesaver as we waited in various lines! :thumbsup2


Oh, good! I'm hoping the girls will enjoy using them! Tricia loves looking for Hidden Mickeys and it looks like it has some fun scavenger hunt activities as well!

Aimee the dog was so happy... she loves when lots of people are around!


What an awesome idea for a party and the kids looks like they had a ball!

I need to plan something for the night before we leave. Probably nothing as elaborate as you did. I'm not creative (or a good cook;)) maybe pizza and some Disney movies (and a Universal movie or 2) to get us in the spirit of the trip!:thumbsup2

Three personal sized pizzas would make a great Mickey head!! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Looks like a wonderful party!! I love the Mickey ear headbands... how fun! Looks like the kids were thrilled with hte goody bags and quite a few of those recipies are going to need to go on my "need to try" list!

I am glad the costumes are mostly figured out. I remember the stress my mom and I had agreeing on clothing for me when I was 13 and I can't imagine it's easier from the other side. I guess I'll be finding out in a few years, huh?

Perhaps it won't be as bad with boys... unless you are hinting that a little pixie-girl is on the way!! :goodvibes

Wow! You're getting to the home stretch (literally!!) :rotfl:

Kathy

[princesskelz]

man i wish my parents were awsome like you guys!
that party sounded fun and the food:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes cant go wrong with Disney food!

your ADRs sound good. I LOVE 50's Prime time Cafe espically the meat loaf!!:cloud9:

Have a nice weekendpopcorn::

[DisMomAmy]

What a fun party!! I'm glad the weather cooperated for you... it's pouring buckets here today... again!

I like the "Guide to the Magic" books you got the kids - I didn't see that one on the website. :thumbsup2

[cjackearl]

What an awesome party! I'm going to try the pasta salad, the chicken and the dip for sure!

Cute goody bags.:) I've never seen glow earings. I'm with Catie, those are cool.:cool1: Also, Billy's CD? There's a song by Peter Gabriel in Wall-e? I NEED that CD!! Peter Gabriel was the first real concert I saw in HS and I still love him.:lovestruc

I'm glad the costume situation is figured out. The two girl cousins will be adorable pirate lasses.

I think if you're bound and determined, or better if Billy is bound and determined to see F!, I'd probably book the package. Your seats may not be any better, but you may not have to wait in a 2 hour line to get seats, either. Although the only F! package available during our dates was HBD. MM F! package was the first ressie I requested at my 90 day mark at 7 am, with no hold, and nothing was available. I tried back several times and still nothing. If Hollywood and Vine is on your list anyway, and the characters are available for dinner, I might book the package, if available.

[MRYPPNS]

I have a question.....with Ed is it that he doesn't like the pre-planning of having ADRs or is it that he really doesnt like sit down meals and would rather have the flexiblity do CS?

[irish dancer]

What a GREAT party! It looks like everyone had a lot of fun!! Your ADR list looks great too, all my favorites.

My Daniel is EXACTLY the same way about movies! He drives his sisters crazy with it (I'm constantly hearing "MOM, he's skipping again!"). We frequently have Friday Pizza and Movie Night and we make it clear to him that we will watch it once all together all the way through and then he can have free reign with the remote to rewatch any parts he wants. He's gotten pretty good with that compromise. That was a big thing they worked on in school, they emphasized the promise part of comPROMISE.

Best of luck with getting all your ADRs. Since you're doing so many TS and especially if you're going during the "holiday surcharge" timeframe the DDP will probably work to your advantage.

[DearDaisyinDurham]

:rainbow: The party party: looked very fun!! LOVE your house & the deck too, wow!!! How nice that your sis loves so close...I am envious...

[Hedy]

I'm (obviously) in a very different place than you are in terms of people and eating habits, but after seing what 'Ohana and Boma cost these days, I went with free dining (think about it-Boma is $30.99 apiece for adults, the DDP is $39.99.
Or-have you run the numbers for if one of you got an AP (at the DVC rate), then got a Tables in Wonderland card? I know for my brother and DSIL, they broke even pretty easily.

[KathyRN137]

man i wish my parents were awsome like you guys!
that party sounded fun and the food:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes cant go wrong with Disney food!

your ADRs sound good. I LOVE 50's Prime time Cafe espically the meat loaf!!:cloud9:



El loves the meat loaf there; I'm a PTC pot roast fan myself!!

