Julezdisney's Sept. PTR: Free Dining and my Birthday! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

julezdisney

04-06-2009, 11:59 AM

We're going to FREE DINING!!!!!!!!!! :mickeybar :cool1:

Woooooo-Hoooooo!!!!! :banana:

And it's my birthday!!!!!! :cool1:
http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens2059838_1235279681Mickey-Mouse-Birthday-Present.jpg
Woooooo-Hoooooo!!!!! :cake: :cutie:

SO.... let's get the beginning stuff out of the way.

Who: Me- Julia!! 31...turning 32 on Day 2 of our trip!
DH- Jim 29... not 30 until December.

We originally had a super-secret birthday trip planned to surprise him in December, but then DH needed a new work truck so the monthly car payment + insurance negated this. I was so depressed thinking my next trip wasn't until Apr. 2010 w/the Mickey Marcettes for Gnomefest (more on that later).

DD- Rachael 6 @ time of trip (5 now)
DS- Ebin 7-3/4 @ time of trip (7 now)

When: Sept. 23rd we check IN.... Sept. 27th we check OUT.... this might change in the future to 1 day earlier or later.

Where: Epcot & Magic Kingdom

Why: Because DH decided he NEEDED a 1971 Honda 750 "project-bike". I threw a fit and said DD and I would be going to the World then for my birthday in September. He was VERY dismayed at the thought of us going without him and Ebin so...... there we go!!

What: Free dining promotion. My first ever. Pop Century. My first ever time
on property. Epcot. Our first time ever. (not DH's). MNSSHP! (our 2nd!!!)

For more back history on us you can find click HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25133732&postcount=2) and HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25140027&postcount=5) to read our bios from my PTR for last October 2008. For the actual start of the TR for last year you can CLICK HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28216180&postcount=1)!

Now... the Mickey Marcettes. Sometime late last year a group of 10 or so of us who are addicted to trip reports decided we should all go together! We love our friend LL's hubby Marc so we deemed ourselves the Mickey Marcettes. We're going during Flower & Garden @ Epcot so somehow gardens and flowers mean GNOMES! to us. So of course Paula decided we needed our own Gnome. Nobby is of the travelocity family and he travels with us on various vacations until we are all united in Apr 2010.

I don't know if Nobby's going with me or not in Sept. I think I will just miss some girls although I think a few of us will be able to meet up on the 26th. So there willbe a DISmeet to highlight during this trip, I THINK!

So.... who's on first? First Gnomie to post get's a prize!!

All other readers- Welcome along and I look forward to getting to know you through
my planning and pressing questions- for I have many.

*****QUICK LINKS*****
Pop Century Questions (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31206316&postcount=7)
My Dining Punch Card and Dining Ramblings.... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31285118&postcount=20)
Changes ALREADY??!! Teaser.... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31403622&postcount=37)
Sooner rather than later?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31409260&postcount=45)
Plans! Plans! I need a date!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31415776&postcount=53)
I got DATES! I GOT DATES! Wait... July? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31440156&postcount=61)
A little reading material..... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31531358&postcount=72)
AIRFARE! I GOT AIRFARE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31895756&postcount=87)
PTR OVER! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31926751&postcount=100)

kschafer

04-06-2009, 02:01 PM

I'm here I'm here

What do I win? Told you I would be a stalker!

julezdisney

04-06-2009, 02:06 PM

Bwahahahahaha!!! You did it! I knew it!! :laughing:

kschafer

04-06-2009, 02:08 PM

julezdisney

04-06-2009, 02:48 PM

OK, now I actually read your first post :lmao:

I'm not sure if my DH bought himself a toy that I would let him come on my trip. That's part of the reason why Greg isn't coming to gnomefest, he got a guitar...I get to go without him! I guess you are a nicer wife than me ;)

Oh.... I couldn't say no to him while he was looking so hopefull!! :upsidedow

PS- PM me your address so I can send your prize!! :cheer2:

Lady Lallie

04-06-2009, 04:12 PM

I'm here, I'm here! :goodvibes

I am so excited that you are going to partake in Free Dining AND stay at Pop. :thumbsup2

julezdisney

04-06-2009, 04:23 PM

Questions questions questions…..

I have a TON of questions for planning this trip. To help me with this endeavor, I have invested in the 2009 Passporter. Last year, I checked out the 2007/08 Passporter from the library and did so repeatedly, basically keeping it all summer. I also checked out the 2008 Birnbaum’s guide and stole the golf coupon out of the back! I figured no one had taken it over 9 mos, might as well not let it go to waste!!! In the end, my DH decided we needn’t go there. I wish we had!! Instead of doing that after our breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, we headed back to the hotel for a swim. WELL – that only proved to tire out our little ones and they fell asleep on the way to MNSSHP and ripped off their costumes as soon as they could!

So Pop Century questions…. Feel free to tell me the answers to these and I’ll fill ‘em in as I find them out. And I guess these are on-property in general questions, as I have never stayed on property!

#1- If we fly (and as of right now-we’re driving) and we EACH do a carry-on + “personal” bag, do we just carry that to Magical Express counter and they are loaded underneath? Or do we have overhead storage in the M.E. busses as well?

#2- If we arrive early in the day- before official “check in” they will hold our bags for us right? Can we swim in the pool upon arrival or only after “check-in”??

#3- Is there a coffee maker in the room or do we have to go downstairs?

#4- Is the refillable mug good for coffee? Because as far as soft drinks- I’m a water kind of gal so it would be useless for me. And as far as the kids- we’ll probably do apple juice boxes to go so I’m def. not investing in such for them.

#5- Is there a Pop Century bus issue? It seems like there was one when I think on trip reports I’ve read or listened to on podcasts. Or is that another value resort?

#6- Is the gift shop good? Or is it the same stuff all over the park?

#7- Which rooms in bldng 5 have the view of the WDW sign? I wanna stay THERE!!! Is bldng five “preferred?”

#8- Is there an ice machine? I’ll probably want one for a cooler to hold juice/water/desserts. I don’t want to bring one if there’s no ice machine. Maybe I’ll just bring my parent’s outlet powered cooler and buy a converter to plug into the wall….. is that even allowed?

Hmmm…. I think that’s all for now. Anyone know any of these answers? :confused3

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWERS- THANKS CHRISTINE!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31207877&postcount=9)

julezdisney

04-06-2009, 04:42 PM

I'm here, I'm here! :goodvibes

I am so excited that you are going to partake in Free Dining AND stay at Pop. :thumbsup2

:welcome: LL! So happy to have you on board! And thanks for being so excited for me! :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

04-06-2009, 05:53 PM

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! So excited for you! And even more excited for me b/c we overlap on a few days. I hope that we'll be able to meet up. But no pressure...

Now to your questions:

Questions questions questions…..

So Pop Century questions…. Feel free to tell me the answers to these and I’ll fill ‘em in as I find them out. And I guess these are on-property in general questions, as I have never stayed on property!

#1- If we fly (and as of right now-we’re driving) and we EACH do a carry-on + “personal” bag, do we just carry that to Magical Express counter and they are loaded underneath? Or do we have overhead storage in the M.E. busses as well?

Yes- you'd carry your carry-on items on down to the Magical Express desk and then you could either have them loaded underneath or just take them on the bus with you depending on the size. There is limited overhead storage in the bus but no as much as on a plane. Backpacks and purses should be fine to take on the bus. Larger stuff I might put down below.

#2- If we arrive early in the day- before official “check in” they will hold our bags for us right? Can we swim in the pool upon arrival or only after “check-in”??

Yep they will hold your carry on items and your checked luggage won't arrive until much later (if flying). So if flying remember to pack bathing suits and other important stuff in your carry-on!

#3- Is there a coffee maker in the room or do we have to go downstairs? I'm not positive but I do not think there is a coffee maker. I know there are threads on the resort boards for fridge swaps - some of which also come w/ a coffee maker so you might consider checking that out.

#4- Is the refillable mug good for coffee? Because as far as soft drinks- I’m a water kind of gal so it would be useless for me. And as far as the kids- we’ll probably do apple juice boxes to go so I’m def. not investing in such for them.

Yes. And for Coke slushies. :cloud9:

#5- Is there a Pop Century bus issue? It seems like there was one when I think on trip reports I’ve read or listened to on podcasts. Or is that another value resort? I'm not sure I'd term it an "issue." The buses just tend to be really crowded. At least that was my experience.

