Looking for Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere a PTR

[MRYPPNS]

I'm sorry I missed your post the other day....

I think we all think that wall in the planning. You can only do so much ahead of time and then you are just spinning your wheels over the same stuff.

My educated guess is that room only discounts will be released for your dates. Maybe as late at mid-October.

All I can say about ADRs is less is less sometimes. Less ADRs the less stress before and during your vacation. And less money and less time. Just something to think about.


To MRYPPNS Danica is absolutely adorable!



Thank you!

[princess&her4princes]

I'm so glad you like it. It looks adorable on her.



You know, you ever have a girl, I'd be happy to knit one for you too! ;) Just sayin!

As tempting as that is.....lol!! I think I'll stick with my three boys.... I've met my limit!! LOL!! But thank you!!:goodvibes It was ADORABLE!!!!

Sounds like you're hitting the wall with the planning...I"m feeling the same way....I have to post my plans, but I'm sick of being the only one planning on my trip and my party doesn't seem to care.....they don't get DIS....hmm....so I feel your pain! Take a deep breath...it will be okay!!!!:wizard:

Hope you had a nice weekend with no planning!!!!!!:cloud9:

[If U Had Wings]

As tempting as that is.....lol!! I think I'll stick with my three boys.... I've met my limit!! LOL!! But thank you!!:goodvibes It was ADORABLE!!!!

Sounds like you're hitting the wall with the planning...I"m feeling the same way....I have to post my plans, but I'm sick of being the only one planning on my trip and my party doesn't seem to care.....they don't get DIS....hmm....so I feel your pain! Take a deep breath...it will be okay!!!!:wizard:

Hope you had a nice weekend with no planning!!!!!!:cloud9:

Okay...just keep it in mind. :lmao:

I think the lack of input from my friend is starting to get to me too. I forwarded her a plan for the week, asking for her opinion, and haven't heard anything from her. Ugh! I think I just spoil people by being the one to worry about everything.

[Happydog]

Hi! I've seen you posting here and there..... but I just came over to your PTR today... I think they just offered the room only discount you are looking for? I see it popping up on the DIS? "save at least 28%"? Re the AP discount, I think you have to give them your AP # to do it... or at least I did, when I called to add two nights to our Dec trip... but I would still check with the CM's and just ask? I think it is worth a shot, the % is 40%, but I think the dec rate for your dates is really good.... less than $200.00 a night for WL...

Oh, I am exploring that Princess 1/2 too ;)!!! SO good for you!

[MyMuse]

I've been enjoying your PTR. :goodvibes

I wanted to let you know that I think most planners hit a wall. Taking a step back might help and de-stress you a little. Chances are a room-only code will come out soon, though free dining through December came out as well.

I don't know if that is good news or bad news for you. I know it is also difficult when you ahve someone going with you that doesn't share and/or shoulder some of the plans with you. I think all my future trips will be solo or semi-solo. My May trip taught me that! :lmao:

Here's to you getting your pixie dust back soon. :wizard::grouphug:

[If U Had Wings]

Hi! I've seen you posting here and there..... but I just came over to your PTR today... I think they just offered the room only discount you are looking for? I see it popping up on the DIS? "save at least 28%"? Re the AP discount, I think you have to give them your AP # to do it... or at least I did, when I called to add two nights to our Dec trip... but I would still check with the CM's and just ask? I think it is worth a shot, the % is 40%, but I think the dec rate for your dates is really good.... less than $200.00 a night for WL...

Oh, I am exploring that Princess 1/2 too ;)!!! SO good for you!

I did find the room only code today, purely by accident. I was playing on the website with the free dining stuff and found the magic words - click here for room only deals. Now I'm playing around with Disney math and making some hard decisions.

I would love to get a deal on my WL dates. That would be sweet!

And thanks for visiting! :)

I've been enjoying your PTR. :goodvibes

I wanted to let you know that I think most planners hit a wall. Taking a step back might help and de-stress you a little. Chances are a room-only code will come out soon, though free dining through December came out as well.

I don't know if that is good news or bad news for you. I know it is also difficult when you ahve someone going with you that doesn't share and/or shoulder some of the plans with you. I think all my future trips will be solo or semi-solo. My May trip taught me that! :lmao:

Here's to you getting your pixie dust back soon. :wizard::grouphug:

Her ambivalence is a good and bad thing. Good because it's really easy plan a vacation with her, but bad because occasionally I'd like a little input. I guess it's good to know that I know she'll be happy no matter what I decide.

[If U Had Wings]

Okay, I'm calling all my readers for a bit of help and their 2 cents. I'm hoping you all can help me make a decision.

I was poking around on the Disney site today just checking out the free dining rates, when I noticed down lower on one page a lovely little link. A click here for great room only rates link. :cool1: (They are hiding it on all of us!)

I started playing around with it, checking out some rates and now I have a few tough decisions to make. I've narrowed my decisions down to 4, including the stay with what I already have choice.

Option #1
My first choice would have been to keep the WL for the entire week. Sadly there are no rooms available at the WL for my dates. If I want to keep the WL, I'm going to have to keep it with my AAA rate which is I think about 20%. This way I'll still have a split stay, making me a bit nervous about getting tables for free dining.

Option #2
I can get a standard view room at AKL for the entire week for about what I'm currently due to pay. I think I'll save about $20 or something if I switch. I'll gain the benefit of having my whole week at one place for ADRs and I'll still have my balcony. The downside is that we'd be pretty far off from everything, and my balcony may overlook the parking lot.

Option #3
I can save a bit more by changing over to CBR. If I book a week at CBR I'll save about $440 off the total rate, so about $220 for me. Again I'd have my whole week at one place for ADR planning, I like the beachy theme, and I'd save enough money to swing 2 days in March for the princess marathon. (I'd only have one more day to pay for then). Downside - no balcony, and again I'd be away from the MK area.

Option #4
The only option that will cost me more money. For a mere $100 more I can upgrade the WL portion of my trip to my dream resort - the Boardwalk Inn with a standard view room. (Once I apply the POP discount to my POP room). This is very tempting!!!! Still, it's not solving my ADR problem, but it may be the best chance I have of staying at my dream place.

So my question is what would you do? For those of you that have stayed at the WL is it really that wonderful that I shouldn't give up the ressie I booked last September? Would you book your dream resort if it meant you may have problems getting all the ADRs you wanted? Stay at the same rate and stay at a different deluxe for the entire week? Or would you just go for the savings - forgetting the luxury and go with the best deal?

A nice code was supposed to be making my life easier, not harder. I don't know why I'm so afraid to let go of my WL ressie. When I made it, I wasn't even all that excited about it. Now I'm reluctant to let go of it. I don't know anymore if it's because I really want to stay there, or it's because I've had the reservation for so long.

I think I'm going to go torment myself with some resort pics!

[Flossbolna]

As a long time member of the Jambo thread (the unofficial AKL FAQ and chat thread) I guess my advise has to be to take Option 2! :goodvibes

Seriously: I think AKL is a wonderful resort! Have you ever visited it? I have seen many pictures of the Christmas decorations and while it is not traditional, it is spectacular. They really do a wonderful job at decorating!

Generally AKL transportation is considered to be very good. The transit time to AK is less than 5 minutes, to Epcot and DHS about 10-15 min and to MK 15-20 min. The big advantage is that once you are on the bus it will go directly to the park. On the way back you now have one stop at Kidani, but still that's pretty good! From what I have read at WL you would need to stop at another resort for all trips besides the MK. I never felt too far away from everything at AKL, but well connected to everything. In contrast at the Poly, I felt close to MK and Epcot, but really removed from DHS and AK.

Standard view: There are standard view rooms that are sub standard savanna views, so if you request "not parking lot view" you might have a chance to score one of those. You could also always ask at check in wether you can upgrade to a pool view room for the price difference which I think is 5 $ per night. I guess pool view is not available with the discount?

I am really sorry that this makes your life even more difficult!! :hug:

[Lady Lallie]

Honestly, if I were you....I'd pick one of the options that would have you staying at one place for the week.

That way you don't have to worry about your ADRs and you don't have to switch resorts.

Personally, I'd go with AK.

[If U Had Wings]

As a long time member of the Jambo thread (the unofficial AKL FAQ and chat thread) I guess my advise has to be to take Option 2! :goodvibes

Seriously: I think AKL is a wonderful resort! Have you ever visited it? I have seen many pictures of the Christmas decorations and while it is not traditional, it is spectacular. They really do a wonderful job at decorating!

Generally AKL transportation is considered to be very good. The transit time to AK is less than 5 minutes, to Epcot and DHS about 10-15 min and to MK 15-20 min. The big advantage is that once you are on the bus it will go directly to the park. On the way back you now have one stop at Kidani, but still that's pretty good! From what I have read at WL you would need to stop at another resort for all trips besides the MK. I never felt too far away from everything at AKL, but well connected to everything. In contrast at the Poly, I felt close to MK and Epcot, but really removed from DHS and AK.

Standard view: There are standard view rooms that are sub standard savanna views, so if you request "not parking lot view" you might have a chance to score one of those. You could also always ask at check in wether you can upgrade to a pool view room for the price difference which I think is 5 $ per night. I guess pool view is not available with the discount?

I am really sorry that this makes your life even more difficult!! :hug:

I did stay at the AKL. We got upgraded from POFQ when they closed the entire place down for renovations back in 2003. I loved it. It's making it very tempting to go there again.

They only had regular standard view rooms and savannah bunk bed rooms available for our trip for the entire week. I would have liked to see a pool view room!

I just have way too many decisions!

Honestly, if I were you....I'd pick one of the options that would have you staying at one place for the week.

That way you don't have to worry about your ADRs and you don't have to switch resorts.

Personally, I'd go with AK.

It is tempting! Of course then I went to allears and looked at the fabulous renovated rooms at BWI. I'm just hopeless. (We also won't mention that I priced an upgrade to BCV too that would be less than my current WL ressie :rolleyes1).

[Lady Lallie]

Really?

Hmmmm.

I thought you wanted to stay at Boardwalk solo though, or am I going crazy? If you are willing to stay with your friend then DO IT. :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

BC or BW both are walking distance to many things... AK seems so nice, but no walking options... WL is BEAUTIFUL. I loved it, but if you can't get the whole week, I would do as LL says, stay one place whole week...

[If U Had Wings]

Really?

Hmmmm.

I thought you wanted to stay at Boardwalk solo though, or am I going crazy? If you are willing to stay with your friend then DO IT. :thumbsup2

I'd prefer solo, but the rate is nearly $100 off a night, then when you split it with someone else... The pictures I've been finding are just so gorgeous!

BC or BW both are walking distance to many things... AK seems so nice, but no walking options... WL is BEAUTIFUL. I loved it, but if you can't get the whole week, I would do as LL says, stay one place whole week...

I love AK, and really the only reason why I'm leaning towards the other choices is that I've stayed there before. I'm thinking that I want to try something new this trip. It's really coming down to the week long issue.

[MRYPPNS]

Well it seems that you have made up your mind. Good for you!

[Lady Lallie]

I spy a new ticker! :banana:

[If U Had Wings]

I can't put anything past you guys. :lmao: I was going to do a post, but figured nah...I'll see how long it takes someone to notice the ticker.

It took less than 20 minutes! :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Well, I was just about to say go with option number 4 -- you can't beat just paying a hundred dollars more -- but you already did it!!! :goodvibes

[Happydog]

Great choice! $100.00 isn't that much when you divide it by the nights stayed, so really it is not much at all.... :thumbsup2

[MinnieNurse]

Glad you went with your dream resort. I think you will be happier this way and have no regrets. I was sitting looking at your choices thinking I could do any of the 4 and still be happy. Thats the good thing about Disney, there really aren't to many bad choices. :thumbsup2

[jenjolt]

I think you made a great decision!!! I would definitely stay at my dream resort if I could for only $100.00 more!! Okay for someone who had a split ressie and had to make ADRs....have both of your reservation numbers and don't hesitate to talk to the CM and see if they can't find a way to make all your ADRs at the same time. I know people :rolleyes1 who have had luck with this and were able to make all of their ressies at one time...don't hesitate to call back and ask another CM!!!

If not I have heard at the 90 day window they do open more tables so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting all the ADRs that you want!! And for your dream resort...I think it will be well worth it LOL!!

[TarzansKat]

Good for you, hon! I'm happy you're getting to stay at your dream resort. For $100, I think it's TOTALLY worth it! :thumbsup2

[Donald is #1]

As a long time member of the Jambo thread (the unofficial AKL FAQ and chat thread) I guess my advise has to be to take Option 2! :goodvibes

Seriously: I think AKL is a wonderful resort! Have you ever visited it? I have seen many pictures of the Christmas decorations and while it is not traditional, it is spectacular. They really do a wonderful job at decorating!

Generally AKL transportation is considered to be very good. The transit time to AK is less than 5 minutes, to Epcot and DHS about 10-15 min and to MK 15-20 min. The big advantage is that once you are on the bus it will go directly to the park. On the way back you now have one stop at Kidani, but still that's pretty good! From what I have read at WL you would need to stop at another resort for all trips besides the MK. I never felt too far away from everything at AKL, but well connected to everything. In contrast at the Poly, I felt close to MK and Epcot, but really removed from DHS and AK.

Standard view: There are standard view rooms that are sub standard savanna views, so if you request "not parking lot view" you might have a chance to score one of those. You could also always ask at check in wether you can upgrade to a pool view room for the price difference which I think is 5 $ per night. I guess pool view is not available with the discount?

I am really sorry that this makes your life even more difficult!! :hug:


:rotfl2: I was going to post something similar. I guess that the Jambo thread has worn off on me. :lmao:

I can't put anything past you guys. :lmao: I was going to do a post, but figured nah...I'll see how long it takes someone to notice the ticker.

It took less than 20 minutes! :rotfl:

:lmao: Awesome!

[If U Had Wings]

Well, I was just about to say go with option number 4 -- you can't beat just paying a hundred dollars more -- but you already did it!!! :goodvibes

Even better is that with my friend going, I only have to pay $50 for my upgrade!

Great choice! $100.00 isn't that much when you divide it by the nights stayed, so really it is not much at all.... :thumbsup2

I'm happy with my decision. I like looking at it your way! Really it's costing me a bit more that $7 a day more. :thumbsup2

Glad you went with your dream resort. I think you will be happier this way and have no regrets. I was sitting looking at your choices thinking I could do any of the 4 and still be happy. Thats the good thing about Disney, there really aren't to many bad choices. :thumbsup2

I was really torn, but I'm happy with my decision. All the great pictures of the rooms were just way too tempting.

I think you made a great decision!!! I would definitely stay at my dream resort if I could for only $100.00 more!! Okay for someone who had a split ressie and had to make ADRs....have both of your reservation numbers and don't hesitate to talk to the CM and see if they can't find a way to make all your ADRs at the same time. I know people :rolleyes1 who have had luck with this and were able to make all of their ressies at one time...don't hesitate to call back and ask another CM!!!

If not I have heard at the 90 day window they do open more tables so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting all the ADRs that you want!! And for your dream resort...I think it will be well worth it LOL!!

Thanks for the ADR tips. I'm hoping it doesn't end up being too bad. The good thing is that since I'm not on the meal plan I won't feel like I have to get all TS ressies. If I don't than I'll just make due somehow.

Good for you, hon! I'm happy you're getting to stay at your dream resort. For $100, I think it's TOTALLY worth it! :thumbsup2

Thanks! I can't wait to stay there. My own little mini dream come true.

:rotfl2: I was going to post something similar. I guess that the Jambo thread has worn off on me. :lmao:


I was really tempted by the thought of an entire week at AKL, but wanted to try somewhere new. The rates for the standard rooms there were fantastic!

[Flossbolna]

What a great decision!! :goodvibes The Boardwalk is the one deluxe resort I feel I really need to stay at one day (having done AKL and the Poly already!) and getting to do it with such a great rate is wonderful! I remembered that this trip was about doing new things, so your choice really fits in with that theme! :goodvibes

I am wondering wether I need to come back to the idea of staying at the Boardwalk this January... :confused:

[All7OfUs]

Hey Wings

Looks like you are going to be VERY, very happy with this choice! Only $7 extra dollars a day is such a great deal for you to be in a place you are really happy with!!!

Go, Girl!!

[If U Had Wings]

What a great decision!! :goodvibes The Boardwalk is the one deluxe resort I feel I really need to stay at one day (having done AKL and the Poly already!) and getting to do it with such a great rate is wonderful! I remembered that this trip was about doing new things, so your choice really fits in with that theme! :goodvibes

I am wondering wether I need to come back to the idea of staying at the Boardwalk this January... :confused:

Thanks. Now that the decision has been made, I just know it was the right one. I've wanted to stay there for so long, it just feels right!

Hey Wings

Looks like you are going to be VERY, very happy with this choice! Only $7 extra dollars a day is such a great deal for you to be in a place you are really happy with!!!

Go, Girl!!

Thanks! I can't wait. I did have to make a trade off in making this decision, but with yet another change I've made I have no real qualms about it. More on that in my next update!;)

[If U Had Wings]

So when we last left off with a regular update, I was being cranky and miserable about my lack of a discount code. I think my crankiness was a sign that I was in desperate need of some vacation time. :) Luckily I took care of that this week as I took 2 days off to spend some quality time with my nieces. Tuesday we headed to the beach to play in the sand, and then Wednesday we headed in to NYC to see Shrek The Musical. It was fantastic! I think I loved it more than The Little Mermaid that we saw a few weeks ago. The two days off did me a world of good too. I really needed a few days off from the office. Spending time with the girls always puts me into a better mood too.

Anyways, as the new ticker has given away there have been some changes made to my trip. Actually, I've made an additional change since I created the ticker, just because I'm me and I can't leave well enough alone. :lmao:

Last week I was poking around on the Disney site, and figured I'd at least play around with the numbers and see if it would be more beneficial to change over to a package to get the free dining deal. That's when I saw the link. The "Room Only Discounts" link I had been hoping for.

I started plugging in my dates, and saw that my POP stay was now down to super bargin $59 a night. Sweet! Then I checked my WL dates. The only discounted room they were offering for the WL was a courtyard view room with bunkbeds, and the rate was higher than what I was currently paying. So I started plugging in other resorts, and time frames and narrowed my choices down to four.

I was stuck at work that morning, so I couldn't call CRO until my lunch hour. I still had really no idea what I was going to do when I called, but I had pretty much narrowed it down to either staying at WL or switching to the Boardwalk - still with the split stay. I was expecting to be stuck on hold for ages since I figured they'd be swamped with everyone calling for the free dining, but I got a CM on the phone right away.

First I tried to get the discounted rate on my POP stay. Unfortunately the wait from when I found the deal online that morning, to when I was able to call hurt me. There were no discounts still available for POP. :sad2: The only value they still had the discount available for was ASSp, or for a bit more I could book a preferred room at ASSp or ASMo.

Carp! I wasn't expecting to have to face losing my POP stay. The cheapskate in me really didn't want to pay more for a value resort if a super deal was out there and available, but truthfully ASSp would be my absolute last choice of all the values. Now I was stuck on the phone with a CM who was going to need a decision. I ended up going with Sports. I'm not really thrilled with my decision, but I do feel it was the right one. I'm planning on my first few days being heavy park days, so I'm not going to be in the room much at all. As much as I'm not really excited by the theme of ASSports, it would really be a waste to shell out more money than necessary. Besides that money could be better spent on the second half of my stay. :)

My biggest concern though is that it's going to be loud there with the Pop Warner group staying there. I'm a very light sleeper, and am afraid that it may be noisey. Luckily I usually don't fall asleep until late anyways, so maybe I won't be too affected.

[All7OfUs]

:hug: Ugh! I'm so sad that you couldn't get your POP discounts!! I really hope you can be seriously OK with ASSp! I guesss I'm sorta like you; I'd rather spend the money somewhere else if I won't be there much on those days. I think it will grow on you in the end. Now, we all just need to hope that it won't, indeed, be too loud and you will be able to get some sleep.

I wish I could say the same for my nieces! They are really bratty and spoiled, so it's hard to spend time with them at all. Glad you could enjoy their company and have a fun time doing some fun-sounding things. The beach sounds nice!

[If U Had Wings]

So now that I had changed the first half of my trip, it was time to move on the second half. The CM went in to check if there was anything available for the WL for my dates and found nothing but the bunkbed room. Then I had her check on the Boardwalk. The discount rate that when combined with the money I saved my switching to ASSports would only end up adding $100 on to our total was still available. What to do? It felt like I took forever to make a decision, but in reality it was probably only a few seconds. Switch to Boardwak, my dream resort, and hope my friend likes it as much as me, or keep with the WL which is supposed to be phenomenal at Christmas time.

I paused, and then made the switch, and immediately felt content with my decision.

I came to the conclusion that I'm not going to worry if she likes it there or not. I want to stay there, and who knows when such a good deal is going to come around again. Life is short, and I'm taking advantage of staying where I want to this year since I can afford it.

Great right? I'm staying where I've always dreamed of, with a great rate. I shouldn't have to make any more changes right?

Well...

I couldn't leave well enough alone. The ASSports stay was really eating at me. On Thursday I went online to see if anything had opened up at one of the other values. Nope. Rats! What annoys me though is that if I spent the entire week (12/5 - 12/12) at POP I would be able to get the $59 rate, but not for the period of just 12/5 - 12/8. I don't get why.

Out of curiosity I decided to plug in my Boardwalk dates and just see what it would cost to upgrade to a waterview room. While I was thrilled to be staying there at all, in my dreams I was always sitting on a balcony looking at the lake and boardwalk. The cost to upgrade to a waterview was over $300 for the 4 nights, and much as I'd love a waterview I wasn't going to shell out that kind of money for it. However for just a bit over $100 (total) I could upgrade to a standard concierge level room. I checked the regular rack rates for the Boardwalk and found it's normally cheaper to upgrade to a waterview room (+$70 a night) than a standard concierge (+ $115 a night). To be able to upgrade to concierge for less than $140 for 4 nights was a phenomenal deal.

I never thought I would be able to stay concierge, but it was such a fantastic offer I decided to grab it so I called and changed my reservation yet again. :) Even the CM seemed amazed at what a deal it was. She figured it was costing us $23 more per night at the Boardwalk, and that if we each enjoy one glass of wine with some snacks a night we will make back the money.

So I am not staying 4 nights at my dream resort on the concierge level. :cool1::cool1: Words cannot express how excited I am. Now standard concierge rooms at the boardwalk do not guarantee a water view room, you have to book a deluxe concierge room for that, but it is a possibility. I put in a request for one when I changed the reservation. I definitely won't have a few of the parking lot though, and I will definitely have a balcony. The wonderful CM I was talking to said she doesn't usually get specific room requests from people at the Boardwalk, so I might have a good shot at my water view. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[Flossbolna]

Wow, concierge level! :cloud9: While ASSp really is a bit of a let down, you now have such a wonderful ending for your vacation! It sounds wonderful and I will keep my fingers crossed that you get a great water view!!

Actually, I think ASSp won't be too bad. I like the look of the updated rooms there and at ASMu a lot. In my opinion they look much more attractive than the POP rooms.

[Charleston Princess]

I think you will be fine at ASSports especially since you know you are headed for concierge level at the Boardwalk! How awesome is that???

[Lady Lallie]

HOW EXCITING!

I'm so excited for about your Boardwalk upgrade!! :banana:

I think you will like All Star Sports. You will have an advantage with the buses because they pick up and drop off there first when you share with the other too All Stars. I'd bring some ear plugs just in case your sleep is disrupted. :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

I remember checking out the concierge level rooms when we were adding the two days onto our trip. It was a fantastic deal! Congratulations, I'm very, very happy for you! I can't tell you how much money you'll save on food by being able to nosh on the nummies they put out for you. It's lovely to be able to snack away whenever you want. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

:hug: Ugh! I'm so sad that you couldn't get your POP discounts!! I really hope you can be seriously OK with ASSp! I guesss I'm sorta like you; I'd rather spend the money somewhere else if I won't be there much on those days. I think it will grow on you in the end. Now, we all just need to hope that it won't, indeed, be too loud and you will be able to get some sleep.

I wish I could say the same for my nieces! They are really bratty and spoiled, so it's hard to spend time with them at all. Glad you could enjoy their company and have a fun time doing some fun-sounding things. The beach sounds nice!

I'm hoping it's okay. The themeing at Sports doesn't really appeal to me that much, but really I'll be there for what 1/2 a day on Saturday, and then two full days? I check out of there on Tuesday. I think I can tolerate it for that long.

I did have a wonderful day with my nieces, thanks! They are handfuls, but I love every minute of it. They keep me focused on what's important, because there is nothing more important to me than keeping the two of them with smiles on their faces. Luckily it takes very little to make them happy.:lovestruc

Wow, concierge level! :cloud9: While ASSp really is a bit of a let down, you now have such a wonderful ending for your vacation! It sounds wonderful and I will keep my fingers crossed that you get a great water view!!

Actually, I think ASSp won't be too bad. I like the look of the updated rooms there and at ASMu a lot. In my opinion they look much more attractive than the POP rooms.

I heard that the rooms had been updated recently, so that's definitely a plus.

I think you will be fine at ASSports especially since you know you are headed for concierge level at the Boardwalk! How awesome is that???

I know! Once I booked the concierge stay I really started caring less about ASSports! The CM I talked to on the phone was laughing and telling me it was a good thing that our ASSports stay was first, or it would be a real let down after the Boardwalk.

HOW EXCITING!

I'm so excited for about your Boardwalk upgrade!! :banana:

I think you will like All Star Sports. You will have an advantage with the buses because they pick up and drop off there first when you share with the other too All Stars. I'd bring some ear plugs just in case your sleep is disrupted. :thumbsup2

I didn't know that they were the first stop. I have to admit that I do like that alot. I like the fact that the resort is a bit smaller too. Hopefully the cheerleaders won't be too loud.

I remember checking out the concierge level rooms when we were adding the two days onto our trip. It was a fantastic deal! Congratulations, I'm very, very happy for you! I can't tell you how much money you'll save on food by being able to nosh on the nummies they put out for you. It's lovely to be able to snack away whenever you want. :goodvibes

Thanks! I've been checking out the concierge threads and it all looks so good! It's going to be hard waiting to go though!

[All7OfUs]

I like what you've done in the end! I think if you hit some reviews of the Sports, it might grow on you. See if you can find some hidden Mickeys, make a little scavenger hunt for yourself... it might be a lot of "fun" after all :)

and wow! concierge level! Too sweet!! Nice score!

[jenjolt]

What a great number of changes and excellent ones at that!!!! Conceigre level...that is amazing...you are going to have the best time and what a great deal you got!!! ON top of it all you are staying at your dream resort!! How exciting!!! I can't wait to hear more about your plans!

[Donald is #1]

Wow!!! :banana::banana: BWI with Concierge for almost no cost difference? Incredible!

[If U Had Wings]

I like what you've done in the end! I think if you hit some reviews of the Sports, it might grow on you. See if you can find some hidden Mickeys, make a little scavenger hunt for yourself... it might be a lot of "fun" after all :)

and wow! concierge level! Too sweet!! Nice score!

The concierge bump up definitely is easing my disappointment over losing POP. I think I'm going to be fine at Sports though.

What a great number of changes and excellent ones at that!!!! Conceigre level...that is amazing...you are going to have the best time and what a great deal you got!!! ON top of it all you are staying at your dream resort!! How exciting!!! I can't wait to hear more about your plans!

Thanks. Never in a million years would I ever have thought I'd be staying concierge. :banana: I'm so glad I went back and was poking around on the site now to see it.

Wow!!! :banana::banana: BWI with Concierge for almost no cost difference? Incredible!