It was fun trying to work in the Disney recipes...




What a fun party!! I'm glad the weather cooperated for you... it's pouring buckets here today... again!

I like the "Guide to the Magic" books you got the kids - I didn't see that one on the website. :thumbsup2



I thought this "journal" version would be good since the girls are older and both have been to WDW before. Thanks for recommending them!


:rainbow: The party party: looked very fun!! LOVE your house & the deck too, wow!!! How nice that your sis loves so close...I am envious...

Thank you! Funny, I have four sisters that all live within 20 minutes of each other and my parents, so I always think of myself as living "so far away" from them! :rolleyes: I guess an hour isn't really that bad.

Perhaps we'll move down the shore after Ed retires...


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I have a question.....with Ed is it that he doesn't like the pre-planning of having ADRs or is it that he really doesnt like sit down meals and would rather have the flexiblity do CS?


It's the "having to be somewhere at a certain time" that bothers him. He actually likes TS meals because he feels they are more of a break from the park. (Also, hamburgers and hot dogs and pizza all week isn't really healthy for us!)

Unfortunately, with free dining occurring during our stay, ADRs are a must!.




...I think if you're bound and determined, or better if Billy is bound and determined to see F!, I'd probably book the package. Your seats may not be any better, but you may not have to wait in a 2 hour line to get seats, either. Although the only F! package available during our dates was HBD. MM F! package was the first ressie I requested at my 90 day mark at 7 am, with no hold, and nothing was available. I tried back several times and still nothing. If Hollywood and Vine is on your list anyway, and the characters are available for dinner, I might book the package, if available.


Unfortunately, the characters aren't there for dinner.

I'm hearing that the dining package folks have to enter with everyone else now... is that true or not? Anybody know for sure??



What a GREAT party! It looks like everyone had a lot of fun!! Your ADR list looks great too, all my favorites.

My Daniel is EXACTLY the same way about movies! He drives his sisters crazy with it (I'm constantly hearing "MOM, he's skipping again!"). We frequently have Friday Pizza and Movie Night and we make it clear to him that we will watch it once all together all the way through and then he can have free reign with the remote to rewatch any parts he wants. He's gotten pretty good with that compromise. That was a big thing they worked on in school, they emphasized the promise part of comPROMISE.

Best of luck with getting all your ADRs. Since you're doing so many TS and especially if you're going during the "holiday surcharge" timeframe the DDP will probably work to your advantage.


Hmmm. Is holiday surcharge just for Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years, or does it include Halloween? I hadn't heard...

The only thing that is frustrating me is that we know where we want to eat, but without park hours, etc, we don't know which days we want our ressies!! :headache:

Glad Daniel is compromising with the movies... Billy's still working on that particular social skill!




I'm (obviously) in a very different place than you are in terms of people and eating habits, but after seing what 'Ohana and Boma cost these days, I went with free dining (think about it-Boma is $30.99 apiece for adults, the DDP is $39.99.
Or-have you run the numbers for if one of you got an AP (at the DVC rate), then got a Tables in Wonderland card? I know for my brother and DSIL, they broke even pretty easily.

We never considered TIW, I'll have to research it some more. I did talk to Ed today about the regular DDP and he agreed that it was a good idea.


Kathy

[MinnieNurse]

Wow, the party looks like it was a huge success. I have to get that Guide to the Magic book, it looks fun. I also like that CD you got Billy.

Dis just feeds my shopping addiction. Watched Confessions of a Shopaholic last night. It was cute, but of course the book was way better.

[Tnkrbelle565]

I missed the party...DARN. And it looked so fun!!! And yummy :woohoo:

[moparop]

Perhaps it won't be as bad with boys... unless you are hinting that a little pixie-girl is on the way!! :goodvibes

Wow! You're getting to the home stretch (literally!!) :rotfl:

Kathy

Yes, we do have a princess: on the way this time. I wasn't sure I believed it after the first two ultrasounds, but now we have been through 5 and they have all said girl, so I even gave away all of the baby boy clothing. Our very busy family with be complete with 2 pirate: and a princess:

You ain't kidding about that home stretch. It's stretching in every direction imaginable. :lmao:

[KathyRN137]

Wow, the party looks like it was a huge success. I have to get that Guide to the Magic book, it looks fun. I also like that CD you got Billy.