#6- Is the gift shop good? Or is it the same stuff all over the park? I thought it was really good and there was some unusual stuff I didn't see elsewhere.

#7- Which rooms in bldng 5 have the view of the WDW sign? I wanna stay THERE!!! Is bldng five “preferred?”

This I don't know. :confused3

#8- Is there an ice machine? I’ll probably want one for a cooler to hold juice/water/desserts. I don’t want to bring one if there’s no ice machine. Maybe I’ll just bring my parent’s outlet powered cooler and buy a converter to plug into the wall….. is that even allowed? yes to ice machine and I would think that the outlet powered cooler would be allowed. As I said above, think about checking out the fridge swap on the resort boards. From what I hear they work out really well and depending on how long the swap has been going it may be entirely free for you! ::yes::

So excited for you!! :goodvibes

Oh, BIG question. Where are you going to dinner on your birthday?

Oh and don't forget that you have to register online for your free birthday ticket or whatever you choose IN ADVANCE!

MEK

04-06-2009, 06:14 PM

julez-

Congrats on your free dining trip! My DH and I will be at POP from 9/20 - 9/24 for a quick trip to partake in free dining. We can only stay 4 nights because we are leaving the kids at home, alone. They are teenagers now (will be in 9th and 11th grade). I don't feel comfortable leaving them any longer than that and I will not leave them alone on a weekend. I figure they can't get into too much trouble during the school week when they have soccer every night!

I really wanted to go a few days later, but it is not to be. Anyway, perhaps our paths will cross on your first day. My DH reminded me that it will be our 20th anniversay (in October), so I think we'll go for the anniversary buttons. Close enough to 20!

So, I am looking forward to following along with your preTR!

MEK

04-06-2009, 06:17 PM

I'm not sure which building is 5, but I have stayed at POP twice (actually 3 times if you count a one nighter). I like to request the 50's or the 70's buildings overlooking the lake. 50's is my fav because of the lovely view of Spaceship earth from the upper floors.

Charleston Princess

04-06-2009, 10:27 PM

Julez started a PTR! Julez started a PTR! :woohoo:

Do you know how exciting it was for me to click the subscribe button on this!?!?! I am so thrilled for you!

Looks like Christine had most of the Pop Century answers that I know.

If you want any of the coupons out of this year's Birnbaum's let me know -- we never use them and would love to pass them along to you if you want them.

ILuvCrush

04-07-2009, 01:47 AM

OK I'm here!! present and accounted for!!

POP is cool...food court is yummy and gift shop well stocked:thumbsup2 no worries!

Don't know nothing about building #5... but the computer pool is the 'warmest' according to my kiddos....I don't swimm, so I don't care how warm/cold the water is LOL!!

We had no problems with the busses at POP...asside from they are busy and full...but we always got where we needed to go!

paula

julezdisney

04-07-2009, 07:02 AM

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! So excited for you! And even more excited for me b/c we overlap on a few days. I hope that we'll be able to meet up. But no pressure...

Now to your questions:

Yes- you'd carry your carry-on items on down to the Magical Express desk and then you could either have them loaded underneath or just take them on the bus with you depending on the size. There is limited overhead storage in the bus but no as much as on a plane. Backpacks and purses should be fine to take on the bus. Larger stuff I might put down below.

Yep they will hold your carry on items and your checked luggage won't arrive until much later (if flying). So if flying remember to pack bathing suits and other important stuff in your carry-on!

I'm not positive but I do not think there is a coffee maker. I know there are threads on the resort boards for fridge swaps - some of which also come w/ a coffee maker so you might consider checking that out.

Yes. And for Coke slushies. :cloud9:

I'm not sure I'd term it an "issue." The buses just tend to be really crowded. At least that was my experience.

I thought it was really good and there was some unusual stuff I didn't see elsewhere.

This I don't know. :confused3

yes to ice machine and I would think that the outlet powered cooler would be allowed. As I said above, think about checking out the fridge swap on the resort boards. From what I hear they work out really well and depending on how long the swap has been going it may be entirely free for you! ::yes::

So excited for you!! :goodvibes

Oh, BIG question. Where are you going to dinner on your birthday?

Oh and don't forget that you have to register online for your free birthday ticket or whatever you choose IN ADVANCE!

:worship:Christine you are the QUEEN! Thank you!!

And my birthday dinner.... hmmm......very excellent question indeed.....

julez-

Congrats on your free dining trip! My DH and I will be at POP from 9/20 - 9/24 for a quick trip to partake in free dining. We can only stay 4 nights because we are leaving the kids at home, alone. They are teenagers now (will be in 9th and 11th grade). I don't feel comfortable leaving them any longer than that and I will not leave them alone on a weekend. I figure they can't get into too much trouble during the school week when they have soccer every night!

I really wanted to go a few days later, but it is not to be. Anyway, perhaps our paths will cross on your first day. My DH reminded me that it will be our 20th anniversay (in October), so I think we'll go for the anniversary buttons. Close enough to 20!

So, I am looking forward to following along with your preTR!

AWESOME, MEK! We will def. have so try to score a meetup! How could we not when we are staying at the same resort?!

I'm not sure which building is 5, but I have stayed at POP twice (actually 3 times if you count a one nighter). I like to request the 50's or the 70's buildings overlooking the lake. 50's is my fav because of the lovely view of Spaceship earth from the upper floors.

Excellent tip! :thumbsup2 Thank you!

Julez started a PTR! Julez started a PTR! :woohoo:

Do you know how exciting it was for me to click the subscribe button on this!?!?! I am so thrilled for you!

Looks like Christine had most of the Pop Century answers that I know.

If you want any of the coupons out of this year's Birnbaum's let me know -- we never use them and would love to pass them along to you if you want them.

Thank you! I love that my Gnomies are sharing in my happiness!!! :woohoo:

OK I'm here!! present and accounted for!!

POP is cool...food court is yummy and gift shop well stocked:thumbsup2 no worries!

Don't know nothing about building #5... but the computer pool is the 'warmest' according to my kiddos....I don't swimm, so I don't care how warm/cold the water is LOL!!

We had no problems with the busses at POP...asside from they are busy and full...but we always got where we needed to go!

paula

Hi Paula! :wave2: Computer pool is "warmest"... good to know! :thumbsup2 And if I don't get rid of these extra 25 lbs this summer I will not be swimming either! :rotfl2:

Thanks everyone for the bus comments, I was worried about this one. But I can handle crowded much better than non-existant! :laughing:

So up next....... DINING PLAN QUESTIONS and a rough
itinerary!!! :mickeybar:mickeybar:mickeybar:mickeybar
___________
Julia
:wish25

Lady Lallie

04-07-2009, 07:42 AM

Julez...let me chime in on Pop. :thumbsup2

There was not a coffee maker in the room, I am almost 100% sure on that because when Marc & I switched over to the WL he was tickled pink that WL did have a coffee pot in the room. :rotfl2:

We never had any problems with the buses at Pop. Yes, they got crowded and sometimes we had to stand but they were reliable and pretty quick. The only time we had to stay in line and didn't make the first bus that pulled up was at DHS on an EMH's night, luckily a bus pulled right up before the first one pulled out. :thumbsup2

We arrived around 11ish I think, and our room was even ready for us but if it hadn't been they would have checked our luggage for us until it was.

The Pop Food Court has a lot of variety and you must have a slushie coke! So very yummy. It does get loud & crowded at peak times. Marc & I would split up, one of us would get the food and pay, the other would stake out a table, it worked well for us.

I thought the gift shop had a lot of stuff, I was actually impressed with it. Now as far as content, it generally had the same stuff as the parks and Downtown Disney.

kschafer

04-07-2009, 01:18 PM

Boy everyone sure is full of it aren't they......

Answers to your questions of course! ;) I think I want to stay at Pop for the coke slushies alone, there isn't a lot that I like more than those (at least among items not containing chocolate)

MEK

04-07-2009, 08:34 PM

Hey fellow POPPER:

Looking forward to your itinerary and dining plans. I've been trying to work on my dining plans, too. I almost want to do deluxe dining, but since I am only there for 4 nights, I don't want to spend too much time in restaurants. :rotfl2:Not that there's anything wrong with that!(Cause I love to eat) :rotfl2: I just don't want to be tied down too much.

Really wish I could be there for Paula's arrival so we could all get together, but we will definately need to meet up on your arrival day!