It is amazing isn't it? I was a bit shocked at how little an upgrade it was. Way too good of an opportunity to pass up.

[MRYPPNS]

The concierge bump up definitely is easing my disappointment over losing POP. I think I'm going to be fine at Sports though.



I think I forgot to comment on your new news.....

Concierge is very exciting. I've seen food reviews on concierge breakfasts....wow! No need to go out for breakfast now and you'll save the money you would have spend on it.

I'm staying at All Star Music in October....I really don't want to but it will be ok I guess...... Sleep, shower and breakfast.....that's all I'm using it for. Hopefully I'll be able to give some kind words about All Stars when I get back for you.

[If U Had Wings]

Okay, now that I'm settled into a resort, it's time for planning the good stuff! :cool1:Fun and food!:cool1:

I originally had a plan all set when this was still a solo trip, but once my BFF was invited, a few changes had to be made so I could make sure we would both be happy with the plans. So another plan was created. Then I switched my resorts and the plan had to get changed up again. I had to rethink my scheduling a bit once I changed resorts. The original plan was a bit more Magic Kingdom area focused, since our last four days were going to be spent at the Wilderness Lodge. Now that we will be in the Epcot area at the Boardwalk, I'm trying to do a bit of replanning. It would be a waste to not take advantage of being within walking distance of both Epcot and MGM. (Can I say how much I'm looking forward to that?) :banana:

Since we will be staying concierge level for our last four days, the Boardwalk's IPO office will take care of all our ADR's for us (for those last days at any rate). I'm hoping this helps us out a bit with a few of the tougher ADRs on my plan. I'll just have to take care of the first three days myself. I was feeling a bit torn about turning over the planning for those days, but it's going to make my life much easier, as I would have had to take a morning off of work to make my ADRs. I have to say though that it's awfully difficult to come up with a plan when Disney won't release their hours for December. The limited schedule now for Fantasmic! in particular is really playing havoc with my plans. I hate not having any clue when it will be showing. Even though it's my favorite night time show, I was going to bypass it just to avoid the aggravation when I was going solo. My friend however would really prefer not to miss it, so I'm going to try my best.

So right now the plans for the first three days are:

Day 1 (Saturday) - Magic Kingdom
We are flying out of different airports, but we are scheduled to arrive within 10 minutes of each other. The plan is to meet up at the ME desk and head to ASSports. We are due to get in really early this trip. My BFF arrives at 9:15 am and my flight arrives at 9:25 am. I'm doubting that we'll be able to get into our room right away, so we will probably head to a park and grab some lunch. It will definitely be the MK today, since our arrival day is Walt Disney's birthday. I'd like to squeeze in a nap at some point, as the MK was open late last year on this date. I'll need a rest if I'm going to be up late.

Diner - The Plaza - I originally was thinking 'Ohana for dinner, but I'm doubting that I'll be able to snag an ADR. Now I'm leaning towards The Plaza. I haven't been there in ages, but it has always been a favorite of mine, and hopefully should be an easier ADR to get. I don't have a back up restaurant though, so hopefully I'll get the Plaza and not have to worry.

Day 2 (Sunday)- Animal Kingdom.
Lunch - Flame Tree BBQ - a must. It's the only CS meal that I actually plan on. I love the fruit plate they offer. I don't understand why the rest of the CS places in the parks don't offer one as well. Yum!

Dinner - Boma - I'll be crushed if I don't get this one. It's become my place to have dinner on AK nights. I love all the soups! The back up plan in case I don't get into Boma is Raglan Road at DTD.


Those days were easy enough to plan, and haven't really changed much since I booked my original trip. Then comes the harder stuff.


Day 3 - Epcot/MGM (Monday)
Breakfast - Akerhaus - I'm a little unsure about this ADR. I originally was going to try for later in the week, but now that we're staying CL and get a continental breakfast in the lounge, I moved it. Now I'm not so sure I'm going to try at all. :confused3 It's a lot of money to be spending just on breakfast. Still it does sometimes feature Belle in her gold dress, even though I figure we'll be looking like a couple of goofs with no kids at a princess breakfast.:crazy:

Dinner - Brown Derby (Fantasmic Package if available) - I was a bit torn on this ADR as well. Part of me wants to check out the Sci Fi drive in, but honestly the menu there doesn't thrill me. I'm dying to try the Cobb salad, and I know that the food will be much better at the Brown Derby. I also love 50's Prime Time, and wouldn't mind eating there either. This leaves me with three choices. Right now I'm leaning towards the Brown Derby, but I'm not 100% convinced.

[pooh'smate]

I have to say though that it's awfully difficult to come up with a plan when Disney won't release their hours for December. The limited schedule now for Fantasmic! in particular is really playing havoc with my plans. I hate not having any clue when it will be showing.

I have to say that I am in the same boathttp://www.smileyhut.com/vehicles/boat.gif (http://www.smileyhut.com) as you. We are leaving on your Monday and it is so hard to know when to plan for Fantasmic. Neither one of us has seen it so we would like to see it and I have to make my dining reservations before the Dec hours are released. :rolleyes:

[Flossbolna]

If you want to meet Belle, I would say go for it!! :goodvibes I think at Disney you can be as crazy as you want and I am sure there are plenty of adults going to princess meals every day!

I think Boma should be available without problem, especially if you are a bit flexible with your time. In January we were able to book it 50 days before our trip. And with three TS restaurants at AKL/AKV and Tusker House at AK, I think the pressure has been taken away a bit from Boma...

I've been meaning to PM you for ages about hair... I am doing very good with it, but am still trying to figure out things and find out which products work for me. The best thing is plopping overnight, it's so easy to wake up to hair that looks great!!

[Lady Lallie]

I say go for the Akershus Breakfast! I bet you will have a grand time. :goodvibes

Brown Derby is delicious, have you never been? Or has it just been awhile?

[jenjolt]

I love your plans so far!!!!

I loved going to Askerhus so I would suggest keeping it!! I was a single gal taking pictures with the princesses so that was a lot of fun!!!

OOH...Brown Derby is a slice of heaven!! I really love that restaurant!!!

[If U Had Wings]

I have to say that I am in the same boathttp://www.smileyhut.com/vehicles/boat.gif (http://www.smileyhut.com) as you. We are leaving on your Monday and it is so hard to know when to plan for Fantasmic. Neither one of us has seen it so we would like to see it and I have to make my dining reservations before the Dec hours are released. :rolleyes:

It's horrible having to plan around it. I think they will probably be releasing Dec. hours right as I'll be making my ADRs. You definitely should try to make it to Fantasmic. I love it!

If you want to meet Belle, I would say go for it!! :goodvibes I think at Disney you can be as crazy as you want and I am sure there are plenty of adults going to princess meals every day!

I think Boma should be available without problem, especially if you are a bit flexible with your time. In January we were able to book it 50 days before our trip. And with three TS restaurants at AKL/AKV and Tusker House at AK, I think the pressure has been taken away a bit from Boma...

I know my friend is always up for acting like a kid. Our last trip together she humored me with waiting in line to meet Donald and Captain Jack. I just couldn't talk her into wearing a costume for MNSSHP. :)



I'm so glad that it's working for you. It's worked wonders for me, and I can't sing it's praises enough.



[QUOTE=Lady Lallie;33103795]I say go for the Akershus Breakfast! I bet you will have a grand time. :goodvibes

Brown Derby is delicious, have you never been? Or has it just been awhile?

I've been twice to Brown Derby. We were able to grab an ADR for there while at Disney last year. I love it there. I'm tempted by the Sci Fi just to check it out, but the Brown Derby is such a wonderful relaxing oasis in the middle of the parks. And really if I'm planning on having cobb salad for diner, it's not really much more expensive then eating at Sci Fi.

I love your plans so far!!!!

I loved going to Askerhus so I would suggest keeping it!! I was a single gal taking pictures with the princesses so that was a lot of fun!!!

OOH...Brown Derby is a slice of heaven!! I really love that restaurant!!!

I'm glad to hear you loved Askerhus. I was toying with there and CRT. CRT is just way too crazy expensive though for breakfast. I really think I'm going to keep it. :)

[Charleston Princess]

How fun that you will be at WDW on Walt's birthday! You should get a cupcake at the Main Street Bakery and pose beside his statue with it! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

How fun that you will be at WDW on Walt's birthday! You should get a cupcake at the Main Street Bakery and pose beside his statue with it! :thumbsup2

I like that idea! I may have to think about some shirts for the occasion too!

[All7OfUs]

OOps! I'm a day behind. Sorry!

Let's see....

DO NOT stress about the Akershus. It's very low key, and no one will even notice that you are without kids. If they do, that's their problem; you can be as kid-like as you want at Disney. :upsidedow

I'd say go for Brown Derby. Especially since the menu doesn't look all that inviting to you.

I would try to have plan B for the MK day. What about Tony's or something at the Grand Floridian or Contemp??

I love Flame Tree too! So yummy; but better than that it has that oh so lovely, little area by the fountain to sit and relax by while you're eating.
Nice! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

DO NOT stress about the Akershus. It's very low key, and no one will even notice that you are without kids. If they do, that's their problem; you can be as kid-like as you want at Disney. :upsidedow

I have no problems at all acting like a kid. Just ask my nieces, they think their entire family is just about the same ages as them. :lmao:

I'd say go for Brown Derby. Especially since the menu doesn't look all that inviting to you.

It's the way I've been leaning. As much as I'd like to see Sci-Fi, I just don't think it's worth suffering through food I don't really like. Maybe I'll just stick my head in there, or try to make a ressie for dessert.

I would try to have plan B for the MK day. What about Tony's or something at the Grand Floridian or Contemp??

Hmmm... maybe something at the Grand Floridian would be a good idea. I've never eaten a meal over there. I'm not a big fan of Tony's after my last meal there 2 years ago. My meal was fairly tasteless, and the icecream desert was freezer burned. My friend though had a delicious meal there.

I love Flame Tree too! So yummy; but better than that it has that oh so lovely, little area by the fountain to sit and relax by while you're eating.
Nice! :thumbsup2

I always end up there when the seating is crowded, and end up with a fairly sunny seat. The area by the fountain sounds wonderful.

[If U Had Wings]

Now while this post is really about my dining plans, I have to touch on a few of my other plans as well for the second half of my trip. Don't worry though, I'll go a bit more into depth on those later on. ;) I don't want to give all my plans away quite yet.

For the Boardwalk portion of my stay though, my ADRs are much more tied to my activities though since I have a couple of "free days". For the most part my free days are going to be just that - days with few plans, but I do have a few things that I know that I want to do, and I have a list of potential things to do as well. I'm so excited about having non-park time. :banana: I'm not so sure that my BFF is as happy about that, but there is nothing stopping her from going to a park if she wants. :thumbsup2


Day 4 - Free Day! (Tuesday)
Optimally I would have preferred not to have a free day planned for a day I have to switch resorts. If I set up my schedule that way however I would have had two free days in a row, and I like that set-up even less. So, as a result, my resort moving day is the first of my free days.

I want to go to the Grand Floridan spa on one of my free days, and right now I'm leaning towards moving day. Originally I had planned it for my second free day (Day #6), but now that I'm not staying at a MK area resort it wasn't as important to plan it for a day I was staying in the area. My BFF has no interest in spas, so while I'm getting pampered, she is planning on doing either the Keys to the Kingdom tour or the Backstage Magic tour.


Breakfast - Kona
I need to try some Tonga Toast. :goodvibes If I'm going to be heading to the GF spa, being at the Poly for breakfast will put me that much closer and I can relax first by checking out the grounds at the Poly.

Lunch - or more accurately Tea, at the Grand Floridian
Maybe. I'm still not 100% on this. The sandwich offerings really don't thrill me as I can't stomach mayo and most of the offerings seem to include it, but I do love tea. Maybe just for some of the dessert items.

Dinner - Hoop Dee Doo Revue
One of my BFF's requests, but I love the show so I don't mind at all. I'm hoping we can get the middle show which is at 7 something.


Day 5 - MGM/Epcot (Wednesday)
We'll get to enjoy the concierge lounge for breakfast and snacks today. I'm considering days 3 & 5 interchangeable for the Fantasmic package, so if I have to change things up I will.

Dinner - Le Cellier
Le Cellier wasn't on my schedule originally, but I added it for the benefit of my BFF. I want it primarily for the pretzel sticks and the cheese soup, as I'm not really a huge beef eater, but my friend loves steak. I actually won't be crushed if we don't get this one. I'd just as soon eat at the back up plan, the San Angel Inn in Mexico. Steak really doesn't do anything for me. I know. I'm weird. I'm probably the only one, who's almost hoping she's not able to get a Le Cellier reservation. I might just waffle, and change this one before I go ahead with it. I'm also not sure if I'm going to try for the Candlelight Processional package or not. I'm wishing Disney would release a bit more information about that as well. :confused3


Day 6 - Free Day! (Thursday)
The plan is to spend the day relaxing before going to MVMCP at night :santa:. The problem is keeping my wish list for my free day under control.

Dinner - 'Ohana
Hoping for a bit of IPO magic on this one too :wizard:. This was another request from my BFF. My last experience there was iffy, but I've had a great meal there before so I'm willing to give it another chance.

Day 7 - Floating Day (Friday)
Our last full day. No set plans for a certain park. We can spend the day doing whatever we feel like, although I'd like to hit MK in the morning possibly.

Dinner - California Grill????
This is my toughest pick by far. We definitely want to do a signature meal on our last day. I pretty much narrowed it down to the California Grill or Citricos, although the Brown Derby is still a contender if I go with a different choice earlier in the week.

Right now I'm leaning towards the California Grill. I've been there before and like it. I also saw on allearsnet that the flatbreads are back on the menu, and I loved those my last trip. The menu though at Citrcos looks pretty good too, so I'm torn. Anyone who's eaten at them have any preferences?


Day 8 - Travel day (Saturday)
Breakfast - Chef Mickeys
The back up plan is for Cape Mays. We both just wanted to have hit one character meal, and since we both have late afternoon flights a final day breakfast should work out perfectly. It will be a nice last meal before we have to leave.


Now I just have to finalize my ADRs and get at least the last four days to the Boardwalk's IPO so they can handle them for me. I'm thinking I should give them my back-ups as well, just in case. They didn't ask for backups, but I figure it will make it easier for them. Less time wasted if I don't get my first choices.

[MRYPPNS]

Just a couple comments....

If our favorite entertainer is working the night of your 'Ohana's ressie, when you check-in ask to be sitted behind the fire pit....I think you will enjoy your dinner more.

I second the suggestion for the GF Cafe for lunch. It's very pretty in there and quite. I've got it as a back up plan for my trip.

[TarzansKat]

Day 2 (Sunday)- Animal Kingdom.
Lunch - Flame Tree BBQ - a must. It's the only CS meal that I actually plan on. I love the fruit plate they offer. I don't understand why the rest of the CS places in the parks don't offer one as well. Yum!

They have a fruit plate? Really? I had no idea, and that's so exciting to me! There's nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a fruit plate. :thumbsup2


Day 3 - Epcot/MGM (Monday)
Breakfast - Akerhaus - I'm a little unsure about this ADR. I originally was going to try for later in the week, but now that we're staying CL and get a continental breakfast in the lounge, I moved it. Now I'm not so sure I'm going to try at all. :confused3 It's a lot of money to be spending just on breakfast. Still it does sometimes feature Belle in her gold dress, even though I figure we'll be looking like a couple of goofs with no kids at a princess breakfast.:crazy:

Seriously, go for it. Even if you're staying club level, plan to have your lunch or your dinner there instead of breakfast. You know what I mean? Plan to go back and just enjoy club level. I know they put out some great snacks and sometimes even wine for dinner, so make the most of it, and go to your princess breakfast! :goodvibes


Day 4 - Free Day! (Tuesday)
I want to go to the Grand Floridan spa on one of my free days, and right now I'm leaning towards moving day. Originally I had planned it for my second free day (Day #6), but now that I'm not staying at a MK area resort it wasn't as important to plan it for a day I was staying in the area. My BFF has no interest in spas, so while I'm getting pampered, she is planning on doing either the Keys to the Kingdom tour or the Backstage Magic tour.

I think doing the spa on a moving day is a good idea. If your room isn't ready at the resort you're switching to, you can be spending your time not worrying about it at the spa. :thumbsup2


Lunch - or more accurately Tea, at the Grand Floridian
Maybe. I'm still not 100% on this. The sandwich offerings really don't thrill me as I can't stomach mayo and most of the offerings seem to include it, but I do love tea. Maybe just for some of the dessert items.

Okay, let me put your mind at rest here.

I don't like mayo. Blech. The mayo in these sandwiches is not like mayo. I don't know how to explain it, but it doesn't bother me at all. Plus, there are so many other wonderful offerings and a la carte options. I'm a huge fan of tea, I think everyone should try at least once. You may, however, feel free to ignore me. :lmao:


Dinner - Le Cellier
Le Cellier wasn't on my schedule originally, but I added it for the benefit of my BFF. I want it primarily for the pretzel sticks and the cheese soup, as I'm not really a huge beef eater, but my friend loves steak. I actually won't be crushed if we don't get this one. I'd just as soon eat at the back up plan, the San Angel Inn in Mexico. Steak really doesn't do anything for me. I know. I'm weird. I'm probably the only one, who's almost hoping she's not able to get a Le Cellier reservation. I might just waffle, and change this one before I go ahead with it. I'm also not sure if I'm going to try for the Candlelight Processional package or not. I'm wishing Disney would release a bit more information about that as well. :confused3

I know it's primarily a steak house, but they are considerate of people who do not eat red meat with other menu choices. :thumbsup2


Dinner - California Grill????
This is my toughest pick by far. We definitely want to do a signature meal on our last day. I pretty much narrowed it down to the California Grill or Citricos, although the Brown Derby is still a contender if I go with a different choice earlier in the week.

Right now I'm leaning towards the California Grill. I've been there before and like it. I also saw on allearsnet that the flatbreads are back on the menu, and I loved those my last trip. The menu though at Citrcos looks pretty good too, so I'm torn. Anyone who's eaten at them have any preferences?

You know, I almost positive, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, that the flatbreads are not on the menu. I think Allears is incorrect, but I could be wrong. In May, when I was there, they were most definitely not available.

I don't think that should stop you however.

I love the California Grill and I love Citrico's. Honestly, I would say that since you've been to the Cali Grill before you really owe it to yourself to try Citrico's. It's a fantastic meal with excellent service.

Wow, I'm usually not so opinionated. :lmao:

[jenjolt]

What great plans you have!!!!! I too am definitely hitting up Kona Cafe so I can enjoy me some Tonga Toast!! Ever since I saw the picture of it I have wanted to eat it!!

I'm sure you will find something to enjoy at Le Cellier...its a very nice restaurant!!!!

California Grill is another restaurant I'm really really looking forward to trying, I don't think you could go wrong with any of your choices though!

I really like your plans can't wait to see how your ADRs go!!!!

[Lady Lallie]

I think your plans sound great. I would go for Le Cellier, there seems to be other yummy stuff on the menu you could eat! Heck, order two appetizers for your meal! :thumbsup2

[Donald is #1]

On the GF tea, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I really enjoyed it last year. If you choose one of the meals with the sandwiches, you can also ask for substitutions. I don't like egg salad. So when I gave my order, I asked for that one to be replaced with another one.

[Donald is #1]

I'm trying to remember your dates, but from your count down I think that you're trip starts the same day as mine. If that is the case, the last couple of days of your trip overlap with DAP. Are you going to do any of the DAP events on Thursday or Friday?

[MRYPPNS]

I *think* the deal with the flatbreads at CG going on and off the menu is the pizza/brick oven goes on the fitz....often it seems. I no longer have much faith in the accurancy of the menu of allears....I only use them as a general guide now.

[All7OfUs]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your plans! Everything looks perfect!

I especially like that:

--You have backup plans for a lot.

--You are going to pamper yourself at the spa.

--You are willing to give a couple of places a second try.

--You are going to do a character meal!

[If U Had Wings]

Just a couple comments....

If our favorite entertainer is working the night of your 'Ohana's ressie, when you check-in ask to be sitted behind the fire pit....I think you will enjoy your dinner more.

I second the suggestion for the GF Cafe for lunch. It's very pretty in there and quite. I've got it as a back up plan for my trip.

I almost forgot about the sachrinely sweet lady with her wooden heels. :lmao: I am definitely asking for a table away from the activities area this time. Even if she's not there, it just gets really annoying after awhile to have people's rear ends in your face as your eating because they are trying to take pictures of their kids. :sick:

They have a fruit plate? Really? I had no idea, and that's so exciting to me! There's nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a fruit plate. :thumbsup2

Yes! It's really a big plate of fruit too. Last year I had more than enough to share with both of my nieces who were scavaging off my plate. :laughing: You get large portions of pineapple, cantelope, honeydew, grapes and strawberries and they serve the whole thing with some honey yogurt for dipping. It's my favorite CS meal in all the world. I just wish the other CS places would offer something similar. :confused3



Seriously, go for it. Even if you're staying club level, plan to have your lunch or your dinner there instead of breakfast. You know what I mean? Plan to go back and just enjoy club level. I know they put out some great snacks and sometimes even wine for dinner, so make the most of it, and go to your princess breakfast! :goodvibes

I had originally planned for the princess meal later in the week, but changed it once I booked club level. That way we will be able to enjoy the club offerings for breakfast. Plus I've been reading the boards about the values during Pop Warner, and the one thing people seem to agree on is how bad it is in the food court in the morning. I'd much rather go off and have a peaceful meal somewhere else. :thumbsup2



I think doing the spa on a moving day is a good idea. If your room isn't ready at the resort you're switching to, you can be spending your time not worrying about it at the spa. :thumbsup2]

That's what I'm hoping. Now I just have to deciede what kind of treatment I want to have!



Okay, let me put your mind at rest here.

I don't like mayo. Blech. The mayo in these sandwiches is not like mayo. I don't know how to explain it, but it doesn't bother me at all. Plus, there are so many other wonderful offerings and a la carte options. I'm a huge fan of tea, I think everyone should try at least once. You may, however, feel free to ignore me. :lmao:

Thanks for this! That's exactly how I feel about mayo. I think normally the only time I ever eat it is with tuna, and even then I use only the smallest amount to mix in, and I still have to pile things like tomatos on my sandwich to kill any remaining taste.

I'm thinking I'm going to make the ADR and give it a try. I don't think my BFF would be up for it, so it will make a nice afternoon to myself.



You know, I almost positive, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, that the flatbreads are not on the menu. I think Allears is incorrect, but I could be wrong. In May, when I was there, they were most definitely not available.

I don't think that should stop you however.

I love the California Grill and I love Citrico's. Honestly, I would say that since you've been to the Cali Grill before you really owe it to yourself to try Citrico's. It's a fantastic meal with excellent service.

They had been off the menu, but when I was on allears the other day they were back on and the menu update was from 07/09. They seemed to be different from the ones they had last year when I went too.

I'm trying to get my BFF to put in some input for our ADRs. (Since I'm so torn on this decision, let her pick it!) I still haven't heard anything from her. While normally I love the fact that she is completely laid back and a non-planner because it makes my life easy, times like this it starts to drive me a bit nuts. I'm going to make her chose since I can't make up my mind on this one! :rotfl:

Wow, I'm usually not so opinionated. :lmao:

But we love your opinions! They are so helpful. :goodvibes

What great plans you have!!!!! I too am definitely hitting up Kona Cafe so I can enjoy me some Tonga Toast!! Ever since I saw the picture of it I have wanted to eat it!!

I blame Tink for my new obsession with Tonga Toast.

I'm sure you will find something to enjoy at Le Cellier...its a very nice restaurant!!!!

I've eaten there before and enjoyed the chicken dish. I'm sure I'll be fine with that again. Maybe I can try a veggie dish too.

I think your plans sound great. I would go for Le Cellier, there seems to be other yummy stuff on the menu you could eat! Heck, order two appetizers for your meal! :thumbsup2

That sounds like a great idea. Cheese soup and the tomato stack. Yum!!!


I'm trying to remember your dates, but from your count down I think that you're trip starts the same day as mine. If that is the case, the last couple of days of your trip overlap with DAP. Are you going to do any of the DAP events on Thursday or Friday?

I'll be at ASSp from 12/5 - 12/8, and the Boardwalk Inn from 12/8 to 12/12. I didn't know they were doing anything on the Thursday and Friday. I thought the even was on 12/12?

I *think* the deal with the flatbreads at CG going on and off the menu is the pizza/brick oven goes on the fitz....often it seems. I no longer have much faith in the accurancy of the menu of allears....I only use them as a general guide now.

I defintitely won't be counting on them for certain then. Thanks for the heads up!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your plans! Everything looks perfect!

I especially like that:

--You have backup plans for a lot.

--You are going to pamper yourself at the spa.

--You are willing to give a couple of places a second try.

--You are going to do a character meal!

I always have to have a back up plan. I blame the compulsive planner in me on that. I even have a back up plan for the back up plan. I just didn't want everyone to think I was completely nuts. :rotfl:

I've never had any kind of spa treatment, so I'm really looking forward to it. It's just choosing that's going to be really tough. I was originally going to have the works done, but now that I'm possibly taking another trip in March I'm only going to have one thing done.

The character meal is going to be something new for me too, and I'm up for giving a place one more shot. My last meal at the Poly wasn't completely horrible, it was really a service problem. Hopefully this trip it will be better.

[Donald is #1]

I'll be at ASSp from 12/5 - 12/8, and the Boardwalk Inn from 12/8 to 12/12. I didn't know they were doing anything on the Thursday and Friday. I thought the even was on 12/12?


Thursday they are doing Osborne lights and YeeHaw Bob.
On Friday, there is some event that is yet to be announced, plus Drinking Around The World in the evening.

[TarzansKat]

Yes! It's really a big plate of fruit too. Last year I had more than enough to share with both of my nieces who were scavaging off my plate. :laughing: You get large portions of pineapple, cantelope, honeydew, grapes and strawberries and they serve the whole thing with some honey yogurt for dipping. It's my favorite CS meal in all the world. I just wish the other CS places would offer something similar. :confused3

Wow, thank you for the great description! This is going on my must do list, for sure. My son loves fruit and this meal would be right up his alley! I'm always looking for CS that is healthier or has something he'd be interested in, instead of the carp they normally serve the kids. So even if I get this as an adult CS, there will be plenty for us to share! Perfect! :goodvibes


I had originally planned for the princess meal later in the week, but changed it once I booked club level. That way we will be able to enjoy the club offerings for breakfast. Plus I've been reading the boards about the values during Pop Warner, and the one thing people seem to agree on is how bad it is in the food court in the morning. I'd much rather go off and have a peaceful meal somewhere else. :thumbsup2

I've heard the same thing. Although you may not feel the resort is crowded, the food court will definitely be. I wonder how it compares to free dining? Anyway, I"m so glad you're doing this. It's one of the ressies I was unable to get for my September trip, so I'm definitely living vicariously through you on this one.:thumbsup2


Thanks for this! That's exactly how I feel about mayo. I think normally the only time I ever eat it is with tuna, and even then I use only the smallest amount to mix in, and I still have to pile things like tomatos on my sandwich to kill any remaining taste.

I'm thinking I'm going to make the ADR and give it a try. I don't think my BFF would be up for it, so it will make a nice afternoon to myself.

I say go for it! :goodvibes


They had been off the menu, but when I was on allears the other day they were back on and the menu update was from 07/09. They seemed to be different from the ones they had last year when I went too.