Dis just feeds my shopping addiction.


So many things, so little money!! :lmao:


I missed the party...DARN. And it looked so fun!!! And yummy :woohoo:

Sorry you couldn't come over!

You were there in "spirit," though, because of the music you provided!! :goodvibes Thanks again!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I do, I do! I just can't believe how fast it's come! You were so worried that your summer would creep by and feel like an eternity, but see it's going fast (okay, it's easy for me to say ) and you've come up with some really creative ways to make it seem like it's getting here quicker :thumbsup2


Still feels like its creeping along, at least I can make more definitive plans after August 1st! :goodvibes


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

...And thank you to all my double-digit dancing partners!!! It's so wonderful to share the excitement with you!!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Yes, we do have a princess: on the way this time. I wasn't sure I believed it after the first two ultrasounds, but now we have been through 5 and they have all said girl, so I even gave away all of the baby boy clothing. Our very busy family with be complete with 2 pirate: and a princess:

You ain't kidding about that home stretch. It's stretching in every direction imaginable. :lmao:


Awww, that's wonderful news!!

Hang in there, hon!! :flower3: Soon she'll be in your arms instead of on top of your bladder!!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Fantasmic Dining Package:

(Per AllEars, updated recently ~ 6/17/09)


Where do I enter the theater?

There is no longer a separate entrance for Dinner Package guests. You will enter off Sunset Boulevard near Beauty and the Beast. Once inside, you will be directed to the reserved seating area on the right side of the amphitheater.

How early do I have to get to the theater?

You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. There are enough packages available that the Reserved section gets fairly filled up, so if you want a better seat selection within the reserved section, plan to arrive more than 30 minutes before show time. Even though you still need to arrive early, you do NOT have to wait in line like those without reserved seating - you can just walk straight to the reserved section and sit down.

What if that night's show is cancelled?

According to the policies of the Fantasmic! Dining Experience, if the show is cancelled because of weather your pass is invalid, and you will NOT be issued a new one.

Is it worth doing?

If you dislike waiting in line, or have little ones who can't tolerate the waiting, the Fantasmic! Dining Experience is probably worth it. The reserved seating area affords a fine view of the show, which is very entertaining.



The only problem is...

If we choose Hollywood and Vine, Billy will expect to see the characters, and they aren't there at dinner.

Ed wants to eat at the Brown Derby someday but, sheesh! Two TS credits?? I'm not sure if I want to "spend" that.

Mama Melrose's isn't exactly on our must do list, either....

:confused3 I'm still not sure...


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Fantasmic Dining Package:

(Per AllEars, updated recently ~ 6/17/09)


Where do I enter the theater?

There is no longer a separate entrance for Dinner Package guests. You will enter off Sunset Boulevard near Beauty and the Beast. Once inside, you will be directed to the reserved seating area on the right side of the amphitheater.

How early do I have to get to the theater?

You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. There are enough packages available that the Reserved section gets fairly filled up, so if you want a better seat selection within the reserved section, plan to arrive more than 30 minutes before show time. Even though you still need to arrive early, you do NOT have to wait in line like those without reserved seating - you can just walk straight to the reserved section and sit down.

What if that night's show is cancelled?

According to the policies of the Fantasmic! Dining Experience, if the show is cancelled because of weather your pass is invalid, and you will NOT be issued a new one.

Is it worth doing?

If you dislike waiting in line, or have little ones who can't tolerate the waiting, the Fantasmic! Dining Experience is probably worth it. The reserved seating area affords a fine view of the show, which is very entertaining.



The only problem is...

If we choose Hollywood and Vine, Billy will expect to see the characters, and they aren't there at dinner.

Ed wants to eat at the Brown Derby someday but, sheesh! Two TS credits?? I'm not sure if I want to "spend" that.

Mama Melrose's isn't exactly on our must do list, either....

:confused3 I'm still not sure...


Kathy

It just doesn't seem like the Package is worth any longer. I mean there are a few advantages, but not like before and if you are not liking the dining choices....The big negative of not doing the package is having to wait a looong time to enter the theatre...I wish they would at least do 4-5 nights a week.