I don't have much time now, but when I can sit down uninterrupted for a few minutes, I'll post some POP pics!

julezdisney

04-07-2009, 11:38 PM

Thanks for the input, LL!

And MEK, I would LOOOVE some Pop pix- thank you!! Yes, we are DEFINITELY meeting up, that would be super awesome to have a DISmeet my very first day! :laughing:

MEK

04-10-2009, 09:17 PM

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008092.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008093.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008094.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008095.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008096.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008097.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008090.jpg

The views are from the 70's building. I payed for a non perferred room, but I'm pretty sure that was a preferred room cause it was so close to everything! sorry, I don't have any 50's view pics!

julezdisney

04-11-2009, 08:40 AM

Wooo hoooo! Amy from DISigns made this for me:
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s67/M_I_C_K_E_Y/third%20album/poppin_dining.jpg

I am SOOOO excited for this silly little punch card but mostly because I never thought we would be dining and if it wasn't for the free dining promotion, I'm not sure we would! But when I think about how last year, Sci-Fi and 1900 Park Fare both averaged in the neighborhood of $90...... and Backlot Express was near $30... I'm so thankful and thrilled. We'll be eating better... we won't be going hungry.... and another colorful printout to play with. :cutie:

SO.. dining... So far I've been thinking def. using TS at character dining for O'hana for breakfast on morning of MNSSHP and Akershus ( I admit I don't know how to spell this ) for an Epcot late breakfast. I don't think we'll be using any credits on arrival day, as I was struck with an amazing idea that will not be revealed until a later date about our scheduled departure day, Sept. 27th. :rolleyes1

Other dining options include Cosmic Ray's at MK for a quick lunch and followed by TS dinner latest possible at LTT IF they brought back the Character Dining. Anyone know this yet? I know there was buzz about it coming back so I'm eager to find out if it's true.

That would leave us with one more TS and I'm honestly unsure where that will be. I WANT to do San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavillion because last year when we were going to be in DisneyLAND originally we were had dessert ressies at The Blue Bayou inside POTC and this is a similar concept....:rolleyes:

I have a question for anyone willing to answer: The appetizers are NO LONGER incl. in DDP and NEITHER is tip/gratiuties, right? Trying to figure out a budget for tips....

OK, lurkers- come out of hiding!!! :goodvibes

kschafer

04-11-2009, 08:47 AM

Nope, no appetizers and no tips. I would spend some time on Allears looking at menus (which I'm sure you have done already) to ballpark the cost of your meals then calculate your tips. I think we averaged about $15 for the 4 of us IF we didn't get appetizers and/or alcohol.

2xcited2sleep

04-11-2009, 08:51 AM

Wow! The punch card is a great idea to keep track of your dining credits! Too cute.

And :headache: on the tease of your idea for your departure day. ;) Can't wait to hear what it is. :upsidedow

MEK

04-11-2009, 09:01 AM

I'm trying Ohana's breakfast this summer. Taking my dear nephew 9 on our summer trip and I really want to take him to a character breakfast. So I picked Ohana's breakfast cause it something new for me.

I personally like the San Angel Inn, although many people don't. I've eaten there three times and have had a good meal each time. Yeah the tables are a bit close together, but the scenery is fun.

julezdisney

04-11-2009, 09:23 AM

The views are from the 70's building. I payed for a non perferred room, but I'm pretty sure that was a preferred room cause it was so close to everything! sorry, I don't have any 50's view pics!

:worship: Thank you! So was it good for parking as well?

Nope, no appetizers and no tips. I would spend some time on Allears looking at menus (which I'm sure you have done already) to ballpark the cost of your meals then calculate your tips. I think we averaged about $15 for the 4 of us IF we didn't get appetizers and/or alcohol.

Thanks, K. And yes, I've been hooked on the ALLears menus. And one of the threads in dining has an approved list of snack on DDP. :thumbsup2

So was $15 per meal?

Wow! The punch card is a great idea to keep track of your dining credits! Too cute.

And :headache: on the tease of your idea for your departure day. ;) Can't wait to hear what it is. :upsidedow

I love the punch card. I'll probably use a pen of course and just cross them off but it's fun!

Na Nah Nah boo boo... I'm not telling.... :rolleyes1

I'm trying Ohana's breakfast this summer. Taking my dear nephew 9 on our summer trip and I really want to take him to a character breakfast. So I picked Ohana's breakfast cause it something new for me.

I personally like the San Angel Inn, although many people don't. I've eaten there three times and have had a good meal each time. Yeah the tables are a bit close together, but the scenery is fun.

Oh yay for O'hana's! Can't wait to hear about it!

Our family is ALL ABOUT theming so I think they'll really like it. Not many people seem to love Sci-Fi either but we adored it. AND the food was good, IMO- I'm easy to please though- def. no "foodie"!

Charleston Princess

04-11-2009, 09:40 AM

Nope, no tips or appetizers. The punch card is too cute! Ohana's and Akershus are good choices -- are you just doing Epcot and MK on this trip?

ILuvCrush

04-11-2009, 11:08 AM

hey Julez!!

Do you need a cover for your Disney binder???

Paula

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/510084927_VmsGg-XL.jpg

MEK

04-11-2009, 11:49 AM

hey Julez!!

Do you need a cover for your Disney binder???

Paula

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/510084927_VmsGg-XL.jpg

paula - Let me just be the first to say that this cover is freak'n AWESOME! :thumbsup2 Nice work!

MEK

04-11-2009, 12:02 PM

:worship: Thank you! So was it good for parking as well?

My two main trips there I was "carless". We did park there one night for a single night stay and it was definately a walk to the car from our location in the 50's. I bet the parking lot near the furthest 50's and 80's buildings would be the best for walking to the car. Not sure if DH and I will rent a car for our free dining trip. I think the best resorts for being close to the car are the mods and SSR. It's like valet parking, so everything seems inferior to me

Our family is ALL ABOUT theming so I think they'll really like it. Not many people seem to love Sci-Fi either but we adored it. AND the food was good, IMO- I'm easy to please though- def. no "foodie"!

I am not a foodie either, so that's probably why I like San Angel! :rotfl2: My kids ask to go back there every trip cause they LOVE the food and surroundings, but we are skipping this summer!

:love::love:

Lady Lallie

04-11-2009, 12:25 PM

I believe the characters at LTT are due to come back anytime now. I'll let you know if I hear anything for sure. I think that would be a great value meal for your TS credits plus it's a great food and I adored the characters. Oh, man. I want to go back to LTT. :lmao:

I believe San Angel is going under a refurb sometime soon too so that usually means good things too.

julezdisney

04-12-2009, 08:02 AM

Paula!!!!! Thank you!!!!!! That is SOOO awesome!! Def. using this in my binder this year!

You are rad.

ILuvCrush

04-12-2009, 06:47 PM

Paula!!!!! Thank you!!!!!! That is SOOO awesome!! Def. using this in my binder this year!

You are rad.

You're welcome:goodvibes I had it 'laying round' and thought 'why not put it to good use':upsidedow

P

MEK

04-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Hey Julez.....

Looking forward to an update! Told Dh I wanted to stay at POFQ this September, but then I said, " naaaahhhhhh - I want to go to POP" :thumbsup2

Roxychica7

04-15-2009, 11:39 AM

How in the heck do I always miss the Gnomies PTR!!? :confused3
Subbing now so that I don't forget to later!

First off, LOVING the PTR so far. You will love Ohana's and San Angel Inn. LOVE the punch out card and P's design for your book cover. Cosmic Ray's is a definite for us, we always eat there twice on each trip, just ordering something different each visit. Blake and I loved the Ribs and Mashed Potato, Green Beans combo when we ate their for dinner. YUM YUM! :thumbsup2

julezdisney

04-15-2009, 12:23 PM

Hey Julez.....

Looking forward to an update! Told Dh I wanted to stay at POFQ this September, but then I said, " naaaahhhhhh - I want to go to POP" :thumbsup2

I'm so excited to go there! I'm so excited to meet you! Yes, an update will come this weekend. Much more time then than during the week. :banana:

How in the heck do I always miss the Gnomies PTR!!? :confused3
Subbing now so that I don't forget to later!