I'm trying to get my BFF to put in some input for our ADRs. (Since I'm so torn on this decision, let her pick it!) I still haven't heard anything from her. While normally I love the fact that she is completely laid back and a non-planner because it makes my life easy, times like this it starts to drive me a bit nuts. I'm going to make her chose since I can't make up my mind on this one! :rotfl:

What a bummer about the flip flopping menus. I'm with Heidi though, I use Allears mostly as a guide. When I looked at the menu (I mean, studied it thoroughly, no joke) before Tink and I went in May, I knew exactly what I wanted. When I got there, the menu had changed, and what I wanted wasn't on it anymore. :lmao:


But we love your opinions! They are so helpful. :goodvibes

Well, thank you! I am happy to help.

[If U Had Wings]

Wow, thank you for the great description! This is going on my must do list, for sure. My son loves fruit and this meal would be right up his alley! I'm always looking for CS that is healthier or has something he'd be interested in, instead of the carp they normally serve the kids. So even if I get this as an adult CS, there will be plenty for us to share! Perfect! :goodvibes

My nieces are the world's worst eaters. Seriously, the only stuff they will eat is that carp on the kids menus at WDW, and even that will take them hours to eat. (Watching them eat is a painful experience.) They adored the fruit though, and ate all of it quickly. They give you plenty to share with your DS.



I've heard the same thing. Although you may not feel the resort is crowded, the food court will definitely be. I wonder how it compares to free dining? Anyway, I"m so glad you're doing this. It's one of the ressies I was unable to get for my September trip, so I'm definitely living vicariously through you on this one.:thumbsup2

Scary thing is that it will be Pop Warner and free dining at the same time. I shudder a bit about how it will be. Hopefully we'll be up early so it won't be much of an issue. I'm hoping to get up and go for some morning runs while I'm down there, so I'll be up anyways.

[TarzansKat]

My nieces are the world's worst eaters. Seriously, the only stuff they will eat is that carp on the kids menus at WDW, and even that will take them hours to eat. (Watching them eat is a painful experience.) They adored the fruit though, and ate all of it quickly. They give you plenty to share with your DS.

I'm very lucky in that DS does love some healthy foods, but watching him eat can also be painful. :lmao: He's got such a vivid imagination, I have to remind him we eat our food...we don't play with it. ;)


Scary thing is that it will be Pop Warner and free dining at the same time. I shudder a bit about how it will be. Hopefully we'll be up early so it won't be much of an issue. I'm hoping to get up and go for some morning runs while I'm down there, so I'll be up anyways.

Wow, I didn't realize. Because of the new dining promo? Wow.

[All7OfUs]

We got a fruit plate there last year too, and it was WONDERFUL! Everything was fresh. We ordered 3 BBQ pork sandwiches and some onion rings as well, and it was WAY more than enough for feeding me AND my 5 kids! I LOVE the Flame Tree!

[If U Had Wings]

I'm very lucky in that DS does love some healthy foods, but watching him eat can also be painful. :lmao: He's got such a vivid imagination, I have to remind him we eat our food...we don't play with it. ;)

:lmao: The nieces don't play with their food, they just don't eat. The older one especially is horrible. I think her preferred food list consists of cheese pizza, and Boston Market mac and cheese. Although it always seems like they want to eat whatever I'm eating.


Wow, I didn't realize. Because of the new dining promo? Wow.

Yes. It's going to be just a wee bit crazy in there.

We got a fruit plate there last year too, and it was WONDERFUL! Everything was fresh. We ordered 3 BBQ pork sandwiches and some onion rings as well, and it was WAY more than enough for feeding me AND my 5 kids! I LOVE the Flame Tree!

I got dragged there grudgingly by my BFF on our last trip together. BBQ doesn't thrill me, so I was very happy when I found the fruit plate.

[Flossbolna]

Those rest days sound wonderful, but I would never be able to do them when the parks are that close! :lmao: If you travel around the Poly and the GF remember that you can also take the little boat, it goes Poly -> MK -> GF -> Poly and I think a round trip would be 20 min. When we stayed at the Poly we always used that boat and never waited more than 10 min, there always were 2 or 3 in operation.

I think I read on the restaurant boards (I think it was on ehagerty's CG picture thread) that the flatbreads are back for good. They were only gone for a time when the oven was refurbished.

I have never been at Citricos, it is the only signature restaurant that I am not interested in, mainly because it offers food I can get here in Germany as well. I rather eat American when I am in America, not Mediterranean. :goodvibes I think CG is wonderful and offers interesting dishes, but my suggestion would be to try the Flying Fish since you are already staying at the Boardwalk. We had a fantastic meal there in January and for your steak loving friend: the steak was incredible!! :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I've been a bit lax in getting up another update. I've had a number of weddings and kid's parties to attend the past few weeks and I think combined they managed to leave me in a bit of a depressed funk. :sad2: I feel terrible, because I really am happy for my friends, but on the other hand it gets really tough to put on the happy single gal face and pretend that everything is wonderful after awhile. Luckily I'm pretty good at hiding it. It just got a bit overwhelming last week and seriously I was feeling like I was about to start sobbing at any given moment. Sometimes loneliness is tough, no matter how many other good things are in your life. I saw my nieces on Saturday, and they really helped me snap out of it a bit. The simplicity of just playing make-believe games with them is so soothing to me.

I have been making myself do a bit of trip planning. I e-mailed the Boardwalk Inn concierge staff last week, and received a form to fill out with information and requests for my trip. This meant finalizing my ADRs (for now at any rate), and trying to make a guess on times when there are no park hours available. (Really, really annoying!). The one last ADR I had to choose on was our signature dining on our last night. I still couldn't make up my mind, so I emailed a copy of the menus for Citricos and the California Grill to my BFF and told her she had to chose. She's even more indecisive than me, but I was holding my ground and making her pick this one. ;)

The winner?

Citrcos. :banana: I'm pretty excited that she picked this one. I've never eaten there before, so I'm anxious to try it out. I've read nothing but good reviews about it too. I think a great dinner amist the luxury of the Grand Floridian will be a wonderful end to our trip.

I've also done a bit of bag shopping. Yes, I've succumbed to bagitis. :sick: (Have you ever noticed how many catchy "diseases" get passed around these boards?) I had no intention of buying any kind of new bags for my trip. None. I just bought my lime green baggalini last year, and it worked pretty well for me. Even if I decided not to carry that, I had a quilted Vera-ish knapsack that I had bought for the trip two years ago that also worked well for me. I really had no need or desire for a new bag at all.

Famous last words, right? :lmao: I started seeing everyone else's new bags popping up on their trip and ptrs and a need for a new bag started to grow in my belly. First there was Tink's cute Coach wristlet on her trip report with TK. Small and adorable. I began thinking that a small bag would be a really nice option to the Baggalini for those days that I won't need to cart around a poncho or sweater. Suddenly I had wristlets on the brain. I saw a few Coach wristlets that I liked, but I couldn't justify the cost right now, so I went searching around on Etsy, and nearly immediately found this bag.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/NewWristlet_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/openwristletopt.jpg

:lovestruc If ever there was a bag that screamed "Take me Home" this was it. I just had to have it! The colors are so me - aqua and lime is my favorite color combination, and the touches of yellow are really pretty. I just received it yesterday and I just love it. :love: It's small, but there is plenty of room for my camera, room key, sunglasses and any other small things I need to carry with me.

I also had been noticing all the Vera bags on everyone's reports. Now I'll be completely honest here and say that I never really had any desire for a Vera bag before. I'm not a huge fan of quilting on clothing or accessories, and some of the patterns were a bit too loud for me. But I started seeing some things that I liked. In particular I really liked the Blue Rhapsody and Raspberry Fizz patterns, and I found myself eyeing the wristlet bags and the mini-hipsters. They were small enough to show off a bit of the patterns and not appear too "quilted" for my tastes. I started watching the auctions on ebay to see if I could find one cheaper. Obviously everyone and their mother likes the same patterns I do, because I couldn't find a good deal on either of those patterns. Then I end up bidding on and winning this bag:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/Hipster.jpg

A mini-hipster in the Riviera Blue pattern. I'm okay with the pattern. It's a fairly low-key paisley which I like. It wouldn't have been my first or second choice of a pattern, but it's okay. Why did I buy it then? Because I got it for the fantastic price of $9 plus shipping, and it was brand new with tags! It will give me a good chance to see how I like carrying this style of bag, without having to shell out a lot of money. I'm not sure that I'm going to bring it to Disney though. I need a new bag to bring to Yankee games, and I tend to like to carry smalll sling bags so I don't have to put it on the ground. I think for now I'm going to use it for that, but you never know. It may still come along for the trip.

[MRYPPNS]

Sorry you got hit with Bagitis, but it seems that you found a cure!

Edited to add: You should sell sweaters like the one you made Danica on Esty if you have the time to knit this winter ....you'd make a bundle!

[If U Had Wings]

Sorry you got hit with Bagitis, but it seems that you found a cure!

Edited to add: You should sell sweaters like the one you made Danica on Esty if you have the time to knit this winter ....you'd make a bundle!

I'm pretty convinced that bagitis is inevitable here on the Disboards.

I love to knit, but I'd never be able to make any money off of it. I knit so slowly. I'd never finish anything.

[princess&her4princes]

Awww, I'm sooo sorry to hear you were feeling depressed lately about being single...they say, good things come to those who wait. :hug: It will happen....give it time...my prayers are with you.

Oooo...love the new aqua/green wristlet!!! It's adorable!!!:cutie: And it matches your bagallini, too!!! How fun!:banana:

And the Vera Bag is nice, too. I have the bigger version of the pattern you got for my "diaper bag"....it's more of a tote and it's conservative, but nice. And you're right, it's a good way to test it out for the future before putting too much money into Vera. Funny, I never was into Vera either (they are SUPER popular here) until DIS either!!!

[TarzansKat]

Love, love, love the cute little green bag! ADORABLE!!!! :goodvibes

And what a bargain on your Vera! I know what you mean about some of the more discreet prints, although I have to admit some of the louder ones call to me as well.

And :grouphug:. Just because.

[All7OfUs]

It's unavoidable!! It happened to me too. But I really like what you picked, the colors are so soothing and nice. Small enough to not be a hassle in the parks either.

I succomed as well, but mine is so boring compared to yours. But it will fit the bill, just as yours will too. After all, it IS for CARRYING stuff around in, right?

[jenjolt]

Love both bags!!! I love both colors and what an amazing deal you got on that Vera...even if it isn't going to Disney $9.00 is unbelievable!!!

And just wanted to also send a lot of :grouphug: :grouphug: your way!!!!

Hope you have a great week!!

[If U Had Wings]

Awww, I'm sooo sorry to hear you were feeling depressed lately about being single...they say, good things come to those who wait. :hug: It will happen....give it time...my prayers are with you.

Thanks. It hits me every once in awhile. I guess it was just one too many weddings/kids birthday parties lately. Most of the time I'm fine, and am accepting of the fact that I'm single, but last week was a bit rough.

Oooo...love the new aqua/green wristlet!!! It's adorable!!!:cutie: And it matches your bagallini, too!!! How fun!:banana:

I had to have it as soon as I saw it. So very me!

And the Vera Bag is nice, too. I have the bigger version of the pattern you got for my "diaper bag"....it's more of a tote and it's conservative, but nice. And you're right, it's a good way to test it out for the future before putting too much money into Vera. Funny, I never was into Vera either (they are SUPER popular here) until DIS either!!!

I haven't had the chance to test it out yet, but I think I'm going to bring it to my Yankee game this weekend to try it out.

Thanks.

Love, love, love the cute little green bag! ADORABLE!!!! :goodvibes

And what a bargain on your Vera! I know what you mean about some of the more discreet prints, although I have to admit some of the louder ones call to me as well.

And :grouphug:. Just because.

Thanks TK!

I brought my little bag on vacation this weekend, and it worked wonderfully. I couldn't really fit my sunglasses into it, but I was lugging around my full size wallet. I definitely won't be carrying my regular wallet in Disney, so I'm hoping that I'll have room for my sunglasses when I'm not carrying it.

With the Veras I keep finding myself drawn to the paisley designs. I'm not a big fan of florals, but the paisleys I kind of like.

It's unavoidable!! It happened to me too. But I really like what you picked, the colors are so soothing and nice. Small enough to not be a hassle in the parks either.

I succomed as well, but mine is so boring compared to yours. But it will fit the bill, just as yours will too. After all, it IS for CARRYING stuff around in, right?

I can't wait to give it a test this weekend. :)

Love both bags!!! I love both colors and what an amazing deal you got on that Vera...even if it isn't going to Disney $9.00 is unbelievable!!!

And just wanted to also send a lot of :grouphug: :grouphug: your way!!!!

Hope you have a great week!!

I figured for $9 it was worth trying out. It should be perfect for baseball games at any rate.

[TarzansKat]

Glad to hear the bag is cute and functional! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

Glad to hear the bag is cute and functional! :thumbsup2

It's really the perfect size. I love how easy it is to just throw on my wrist and go.

I gave my mini-hipster a try today by bringing it to a Yankee game. It worked okay for the game, but I don't think that it's going to work for me for Disney. It's just a little to small. It really just needs to be a bit "fatter". I don't think I'd be able to carry around my camera and my sunglasses in it. It's a bit too flat and doesn't really open up enough. A bit disappointing, as I really liked it other than that.

[TarzansKat]

It's really the perfect size. I love how easy it is to just throw on my wrist and go.

I gave my mini-hipster a try today by bringing it to a Yankee game. It worked okay for the game, but I don't think that it's going to work for me for Disney. It's just a little to small. It really just needs to be a bit "fatter". I don't think I'd be able to carry around my camera and my sunglasses in it. It's a bit too flat and doesn't really open up enough. A bit disappointing, as I really liked it other than that.

Would you consider the regular hipster? That's what I have, and I really like it. I think it's the perfect size to carry things in Disney. If you want, I can measure it for you, although there are probably dimensions on the Vera site too. And if you like some of the paisley patterns, maybe you can find a good deal on Ebay.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to enable you further. :lmao:

[If U Had Wings]

Would you consider the regular hipster? That's what I have, and I really like it. I think it's the perfect size to carry things in Disney. If you want, I can measure it for you, although there are probably dimensions on the Vera site too. And if you like some of the paisley patterns, maybe you can find a good deal on Ebay.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to enable you further. :lmao:

I'll have to check out the regular hipster. Ebags usually has the sizes so I'll check that out. I'll have to get on the hunt on ebay. So dangerous!!

[Sarilas]

LOVE that you're taking your not so solo trip with your friend!

[If U Had Wings]

LOVE that you're taking your not so solo trip with your friend!

I'm really happy with my decision, especially as I've been battling a bit of depression lately. The way I've been feeling lately, Disney by myself probably wouldn't have been the best way to go. I see my friend so seldomly now that she lives in the DC area, it will be great to spend some time with her.

[princess&her4princes]

I'm really happy with my decision, especially as I've been battling a bit of depression lately. The way I've been feeling lately, Disney by myself probably wouldn't have been the best way to go. I see my friend so seldomly now that she lives in the DC area, it will be great to spend some time with her.

:hug:Thinking of you!!!:hug:

[If U Had Wings]

:hug:Thinking of you!!!:hug:

Thank you! :) I don't know why my funk is lingering, but I hope it leaves soon.I think the changing weather and shortening days isn't helping any.

[If U Had Wings]

I've been a bit incognito lately. I went on a short family vacation a week or so ago to New Hampshire with my folks, and brother's family. My brother and SIL bought a vacation condo up in the White Mountains earlier this year, and invited the rest of us up for a few days. It was wonderfully, gloriously relaxing. :goodvibes As much as I love my Disney vacations, they are far from relaxing. No matter how much I say I'm not going to let myself go commando in the parks it never fails that I do. Plus it's pretty impossible to avoid the crowds and remain completely stress free. This long weekend was pretty much the opposite of Disney trips. We made absolutely no plans, and just played each day out as it came. Wonderful! :lovestruc

Growing up, the majority of our summer vacations were spent in New Hampshire. I hadn't been up to the area since I was a kid, and I was amazed at how little it had changed. Driving through some of the small towns, it almost felt as if you were caught in some kind of a time warp - in a good way. My one sadness though was that I didn't get to stay at any of the motels in the area, since I was staying with my brother. I know that sounds really strange, but I'm a bit weird. :crazy: I love the little mom and pop motels that are all over the place up there, especially the ones that have cottages. Still it was fun sharing a room with the nieces, even though it meant 6am wake-up calls from Jas when she'd climb into bed with me to knit. :faint:

Thought I'd share a few pics from the trip. It's such a gorgeous area of the country. Almost made me think of looking into living there. Almost. Too much snow, and too far away from the city ultimately for me, but still nice to think about. I'd recommend a trip up there to anyone.

We had to drive through the mountains one morning to get to the Flume. We had to stop to view the Mount Washington resort as we were driving past. I'm dying to see what the inside of this place looks like.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02352_opt.jpg

The Wings family at the beginning of the hike through The Flume. (Everyone still looking energetic!) :yay: Pa Eeyore did not come join us on this long weekend vacation, of which I'm eternally greatful. No repeats of the aggravation from Disney trip last August.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/flumefamily_opt.jpg

As a kid walking through the Flume was my favorite parts of our New Hampshire vacations. It still is. :cloud9: It's absolutely beautiful and humbling walking through there.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02368_opt.jpg

A covered bridge crossed along the way.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02391_opt.jpg

The Wings family at the end of the hike through the Flume. :worship:A bit of exaggeration of the exhaustion on mostly everyone, but my dad. He was having a bit of a rough time towards the end with his knee. Luckily they have plenty of benches along the way to take a rest.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/TiredFamily_opt.jpg

The next day we headed to a small state park area about a mile or two from my brother's place called Diana's Baths. It was just a short, fairly flat hike to the prettiest waterfall. It had multiple levels that formed a bunch of small bath-like basins of water. Perfect for kids to play in.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02406_opt.jpg

We climbed about 1/2 way up and set up some chairs out on the rocks so we could dip our toes in the water while the kids put their entire bodies in the cold mountain water. I brought along some knitting to work on, although had I remembered to bring along some water shoes I would have played in the water with the kids.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02412_opt.jpg

It was beautiful there too, and was the perfect way to spend a morning.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02408_opt.jpg

Later that day we drove to North Conway to ride the scenic train to Bartlett and back. The views out the window were beautiful.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02429_opt.jpg

We had sprung for the seats in the first class car at the front of the train. It was beautifully restored, and much nicer than the seats in the coach area. I know LL takes light fixture pictures, but I find myself a bit drawn to windows. This was one of the stained glass windows in our car.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02425_opt.jpg

Half way through the ride we stopped so that the engine could disengage from the train cars, and travel to the former back of the train and reattach for the return trip. We got off our car, and wandered up to watch them reattach the engine. I saw this on a wall of one of the coach cars as we walked through the train. It made me laugh. I think they need to put that on Metro North trains. :rotfl:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02434_opt.jpg

Once we got on board the train, we were able to upgrade 2 of our seats to the observation platform. (There are four seats, but someone else snagged two of them before we did). We took turns going to sit out on the platform. On the first half of the trip, it gave an okay view since you had to look around the train engine, but on the return trip it was a much better view since it was now the back of the train. Well worth the $2.50 charge to upgrade to the platform seats.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02440_opt.jpg

It was a quick trip. I drove up on Saturday, and drove home on Wednesday, but came home feeling so completley relaxed. (Even with the 5 hour drive :eek: ) Having to go into work last Thursday in NYC was a bit of a culture shock to the system after a few days in the mountains.

My ADR day is fast approaching! I think I've finalized my plans, but more on that next post.

[Flossbolna]

The White Mountains are wonderful!! I was there last year with my boyfriend at that time (who unfortunately downgraded himself to a friend a few months ago). We stayed three nights in a B&B in North Conway and thought it was such a magical place! I can absolutely understand buying a condo there as a family. It would be perfect for summer holidays. :goodvibes:goodvibes

Thanks for posting the pictures and bringing back fond memories! :thumbsup2

[skier_pete]

Hey there!

I was just checking up on your PTR - I've been kind of quiet on responding since our trips no longer overlap at all. In case you don't remember, and for other readers, we met on the bus from MK to POFQ last year, and originally we were going back the same week - but I bumped our trip back a week, and now we will miss eachother. :sad1: We'll probably be arriving as you are leaving!

Anyways, I just had to chime in on your White Mountain pics...makes me homesick for New England. I grew up in Agawam, MA. I have never heard of "The Flume"...looks awesome. I hope as DD gets older, we can take some New England family trips...that looks like a fun days hike.

I'm glad to see you ended up going with your friend - while Disney solo could be fun, I think it is a better shared experience.

I'm enjoying the PTR! Take care!

SkierPete

[MRYPPNS]

Wings, I'm so sorry that I missed meeting with you on the way up...guess I sort of lost track of the date (I'll be in CT in Nov. maybe we can catch up then).

The Mt Washington Hotel is beautiful inside and out. It's Grand but at the same time it's not stuffy, almost homey...well homey if you lived in a Mansion in the woods of NH :lmao:. It still has all it's old charm but with modern upgrades. Sitting on a rocking chair on one of the big patios is very relaxing and a highlight on my day anytime I've been up there.

[Lady Lallie]

Sounds like you had a lovely relaxing vacation! Sometimes you really need a vacation like that. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

The White Mountains are absolutely gorgeous! I can almost feel the peace and quiet in your photos!!! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

What a wonderful, relaxing vacation! I want to thank you for writing about it and including the photos. I know there will come a time (perish the thought) when the TK clan will need to downsize our vacations, and that looks so beautiful, I think it'd be a great start. Glad you enjoyed yourself. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

The White Mountains are wonderful!! I was there last year with my boyfriend at that time (who unfortunately downgraded himself to a friend a few months ago). We stayed three nights in a B&B in North Conway and thought it was such a magical place! I can absolutely understand buying a condo there as a family. It would be perfect for summer holidays. :goodvibes:goodvibes

Thanks for posting the pictures and bringing back fond memories! :thumbsup2

I'm glad you enjoyed them. I'm looking forward to some more visits now that my brother has a place up there. I don't ski, but their place is right next to a ski resort too.

Hey there!

I was just checking up on your PTR - I've been kind of quiet on responding since our trips no longer overlap at all. In case you don't remember, and for other readers, we met on the bus from MK to POFQ last year, and originally we were going back the same week - but I bumped our trip back a week, and now we will miss eachother. :sad1: We'll probably be arriving as you are leaving!

Anyways, I just had to chime in on your White Mountain pics...makes me homesick for New England. I grew up in Agawam, MA. I have never heard of "The Flume"...looks awesome. I hope as DD gets older, we can take some New England family trips...that looks like a fun days hike.

I'm glad to see you ended up going with your friend - while Disney solo could be fun, I think it is a better shared experience.

I'm enjoying the PTR! Take care!

SkierPete

Agawam, home of Riverside! I still don't think of it as a Six Flags park. My nieces love the area, and are enjoying their weekends up there. They learned to ski last year and are looking forward to more this year.

It's too bad we are going to miss each other this year. I see your planning a trip for next fall. I'm planning one for that time next year, so maybe we'll meet up then. :)

Wings, I'm so sorry that I missed meeting with you on the way up...guess I sort of lost track of the date (I'll be in CT in Nov. maybe we can catch up then).

The Mt Washington Hotel is beautiful inside and out. It's Grand but at the same time it's not stuffy, almost homey...well homey if you lived in a Mansion in the woods of NH :lmao:. It still has all it's old charm but with modern upgrades. Sitting on a rocking chair on one of the big patios is very relaxing and a highlight on my day anytime I've been up there.

We'll just have to meet up another time. Your not as far away as my brother's place. I definitely want to make it up to his place this fall to enjoy the scenery too.

I definitely need to make a stop at the Mt. Washington hotel.

Sounds like you had a lovely relaxing vacation! Sometimes you really need a vacation like that. :goodvibes

It was wonderful. I needed some real relaxation time. I don't think I realized how much.

The White Mountains are absolutely gorgeous! I can almost feel the peace and quiet in your photos!!! :goodvibes

So beautiful! I can't wait to go again. My younger niece told me I could come up again in a year or two. :lmao: My brother promised me he'd invite me up sooner. :)

What a wonderful, relaxing vacation! I want to thank you for writing about it and including the photos. I know there will come a time (perish the thought) when the TK clan will need to downsize our vacations, and that looks so beautiful, I think it'd be a great start. Glad you enjoyed yourself. :goodvibes

It was a perfect way to get away from it all. We had planned on hitting one of the amusement parks while we were there with the kids, but the weather was a bit iffy so just stuck with smaller things. I loved getting the chance to just enjoy the nature of the area. I'm just sad that we didn't make it to the top of Canon Mt, but most of the days were a bit cloudy. Just means I need another trip!

[All7OfUs]

That is some really beautiful country over there. I imagine that area is to East Coasters as The Cascades is to us Northwesterners. Timberline Lodge is the majestic old place up on Mt. Hood with gigantic fireplaces and all that.

So glad you got to just hang around and just relax; you are right, a WDW vacation is ANYTHING but relaxing.

[princess&her4princes]

WOW...loving all the NH pics!!!!:cloud9: I was really hoping to take the boys there this year, but doesn't look like we're going to make it. Now that Fall is sneaking up on us!! Maybe next year!! It's just beatiful and like you, I have fond memories of vacationing there as a child..there is nothing like that fresh, clean air and the views are to die for!!!:lovestruc:lovestruc

Thanks for sharing!! I hope you're well!!:goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

That is some really beautiful country over there. I imagine that area is to East Coasters as The Cascades is to us Northwesterners. Timberline Lodge is the majestic old place up on Mt. Hood with gigantic fireplaces and all that.

So glad you got to just hang around and just relax; you are right, a WDW vacation is ANYTHING but relaxing.

One of these days I need to get further away from home than Florida. :rotfl: It seems to be as far as I get. I have family near West Palm Beach, so if I'm not going to Orlando I'm flying there. I need to get some family on the west coast to give me a good excuse.

I'm just amazed how a few hour drive brings me from this:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/GulfBeach_opt.jpg
The beach near my house. I love that it's just a few hours drive up to the mountains, or an hour or so train ride to NYC from where I live. It's why I really love where I live. I love being close enough to everything.

WOW...loving all the NH pics!!!!:cloud9: I was really hoping to take the boys there this year, but doesn't look like we're going to make it. Now that Fall is sneaking up on us!! Maybe next year!! It's just beatiful and like you, I have fond memories of vacationing there as a child..there is nothing like that fresh, clean air and the views are to die for!!!:lovestruc:lovestruc

Thanks for sharing!! I hope you're well!!:goodvibes

I just love the fact that it hasn't really gotten overly commercial or out of control up there. Although I will admit that it was a bit freaky to find myself often enough with no cell phone service. Normally around here I'll end up in roaming occasionally near the beach, but up there I'd hit spots where I had no service at all.

[If U Had Wings]

Disney has finally released hours for December, and for the most part they are just about what I was expecting. AK is open an hour later then last year, MK is closing an hour earlier on our first night than a year ago (and having one less Spectro show, but other than that it's pretty much the same.

Except...

Fantasmic.

Can I say now for the record how much I dislike the new highly abbreviated Fantasmic schedule? During the 7 nights I will be in Disney it is running exactly twice, and of course to make my life a bit more difficult it's running on our two non-park days, Tuesday and Thursday. Of course the week before and after mine it's running three times, and on days that would have been better for me. Figures right that out of 7 days, they have it on the two I can't make. :sad2:

Technically I could change our free days, but there were reasons for them being planned for those days. Mainly being, I don't want to spend my free days as ASSports. I want them to be at the Boardwalk. I don't want to have my two free days in a row. I didn't want my last full day to be a free day.

So it comes down to what is more important to me. My free days the way I want them, or Fantasmic. It ended up being an easy decision. Free days. As soon as I saw the schedule, I knew I wanted my free days more. Don't get me wrong, I'll miss Fantasmic alot. It's my favorite night time show, but I'm not going to stress myself over trying to make it fit in the schedule when it just won't fit. Besides my BFF and I will be going again next year, and we'll just make sure to fit it in then.

So with ADR days fast approaching here is what I'll be trying to get - the finalized list. Keep your fingers crossed for me. No specific lunch plans, other than the Flame Tree at AK. We are thinking of heading to different resorts to have lunch so we can check out the decorations at the various places. Unless noted breakfast will be at the food court our first few days, and in the concierge lounge the last four.

The ADR's I have to call on Sunday to make.-

12/5 - Magic Kingdom - The Plaza 5pm ish
Spectro is at 7pm , and wishes at 8pm. This way we'll be able to come right out and catch the parade. Still no back up plan. I'm thinking we will just do CS at the Columbia Harbor house if we don't get an ADR. I'm also thinking possibly of The Wave.

12/6 - Animal Kingdom - Boma 6pm.
So far my past two trips 6pm ADRs at Boma have worked out pretty good for me. It has us leaving the park before closing, so we don't get caught up in the crowds at the bus stops. Back up plan is Raglan Road.

12/7 - Epcot/MGM - Akerhaus 8:00 am
No back up for this one either. If I can't get it, I'll go without. I know there is always the castle, but it just seems way too pricey for me for breakfast.

12/7 - Epcot/MGM - Brown Derby 6pm
I'm still a bit torn on the Brown Derby/Sci Fi decison, but am 99% positive I'm going with the Derby. As much as I want to check out the Sci-Fi, I'm going with the better food.

And ADRs and other ressies being made on Wed. 9/7 by the Boardwalk IPO office.

12/8 - Poly - Kona Cafe 8:15 am
If I don't get this one, I'm planning on heading to Captain Cook's for some Tonga Toast.

12/8 - Grand Floridian - Citrus Massage 10:00 am
I've never had a massage before. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it! My friend will be on a tour this day. Not sure which one yet.

12/8 - Grand Floridian - Garden Tea 2:00 pm
Just me. I'm still not sure about this, but I'm having them make the ADR for me. I can always cancel later if I change my mind. I'm thinking though that it will be a nice way to wrap up my time at the GF after my day at the spa.

12/8 - Fort Wilderness - Hoop Dee Do Review 7:15 pm
Per my friend's request, but I love the show so I was all for it. I haven't seen it in ages so I'm really looking forward to it.

12/9 - Epcot - Le Cellier 7:00 pm
So far I'm still with this one, but if I deciede to book the candlelight processional I'll probably go with the San Angel because of the price difference. My friend is a steak eater, so I'm pretty sure she'll be happy with Le Cellier.

12/10 - Poly - Ohana 5:30 pm
This is one of our free days, but we are planning on going to MVMCP at night. Back-up plan is for the Crystal Palace or Liberty Tavern.

12/11 - Grand Floridian - Citricos 8:45 pm
I let my friend chose between the Cali Grill and Citricos, and she went with Citricos. This may be the only place where I know exactly what I want already - quatro fromaggi potatoes - whatever they serve them with :rotfl:. I'm hoping they live up to Tink's build up.

12/12 - Contemporary - Chef Mickey's 9:30 am
Our last day. :sad1: It should make a nice wrap up to our trip. The back up is for the Cape May buffet at the Beach Club.

I am so happy that I don't have to worry about making the ADRs on Wed., and that the Boardwalk IPO will be taking care of it. I'm usually out the door at 6:30 am to catch my train, so I was going to have to take some time off if I had to make them myself.

I'm not letting myself stress too much over what I get and what I don't. Plenty of good places to eat at Disney, and neither of us is particulary fussy. What we get, we get, and what we don't we find someplace better to eat. No stress!

[Donald is #1]

I loved reading about your White Mountains trip. I just love heading up there!


I guess that since the December hours are out, it is time for me to do a final check on my plan for December also since my ADR window opens up on Sunday.

[All7OfUs]

I am simply in love with your list of choices. But, even more than that, I love your laissez faire attitude. Really, with all the great places to eat, you shouldn't have any reason to stress over what you get and what you don't.

Having said that, I think you have a great chance of getting everything you want. And that you will have your dining be a really nice aspect of your time there. Citricos has always looked so nice to me. Someday, I'd really like to try it out.

Looking forward to what you get on Sunday!

[Flossbolna]

This is a great list of ADRs. I love the sound of your free day at the GF Spa and I think you definitely should end it with tea at the GF. :thumbsup2

Have you ever seen the CP? All I have read about, it seems really difficult to get into. So if you want to see it, getting the dinner package might be a very good idea.

[If U Had Wings]

I loved reading about your White Mountains trip. I just love heading up there!


I guess that since the December hours are out, it is time for me to do a final check on my plan for December also since my ADR window opens up on Sunday.

I know, I don't know how ADR time snuck up on me like that. I'd been waiting for ages, then got distracted, and it was time. I'm suddenly feeling fairly ambivalent about them. I'm liking feeling this way about them too. Maybe it's because I'm not on the DDP this trip, and I'm not worried about "getting my moneys worth" out of my ADRs.

I am simply in love with your list of choices. But, even more than that, I love your laissez faire attitude. Really, with all the great places to eat, you shouldn't have any reason to stress over what you get and what you don't.

Having said that, I think you have a great chance of getting everything you want. And that you will have your dining be a really nice aspect of your time there. Citricos has always looked so nice to me. Someday, I'd really like to try it out.

Looking forward to what you get on Sunday!

There are a few I'm thinking I might not get Ohana, Chef Mickey's and Le Cellier in particular. Being only two people might actually help at Ohana though, since they do have multiple tables for 3 around the activities floor. I've never had any problems getting Brown Derby, and I don't think Citricos should be a problem. My last few trips I was so stressed about getting ADRs and this trip I feel nothing. I love it!


This is a great list of ADRs. I love the sound of your free day at the GF Spa and I think you definitely should end it with tea at the GF. :thumbsup2

Have you ever seen the CP? All I have read about, it seems really difficult to get into. So if you want to see it, getting the dinner package might be a very good idea.

I've never even been inside the GF, so I'm really looking forward to checking it out. I've loved the hotel it was based on, the Hotel Del Coronado out in CA ever since I saw the movie "Some Like it Hot" as a kid.

I've never seen the CP. This is my first trip to Disney in December. I think my friend would really love it, so I'm contemplating booking the dinner package. My brother and SIL have been down to Disney a few times when it's going on, and have never booked the package. They said it was still really enjoyable just listening from outside the theater. I'll have to see. I just am not sure I want to commit to a full dinner.

[TarzansKat]

I love Fantasmic, but if the free days are more important, keep 'em. It's your vacation and you want time to relax and enjoy! :goodvibes

And just so you know, the quattro formaggi potatoes come with an amazing filet. I don't eat a lot of red meat, and I order that dish. NOM. :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

I love Fantasmic, but if the free days are more important, keep 'em. It's your vacation and you want time to relax and enjoy! :goodvibes

And just so you know, the quattro formaggi potatoes come with an amazing filet. I don't eat a lot of red meat, and I order that dish. NOM. :thumbsup2

My focus this trip is definitely going to be on the free days. I'll miss the show, but I have so many good things planned for this trip I'm okay with it.

The filet sounds good. I seldom eat red meat, but I do enjoy a bit every once in awhile. I pay make my meal at Citricos my red meat night.

[If U Had Wings]

Okay, it's 6 am on a Sunday morning and I'm awake. There is just something really wrong with that on so many levels. My body was not happy at all this morning when that alarm went off. This is what Disney ADR day makes you do though I guess. And while I know I've said that I'll get what I get and be happy with it, sometimes you have to give fate a little push in the right direction. ;)

Overall ADR day went very, very well. I certainly won't be complaining about anything. The online system even let me make ADRs for my entire split stay, and didn't limit me to just the first 4 days I'll be at my first resort. As soon as I plugged in my reservation number, it let me book the full +10 days.

Here is what I ended up with:

12/5 5pm The Plaza
Exactly what I wanted.

12/6 6pm - Boma
Again, exactly what I wanted.

12/7 8am - Akerhaus
:woohoo: Woo Hoo! Now I'm now on a roll! 3 out of 3 ADRS at exactly the times I requested. About this time I was starting to feel a bit cocky that I'd get everything I wanted...

That's just about the time that reality reaches out and slaps you back down to put you in your place. :rotfl:

12/7 - Wanted a Brown Derby ADR
In probably the most surprising turn of events, the 6pm Brown Derby ADR that I wanted for this day was unavailable. Not even just an ADR at 6pm - nothing was available for the Brown Derby. I tried a variety of times, and zilch. I'll admit that I was a bit shocked by this one. I've never had any problem before with getting a Brown Derby ADR. I'm thinking that people may have booked it before the December hours where released, and that now that there is no Fantasmic that day ADRs may become available. I'll be checking back occasionally.

Actually a decent ADR for MGM was tough to get period. The only table service restaurant that was showing availability around 6pm was Hollywood & Vine, and I ate there on my last trip and am in no rush to go back. It wasn't horrible, but just not overall appealing to me. If I was booking it for the Fantasmic package it would have been okay, but the food wasn't special enough for me to book it without that extra.

So I booked -
12/7 4:15pm - Sci Fi Drive-In.
This was my back up plan, so I'm content with getting this. My only concern is with the time. Overall I'm not thrilled with such an early dinner time. 4:15 just seems a bit too early, like I'm moving into senior citizen early-bird special territory. Then again maybe we'll be just about ready to eat at that time since we have the buffet breakfast scheduled that day. I may be looking into changing this one to something at Epcot, or at one of the resorts.

12/8 7:55am - Kona Cafe
I was hoping for something at 8:15, but I was given the option for 7:55 or 8:30. My spa appointment is being made for 10:00 am so I went with the earlier time. I want to have a little more time to digest my tonga toast before the massage. Plus this way my BFF may be able to join me before her backstage magic tour.

I didn't make the ADRs for the tea or the Hoop Dee Do for later that day. Tea can't be made online, and I didn't even check the Hoop Dee Doo. I'm just going to let the IPO office deal with these.

12/9 - Nothing Yet
This was my other little snag. I was hoping for Le Cellier at about 7pm. The only time that was available was at 8:20, a bit later than I was hoping for. Particularly because we want to be able to catch Illuminations this night, and an 8:20 ADR would make it impossible. I'm not considering Le Cellier a "must do" so I didn't book the 8:20. I figure that I'll let the Boardwalk IPO give it a try on Wednesday, and if they can't get me a better time I'll try to come up with plan B.

So I'll ask my charming readers what they would chose. I'm willing to consider any other Epcot restaurant, as well as anything in the nearby Boardwalk/Beach Club resort area, and possibly something at MGM. If I was able to snag a Brown Derby ADR at about 6, it would also solve my missing Brown Derby problem, and truthfully I'd rather eat at the Brown Derby than Le Cellier.

12/10 5:20 pm - Ohana
I wanted 5:30, I got 5:20. Sweet! :thumbsup2

12/11 8:45pm - Citricos
Another ADR I got exactly what I requested.

12/12 9am - Chef Mickeys
Requested 9:30am got 9am. No biggie, and the earlier time is probably better anyways.

So overall pretty good. I got 7 out of 9 ADRs at times I was happy with, and 1 ADR at a time I'm not thrilled with, but can live with. That just leaves one problem ADR. I'll wait and see if the IPO office can do any better with that one, and see if they come through with my other two ADRs and I'm set to go. I will keep looking though to see if I can get a Brown Derby ADR that day. I'm still a bit shocked about that one. I never thought that with places like Le Cellier, Ohana, Boma and Chef Mickey's on my list that the Brown Derby would become my problem.

[Lady Lallie]

Congrats on the ADRs!! :thumbsup2

I am SHOCKED you couldn't get a Brown Derby ADR. Hmmm. Very interesting but maybe your theory about people making ADRs before the schedule came out in case Fantasmic was that night is right. Let's hope so! I'll cry if I can't get Brown Derby in January. :laughing:

[Charleston Princess]

Congrats on your ADRs!!! ADR Day is the only day where it is acceptable to be up at the crack of dawn (on a weekend)! :lmao:

I, too, am shocked that there was nothing for Brown Derby! :eek: I would call Disney Dining if I were you -- maybe there is some glitch on the website.

[If U Had Wings]

I'm so glad it's not just me who thinks that the Brown Derby thing is a bit weird. I think it was even offering me CRT as a replacement. :scared1:

Definitely something weird going on there!

Overall I'm thrilled with what I got. I was afraid with free dining going on, but the places I really wanted (Boma, Citricos, Ohana) I got.

[TarzansKat]

I'm also surprised about the lack of Brown Derby ADRs, especially given the seventh is a Monday. I would definitely keep trying, maybe even later today. I found that on my first day of booking availability, some things were booked up or not at times that I wanted, but as a few days passed, I was able to tweak it to my liking. I really attribute this to the online system allowing you to stack reservations of close proximity in your cart. Which is fine, I mean, we all make decisions, but it can make the process harder as well.

I think your ADRs look great. Now, I can't remember, are you on a dining plan? When I suggest a restaurant for you in lieu of Le Cellier, I want to keep in mind whether it needs to be 1 or 2TS or if it doesn't matter. :goodvibes

[skier_pete]

Remember, with 90+10, they don't open up the entire restaurant reservation system. If you really want Brown Derby, try back exactly 90 days before that date (the 8th?), and there will be a whole bunch more Table opened....same with Le Cellier.

SkierPete

[If U Had Wings]

Remember, with 90+10, they don't open up the entire restaurant reservation system. If you really want Brown Derby, try back exactly 90 days before that date (the 8th?), and there will be a whole bunch more Table opened....same with Le Cellier.

SkierPete


I never even thought of that. I'm in no rush so I'll just try back again on Tuesday. Maybe something will turn up.

[skier_pete]

I never even thought of that. I'm in no rush so I'll just try back again on Tuesday. Maybe something will turn up.

I did this last trip with CRT...called on the 90+10 date-no dice, but called back again at 90 days...got the exact time I wanted.

A couple of ? for you...

Did you do all of your reservations using the on-line system? Your write up makes it sound like you did. I was wondering how it works, specifically, how it lets you do the 90+10 stuff. Once you type in your party once, do you have to do it again for each reservation? Or does the system save it, and then you can make additional times for the other reservations?

Thanks!
SkierPete

[If U Had Wings]

I did this last trip with CRT...called on the 90+10 date-no dice, but called back again at 90 days...got the exact time I wanted.

A couple of ? for you...

Did you do all of your reservations using the on-line system? Your write up makes it sound like you did. I was wondering how it works, specifically, how it lets you do the 90+10 stuff. Once you type in your party once, do you have to do it again for each reservation? Or does the system save it, and then you can make additional times for the other reservations?

Thanks!
SkierPete

You sign in once, with your reservation number, then you kind of go "shopping" for ADRs. It places all your ADRs in a shopping cart until you check out. Once you put in your ressie date it remembers it for all your ADRs. Very easy. I'd recomend playing around with it at least once before hand just for the feel of it.

[Flossbolna]

Congratulations on the ADRs!!

Ifg you need somthing to replace Le Cellier, I would vote for either Teppan Edo or Flying Fish, FF especially if you are missing out on Brown Derby. Oh and even though I have never eaten there, I think the food at Biergarten looks pretty good, too. :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

Loved your ADRs!!! I'm just going to repeat what everyone else said...try back on the 90 day window so much more opened up for me on that day!!! I'll be crossing my fingers for you...Brown Derby is so wonderful!!!!

Everything else looks so yummy!!!

[Donald is #1]

Congrats on getting your ADR! :banana: On the Brown Derby, did you try calling the ADR line to see if they could see something?

[MRYPPNS]

12/9 - Nothing Yet
This was my other little snag. I was hoping for Le Cellier at about 7pm. The only time that was available was at 8:20, a bit later than I was hoping for. Particularly because we want to be able to catch Illuminations this night, and an 8:20 ADR would make it impossible. I'm not considering Le Cellier a "must do" so I didn't book the 8:20. I figure that I'll let the Boardwalk IPO give it a try on Wednesday, and if they can't get me a better time I'll try to come up with plan B.

So I'll ask my charming readers what they would chose. I'm willing to consider any other Epcot restaurant, as well as anything in the nearby Boardwalk/Beach Club resort area, and possibly something at MGM. If I was able to snag a Brown Derby ADR at about 6, it would also solve my missing Brown Derby problem, and truthfully I'd rather eat at the Brown Derby than Le Cellier.

I would suggest that you call your IPO peeps and have them get you Brown Derby for this night. By the sounds of it you don't really want to eat at Le Cellier....I know your friend does but she isn't doing any of the real planning/work so you should eat where you want. I'm mean like that.

My other suggestions would be Tokyo Dining and Les Chefs. I'd stick to Epcot restaurants if you really want to see Illuminations....transportation always takes longer when you have to be somewhere at a certain time!

[If U Had Wings]

Congratulations on the ADRs!!

Ifg you need somthing to replace Le Cellier, I would vote for either Teppan Edo or Flying Fish, FF especially if you are missing out on Brown Derby. Oh and even though I have never eaten there, I think the food at Biergarten looks pretty good, too. :goodvibes

I was just checking out the menu for Flying Fish, and it looked pretty good to me. I was never a huge seafoood fan, but as I get older it's been growing on me. I do love snapper, so that looked delicious. I think for seafood I'm going to have to check with my friend. It's the one thing I'm not sure if she'll eat or not.

I usually eat at Biergarten on my family trips. My brother considers himself to be a meat-a-tarian, and adores it there. It's almost a bit revolting to see him put away that much meat in one sitting. It's a great atmosphere in there, and the band that plays is a lot of fun.

Loved your ADRs!!! I'm just going to repeat what everyone else said...try back on the 90 day window so much more opened up for me on that day!!! I'll be crossing my fingers for you...Brown Derby is so wonderful!!!!

Everything else looks so yummy!!!

I am going to check back. I'm really just shocked that of all my ADRs the hardest one to get was the Brown Derby. It took me completely by surprise.

Congrats on getting your ADR! :banana: On the Brown Derby, did you try calling the ADR line to see if they could see something?

No, I didn't get a chance to. I was at Panera this morning and my phone died. I'll give the phone a chance later if I don't come up with a better plan B.

I would suggest that you call your IPO peeps and have them get you Brown Derby for this night. By the sounds of it you don't really want to eat at Le Cellier....I know your friend does but she isn't doing any of the real planning/work so you should eat where you want. I'm mean like that.

My other suggestions would be Tokyo Dining and Les Chefs. I'd stick to Epcot restaurants if you really want to see Illuminations....transportation always takes longer when you have to be somewhere at a certain time!

Changing to the Brown Derby that night, has been on my mind. I know my friend likes it, and since she's never been to Le Cellier, she won't mind right?

Since my meal on the night I originally wanted a Brown Derby ADR for is so early (4:15 at Sci Fi) I'm thinking we can just do Illuminations that night. We'll have plenty of time, and then I'm free to not worry about the other night.

I'm definitely finding the problem of too many restaurants, not enough time. I was looking at the menu for The Wave and really like that too. This is just way too difficult. :rotfl:

[Flossbolna]

I was just checking out the menu for Flying Fish, and it looked pretty good to me. I was never a huge seafoood fan, but as I get older it's been growing on me. I do love snapper, so that looked delicious. I think for seafood I'm going to have to check with my friend. It's the one thing I'm not sure if she'll eat or not.

I usually eat at Biergarten on my family trips. My brother considers himself to be a meat-a-tarian, and adores it there. It's almost a bit revolting to see him put away that much meat in one sitting. It's a great atmosphere in there, and the band that plays is a lot of fun.



I definitely must try Biergarten one day... :goodvibes Didn't you say that your friend likes steak? I had the steak at FF and loved it (see here (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33232659&postcount=81) for me review)!! :thumbsup2 But I agree that the snapper sounds gret, too!

[All7OfUs]

7 out of 9 isn't so bad. In fact, I think it's pretty darned good! I really think BD will open up; keep trying off and on, and I"ll bed you get something.

[If U Had Wings]

I definitely must try Biergarten one day... :goodvibes Didn't you say that your friend likes steak? I had the steak at FF and loved it (see here (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33232659&postcount=81) for me review)!! :thumbsup2 But I agree that the snapper sounds gret, too!

Biergarten is definitely a fun place. They seat everyone at tables of 8 too, so it's great for large groups. I checked with my friend last night and she wasn't overly thrilled with the Flying Fish, so I may have to save that one for my next family or solo trip. :sad1:

7 out of 9 isn't so bad. In fact, I think it's pretty darned good! I really think BD will open up; keep trying off and on, and I"ll bed you get something.

Last night I actually went on and booked myself a Brown Derby ADR. There was still no availabililty coming up for Monday the 7th, so I left the Sci-Fi ADR alone, and booked the Brown Derby for the 9th. That was the day I was planning on Le Cellier, but Heidi was right. I wasn't overly thrilled with eating at Le Cellier. I like it well enough, but as I'm not really a red meat eater I can take it or leave it. When I really sat down to think about it, I knew I would rather eat at the Brown Derby than Le Cellier.

I was able to snag an ADR for the Brown Derby that night for 6:45. :banana: I had been planning on that being our Illuminations night, but I may have to do some replanning now. Since my Sci-Fi ADR is for 4:15 we should have no problems heading over to Epcot afterwards to catch Illuminations that night.

Now as long as IPO gets my Hoop Dee Doo, and Garden Tea ADRs I'll be set to go! :)

[TarzansKat]

Congrats on getting the Brown Derby ADR. I agree with Heidi, if you're not jazzed about a place, don't eat there. This you know you'll enjoy. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

Congrats on getting the Brown Derby ADR. I agree with Heidi, if you're not jazzed about a place, don't eat there. This you know you'll enjoy. :goodvibes

Plus, I know my friend loves it there too. Our last trip together, it was our #1 favorite place. I'll just try for Le Cellier on our next trip, either next fall or the spring if we make it.

[All7OfUs]

OH, I'm so happy for you! I knew it'd work out, and I totally agree with Heidi; if you're not that excited about one place, go with what you does give you the warm fuzzies.

I think that you'll have no problem getting over to EPCOT with the 4:15 ressie. You'll be out of DHS by 6:00.

[If U Had Wings]

OH, I'm so happy for you! I knew it'd work out, and I totally agree with Heidi; if you're not that excited about one place, go with what you does give you the warm fuzzies.

I think that you'll have no problem getting over to EPCOT with the 4:15 ressie. You'll be out of DHS by 6:00.

Thanks. I'm really happy with what I ended up with - some old favorites and some first time places. I think it's going to work out really well.

[Flossbolna]

I just found out that WDW is offering a new tour during the weeks before Christmas: Disney's Holiday D-Lights. Unfortunately it is very pricey (179 $:scared1:)! But I thought you might be interested in finding out about it anyway: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Disneys-Holiday-D-Lights.htm

[If U Had Wings]

I just found out that WDW is offering a new tour during the weeks before Christmas: Disney's Holiday D-Lights. Unfortunately it is very pricey (179 $:scared1:)! But I thought you might be interested in finding out about it anyway: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Disneys-Holiday-D-Lights.htm

That's pretty interesting. The price though, :scared1:. I wish I had some extra cash floating around to do it.

[If U Had Wings]

Just a quick note to say that I'll be posting a real update soon. I've been fighting a bad case of the blahs lately and haven't been motivated to do much of anything. I couldn't even drag myself out of bed on Saturday to go to my beloved Zumba class, forget about getting out for a run.

Of course missing my exercise classes and runs only makes me feel much worse, especially as no matter how much I seem to exercise these days the scale doesn't seem to budge. Very depressing! :sad2: Weight issues just get so draining after awhile.

I need to scan in a few pics for the post I want to do, so hopefully I'll be able to get that done in the next few days.

[princess&her4princes]

Just a quick note to say that I'll be posting a real update soon. I've been fighting a bad case of the blahs lately and haven't been motivated to do much of anything. I couldn't even drag myself out of bed on Saturday to go to my beloved Zumba class, forget about getting out for a run.

Of course missing my exercise classes and runs only makes me feel much worse, especially as no matter how much I seem to exercise these days the scale doesn't seem to budge. Very depressing! :sad2: Weight issues just get so draining after awhile.

I need to scan in a few pics for the post I want to do, so hopefully I'll be able to get that done in the next few days.

I'm soooo sorry to hear that you're going through a tough time lately!:hug: I'm thinking of you and hope that things are okay!!! I hear you with dealing with weight issues....I am yo yoing these days.....down 20 up 10, ugh! :( It's so hard....but I'm trying to run and get healthy once and for all. I hope the same for you!!!

Looking forward to hearing your plans!!!:goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I'm soooo sorry to hear that you're going through a tough time lately!:hug: I'm thinking of you and hope that things are okay!!! I hear you with dealing with weight issues....I am yo yoing these days.....down 20 up 10, ugh! :( It's so hard....but I'm trying to run and get healthy once and for all. I hope the same for you!!!

Looking forward to hearing your plans!!!:goodvibes

Thanks. I just feel like I'm fighting a battle I just can't win sometimes. I lost a bunch a few years ago, but my budget has been limited lately and I'm finding it hard to eat the way I should and be able to afford it.

[All7OfUs]

:grouphug:

Here's a little support from all your friends here on the DIS. Be strong, we're with you! PM me, if you want to talk. :hug:

Liesa

[Flossbolna]

I am sorry that you are not feeling good at the moment!! I hope things will improve soon! I know what you mean about feeling not motivated enough to get some exercise and even feeling worse afterwards for not exercising. I go through those phases as well. But I am sure it's just a phase!! :goodvibes

You might want to look out for any new deals being anounced on 9/27. There are some rather serious rumors running around that some new deal might come up for December: http://blog.touringplans.com/2009/09/22/yet-another-discount-rumor/ I hope this creates not even more confusion for you and perhaps it would help with budget issues!! :goodvibes

[MyMuse]

Just a quick note to say that I'll be posting a real update soon. I've been fighting a bad case of the blahs lately and haven't been motivated to do much of anything. I couldn't even drag myself out of bed on Saturday to go to my beloved Zumba class, forget about getting out for a run.

Of course missing my exercise classes and runs only makes me feel much worse, especially as no matter how much I seem to exercise these days the scale doesn't seem to budge. Very depressing! :sad2: Weight issues just get so draining after awhile.

I need to scan in a few pics for the post I want to do, so hopefully I'll be able to get that done in the next few days.

I hear you on that one! I haven't been able to get to the gym all week nor participate in 2 hikes I wanted to go on. It seems my errands just will not end. :rolleyes:

I am also known as the plateau queen; very frustrating. Even the nutrionist/trainer I hired for 6 weeks earlier in the year just could not figure it out. Argh.

So, you are not alone! :hug:

[If U Had Wings]

:grouphug:

Here's a little support from all your friends here on the DIS. Be strong, we're with you! PM me, if you want to talk. :hug:

Liesa

Thanks. I'm trying to just focus on good things, and hope I snap out of this soon. These mornings it's all I can do to drag myself out of bed.

I am sorry that you are not feeling good at the moment!! I hope things will improve soon! I know what you mean about feeling not motivated enough to get some exercise and even feeling worse afterwards for not exercising. I go through those phases as well. But I am sure it's just a phase!! :goodvibes

You might want to look out for any new deals being anounced on 9/27. There are some rather serious rumors running around that some new deal might come up for December: http://blog.touringplans.com/2009/09/22/yet-another-discount-rumor/ I hope this creates not even more confusion for you and perhaps it would help with budget issues!! :goodvibes

Thanks. I managed to get out last night for a run. It was tough after a week off, but I'm glad I did it. It was still light out when I got home, but was getting dark as I set off on my run. I think I really need to get over my treadmill phobia so I have no excuses for why I can't run this winter.

I'm going to have to check out the deals. Luckily the money for my trip is safely set to go on Disney gift cards, and has been for awhile now. My trip luckily is not causing undue financial stress on me. It's been a barrage of unexpected expenses (weddings, showers, birthdays etc.) that have been piling up on me. I have a few more to get through, but I'm already warning people that this Christmas I'm on a budget.

I hear you on that one! I haven't been able to get to the gym all week nor participate in 2 hikes I wanted to go on. It seems my errands just will not end. :rolleyes:

I am also known as the plateau queen; very frustrating. Even the nutrionist/trainer I hired for 6 weeks earlier in the year just could not figure it out. Argh.

So, you are not alone! :hug:

Thank you. The diet stuff has been driving me a bit crazy, and it makes for such a vicious circle. I know part of the problem is that I've been having to eat some lower cost items that are problem items for me. I need to start trying to find some new cheaper things that don't play such havoc with my weight. Peanut butter is killing me. Even in small amounts I feel like I gain 20 lbs immediately after swallowing.

[If U Had Wings]

Time is flying along, and I'm quickly approaching being 2 months out for my trip. While I'm looking forward to my trip, I haven't really been finding myself over-excited about it. Maybe it's just been in planning for too long (I booked my room a year ago today), or maybe it's some real life issues weighing on me, but I've been feeling pretty blah :sick:about my trip.

In an attempt to get some excitement going for my trip again, I've deceided to copy Heidi and come up with my own three things list and work it into my itinerary. My list of three or so things that I'd like to see, do or experience each day of my trip. Since nothing on this trip is being considered a "must-do" other than getting some rest and relaxation, I am considering these things to be opportunities. I've mixed in a few vintage photos just to keep it interesting. :)

Day 1
My plan is to stay overnight the day before at my parents house. I don't have the greatest track record for getting up on time, and as I'm going to have to leave the house before 4:30 am to get to the airport about an hour and a half before my flight, this just seemed like the easiest way. I'm flying out of White Plains, which is a small airport with no long term parking, so I'm lucky I have some really great family to bring me to the airport at that hour. :cloud9:

My flight leaves at 6:30 am, so I'll be arriving in Orlando a little before 9:30 am. While I hate getting up that early in the morning to fly, I love getting to Orlando with enough time to enjoy the whole day. My friend is flying out of another state, but has timed her flight so that we will be arriving within 10 minutes of each other. Once the flights have arrived we'll meet up at the ME desk and head out to AS Sports.

I've always lucked out before and been able to check in as soon as I arrived, but I'm thinking I may not get that lucky this time with such an early arrival. I'd love to squeeze in a bit of a nap if possible. Otherwise the plan is to dump our stuff and head out the Magic Kingdom to celebrate Walt Disney's birthday properly. :bday: :cake: We have a 5pm ADR at The Plaza, but other than that our day is wide open.


Three Opportunities for Day 1
1) Explore the Shops on Main Street - It's one of those things I never get to really do when I visit with my family, or if anything I only get to see the kid's stuff. I want to get to spend some time really poking around in the stores at a non-rushed pace. I also want to sit and relax and people watch for awhile, and enjoy some of the sights and sounds going on around me. It will be my first time seeing the MK during the Christmas holidays and can't wait to see the decorations. :santa:

I'll need to get my pic taken on Main Street. It's a must do.

From 1979, my first trip to Disney. I was eight and my aunt came along with us for the trip.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/mainst79_opt.jpg

I don't know what I get a bigger kick out of in this picture. My crazy short shorts and straw hat combo, the fact that there is no stage in front of the castle so you could walk straight through, or the fact that according to the sign behind us on the left there was a tobacco shop on Main Street. I think probably my incredibly dorky outfit. :crazy:

From 1981. No castle in this shot, but I got a kick out of the old tickets you needed to wear pinned to you -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/MKa81_opt.jpg

Obviously my mother had a thing for bad hats on us kids. :lmao:

2007, at the MNSSHP -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00200_opt.jpg

And nearly 30 years after the first trip to Disney, another family trip to Disney. I'm now the aunt. :lovestruc

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202008/FamilyCastleGoodAngle.jpg

Luckily we won't be seeing the castle looking like this:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/castleb97_opt.jpg

And a side view to see how the cake as
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/castle97_opt.jpg

2) Ride the Jungle Cruise/Big Thunder Mt. at Night - I don't think I've ever ridden either of these at night. Must try.

3) Check out the Tomorrowland Phone Booth (and ride the new Space Mountain while I'm there) - Can't wait to ride the new version!! On my first trip to Disney I rode Space Mountain with my aunt. The way the cars used to be, two passengers straddled and sat on a single bench seat. I slid off the seat on the first hill and rode the rest of the ride on the floor of the car. This is my most distinct memory of that entire trip. (I don't know why I wasn't strapped in better, was saftey that bad back in the 70's?). I was so freaked out that I refused to get on the ride again for years. While my brother and father would be riding Space Mountain I would be riding If You Had Wings repeatedly with my mom. In about 1988 I let myself get talked into riding again, and fell in love with the ride. Of course now I was secure in my own seat, and it wasn't nearly as dark. I'm looking forward to seeing if they've gone back to a pitch black ride.

[MRYPPNS]

Three Opportunities for Day 1
1) Explore the Shops on Main Street

Love it! So many people never take the time to do this. Don't forget about the party line phone in the hat shop.

[Charleston Princess]

I do really like the three things list -- I am going to do that for the next big trip.

I always get a kick out of old pictures, and I do love the shorts and straw hat combos! We really did grow up in a crazy fashion era. :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

I'm totally doing the three things list in January. It's a really great idea!

Love all the photos, I love looking at them. It's amazing how much the parks change.

I think your plans look great. Your trip is going to be wonderful. :cloud9:

[MRYPPNS]

I had no idea I was such a trend setter!

[If U Had Wings]

Love it! So many people never take the time to do this. Don't forget about the party line phone in the hat shop.

I never knew about the party line phone until my last trip. I was waiting for them to stitch my ears and for some reason I just picked it up. It was such a great little surprise.

One of my favorite surprises on Main Street is the little courtyard where you can hear the singing and tap lessons. It just adds so much ambiance.

I do really like the three things list -- I am going to do that for the next big trip.

I always get a kick out of old pictures, and I do love the shorts and straw hat combos! We really did grow up in a crazy fashion era. :laughing:

My mom still always has a straw hat when she goes to Disney, and tries to convince me I need one too. :rotfl: The shorts are such a bad fashion statement, although I think my brothers look with the high white socks may be worse.

I'm totally doing the three things list in January. It's a really great idea!

Love all the photos, I love looking at them. It's amazing how much the parks change.

I think your plans look great. Your trip is going to be wonderful. :cloud9:

I really thought we had more pictures than we actually had. I guess compared to how many we take now that they are digital it looks like practically none. Also it's a bit sad that my dad never seemed to be in many of them. Have to love photopass.

I had no idea I was such a trend setter!

It definitely needs to be named after you. "Heidi's Three Things".

[All7OfUs]

Your number 1 is definitely my number one too. Not so much for the shopping, but for the incredible window displays! I've actually "borrowed" some trip writers' shots of the window displays and used them for my computer wall paper; they are THAT gorgeous!

Definitely want to ride those rides at night too!!

You slipped OFF YOUR SEAT!? OMG! :scared1: It's lucky you're going exploring in the Great Wide Somewhere AT ALL!

[If U Had Wings]

Your number 1 is definitely my number one too. Not so much for the shopping, but for the incredible window displays! I've actually "borrowed" some trip writers' shots of the window displays and used them for my computer wall paper; they are THAT gorgeous!

Me too. My desire is definitely more of a check out the details kind of shopping trip. I keep telling myself my "souvenier" this trip is my spa visit.

Definitely want to ride those rides at night too!!
I've heard such good things about the rides at night. I don't know why I've never made it on them at night before.

You slipped OFF YOUR SEAT!? OMG! :scared1: It's lucky you're going exploring in the Great Wide Somewhere AT ALL!

Right off the seat and onto the floor! :rotfl: I'm guessing they didn't even have a strap around your waist. Seriously, it wasn't until my father and brother convinced me that the seats were different that I would even consider going on again.

[skier_pete]

Ahhhh..the pink castle / cake monstrosity. Clever in concept, hideous in execution! The first trip with DW was during that celebration - in fact, they started taking it down while we were there. (Interestingly, in 5 Adult trips, we've only seen the castle without the crane once!)

It's nice that you have plans of what you what to do that's new. I always say that every day of every trip, we should try and do at least one thing we've never done before. Generally, it's not a hard goal to reach so far.

Speaking of the goals, we did the JC at night last trip based on recommendations from the boards...while it was OK, I was not all that impressed. It is rather poorly lit, so you really don't see very much stuff - and we did not have a very good skipper. Like daytime rides, the skippers make or break the jungle cruise.

The BEST part is going through the Sher Lee Temple - because your eyes are already dark adjusted, it seems SO much brighter in there.

We haven't done Splash Mountain at night - but I have done BTMRR, though I don't remember much about that one either.

SkierPete

[All7OfUs]

Crissy! Did you abandon us here?? Are you ok?? Let us know how you are and how all your planning is going!

[princess&her4princes]

I was wondering, too, how are you girl!? Thinking of you!!:hug:

[If U Had Wings]

Ahhhh..the pink castle / cake monstrosity. Clever in concept, hideous in execution! The first trip with DW was during that celebration - in fact, they started taking it down while we were there. (Interestingly, in 5 Adult trips, we've only seen the castle without the crane once!)

It was just horrible. You wonder what in the world they were thinking!

It's nice that you have plans of what you what to do that's new. I always say that every day of every trip, we should try and do at least one thing we've never done before. Generally, it's not a hard goal to reach so far.

I definitely want to try new things this trip as much as possible. That was my plan before I invited my friend along, so I see no reason to change it. I've tried just about all of the rides and attractions in the parks, but luckily WDW is big enough that I can find new things all over the place.

I see that you have a bonus trip planned. Congrats on the AP's!


Crissy! Did you abandon us here?? Are you ok?? Let us know how you are and how all your planning is going!

I was wondering, too, how are you girl!? Thinking of you!!:hug:

Thanks guys. I've been feeling a bit blue lately and really cut myself off from everything for awhile. Trying to snap myself out of it by focusing on my Disney trip.

[If U Had Wings]

I'm still here. :wave: Hanging on by the proverbial thread, but here. Real life has been smacking me around lately, but like Rocky Balboa I seem to keep coming back for more. I've come to realize that going the distance is about all I can hope for these days. :confused:

The only good thing is that my trip has been fully paid for, otherwise I'd be stressing out even more than I already am. I was supposed to have gone away this past weekend to upstate New York, but had to cancel my reservation when I realized that there was no possible way I could afford it. Real life really stinks sometimes. It all has been adding up to make me feel pretty out of sorts and a bit depressed lately. (An upcoming birthday later this week doesn't help any either).

But I'll be in Disney in less than 2 months so all is good, right? :rolleyes:

I'm trying to stay focused on that, so lets get back to some plans. Disney = good. Focus on the good! :thumbsup2

Onward to Day #2!

On day 2 I always head to the Animal Kingdom. I have no logical reason for why, but it has come to be my routine the past few visits. The Animal Kingdom is the one place I really and truly have no "musts". Maybe that's why I like touring it on my first full day? I like everything at AK fairly equally, so it makes touring fairly stress free. Sure I want to be sure that I ride Everest and catch the Lion King show, but for some reason I never feel a need to rush around like a park touring commando while at the Animal Kingdom.

I like to keep our first full day fairly light. We'll be having dinner at Boma at 6pm, and usually that's about the time that travel and Disney exhaustion starts setting in. I'm leaving night plans open. A bit of exploring at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and maybe a stop at DTD later on.

I was able to come up with a top 3 list though. Nothing crazy just a few things I want to try to fit in.


1) Explore the AK taking in the details - Oddly enough, while I never find myself rushing around at the Animal Kingdom, I'm never really stopping to explore either. This trip I really want to take in the details. AK is such a beautiful park, this time I really want to get to observe all the tiny details. I want to explore the tree of life, and soak up the themeing all over the park.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/DSC01872_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/DSC01868_opt.jpg


http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/2007OctoberDisney-meandDonald.jpg
2) Get my photo taken with Donald Again - This was the highlight of my 2007 trip. Donald is my favorite Disney character, but I had never been able to track him down for a photo. Before my 2007 trip my then 6 year old niece told me exactly where to find him, and proceded to check in with me over my vacation to see if I had met him yet. :cloud9: I made my friend wait in line with me at Camp Minnie Mickey, and when it was finally my turn the photopass guy told me I was smiling more than any kid he had met that day. I want another photo. I'll be waiting in line again. :lovestruc


I'm not 100% sure about my number 3 item for Day 2, but for now that's where I'm leaving it.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/pofqb97_opt.jpg

3) Head to POFQ for Beignets - I won't be at Disney for another month, and already I'm missing my favorite resort. I will definitely squeeze in a visit to my favorite place to check out the Christmas decorations and have some beignets. If we head to DTD on day 2, I may try to get a visit in then.

From my first stay at POFQ in 1992, back when it was stil just Port Orleans. The year I graduated college. (Eeek has it been that long ago already. :scared1:)
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PO1992_opt.jpg

And my mom and I in 1997. I hate every picture of me from that trip, heck that year, but I wanted to include a few pictures from that trip. It makes me shudder a bit just looking at it. Just one reason why my 30's where so much better than my 20's. :thumbsup2
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PO1997_opt.jpg

[Lady Lallie]

I think your Animal Kingdom plans sound wonderful. It sounds so relaxing which is a must for this trip for you I think. :thumbsup2

I love that picture of you with the fountain at POFQ! Very pretty. :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

I think you have some great plans and I love your top 3 things you must do!! You look so happy in that picture with Donald, I can't wait to see your picture from this year.

I have to agree I really enjoy all the Animal Kingdom has to offer and its easy to just take it easy there!!

OOOH..POFQ...I'm staying there in January so thanks for the pictures! I will definitely be trying those famous beignets!!

[Charleston Princess]

I am sorry you have been blue lately! :hug: I hope things start to look up for you soon!

Thank goodness your trip is paid in full, and you are only a couple of months away from Disney! That's bound to cheer a person up, right?

I love that you are making time to go eat beignets at POFQ! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

I think your Animal Kingdom plans sound wonderful. It sounds so relaxing which is a must for this trip for you I think. :thumbsup2

I love that picture of you with the fountain at POFQ! Very pretty. :goodvibes

AK is always my most relaxing day of the trip.

That first POFQ trip was so much fun. I fell in love with the place right away.

I think you have some great plans and I love your top 3 things you must do!! You look so happy in that picture with Donald, I can't wait to see your picture from this year.

I have to agree I really enjoy all the Animal Kingdom has to offer and its easy to just take it easy there!!

OOOH..POFQ...I'm staying there in January so thanks for the pictures! I will definitely be trying those famous beignets!!

That pic with Donald was the highlight of my trip. I was smiling for days.

You are going to love POFQ. I love it there. I'm looking forward to staying at the Boardwalk, but at the same time will be missing POFQ. I love all the gardens and fountains that are around the resort.

I am sorry you have been blue lately! :hug: I hope things start to look up for you soon!

Thank goodness your trip is paid in full, and you are only a couple of months away from Disney! That's bound to cheer a person up, right?

I love that you are making time to go eat beignets at POFQ! :thumbsup2

Thanks. The shorter days really get to me. I've wondered for a long time if I suffer from SAD. As soon as the days get shorter I start getting blue.

The beignets are too yummy to miss. I need to squeeze them in somehow! :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

AWWW... I thought you might be having some blue thoughts. I really am so happy you get to have this trip, and that you are focusing on slowing down and taking time to absorb and experience the details! I love all your pictures, and think you look great in all of them- very happy!! So glad you are posting again, too!! Now we can start our countdown with you - you're so close! Now if all our tickers would start working again, darn it.

[MRYPPNS]

Wings take it from me....at any given moment on your trip do whatever will make you happy right then and there. It's a good feeling!

[If U Had Wings]

AWWW... I thought you might be having some blue thoughts. I really am so happy you get to have this trip, and that you are focusing on slowing down and taking time to absorb and experience the details! I love all your pictures, and think you look great in all of them- very happy!! So glad you are posting again, too!! Now we can start our countdown with you - you're so close! Now if all our tickers would start working again, darn it.


Thanks. I'm trying to focus on the good things so I can shake off these blues. This year they seem to be really hanging in there though. I don't want to admit to how many times I've overslept in the past few weeks because I couldn't drag myself out of bed. I'm hoping once my birthday is over I'll start feeling better. I don't even really mind getting older for the most part, I just keep dwelling on missed opportunities and stuff like that. (The time just slipping away).


Wings take it from me....at any given moment on your trip do whatever will make you happy right then and there. It's a good feeling!

This is definitely going to be a stop and smell the roses kind of trip. I've been a bit stressed with the lack of input from my BFF, but I'm determined not to let it get to me any longer. No input = I plan as I like. :thumbsup2 About 2 weeks ago she told me that she hadn't gotten around to booking her Behind the Magic tour yet. Just knowing this was enough to set my twisted inner planner on edge. I was soooooo tempted to go ahead and take care of it for her, but snapped myself out it. I've taken care of everything else, and if she can't take care of one reservation it's out of my hands. (Makes me very glad I'm in charge of planning though;)).

[If U Had Wings]

After hopefully getting a good nights rest at ASSp day 3 the plan is to head off to Epcot for the morning. I have a 8am :scared1:ADR made for Akerhaus so we can kick back and dine with some princesses. I'm oddly more excited about this than I probably should be, but it's Disney right? ;)

In keeping with the low key tone to this vacation, I'm not making may hard and fast touring plans for Epcot either. We'll be heading to Soarin' first, and getting a few spins around the track in on Test Track, but other than that I'm hoping to just play it by ear. Probably the focus this morning will be on the first half of Epcot, saving World Showcase for later in the week. If my BFF is up to riding Mission Space we'll hit that too. For me, I'll happily pass. The ride itself doesn't really bother me. I've ridden the high test version every time I've gone and never been sick. I'm just very blah about the ride. Really does nothing for me.

Part of my to-do list for this vacation is try to get out and see the Christmas decorations at the various resorts, so for lunch we are going to head back to the buses and head to one of the resorts to have lunch at their food court. It will be one of the ones that we don't have other plans at, but that's all the planning I'm putting into that. I like the idea of just hopping on the first bus that shows up.

After lunch and some resort visiting, it will be off to Hollywood studios for a few rides on ToT and RnR (we both are adrenaline nuts). Maybe a ride on Toy Story Mania if it's not too crazy. :rotfl:I'm a little scared about my BFF on TSM though. She's competitive enough on Buzz. This may push her over the edge.

We'll have plenty of time before our dinner ADR at 6:15 at the Sci-Fi Dine In. Originally I had hoped to make a ressie at the Brown Derby this night, but there were no ADRs to me had at all at HS and had to take a 4:15 ADR at the Sci-Fi. A week or two ago, prime dinner times opened up at all the HS restaurants, so I'm guessing there was a glitch in the system. What a surprise! :rolleyes:I had already booked the Derby for another night so I stayed with the Sci-Fi, but was happily able to get a better dinner time.

After dinner maybe we'll head back to Epcot for Illuminations, or just back to the room for some relaxation. We'll just see what we feel like.

And my 3 Things to Try or Do for Day 3 -

1) Really Explore Epcot - Like our Animal Kingdom day, just soak up the details and the atmosphere. Here are some "vintage" picks from Epcot over the years.

The entrance circa 1988. No tombstones in the plaza area.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/sc0000c8a7_opt.jpg

Also various extinct rides and areas circa 1988

Me, my father and brother outside of the World of Motion -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/WorldofMotion1988_opt.jpg

Mom, me and my brother on the upper level of the Imagination Pavillion. I think this is what I miss most of all. I used to love that whole play area. What they have now is just a small taste of what they used to have.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/EpcotUpper1988_opt.jpg

Also from the upper level of the Imagination pavillion - the color tunnel.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/EpcotColor1988_opt.jpg

Sadly it won't be flower and garden time, so we won't get to see the beautiful shrubberies I saw back in 2003.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/ChrisandDiane_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/ChriswithMickeyandMinnieswingShrubb.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/Beautyandthebeastshrubbery_opt.jpg

And from 2007, my BFF and I meeting Figment. She loves Figment, and we were thrilled to run across his meet up area as we were leaving the pavillion. Sadly, I think they did away with his meeting area.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/2007OctoberDisney-HeatherMeandFigme.jpg


2) Get a henna Tattoo - I've wanted to do this for so long. I'm treating myself this year. Although I may wait for this until later in the week. I'll have to see.

My dad and I at the Morocco pavillion back in 1988.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/morocco88_opt.jpg

3)Get a photo of the monorail and spaceship earth in the same frame. Makes the photos look so much more interesting that this -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/epcot88_opt.jpg

I'm thinking that this pic was of the dancing fountain, but it's covered up as a stage.

[MRYPPNS]

The Epcot Tombstones. I'll be happy when those go bye-bye.

[skier_pete]

Speaking of the monorail and Epcot.

Don't know if you've ever ridden the monorail through Epcot, but it is a lot of fun, and the views of the FW pavillions are excellent for taking pictures.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/skier_pete/DSCN2018.jpg

Also, if you want to ride the front of the monorail...we discover on our last trip...go to Epcot close to opening, but instead of entering the park, go to monorail station...absolutely no-one is taking the monorail from Epcot to the TTC first thing in the morning...you can get a front seat easy. Then on the ride back, you get the great views of Epcot...though they boot you out of that front row seat. It only takes about 15 minutes round trip, but I found it more fun than the MK monorail loop, which is always so crowded!

[All7OfUs]

Epcot is my hands-down fav. park. So many details and fun things to see, esp. in WS!

I do love your vintage photos. THere must be so many memories for you there.

I love your idea of getting a henna tatoo. Here's ours from our last trip to Dubai:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/CopyofPicture053.jpg

They are so fun to get, and I think much more beautiful than a reg. tatoo that is forever.

Love your plan to hop a bus, any one that comes, for lunch at a resort too! An element of surprise thrown in !! Perfect.

[Charleston Princess]

I am with Heidi -- I would be glad to see the tombstones go away at the entrance -- I think it really ruins the visual impact of entering Epcot!

The color tunnel! I remember that! I used to love the Imagination Pavilion!

[Lady Lallie]

I really love the old trip photos included in your plans. They are really neat to look at.

I think a henna tattoo sounds like a lot of fun! :thumbsup2

[Flossbolna]

Love your plans!! And I love the vintage pictures. Old Epcot is so beautiful!! In 2004 I really did not like Futureworld at all. It looked chaotic to me. It still does, but I appreciate it a bit moer now. If they would just get away with all the weired things on the plaza (tarps in the air, strange metal objects etc) and the tombstones out front and possibly paint it white again, this area would look so much better!!

I can understand your frustation with your BFF. My previous trips have all been with a good friend who never got into planning at all. So I was mainly on my own with the planning. I really missed having someone to discuss things with and also felt like I needed to come up with things she liked to accomodate her in my plans. In the end on our last trip we actually split up quite regularly and that worked out fine as well. I enjoyed doing things on my own and we would meet up for meals. But I am really enjoying it that the next trip will be with my DS who really is into the planning as well. She even became a DISer! :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

Speaking of the monorail and Epcot.

Don't know if you've ever ridden the monorail through Epcot, but it is a lot of fun, and the views of the FW pavillions are excellent for taking pictures.

Also, if you want to ride the front of the monorail...we discover on our last trip...go to Epcot close to opening, but instead of entering the park, go to monorail station...absolutely no-one is taking the monorail from Epcot to the TTC first thing in the morning...you can get a front seat easy. Then on the ride back, you get the great views of Epcot...though they boot you out of that front row seat. It only takes about 15 minutes round trip, but I found it more fun than the MK monorail loop, which is always so crowded!

Thanks for the tips! I may have to try that. I think I rode the monorail in the front once as a kid, but I don't think that my friend ever has. I think she'd love it.

Epcot is my hands-down fav. park. So many details and fun things to see, esp. in WS!

Epcot has been a favorite of mine since my first visit back in 1988, although I will admit that I miss alot of the things that they've done away from. What can I say? I'm a bit of a geek. I used to love all the educational stuff. I'm hoping that the 25th anniversay exhibit is still up when I go. I could kick myself for not taking photos last year when I checked it out.

I do love your vintage photos. THere must be so many memories for you there.

I had alot of fun going back and checking out all the old photos. It's funny, I always thought we had so many, but compared to how many digital photos I take now, there are really very few.



I love your idea of getting a henna tatoo. Here's ours from our last trip to Dubai:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/CopyofPicture053.jpg

They are so fun to get, and I think much more beautiful than a reg. tatoo that is forever.

Those are so beautiful. Whenever I go with my family, I usually don't get to check out alot of stuff on my own. Henna tattoos allways seem to be the one thing there was no time for. I'm looking forward to it. I'll be going with a friend of mine next October to get tatoos for our birthdays, so this will give me a taste to see how I like it.

Love your plan to hop a bus, any one that comes, for lunch at a resort too! An element of surprise thrown in !! Perfect.

It seemed the best way to get in some resort visits. I really want to check out as many of them as possible. Since I usually stay at POFQ every time I go, I've really missed out on seeing the other resorts.

I am with Heidi -- I would be glad to see the tombstones go away at the entrance -- I think it really ruins the visual impact of entering Epcot!

The color tunnel! I remember that! I used to love the Imagination Pavilion!

I hate the tombstones, almost as much as I hate the big hat blocking the view of the theater at HS. The tombstones just create such awkward sight lines.

I loved the tunnel at the Imagination Pavillion. I could spend hours in there playing with it, and those pin tables you could run your hands under. Loved those!

I really love the old trip photos included in your plans. They are really neat to look at.

I think a henna tattoo sounds like a lot of fun! :thumbsup2

I love the pics of things that are gone/changed. It's like a little trip down memory lane.

I'm thinking a henna tattoo on my ankle. It's were I've always wanted a real tattoo, but am too much of wimp to get one there.

Love your plans!! And I love the vintage pictures. Old Epcot is so beautiful!! In 2004 I really did not like Futureworld at all. It looked chaotic to me. It still does, but I appreciate it a bit moer now. If they would just get away with all the weired things on the plaza (tarps in the air, strange metal objects etc) and the tombstones out front and possibly paint it white again, this area would look so much better!!

I heard somewhere that the tombstones would be going away. It can't happen soon enough for me.

I can understand your frustation with your BFF. My previous trips have all been with a good friend who never got into planning at all. So I was mainly on my own with the planning. I really missed having someone to discuss things with and also felt like I needed to come up with things she liked to accomodate her in my plans. In the end on our last trip we actually split up quite regularly and that worked out fine as well. I enjoyed doing things on my own and we would meet up for meals. But I am really enjoying it that the next trip will be with my DS who really is into the planning as well. She even became a DISer! :goodvibes

My BFF is the complete anti-planner. She has always said that if she gets married, she is just going to let me and another friend do the planning. So it's not really surprising that she has put in practically no input for this trip, it's just a little bit frustrating.

On the one hand it's nice being able to plan the trip anyway I want, but on the other hand it would be nice to have her a bit more involved. I know that she is the most flexible person I know, and really and truly will like anything, I still worry about it.

The Disney trip I took the year after I graduated college I went with a friend who also was happy to let me do all the planning. Maybe I just attract friends like that? It's such a difference between traveling with my family, when my brother and I do a bit of the battle of the planners.

[skier_pete]

Just be happy that your non-planning friend doesn't mind letting you make a plan. She *COULD* be one of those people that says "I don't want to have a plan going in, let's just be spontaneous!" Ugh...that would just about kill me.

You always have us folks on the DIS to chat with about your plans! PLus, we'll never complain about you skipping our favorite...whatever.

[If U Had Wings]

Just be happy that your non-planning friend doesn't mind letting you make a plan. She *COULD* be one of those people that says "I don't want to have a plan going in, let's just be spontaneous!" Ugh...that would just about kill me.

You always have us folks on the DIS to chat with about your plans! PLus, we'll never complain about you skipping our favorite...whatever.

No, luckily she likes plans, she just has zero interest in making them herself. I just don't understand that concept though.

[If U Had Wings]

I had been planning on getting an update posted over the weekend, but I somehow managed to damage my laptop's charging cable so my poor laptop was sitting there dead all weekend. It's amazing how lost I felt without it. Luckily I had a bunch of other distractions - two days with the nieces, work, and a knitting convention. I actually got to sleep in one day too. Bliss! I had to run to the Apple store on my lunch break today to get a new power cord. Nearly had a heart attack when they told me it would be $85 for a new one.:scared1:

I'm finding it almost hard to believe that it's getting so close to my vacation. I booked it 13 months ago, and I'm finally nearly down to one month out. :woohoo:My younger niece told me yesterday that she's annoyed I'm going without her. Obviously I missed the "no traveling to Disney without your nieces" memo. :rotfl:I will miss them this trip.

Day 4 of my trip is the day that I'm looking forward to most of all. It's the first of my two no-park days. An actually day of rest and relaxation while at Disney. It's an odd concept, true, but I'm really looking forward to it.

My BFF and I will be splitting up this day. She is planning on taking the Behind the Magic 3 park tour this day. Planning being the key term here. She hasn't actually booked anything yet, and I'm trying not to stress myself on her behalf over this. My compulsive planner gets a bit twitchy over the lack of concern, but when it comes down to it if she's not worried enough about it, neither am I. Really...no, really.

Well at any rate I won't be overly concerned that morning. I will be pampering myself a bit at the Grand Floridian spa. In the morning though we first need to check out of All Star Sports, and have our bags sent over to our next resort. Since I'll be heading over to the MK area, I made an ADR for breakfast at Kona so I could sit, relax and try some Tonga Toast before heading to the spa. I made the ADR for two at 8am, but if my friend signs up for the tour I don't think she's going to have enough time for a sit down breakfast. Of course if she doesn't book her tour, I'm not sure what she is going to do that day, but again…I am not going to stress over that. :)

After breakfast I will be heading over to the Grand Floridan for a morning at the Spa. I am sooooo looking forward to this. My reservation is for one of their signature citrus massages, and I'm toying with the idea of adding on a soak in one of the aromatherapy baths. I love a good soak at home with a Lush bath bomb, but am forever bemoaning the fact that I don't have a large clawfoot tub to soak in. :confused: I've never had a massage of any kind, but I think this will be right up my alley. I've never actually been inside of the Grand Floridian either, so I can't wait to check that out either, especially as I've heard so many great things about the Christmas decorations there.

After my morning at the spa, I made an ADR for tea at the Grand Floridan by myself. I'm still unsure if I'm planning on keeping this ADR or not. I'm just not sure if I want to stay longer at the Grand Floridian, or use the time to go and check out the Wilderness Lodge. If my friend takes her tour, I should have plenty of time before I have to meet back up with her, as the Behind the Magic tour runs about 7 hours or so.

Depending on when my friend is done, we will meet up and head over to the Boardwalk Inn to check in for the second half of our stay. :lovestrucI hear it calling out to me already. Originally I was thinking I could head over and check in early, but I forgot that I need to wait for my BFF since I need her to pay for her 1/2 of the stay when we check in. :headache:It should be quite the culture shock moving from a value room at All Star Sports to our spiffy concierge room at the Boardwalk Inn. I'm still amazed that it was only $100 more for the concierge room, and was cheaper to book concierge than a standard waterview room. :eek:I already put in a request for our concierge room to be a waterview room, but they don't guarantee them. The incredibly nice CM who helped me book it on the phone told me that she doesn't usually get specific room requests for the BWI, so I should have a good shot at it. She was amazed at how little it was to upgrade. She figured that if we each have one class of wine a night we'll have paid for the small upgrade fee. :rotfl:She must of ESP about us or something.

We'll have a little bit of time to settle ourselves in the new resort and to check out our room and the concierge lounge before heading out to our dinner ADR over at Fort Wilderness. We are seeing the Hoop Dee Doo Review. It was one of the few requests of my BFF so I couldn't resist. I've seen the show a few times before, but I always love it. I booked the most inexpensive seats, but I've sat there before and thought the view was fine. After the show it's back to the Boardwalk, and off to Jellyrolls for some night time entertainment.

And my three things to do/see list for Day 4 -

1) Eat Tonga Toast - :banana:I've wanted to try this since I was a kid and it went by the simple name of banana stuffed french toast over at the defunct Tangaroa Terrace Restaurant. I remember my father tried it once and was meh about it, but I was never allowed to order it. I love bananas so I'm hopefull that I'll like it.

2) Wander Poly/GF grounds and explore - I want to get to the Poly early so I can take the time to walk around the grounds a bit. I always loved it as a kid, and haven't really been back on the grounds since illegally pool hopping there on my college graduation trip there in 1992. :lmao:I love the beachy relaxed feel of the resort.

From 1979 a few pics of the Poly beach back when swimming was allowed. You can see the lifeguard tower and the roped off swimming area.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/polybeach79_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/Polybeach79a_opt.jpg

And from my wild trip in 1992 - illegally pool hopping at the Poly pool. :thumbsup2
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/sc0000a585_opt.jpg

3) Visit Jellyrolls - I'd rather be able to still visit the Adventurer's Club, but am looking forward to trying out Jellyrolls. Plus it will be nice that it's right downstairs from us.

[Flossbolna]

I understand why you are looking forward to that day!! :goodvibes It sounds wonderful.

A few tips: The GF spa is not in the GF itself, but in a seperate building between the Poly and the GF. So walking there from the Poly should not be far at all and might be much more pleasant than the monorail. If you want to hop from the GF to WL, don't forget about the boats: the boat going MK-GF-Poly-MK, the boat ging MK-WL as well as the boat CR-WL. I think a lot of people only thing about the monorail and the busses in terms of Disney transportation.

I hope you keep your GF tea. I think it sounds wonderful. My DS and I will be doing it for her birthday in February (if our TA gets the reservation tomorrow!). :goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

This day seems so relaxing. I feel all peaceful just reading about it. :cloud9:

You are right though, as hard as it is, you CAN NOT worry about your friend's plans. I know it's hard. Believe me, I've been there but you just take care of yourself on this relaxing day. :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

I understand why you are looking forward to that day!! :goodvibes It sounds wonderful.

A few tips: The GF spa is not in the GF itself, but in a seperate building between the Poly and the GF. So walking there from the Poly should not be far at all and might be much more pleasant than the monorail. If you want to hop from the GF to WL, don't forget about the boats: the boat going MK-GF-Poly-MK, the boat ging MK-WL as well as the boat CR-WL. I think a lot of people only thing about the monorail and the busses in terms of Disney transportation.

I hope you keep your GF tea. I think it sounds wonderful. My DS and I will be doing it for her birthday in February (if our TA gets the reservation tomorrow!). :goodvibes

A walk from the Poly to GF sounds like a wonderful idea. A perfect way to enjoy the surroundings.

This day seems so relaxing. I feel all peaceful just reading about it. :cloud9:

You are right though, as hard as it is, you CAN NOT worry about your friend's plans. I know it's hard. Believe me, I've been there but you just take care of yourself on this relaxing day. :thumbsup2

I can't wait for it. It was the one day I wasn't caving in for when I gave up my solo trip.

I keep telling myself if my friend isn't concerned enough to make her ressies why should I worry what she'll do if it fills.

[All7OfUs]

First off, I have to say that your day off the parks looks almost identical to mine (seriously, almost to the T), and has several other elements in it that are mixed into my trip at one point or another.

Kona breakfast- Ditto! Will likely split the Big Kahuna with ThePreacher'sWife. and pressed pot, watch out!

GF spa time- Ditto! massage, a little soak, although, I may go for a peddie instead, as I'll likely pick up some fun things at Basin to use at the Poly.?

GF tea time- Ditto!! Long post about that in my PTR! Can. NOT. WAIT! I hope you keep it. think it will be a lovely, very relaxing thing to do!

Hoop- Ditto- Although not on no parks day. We'll go to the latest show and use credits on another night. But again, pretty psyched for this one.

Hmmmm... Not sure what to say about BFF not taking decisive action on her part. I think you'll want this day alone, and yet, what will she do if she doesn't make it? will she still split off from you??

You are going to adore your concierge time!! Free wine.... ahhhh!!! well, ok, not free, but pre-paid? Gotta love that! :woohoo:

Never thought of trying Jellyrolls. For this trip I'll stick with Yeehaw Bob. Maybe next time.

[If U Had Wings]

First off, I have to say that your day off the parks looks almost identical to mine (seriously, almost to the T), and has several other elements in it that are mixed into my trip at one point or another.

Brilliant minds, right? :lmao:


GF tea time- Ditto!! Long post about that in my PTR! Can. NOT. WAIT! I hope you keep it. think it will be a lovely, very relaxing thing to do!

That's what I keep telling myself. I think it will be really be keeping with the theme of the day. I'm not a huge fan of some of the sandwich offerings (I don't eat mayo), but I'm thinking of trying something like the Sally Lunn tea.

Hoop- Ditto- Although not on no parks day. We'll go to the latest show and use credits on another night. But again, pretty psyched for this one.

Hmmmm... Not sure what to say about BFF not taking decisive action on her part. I think you'll want this day alone, and yet, what will she do if she doesn't make it? will she still split off from you??

Seriously, if she was booking a smaller tour, I would have gone ahead booked it for her, and just subtracted the amount off of my amount due and added it to hers. The Behind the Magic tour is a one of the more expensive tours since it includes park admission, bus service between the 3 parks, and lunch at Mama Melrose's. She's on her own for this one. She really has no interest in going to the spa, so I'm guessing she might just head to a park.

You are going to adore your concierge time!! Free wine.... ahhhh!!! well, ok, not free, but pre-paid? Gotta love that! :woohoo:

Never thought of trying Jellyrolls. For this trip I'll stick with Yeehaw Bob. Maybe next time.

I never thought I'd ever be able to stay concierge. Heck I never thought I'd be able to afford staying at the Boardwalk. I think this stay is going to spoil me for all future trips.

I never really thought of trying Jellyrolls either. It was another request from my BFF. A friend of hers went and really loved it. Can't hurt to try it out right?:)

[All7OfUs]

Replies in red. Still don't know how to break up a quote like you do.

:confused3

Brilliant minds, right? :lmao:

;)


That's what I keep telling myself. I think it will be really be keeping with the theme of the day. I'm not a huge fan of some of the sandwich offerings (I don't eat mayo), but I'm thinking of trying something like the Sally Lunn tea.

I think they do have other sandwiches they can sub in for the non-mayo lovers. You can ask!

Hoop- Ditto- Although not on no parks day. We'll go to the latest show and use credits on another night. But again, pretty psyched for this one.

We'll be doing the late show thing too. Fewer kids in melt down mode, more time for other stuff.

Seriously, if she was booking a smaller tour, I would have gone ahead booked it for her, and just subtracted the amount off of my amount due and added it to hers. The Behind the Magic tour is a one of the more expensive tours since it includes park admission, bus service between the 3 parks, and lunch at Mama Melrose's. She's on her own for this one. She really has no interest in going to the spa, so I'm guessing she might just head to a park.

I think this break from her will be a good thing. And honestly, I think she's really going to enjoy her tour. Someday....:rolleyes:

I never thought I'd ever be able to stay concierge. Heck I never thought I'd be able to afford staying at the Boardwalk. I think this stay is going to spoil me for all future trips

Same for our Poly portion... NEVER in my wildest dreams, EVER!!

I never really thought of trying Jellyrolls either. It was another request from my BFF. A friend of hers went and really loved it. Can't hurt to try it out right?:)

I wish the Adventurer's club was still alive!! I'd be there in a minute! That sounded like so "me". Ah well, will be so happy with lots of other things, too!

[TarzansKat]

I love that you're including photos from past trips in your updates! Keep 'em coming, you're bringing back some fond memories for me.

And even though I don't have a Disney trip planned in the future, I am seriously lusting after some beignets from POFQ. I love that resort. :love:

[If U Had Wings]

I love that you're including photos from past trips in your updates! Keep 'em coming, you're bringing back some fond memories for me.

And even though I don't have a Disney trip planned in the future, I am seriously lusting after some beignets from POFQ. I love that resort. :love:

I love looking through the old pictures. I get a kick out of seeing things that are gone or changed. My favorite so far is the one of main street where there is a sign for a tobacco store, and there is no stage in front of the castle so you could walk straight through. I miss being able to walk straight through the castle.

I adore POFQ. I'm scheduling a beignet stop just so I can go back and visit. While I'm thrilled to be staying at the Boardwalk, part of me is a bit sad that I'll be missing POFQ.

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hey there MVMCP & O'Hana buddy!

I'm all caught up! I went through a lot of the drama you did. Wanting to switch hotels, expanding days, etc...

Everything looks great - and better yet - we are SO close to December!!!

(Thanks for the links in your first post. If you venture over to my PTR I have not yet done this, but you can just look for the larger, colored font; as they indicate PTR info/updates!)

:yay:

[TarzansKat]

I love looking through the old pictures. I get a kick out of seeing things that are gone or changed. My favorite so far is the one of main street where there is a sign for a tobacco store, and there is no stage in front of the castle so you could walk straight through. I miss being able to walk straight through the castle.

This is going to sound crazy, but I only vaguely remember walking straight through the castle. It just seems like it's been blocked off for sooo long!


I adore POFQ. I'm scheduling a beignet stop just so I can go back and visit. While I'm thrilled to be staying at the Boardwalk, part of me is a bit sad that I'll be missing POFQ.

Good for you! You know, you'll love the Boardwalk for different reasons, and it's always good to try new things. I know I love the Wilderness Lodge, but I have a feeling we won't be able to spring for that on our next trip, whenever that is. Well...unless we get a good deal! So I'm looking forward to heading back to a mod, maybe POFQ next time. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

Hey there MVMCP & O'Hana buddy!

I'm all caught up! I went through a lot of the drama you did. Wanting to switch hotels, expanding days, etc...

Everything looks great - and better yet - we are SO close to December!!!

(Thanks for the links in your first post. If you venture over to my PTR I have not yet done this, but you can just look for the larger, colored font; as they indicate PTR info/updates!)

:yay:

I know vacation is coming up so close! I can't wait. I really need a break.

This is going to sound crazy, but I only vaguely remember walking straight through the castle. It just seems like it's been blocked off for sooo long!

Same for me. I wish I knew when they had closed it off. I'm thinking maybe the 80's at some point.



Good for you! You know, you'll love the Boardwalk for different reasons, and it's always good to try new things. I know I love the Wilderness Lodge, but I have a feeling we won't be able to spring for that on our next trip, whenever that is. Well...unless we get a good deal! So I'm looking forward to heading back to a mod, maybe POFQ next time. :goodvibes

I love trying new places, but I find it a bit tough sometimes because I feel so at home at POFQ. At some point I'd love to try just about everywhere. The only places I really don't have an overwhelming desire to try is CR and BLT. They look beautiful, and if they were anywhere but Disney they'd be just the places I'd love to stay, but for me I like a bit more fantasy theming when at Disney.

[All7OfUs]

I love trying new places, but I find it a bit tough sometimes because I feel so at home at POFQ. At some point I'd love to try just about everywhere. The only places I really don't have an overwhelming desire to try is CR and BLT. They look beautiful, and if they were anywhere but Disney they'd be just the places I'd love to stay, but for me I like a bit more fantasy theming when at Disney.

There is something to be said for the relaxation that comes with the familiar. I feel so "at home" with Fort Wilderness, and so know my way around. It's just "easy" to go there for us. A certain amount of stress comes with finding your way, exploring, etc... at a new place; Even if it is a good kind of stress...

ITA about wanting more of a fantastical theming when in Disney. I don't really even have any desire to GO to the CR except for a dinner at the Cali, and have no desire to even see SSR or OKW; I"m sure they are great for those who need space and a condo-ish feel, but I want something I can't get anywhere else.

[If U Had Wings]

There is something to be said for the relaxation that comes with the familiar. I feel so "at home" with Fort Wilderness, and so know my way around. It's just "easy" to go there for us. A certain amount of stress comes with finding your way, exploring, etc... at a new place; Even if it is a good kind of stress...

ITA about wanting more of a fantastical theming when in Disney. I don't really even have any desire to GO to the CR except for a dinner at the Cali, and have no desire to even see SSR or OKW; I"m sure they are great for those who need space and a condo-ish feel, but I want something I can't get anywhere else.

I always wanted to stay at Fort Wilderness as a kid, but my mother is not a camper at all. It was never even a possibility. :lmao:

I feel almost the same way about SSR, but I would like to check out OKW someday. It sitll has a laid back, beachy theme that I like.

[jenjolt]

What a great update!!! I love your plans for day 4!! You will be so thankful to take some time to just pamper yourself! On two of my last three trips I have had a rest and relaxation day and they were both some of my very best days!!

The GF Spa is amazing you will love it and I say go for the soak!!!!

OOOH...Boardwalk!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

[If U Had Wings]

What a great update!!! I love your plans for day 4!! You will be so thankful to take some time to just pamper yourself! On two of my last three trips I have had a rest and relaxation day and they were both some of my very best days!!

The GF Spa is amazing you will love it and I say go for the soak!!!!

OOOH...Boardwalk!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

I've wanted to stay there since I first visited it back in 1997. It just calls out to me. :) I'm hoping my friend likes it as much as me.

[If U Had Wings]

I thought I was done with stress for this trip, but I've officially found something new to stress about. :scared1:

I was poking around on the boards during my lunch yesterday and realized that the Christmas parade taping will be happening the first day of my trip. My MK day. :headache:

I'm debating on trying to change my schedule around, but I'm a bit afraid that at this late point doing so will be difficult due to ADRs. Also, and I know this sounds a bit petulant, but I really like to visit the MK on my first day. It just starts the trip off on the right foot. At least now I know why the UG touring plans called for this to be a very busy day. I couldn't figure out why the crowd levels for all the other days were low, and that one Saturday was a high number.

Right now, after much deliberation, I'm planning on keeping my plans basically the same. Hopefully we won't run into any real problems.

Here's the plan. If things are too crazy at the MK, or heaven forbid we can't get in, we can just head somewhere else and just have a cs meal.

9:30 am. - Arrive in Orlando. Check in ME head to ASSp.
12:00 pm - (Hopefully I'm being a bit generous here). Check in AsSp. Catch a cab to POP.
12:30 pm - Find the Lady and the Tramp statues at POP - My BFF's favorite Disney characters are Lady and the Tramp. When we were originally staying at POP, she saw the pics of the L&TT figures and was thrilled. I hated that I had to change resorts to get the better discount, but I promised her a visit to POP to check out the figures. I figure this will be a good time to check them out.

2:00 pm - After visiting POP and grabbing something to eat if we are hungry we can head to MK. From what I've read on the boards, the parade filming will be over by early afternoon, so hopefully we won't at least run into the parade on main street, and really that's my biggest concern. It's easier to avoid the stage in front of the castle, but a parade running up main street multiple times? A bit more difficult.

Depending on what time we get in, head to Space Mountain for a possible ride - and/or fastpass for later. Check out Buzz Lightyear (a fave of my BFF) and the people mover (a fave of mine, although I'm a bit sad they did away with the spiel with paging Tom Morrow). Head back to Main Street.

5:00 pm - ADR at the Plaza

After that it's a question of the crowds and the time. Spectromagic runs at 7pm that night and Wishes at 8, and they are really the two things I want to be sure I see on Day 1. If it takes us about an hour for dinner, that only leaves us an hour before Spectro. That's not really a lot of time to do much before staking out a parade spot, and while I'm not usually a big fan of sitting around waiting for a parade spot I don't want a repeat of our last time watching Spectro. :headache:

My last Disney trip with my BFF we didn't bother staking out a spot, since it wasn't that crowded, but walked up and found a decent spot right near the roundabout at the end of main street about 15 minutes before the parade. There was a large group of people sitting on the ground in front of us, so standing we had a pretty good view. Until a group of people came behind us, that seriously were in the running for most annoying Disney guests ever. One woman kept whispering to her kid to just push me out of the way once the parade started. How rude! :headache: At least the poor kid knew better. He kept telling her he didn't want to do it. I think she was a bit embarassed when I turned around and told the kid that I wouldn't mind if he stood in front of me for the parade so he could see.

Once the parade started another member of their party proceded to lean on my backpack for the entire show. It was just a tiny Vera Bradley style knapsack, and was nearly empty, so it wasn't taking up much room, but this woman was leaning what felt like her entire body weight on my back. I really am a nonconfrontational person so I tried nonchalantly shrugging her off, but she'd just put more and more weight on my back. Finally when I was convinced my back was going to break, I just jerked my body around about 180 degrees sending her almost toppling over, and she started to cop an attitude with me. :eek: All the while the other woman is telling her son to go cut in front of the other kids. :sad2:

The point of the story is that it really ruined Spectro for me that year, and last year I didn't get to see it at all since it wasn't running while I was there. I'd like to find a spot where we could possibly sit and enjoy the show. Possibly we could head to Frontierland to watch it there. That would also give us a bit more time, so we could catch a ride or two before the parade starts. Does anyone have any good parade watching spots? I:confused3 prefer the Main Street area, but am open to just about anything.

8:00 pm - Catch Wishes

I have my favorite spot for Wishes, and it doesn't usually get crowded until the last minute if at all. Still I'd like to get there about a half hour/20 mins early.


After that we can play it by ear. The park is open until 11pm. We'll probably be pretty tired from our travel day, so we might not make it quite that long. Plus leaving at an odd time might help avoiding some of the craziness at the bus stop. I've never stayed at a value resort before, but the lines at the bus stops for the values have always seemed overwhelming.

I think I'm just going to go into that first day expecting it is going to be crazy and expecting to do and see very little.

[TarzansKat]

I wish I had advice for you, but sadly I don't. Last year, we were there on a parade taping day, and we avoided the Magic Kingdom like the plague.

Keeping in mind, however, that I was with Mom, Nana, and my four year old, which is a totally different ball of wax than two adults.

Maybe someone else can weigh in on how crowded it gets?

[princess&her4princes]

We avoided the taping too, but like the OP we have 6 children under the age of 6 with us! So I was NOT even going to try with all the strollers,bags, etc we had with us to get through those crowds!! LOL :laughing: I'm sure it will work out great for just the two of you!!

Your Spectra show sounds horrible!! What do some people think?!!!

[If U Had Wings]

I wish I had advice for you, but sadly I don't. Last year, we were there on a parade taping day, and we avoided the Magic Kingdom like the plague.

Keeping in mind, however, that I was with Mom, Nana, and my four year old, which is a totally different ball of wax than two adults.

Maybe someone else can weigh in on how crowded it gets?

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to keep my plans as is right now. I'm just going to focus on the parade and the fireworks, and figure that anything else we do is just a bonus. :)

We avoided the taping too, but like the OP we have 6 children under the age of 6 with us! So I was NOT even going to try with all the strollers,bags, etc we had with us to get through those crowds!! LOL :laughing: I'm sure it will work out great for just the two of you!!

Your Spectra show sounds horrible!! What do some people think?!!!

Usually I avoid anything like this. I won't even do EMH's. It's still our best day to see the parade and the firework, so I'm just going to keep it for now.

[If U Had Wings]

Moving right along, after a much needed day of relaxation it's going to be back to the parks on day 5. I'm never a big fan of day 5 on my Disney vacations. It's always the day when it hits me that I'll be going home soon, and that I'm closer to the end than the beginning. I know I have issues. :lmao:

The morning of day 5 is to be dedicated to MGM. (It will always be MGM to me.)
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/movieride.jpg

I fell in love with MGM when I first went there in 1992. These days I'm a bit less enthusiastic about it, since they've done away with all the movie making stuff that I loved best, but I still enjoy MGM. I also used to love the Sorcery in the Sky fireworks show they used to do. I loved the fireworks set to all the classic movie soundtracks. I miss that even though Fantasmic is my favorite night time show. Which brings up the one sore spot in my week long vacation. The stupid Fantasmic schedule. The only days it is running during my week in Disney are Tuesday and Thursday. The two days that I won't be in the parks. Ugh!!! I tried to change my schedule around to make it work, but with the changing of resorts, and days I want to dedicate to taking it easy it just didn't work out. Next time I guess. Still it doesn't make me happy to be missing my favorite night time show.

We are planning on hitting TSM right at rope drop, so breakfast is just going to be in the concierge lounge at the Boardwalk. I'm not a huge eater in the morning, so this should be the perfect start. A little bit of fruit and yogurt and I'll be good to go. My friend is the most competitive Buzz Lightyear player ever, so I'm thinking we'll be hitting up the fast-pass machine for another go round as soon as we get off.

For myself, I'm hoping for multiple trips on ToT. Hands down it's my favorite attraction at any of the parks. I love the theming at the attraction, and the multiple drops. I even have the music they play outside the hotel on my ipod. Yes, I'm a bit of a ToT addict. I love RnR too, but I can't ride that too often or I will start to get a bit woozy. Here is my BFF and I back in 2007 at ToT. We think it's funny that though I look like no one in my family, people mistake me for her all the time, but oddly enough never her for me. Even my mom has done it. It's a wonder I don't have a complex. :rolleyes1 When we are on vacation though we usually get asked a few times a day if we are sisters. Neither of us gets it as we don't think we look anything alike, but we're entertained by it.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/image029.jpg

And from the sad days before there was a ToT.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/Mgm92_opt.jpg

After TSM and multiple rides on ToT the plan is to enjoy the rest of the park until lunch time, and then again head to the buses and head to one of the resorts we haven't visited yet to have a bite to eat and to check out the Christmas decorations.

After lunch, well that's another one of my waffling points about this trip. Originally I had planned Day 3 to be spent at Epcot in the morning and MGM in the evening with dinner at the Brown Derby. Day 5 would be the opposite - MGM in the morning and Epcot at night with dinner at Le Cellier. I hadn't been expecting the snafu of no dinner ADRs available at MGM on Day 3, so I made do - took a late lunch ADR at the Sci Fi for Day 3 (there was nothing at Le Cellier available) and a Brown Derby ADR for Day 5. I've since been able to move my Day 3 ADR at the Sci Fi to 6:30, but I'm still not completely happy with things how they are.

Why?

I'm not completely happy that I have no meals scheduled for this trip at Epcot. I know that part of the reason for that is because of the two non-park days, but still I'm not happy. I feel like I should be eating there at least once. Like I said I have issues. :thumbsup2 Also the way things are currently on Day 5, after lunch, if we go to Epcot as planned we'll have practically no time before we have to leave and go back to MGM for dinner. My current ADR is for 7pm, which is the same time that MGM is closing that day, so after dinner there will be nothing to do at MGM, leaving us having to hike back to Epcot again. I'm not above a bit of going back and forth, but it seems to be a bit much.

Which means a decision has to be made. Either I keep Sci-Fi and Brown Derby and spend day 5 playing pinball betweent the two parks or something has to go. I checked online, and there were no ADRs available for the Brown Derby on Day 3, so really it comes down to how much I want to keep the Brown Derby. I checked on Day 5, and at Epcot there were good times available at restuarants in Mexico, Japan, China and France. I'm thinking of ditching the Brown Derby ADR and going with the San Angel Inn. I know here on the boards it gets some bad reviews, but my friend and I both liked it when we ate there in 2007. I hate giving up the Brown Derby, but I think in the end I'll be happier not bouncing around all day long. Decisions, decisions!


And my 3 Things List -

1) Take a pic with Bo in honor of Chelsea

2) Go to the Animators Studio - there are very few things in any of the parks that I haven't done, and this is one of them. I'd love to try to draw. Focus on the word TRY. I used to love the animation area back when there were real animators working there. It was one of my favorite attractions. Sigh. I used to love all that good stuff at MGM.

Here is a couple of pictures from my first visit in 1992 at the entrance to the animation tour and the backlot tour. You'd go through the square archway like sign and then go straight ahead. I use to love the Roger Rabbit themed shop on the Backlot tour too. And the Bette Midler movie, and the part where they picked kids to do the bee scene from Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Carp, they really got rid of everything at MGM didn't they?

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/sc000087a5_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/sc00006382_opt.jpg

3) Improve my voice skills at Sounds Dangerous on the voice over stations. - While I can pass on the Sounds Dangerous attraction itself, I love the play area where it gets out. Hopefully it will be open when I'm there. My two favorite areas are the booths where you sit in the dark with headphones on and experience 3d sound, and the voice over stations. My BFF and I spent a long time there on our last trip dubbing our voices onto the scene in Snow White with the witch and the apple. I was a much better Snow White and she was a wonderful witch. We had a blast doing it. We'll need to improve our skills a bit. Timing it right is tougher than it looks.

And finally a last pic of my first 1992 trip back in the Star Wars area. It's a lot more bushy back there now.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/sc000096e4_opt.jpg

[If U Had Wings]

I wish I had advice for you, but sadly I don't. Last year, we were there on a parade taping day, and we avoided the Magic Kingdom like the plague.

Keeping in mind, however, that I was with Mom, Nana, and my four year old, which is a totally different ball of wax than two adults.

Maybe someone else can weigh in on how crowded it gets?

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to keep my plans as is right now. I'm just going to focus on the parade and the fireworks, and figure that anything else we do is just a bonus. :)

We avoided the taping too, but like the OP we have 6 children under the age of 6 with us! So I was NOT even going to try with all the strollers,bags, etc we had with us to get through those crowds!! LOL :laughing: I'm sure it will work out great for just the two of you!!

Your Spectra show sounds horrible!! What do some people think?!!!

Usually I avoid anything like this. I won't even do EMH's. It's still our best day to see the parade and the firework, so I'm just going to keep it for now.

[Lady Lallie]

Wow. I am missing all the stuff at Hollywood Studios and I didn't even know that 1/2 of it had existed.

As much as I adore Brown Derby, I think you are going to be bouncing back and forth way too much. I say go for a dinner at Epcot! :thumbsup2

[MRYPPNS]

I vote no for the back to back park hop. Not worth the time just for food in my opinon.

I love the drawing class :lovestruc

[princess&her4princes]

Too much hopping in my eyes too...good luck with your decision!!:goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

Crissy, I gotta say, I'm with everyone else here. I'm generally a No-hop at all kind of person, as hopping ends up eating up a ton of time. I think you'll really be happier eating at EPCOT, and you've really got a lot of open choices there!

I have a lot more exploring to do at MGM (DHS) don't I? Can't wait!!!

[If U Had Wings]

Wow. I am missing all the stuff at Hollywood Studios and I didn't even know that 1/2 of it had existed.

As much as I adore Brown Derby, I think you are going to be bouncing back and forth way too much. I say go for a dinner at Epcot! :thumbsup2

I used to love MGM so much. The backlot tour was really long, and very comprehensive about making movies. I miss the old stuff so much. As a park, the studios have changed so much.

I vote no for the back to back park hop. Not worth the time just for food in my opinon.

I love the drawing class :lovestruc

Too much hopping in my eyes too...good luck with your decision!!:goodvibes

Crissy, I gotta say, I'm with everyone else here. I'm generally a No-hop at all kind of person, as hopping ends up eating up a ton of time. I think you'll really be happier eating at EPCOT, and you've really got a lot of open choices there!

I have a lot more exploring to do at MGM (DHS) don't I? Can't wait!!!

I've pretty much decieded against all that hopping. All I can eally handle is one hop per day. I've done 2 hops before, it it wasn't fun at all.

[TarzansKat]

I know how you feel about the tail end of the trip. I get the same way. Once I realize I have less time there and am closer to going home, I get a little nostalgic too.

I'm not sure on the not eating in Epcot thing. If it doesn't really work well with your plans, don't worry about it. You have some wonderful dining experiences planned, and much as I love Epcot, I would have to say, it's okay to do something different.

I really learned that on my last trip. There was a lot of switching around and changing plans, and it really worked out for the best. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I'm not sure on the not eating in Epcot thing. If it doesn't really work well with your plans, don't worry about it. You have some wonderful dining experiences planned, and much as I love Epcot, I would have to say, it's okay to do something different.

I really learned that on my last trip. There was a lot of switching around and changing plans, and it really worked out for the best. :goodvibes

I did a little restaurant changing today and there is now an Epcot restaurant in the mix. I'm a little sad over what I had to give up, but I'm pretty happy with what I got. I'll post more on the changes later.

[If U Had Wings]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02617_opt.jpg

:cool1::banana::woohoo::yay::hippie::dance3::cheer 2:

Amist some craziness over the weekend this showed up in my mailbox on Saturday. Since my ressie is room-only I didn't receive any of the other goodies, but I'll take this. I can't believe that I'm going to be leaving in just about a month. I need to start putting together a packing/shopping list. With the upcoming holidays I don't want anything to fall by the wayside.

I spent my lunch today making some changes to my ADRs for day 3 and 5. I decided that I too much hopping happening on day 5 so I went to see what was available at Epcot for dinner that night. Unfortunately nothing at Le Cellier or Rose and Crown (my top two choices), but I did snag a reservation for the San Angel Inn. We both liked our dinners there last year, so I think it will be a good choice. I wasn't fully happy about losing the Brown Derby, so I went back online and check to see if anything was available for Monday (day 3). Score! I was able to snag an ADR with no problem for the Monday. Lots of available times. That means that the Sci-Fi Dine In is out. I was looking forward to trying it, but the lure of trying Cobb salad is too strong. We'll just have to do the Sci-Fi next year.

Also, I thought I'd share a pic from Halloween this year. Since it fell on a Saturday I drove up to my brother's place with my parents to surprise my nieces - in costume. The girls got a huge kick out of it. They went non-Disney this year - a doctor and a nurse. The rest of us were in our Disney finery. I was Belle, my mom Snow White and my dad was Grumpy.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC02607_opt.jpg

The girls didn't know what to think of Grandma with black hair. It was funny that they didn't recognize her right away.:rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Yep, it's officially okay to start packing once the ME tags arrive. :laughing:

I love that you, your mom, and your dad dressed up!!! So fun! :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

Yep, it's officially okay to start packing once the ME tags arrive. :laughing:

I love that you, your mom, and your dad dressed up!!! So fun! :goodvibes

That's what I was thinking! :thumbsup2

I have a little pile going in the corner of my room. I need to start paying attention to the weather in Florida.

My whole family loves Halloween. I used to love that my dad would get dressed up to take us out.

[All7OfUs]

I definitely think it's time to start packing! Those little tags are just the cutest little piece of paper, aren't they? It could have nothing to do with the fact that they are ME tags could it?

Yes, do start making that shopping list- holidays make everyone a little dingy in their thinking! Keep a running list on the fridge or kitchen counter, so you can always have it handy as things come to mind!

I LOVE your changes. I was relieved to see that you could rearrange without losing HBD! I would choose this over Sci-Fi!! I'm never daunted by bad reviews, and would give the SAI a try too. I'm a big believer in seeing for yourself if you like a place or not. If everyone only went be DIS reviews, we'd never eat anywhere!

Love your costuming surprise too!! That's cute that they didn't recognize Grandma right away. ;) You all look great!!! Love the Grumpy costume.

[princess&her4princes]

LOVE the Halloween pic! How fun if your family?!!:cutie: I'm sure your neices were so excited to see you all!!!

I"d say start packing,too!! Get that suitcase out, stick it in the corner and start putting stuff in there....that will make the time go by quicker too!! :yay:

Sounds like your ADRS worked out just fine, you've got some good choices, I always love the atmosphere of San Angel, it just makes me happy!!:cloud9:

Hope you're having a good week!!:goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I definitely think it's time to start packing! Those little tags are just the cutest little piece of paper, aren't they? It could have nothing to do with the fact that they are ME tags could it?

Yes, do start making that shopping list- holidays make everyone a little dingy in their thinking! Keep a running list on the fridge or kitchen counter, so you can always have it handy as things come to mind!

I LOVE your changes. I was relieved to see that you could rearrange without losing HBD! I would choose this over Sci-Fi!! I'm never daunted by bad reviews, and would give the SAI a try too. I'm a big believer in seeing for yourself if you like a place or not. If everyone only went be DIS reviews, we'd never eat anywhere!

Love your costuming surprise too!! That's cute that they didn't recognize Grandma right away. ;) You all look great!!! Love the Grumpy costume.

I love getting that packet from Disney. Now I feel like the trip is right around the corner. I actually got a second packet from them yesterday (because of my split stay). Woo Hoo! I'll be in Disney in no time.

My family has always really got into Halloween. Usually my brother dresses up as well, but this year he didn't have the time. Last year he was virtually unrecognizable as an old man. My dad is grumpy! :lmao: The costume just completed the look.

LOVE the Halloween pic! How fun if your family?!!:cutie: I'm sure your neices were so excited to see you all!!!

I"d say start packing,too!! Get that suitcase out, stick it in the corner and start putting stuff in there....that will make the time go by quicker too!! :yay:

Sounds like your ADRS worked out just fine, you've got some good choices, I always love the atmosphere of San Angel, it just makes me happy!!:cloud9:

Hope you're having a good week!!:goodvibes

I think I'm going to drag out the suitcases tonight. I've been sick since Sunday or I would have done it already. I definitely need to make up a shopping list soon. I don't want to be running around at the last minute.

I'm pretty happy with my ADRs. I was looking forward to trying Sci-Fi, but in the end I think Brown Derby and San Angel will be better choices. At least we'll be able to sit across from each other and have a conversation. I just need to remember to bring a tiny flashlight so I can read the menu at San Angel. It's dark in there!

[If U Had Wings]

Day 6 is my second non-park, rest and relaxation day of the trip. This time I have no real plans, for most of the day. Bliss! :cloud9: The Boardwalk Inn has been my dream resort for a long time, and I really want to take the chance to kick back and enjoy the resort itself. Who knows when I'll get to stay here again? I want to enjoy it as much as I can.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/bwi97_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/bwv97_opt.jpg

There is no real plan for the day. I'm going to play it by ear and just do what feels right. I'd love to sleep in a bit and then maybe take a walk over to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort to check out the holiday decorations, possibly have ice cream for lunch, and then come back and hang out at the pool for awhile. I'm hoping it's not too cold for the pool, but really…I'm a New Englander, it would have to be pretty cold before I won't go in. :rotfl:

Maybe later in the day I'll head over to DTD and browse through the shops, and maybe go up in the balloon, Or maybe not. It all depends on my mood. Right now the thought of kicking back next to the pool, with a book and a frozen drink is sounding wonderful. :goodvibes

At 5:20 I have an ADR for dinner at Ohana so we'll have to get moving at some point. After diner we'll be heading to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party :santa:, so technically it's not completely a park free day. I was kind of on the fence about going to this, as Christmas isn't really my favorite holiday but my BFF wanted to go so I added it on. I'm sure it will end up being fun, and I can't wait to see it snow on Main Street.

And my top 3 things for Day 6 -

1) Get my picture taken with this Tiki at the Poly.- When I was a kid my parents would take my picture every year with the same tiki statue.

1979 -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyTotemsUnknown_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyTotems1979_opt.jpg

1981 -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyTotems1981_opt.jpg

I had pretty much written off the tiki as gone forever, but then I ran across this pic on someone's trip report from a year or two ago.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/tiki.jpg

My tiki! I need to find this tiki and have my picture taken with him. I think it's now in the lobby somewhere, so I'll be off in search of it before our Ohana dinner.


2) Soak up BWK ambiance/Use pool - When I was a kid we always had a couple of pool days scheduled into our trip to Disney. I always loved them, and enjoyed spending hours playing in the pool meeting other kids. Of course that was when there was just the Magic Kingdom. Now there never seems to be enough time to just relax by the pool. I can't wait to bring back a happy part of my childhood to this trip.

From 1979 at the Poly Pool -
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/poly79_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/poly79a_opt.jpg

And from 1981 when characters would waterski up to the resort and then hang out and play for awhile.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PeterPan1979_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/Poly81_opt.jpg

3) Get a pic with character in costume at the Christmas party. - Unless I'm with the nieces these days I don't usually wait for pics with characters. (With a few exceptions :)). I have a few character meals scheduled this trip, but I'd still like to get a pic with a character in their Christmas finery.

From 1979 meeting Mickey and Goofy for the first time. (Back in the days before there was any semblance of order meeting them. Lots of pics with namesless other kids in them were pretty much standard).
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/mickey79_opt.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/goofy79_opt.jpg

From 1988 one of my favorite pics of Mickey and Minnie
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/MickMin88_opt.jpg

From 2007- I made my BFF wait in line for 2 characters- Donald and Jack. Jack was the most fun though. They had a whole treasure room set up for his meet and greet and he really took the time to meet with everyone.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/Jack07_opt.jpg

And the whole family from last year meeting Goofy.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202008/FamilyGoofy.jpg

[Charleston Princess]

I can't see your photos here at work :(. I will be back tonight! I need to see this Tiki! :rotfl:

[Flossbolna]

The day sounds wonderful!! :thumbsup2 I like the idea of ending a non-park day with the MMCP. YOu will enjoy it so much more if you had a day full of resting.

Once again I love your old pics! HAve you thought about posting pictures on the "old WDW pcitures thread? It'S on the theme parks boards and it has many really old pictures in it. Your waterskiing characters would amaze so many people. I was sitting here totally shocked! Can you imagine to waterski in a Goofy costume??? :scared1:

And if you want help with searching the Tiki, have you thought about asking about his whereabouts (to many abouts in this sentence, I know...) on the official Poly FAQ on the resorts boards? I was posting on that thread last year before our Poly stay and there were a number of really nice and very knowledgeable people. I am sure someone might have an idea where to find the tiki.

[If U Had Wings]

I can't see your photos here at work :(. I will be back tonight! I need to see this Tiki! :rotfl:

:lmao: I feel really protective of "my" tiki. If he ever turns up on mouse surplus I'll have to buy him. :)

The day sounds wonderful!! :thumbsup2 I like the idea of ending a non-park day with the MMCP. YOu will enjoy it so much more if you had a day full of resting.

I think it's going to make the party so much more enjoyable. When I went to the Halloween party I had fun, but was exhausted from spending the morning at Epcot. I'm getting too old to be doing crazy stuff like that. ;)

Once again I love your old pics! HAve you thought about posting pictures on the "old WDW pcitures thread? It'S on the theme parks boards and it has many really old pictures in it. Your waterskiing characters would amaze so many people. I was sitting here totally shocked! Can you imagine to waterski in a Goofy costume??? :scared1:

I'll have to check that out. I think I have a few pics of him actually waterskiing too. It used to be fun to see who would show up at the pool. I give anyone credit for waterskiing with that on!

And if you want help with searching the Tiki, have you thought about asking about his whereabouts (to many abouts in this sentence, I know...) on the official Poly FAQ on the resorts boards? I was posting on that thread last year before our Poly stay and there were a number of really nice and very knowledgeable people. I am sure someone might have an idea where to find the tiki.

I'll have to check out the Poly thread. I hadn't even thought of that. I knew that it wasn't outside anylonger, but was thrilled when I saw someone else post a pic. I'll have to head over there and check it out.

[princess&her4princes]

What a GREAT UPDATE!!:thumbsup2 Love all the "old" pics, especially the Tiki ones!! I hope you find him on your upcoming trip, how cool is that?!! Love it. Your relaxing day with no plans sounds wonderful!!!!!!:cloud9: You'll love MVMCP....we really enjoyed it our last trip, it's just sooo magical at night, with it snowing and the music...it was my fav!!!:santa:

[All7OfUs]

Those retro picture are a priceless treasure worth far more than gold!!! It's so wonderful that your mom took the time to chronicle all those memories for you!

I love the statement, "if the mood striked me", or something to that effect. I like that a lot, in fact!

Ice cream for lunch? Love that too!

I think you'll have fun at the MVMCP! Try to make the best of it, even if it wasn't your idea. I think the characters dressed up will be a fun addition to your photos.

[Lady Lallie]

Isn't Belle in her red Christmas gown at MVMCP?? I think that if she is there, that is the character you must meet! She's your girl!! :thumbsup2

Your Dad as Grumpy has me cracking me up. What a great costume! :laughing:

[If U Had Wings]

What a GREAT UPDATE!!:thumbsup2 Love all the "old" pics, especially the Tiki ones!! I hope you find him on your upcoming trip, how cool is that?!! Love it. Your relaxing day with no plans sounds wonderful!!!!!!:cloud9: You'll love MVMCP....we really enjoyed it our last trip, it's just sooo magical at night, with it snowing and the music...it was my fav!!!:santa:

I'm determined to find him. I really wanted to do it last year on our family trip, but then my brother cancelled out on our Ohana dinner. It would have been fun to get one with the two of us.

I'm sure I'll end up having fun at the party. Part of me just wishes it was the Halloween party instead. I just love dressing up. I will admit though that I bought myself a Christmas shirt to wear at the party to feel a bit more festive. :santa:

Those retro picture are a priceless treasure worth far more than gold!!! It's so wonderful that your mom took the time to chronicle all those memories for you!

We defintely have no shortage of pictures of my growing up years. Besides my father, who is still pretty physically attached to his camera, he had 5 brothers and sisters all of who would be bringing out the cameras as well. As kids it was like having your own paparazzi. Someone would call your name and you'd turn, pose and smile. I never understood the kids who would just hide from the cameras. Didn't they have a bunch of other people waiting to take the same picture? It was so much easier to just go with it than to hide.

My nieces and young cousins have learned this quickly. Stop, pose and smile. I think they have it much worse now. They have the great aunts and uncles, cousins, parents, etc. and all with unlimited digital cameras now. :rotfl:

I love the statement, "if the mood striked me", or something to that effect. I like that a lot, in fact!

Ice cream for lunch? Love that too!

I'm trying to make that my mantra for this trip. Usually I bring with me the Unofficial Guide's touring plans, but I'm thinking of ditching them. (Or maybe I'll bring them, but ditch them if the parks aren't too busy). I've never followed them exactly anyways, but part of me is loath to ditch them completely when they work so well. (Especially first thing in the morning).

I think you'll have fun at the MVMCP! Try to make the best of it, even if it wasn't your idea. I think the characters dressed up will be a fun addition to your photos.

I'm sure I'll still have fun at the party. I do really want to see the snow, and the characters in their Christmas gear. I'll enjoy it more just knowing that my friend really enjoys Christmas.

Oddly enough, I couldn't even tell you why Christmas isn't really my favorite holiday. Maybe it's because it makes me really think of the family members who have passed over the years and how much I miss them. They're all so tied to those childhood memories.

Isn't Belle in her red Christmas gown at MVMCP?? I think that if she is there, that is the character you must meet! She's your girl!! :thumbsup2

Okay, I had no idea Belle would be there in her red dress. I need to meet her!

:rotfl: How bad am I that at my age I still "need" to meet Belle?

Your Dad as Grumpy has me cracking me up. What a great costume! :laughing:

He was actually the first one planning on dressing up. He had wanted to dress as Grumpy for MNSSHP when he went a few years ago, but couldn't find a costume. When he saw the Disney store had it this year he picked one up immediately.

[Lady Lallie]

Okay, I had no idea Belle would be there in her red dress. I need to meet her!

:rotfl: How bad am I that at my age I still "need" to meet Belle?



He was actually the first one planning on dressing up. He had wanted to dress as Grumpy for MNSSHP when he went a few years ago, but couldn't find a costume. When he saw the Disney store had it this year he picked one up immediately.

I'm pretty sure she is there in her red dress and I even think that their Princes are with them at MVMCP as well. It's not bad at all! I'm the same way, when I go to MVMCP I want to meet all the princesses in their Christmas finery! :laughing:

[If U Had Wings]

I'm pretty sure she is there in her red dress and I even think that their Princes are with them at MVMCP as well. It's not bad at all! I'm the same way, when I go to MVMCP I want to meet all the princesses in their Christmas finery! :laughing:

I just love being a big kid at heart. My nieces told me it's one of the things that they love about me. :cloud9: Who wants to be an old stick in the mud?

[All7OfUs]

I definitely wouldn't describe you as a "stick in the mud", Crissy!! I think you'd be WONDERFUL to have as an auntie!!:goodvibes I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with needing to meet Belle in anything she wore; it's more of who she stands for anyway, I think...

You are going to have such a great time on this trip, I just feel it for you!! Ditch those plans if you need to, but take them for a safety net if you need them.

[Lady Lallie]

I just love being a big kid at heart. My nieces told me it's one of the things that they love about me. :cloud9: Who wants to be an old stick in the mud?

Awww, that is just so sweet! :lovestruc

Yep, it's decided you have to meet Belle. I want lots o' pictures of it!!

[If U Had Wings]

I definitely wouldn't describe you as a "stick in the mud", Crissy!! I think you'd be WONDERFUL to have as an auntie!!:goodvibes I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with needing to meet Belle in anything she wore; it's more of who she stands for anyway, I think...

You are going to have such a great time on this trip, I just feel it for you!! Ditch those plans if you need to, but take them for a safety net if you need them.

Well, my younger niece likes to tell me that I'm an "old lady". She's lucky that she's cute and that I love her. :rotfl:

Awww, that is just so sweet! :lovestruc

Yep, it's decided you have to meet Belle. I want lots o' pictures of it!!

They are my two sweeties. I'm going to be going through a bit of withdrawal though as I probably won't see them until Thanksgiving. :sad1:

[If U Had Wings]

Finally we've arrived on the plans for my last full day. :sad1: That's sad even in just a pre-trip report. As is my new tradition, we are virtually planless for our last day. On my last few trips I intentionally left the last day plan free except for a late dinner reservation at a signature restaurant. It makes for a wonderful last day. So the plan is to spend the day going back and catch anything that we either missed, or that we want to see again. I would like to start the day at the MK, because of one of items on my 3 Things list, but I'm open to anything. No plans whatsoever, except for dinner.

:confused:But…

Thanks to SkierPete, I double checked the times schedule for Fantasmic for the week I'm on vacation. When the schedule was originally released Fantasmic was only showing on the two days we weren't going into the parks. I was disappointed, but I didn't want to rip my entire plan up just to fit it in. SkierPete gave me the heads up today that they had been adding in Fantasmic times to the schedule for various dates in December. I went online and checked and score! :banana: They have added in shows on the 6th and the 11th the week I'm there.

The 6th is our Animal Kingdom/Boma dinner day so the timing didn't really work out well for that day. The 11th on the other hand is our last day. Very do-able.

:confused3If…

Fantasmic will be showing that night at 6:30pm. Our dinner ADR that night is for Citricos at 8:45 pm. Does anyone have any idea how long Fantasmic runs? I'm thinking about 20 minutes or so, but I can't remember exactly. At most I'd guess about a half hour, plus the mad crush to get out of there. If we saw the show and then went directly to the bus to the Grand Floridian we would have no problem getting there in time. My issue with that is that we'd have to go dressed to Fantasmic since Citricos has a dress code. If we went back to the room to change, we'd be cutting it close, and I'd certainly have to spring for a cab to get us there in time.

We both really love Fantasmic, so I'm thinking I'm going to try to work it in somehow.

Other than that though, no plans except for the 8:45 pm ADR at Citricos. After all I've heard about it from Tink, and other threads here on the boards I'm really looking forward to eating there. We were torn between Citricos and Cali Grill, and this is the place my BFF chose. While I loved Calilfornia Grill on my last trip, I'm looking forward to trying someplace new.

On our departure day, I never really plan on going back to the parks. We both have flights leaving in the late afternoon, so I made an ADR for breakfast at Chef Mickeys. I've never been there before, and am looking forward to it.

And my final 3 things list:

1) Visit Tom Sawyers Island - This is my reason for wanting to hit the MK in the morning our last day. I want to go our and look for a paintbrush. I haven't been out to Tom Sawyer's Island since my very first trip to Disney back in 1979, so it practically falls as a never been done list item.

2) Watch the electrical water parade - Again this is something I haven't done since I was a kid staying at the Poly.

3) Take some time to take photos of Toontown and Fantasyland before construction begins on the new area. I already miss old places like 2000 Leagues.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202009/200097_opt.jpg

I want to be sure I capture the rest of the stuff that I love.


And lastly one last item. A bonus list item if you will -

4) Relax on Main Street and people watch

[Flossbolna]

Yeah for additonal FAntasmics! :cool1: Can't you go back to the hotel before Fantasmic and dress nicely before you head out to DHS? The dresscode is not so strict, so I think something cute might still be comfortable enough for the parks. Otherwise, taking cabs is doable. I think BWI to GF wouldn't bemore than 15 $ or so. It was 20 from CR to AK and that is all the way across the property.

Tom Sawyers island is on my to do list as well. I have never been there!!! :eek: But I don't think I will make it in time for the paint brushes...

[skier_pete]

Thanks to SkierPete, I double checked the times schedule for Fantasmic for the week I'm on vacation. When the schedule was originally released Fantasmic was only showing on the two days we weren't going into the parks. I was disappointed, but I didn't want to rip my entire plan up just to fit it in. SkierPete gave me the heads up today that they had been adding in Fantasmic times to the schedule for various dates in December. I went online and checked and score! :banana: They have added in shows on the 6th and the 11th the week I'm there.

Happy to help!

I love old pictures of 20K Leagues...I have such crazy fond memories of that as a kid. (Well, I just remember being totally blown away by the "bubble effect" that we were going down under the water.) The first time I went as a grown-up...the lagoon was still there...it's much less depressing now that it's been wiped off the face of the earth. I find the Tiki Birds still existing in the state of Iago-limbo much more depressing.

It's funny, I went numerous times as a child, yet have no pictures whatsoever...kind of depressing. Good thing for the digital age - DD will have 10,000 disney pictures to sort through when SHE'S posting things on the "Brain-net" or whatever exists in 2035.

[Charleston Princess]

I miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, too :(.

[Lady Lallie]

I am so excited that you'll be able to catch Fantasmic! I think you'll be fine with getting to Citrico's on time. You could even bring your clothes in a bag to change at GF? I dunno. I think you can make it work.

I miss 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea too! We have a great picture of my brother waiting in line for that years and years ago. He looks so cute in it. :cutie:

[If U Had Wings]

Yeah for additonal FAntasmics! :cool1: Can't you go back to the hotel before Fantasmic and dress nicely before you head out to DHS? The dresscode is not so strict, so I think something cute might still be comfortable enough for the parks. Otherwise, taking cabs is doable. I think BWI to GF wouldn't bemore than 15 $ or so. It was 20 from CR to AK and that is all the way across the property.

Tom Sawyers island is on my to do list as well. I have never been there!!! :eek: But I don't think I will make it in time for the paint brushes...

I'm really thinking we can make it work. I just have to remind my friend that Citricos has a dress code.

I barely remember Tom Sawyers Island. We only did it the once, and that was enough for my mother.

Happy to help!

I love old pictures of 20K Leagues...I have such crazy fond memories of that as a kid. (Well, I just remember being totally blown away by the "bubble effect" that we were going down under the water.) The first time I went as a grown-up...the lagoon was still there...it's much less depressing now that it's been wiped off the face of the earth. I find the Tiki Birds still existing in the state of Iago-limbo much more depressing.

I remember clearly, my brother really believing that we were going deep underwater and being attacked by a giant squid. I remember thinking he was crazy, but my mom told me not to ruin it for him. :) I think the pic is actually from after it had closed and was just sitting there sadly. I want to go to Disneyland just so I can ride the subs again.

It's funny, I went numerous times as a child, yet have no pictures whatsoever...kind of depressing. Good thing for the digital age - DD will have 10,000 disney pictures to sort through when SHE'S posting things on the "Brain-net" or whatever exists in 2035.

I always thought we had so many pictures from back then, but when I went back to look there really wasn't that many. I guess that it's just in comparision to what we take now. My nieces will never have to worry about a lack of Disney pics (or any kind of pics for that matter).

I miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, too :(.

I use to love it too. Cheesy as it was!

I am so excited that you'll be able to catch Fantasmic! I think you'll be fine with getting to Citrico's on time. You could even bring your clothes in a bag to change at GF? I dunno. I think you can make it work.

We'll make it work somehow. I'm so excited that I'll be able to see it now. They added in quite a few days for it. Makes me think the parks are going to be a lot busier than I was expecting.

I miss 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea too! We have a great picture of my brother waiting in line for that years and years ago. He looks so cute in it. :cutie:

I remember waiting in line for that for ages! For some reason I keep having memories of incredibly long lines and them being really hot. I was so sad when they closed the ride.

[All7OfUs]

Wings... Love that F! was added so your trip could be "complete". It's something you really wanted. :goodvibes I do think the Citricos timing should work out really well, and yeah, if it were me, I'd do a cab. That'll leave time to change and not have to rush and risk being late.

Your 3 look great! TSI and EWP will bring back a flood of memories that'll be nice to reminesce about.

[If U Had Wings]

Wings... Love that F! was added so your trip could be "complete". It's something you really wanted. :goodvibes I do think the Citricos timing should work out really well, and yeah, if it were me, I'd do a cab. That'll leave time to change and not have to rush and risk being late.

Your 3 look great! TSI and EWP will bring back a flood of memories that'll be nice to reminesce about.

It does seem like things are falling together almost a bit too well. I'm trying to just keep level and keep my fingers crossed that it keeps up until December. Last year my trip nearly ended up being canceled less than a week out so you never know.

Right now, I'm just happy everything is going along with the plan.

[jenjolt]

Oh to have been a Disney fanatic back in the day. I would have LOVED 20.000 leagues under the sea or the Toad's Wild Ride, I just might make it to Disneyland just to ride that LOL!!!!!

Love your last day and YAY for being able to fit in Fantasmic its a GREAT SHOW!!! I hope you'll find a way to get to that and Citricos!!!!

[If U Had Wings]

Oh to have been a Disney fanatic back in the day. I would have LOVED 20.000 leagues under the sea or the Toad's Wild Ride, I just might make it to Disneyland just to ride that LOL!!!!!

Love your last day and YAY for being able to fit in Fantasmic its a GREAT SHOW!!! I hope you'll find a way to get to that and Citricos!!!!

I miss so many of the gone rides! Especially at Epcot and MGM. Horizons at Epcot was my favorite pavillion.

[TxMickeyLover]

Signing on! I'll be sure to catch up when we get back!!

[All7OfUs]

It does seem like things are falling together almost a bit too well. I'm trying to just keep level and keep my fingers crossed that it keeps up until December. Last year my trip nearly ended up being canceled less than a week out so you never know.

Right now, I'm just happy everything is going along with the plan.

Me too!! Slick as silver!

[If U Had Wings]

Signing on! I'll be sure to catch up when we get back!!

Welcome!! :hippie:

[TarzansKat]

Hey, just caught up!

Couple things.

First, costumes for Halloween were SO cute!!! Looks like everyone had a grea ttime.

Second, you must, must, must find that Tiki god! I so need to see a picture of you with it now. :goodvibes

Third...hmmm, more than a couple things I guess...

on the dress code for Citrico's. I know it's portrayed as being strict. I don't want to get lynched here, but let's just say I wouldn't worry about it so much. If you want more info, PM me. ;)

[If U Had Wings]

Hey, just caught up!

Couple things.

First, costumes for Halloween were SO cute!!! Looks like everyone had a grea ttime.

Second, you must, must, must find that Tiki god! I so need to see a picture of you with it now. :goodvibes

Third...hmmm, more than a couple things I guess...

on the dress code for Citrico's. I know it's portrayed as being strict. I don't want to get lynched here, but let's just say I wouldn't worry about it so much. If you want more info, PM me. ;)

We had a blast on Halloween. The girls really enjoyed us coming up to visit. We hadn't told them we were coming, so they were taken by complete surprise when we showed up at their door.

I think I've found my Tiki god too. I'll get more up on that as soon as I'm hooked up to the internet at home again.

I do have a few questions about Citricos' so I'll get the PM to you later too. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I've been wanting to do a post for a few days now, but the power cord on my laptop at home has died and I've been without a computer for about a week or so now. I had purchased a new cord at the Apple store two weeks ago, but was a bit horrified at the $85 price tag so I hunted down a cheaper one on Ebay. It has yet to come in, and I refuse to open the Apple store one. (It's going back as soon as I get the Ebay one). I never realized how reliant I've become on my home computer. I've been feeling lost without it. My father was thinks he may have repaired my old cord, so with any luck I'll be back up and running tonight. I can't really post what I want from work.

I can't believe I'll be in Disney in less than a month! :cool1: (Or as LL counts down - 4 more Fridays stuck at work. :rotfl:) After more than a year of planning, my trip is almost here. I've been having a few moments lately when I've been wishing it was still a solo trip, but overall I'm happy that I'll be going with my friend. I spoke with her this week, and she still hadn't booked her tour. :confused3 After we got done talking, she called Disney to book her tour. Hands raised if you can guess how it went. Yep, the tour was already full. :headache: (This is why I'm in charge of the trip planning). She ended up booking the Keys to the Kingdom tour instead. I loved it last year when I went, so I'm thinking that she is going to love it. It won't really affect our plans at all, she'll just have to have an additional day on her passes for the extra park day.

As for me, I need to make up a schedule for myself for this last month before vacation, and probably straight through to Christmas. I feel like there is going to be so much going on, that I don't trust myself to remember everything. There is what I need to do before Thanksgiving, what I need to have ready for my trip, and then all the holiday stuff - Christmas cards, decorating, parties, shopping etc. You wouldn't think that a week away would be to much, but I'm stressing out over getting everything at least organized with a plan.

I did pull out my suitcase this weekend to get a jump start on things. Since I'm not using my summer clothing any longer, I figured that I could at least get that started. The rest of my family laughs at me, but I always have to plan out specific outfits for each day in the parks. Yes I am such a compulsive planner that I have to wear certain outfits, themed to certain parks. I may have a few issues. :rolleyes1 But as I know some Diser's plan their Vera bags to their resorts I refuse to feel guilty about this. I pack outfits together in my packing sleeves in order of how I will wear them. That way my next days outfit is always on the top of the pile and ready to go. No really, I'm not that compulsive am I? :laughing:

I started trying on a few outfits to be sure I liked the way things looked together and was a bit horrified to realize that some of my shorts were feeling pretty snug. :sad2: Uncomfortably snug, even though I could zip them and everything. This summer had been so cold and rainy most of the time, that I hadn't really pulled out most of my summer things. I had a few favorite pairs of shorts that I would wear, but most of my stuff I never touched. I'm not even sure that I wore some of the stuff on my last trip either. I was able to put together enough outfits with the stuff that fit, but I was not happy with myself. I've put myself on a strict diet until I go away. Hopefully I'll be able to drop a couple of pounds before I go just to make a few things more comfortable. I'll let myself enjoy Thanksgiving though (within reason ;)). It just makes me mad at myself.

Packing for December has been throwing me for a bit of a loop as well. I'm so used to being at Disney when I only have one temperature to worry about - hot and humid with the only real variation being the possibility of rainy, hot and humid. (And for me there is almost always lots and lots of rain). My plan of attack for December is thin, light layers. Shorts and tee shirts for daytime, and then at night I'm bringing along some jeans, and a pair of lightweight capris in case I need something a bit warmer. I'll also bring along a lightweight fleece jacket and a sweater for evenings. I usually bring along a jacket even in the hot weather, as those restaurants can get really cold sometimes. I'm thinking that should do it.

[princess&her4princes]

I've been wanting to do a post for a few days now, but the power cord on my laptop at home has died and I've been without a computer for about a week or so now. I had purchased a new cord at the Apple store two weeks ago, but was a bit horrified at the $85 price tag so I hunted down a cheaper one on Ebay. It has yet to come in, and I refuse to open the Apple store one. (It's going back as soon as I get the Ebay one). I never realized how reliant I've become on my home computer. I've been feeling lost without it. My father was thinks he may have repaired my old cord, so with any luck I'll be back up and running tonight. I can't really post what I want from work.

WOW! $85 for a new power cord, I don't blame you one bit for standing your ground but you're so right, you get so reliant on these things that you come to NEED them!!!:surfweb:

I can't believe I'll be in Disney in less than a month! :cool1: (Or as LL counts down - 4 more Fridays stuck at work. :rotfl:) After more than a year of planning, my trip is almost here. I've been having a few moments lately when I've been wishing it was still a solo trip, but overall I'm happy that I'll be going with my friend. I spoke with her this week, and she still hadn't booked her tour. :confused3 After we got done talking, she called Disney to book her tour. Hands raised if you can guess how it went. Yep, the tour was already full. :headache: (This is why I'm in charge of the trip planning). She ended up booking the Keys to the Kingdom tour instead. I loved it last year when I went, so I'm thinking that she is going to love it. It won't really affect our plans at all, she'll just have to have an additional day on her passes for the extra park day.

YAY for less than a month or 4 more Fridays stuck at work as LL would say!!;) Love it!! It will be here before you know it....this time of year flies by.....

As for me, I need to make up a schedule for myself for this last month before vacation, and probably straight through to Christmas. I feel like there is going to be so much going on, that I don't trust myself to remember everything. There is what I need to do before Thanksgiving, what I need to have ready for my trip, and then all the holiday stuff - Christmas cards, decorating, parties, shopping etc. You wouldn't think that a week away would be to much, but I'm stressing out over getting everything at least organized with a plan.

I did the SAME thing last year!!! We went 12/7-14 and it was a big deal...getting everything organized for the holidays and being away from home!!! I understand completely!!! It's so smart and makes things so much smoother....

I did pull out my suitcase this weekend to get a jump start on things. Since I'm not using my summer clothing any longer, I figured that I could at least get that started. The rest of my family laughs at me, but I always have to plan out specific outfits for each day in the parks. Yes I am such a compulsive planner that I have to wear certain outfits, themed to certain parks. I may have a few issues. :rolleyes1 But as I know some Diser's plan their Vera bags to their resorts I refuse to feel guilty about this. I pack outfits together in my packing sleeves in order of how I will wear them. That way my next days outfit is always on the top of the pile and ready to go. No really, I'm not that compulsive am I? :laughing:

I do the same thing, I'm sure most of us DISers do!!!:laughing: Not sure if that makes you feel better or not!! LOL!!

I started trying on a few outfits to be sure I liked the way things looked together and was a bit horrified to realize that some of my shorts were feeling pretty snug. :sad2: Uncomfortably snug, even though I could zip them and everything. This summer had been so cold and rainy most of the time, that I hadn't really pulled out most of my summer things. I had a few favorite pairs of shorts that I would wear, but most of my stuff I never touched. I'm not even sure that I wore some of the stuff on my last trip either. I was able to put together enough outfits with the stuff that fit, but I was not happy with myself. I've put myself on a strict diet until I go away. Hopefully I'll be able to drop a couple of pounds before I go just to make a few things more comfortable. I'll let myself enjoy Thanksgiving though (within reason ;)). It just makes me mad at myself.

I hear you on this, too! :( I was suprised how cool it was this time of year last time!! I brought lots of capris and jeans, even, and wore a fleece in the a.m. over a short sleeve top and at night....keep checking the weather, you may not need your shorts, afterall!! It was nice to wear my flip flps with jeas and a tshirt during the day, it was PERFET touring weather in my book!!

Packing for December has been throwing me for a bit of a loop as well. I'm so used to being at Disney when I only have one temperature to worry about - hot and humid with the only real variation being the possibility of rainy, hot and humid. (And for me there is almost always lots and lots of rain). My plan of attack for December is thin, light layers. Shorts and tee shirts for daytime, and then at night I'm bringing along some jeans, and a pair of lightweight capris in case I need something a bit warmer. I'll also bring along a lightweight fleece jacket and a sweater for evenings. I usually bring along a jacket even in the hot weather, as those restaurants can get really cold sometimes. I'm thinking that should do it.

See above! :)

You're in good shape!!! It's getting SO CLOSE!!!!:cheer2:

[Charleston Princess]

Hope your ebay power cord arrives soon! I would be completely lost without my home computer.

Hurray for Disney in less than a month! I bet those four work Fridays fly by!!! :banana:

I know what you mean about the packing for December dilemma -- you could have warm or cold while you are there! :confused3

[If U Had Wings]

Hope your ebay power cord arrives soon! I would be completely lost without my home computer.

I'm very happy that although my new one hasn't arrived yet, my father was able to fix my old cord. :cool1: A little sodering and it's as good as new. I feel connected to the rest of the world again.

Hurray for Disney in less than a month! I bet those four work Fridays fly by!!! :banana:

I hope so! I can't wait to get away from the office for a few days.

I know what you mean about the packing for December dilemma -- you could have warm or cold while you are there! :confused3

I'm thinking capris and cargo pants may be my best bet. With my luck I'll be down there and they will be having a crazy heat wave.

[If U Had Wings]

WOW! $85 for a new power cord, I don't blame you one bit for standing your ground but you're so right, you get so reliant on these things that you come to NEED them!!!

I love my Mac, but things just don't come cheap with them. I'm going to need to run to the store now to return the cord. I'm so not looking forward to it. That store is just crazy busy!


YAY for less than a month or 4 more Fridays stuck at work as LL would say!! Love it!! It will be here before you know it....this time of year flies by.....

It's going to be nuts, especially with Thanksgiving thrown into the middle.



I did the SAME thing last year!!! We went 12/7-14 and it was a big deal...getting everything organized for the holidays and being away from home!!! I understand completely!!! It's so smart and makes things so much smoother....

I'm thinking of cutting back on some of my holiday decorations too. I have a small condo, and usually put up 3 trees. A full size tree, a half sized NY Yankees themed tree and the tiny tabletop tree I've had since college. Something this year is going to have to go.


I do the same thing, I'm sure most of us DISers do!!! Not sure if that makes you feel better or not!! LOL!!

That's why I love my Dis friends! :)



I hear you on this, too! I was suprised how cool it was this time of year last time!! I brought lots of capris and jeans, even, and wore a fleece in the a.m. over a short sleeve top and at night....keep checking the weather, you may not need your shorts, afterall!! It was nice to wear my flip flps with jeas and a tshirt during the day, it was PERFET touring weather in my book!!

I can't wait for the nice weather. It's going to be so nice not touring when it's so humid.

[All7OfUs]

I think it's a good plan to plan for the month leading up to the trip! Really, I do. Even outfits and all that!

The holidays tend to take a lot of brain power, and with a trip of this magnitude, I think you'll appreciate the little cheat sheet. And I'll bet you end up adding stuff to it everyday.

I could have guessed that's how her tour would end up. UGH!! That'd have made me mad. Ah well, what can you do? :confused3

Yes, I'm already thinking of my outfits too, and I'm stilll 10 months out!! I really want to get a jumpstart on it, but I'm afraid of doing any shopping on the internet for fear the stuff wont' fit. But I don't want to wait until a week before the trip when I arrive in the US either. What's a girl to do??

[skier_pete]

We don't normally pack so far in advance, BUT, because we live in the NE (like you) and are going in December (like you) we started packing our suitcases when we changed the closet over to winter clothes, about 3 weeks ago. We are not 100 % packed, but are probably about 75 % there. We are hoping to be more than ready to go on Dec 11th (friday) so we can go out and catch Princess and the Frog (future acronym PatF) the night before we leave. After all, we will be "Too excited to sleep!"

SkierPete

[If U Had Wings]

I think it's a good plan to plan for the month leading up to the trip! Really, I do. Even outfits and all that!

The holidays tend to take a lot of brain power, and with a trip of this magnitude, I think you'll appreciate the little cheat sheet. And I'll bet you end up adding stuff to it everyday.

Since I'm already feeling a bit frazzled, some good lists and schedules are going to have to be a must. I think I'm pretty much set for my trip, except for a few minor purchases. It's the holidays that are going to take a bit more effort. I can always do some holiday shopping at Disney though right? :thumbsup2

I could have guessed that's how her tour would end up. UGH!! That'd have made me mad. Ah well, what can you do? :confused3

I was strangly calm about the tour thing. I guess I was expecting it so when it happened it wasn't a huge surprise. At least she got into something.

Yes, I'm already thinking of my outfits too, and I'm stilll 10 months out!! I really want to get a jumpstart on it, but I'm afraid of doing any shopping on the internet for fear the stuff wont' fit. But I don't want to wait until a week before the trip when I arrive in the US either. What's a girl to do??

10 months is a bit long to do alot of clothing shopping if your worried that your size may change. It is a great time to hunt down some great deals though. Maybe about 6 months would be good? I can imagine that being so far away you really need to be able to plan to get the stuff to you in time. :headache:

[MadilynnsMomma]

I feel ya on planning out the next two months! With a trip so close to Christmas you really have no choice! I'm planning to have my Christmas cards filled out (check) and stamped (not quite yet, maybe this week) and just awaiting a pic of my DD before we leave for the trip!

Best of luck with your planning - and don't be too hard on yourself about the shorts. Sounds like it might have been quite sometime since you've tried them on.

[TarzansKat]

I think I've found my Tiki god too. I'll get more up on that as soon as I'm hooked up to the internet at home again.


Excellent! Good luck with the new power cord! :goodvibes


I do have a few questions about Citricos' so I'll get the PM to you later too. :goodvibes

Sure, any time. :goodvibes


I can't believe how quickly your trip is coming up. This time last year, I was feeling the same way! I ran around like a madwoman trying to get things done for the holidays before we left, it was crazy.

But, I had a nice relaxing weekend in Disney to take my mind off. I can't wait for you to go so I can read all about it! :goodvibes

[MRYPPNS]

I've been having a few moments lately when I've been wishing it was still a solo trip, but overall I'm happy that I'll be going with my friend.

What do you think her reaction would be if you said that you want more time alone (if in fact you did while you were there)??

[If U Had Wings]

I feel ya on planning out the next two months! With a trip so close to Christmas you really have no choice! I'm planning to have my Christmas cards filled out (check) and stamped (not quite yet, maybe this week) and just awaiting a pic of my DD before we leave for the trip!

Best of luck with your planning - and don't be too hard on yourself about the shorts. Sounds like it might have been quite sometime since you've tried them on.

I had to laugh...I was working on my schedule today and had scheduled in writing up my Christmas cards too. I think I've worked everything in but shopping. For that I plan on using lots of online time, and lunch hours. Either that or everyone is getting something Disney this year.:)

I can't believe how quickly your trip is coming up. This time last year, I was feeling the same way! I ran around like a madwoman trying to get things done for the holidays before we left, it was crazy.

But, I had a nice relaxing weekend in Disney to take my mind off. I can't wait for you to go so I can read all about it! :goodvibes

I think I have just about everything planned out now. I still have my birthday night out in the city with my mom to work in, but either than than I think I'm looking okay. My biggest problem is going to be the last minute Christmas knitting that I just decieded to start. :headache: Nothing like waiting until the last minute.

What do you think her reaction would be if you said that you want more time alone (if in fact you did while you were there)??

I'm not sure. I'm hoping for a bit of alone time on my second park-free day too. I want to hang out by the pool and hot tub with a nice drink and chill with a good book. I know that she has no interest in that, so we will probably end up apart for awhile that day too. I just have to tell myself not to feel guilty if I want a bit of alone time. I never felt guilty telling my family that last year, I shouldn't feel guilty with one of my best friends either.

[Flossbolna]

Wow, I admire your ability to schedule everything! Seems like a great way to deal with the pre christmas stress! :thumbsup2

Sorry about the shorts experience! I hope you will be successful in the next weeks, in my experiences just a few pounds already make a difference in wether cloths are comfortable or not!

I think you need to prepare yourself that it might actually be cold in WDW. I think December and early February are comparable and we had some really cold days there in February. I mean winter like! :eek: The great thing is that it is generally rather dry and sunny. And if it rains it is only on warm days. I think we had in one trip high temperatures between 50 and 85!!! And especially evenings can get quite chilly, so bring a warmer fleece as well.

[If U Had Wings]

Wow, I admire your ability to schedule everything! Seems like a great way to deal with the pre christmas stress! :thumbsup2

Sorry about the shorts experience! I hope you will be successful in the next weeks, in my experiences just a few pounds already make a difference in wether cloths are comfortable or not!

I think you need to prepare yourself that it might actually be cold in WDW. I think December and early February are comparable and we had some really cold days there in February. I mean winter like! :eek: The great thing is that it is generally rather dry and sunny. And if it rains it is only on warm days. I think we had in one trip high temperatures between 50 and 85!!! And especially evenings can get quite chilly, so bring a warmer fleece as well.

I did up a schedule today, and now the challenge will be to stick to it. I have a bad tendency to turn the tv on and forget about what I really need to be doing.

I'll be bringing jeans with me in December, and I'll have my winter coat with me too. It separates into two pieces so I should be covered no matter what. Hopefully!

[Flossbolna]

I'll be bringing jeans with me in December, and I'll have my winter coat with me too. It separates into two pieces so I should be covered no matter what. Hopefully!

That coat sounds like the perfect thing to bring for December in Florida! :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

You absolutely should NOT feel guilty about having a little need for some space. If she's really your best friend, I would think she'd instinctively catch onto that and cater to it, even if just a little.

I"m fairly giddy for how close you are!! Yay!!

[If U Had Wings]

That coat sounds like the perfect thing to bring for December in Florida! :thumbsup2

That's what I was thinking. I can wear the fleece part, or the windbreaker part, and then when it's time to come home to chilly Connecticut I can put them back together.

You absolutely should NOT feel guilty about having a little need for some space. If she's really your best friend, I would think she'd instinctively catch onto that and cater to it, even if just a little.

I"m fairly giddy for how close you are!! Yay!!

That's the problem. She doesn't pick up on hints, and I'm even worse about being honest about such things. Our last trip I tried a few times to drop some hints that I wanted to go off for a little bit on my own and she'd always come with me. I know that I need to be more assertive, but it's tough for me. I'm working on it.

[If U Had Wings]

We don't normally pack so far in advance, BUT, because we live in the NE (like you) and are going in December (like you) we started packing our suitcases when we changed the closet over to winter clothes, about 3 weeks ago. We are not 100 % packed, but are probably about 75 % there. We are hoping to be more than ready to go on Dec 11th (friday) so we can go out and catch Princess and the Frog (future acronym PatF) the night before we leave. After all, we will be "Too excited to sleep!"

SkierPete

I'm probably about 75% myself. Just about everything is in the suitcase except things like my jeans, jackets and toiletries. I just can't get down there soon enough!

[If U Had Wings]

I just had to share with everyone how incredibly stupid I am, because at the moment I'm so incredibly annoyed with myself for being so idiotic.

I was all set to return my Apple powercord today. Brought the cord with me to work, and just before my lunch hour went online to print out my receipt. (At the Apple Store they will e-mail your receipt to you. I usually chose this option so I don't waste the paper). And I looked at it.

They have a two week return policy. Two weeks, which for me was up on Monday. :headache: I can't beleive I just basically threw out $80. I'm really just mad at myself, but seriously - only 2 weeks! It's still in a sealed package.

I'm thinking I'll try to Ebay it, but the highest price I saw them going for was about $30. :headache::headache: No one else had one in a sealed box so I might get a little bit more, but ugh!!

[princess&her4princes]

I just had to share with everyone how incredibly stupid I am, because at the moment I'm so incredibly annoyed with myself for being so idiotic.

I was all set to return my Apple powercord today. Brought the cord with me to work, and just before my lunch hour went online to print out my receipt. (At the Apple Store they will e-mail your receipt to you. I usually chose this option so I don't waste the paper). And I looked at it.

They have a two week return policy. Two weeks, which for me was up on Monday. :headache: I can't beleive I just basically threw out $80. I'm really just mad at myself, but seriously - only 2 weeks! It's still in a sealed package.

I'm thinking I'll try to Ebay it, but the highest price I saw them going for was about $30. :headache::headache: No one else had one in a sealed box so I might get a little bit more, but ugh!!


I'd try to return in anyways!! Or at least see if you can get a store credit or a Christmas present!? Soooo aggrevating!!! :headache: Good luck!!:goodvibes

[MadilynnsMomma]

I second that, try to return it. See if they can do anything for you. Maybe some itunes gift cards you could give out for Christmas?

[princess&her4princes]

I second that, try to return it. See if they can do anything for you. Maybe some itunes gift cards you could give out for Christmas?

Hey MadilynnsMomma, where on the Cape are you from? I grew up West Dennis!! And now live in Plymouth!! Small world....:goodvibes

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hey MadilynnsMomma, where on the Cape are you from? I grew up West Dennis!! And now live in Plymouth!! Small world....:goodvibes

Hey neighbor! I live in Hyannis, but grew up in Dennis-Yarmouth schools!

[princess&her4princes]

Hey neighbor! I live in Hyannis, but grew up in Dennis-Yarmouth schools!

Sent you a PM, me too!!!:goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

And I am reminded once again why I love Apple, and keep shelling out money for their products.

After mentally berating myself for a few days I decieded to hike my rear end up to the Apple Store today and throw myself and my stupidity at the mercy of whatever poor Apple employee happened to be unfortunate enough to have to deal with me.

I had barely explained what had happened when she said no problem, and refunded me the complete amount. :cool1: Seriously, I know that their products cost more, but I'll never go anywhere else for my computers. Great customer service (that even speak understandable english when you have to call them) and great products.

As a bonus on the way back to my office I got to walk past Abercrombie and Fitch and gaze at the eye candy they have in the doorway. At least they gave the poor guy a jacket today. No shirt, but at least a jacket.

[TarzansKat]

Glad to see you were able to get the full refund! Never hurts to ask. :thumbsup2

I know what you mean about last mintue knitting, in my case crocheting. Now that my FIL has his own home (he was previously renting), I decided he needs an afghan.

Maybe I can work with one of those really BIG hooks. :lmao:

[If U Had Wings]

Glad to see you were able to get the full refund! Never hurts to ask. :thumbsup2

I know what you mean about last mintue knitting, in my case crocheting. Now that my FIL has his own home (he was previously renting), I decided he needs an afghan.

Maybe I can work with one of those really BIG hooks. :lmao:

I was so happy that they took it back. Of course I turned around and used the money elsewhere right away. :rotfl:

I haven't tried an afghan yet. It always seems so overwhelming to me. I would definitely need some of those big needles or hooks.