I'm still confused myself, but I'm leaning towards not doing a package now.....sorry I even brought it up...

[irish dancer]

Kathy - the "holiday surcharge" is NOT just Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years. I don't know if it includes Halloween or not but it did include May 24 through July 12. :confused3

As for F!DP, the restaurant selection was the reason we didn't do the plan. Good thing too because it ended up storming and F! was cancelled. I would have been pretty steamed if we'd paid those prices and didn't get the show.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Fantasmic Dining Package:

(Per AllEars, updated recently ~ 6/17/09)


Where do I enter the theater?

There is no longer a separate entrance for Dinner Package guests. You will enter off Sunset Boulevard near Beauty and the Beast. Once inside, you will be directed to the reserved seating area on the right side of the amphitheater.

How early do I have to get to the theater?

You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. There are enough packages available that the Reserved section gets fairly filled up, so if you want a better seat selection within the reserved section, plan to arrive more than 30 minutes before show time. Even though you still need to arrive early, you do NOT have to wait in line like those without reserved seating - you can just walk straight to the reserved section and sit down.

What if that night's show is cancelled?

According to the policies of the Fantasmic! Dining Experience, if the show is cancelled because of weather your pass is invalid, and you will NOT be issued a new one.

Is it worth doing?

If you dislike waiting in line, or have little ones who can't tolerate the waiting, the Fantasmic! Dining Experience is probably worth it. The reserved seating area affords a fine view of the show, which is very entertaining.



The only problem is...

If we choose Hollywood and Vine, Billy will expect to see the characters, and they aren't there at dinner.

Ed wants to eat at the Brown Derby someday but, sheesh! Two TS credits?? I'm not sure if I want to "spend" that.

Mama Melrose's isn't exactly on our must do list, either....

:confused3 I'm still not sure...


Kathy

I've read the reviews and I think Brown Derby sounds really good. We haven't done a two table service restaurant before so I am looking forward to it. We have only seen Fantasmic once so it is something we really want to do. I feel like my chances of seeing it are improved with the Dinner Package. Also, we usually arrive later in the day so we use only one meal of credits on our arrival day. This gives us an extra table service credit. (Using Fuzzy Disney Math :teacher:) We will probably have Counter Service at DTD on our arrival night at Earl of Sandwich.

I definitely wouldn't go to Hollywood and Vine with out the characters. I think that would be really hard for Billy. I know it would be hard for Ethan.

I have seen a few good reviews for Mama Melrose's I think it would be a good second choice.

[KathyRN137]

It just doesn't seem like the Package is worth any longer. I mean there are a few advantages, but not like before and if you are not liking the dining choices....The big negative of not doing the package is having to wait a looong time to enter the theatre...I wish they would at least do 4-5 nights a week.

I'm still confused myself, but I'm leaning towards not doing a package now.....sorry I even brought it up...


Hey, Jordan, I'm glad you mentioned it! It got me thinking and weighing all the options, and that's a good thing! :laughing:

One of the perks of having a "pre-trip-planning" community like this is that it gives us a chance to bounce ideas off of one another and look at things from more than one point of view. :thumbsup2



Kathy - the "holiday surcharge" is NOT just Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years. I don't know if it includes Halloween or not but it did include May 24 through July 12. :confused3

As for F!DP, the restaurant selection was the reason we didn't do the plan. Good thing too because it ended up storming and F! was cancelled. I would have been pretty steamed if we'd paid those prices and didn't get the show.


I'm with you there! :umbrella:

I suppose that if the 50's PTC or Sci-Fi was a choice, I might be more tempted.


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

... we usually arrive later in the day so we use only one meal of credits on our arrival day. This gives us an extra table service credit. (Using Fuzzy Disney Math :teacher:)

I definitely wouldn't go to Hollywood and Vine with out the characters. I think that would be really hard for Billy. I know it would be hard for Ethan.



Oh, definitely a recipe for a meltdown! :eek:

Love the FDM factor, though!


Kathy

[IluvXU]

What fun party! The food all looked yummy and lots of fun talking it up!

Good list of ADRs...men just don't get it about having them!

[KathyRN137]

What fun party! The food all looked yummy and lots of fun talking it up!