First off, LOVING the PTR so far. You will love Ohana's and San Angel Inn. LOVE the punch out card and P's design for your book cover. Cosmic Ray's is a definite for us, we always eat there twice on each trip, just ordering something different each visit. Blake and I loved the Ribs and Mashed Potato, Green Beans combo when we ate their for dinner. YUM YUM! :thumbsup2

Hi Jess! You pokey girl! I'm glad to :welcome: you!! I'm thinking we're gonna have to drop San Angel Inn though because I looked at the menus, and there is NOTHING there that my step-son will eat! My daughter loves tacos but Ebin is a very meat-and-potatos boy so I may have to save that one for the future. I'm disappointed but... there's always Gnomefest! :thumbsup2

Dylan_&_Blake's_mom

04-16-2009, 07:45 AM

HI, We are close to the same age and I just found out that we will be staying onsite for our first time as well, also doing Epcot for the first time and our first dining plan. We are arriving the day you are leaving. Also just noticed you are from midwest Illinois, so am I! Will be back to read more just wanted to sub.

p.s. You have a beautiful family

julezdisney

04-18-2009, 03:22 PM

julezdisney

04-18-2009, 03:23 PM

I have NO TIME to put in a real update right now but later tonight or tommorow night I will be informing you on some BIG CHANGES to our trip!

Timing is everything......

Sooner than later......

Magical Mail......
:wizard:

MEK

04-18-2009, 03:44 PM

Big Changes?????? I can't wait to read more about this! popcorn::

kschafer

04-18-2009, 03:49 PM

What? That tease just is NOT nice! Spill the beans girl!

Dylan_&_Blake's_mom

04-18-2009, 03:52 PM

We are from around Quincy. About 4 1/2 hours from you. We finally visited Chicago for the first time last summer and LOVED it. Hope to go back this summer for a 3 day trip. Can't wait to read about your changespopcorn::

2xcited2sleep

04-18-2009, 04:04 PM

What are the big changes???!!! Sooner rather than later? I must know! Update, Julez, STAT!!

Lady Lallie

04-18-2009, 04:33 PM

You can't leave us hanging like that!

Charleston Princess

04-18-2009, 07:07 PM

Julez, don't you know it's not very nice to be a tease??? :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

julezdisney

04-18-2009, 10:31 PM

Big Changes?????? I can't wait to read more about this! popcorn::

What? That tease just is NOT nice! Spill the beans girl!

What are the big changes???!!! Sooner rather than later? I must know! Update, Julez, STAT!!

You can't leave us hanging like that!

Julez, don't you know it's not very nice to be a tease??? :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

We are from around Quincy. About 4 1/2 hours from you. We finally visited Chicago for the first time last summer and LOVED it. Hope to go back this summer for a 3 day trip. Can't wait to read about your changespopcorn::

Ok! Ok! The shame you all put me in! :sad2:

Bunch of impatient little imps! :rolleyes:

Here ya go!

julezdisney

04-18-2009, 10:53 PM

:cool2:

SO.... my little Gnomies....and other readers....

You are wondering what the HECK I'm talking about right? :confused3

So... if you read my personal info links to my first PTR from last year, you'd have
seen that I mentioned that we have vacationed with my in-laws from California quite
a bit.

If you read my last TR, you'd have seen that we were previously going to do Disney
in December w/said in-laws to surprise DH but that it fell through due to the necessity
of buying a new work vehicle for DH.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1271002/truck.jpg

And thus far, you know that we didn't want to pass up free dining this year.

What you DIDN'T know was that my in-laws had planned on visiting this June, and that
it got rescheduled to August. You also didnt know that my sister in law- who will be
a freshman in high school this August, is on a college-track and wont be getting pulled
out of school for vacations much anymore, thereby making the August vacation out here
to the midwest (from there home in NoCal) the only chance for my in-laws to see their
grandchildren for the first time in 2 years! :eek:

So TODAY, DH's dad calls him up and says that he wants to surprise my MIL with US during
their yearly pilgrimage to Sanibel/Captiva Island in Florida. Where's Captiva? It's an island
off the gulf of Florida that's accessible by car, and is part of the string of vacation
spots along the Florida gulf shores. It's a playground for the wealthy, as well. Here's a few
illustrations for ya- a map and also a typical house that one would rent to stay there. Very similar to the ones that we went to in 2004 and DH and DS went along with to in
2006.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1271002/captiva%20map.gif.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1271002/captivahouse.jpg

Now, DH adores Captiva and Sanibel Island. I liked it, but I'm more of a doer than
a 7 days of chillin on the beacher. So I told Dh that Yea, I'd like to go. Sure, tell
him the whole week. DH said, Are you sure? I know you really wanted to do Disney. And I said,
well, if we cant afford to keep it, than I'll just push the reservation forward to Gnomefest in April,
and I won't be too disappointed because I'll know that's coming up, for sure.

But when we got off the phone, I really had doubts. I mean, when we went to Captiva a few
years back, Rach was a toddler, actually just barely- she was.... 15 mos old at the
time.... and Ebin was 2-1/2. And I was also in school at the time. So see... I had homework to do most nights,
and 2 toddlers to chase and care for....so I liked it back than, but with no homework
to do and a self-sufficient 6 year old and 7-1/2 year old, how am I gonna be happy with
that? I could do a few days, sure... but 7? I'd be twiddling my thumbs! I like to SEE things
and EXPERIENCE things.....

So I called DH back a bit later, as I was out doing errands....

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1271002/cart2.jpg

And I said...."I don't think I wanna go for a whole week."

And he says, "I do! Sittin' on the beach doin' NOTHING for week?!"

I said, "Yea.... I like to Dooo STuff!"

And he says, "So we'll take a day or two to drive up to Disney. My mom would love to go,
I'm sure."

I'm like, "Huh?! That's like 10 hours away or somethin!" :faint:

Jiim says, "No, it's MAYBE 5 or 6."

I said, "Huh. Ok, than!"

So I quick get off and google map it. And what do I discover?!

That according to Google Directions:

Driving directions to Walt Disney World
222 mi – about 4 hours 6 mins

Thats It?! 4 hours and 6 minutes?! Seriously!? :banana:

So that's my big news. We get an all-expense paid trip to one of the most pristine
beach destinations in the country :beach:, and I fully intend on making DH deliver on 1, if not
2 days in Disney during that time. My wheels are already turning on renting a convertible :car:
for this week in paradise, as well, as where to stay during our 1 overnight in
Orlando.

As for September.... it's in an iffy stage. But notice I said iffy and not OFF. We're
gonna have to wait and see for a couple mos on that one. Jim's job as a cable-installer
is kinda rocky right now. They laid off 8 guys and Jim is down to 5 days a week from
6 so we're praying that as people take advantage of the home buyer credit and start
closing on their houses, business will pick back up... we have no idea if we'll be able
to swing it or not so it's 100% wait and see and all that just happened THIS PAST WEEK! :scared:

But even if DH has to stay home and work in Sept... he doesn't know this :rolleyes: but Im pretty
hell bent in my mind that I will be spending my birthday in the Magic Kingdom this year. :stir:

With or without DH... and therefore, DS. DD would still tag along. SOOOO

those are the big changes! Just like my last PTR.... I have changes before I've really
begun to plan! And AFTER the ressies were made! But at least I'm not thinkin' it's switchin'
to DisneyLAND or anything near as crazy as last year's changes.....

Oh and I got Disney Mail yesterday. It made me so happy. Nothin' like a mailer from
WDW to make you instantly perk up, huh? It just had the park maps, info on Pop Century, and
a fliar about ADRs. Don't you just love their mail packaging?

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1271002/disneymail.jpeg

Phew! I'm exhausted from writing this! And now I'm off... to check out crowd calendars
for the last 2 weeks of June..... DH said the "week of the 27th" But then he didn't know if that was the week ENDING the 27th (a sat.) or the week beginning that weekend.....

Oh...and I need to think about some ADR's!!! With just a day or two, must maximize time and oppurtunity!!! ::yes::

Oh so much to think about.... Toodles! :hyper:

Dylan_&_Blake's_mom

04-18-2009, 11:52 PM

ILuvCrush

04-19-2009, 05:13 AM

wow!! some serious changes! but not bad ones:goodvibes free trips are always a GOOD thing! And at least you'll get to visit rhe world a couple days...will you do your overnighter at POP still??

P

2xcited2sleep

04-19-2009, 06:37 AM

I'm so glad you didn't keep us in suspense any longer! :upsidedow Sanibel/Captiva and some down time with the family sounds lovely. Of course, I'm a total beach person and a shell collector so Sanibel is perfect for me! Hurrah for finding the compromise of a day or two at WDW. Four hours is definitely do-able; and all the more so with a convertible!