Good list of ADRs...men just don't get it about having them!


I know... he thinks we should "wing it" and I keep telling him that during Free Dining, there is no way!

He'll be happy I pushed the issue when he's enjoying his steak at LeCellier, though! ;) (Knock wood!!)

Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

I know... he thinks we should "wing it" and I keep telling him that during Free Dining, there is no way!

He'll be happy I pushed the issue when he's enjoying his steak at LeCellier, though! ;) (Knock wood!!)

Kathy


There is NO WAY I would "wing it" when it comes to the dining, Bill wouldn't be a happy camper without a table service a day.

Our offer still stands to help Ed save seats if Fantastmic is happening when we are both there, we can act so goofy no one will want to sit near us :rotfl:.

[KathyRN137]

There is NO WAY I would "wing it" when it comes to the dining, Bill wouldn't be a happy camper without a table service a day.

Our offer still stands to help Ed save seats if Fantastmic is happening when we are both there, we can act so goofy no one will want to sit near us :rotfl:.



:lmao: :laughing: :lmao:


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/goofydance4.gif


I've been jotting down notes and trying to get at least the skeleton of a touring schedule together. I compared the park hours and Fantasmic schedules from the last few years and it seems as though there's a good chance of Disney offering double Fantasmics on Friday of Jersey Week (11/6) because of the anticipated increase in crowds. I'm considering it... just doing dinner and Fantasmic, because the park will be packed. :crowded:

Hopefully I will avoid the glitch with Billy that we had two years ago because this would not be our first time visiting DHS that week, so he will already have done his favorite rides.

Friday would be a madhouse, so I'm not sure if that would work for you guys, but I do love going to the second of two shows/parades. They are always so much less crowded! :thumbsup2

Ugh, I will be so happy when hours come out, but I'm nervous that I will need to call Disney Dining back and change ADRs if they do not work out the way I expect them to. :headache:


Kathy

[All7OfUs]

I'm so glad the topic of F!DP came up. I've gotten loads of good info and opinions from all of you really savvy DISers! Thanks!

Kathy,

Your party looked like such a nice time! You got planning in, listened to some great music, passed out gifts, tried some super yummy tasting food stuffs, and got everyone just generally pumped up about your trip!! Woohoo!

And it gave me a good idea for our pre-trippie too. I'll cook a dish from a restaurant on our hoped for ADR list and everyone can try to guess where it came from :)

[carissanboys]

I loved your party pictures and installments! :cool1: Your table setting with all of the great stuff from the Disney Store looked awesome!! So summery! :goodvibes

And the food looked delish! :thumbsup2

The boys have been constantly asking when we're going back to Disney. I think I may need to plan a party just to satisfy them for now. ;)

[KathyRN137]

....And it gave me a good idea for our pre-trippie too. I'll cook a dish from a restaurant on our hoped for ADR list and everyone can try to guess where it came from :)


Oooh, Liesa, that sounds like fun!

But, can you get all the ingredients you would need from the _Stan "supermarkets?"


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

....The boys have been constantly asking when we're going back to Disney. I think I may need to plan a party just to satisfy them for now. ;)


Especially if you get them involved in the planning and decorating!

Good to see you, it's been a while! Are you settling in all right? I'll have to pop over to your thread and catch up...

That reminds me... I haven't heard anything from Goofster and Stitch in a long time! If one of you FB folks could get on there and give him a kick in the behind, that would be appreciated!!


Kathy

[carissanboys]

Especially if you get them involved in the planning and decorating!

Good to see you, it's been a while! Are you settling in all right? I'll have to pop over to your thread and catch up...

That reminds me... I haven't heard anything from Goofster and Stitch in a long time! If one of you FB folks could get on there and give him a kick in the behind, that would be appreciated!!


Kathy

I've been around, just having a hard time staying caught up on TRs/PTRs. With Chuck being gone, homeschooling, and taking trips, my Dis time seems limited!

We're all settled in and enjoying the beach as much as possible. Heading there today in fact!

Keith hasn't been on the Dis much lately. He posted a few pictures of Stitch on FB for me to show my boys because Connor said he was missing him. I'll pass on the message. ;)

[nu2wdisneyw]

Hey Kathy!
Great Party!! Looks like you guys had fun. It's really cute that the girls are going to dress alike for halloween. I love the picture...the chicken looked yummy.

Glad you had a good time and it was as successful as you wanted it to be.

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I'm (obviously) in a very different place than you are in terms of people and eating habits, but after seing what 'Ohana and Boma cost these days, I went with free dining (think about it-Boma is $30.99 apiece for adults, the DDP is $39.99.
Or-have you run the numbers for if one of you got an AP (at the DVC rate), then got a Tables in Wonderland card? I know for my brother and DSIL, they broke even pretty easily.

Kathy, I hope you don't mind me asking, but you have lots of followers in the know - I would really love to know thoughts on the Tables card. DH does not want to do the dining plan but since I have an AP, I could just get the Tables card, any pros & cons? TIA!

[Hedy]

Kathy, I hope you don't mind me asking, but you have lots of followers in the know - I would really love to know thoughts on the Tables card. DH does not want to do the dining plan but since I have an AP, I could just get the Tables card, any pros & cons? TIA!

As I said, my brother and DSIL found they broke even (traveling just the two of them) before they finished one trip-they do maybe two 2TS credits type places, a few buffets-at TS they're split an appetizer, each order a meal, split dessert orders. One thing that they liked was that it includes alcohol (although my DSIL doesn't drink, so that wasn't a huge factor in the break even point).

[KathyRN137]

Neither Ed nor I really drink much while at WDW... perhaps I may have one or two drinks the entire week and Ed never drinks... so we won't be getting the full advantage of alcololic beverages being included.

We're also both trying to lose weight, so I don't see us ordering a lot of extra appetizers and desserts... although I'm sure we will have a few "splurges!"

I think we may just stick to the DDP, but here's some more Tables info in case anyone is interested:

http://allears.net/din/dde.htm


Kathy

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Thanks Hedy & Kathy!!:goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

While we're on the subject of FOOD, let's not forget that Epcot's Food & Wine Festival will be in it's last week during our trip!

Ah, the temptation!

If we take the DDP, I may want to use snack credits for some of these "special" offerings that aren't available regularly.... I believe the snack credit limit is up to $4.00...


************************************************** **

2009 Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces

Prices of the menu samples usually range from $2.00 - $5.00


Tip: Get a map when you enter the park and circle the items and locations that you definitely want to try. It will help you pace yourself so you don't fill up at the first few stands.


Athens, Greece: Greek Salad, Spanakopita

Bangkok, Thailand: ** NEW** Chicken and Coconut Soup, Green Papaya Salad with shrimp

Barcelona, Spain: Red Snapper Escabeche, Crema Catalana

Bolonga, Italy: Cannelloni, Polpetti (Italian meatballs)

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Beef Empanada with Tomato Salsa, Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Pureé

Cape Town, South Africa: Mealie Soup with Crabmeat and Chili Oil, Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Purée, Mango Barbecue Sauce

Cork, Ireland: Lobster & Scallop Fisherman's Pie, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey's Ganache

Krakow, Poland: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream, Braised Pork Shank with Cabbage and Fresh Herbs

Marrakesh, Morocco: Kefta, Falafel, Baklava

Melbourne, Australia: Barramundi Fish, Grilled Lamb Chops

Mexico City, Mexico: Chilaquiles, Quesadilla con Chorizo

Montreal, Canada: Cheddar Cheese Soup, Maple Glazed Salmon, Spicy Chicken Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta, Maple Sugar Candy

Munich, Germany: Spaetzle Gratin with Ham and Cheese, Apple Strudel

New Delhi, India: Mango Lassi, Rava Masala Dosa, Gulab Jamun

New Orleans, Louisiana: Crawfish Étouffée, Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, Praline Bread Pudding, Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Paris, France: Escargot Persillade en Brioche, Cabernet Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes

Rio de Janiero, Brazil: **NEW** Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime, Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Ham Croquette, Arroz con Pollo, Guava Cookie

Santiago, Chile: Rock Shrimp Ceviche, Corn and Cheese Arepa

Shanghai, China: Chicken Ürümqi, Shrimp or Beef Rice Pancake, Pork Pot Stickers, Caramel Ginger Ice Cream *Please Note the prominent absence of scorpion and dog* ;)