And I do hope that you are able to cook up a way to spend your birthday in the MK. That would be magical! :wizard: My fingers are crossed that it works out.

Can't wait to hear more about your June plans! :hyper:

kschafer

04-19-2009, 07:15 AM

WOW

Hurray for a couple days this summer :cool1:. I'm with you, a week at the beach sounds like too much! A few days...sure, I don't think I could handle a week! WDW would be a wonderful break in the middle

Here's hoping September holds for you!

Lady Lallie

04-19-2009, 07:31 AM

It wouldn't be a Julez PTR if there weren't major changes!

I agree, the beach for a week is not my idea of fun. I like to be on the go! :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

04-19-2009, 07:34 AM

Wow! Big, Big Changes! At least you still get to do Disney and even earlier at that!

julezdisney

04-19-2009, 09:20 AM

Wowee, I'm wore out just reading it. That's a lot to take in. The trip with the in-laws sounds very nice. I'm like you, I like to relax and such but only a couple days of that is plenty. It would be the best of both worlds if you got to do that and go to disney a couple of days. Hope you can still go in Sept. Hopefully your dh will be there with you as well,lol.

Yes, I do love the beach and chillin' but..... a whole week is too much for me to do NOTHING. Blech.

I mentioned Sept. to DH this morning and he grumbled about money so I won't bring it up again until he's in a better (financial) mood but since Ebin will get to go this year, I think it's safe for me to continue planning for me & Rachael!

wow!! some serious changes! but not bad ones:goodvibes free trips are always a GOOD thing! And at least you'll get to visit rhe world a couple days...will you do your overnighter at POP still??

P

Yes, free trips are def. a good thing. One should never pass one up! ::yes::
And I want the overnight to be at POP but we'll see.

I'm so glad you didn't keep us in suspense any longer! :upsidedow Sanibel/Captiva and some down time with the family sounds lovely. Of course, I'm a total beach person and a shell collector so Sanibel is perfect for me! Hurrah for finding the compromise of a day or two at WDW. Four hours is definitely do-able; and all the more so with a convertible!

And I do hope that you are able to cook up a way to spend your birthday in the MK. That would be magical! :wizard: My fingers are crossed that it works out.

Can't wait to hear more about your June plans! :hyper:

Yes, a wednesday visit to the MK would be lovely! ::yes::
WOW

Hurray for a couple days this summer :cool1:. I'm with you, a week at the beach sounds like too much! A few days...sure, I don't think I could handle a week! WDW would be a wonderful break in the middle

Here's hoping September holds for you!

I do so hope to go in September. It really depends on how Jim's job goes. It's finally hitting home for us! :sad2: And yes, a wonderful break from relaxin' is something I'll need! :laughing:

It wouldn't be a Julez PTR if there weren't major changes!

I agree, the beach for a week is not my idea of fun. I like to be on the go! :thumbsup2

Yes, I'm starting to think PTR's might be bad luck for me..... :idea: The beach for a few days sounds like heaven to me. But a whole week? Blech. :guilty:

Wow! Big, Big Changes! At least you still get to do Disney and even earlier at that!

Yes! STILL and EARLIER are the operative words! :cloud9:

julezdisney

04-19-2009, 01:18 PM

So... I'm freaking out not knowing what days we'll be in Florida. Jim was supposed to call his Dad to let him know that our local airport flies out to St. Petersburg also to help him w/booking.... but we'll see.

So here's the hours for the Magic Kingdom the last two weeks in June/July for the time we may be there. I figure a straight in the middle of the week Wednesday visit would be good. Depending on if we leave EARLY in the AM on Wed. or later around the afternoon and return the next day around the same time, we may do the park on Day 1 or Day 2. We'll also do DtD for shopping and do the mini-golf that I've been dying to do before we head home.

Magic Kingdom is 9-10 each Wed/Thur. w/early EMH from 8-9 on Thursdays.

The Hall Of Presidents - Closed for Refurbishment [ Monday, September 11 - Wednesday, July 1 ]
Tomorrowland® Transit Authority - Closed for Refurbishment [ Sunday, April 19 - Monday, August 24 ]
Space Mountain® - Closed for Refurbishment [ Sunday, April 19 - Saturday, November 21 ]
[/I]

Now, Jim is very against the idea of spending the night there. But DAMN if I'm gonna be in Florida and not come home w/some Disney SouvinEARS! And if we leave at 5am and get there around 9, tour until lunch, resume touring... we'll be exhausted to be driving the 4hours back to Captiva! If we left around 9-10, then we wouldn't get back until 2am!!! Yikes! Why not say the night, grab a character breakfast in the AM... shop, play, and THEN go back, arriving sometime in the middle of the afternoon?

OR vice versa- drive out in the early afternoon, grab dinner and shop at DTD in the evening... play mini-golf in the cooler night, crash at the hotel and then go commando-touring first thing in the am? If we got enough done, we could be on the road right after Wishes, and since my MIL is from the West Coast, her internal clock could handle the drive back at night!
What's that website where the attractions schedule for the day is on? :scared:I must have it!!

MEK

04-19-2009, 05:54 PM

julezdisney

04-20-2009, 01:07 PM

So this is a post w/me just babbling basically. Now I've been thinking about this June trip and am not only in desperate NEED of the exact dates, but also wondering if I can run there a couple times over the course of that week. Maybe one day for shopping & a character meal, and one seperate day for touring the park. Maybe no overnight at all. But than AGAIN, I priced an overnight with DDP for one night and it's not so bad!

Hmmm.... what to do...what to do....

I think an O'hana breakfast would be fun. Or a really late breakfast to make it brunch-y since we probably will be leaving early in the AM and hitting park at opening. Does the bakery on Main St. open before rope drop so you can get a snack/pastry?

Also thinking 1900 would be fun for a LATE dinner if we do stay overnight. That way, the kids could play in the pool in the AM before checking out and heading to shopping... if we stay overnight.

GRRRR! I need dates from my DH's dad!

JuleZ

princess&her4princes

04-20-2009, 03:29 PM

Hi!!! I hope I'm not too late to join in here.....it seems I got in in just the knick of time with all of your changes! Can't wait to hear more!!!:goodvibes

MEK

04-20-2009, 05:24 PM

I vote for overnight and the DDP. But that's just me, cause I hate driving! Any chance you could go 2 nights or is that pushing it???? How about one night and a 2 day ticket? I'm just trying to think of ways to maximize your time there.

I'm eating Ohana's breakfast in June so I'll let you know how it is. I am hoping it's tasty and fun. 1900 park fare sounds like a good option, too.

julezdisney

04-20-2009, 06:31 PM

Wow - I missed alot not being on the boards for, ummmmm, 24 hours! :rotfl:Well Julez - those are some big changes, but not necessarily bad changes. Sanibel will be lovely. I'm not a major beach person either, but that's probably cause I live 1hour 15mins from the beach and I've had one too many beach trips, so I know where you're coming from.

I think the sidetrip to Disney is great. And if you don't go there, you could always go to Busch Gardens Tampa. I think you definately need an over nighter, though. That's far too much driving for one day. Hey, if you get a one day ticket you could upgrade to an AP and be all ready for gnomefest. Plus you would have a ticket if you do decide to go in September (which I hope you do).

Anyway....keep us posted!

OooOOoOOoo....Busch Gardens Tampa!?!??! Whoa.... another idea..... dang, it MEK! I'm gonna be annoying the HECK out of my DH with all these ideas during his "bein' lazy on the beach for a whole week" vacation!!! :rotfl2: But that's def. an AWESOME idea and I'll look into that!

Hi!!! I hope I'm not too late to join in here.....it seems I got in in just the knick of time with all of your changes! Can't wait to hear more!!!:goodvibes

Hi :wave2: Kristen!!! :cutie:Thanks for joining in! Changes are the case so far in my PTR's.... :upsidedow

I vote for overnight and the DDP. But that's just me, cause I hate driving! Any chance you could go 2 nights or is that pushing it???? How about one night and a 2 day ticket? I'm just trying to think of ways to maximize your time there.

I'm eating Ohana's breakfast in June so I'll let you know how it is. I am hoping it's tasty and fun. 1900 park fare sounds like a good option, too.