Tokyo, Japan: California Sushi Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Sukiyaki Beef Roll

Vienna, Austria: Goulash mit Servietten Knoedel, Mushroom Soup with Chive Dumplings, Sachertorte

Wellington, New Zealand: Lamb Slider, Seared Sea Scallop with Vegetable Slaw and Lemon Oil

The Brewer's Collection: Pretzel Bread with Cheese, Landjäeger, large selection of beers

Desserts and Champagne: **NEW** Austrian Bundt Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Frozen Grand Marnier Parfait, Orange Coulis, Champagne

Flavorhood - Hosted by Edy's Ice Cream: ice cream selection

Hops & Barley: Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Remoulade, New England Lobster Roll

The Mouse Selection: selection of cheeses


************************************************


Yum-O !!!

Kathy

[mousescrapper]

Hi Kathy,


sorry I got a bit behind...but loved the party review! Your table looked oh so fun and the food equally fun. And even fun-er (ok I know that isn't a word)

The white "corningware" dish you had the artichoke dip in, well I inherited a roasting pan from my Mom w/ that same veggie design on it. :rotfl: I haven't seen anyone else w/ that same pattern till now.

Great goodie bags, so fun! You are always thinking!

Where did you find the Pixar Music CD, Michael would like that too!

Love that you got the costume stuff all figured out and the ADR choices...so close to be making your call FUN!!!!! sending some early pixiedust: your way!

I think :thumbsup2 on the decison to go w/ the DDP I think that will end up saving you $

oh and if you are interested in figuring out that difference :teacher: awhile back I uploaded an Excel file that another Diser created that calculates out that. Just PM if you want the file I can email it to you, just need to clear the fields of my info from 2 trips back.

and last but not least....darling you look FABULOUS!!!!! :cheer2: princess:


Scrappie

[Charleston Princess]

Those Food and Wine offerings are just wonderful -- I can't wait to sample some of them! I have my eye on the praline bread pudding at the New Orleans kiosk! Yummy!

[DearDaisyinDurham]

that incredible list makes me wonder.... am I ever going to be able to save up enough WW points before we go ....oh well.... :rotfl2:

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy,


sorry I got a bit behind...but loved the party review! Your table looked oh so fun and the food equally fun. And even fun-er (ok I know that isn't a word)

The white "corningware" dish you had the artichoke dip in, well I inherited a roasting pan from my Mom w/ that same veggie design on it. :rotfl: I haven't seen anyone else w/ that same pattern till now.


Yes, I've had that Corningware set since the mid-eighties!

Great goodie bags, so fun! You are always thinking!

Well, I figured I'd be buying this stuff anyway, so why not make festive goodie bags! (Any excuse for DIS-trip shopping, right?)

Where did you find the Pixar Music CD, Michael would like that too!

www.amazon.com


Love that you got the costume stuff all figured out and the ADR choices...so close to be making your call FUN!!!!! sending some early pixiedust: your way!

I think :thumbsup2 on the decison to go w/ the DDP I think that will end up saving you $

I'm so excited about making the ADRs... each milestone just brings our trip closer and closer! Once I saw all the TS restaurants our family wanted, it just seemed silly not to get the Dining Plan!


oh and if you are interested in figuring out that difference :teacher: awhile back I uploaded an Excel file that another Diser created that calculates out that. Just PM if you want the file I can email it to you, just need to clear the fields of my info from 2 trips back.

and last but not least....darling you look FABULOUS!!!!! :cheer2: princess:
Scrappie


Thanks, I'm slowing down with dropping pounds, but still working on it!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

that incredible list makes me wonder.... am I ever going to be able to save up enough WW points before we go ....oh well.... :rotfl2:

It all looks sooooo good!

Thank goodness the lines at the kiosks are long, otherwise I might spend an entire evening just knoshing!!


Those Food and Wine offerings are just wonderful -- I can't wait to sample some of them! I have my eye on the praline bread pudding at the New Orleans kiosk! Yummy!

Ooohhh, I love New Orleans food! :cloud9:

When Ed and I went there in '95, I thought I wouldn't be able to eat anything because it would all be way too spicy... boy was I wrong! The food was amazing... even the jambalaya we got at the zoo was fantastic! :laughing:

Kathy