When are your June dates again? And I was just re-reading my thoughts and I'm REALLY leaning towards an overnighter.... 2 nights would be pushing it because more than likely, it'll be me & the kids, my MIL, and my SIL. I imagine DH will be w/his Dad- it would be perfect timing for them to go charter-fishing!!

I'm gonna bug DH to bug FIL right now. I need those dates. :headache:

kschafer

04-20-2009, 07:06 PM

I'm REALLY leaning towards an overnighter.... 2 nights would be pushing it because more than likely, it'll be me & the kids, my MIL, and my SIL. I imagine DH will be w/his Dad- it would be perfect timing for them to go charter-fishing!!

Here's a thought. If you have 3 adults in a normal room, there is a fee (assuming you are all wanting to share 1 room). This is not the case for DVC rooms. I just looked at the points chart and in June you can get a studio at Old Key West for 10 points mid week (sun-thurs). Lots of people sell points for $10 each, that makes a 1 night stay only $100.

We stayed in a studio last year at OKW and there is plenty of floor space for a kid. According to UG, OKW is the largest of the studios and the only to have 2 queen beds (the others have 1 queen and a pull out couch) You can also add the dining plan with a DVC stay. AND you can save a few bucks by getting your tickets through an offsite dealer like Undercover Tourist.

Heck, at $100/night I would be temped to stay 2 nights! You could arrive in early afternoon on day 1, do DTD (using snack credits for dipped pretzels!) and use one TS for dinner that night at one of the resorts. Have 1 FULL day at MK using both CS credits for your meals. That leaves time to hang out at the resort and use your last TS credit on a late breakfast before leaving. You would still get back to Captiva by dinner time.

julezdisney

04-20-2009, 07:36 PM

Here's a thought. If you have 3 adults in a normal room, there is a fee (assuming you are all wanting to share 1 room). This is not the case for DVC rooms. I just looked at the points chart and in June you can get a studio at Old Key West for 10 points mid week (sun-thurs). Lots of people sell points for $10 each, that makes a 1 night stay only $100.

We stayed in a studio last year at OKW and there is plenty of floor space for a kid. According to UG, OKW is the largest of the studios and the only to have 2 queen beds (the others have 1 queen and a pull out couch) You can also add the dining plan with a DVC stay. AND you can save a few bucks by getting your tickets through an offsite dealer like Undercover Tourist.

Heck, at $100/night I would be temped to stay 2 nights! You could arrive in early afternoon on day 1, do DTD (using snack credits for dipped pretzels!) and use one TS for dinner that night at one of the resorts. Have 1 FULL day at MK using both CS credits for your meals. That leaves time to hang out at the resort and use your last TS credit on a late breakfast before leaving. You would still get back to Captiva by dinner time.

Katie- not ONLY are these AMAZING touring plans for a quick trip, but you also had me LAUGHING hysterically as I realized just how much you probably scheme in your mind about quick weekends away to WDW! :rotfl2:

You rock though! And I'm running off to look at point charts right now. I got my dates!

Next post.....

julezdisney

04-20-2009, 08:05 PM

errr.... make that July. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Ok. SO.... we leave Sat. July 4th (yikes!!) to Florida. We leave for home on Fri., July 10th. :thumbsup2

Arrival day will be a flurry of activity- with the flights, transporting ourselves to Captiva & surprising DMIL, etc.

Sunday and Monday will be wonderful beach time w/fam. I'm thinking either Tuesday or Wednesday for our trip up to Orlando. I need to email DFIL because I need to make sure HE doesn't have something special planned. I doubt it though, because he is seriously beach-bumb material. He loves to go there and just swim.... fish.... swim... lay out... eat grilled food.... and much more of the same. He has a very high stress job as VP of Finance in a division of GE Financial Services and when he wants to unwind... he really just unwinds. But I should make sure though-just in case. I probably have an old email address of his somewhere... or else I'll have Jim forward me what DFIL sends him about our confirmation for the flights.

But IN THE MEANTIME, I'm gonna try to call the ADR line and make arrangements for a late dinner Tuesday, an early morning ADR for breakfast on Wed. AND Thurs. and a late dinner Wed. too. JUST IN CASE. Once I get the OK from him on what day is cool, then I'll cancel whatever we don't need.

But YIKES! I'm so far within the 90 day that I'm scared there won't be anything I want! So far I've put out a written spreadsheet listing the 8 days from arrival to departure, with days blocked out on Sat. for arrival chaos, Sun and Mon for beaching, Fri for last day relaxing family time, and Sat. for leaving chaos.

That leaves Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for some ACTIVITY. Seriously, once I see it on paper I get anxiety at the thought of all those days of nothingness. No homework to do..... hours upon hours of nothing to do.... for 6-1/2 COMPLETE DAYS.... :scared1:

Yes. Must email FIL for the OK to plan something for the girls + Eb.

DH would kill me to read my plans, but um.......... seriously- this was all his idea, right?!??! ;):lmao:

kschafer

04-20-2009, 08:34 PM

Katie- not ONLY are these AMAZING touring plans for a quick trip, but you also had me LAUGHING hysterically as I realized just how much you probably scheme in your mind about quick weekends away to WDW! :rotfl2:

:laughing: Is it that obvious? :rolleyes: If it only weren't so far away! Imagine if I lived in driving distance!

Lady Lallie

04-20-2009, 08:44 PM

Julez, Julez, Julez. :lmao:

I really can't wait to see what happens with everything. This PTR will be an adventure all right! :laughing:

2xcited2sleep

04-21-2009, 05:49 AM

Sounds good, Julez. I love all Katie's ideas. You should definitely check out DVC! :thumbsup2

MEK

04-21-2009, 07:52 AM

julezdisney

04-21-2009, 10:09 AM

OMG! Julez - There is some serious planning going on now! DVC is a great idea, only I expect that availability might be limited during July 4th week. Still, renting points is an awesome way to save money and if I wasn't so short on points myself, I would rent ya some! I'm already borrowed well into 2010! :rotfl: Def look into this!

I like the idea of doing the extra ADR's for the days you might go. Just make a list of every place you think you might want to eat and go down the list with the reservationist. I bet you will be surprised what pops up. My coworker went last July, on the deluxe dining plan. She had no ADR's 2 weeks before her trip and I think I freaked her out a bit when I said, "CALL NOW!!!!!!!" She did manage to get some decent ADR's, including a Fantasmic Dinner pck, so there is hope!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks, MEK! That makes me feel better!

Sounds good, Julez. I love all Katie's ideas. You should definitely check out DVC! :thumbsup2

I'm looking and I'm not too sure I want to go that route. If we had to cancel or my DH and DFIL are adament we don't stay the night, I'd screw up someone's DVC stuff! :guilty:

Julez, Julez, Julez. :lmao:

I really can't wait to see what happens with everything. This PTR will be an adventure all right! :laughing:

Yah... I think most of the changes happen because I'm so hyper to tell people my plans that I run my mouth.... er...fingers? before plans are set in stone.

:laughing: Is it that obvious? :rolleyes: If it only weren't so far away! Imagine if I lived in driving distance!

Yes, I feel your pain, Katie! :upsidedow

2xcited2sleep

04-21-2009, 07:16 PM

I'm looking and I'm not too sure I want to go that route. If we had to cancel or my DH and DFIL are adament we don't stay the night, I'd screw up someone's DVC stuff! :guilty:

That's a good point and very considerate of you! :goodvibes Well, no matter what you decide isn't the planning process fun?! :hyper:

MEK

04-24-2009, 05:40 PM

Hey Julez-

Just checking in to see if there are any updates? Any ADR's yet? Any room ressies?

julezdisney

04-24-2009, 08:43 PM

We're having a rainy weekend starting tommorow so I'll be holed up in the house for the next 2 days! I plan on a couple updates!! :goodvibes:

Charleston Princess

04-24-2009, 08:48 PM

We're having a rainy weekend starting tommorow so I'll be holed up in the house for the next 2 days! I plan on a couple updates!! :goodvibes:

Yeay for updates!!! :woohoo:

2xcited2sleep

04-25-2009, 07:34 AM

A couple updates! :yay: We'll hold you to that... :rolleyes1 ;)

Sorry 'bout the rain but selfishly happy to benefit from it in the form of DIS updates!!

julezdisney

04-26-2009, 03:10 PM

SO.... as I ventured into this new trip planning expedition, I decided to get a rediculous amount of books from the library, as well as purchased the 2009 Passporter.
http://i43.tower.com/images/mm112196055/passporters-walt-disney-world-2009-allison-c-marx-book-cover-art.jpg

Here's the reading I have been attempting.
The first three are works of fiction.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
by Cory Doctorow
http://familjen-persson.se/bilder/omslag/2007/0107.jpg

This is a science fiction work that I ..... couldn't finish. I got a couple chapters in, and while it is set in Disney World, I quickly lost my interest because #1- I don't generally like science fiction. #2- The author made a few mistakes in his portrayel of Disney World, stating facts about DisneyLAND when he was supposed to be in Florida so.... I can not STAND mistakes like that. He also made a mistake regarding the age of the character, first stating he was in his 80s.. than later proclaiming it was in his 100+ yr. Another point is that, as with many sci fi books, there's a whole vocabulary referring to the way of life in this book, that takes place in a few hundred years, btw, and there's NO REFERENCE material in the back like a dictionary for me to understand what things like "whuffies" and "deadheading" mean. And no, we're not referring to the Greatful Dead. Obviously, I don't recommend this book.

The Kingdom Keepers
by Ridley Pearson
http://pbspaces.com/botb/sites/pbspaces.com.botb/img/kingdom%20keepers.jpg

Now, many of you may know of this one. It's about a group of kids who's images were turned into "DHI's" Disney Holographic Images- hosts that would walk around the park spouting trivia and giving tours. The "Overtakers" are basically all the characters in the MK, from Chip and Dale to the pirates in POTC, who come to life at night when there's "no one" around and try to take over "our" world. It's awful. Seriously. I tried to read this book in printed form and I couldn't get past the 4th chapter. I didn't fair much better when I got it on CD and listened to it in the car. Mr. Pearson ALSO made mistakes in his references to the Magic Kingdom in Florida with facts that are from Disneyland. There were also some mistakes where something was stated early, and than restated incorrectly later. HOW DO EDITORS MISS THAT?! The writing is about a 4th-6th grade level. Again, I don't recommend.

DREAM FACTORY
by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler
http://www.nassaulibrary.org/YABookLog/DREAM%20FACTORY%20JACKET%20COVER.jpg

Ok, so this one I am reading, and I'm quite enjoying it. The writing is on par for the expected readership, and no mistakes so far. Basically, it's about a couple of teenagers who get gigs as character actors at WDW while the regular staff is on strike. Two of the kids fall in love... blah blah blah. I can guess how this book ends, but it's enjoyable. And that's what I really care about, not necessarily "substance" or even an "original" story, but that I can enjoy what I'm reading. It also takes place alternating vantage points between characters and that's a style of writing I adore.

The next books are all for research and information. I love each of them and hope to purchase my own copies via Amazon's "used" books for much less than retail.

Walt Disney World with Kids 2009
by Kim Wright Wiley
http://travelingmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/walt_disney_world_with_kids-198x300.jpg

This guidebook has not only a wealth of information, but the style of writing isn't strictly "guidebook" which makes it fun to pick up and put down.

Birnbaum Guides 2009
WDW Dining Guide
http://amyletinsky.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/disneydining.jpg

"A complete insider's guide to dining Disney style"
I had not picked this up last year, as we were doing so much on the fly. However, with our Free Dining trip looming in September, it was almost necessity. Once I thumbed through and realized this gives a full overview of how the DDP works, as well as restaurant indication of participation, I HAD to have it. Usually, I find dining descriptions a bore, but this guide really has some good descriptive writing regarding the many many choices at the World.

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009
By Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa
http://image.campusi.com/image/740/8011740_9780470285701_afc2148e81aa77f7ffc2d4ee983c 84dc_o.jpg

With a crowd calendar rated "9" for our 1-day MK day in July, I NEEDED the expert advice of these guys to make a 1-day touring plan for our family. I love that there are so many touring plans as well. If you have used any of these, please give me your input!!!

The Complete Walt Disney World 2009
By Julie and Mike Neal
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rOqL_PwNKkU/SYoF_3TnOZI/AAAAAAAAAd8/xdOIj8IaW9Q/s400/The+Complete+Walt+Disney+World+2009.jpg

"The definitive Disney handbook:
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the pictures and the very detailed descriptions of parks, lands, rides, attractions, and more in this book. The pictures are what drew me in, but the writing and easy to navigate chapters makes this an invaluable resource for planning and for my Daily Disney Fix.

And on the subject of Disney in general we have:

The Disneyland Encyclopedia
By Chris Strodder
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/read/Disneyland-Encyclopedia.jpg

"The Official, authorized, and precedented history of every land, attraction, restaurant, shop and event in the original MAGIC KINGDOM."
This book is SOOOOOOOOO interesting. If you've ever checked into the Yesterland website, you'll find this a wealth of info. It gives just everything, A-Z in regards to lands, attractions, restaurants.... um.. ok, I guess I already said that. Yes, pick this up, it's great.

Walt Disney Conversations
By Kathy Merlock Jackson
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__arA_6ZjPdU/RxS-AzT1GkI/AAAAAAAAAaI/wkb2GElko0U/s320/cover_walt_disney_conversations.jpg

I haven't made it that far in this book, but what I have read is good so far. Basically covering his management style and the history of the company. Not in-depth, however fact-filled and interesting.

The last book I'm putting up is the last one because I have a little story. It's a handy little book filled with great pictures and information about the park we're going to explore in September: Epcot. Now, one day at work, it was lunchtime and I needed to go for my daily walk. I decided to bring this book, as it's small size makes it very compact and easy to take along. I can tuck this into my purse and pull it out whenever I want. So I go walking with this book one day and after my walk, decide to visit the "loo" before returning to our office. I put the book down, did my business and went back to work. Later that night, I remembered that I had NEVER PICKED IT UP! Doh!! I made a run back to the clinic at 9pm on a Friday night to search for it frantically, to no avail. A custodian took my name and extension # and promised to let me know if it was found. Two days later, I get a call from the library stating that a woman had found the book I'd had checked out at her place of work and returned it for me. OOOOPS!!! :laughing:

The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World
By The Imagineers
http://www.laughingplacestore.com/images/products/8995L.jpg

"An Imagineer's-Eye Tour"
"Facts, Figures, Photos, Stories, Concept Art & More"

Highly recommended by Julezdisney :thumbsup2

Th-Th-Th-Th-That’s all folks!

Charleston Princess

04-26-2009, 08:49 PM

Oh, I like your post about the books! You know I love books! :goodvibes

I'll have to check out The Dream Factory! :thumbsup2

Dylan_&_Blake's_mom

04-27-2009, 12:47 AM

Wow, you are a very ambitious reader,lol. I would like to to try a few of these myself.

2xcited2sleep

04-27-2009, 05:23 AM

Oooh! Thanks for all the book reviews. I had no idea there were so many works of fiction based in WDW! I have always thought that I wanted to write a book but have never come up with a good idea. Hmmm... think anyone would want to read about a bunch of ladies who "talk" on the computer all day about Disney? :rotfl:

Crowd calendar is a 9 for your MK day? :eek: But a 9 in the MK is better than a day anywhere else!! :yay:

kschafer

04-27-2009, 07:04 AM

I have always thought that I wanted to write a book but have never come up with a good idea. Hmmm... think anyone would want to read about a bunch of ladies who "talk" on the computer all day about Disney? :rotfl:

I think I would read it! :lmao:

Charleston Princess

04-27-2009, 07:04 AM

I think I would read it! :lmao:

I know I would buy a copy! :laughing:

Lady Lallie

04-27-2009, 07:38 AM

Look at all of those books! Have you read Realityland??

SwansLoveDisney

04-27-2009, 09:26 PM

I'm joining in! Gotta catch up!

How do you pronounce your son's name?

MEK

04-27-2009, 09:30 PM

That's some serious reading Julez. Makes me want to go out and buy a Disney book. Reading about Disney right before I go to sleep is one of my favorite things to do.

thanks for the synopsis of each book!

tinkgurl

04-30-2009, 10:52 PM

Hey, I just found your PTR! I wish I would've known you started one. I remember reading your other TR.

mom2mek

04-30-2009, 11:00 PM

Hey Julia! I just found your pre-trip!!:cool1: (I just started one for our upcoming couples trip as well, if you're interested....)

I'm so excited for you! :banana::banana:

I really wanted to try out a free dining trip as well....don't think Shawn will go for it though..:rolleyes1

Going to go catch up now....:surfweb:

Sara

julezdisney

05-01-2009, 11:08 AM

Look at all of those books! Have you read Realityland??

I've seen it but I haven't picked it up yet. Maybe that's one I'll order from my library this weekend.

I'm joining in! Gotta catch up!

How do you pronounce your son's name?

Hi Julie!!! Not much catching up to do- I'm overdue for an update. :welcome:

That's some serious reading Julez. Makes me want to go out and buy a Disney book. Reading about Disney right before I go to sleep is one of my favorite things to do.

thanks for the synopsis of each book!

Yes, I love to read Disney before bed. I also like to put an old Promo VHS on autoplay on tv as I drift off. Listening to descriptions of different lands and resorts....

Hey, I just found your PTR! I wish I would've known you started one. I remember reading your other TR.

Hi! :wave2: :welcome: Thanks for joining in! I'm gonna pop over to yours this morning too! :woohoo:

Hey Julia! I just found your pre-trip!!:cool1: (I just started one for our upcoming couples trip as well, if you're interested....)

I'm so excited for you! :banana::banana:

I really wanted to try out a free dining trip as well....don't think Shawn will go for it though..:rolleyes1

Going to go catch up now....:surfweb:

Sara

Yay Sara!!! You're getting to go to the Poly!?! I remember from your TR that you were so wanting to stay there- I can't wait to hear about it! :banana:

princess&her4princes

05-01-2009, 11:28 AM

Thanks for the book reviews...many of them I would like to try myself!! And btw, LOVE :lovestruc Passporters, it's my fav!!:thumbsup2

jenjolt

05-13-2009, 10:08 AM

I'm Late I'm Late For a very important Date....your PTR!! How did I miss this????

I'm soo sorry for the late arrival Julez...but I enjoyed catching up and definitely enjoyed the book reviews!! YAY!! I have a read a couple of those and they are definitely keepers!!!!

julezdisney

05-13-2009, 10:39 AM

Thanks for the book reviews...many of them I would like to try myself!! And btw, LOVE :lovestruc Passporters, it's my fav!!:thumbsup2

You're very welcome! :goodvibes

I'm Late I'm Late For a very important Date....your PTR!! How did I miss this????

I'm soo sorry for the late arrival Julez...but I enjoyed catching up and definitely enjoyed the book reviews!! YAY!! I have a read a couple of those and they are definitely keepers!!!!

Hey Jen! :wave2: Well, to be fair, there's not much goin' on w/this PTR at the moment, but I am planning an update on some things and ideas for this weekend..... :scratchin

julezdisney

05-19-2009, 02:02 PM

HIIIII! :banana:

So today, we are T -17wks and 1 day. :woohoo:

And I.......... booked AIRFARE!!!!!!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::dance3::bana na::banana:

http://www.papermag.com/blogs/southwest_airlines_logo.jpg

So we're leaving Chicago at 11:50 on Wed., Sept 23rd and leaving Orlando at 8am on Sun., Sept. 27th.

Who is? Me and Rachael!

Jim nixed September and I said, "Poo. I'm going anyway!" :snooty:

So my baby and me are taking a "girls only" trip for my birthday.

And I nixed the 1-day in July because it's gonna be "surface of the sun" hot and I don't wanna drive 4 hours just to spend a day in that heat w/those crowds "9". My DISNEY MANIA finally reached it's limit as I contemplated this. :laughing:

INSTEAD, Jim and I may possibly go to do the zipline tour in Orlando and shop at Downtown Disney :yay: Or not. :lmao: I'll have to decide next month. I'm actually getting quite excited about our Captiva Island trip now because instead of staying w/my in-laws in the condo, they rented us one of the best rooms at "South Seas Island Resort" called "Harbourside at the Pointe", which is right inside of the resort area, close to all the "action". I can't wait to relax, and PAWN THE KIDS OFF ON MY IN-LAWS so that DH and I can have some alone time.... :rolleyes1

Here's some pix of the resort:

http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2008/03/ss_southseasisland.jpg

Island Trolley:
http://static.travelmuse.com/docs/artwork/destination-page/us/fl/captiva-page-south-seas-island-resort-trolley-full.jpg

The Harbourside rooms:
http://www.alhi.com/images/memberPhotos/M_SouthSeasIslandResort_FL.jpg

So.... I'm so excited to book our airfare. It finally feels real... and in just a week or two we'll get to see the September hours for me to plan for REAL!!!

tinkgurl

05-19-2009, 02:06 PM

Woo! How exciting! :banana: Hope it's nice in your part of IL today too!

princess&her4princes

05-19-2009, 02:07 PM

Yay for booking your airfare!!!:banana: That always makes it feel more real and in stone, how exciting!!!! And your trip alone with DH sounds wonderful!! SO JEALOUS!!! We have a year + before my parents take our boys for us for our 10 year anniversary so we can have a week alone, I can't wait!!!!:cloud9:

kschafer

05-19-2009, 02:07 PM

Yay julez!!! How exciting. I don't blame you at all for cancelling July now that you know for sure that September will happen. I'm happy for you to be going ahead and doing it even without Jim and Ebin. Will you cross any of the time of the other gnomies in Sept?

Roxychica7

05-19-2009, 02:13 PM

YAY for Airfare being booked!! :cheer2:
And double yay for a girls only trip! How awesome is that going to be!?

One thing on the Southwest flights. Did you book online? I know their flights are super cheap right now, like $45 each way, but not sure how long into the summer that is for. If you did book it online though, keep an eye-out for the pricechanges, a lot of times, they'll have special prices pop up and you can change it to the lower fare and get the difference either as a credit or right into your bank account. Blake and I got almost $150 back last year! :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

05-19-2009, 02:15 PM

Woo hoo for booking your airfare! You are going to have a fabulous time with Rachel!!! :goodvibes

The resort for July looks very relaxing -- you will have a great time there, too.

julezdisney

05-19-2009, 04:32 PM

Woo! How exciting! :banana: Hope it's nice in your part of IL today too!

Oh... yes! It BEAUTIFUL!! I'm at work, of course, but I took a walk at lunch and will take another one afterwards. Don't you just love the beginning of the summer and the end of spring? All the trees are finally green, the flowers are blooming- it's wonderful! :cloud9:

Yay for booking your airfare!!!:banana: That always makes it feel more real and in stone, how exciting!!!! And your trip alone with DH sounds wonderful!! SO JEALOUS!!! We have a year + before my parents take our boys for us for our 10 year anniversary so we can have a week alone, I can't wait!!!!:cloud9:

Yes yes yes! ::yes:: Definitely more in "stone" now. Love it! And we won't really be "alone" in July, but with the in-laws on hand to take their grand kids, we'll be def. spending a lot of time alone!

Yay julez!!! How exciting. I don't blame you at all for cancelling July now that you know for sure that September will happen. I'm happy for you to be going ahead and doing it even without Jim and Ebin. Will you cross any of the time of the other gnomies in Sept?

That's a very good questions- what of it, my Gnomies? We gonna cross paths and have a gigglefest or what?!

And MEK- where are ya?! We can plan our arrival day meetup now! :hippie:

YAY for Airfare being booked!! :cheer2:
And double yay for a girls only trip! How awesome is that going to be!?

One thing on the Southwest flights. Did you book online? I know their flights are super cheap right now, like $45 each way, but not sure how long into the summer that is for. If you did book it online though, keep an eye-out for the pricechanges, a lot of times, they'll have special prices pop up and you can change it to the lower fare and get the difference either as a credit or right into your bank account. Blake and I got almost $150 back last year! :thumbsup2

Yes, our first girls-only trip, I'm so excited! princess:princess:

And THANK YOU! :worship: for reminding me that I can get a price change if I catch it! From Chicago, we're getting $79 down and $83 back. We could get the $4 less fare through our local airline, Allegiant Air, but then I'd have to pay $60 transfer fee back to Orlando-Sanford International instead of MCO, so kinda negates the discount, huh? I'm super happy though to be snagging such low airfare. :woohoo:

Woo hoo for booking your airfare! You are going to have a fabulous time with Rachel!!! :goodvibes

The resort for July looks very relaxing -- you will have a great time there, too.

Yes, I'm excited for July- FINALLY! I was really hyperventilating there for a minute but since our room is right in the area of the marina, restauraunts, activity areas, 2 pools, the gym, and the jacuzzi- I'm happy now! :rolleyes:

Boy, that makes me seem like a very spoiled brat when I say it like that, doesn't it? :rotfl2: