Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

A while later the kids were all fizzling down and our skin was all wrinkled, so we decided to call it a day for the waterpark.

Back in the lobby we ran into the Kalahari mascot, a big 'ol elephant character, and I made sure to bring Henry right up to him. He so far has not ever been scared of characters anytime we have seen them, and I hope to keep it that way by bringing him to see them any chance we get.

We also noticed a HUGE line the winded through the lobby...they had a cookie making station set up! We were all wanting just a little snack, so our friends got in line there with their children, and Joe and I headed for the Sweet Hut, oh yes. We would have done cookies, but juggling our stroller through that maze was not something we cared to do...plus, uh...the Sweet Hut. Ya. He he. :rolleyes1

We all got our goodies and met at a table in the lobby to enjoy

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189782_eBZNv-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189782_eBZNv/Large)
Milk. H's favorite drink.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189798_Xoqcr-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189798_Xoqcr/Large)
Red,white and blue cookies in celebration of Memorial Day.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189827_WrtEy-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189827_WrtEy/Large)
So attractive, isn't it?

....our friends had also made a cookie for Henry-which he enjoyed VERY much! :rotfl2:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189833_U4zbG-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189833_U4zbG/Large)

And one last pic in the lobby...they had various animals throughout the day and I kept missing them, but I finally got to see the baby kangaroo and tiger!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189804_Yju2S-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189804_Yju2S/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189855_ox8zC-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189855_ox8zC/Large)

Up next: Adventure Golf, where the biggest "adventure" is pushing your stroller up a hill....pirate:

[brookelizabeth]

WOOT! :banana: for under 200 days!

:woohoo: It just sounds closer!

[KathyRN137]

I know you're not finished posting, but I just wanted to say how cute Henry looked riding the big lion and daring to touch his teeth!! :laughing:

The resort does look amazing... and how wonderful to not have to worry about getting a sunburn!! :sunny:

Looking forward to the rest...

Kathy

[CJsMom]

Yahoo for 199 days!!! :dance3:

Henry has the cutest look on his face in the picture of he and Joe riding in the car. Adorable!!!

[Lady Lallie]

This pictures of Henry on the Lion Carousel is just adorable.

It seems like Kalahari had a little bit of everything, it looks like so much fun! :woohoo:

[ILuvCrush]

:banana::banana: horray for 199 days!!:banana::banana:

Love the pics and Henry is just so adorable!!

I just asked my DH how far it is to get to Wisconsin from PA:lmao:

paula

[k_reile]

:banana::banana: horray for 199 days!!:banana::banana:

Love the pics and Henry is just so adorable!!

I just asked my DH how far it is to get to Wisconsin from PA:lmao:

paula

there's a kahlihari in Sandusky Ohio....its closer than wisconsin anyways!;)

[Donald is #1]

Wow, it looks like Henry loved that cookie! Esp, the blue frosting. :goodvibes

[MeMom]

The pictures of Henry in the car and then the top of Henry's head in the car - very funny! I know he was having an absolute blast!

Does he have any of the Disney Matchbox cars like they sell in the parks?

[SoonerGirl]

That place looks like so much fun! Too bad Wisconsin is so far from here!

I love the pictures of Henry on the Lion, so so cute!

[mickeysmyboy]

:cool1::banana::yay::woohoo: Yippee for under 199 days! Of course, that means our 199 mark is coming up quickly! I'm trying to hide any tickers or coutdowns. DD would definitely notice!

I really don't know what the difference between the dedicated 2 bedroom and the lockoff is. I've been wondering. The info for our reservation say dedicated. Yippeee for us I guess! I see a lot people request the dedicated :confused3 I hope you get the other days! But if you don't maybe you should try for BLT MK view ;) One of these days I WILL stay BLT MK view even if it takes 3 years of points!!!

Aren't the DVC member services CM's great? Holy cow when I was trying to make a reservation for us for Dec the girl I spoke to was sooooo helpful and tried so hard to make it work for me. She deserves a day off or something for all her efforts! But it just wasn't going to work!

Your breakfast at Kalahari looks sooo yummy! What a good way to start a busy day! I love the smiles on Henry's face in all the pictures! He looks like he had a blast!

I do hope he nap for you at some point! Ryan went napless today and it wasn't pretty by about 7! :eek:

Anyway, can't wait to read more!

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, I think we need to plan a trip to the Dells! I never knew the Kalahari had so much...I always thought it was just the water park.

[teruterubouzu]

Hooray for being under 200 days. The trip will come before you know it! Hopefully we'll get some summer in between now and then.

Henry is such a cutie. He has such a funny, naughty grin! The pictures of him driving his car with his girl and adorable.

[brookelizabeth]

I know you're not finished posting, but I just wanted to say how cute Henry looked riding the big lion and daring to touch his teeth!! :laughing:

The resort does look amazing... and how wonderful to not have to worry about getting a sunburn!! :sunny:

Looking forward to the rest...

Kathy

Henry was a brave one with that lion! ;)

The resort really was incredible-such detail at every turn-much like Disney....but not quite the same...of course. You just can't replicate that!

Yahoo for 199 days!!! :dance3:

Henry has the cutest look on his face in the picture of he and Joe riding in the car. Adorable!!!

He was so excited about the car ride. Before they were able to load into the car, Henry could not stop saying "car", over and over and over. His eyes were glued to them as they zipped past the loading area. It was so fun!

This pictures of Henry on the Lion Carousel is just adorable.

It seems like Kalahari had a little bit of everything, it looks like so much fun! :woohoo:

Joe did a good job with those carousel pics, didn't he? :goodvibes Henry was so lovin' that ride too. I can't wait to take him on Cinderella's carousel again.

:banana::banana: horray for 199 days!!:banana::banana:

Love the pics and Henry is just so adorable!!

I just asked my DH how far it is to get to Wisconsin from PA:lmao:

paula

:rotfl: It's not too bad actually! But...

there's a kahlihari in Sandusky Ohio....its closer than wisconsin anyways!;)

Exactly! There is one even closer! :thumbsup2

Wow, it looks like Henry loved that cookie! Esp, the blue frosting. :goodvibes

:rotfl2: very true. If I recall correctly he literally licked the frosting off the cookie!

The pictures of Henry in the car and then the top of Henry's head in the car - very funny! I know he was having an absolute blast!

Does he have any of the Disney Matchbox cars like they sell in the parks?

You could see him sink a bit lap by lap! :laughing:

I didn't even know they sold Disney Matchbox cars!!! :faint: MeMom, you are a wealth of awesome Disney information. I'm going to have to keep my eye out for those, he would loooooove them. :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

That place looks like so much fun! Too bad Wisconsin is so far from here!

I love the pictures of Henry on the Lion, so so cute!

They do have a couple other locations, Sandusky, OH and Fredricksburg, VA - none of those are very close though, are they? :sad2:

:cool1::banana::yay::woohoo: Yippee for under 199 days! Of course, that means our 199 mark is coming up quickly! I'm trying to hide any tickers or coutdowns. DD would definitely notice!

I really don't know what the difference between the dedicated 2 bedroom and the lockoff is. I've been wondering. The info for our reservation say dedicated. Yippeee for us I guess! I see a lot people request the dedicated :confused3 I hope you get the other days! But if you don't maybe you should try for BLT MK view ;) One of these days I WILL stay BLT MK view even if it takes 3 years of points!!!

Aren't the DVC member services CM's great? Holy cow when I was trying to make a reservation for us for Dec the girl I spoke to was sooooo helpful and tried so hard to make it work for me. She deserves a day off or something for all her efforts! But it just wasn't going to work!

Your breakfast at Kalahari looks sooo yummy! What a good way to start a busy day! I love the smiles on Henry's face in all the pictures! He looks like he had a blast!

I do hope he nap for you at some point! Ryan went napless today and it wasn't pretty by about 7! :eek:

Anyway, can't wait to read more!

Jordan explained the lock-off/dedicated a couple posts ago...basically a lock-off is like a 1 bed and a Studio joined, meaning the 2nd bedroom has a Queen and a sofa sleeper and a kitchenette. The dedicated 2nd bedroom has 2 Queens, no kitchenette-more like a true 2nd bedroom.

The BLT MK view would be :cloud9: ESPEICALLY during NYE! Can you imagine that view!!!!!!!!!! :cloud9:

I agree, every MS CM I have spoken to has been incredibly nice and helpful. :thumbsup2

Henry did kinda-nap that day, but much later...:scared:

Wow, I think we need to plan a trip to the Dells! I never knew the Kalahari had so much...I always thought it was just the water park.

I think when the Kalahari was first built it was just the water park but it has slowly grown into a monster resort! The indoor park is very new-I think it just opened this year.

It's a pricey resort, but during the week it can be much more affordable.

Hooray for being under 200 days. The trip will come before you know it! Hopefully we'll get some summer in between now and then.

Henry is such a cutie. He has such a funny, naughty grin! The pictures of him driving his car with his girl and adorable.

I am so ready for summer to arrive! Come on, come on! Today was fairly nice though, and this weekend I *think* it's supposed to be in the 80's.

It's so funny you mention his funny/naughty grin-one of my Aunt's says the EXACT same thing. Whenever she sees pictures of him she just looks me and and tells me to be careful with him. :laughing:

[Lamping3]

Love the waterpark...I think I have seen it on the Travel Channel!

:worship:I am a BIG fan of Bob's. I absolutely loooove the UG. I read it for the first time in 2005 before our 2006 trip. It really reads well...like a book and he is so funny! We have the 2009 edition for our upcoming trip and still I have read it like 6 times and can still read throught it and not be bored!

[moparop]

I love his little face peeking out of the car... so cute! And what a big boy on the carousel too! The mug came out great and I am impressed you got a neat handprint on there.

I can totally relate to Henry feeling overwhelmed at that waterpark. I was feeling that way looking at the pics!!!

[Lovemy3babes]

Brook! I found something hilarious. Go read here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2188285

Look for post #7, the last photo. This is yours, right? :)

[Charleston Princess]

What a great birthday weekend you had!!! :goodvibes

Love seeing all the fun you had at the Dells! I am pretty sure I need a Sweet Hut near me. :laughing:

Hope your last night's room comes through soon -- FYI -- we did see a guy fast asleep on a lounge chair one morning at AKL -- it has been done. :lmao:

[jordanyosh]

our friends had also made a cookie for Henry-which he enjoyed VERY much! :rotfl2:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189833_U4zbG-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189833_U4zbG/Large)



Love the picture. Childhood at it's best.

[PopArtGal]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm sweets!!!

Me wants some!

[brookelizabeth]

Love the waterpark...I think I have seen it on the Travel Channel!

:worship:I am a BIG fan of Bob's. I absolutely loooove the UG. I read it for the first time in 2005 before our 2006 trip. It really reads well...like a book and he is so funny! We have the 2009 edition for our upcoming trip and still I have read it like 6 times and can still read throught it and not be bored!

Yep! Joe and I were just watching the Travel Channel last night and saw the Kalahari featured! Though, they did the one from Sandusky, Ohio instead of Wisconsin Dells. Overall it seemed pretty similar.

I am really enjoying the UG too-the sense of humor is great!! And what an amazing amount of info!

I love his little face peeking out of the car... so cute! And what a big boy on the carousel too! The mug came out great and I am impressed you got a neat handprint on there.

I can totally relate to Henry feeling overwhelmed at that waterpark. I was feeling that way looking at the pics!!!

The handprint is a blob in part of it-it looks like he has a thumb, a couple normal fingers and a couple mutant ones. :rolleyes:

Brook! I found something hilarious. Go read here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2188285

Look for post #7, the last photo. This is yours, right? :)

That is SO STINKIN' FUNNY! I literally have this thread open on my computer and have been meaning to read her TR-I was surprised when it opened to that and then scrolled down to find my LGMH! Too funny!!!!!

What a great birthday weekend you had!!! :goodvibes

Love seeing all the fun you had at the Dells! I am pretty sure I need a Sweet Hut near me. :laughing:

Hope your last night's room comes through soon -- FYI -- we did see a guy fast asleep on a lounge chair one morning at AKL -- it has been done. :lmao:

WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to read all about your trip! :yay::woohoo::dance3:

The Sweet Hut is DANGEROUS. :laughing:

That is so funny about the guy asleep on the AKL lounger! I love it! Did you snap a pic? ;)

Love the picture. Childhood at it's best.

It really is. Mouth full of blue sugary frosting-ahhhhh. Not even too shabby as an adult. :rolleyes:

mmmmmmmmmmmmm sweets!!!

Me wants some!

I want another one of those carmel apples. I think it was called a "Dirt Apple" with crushed cookies and the gummy worms. Ahhhh. Goofy's can't come soon enough!

[PopArtGal]

Ahhhh. Goofy's can't come soon enough!

Tell me about it :woohoo: :dance3:=sugar rush

[lazydoxy66]

That amusement area looked like so much fun! Henry with the blue icing and that look on his face is just precious!

On the buffet question, last year was my first trip to Disney in 19 years! My DH and I ate at Boma but not for breakfast. It was awesome! I'm not real big on too much food before heat and rides.

This September I am planning to try Donald's breakfast at Tusker House. I've heard it is very good. We shall see. I may book the Biergarten if I can't get an ADR at Le Cellier for supper.

Other than that I like the Golden Corral's breakfast. I've also never been disappointed by any hotel breakfast buffet either.

[brookelizabeth]

Tell me about it :woohoo: :dance3:=sugar rush

Exactly! :rotfl:

That amusement area looked like so much fun! Henry with the blue icing and that look on his face is just precious!

On the buffet question, last year was my first trip to Disney in 19 years! My DH and I ate at Boma but not for breakfast. It was awesome! I'm not real big on too much food before heat and rides.

This September I am planning to try Donald's breakfast at Tusker House. I've heard it is very good. We shall see. I may book the Biergarten if I can't get an ADR at Le Cellier for supper.

Other than that I like the Golden Corral's breakfast. I've also never been disappointed by any hotel breakfast buffet either.

Tusker House looks really good for breakfast...I've been tempted on that one too-espeically since it has characters for Henry, and he's still young enough to not realize you can meet them in the parks so we don't have to wait in lines! :rolleyes:

I have to check out the Biergarten menu. Joe brought it up today...

I love me some hotel breakfast. They are usually soooo good...ahhhh!

What are your dates in September? :rolleyes1

[brookelizabeth]

I first have to apologize to everyone...this PTR is jumping around all over the place between trip plans and Wisconsin Dells...and, I have a very good feeling, it's just going to get worse.

So, if you are getting lost or confused, my apologies. :hug:


So, you might want to know "Why does Brook think this PTR is going to get even MORE confusing?"

Well...

I have a secret.

And I can't keep it any longer!!!!!!

:dance3:

I have an Annual Pass burning a hole in my back pocket.

:rolleyes1

And apparently my husband does too! :laughing:

Back in January, knowing were coming back to to WDW in December, plus having the very nice DVC AP discount, we thought it best to buy the APs.

Being that it's June, and it's been 6 months since our trip and another 6 more to go...I have to admit, that AP is burning a hole in my back pocket!

Between the two of us, I cannot tell you how many trips we have "secrectly" priced. These discounts Disney keeps throwing at us are irresitable, aren't they???

Joe admits to me about his faux-trips...I haven't admitted to all of mine...:rolleyes1


I don't know how it came up AGAIN, but it did. Someone threw the noodle at the wall to see if it would stick, and it's been hanging on...

At first it was me saying,

"We can eat Pop Tarts the entire week at Pop Century!"

then it was,

"Pop Tarts at All Star Music!"

or,

"Pop Tarts at any Value, or ANYWHERE!!"

We were even considering...<dum dum dum> off-site! :scared1:

ANYWHERE, ANYHOW JUST GET ME TO DISNEY WORLD!


And a recent trip was priced...with free dining, in September for 4 nights, 5 days.

Joe's Response:
"Dang."
<pause>
"That's cheap."
<pause>
"Crap."

:rotfl2:

I priced out airfare and found it cheap.

We continued discussing it, I promise you, he brought it up as often as I did!

Then, enter Fuzzy Disney Math:

Joe: "How much is our 4th of July to Mount Rushmore gonna cost?"
Me: "Not sure...at least a few hundred bucks with gas/food/camp site, etc."
Joe: "So, if we took that money and upgraded to that New Orleans resort....You have to drive 9 hours to South Dakota. And 9 hours back. In a weekend. And, we have Annual Passes..."

:teacher:

Nice, huh? :lovestruc


After much more discussion and browsing every Moderate Resort's pictures online, we put in a price quote for CSR!




And if you have noticed my ticker...................













WE ARE GOING BACK IN SEPTEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This is now a 2 for 1 PTR! I can't believe it! :yay:


I get to have Casey's Corn Dog Nuggets in just 2 1/2 months!


I love me some Fuzzy Disney Math. :rotfl:

[Kara]

congrats!!!!how exciting!!!!

[brookelizabeth]

congrats!!!!how exciting!!!!

You are quick! :rotfl:

Thanks! I'm soooooo excited. We just finalized the trip tonight and put in our deposit. All the way home from work I kept turning to Joe in the car and saying "Really? Really? We are going back?" He would just grin. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Brook!!! I cannot even begin to describe the excitement I have over reading that you are headed back to WDW in just three months!!!

party: party: party: party:

That is so awesome!!! I am so thrilled for you (and for me because that means I get to read another of your wonderful trip reports)!!!

So, you are staying at Port Orleans?

[KathyRN137]

Woo-Hoo!! I love it!!

Bring on the Dut Dut..... :donald:


Kathy

[MeMom]

That was a very good secret! :thumbsup2

This has been a busy day on the boards. A new trip report for CP and secrets for about a half dozen people!

[brookelizabeth]

Oh, Brook!!! I cannot even begin to describe the excitement I have over reading that you are headed back to WDW in just three months!!!

party: party: party: party:

That is so awesome!!! I am so thrilled for you (and for me because that means I get to read another of your wonderful trip reports)!!!

So, you are staying at Port Orleans?

Thanks CP! I really can hardly believe it. I'm grinning ear to ear as I frantically figure out our ADRs! :laughing: Only 78 days! :eek: During Free Dining! :eek::eek:

We are staying at CSR (did I forget to say that in my excitment?). We at first were going to do POFQ, but after looking at pictures and reading reviews and digging for information, we both decided on CSR. We almost did CSR back for our honeymoon in 2006 too.

Woo-Hoo!! I love it!!

Bring on the Dut Dut..... :donald:


Kathy

When we picked Henry up after work I asked him "Do you want to go see Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck soon?" He nodded.

Smart kid! ;)

That was a very good secret! :thumbsup2

This has been a busy day on the boards. A new trip report for CP and secrets for about a half dozen people!

It has been a busy day! I'm soooo excited about CPs report, but nervous too-drama! :scared:

I can't wait to hear YOUR secret...

[brookelizabeth]

Our dates are September 3-7 at Coronado Springs Resort.

Our dates picked us.

September 7 is Labor Day, which we have off work.

I have 3 vacation days left (after December trip). I like to keep one as a "just in case". I took Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th off and viola! a 4 night, 5 day trip!

78 days until we leave.

78!

And this is during free dining.

Like making our reservation for our December trip, I'm late, I'm late!

Just 12 days late this time instead of months..but again, it's free dining...will anything be available? Anything at all?

This is also the first time I have used a Travel Agent. So far, I'm likin' it. :thumbsup2

Between yesterday and tonight's drive home from work, I have a game-plan. Things are so much easier when the park hours are out, aren't they???:

Thursday, September 3:
Arrival
No ADRs
Explore BLT and Kidani
Spectro/Wishes

Friday, Septeber 4:
Crystal Palace breakfast with Pooh & friends
(declansdad's pictures got me on that one!)
MK!
(no Wishes or Spectro that night-hopefully will mean looooow crowds)

Saturday, September 5:
Epcot
Dinner at
1) Rose & Crown IF we can come back for Illuminations seating (LL and Jen got me on this one!)
2) If no Illuminations seating, Garden Grill (Joe's pick)
3) If no Rose & Crown or Garden Grill, Biergarten (Joe's pick. Makes me nervous, but he brings this up every single trip, so...)

Sunday, September 6:
Brook's "Ha ha, ya right" day of DHS/AK Can we possibly squeeze both in? I can't leave one behind!
Lunch at Sci Fi (Alan's review got me here!)

Monday, September 7:
Breakfast at our resort, Maya Grill
Departure

So-that's the game plan.

Everything is negoitable depending on the moment.

I even dared to ask Joe if we should just "wing it" all...HE shot that one down! :laughing: He couldn't believe I said that.

Neither could I really...
I think I'm just so excited about going, I don't care if we DO end up eating Pop Tarts everyday! ;)


If a rockin' AP rate comes out that will in the long run save us more money than free dining, we'll be switching to that and who knows what will happen with ADRs from there.

So much can happen in 78 days, but first things first...will the TA get the "ideals" above?

[jordanyosh]

very nice!!!!!

[Flossbolna]

Brook, that's so exciting! :banana::banana::banana: I am really interested to hear about your CSR experience! It is the moderate that appeals to me most from a design point of view, but I am not so sure about the distances!

We are still thinking about renting DVC points for our January trip, but if we don't have the courage to do that, we will most likely stay at a moderate, too.

I like your ADR choices! :goodvibes And I think you will be fine at Biergarten. From what I have seen, it actually looks very authentic and I have read many good reviews of it and I am very tempted to try it myself. It sounds like they really offer lots of my favourite dishes. The only thing I would not really be interested in is the entertainment, but it sounds like it is a lot of fun for kids. :thumbsup2

[ILuvCrush]

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

Yippie for the BONUS trip!!!!

And Already double digit dancing:dance3:

[tiggrbaby]

Whoooo hooooo! I am so jazzed for you! I think that will be a great time to go. Get on those ADRs, though, since they get really tough during the free dining.

[PopArtGal]

YAY!!

Congrats!!

[k_reile]

Yeah for another trip! Disney has been tempting me to...i just got an email offer for $139 a night at WL for aug through oct 1st...but i just started a new job and wont have vacation until dec...they just need to keep on sending me those awesome deals and hopefully something will work out for Feb!:cool1:

[thewesterberg]

Very, very cool!!:cool1:

[teruterubouzu]

Wow! You are sneaky! I think you're going to love CSR! The grounds are absolutely gorgeous. I was just there in May and really enjoyed myself. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/teruterubouzu/sets/72157619046396900/) Are you going to request a certain building or section?

I do have to say, though that APs are certainly dangerous. You might notice that I have a brand spanking new ticker too. I'm taking my brother down for a long weekend in August at the Dolphin! My having the AP made it a little more affordable.

Anyway, your ADRs sound just great! Have you done the dining plan before? Apologies if you said this and I missed it. I need coffee!

[wdwgirl03]

Yay for another trip!

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my goodness! I am so excited for you!! And a little jealous....that is my birthday weekend! I have been trying to convince Marc we should go down to get my birthday giftcard. :rotfl2: Have you checked out the online adr's? I was searching them yesterday for that weekend. :rotfl:

Is that the weekend that MNSSHP starts? Would you do that??

[moparop]

Woo hoo!! So jealous of an extra trip! With APs how can ya NOT go though!

Which Port Orleans resort are you staying at? Can't wait to read more details!

[Charleston Princess]

You will love CSR! I know we did when we stayed there in April, 2008. You will also love Rose and Crown if you decide to eat there!

[blessedby3]

I am so jealous!!! We were just there in March and I would love to be planning another trip:cloud9:
With our oldest in college our window of time to go is so much more limited-especially since I wont go over the summer-Id melt:rotfl2:
Anyway, congrats to you for getting to go again--Im so green:thumbsup2

[mickeysmyboy]

:cool1::woohoo::cheer2:

Yipppeeeee for September!! You are rocking that AP!!!

I've done soooo many faux trips I'm suprised my internet explorer doesn't just automatically take me to disney.com or dvcmember.com everytime I open it!

I must admit I don't even have an AP yet and it burning a whole in my pocket!:rotfl2: We're going to get AP's for us and the kiddos in January because we're planning another trip in December 2010. I secretly have a plan to take the big kids without Daddy or Ryan for few days in Oct 2010 for MNSSHP. How can we not get the most of a very good, very useable AP?!

As for Biergarten, we've been there so I'll give you a little review!

This is FIL's 2nd favorite place to eat in all of WDW next to Hoop De Doo! :rotfl: It is a great time, especially with kids! I think Henry would have a blast! The kiddos had a great time dancing and being silly! IMO you can't go wrong with a restaurant were the kids can get up and dance and get some energy out! That being said I'll move on to the food. If I were in it just for the food I skip Biergarten. I'm not one for all sorts of wiener type foods. Too much for me thanks! I was about 10 weeks pregnant with Ryan when we ate there and wasn't sure I was even going to be able to approach the buffet. But I was able to find some good items on the buffet! I definitely think it's worth it to eat there at least once!

Anyway, happy planning! Can't wait to read more popcorn::

[SoonerGirl]

Woo Hoo!! That's great news Brook! :cool1:

I plan tons of faux trips too, but my DH does NOT! I'll get great pin codes and he says no, the kids beg and he says no - wish he could be a bit more like Joe.......... :worship:

[princess&her4princes]

Yay Brook for another trip!!!!!!!!!!!!:banana: How exciting is that?!! I'm bummed though we won't be there at the same time...you're just missing me!! Oh well, I get to read all about your trip before I go! Woohoo!!:woohoo:

[troobabiee7]

:woohoo: for another trip! That's so exciting! If you're doing free dining, now's the time to try Biergarten. I hate how there' nothing for vegetarians because we went on our very first trip to Orlando back in '92 and the video from the restaurant's so much fun! It's like being at Oktoberfest where everyone gets to go up on stage to dance with the band and drink giant boots of beer (Das boot! :lmao: Have you ever seen Beer Fest?!) The restaurant itself is gorgeous, it's like being in a German town quare at night. If you're unsure of the food, now's the perfect time to try it since you won't be paying. It's fun though!

[TyRy]

:cool1: YAY :cool1: congrats on getting back, and I love the logic behind getting there...the driving to SD and the money...equals Disneyworld! :rotfl:

And shoot - I'm going to miss you by THREE days!

[Donald is #1]

Wow! Another trip this year is awesome!

[MeMom]

Our dates are September 3-7 at Coronado Springs Resort.


78 days until we leave.I think I'm just so excited about going, I don't care if we DO end up eating Pop Tarts everyday! ;)


Boy, you really like going to Disney World, don't you??? :rolleyes1

What flavor Pop-Tarts will you be eating? :laughing:

[kschafer]

1. SO jealous you are going back and excited to hear all about it!

2. CSR...way awesome!!

3. you don't need pop tarts...you have free dining :cool1:

4. We must stalk all the same TR's because I knew every ADR reference in your list :lmao:

[brookelizabeth]

very nice!!!!!



Muy!!
Brook, that's so exciting! :banana::banana::banana: I am really interested to hear about your CSR experience! It is the moderate that appeals to me most from a design point of view, but I am not so sure about the distances!

We are still thinking about renting DVC points for our January trip, but if we don't have the courage to do that, we will most likely stay at a moderate, too.

I like your ADR choices! :goodvibes And I think you will be fine at Biergarten. From what I have seen, it actually looks very authentic and I have read many good reviews of it and I am very tempted to try it myself. It sounds like they really offer lots of my favourite dishes. The only thing I would not really be interested in is the entertainment, but it sounds like it is a lot of fun for kids. :thumbsup2

I have read many mixed reviews on CSR so far, but it seems that the good outweigh the bad, and I'm going in mind with the "negative" things that people seem to dislike--mainly the walking between buildings. I have to remember that even if I was at AKL or WL I would be walking to the lobby/food, which will probably be about the same distance. I just get to be outside, enjoying the beauty of the resort instead!

Which resort are you thinking about renting points at?

Until last night I honestly hadn't even ever looked at the Biergarten menu. I see pics of the food here on the DIS and it just looked eh. But, after I looked at the menu (and the ingredients in the items!), it did make me a bit more excited-and the fact that it's coming from YOU, that it sounds good - that's a big bonus! I really don't think I have ever eaten authentic German food before - Bohemian yes, but not German. I should do it just to get in touch with my heritage more!

I don't know much about the entertainment...are their dancers? I think it might be fun to watch....and Henry I'm sure woud love it!

Did you just add the food reviews links to your siggy? I have never seen them before (maybe because I use a laptop it cut them off?) I'll be reading!

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

Yippie for the BONUS trip!!!!

And Already double digit dancing:dance3:

I love it! Almost time to make a countdown too! :banana:

Whoooo hooooo! I am so jazzed for you! I think that will be a great time to go. Get on those ADRs, though, since they get really tough during the free dining.

I know it! The TA immediatly emailed me and asked me for the ADRs. Thankfully Joe and I both had a couple in mind already. I haven't heard back from her, hopefully we got them!

YAY!!

Congrats!!

Thanks!!

Yeah for another trip! Disney has been tempting me to...i just got an email offer for $139 a night at WL for aug through oct 1st...but i just started a new job and wont have vacation until dec...they just need to keep on sending me those awesome deals and hopefully something will work out for Feb!:cool1:

My co-worker got that PIN too! They are Pop lovers, and at $59 a night, he's been pricing trips! He looked at pics of CSR online today and was also pricing that...;) I'm no help egging him on with it all too...

The way codes have been coming out, I bet you will get something great for Feb!

[brookelizabeth]

Very, very cool!!:cool1:

I see you have a new PTR....:woohoo:

Wow! You are sneaky! I think you're going to love CSR! The grounds are absolutely gorgeous. I was just there in May and really enjoyed myself. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/teruterubouzu/sets/72157619046396900/) Are you going to request a certain building or section?

I do have to say, though that APs are certainly dangerous. You might notice that I have a brand spanking new ticker too. I'm taking my brother down for a long weekend in August at the Dolphin! My having the AP made it a little more affordable.

Anyway, your ADRs sound just great! Have you done the dining plan before? Apologies if you said this and I missed it. I need coffee!

THANK YOU for the pics! They are beaaaaaaaautiful. Did you like your stay at CSR? Any tips?

Joe and I have decided to request the Cabana's section-the building closest to the main building.

The AP is very dangerous...but so fun! Congratulations on your upcoming trip too!

We have done the dining plan twice, back in 06, our honeymoon when appetizers and the tip was included. And then again in November 08 when we were horribly sick and barely ate. We got AP's in January 09 and did TiW, we liked the flexability of the trip, not being tied to many sit downs with a toddler...so we aren't thrilled about the dining plan, but hey IT'S FREE! :thumbsup2

I always need coffee, so I get it. ;)

Yay for another trip!

I'm so excited!

Oh my goodness! I am so excited for you!! And a little jealous....that is my birthday weekend! I have been trying to convince Marc we should go down to get my birthday giftcard. :rotfl2: Have you checked out the online adr's? I was searching them yesterday for that weekend. :rotfl:

Is that the weekend that MNSSHP starts? Would you do that??

YOU SHOULD COME! CONVINCE HIM! I WANT TO MEET YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

I did look at the online ADR system for just a few minutes-we are using a TA this time...just thought, "what the heck, let's try a TA!" and its a very chill trip-I don't really care what we get for ADRs - I'll try that place no one likes!! :laughing:

Yep, MNSSHP starts that Saturday. We will probably not do the party because it runs so late with a toddler...I hate keeping Henry up that late, he gets glassy eyed and I can just tell he wants to be in bed. :guilty: So, a future trip! (Plus, saves us money by not going...)

Woo hoo!! So jealous of an extra trip! With APs how can ya NOT go though!

Which Port Orleans resort are you staying at? Can't wait to read more details!

Exactly! AND we might have free airfare for Joe and I. This is gonna be crazy cheap!!

We are actually staying at CSR...Joe at first mentioned POFQ, but after much research and looking at pics, we opted for CSR. I posted about all that in "The Plan" in a post above, but forgot to add it to my main links-so you might have msised it...I'll get that link up!

[brookelizabeth]

You will love CSR! I know we did when we stayed there in April, 2008. You will also love Rose and Crown if you decide to eat there!

Did you write a TR for that trip? If so, I cannot recall if I read it or not... I would love to for tips/drool over pics, etc. I'm so glad to hear you loved it!

I am so jealous!!! We were just there in March and I would love to be planning another trip:cloud9:
With our oldest in college our window of time to go is so much more limited-especially since I wont go over the summer-Id melt:rotfl2:
Anyway, congrats to you for getting to go again--Im so green:thumbsup2

Oh, I'm with ya on the summer...ugh. Even September will be warm! I like to go when it's nasty cold here in Minnesota and we escape to palm trees! That kinda backfired in January when we were walking around MK with stocking caps on though. :rolleyes:

:cool1::woohoo::cheer2:

Yipppeeeee for September!! You are rocking that AP!!!

I've done soooo many faux trips I'm suprised my internet explorer doesn't just automatically take me to disney.com or dvcmember.com everytime I open it!

I must admit I don't even have an AP yet and it burning a whole in my pocket!:rotfl2: We're going to get AP's for us and the kiddos in January because we're planning another trip in December 2010. I secretly have a plan to take the big kids without Daddy or Ryan for few days in Oct 2010 for MNSSHP. How can we not get the most of a very good, very useable AP?!

As for Biergarten, we've been there so I'll give you a little review!

This is FIL's 2nd favorite place to eat in all of WDW next to Hoop De Doo! :rotfl: It is a great time, especially with kids! I think Henry would have a blast! The kiddos had a great time dancing and being silly! IMO you can't go wrong with a restaurant were the kids can get up and dance and get some energy out! That being said I'll move on to the food. If I were in it just for the food I skip Biergarten. I'm not one for all sorts of wiener type foods. Too much for me thanks! I was about 10 weeks pregnant with Ryan when we ate there and wasn't sure I was even going to be able to approach the buffet. But I was able to find some good items on the buffet! I definitely think it's worth it to eat there at least once!

Anyway, happy planning! Can't wait to read more popcorn::

That is SUCH a good plan with your future APs! It will be such a blast!

The AP is convient, but so dangerous. Dangerous is a very fun way. ;)

Thank you for the review on Biergarten! The menu looks like there are tons of options, so I think we'd find stuff we all like-and try some stuff we might not ever get again! We'll see what we end up with...so far the TA hasn't confirmed anything...

Woo Hoo!! That's great news Brook! :cool1:

I plan tons of faux trips too, but my DH does NOT! I'll get great pin codes and he says no, the kids beg and he says no - wish he could be a bit more like Joe.......... :worship:

I was SHOCKED (and giddy) when Joe admitted he first priced the Poly! :rotfl: And then he comes out with this Fuzzy Disney Math, and talking about how he'd pay "a lot of extra money" for a flight that comes in earlier so we can have a full day at Disney.

He's so hooked!! (he just doesn't admit to it!)

Your California Adventure trip was perfect for him and you--just sneakin' Disney in...;) It's so hard for me to grasp that someone doesn't like Disney...there is so much to do, so much to offer! :sad2: :hug:

Yay Brook for another trip!!!!!!!!!!!!:banana: How exciting is that?!! I'm bummed though we won't be there at the same time...you're just missing me!! Oh well, I get to read all about your trip before I go! Woohoo!!:woohoo:

I know!! When I looked at the dates I thought of all my DIS pals going around the similar times but I don't know of anyone going the SAME times! (I don't think? :confused3) I wish we could move it around a bit, but with the serious lack of vacation time I have between January and December trips...:rolleyes:

[brookelizabeth]

:woohoo: for another trip! That's so exciting! If you're doing free dining, now's the time to try Biergarten. I hate how there' nothing for vegetarians because we went on our very first trip to Orlando back in '92 and the video from the restaurant's so much fun! It's like being at Oktoberfest where everyone gets to go up on stage to dance with the band and drink giant boots of beer (Das boot! :lmao: Have you ever seen Beer Fest?!) The restaurant itself is gorgeous, it's like being in a German town quare at night. If you're unsure of the food, now's the perfect time to try it since you won't be paying. It's fun though!

That is kinda what I figured too-now's the time to go for all those places that I'm kinda wondering about - it's free, why not??? Plus, it's kinda fun to just randomly try some places I don't know a lot about. I'm being pretty relaxed with the ADRs, if I don't get any of them, all well-let's try something else! In December I'll be much more diligent about it all because it's for the whole family and it's a totally different trip, this one is very chill. (Or at least I'm going to try to make it be...)

I haven't ever seen Beer Fest.
I haven't even ever HEARD of it. I'm guessing it's a movie?
I'm old. :rotfl:

:cool1: YAY :cool1: congrats on getting back, and I love the logic behind getting there...the driving to SD and the money...equals Disneyworld! :rotfl:

And shoot - I'm going to miss you by THREE days!

UGH! 3 days!!!!!!! :headache: It would be so fun to meet you! A little Jambo meet!

When Joe did that Fuzzy Disney Math, I have to admit, I did look at him like he had two heads for about 1.5 seconds, then I realized what was happening and started to nod. ::yes:: :teeth:

Wow! Another trip this year is awesome!

Very awesome! And a bit unbelievable. Joe was kinda embarrassed to tell his co-workers. :laughing:

Boy, you really like going to Disney World, don't you??? :rolleyes1

What flavor Pop-Tarts will you be eating? :laughing:

Just a little bit. You too? This being your "slower" Disney year and what do you have 4 or 5 trips squeezed in? ;)

I am a pretty plain jane type of gal when it comes to Pop Tarts. Nothing with the frosting on top. Something simple-do they make apple ones? Strawberry or raspberry might be okay for a few days too.

1. SO jealous you are going back and excited to hear all about it!

2. CSR...way awesome!!

3. you don't need pop tarts...you have free dining :cool1:

4. We must stalk all the same TR's because I knew every ADR reference in your list :lmao:

Did you stay at CSR? I don't think I actually have read your TR! :eek: I'll remedy that right now!

I like your #3. No Pop Tarts! (I don't even like them! :laughing:)

#4...:rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

Did you write a TR for that trip? If so, I cannot recall if I read it or not... I would love to for tips/drool over pics, etc. I'm so glad to hear you loved it!

It was all part of the The Pursuit of Disney Magic PTR/TR -- I took quite a few pictures of the resort in it.

[teruterubouzu]

THANK YOU for the pics! They are beaaaaaaaautiful. Did you like your stay at CSR? Any tips?

Joe and I have decided to request the Cabana's section-the building closest to the main building.

The AP is very dangerous...but so fun! Congratulations on your upcoming trip too!



Thank you for checking them out. I enjoyed my stay very much. The grounds were gorgeous and you really feel like you're on vacation. I was in Cabanas 8A, which was a perfect building for me. The bus stop was very close. The walk to the main building really didn't bother me, but remember that I don't have a kid in tow. It's also close to the big themed pool. I was really pleased with how frequently the buses came and had no issues there.

I don't mean to sound negative, but my one disappointment was with housekeeping. It seems like there's just a lack of attention to detail. My room was obviously not vacuumed thoroughly (toenail clippings -- eww!) before I arrived and the corners in the bathroom were a bit dirty. Housekeeping was also really late one day which interfered with my swimming/napping plans.

I'd definitely still go back, but I just wish Disney would get their housekeeping up to par.

I'm kind of stressed out that the August trip is happening so soon. I want to make sure my brother has an amazing time!

[thewesterberg]

I was just thinking about your whole Fuzzy Disney Math thing with the SD trip and how we have that in common! Last summer we had talked about going to the Black Hills, but ended up doing the same math and decided to go to WDW over Labor Day weekend instead because it was a "better deal". Funny how WDW always comes out on top in Fuzzy Disney Math...:confused3

[Flossbolna]

:goodvibes[/COLOR][/SIZE]
I have read many mixed reviews on CSR so far, but it seems that the good outweigh the bad, and I'm going in mind with the "negative" things that people seem to dislike--mainly the walking between buildings. I have to remember that even if I was at AKL or WL I would be walking to the lobby/food, which will probably be about the same distance. I just get to be outside, enjoying the beauty of the resort instead!

Which resort are you thinking about renting points at?

Until last night I honestly hadn't even ever looked at the Biergarten menu. I see pics of the food here on the DIS and it just looked eh. But, after I looked at the menu (and the ingredients in the items!), it did make me a bit more excited-and the fact that it's coming from YOU, that it sounds good - that's a big bonus! I really don't think I have ever eaten authentic German food before - Bohemian yes, but not German. I should do it just to get in touch with my heritage more!

I don't know much about the entertainment...are their dancers? I think it might be fun to watch....and Henry I'm sure woud love it!


I nknow what you mean about CSR! But I think at your last trip to SSR you did even walk more than at CSR!

We are thinking about BWV or AKV or possibly BLT. My sister started to research hotels and is now absolutely confused... :goodvibes

German food is similar to Bohemian food, but not as heavy I would say. I think the problem is that pictures of buffet food never look as good as from normal TS restaurants.

[brookelizabeth]

It was all part of the The Pursuit of Disney Magic PTR/TR -- I took quite a few pictures of the resort in it.

Ah! I think I did read that TR, but I'm going to look again! :goodvibes

Thank you for checking them out. I enjoyed my stay very much. The grounds were gorgeous and you really feel like you're on vacation. I was in Cabanas 8A, which was a perfect building for me. The bus stop was very close. The walk to the main building really didn't bother me, but remember that I don't have a kid in tow. It's also close to the big themed pool. I was really pleased with how frequently the buses came and had no issues there.

I don't mean to sound negative, but my one disappointment was with housekeeping. It seems like there's just a lack of attention to detail. My room was obviously not vacuumed thoroughly (toenail clippings -- eww!) before I arrived and the corners in the bathroom were a bit dirty. Housekeeping was also really late one day which interfered with my swimming/napping plans.

I'd definitely still go back, but I just wish Disney would get their housekeeping up to par.

I'm kind of stressed out that the August trip is happening so soon. I want to make sure my brother has an amazing time!

Thank you for the info on CSR! We are hoping for Cabanas 9B, but I read this building is converted for "conceriage" when there are conventions going on-but you can request them when there is not a convention occurring. So hopefully... I am really glad to hear you never had an issue with the bus, despite being on the bus stop #4. That was a slight concern of mine.

9B is the closest to the main building, but if we end up with another Cabana I think we'll be okay since Henry is still in a stroller.

That is NASTY about the housekeeping! :scared1: I read a few mixed reviews on that as well...but nothing that icky. Ewwwwww. Ugh. Lately they have come back positive, so maybe something has changed recently.

I understand about the stress...our 'big trip' isn't until December and it already stresses me because I want the family to have a great time. I keep having to tell myself to just roll with it and everyone will have a great time....that's so much easier said than done though!

I was just thinking about your whole Fuzzy Disney Math thing with the SD trip and how we have that in common! Last summer we had talked about going to the Black Hills, but ended up doing the same math and decided to go to WDW over Labor Day weekend instead because it was a "better deal". Funny how WDW always comes out on top in Fuzzy Disney Math...:confused3

That is so funny!! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: I'm going to have to tell Joe that...!

:goodvibes

I nknow what you mean about CSR! But I think at your last trip to SSR you did even walk more than at CSR!

We are thinking about BWV or AKV or possibly BLT. My sister started to research hotels and is now absolutely confused... :goodvibes

German food is similar to Bohemian food, but not as heavy I would say. I think the problem is that pictures of buffet food never look as good as from normal TS restaurants.

Oh, that is great to hear about CSR being less walking than SSR. The miles of walking and walking at SSR wore on me throughout the time since we seemed to have to go to the main building so many times. Hopefully we can get a building close to the main at CSR though.

That is funny about your sister...it's a tough decision when there are so many choices! Isn't BWV under a re-furb? I think I saw new pictures of the rooms and they were beautiful! (Pretty sure that was BWV) Of course AKV...:cloud9: I am really looking forward to seeing BLT in person in September. When we did the tour, the rooms were beautiful-and the location can't be beat! The only thing I didn't like was the Studio setup with the kitchen and bathroom sink. It just weirded me out a bit that the bathroom sink was across from the kitchen in a very small area.... and AKV is just warmer feeling....and, as you know and can relate, it holds that special place in our hearts! :goodvibes

That is good to learn about German food being similar to Bohemian. I really enjoyed the Bohemian meals we used to have at big family gatherings. I agree with you about the buffets never looking all that great in pictures...all the food is just plopped on the plate instead of beautifully designed!!

[brookelizabeth]

It was all part of the The Pursuit of Disney Magic PTR/TR -- I took quite a few pictures of the resort in it.

Um...
I think you might need another cup of coffee/tea....you stayed at POFQ not CSR! :rotfl: Beautiful pictures though! (and I do recall reading that TR now that I looked back on it)

I probably confused you though with the mention of PO in the first post and then switched it up on ya with CSR. :goodvibes

[CJsMom]

Yay for another trip, corn dog nuggets and pop tarts and CSR!!! :banana: :dance3:

[jordanyosh]

So any more news on the ADR front for your September trip?

[Charleston Princess]

Um...
I think you might need another cup of coffee/tea....you stayed at POFQ not CSR! :rotfl: Beautiful pictures though! (and I do recall reading that TR now that I looked back on it)

I probably confused you though with the mention of PO in the first post and then switched it up on ya with CSR. :goodvibes

No, we took a spring break trip before the summer trip that year -- it is back in the PTR section -- the first CSR chapter is called Copa, Copa Cabana. :goodvibes

I promise we stayed there. :rotfl:

[brookelizabeth]

Yay for another trip, corn dog nuggets and pop tarts and CSR!!! :banana: :dance3:

:rotfl: Hopefully we leave the Pop Tarts out though...;)

So any more news on the ADR front for your September trip?

YEP!!!

No, we took a spring break trip before the summer trip that year -- it is back in the PTR section -- the first CSR chapter is called Copa, Copa Cabana. :goodvibes

I promise we stayed there. :rotfl:

:rotfl2::rotfl:OOOOOOOOOH! Well, geez, I feel all silly now! I really was confused and just figured I had confused you! I don't think I ever read the PTR on that trip...I will check it out.

[brookelizabeth]

All day yesterday I was waiting and waiting for our TA to email me back with confirmations on the ADRs...well, actually I was waiting for her to come back and say "That's unavailable, that's unavailable, how about a 3:30 dinner?"

She did come back once-about our Epcot day. Rose & Crown and no Illuminations seating unless you are there for a late dinner, which is not ideal with a toddler.

Bummer.

And Option 2, Garden Grill, was available at 4:10.
And Option 3, Biergarten, was available at 5:30 (our desired time).

Joe took a few minutes to respond, but he asked for Option 2. We figure we'll do a bigger breakfast, a snack in the afternoon and then an early dinner (and probably a late night snack too! :thumbsup2)

And then I heard nothing back from the TA.

This morning I checked my email first thing. Still nothing! :eek:

I figured she would email me soon, I could let it rest-no news is good news, right? Right? (I tried to convince myself)

Just after lunch I was in a phone conference for work and I just couldn't take it anymore...so I emailed the TA asking for an update on it all.

She was back to me within a few minutes...she hadn't updated my online itenarary that comes with their services, that is why she hadn't contacted me.

We got it all! :yay:

Despite it being free dining, despite it being 1.5 weeks into my ADR window, we got what we wanted and pretty much at the times we wanted!

Crystal Palace
Day & Date: Friday, September 4, 2009
Time: 9:20 AM

Garden Grill
Day & Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009
Time: 4:10 PM

Sci-Fi Dine-In
Day & Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM

Maya Grill
Day & Date: Monday, September 7, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM

(did you notice, TWO breakfasts?!?! :yay:)

Of coure, all this led me straight to a deeper game plan and ROPE DROP discussions with Joe. We've never done RD...

[Flossbolna]

Congratulations on your ADRs! Touringplans did a research on which restaurants are difficult to get and Garden Grill actually appears to be a hot ticket!

As you know, I am one of those RD persons! :goodvibes I think you really should try it one day and preferrably at the MK. The show they have there is so cute!! AK is quite good, too. Also RD seems to be a good strategy for your NYE trip and so it would be good to have a trial run on your September trip. You can then officially call it a "research trip"! :lmao:

[thewesterberg]

Ya for getting all your ADRs!!:cool1: That's awesome!!

We're also RD people and I agree with Flossbolna - give it a try as a practice run for you New Year's trip! We've enjoyed the opening shows and taking advantage of the (relatively) cooler part of the day - another thing to consider for your trip. It'll be hot even in the morning and gets hotter as the day goes on - it's awfully nice to head back for a swim and some downtime in the hotel room during the hottest part of the day and then head back to the parks for the (relatively) cooler evening.

[k_reile]

too bad you're not going in early Feb 2010....because that is when our official dates are!! We have been waiting on my brother to confirm whether they were going or not...and they are!!! :cool1: SO they told me for my birthday that we were going!!! :woohoo:

[PopArtGal]

So cool about the ADRs!

Congrats!

[Lady Lallie]

Congrats on the ADRs! I am happy that you got most of what you wanted.

You have never done rope drop?? :scared1:

[teruterubouzu]

Congratulatons on the ADR's.

Rope drop is a lot of fun! I am one of those freaks who does it every day. My companions on my last trip? Not so much. Give it a try. I know you'll enjoy the welcome show at MK!

[Flossbolna]

too bad you're not going in early Feb 2010....because that is when our official dates are!! We have been waiting on my brother to confirm whether they were going or not...and they are!!! :cool1: SO they told me for my birthday that we were going!!! :woohoo:

I agree, Brook should really take an early February 2010 trip, too!! That's when I will be at WDW as well! :goodvibes:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for getting everything you wanted!!! :yay:

Rope drop is something EVERYONE should experience at some point! :laughing:

[SoonerGirl]

Congrats on getting your ADRs!! :woohoo:

I'm in agreement with everyone else, you just gotta try RD once! I'm an early morning park girl, you can get so much done in that first hour to hour and a half, and the cooler temps are nice too. :thumbsup2

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Yay for getting your ADR's. You guys will be there on Trent's birthday (Sept. 4th).

[brookelizabeth]

Congratulations on your ADRs! Touringplans did a research on which restaurants are difficult to get and Garden Grill actually appears to be a hot ticket!

As you know, I am one of those RD persons! :goodvibes I think you really should try it one day and preferrably at the MK. The show they have there is so cute!! AK is quite good, too. Also RD seems to be a good strategy for your NYE trip and so it would be good to have a trial run on your September trip. You can then officially call it a "research trip"! :lmao:

I was a bit surprised at the Garden Grill being so popular....I'll have to go check that out on Touringplains. I haven't gotten much into that site yet, other than the calendar and actual touring plans.

The more I read TRs with people getting there at rope drop (or very close to), the more I want to try it. Get a bunch of stuff done, eat, go to the pool. Sounds good to me! Plus, it satisfies both my desire for the parks, and Joe's desire for relaxing at the pool.

We ARE doing RD for NYE...gotta, gotta. So, I like your idea of a research trip...:rolleyes1 :laughing:

Ya for getting all your ADRs!!:cool1: That's awesome!!

We're also RD people and I agree with Flossbolna - give it a try as a practice run for you New Year's trip! We've enjoyed the opening shows and taking advantage of the (relatively) cooler part of the day - another thing to consider for your trip. It'll be hot even in the morning and gets hotter as the day goes on - it's awfully nice to head back for a swim and some downtime in the hotel room during the hottest part of the day and then head back to the parks for the (relatively) cooler evening.

That is exactly it-pool time and a NAP. I cannot remember the last time I took a nap during the day! That sounds so wonderful.

too bad you're not going in early Feb 2010....because that is when our official dates are!! We have been waiting on my brother to confirm whether they were going or not...and they are!!! :cool1: SO they told me for my birthday that we were going!!! :woohoo:

I agree, Brook should really take an early February 2010 trip, too!! That's when I will be at WDW as well! :goodvibes:goodvibes

:yay: CONGRATS ON THE OFFICIAL DATES!!!!

Early Feb is very tempting...!

So cool about the ADRs!

Congrats!

Thanks! I was surprised and excited!

Congrats on the ADRs! I am happy that you got most of what you wanted.

You have never done rope drop?? :scared1:

Never! :rotfl2: I know, not a true DISer am I??? ;) We rarely get to sleep in at home, so we love taking advantage of that on vacation. But then we end up in the parks alllllllllll day and Henry sleeps in the stroller and we have to squeeze in pool time-which is Joe's favorite part of any vacation. So...I'm thinking we might need to sacrafice a bit on this trip. Besides rope drop is at 9:00 am! That's so not early! As long as we don't dwaddle around we can make it on time or very close to without a problem.

Congratulatons on the ADR's.

Rope drop is a lot of fun! I am one of those freaks who does it every day. My companions on my last trip? Not so much. Give it a try. I know you'll enjoy the welcome show at MK!

I have seen pics and read a description of the show at MK and it really does look like fun. I think Henry would have a great time seeing all the characters and the TRAIN up there!


Hurray for getting everything you wanted!!! :yay:

Rope drop is something EVERYONE should experience at some point! :laughing:

I think we are being converted...

Congrats on getting your ADRs!! :woohoo:

I'm in agreement with everyone else, you just gotta try RD once! I'm an early morning park girl, you can get so much done in that first hour to hour and a half, and the cooler temps are nice too. :thumbsup2

I am shocked sometimes at what people get done. Riding the big ticket rides over and over with no wait. I just can't imagine it being true! :rotfl:

Yay for getting your ADR's. You guys will be there on Trent's birthday (Sept. 4th).

I am excited about our ADRs. We kinda picked places we normally don't gravitate toward-just to try 'em out with free dining...nows the time to do that, right? I've heard great things about Crystal Palace and we want to do a burger/fries/shake lunch at Sci Fi since last time we went we both got steaks that were not so good...gotta try the burger that a lot of people seem to love!

Henry's birthday is Sept. 1, so we'll be celebrating that a bit throughout the trip. I don't think he would qualify for anything even if we were there on the 1st though, being he'll only be two! :goodvibes

[troobabiee7]

I'm glad you got everything you wanted!

[brookelizabeth]

I'm glad you got everything you wanted!

Thanks! I am excited!

[brookelizabeth]

As you may recall, for our December trip we are booked in Kidani for every night of our stay, except the last one, New Years Eve, which we had in Jambo and waitlisted for Kidani.

I have called Member Services several times in hopes something became available, only half trusting the wait list, but have always been told there was no room at the inn. :guilty:

Today, as I do several times a week, I logged onto DVCMember.com to check on the status.

I scrolled down the page and when I got to the bottom I blinked my eyes about 12 times because I couldn't believe it!

Arrival Date
12.31.2009

Departure Date
01.01.2010


Resort / Experience
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village



Accommodation
2 BR L/O Std View Kidani

:yay:

We got it! All our days are now set at Kidani, no moving! :yay:

[Lady Lallie]

WOO HOO!!!

That is soooooooo exciting!!! :woohoo:

[Charleston Princess]

You lucky ducks!!! Congrats on getting that last night of your stay at Kidani! No lounge chair sleeping now! :banana:

[Flossbolna]

The more I read TRs with people getting there at rope drop (or very close to), the more I want to try it. Get a bunch of stuff done, eat, go to the pool. Sounds good to me! Plus, it satisfies both my desire for the parks, and Joe's desire for relaxing at the pool.

And especially in September you will love having a dip in the pool in the hot afternoon!!





:yay: CONGRATS ON THE OFFICIAL DATES!!!!

Early Feb is very tempting...!

We will be there 1/27 to 2/5!! PTR will start shortly!! :banana::banana::banana: Would be great to meet you again!!




Never! :rotfl2: I know, not a true DISer am I??? ;) We rarely get to sleep in at home, so we love taking advantage of that on vacation. But then we end up in the parks alllllllllll day and Henry sleeps in the stroller and we have to squeeze in pool time-which is Joe's favorite part of any vacation. So...I'm thinking we might need to sacrafice a bit on this trip. Besides rope drop is at 9:00 am! That's so not early! As long as we don't dwaddle around we can make it on time or very close to without a problem.

I think you can still alternate the two different ways of touring: One day you sleep in and the next day you take an afternoon break! :goodvibes




Henry's birthday is Sept. 1, so we'll be celebrating that a bit throughout the trip. I don't think he would qualify for anything even if we were there on the 1st though, being he'll only be two! :goodvibes

Will you get him a Birthday button? I bet if he wears one, he will be able to get that gigagantic cookie from MK bakery for the third time in a row!! :lmao:

[SoonerGirl]

So glad that your last night came through!! That's fantastic news - let's celebrate :dance3: :drinking1 :dance3:

[KathyRN137]

The more I read TRs with people getting there at rope drop (or very close to), the more I want to try it. Get a bunch of stuff done, eat, go to the pool. Sounds good to me! Plus, it satisfies both my desire for the parks, and Joe's desire for relaxing at the pool......pool time and a NAP.



'Zactly!!! :thumbsup2 This works so much better for the kids... and the parents!!

Congrats on the ADR score!!


Kathy

[kschafer]

WOOHOO :woohoo:

Happy news - all your desired ADR's plus no sleeping in the lobby on NYE

[KathyRN137]

Accommodation
2 BR L/O Std View Kidani

:yay:

We got it! All our days are now set at Kidani, no moving! :yay:



Awesome News!!! :simba:

See... people change their plans all the time!! So glad you don't have to move... that would've been such a pain!!


Kathy

[Flossbolna]

:banana::banana: for staying at Kidani for all nights!!

I have started my PTR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2208016 Link can also be found in my signature. :goodvibes

[Lovemy3babes]

Yay Brook! Only awesome news in your TR today my friend. #1, a September trip?! You lucky girl. :) I'm driving up there and am hiding in your suitcase! #2, you got Kidani! Woot woot! Our day at OKW opened as well. Let's happy dance together! :cool1:

[mickeysmyboy]

Congrats on your ADRs and your room!!! Now that your all set you can really start working out the game plan! I highly recommend RD at MK! It's very cute and one of those things that gets me choked up!!

[PopArtGal]

yay!!

I don't think I'd like moving rooms.

[ILuvCrush]

horray for getting all your ADRs!!! And hip hip horray!! for getting your waitlist for Kidani:woohoo::woohoo:

P

[jordanyosh]

Of course, all this led me straight to a deeper game plan and ROPE DROP discussions with Joe. We've never done RD.

of course this makes me laugh......good luck with those discussions. liquor helps.....just saying....

Congrats on the ADRs and with getting Kidani the whole time!!!!!!!

[moparop]

Woot! A :banana: for the ADRs AND for Kidani coming through! I love all of your choices - a thumbs up from Mop!

Rope drop - really a huge fan, especially with an older toddler. It's a great way to get all of their favorites done before they turn into the Incredible Hulk!

And God willing -- I will be delivering a baby while you are there in Sept!

[teruterubouzu]

we got it! All our days are now set at kidani, no moving! :yay:

woo hoo!

[Donald is #1]

Yay for Kidani! :banana:

[jenseib]

Brook, can I just say HOW JEALOUS I AM!!! I wish my DH was like that. Going once a year is like pulling teeth with him. You will have so much fun. And I agree, try restaurants that may seem iffy now when you're not paying for it.
I still have 4 more pages to catch up on. How do I get so far behind all the time. LOL!

Brook, you can also book your own ADR's , even using a travel agent. I have used AAA several times, but I always book my own ADR's.


Oh my goodness! I am so excited for you!! And a little jealous....that is my birthday weekend! I have been trying to convince Marc we should go down to get my birthday giftcard. :rotfl2: Have you checked out the online adr's? I was searching them yesterday for that weekend. :rotfl:

Is that the weekend that MNSSHP starts? Would you do that??

Are the online ADR system working now? Last I heard it wasn't, but I haven;t checked over on the idning board lately.

Woo Hoo!! That's great news Brook! :cool1:

I plan tons of faux trips too, but my DH does NOT! I'll get great pin codes and he says no, the kids beg and he says no - wish he could be a bit more like Joe.......... :worship:


We must be married to the same man...maybe thats why he says we don;t have the money to go a second trip each year, he has another family he is taking too. LOL! :rotfl2:

[tiggrbaby]

Wow! Everything is falling into place so perfectly!

You've picked a lot of great restaurants. My sons loved CP breakfast even when they were past the character stage since the food is so good. And Sci Fi is just so much fun!!!

[wdwgirl03]

That's great you were able to get Kidani Village for your whole trip now! I've only seen a couple of pictures from there but it looks amazing. :thumbsup2 I am definitely going to check it out in August just to see what it's like.

[lazydoxy66]

Does Congratulations just once cover it all??!!! I'm very excited for you! Especially on the ADRs. I get to make mine on the 29th.

I'll be at POFQ Sept. 27-Oct. 3. It's just me and my BFF. Her birthday is on Oct 2nd. Her in-laws own a condo not too far from Orlando. She and her family stay there when they visit Florida. She has only been to MK. A few years back she actually stayed at, wouldn't ya' know it, Dixie Landings. Too funny.

I had a choice on the bounce back of CSR or POFQ. Now I wish I had chosen CSR. I was going to switch but my BFF said she thought it would be fine since neither one of us knew much about CSR. I have seen some wonderful photos of it. It sounds so lovely.

Never underestimate the power of 'fuzzy Disney math'.

[blessedby3]

Of coure, all this led me straight to a deeper game plan and ROPE DROP discussions with Joe. We've never done RD...

We love rope drop. You can get so much more done if you get there at opening:thumbsup2
Having a baby makes it easier to get up early as most get up early anyway. If I just had my older 3 it would be harder to make myself get up. It is well worth it to get there early. So many things are just a walk on:woohoo:

[troobabiee7]

Congrats on that last night coming through!!

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow! Lots of great news to catch up on! All the ADRs you wanted and your waitlist came through. :woohoo::dance3::woohoo: Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!

Rope drop. I've never done that either! I have to add that to my list of never-done's. What do people think? :confused3 Worth it?

I SO want DVC... :rolleyes1

[Charleston Princess]

Rope drop. I've never done that either! I have to add that to my list of never-done's. What do people think? :confused3 Worth it?

I know that during the busy times of the year when we typically have to travel it is the only way to get in large numbers of rides before the crowds hit. I don't know about the quieter times of the year.

[brookelizabeth]

WOO HOO!!!

That is soooooooo exciting!!! :woohoo:

I am so relieved to have us in the same place the entire time, it will just make that hectic week a bit easier.

You lucky ducks!!! Congrats on getting that last night of your stay at Kidani! No lounge chair sleeping now! :banana:

:rotfl: And you well know we COULD do that lounge chair sleeping! ;)

And especially in September you will love having a dip in the pool in the hot afternoon!!
We will be there 1/27 to 2/5!! PTR will start shortly!! :banana::banana::banana: Would be great to meet you again!!

I think you can still alternate the two different ways of touring: One day you sleep in and the next day you take an afternoon break! :goodvibes

Will you get him a Birthday button? I bet if he wears one, he will be able to get that gigagantic cookie from MK bakery for the third time in a row!! :lmao:

September down in Florida is still pretty hot, isn't it? We have gone in October before and it was perfect-cooler in the morning and warm throughout the day. November was pretty even and January was COLD. In a way I'm looking forward to actually being hot at Disney World! :laughing:

I just saw the link to your PTR when I was eating breakfast earlier today, I have subscribed and will catch up here shortly!

I think your idea of alternating between the rope drop and sleep-in days is a GREAT idea. :thumbsup2 Best of both worlds!

:rotfl: about the free cookie! We'll see how that goes...! Will we be 3 for 3? But, we probably will get Henry a birthday button...if he'll wear it. :rolleyes:

So glad that your last night came through!! That's fantastic news - let's celebrate :dance3: :drinking1 :dance3:

I'm so glad that last night came through!!

'Zactly!!! :thumbsup2 This works so much better for the kids... and the parents!!

Congrats on the ADR score!!


Kathy

Henry has done pretty good with sleeping in the stroller and staying out late, but I think I would feel better about getting him a real nap! :laughing: (and maybe me a nap too! :idea:)

WOOHOO :woohoo:

Happy news - all your desired ADR's plus no sleeping in the lobby on NYE

Very, very happy news! And more coming! :yay:

Awesome News!!! :simba:

See... people change their plans all the time!! So glad you don't have to move... that would've been such a pain!!


Kathy

It would have been a big pain, on NYE, with 5 adults and a baby---all that STUFF. :scared:

[brookelizabeth]

:banana::banana: for staying at Kidani for all nights!!

I have started my PTR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2208016 Link can also be found in my signature. :goodvibes

I still get really excited each time I think about staying at Kidani all those night! :yay: (thanks for the link too!)

Yay Brook! Only awesome news in your TR today my friend. #1, a September trip?! You lucky girl. :) I'm driving up there and am hiding in your suitcase! #2, you got Kidani! Woot woot! Our day at OKW opened as well. Let's happy dance together! :cool1:

I just went out and bought a new carry on suitcase, so we do have one suitcase empty and waiting for you! ;)

:woohoo: for your OKW day!!!!!! Doesn't it feel so good when that wait list comes through??

Congrats on your ADRs and your room!!! Now that your all set you can really start working out the game plan! I highly recommend RD at MK! It's very cute and one of those things that gets me choked up!!

RD at MK is looking better and better as I think about the big game plan. I think Henry would love seeing all the characters and the train (and me too!) Plus, he still hasn't gotten to ride Dumbo! :eek: I think it's time to do the Dumbo Dash.

yay!!

I don't think I'd like moving rooms.

Moving is a bit of a pain. We did it back in November when we stayed at Pop for one night, then moved to the WL since we came in later in the day. We should have just piled our luggage in a taxi and headed to the WL, but I sometimes forget 'real world' ammenities like TAXIS exsist still in Disney. :rotfl2:

horray for getting all your ADRs!!! And hip hip horray!! for getting your waitlist for Kidani:woohoo::woohoo:

P

Things are falling into place for both trips! :thumbsup2

of course this makes me laugh......good luck with those discussions. liquor helps.....just saying....

Congrats on the ADRs and with getting Kidani the whole time!!!!!!!

You are too funny! The discussions have gone alright. Joe gets distracted easily though...:rolleyes:

and...thanks on the ADRs and Kidani!

Woot! A :banana: for the ADRs AND for Kidani coming through! I love all of your choices - a thumbs up from Mop!

Rope drop - really a huge fan, especially with an older toddler. It's a great way to get all of their favorites done before they turn into the Incredible Hulk!

And God willing -- I will be delivering a baby while you are there in Sept!

I think I'm going to like rope drop. We do get up early enough for it usually, but just don't move fast enough in the morning...so, I think it will actually be easier to get there than I have previously though (esp since the parks don't open until 9 during our entire Sept. stay!)

YAY for baby!!!!!! That's so exciting. I'll be thinking of you for sure!!


woo hoo!

:cool1:

Yay for Kidani! :banana:

I'm SO excited to get a "sneak peek" in September!

[brookelizabeth]

Brook, can I just say HOW JEALOUS I AM!!! I wish my DH was like that. Going once a year is like pulling teeth with him. You will have so much fun. And I agree, try restaurants that may seem iffy now when you're not paying for it.
I still have 4 more pages to catch up on. How do I get so far behind all the time. LOL!

Brook, you can also book your own ADR's , even using a travel agent. I have used AAA several times, but I always book my own ADR's.

Are the online ADR system working now? Last I heard it wasn't, but I haven;t checked over on the idning board lately.

We must be married to the same man...maybe thats why he says we don;t have the money to go a second trip each year, he has another family he is taking too. LOL! :rotfl2:

I am pretty lucky to have a Disney World lovin' man! :lovestruc I love it when he says things like "I'd be willing to go a day early, so we get another full day." Or, "Man, this is a cheap trip!" :woohoo: We both love our vacations!

I only looked into the online ADR system briefly, but from what I have read, people seem to like it. Maybe we'll use it for the December trip. ADRs with the TA worked out really well this time!

Wow! Everything is falling into place so perfectly!

You've picked a lot of great restaurants. My sons loved CP breakfast even when they were past the character stage since the food is so good. And Sci Fi is just so much fun!!!

I've heard so many great things about CP-I'm really looking forward to it. Sci Fi we did back in '06 and we enjoyed it-Henry is going to LOVE the cars!

That's great you were able to get Kidani Village for your whole trip now! I've only seen a couple of pictures from there but it looks amazing. :thumbsup2 I am definitely going to check it out in August just to see what it's like.

Kidani looks ahhhh-mazing to me! I've heard some complaints that the lobby is so much smaller, but I excpected that-afterall, it's not a hotel, it's a time share property-the fact that we have a lobby at all makes it unique! And the WL lobby versus the VWL lobby is pretty drastic, so I expected something similar. Equally beautiful, just in their own way. :goodvibes

I look forward to your pictures/report back in it in August!

Does Congratulations just once cover it all??!!! I'm very excited for you! Especially on the ADRs. I get to make mine on the 29th.

I'll be at POFQ Sept. 27-Oct. 3. It's just me and my BFF. Her birthday is on Oct 2nd. Her in-laws own a condo not too far from Orlando. She and her family stay there when they visit Florida. She has only been to MK. A few years back she actually stayed at, wouldn't ya' know it, Dixie Landings. Too funny.

I had a choice on the bounce back of CSR or POFQ. Now I wish I had chosen CSR. I was going to switch but my BFF said she thought it would be fine since neither one of us knew much about CSR. I have seen some wonderful photos of it. It sounds so lovely.

Never underestimate the power of 'fuzzy Disney math'.

POFQ looked SO NICE when we stopped by in January. It's really relaxing feeling and beautiful. As we went around on the bus, I kept looking out the window and "oooh"ing as we rolled by--it's a stunning property, I bet you will love it! CSR is the perfect reason to book another trip. ;)

That is so fun abouut your BFF! I cannot imagine going to WDW and not getting to the other parks. I told Joe I wasn't sure how we were going to do it all in September, but I just can't leave a park out, I love them all for their own reasons!

We love rope drop. You can get so much more done if you get there at opening:thumbsup2
Having a baby makes it easier to get up early as most get up early anyway. If I just had my older 3 it would be harder to make myself get up. It is well worth it to get there early. So many things are just a walk on:woohoo:

It's so hard for me to think about the park being that empty and being able to hit all those rides, but I hear that time and time again...so we gotta at least try it! :goodvibes I cannot even imagine being able to walk onto Dumbo or Peter Pan, or RnRC at DHS...!

Henry usually wakes us up anywhere between 7:30 and 8:30 while on vacation (same at home). Thankfully he's not too early of a riser. But, if we can be out the door by 8:30 each morning, that would be perfect...I have to do some pre-planning for this, I'm not exactly the fastest mover in the morning. :laughing:

Congrats on that last night coming through!!

Thanks! It's exciting!!!!

[brookelizabeth]

Wow! Lots of great news to catch up on! All the ADRs you wanted and your waitlist came through. :woohoo::dance3::woohoo: Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!

Rope drop. I've never done that either! I have to add that to my list of never-done's. What do people think? :confused3 Worth it?

I SO want DVC... :rolleyes1

It's been lots of good Disney news lately around this house! And there is more coming too. :goodvibes

DVC...I'm SO glad we bought in. It's pricey right now because we are still paying off our loan, but once that is done, it will pay for itself over and over again. :thumbsup2 If we do ever add on, we'll probably do re-sale and NOT do a loan though, just to have it over and done with right away.

I know that during the busy times of the year when we typically have to travel it is the only way to get in large numbers of rides before the crowds hit. I don't know about the quieter times of the year.

Rope Drop...we've only ever gone during quieter times of the year - October, November and January. While, I wouldn't deem it necessary during the quieter times, you do need to know how to work the FP system and be prepared to possibly be in the parks all day long to get everything in that you want...or just be OK with missing some things. I have to say, Joe and I moved much quicker in October on our Disneymoon than we do now with a baby! :laughing: It's a different trip, but equally as wonderful in a different way. :goodvibes

Most everyone says RD is worth it. I don't think it would be worth it to me if I had to wake up before the sunrise, or with it though. If I can get up no earlier than 7:00 am, then I'm alright with it! :rolleyes:

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

GOOD GRAVY!!! I've been away and what news you have! :rotfl2:

I'm so excited to hear about your September trip and you're even beating me!! :cool1: I'm glad you got your ADR's too - congratulations!:cheer2:

You've had a lot of pixie dust lately so keep it up! Do you play the lottery where you live? :lmao: HA HA....I'm glad you don't have to split up your stay and you worked it out - I'm glad you kept checking and checking!

I can't wait to hear about your Fall trip because we'll be headed out the 28th - I can't wait to book my ADR's on the 30th!! I can't remember if you said you were going to go to an MNSSHP? We love the Fall and Halloween so we are absolutely ecstatic about it!

I actually got a nice PIN email and was teasing a girlfriend about an early December trip for 4 days since it had free dining...I haven't ruled it out - funny Disney math! :)

Heather

[brookelizabeth]

On Friday night after work Joe and I sat down to purchase our airfare for the September trip. I had been stalking airline prices since we were tossing around the idea and wanted to nab those cheap flights!

Turns out, the cheapest flight was on Northwest...the airline I fly the most, being from Minnesota, but like the LEAST.

Sigh.

Alright.

Hey...wait a sec...:idea:

I have enough miles for a free ticket!

Search...search...search....

YEP!

5 bucks later (some silly fee) and I was booked! :woohoo:

Now to get Joe and Henry on that same flight. Joe was just slightly short in his miles since the flight back cost more miles than the flight to Orlando (they like to gouge ya a bit on a holiday it seems :rolleyes:), so the flight there we can use miles for both Joe and Henry and the flight back we'll pay for....

$300.40 later, Joe and Henry are booked!

Round-trip flights for THREE PEOPLE, $305.40.

Woot! :yay:

...and right before I sat down to book it all Joe mentioned "I think flying out the night before will be well worth it, so we have a whole day on the 3rd."

oh, twist my arm!

:woohoo:

Have I mentioned I love this man????

So, NO TURNING BACK NOW!

9/2
MSP-MCO
7:15 pm - 11:35 pm

9/7
MCO-MSP
3:35 pm - 6:30 pm


I really like our flight times. We have done the early morning flight thing several times and we all feel like mush for the entire day, (ESPECIALLY me who doesn't sleep the night before Disney World! :laughing:). Henry might be a bit cranky on the way down, or since he will be in his own seat now (carseat), he might just sleep the entire flight. :cloud9: But, I am certain we will all feel better than flying out early early on the 3rd and cramming in a whole day of WDW. This way we get in late, can sleep in a bit the next morning and have a full day in front of us!! I think this will be a very nice change.

Plus, an afternoon return means 1/2 a day more at Disney. :thumbsup2

And since we are flying out on the 2nd, this also means we have to book another night!

We are thinking we'll do a Value (Music or Movies) that first night and then taxi it over to CSR in the morning. When we did the night stay at Pop in November 2008 it wasn't the most ideal, but we used the luggage service at Pop, and then used the buses to get to WL. I think by doing the luggage ourselves AND using a taxi, things will take less time and go smoother. I often forget 'real world' ammenities; like taxis, off-site restaurants, and pizza delivery; still do exsist when I'm there. :rolleyes:

Joe and I also jokingly suggested we attempt to check in at CSR when arriving, since it will technically be the 3rd. :rotfl: We got a big hoot out of that, can you imagine??? It's about 12:30 am, here comes a family, toddler, luggage, stroller and all, "Hi, we are checking in, is our room ready?" :rotfl2: And if it wasn't..."Oh, that's okay, we'll just crash out here in your lobby." :lmao:

I'm thinking there HAS to be a check-in time for the Disney resorts, otherwise I'm pretty sure people would try to do this!


Now, with this extra half day, my tentative plan for the 3rd needs some serious re-arrangement....:surfweb:

[brookelizabeth]

GOOD GRAVY!!! I've been away and what news you have! :rotfl2:

I'm so excited to hear about your September trip and you're even beating me!! :cool1: I'm glad you got your ADR's too - congratulations!:cheer2:

You've had a lot of pixie dust lately so keep it up! Do you play the lottery where you live? :lmao: HA HA....I'm glad you don't have to split up your stay and you worked it out - I'm glad you kept checking and checking!

I can't wait to hear about your Fall trip because we'll be headed out the 28th - I can't wait to book my ADR's on the 30th!! I can't remember if you said you were going to go to an MNSSHP? We love the Fall and Halloween so we are absolutely ecstatic about it!

I actually got a nice PIN email and was teasing a girlfriend about an early December trip for 4 days since it had free dining...I haven't ruled it out - funny Disney math! :)

Heather


He he! A lot changed in this household in just a few days! I love Disney math! :teacher: :lmao:

You are VERY right though, another trip, and then we had great success with our resort for both trips, our ADRs for September, and now our flights. :thumbsup2 I am THRILLED about Kidani coming through, I would have felt awful making my family pack up and move for one night...which they would have done without grumbling, but still...!

We will not be doing MNSSHP...with Henry only being 2 at the time of the trip, I don't think he'd enjoy it much, he'll just get too tired. Plus this is SERIOUSLY a budget trip. We are making it work, but its making some things tight right now (like, I have to actually cook dinner! :laughing:;)) So worth it though!

I was thrilled to save us so much on the flights. If a 40% off AP rate comes out, we may switch to that and do cheap CS for the entire trip (minus maybe one breakfast, he he). We'll see. If we had enough DVC points we'd stay there again and that would make it even cheaper.

I've heard about that PIN code for free Dining in December! Early December is a very nice time to go-low crowds, plus all the Christmas stuff. Maybe work some of that Disney math....;)

[Charleston Princess]

Wow! You are rockin' and rollin' on this September trip -- in no time at all you have your room, your ADRs, and your airplane tickets (at a great price)! All that's left for you to do is pack! :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

What an excellent deal on flights! :woohoo:

[CJsMom]

It's all coming together for you guys now...lots to look forward too!! :cool1:

[princess&her4princes]

WOW, good job on the flights Brook! You really made out well!!!:cool1: And the times seem perfect!!!!:thumbsup2

Love all your plans so far, can't wait to hear more!!!!:goodvibes

[moparop]

SWEEEET deals on flights! Can't wait to see the rethought plans for the 3rd :D

[kschafer]

Round-trip flights for THREE PEOPLE, $305.40.

can you imagine??? It's about 12:30 am, here comes a family, toddler, luggage, stroller and all, "Hi, we are checking in, is our room ready?" :rotfl2: And if it wasn't..."Oh, that's okay, we'll just crash out here in your lobby." :lmao:

Score on the flights :thumbsup2

I love your idea!!! I'm sure you are right, there must be a check-in time but the idea is a hoot :rotfl:

[jordanyosh]

Nice deal with the flights...:thumbsup2

Oooo. What to do with an extra 1/2 day? The possibilities....

[KathyRN137]

Round-trip flights for THREE PEOPLE, $305.40.

Woot! :yay:


Awesome!! That's great news!! :banana: So much you can do with that extra half day, too!!


Kathy

[MeMom]

[FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=3]
We are thinking we'll do a Value (Music or Movies) that first night and then taxi it over to CSR in the morning. :


I'm not a big opinion giver normally, but can I suggest Music over Movies? Music is in much better shape than Movies right now, until Movies gets refurbed, which surely has to be any time now. You can stay in the cleaner, brighter, updated room at Music, but do walk across the parking lot to see the icons at Movies, because Henry would love them, and they are great photo ops. Having stayed at both, we will stay at Movies again, but not until they've updated, because they're pretty worn looking right now. That's my opinion, for what it's worth, but if I were giving advice to my own family members about choosing, I'd tell them to choose Music.

Congratulations on the great flight price! :cool1:

[SoonerGirl]

We must be married to the same man...maybe thats why he says we don;t have the money to go a second trip each year, he has another family he is taking too. LOL! :rotfl2:

:lmao: My DH does travel quite a bit..........

[Lovemy3babes]

Score on the flights!!! I often fly NWA as well because we don't have many options either. Not a huge fan but at least you got them cheap! :)

[brookelizabeth]

Wow! You are rockin' and rollin' on this September trip -- in no time at all you have your room, your ADRs, and your airplane tickets (at a great price)! All that's left for you to do is pack! :rotfl:

I know it, I can't believe how quickly it's all coming together. These spur of the moment trips are kinda fun!

What an excellent deal on flights! :woohoo:

Thanks! We were really excited!

It's all coming together for you guys now...lots to look forward too!! :cool1:

It's coming together so fast - now if the trip hurries up and gets here! But, that would also mean summer is about over around here...:sad2:

Is your trip going to work out? I still see your ticker there! :goodvibes

WOW, good job on the flights Brook! You really made out well!!!:cool1: And the times seem perfect!!!!:thumbsup2

Love all your plans so far, can't wait to hear more!!!!:goodvibes

We are excited about the times and how much we saved on the flights!

SWEEEET deals on flights! Can't wait to see the rethought plans for the 3rd :D

I gotta re-think 'em first...:laughing:

Score on the flights :thumbsup2

I love your idea!!! I'm sure you are right, there must be a check-in time but the idea is a hoot :rotfl:

Can you imagine it??? :rotfl2: It will be a bit strange to check-in to a resort and then leave within the same day though---I wonder if they will give a discount for that? :scratchin Eh, probably not!!

Nice deal with the flights...:thumbsup2

Oooo. What to do with an extra 1/2 day? The possibilities....

I know it....so many options. :woohoo: I still gotta research....

Awesome!! That's great news!! :banana: So much you can do with that extra half day, too!!


Kathy

We were going to do a "no parks" day, but I'm thinkin' that might get changed up here...

I'm not a big opinion giver normally, but can I suggest Music over Movies? Music is in much better shape than Movies right now, until Movies gets refurbed, which surely has to be any time now. You can stay in the cleaner, brighter, updated room at Music, but do walk across the parking lot to see the icons at Movies, because Henry would love them, and they are great photo ops. Having stayed at both, we will stay at Movies again, but not until they've updated, because they're pretty worn looking right now. That's my opinion, for what it's worth, but if I were giving advice to my own family members about choosing, I'd tell them to choose Music.

Congratulations on the great flight price! :cool1:

THANK YOU MeMom for the advice! This is GREAT to know. I didn't realize Movies was in need of a refurb. I recall your stay at Movies (was it at Christmas time?) and now LL's TR, it really does look like a fresh and pretty resort. I think we'll aim for that!!

:lmao: My DH does travel quite a bit..........

:rotfl:

Score on the flights!!! I often fly NWA as well because we don't have many options either. Not a huge fan but at least you got them cheap! :)

Exactly! ::yes::

[shebaxric]

HOLY SMOKES!!!:scared1::scared1: I'm gone from the boards for a few days and look what happens! Surprise trips, tons of "I go what I wanted" moments, happiness all around!! What a deal you got on your flights! Did you have to pay for Henry now that he's in a car seat? If so, you seriously got a GREAT deal!!:cool1::cool1: Now you just have to keep your September and December trips straight with all your ADR's and such! In your last TR, you did spend some time at DTD, but I didn't see any planning time for that in September. Perhaps you could throw that into the mix for your half day? Congratulations on everything coming together so easily!

[mickeysmyboy]

Whoo hoo for the great deal on the flights! I think I can buy my tickets for January tomorrow (on SW) but I gonna wait and see what the prices are and waited it out if they aren't good. I have like $500 worth of ticketless travel $$ form changing our flights this past Jan and in March so many times! I'm happy to have that to use, especially buying tickets for 10 people!! Of course after buying 10 tickets I should be getting a few free tickets! That I can use for my secret MNSSHP trip!

I agree with the early flight thing! It's sooo much and you feel like death by 6 pm! Unfortunately we'll probably end up doing that and having an early dinner and bedtime the day we arrive in January! My sisters kids are going to be sooooo excited to get there they aren't going to want a second to get into a park! LOL!

[Flossbolna]

Rope drop. I've never done that either! I have to add that to my list of never-done's. What do people think? :confused3 Worth it?


I think it is definitely worth it!

I know that during the busy times of the year when we typically have to travel it is the only way to get in large numbers of rides before the crowds hit. I don't know about the quieter times of the year.

And I think it is even worth it in less busy times. I have been three times in January/early February and am a great rope drop fan. The park is so lovely when it is still rather quiet. :goodvibes And if things work out well, you walk on attraction after attraction without any wait times. Of course you can tour during the day, too. But once you are used to stand in line for not more than five minutes a 20 minute wait time become intolerable. :lmao: But for me it maily is the relative emptiness of the park itself which find more relaxing than having crowds of people around me. :goodvibes

Brook, if you are thinking about rope drop, are you considering to use a touringplan, too? We did them pretty religiously in 2008 and where really pleased! Especially the MK one makes a lot of sense. You could even attempt the "Dumbo or Die" plan! :goodvibes

Congratulations on the cheap flights and what a wise decision to fly down in the evening! :thumbsup2 We always arrive in the evening due to the way flights are from Germany, and it is really magical to wake up in the morning and be in WDW! Joe really is a great guy and I think it is rather sweet how the Disney bug has bitten him, too. :rolleyes1

[brookelizabeth]

HOLY SMOKES!!!:scared1::scared1: I'm gone from the boards for a few days and look what happens! Surprise trips, tons of "I go what I wanted" moments, happiness all around!! What a deal you got on your flights! Did you have to pay for Henry now that he's in a car seat? If so, you seriously got a GREAT deal!!:cool1::cool1: Now you just have to keep your September and December trips straight with all your ADR's and such! In your last TR, you did spend some time at DTD, but I didn't see any planning time for that in September. Perhaps you could throw that into the mix for your half day? Congratulations on everything coming together so easily!

He he, just a few changes, eh? :goodvibes

Yep, our flight cost total INCLUDED a seat for Henry. Gotta love those airline miles! :thumbsup2 I was able to purchase mine entirely with miles and Joe's and Henry's was paid for 1-way with miles. It made me so excited to get that deal! It took YEARS to build up those miles, but didn't cost me a cent. :thumbsup2

I was thinking about DTD too...gotta squeeze it in there somewhere. Goofy's Pretzel Rods await me! :laughing:

Whoo hoo for the great deal on the flights! I think I can buy my tickets for January tomorrow (on SW) but I gonna wait and see what the prices are and waited it out if they aren't good. I have like $500 worth of ticketless travel $$ form changing our flights this past Jan and in March so many times! I'm happy to have that to use, especially buying tickets for 10 people!! Of course after buying 10 tickets I should be getting a few free tickets! That I can use for my secret MNSSHP trip!

I agree with the early flight thing! It's sooo much and you feel like death by 6 pm! Unfortunately we'll probably end up doing that and having an early dinner and bedtime the day we arrive in January! My sisters kids are going to be sooooo excited to get there they aren't going to want a second to get into a park! LOL!

I am watching SW for our December trip too. I'm really curious as to what the costs might be during that peak travel time. The cousin who is getting married has been to New Orleans several times during that time of year and says the best time to buy the tickets are in August. So, maybe that will be the best time for Orlando too...:confused3 I'm just gonna stalk it all starting tomorrow!

Hopefully the excitement of all the people on your trip will carry you through that busy day! Travel days are the worst!


Brook, if you are thinking about rope drop, are you considering to use a touringplan, too? We did them pretty religiously in 2008 and where really pleased! Especially the MK one makes a lot of sense. You could even attempt the "Dumbo or Die" plan! :goodvibes

Congratulations on the cheap flights and what a wise decision to fly down in the evening! :thumbsup2 We always arrive in the evening due to the way flights are from Germany, and it is really magical to wake up in the morning and be in WDW! Joe really is a great guy and I think it is rather sweet how the Disney bug has bitten him, too. :rolleyes1

I have been looking at the various touringplans - one doesn't seem to exactly fit, but I think I can tweak either the "happy family" or another one (can't recall the title) to work for us. Joe and I both like the thrill rides (though, SM will be down!), and with Henry we'll be doing the smaller things.

So yep, I think at least for MK (possibly the others as well) we'll be doing a touringplan. And we are FOR SURE doing them in December! This September trip will be a great way to test them out-after all, it's a reserach trip, right? ;)

Speaking of the touringplans, someday I REALLY want to do the Ultimate Touring Plan at MK. That sounds like a blast!

I think I'll really like the late arrival-waking up in Disney World, and having the full day in front of you just sounds so nice!

And, I agree with you-I think Joe is a great guy! :love: Sometimes I wonder what he thinks of all my planning and such...then I get comments today like, "I'm so glad you plan our vacations." and him suggesting we add on a day, etc. I never have to beg! :goodvibes (I bet your DBF would get it too if he ever came!)

[Flossbolna]

Speaking of the touringplans, someday I REALLY want to do the Ultimate Touring Plan at MK. That sounds like a blast!


Oh yes, I have been thinking about that, too!! :thumbsup2

[MeMom]

I know it, I can't believe how quickly it's all coming together. These spur of the moment trips are kinda fun!


THANK YOU MeMom for the advice! This is GREAT to know. I didn't realize Movies was in need of a refurb. I recall your stay at Movies (was it at Christmas time?) and now LL's TR, it really does look like a fresh and pretty resort. I think we'll aim for that!!



We were at Music at Christmas year before last and at Thanksgiving this past year.

The good thing is, you are right in the middle of the three All-Stars, so you can just walk across the parking lots on either side and go and see all the great decor at all of them. All-Star Movies has the best icons for the kids, but the rooms are nicer at Music, and Music has the nighttime movies on the big screen at the pool.

Here are a few pictures for you.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/P1130127.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/disneypicssssssdiney210.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/disneypicssssssdiney207.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/disneypicssssssdiney203.jpg

[brookelizabeth]

Oh yes, I have been thinking about that, too!! :thumbsup2

Your sisters trip is in January, right?
Not sure if I could convince Joe to go back quite so soon. :rolleyes1 Wouldn't that be a blast though? Hitting RD and just going for it allllll day long. Half the fun would be recording it, the wait times, the pictures and all!

We were at Music at Christmas year before last and at Thanksgiving this past year.

The good thing is, you are right in the middle of the three All-Stars, so you can just walk across the parking lots on either side and go and see all the great decor at all of them. All-Star Movies has the best icons for the kids, but the rooms are nicer at Music, and Music has the nighttime movies on the big screen at the pool.

Here are a few pictures for you.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/P1130127.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/disneypicssssssdiney210.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/disneypicssssssdiney207.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/disneypicssssssdiney203.jpg


Thank you for the pictures!! Henry would love that Dut Dut fountain in the pool.

I think it's ironic that Music plays the movies on the big screen at night, but Movies doesn't. :laughing: I suppose it's because they are in the middle and everyone can easily filter in from Movies or Sports?

[brookelizabeth]

Remember when I posted my trip's agenda and the last comment was "everything is negoitable"?

Well...an AP rate came out the other day and it's a good one!

Joe even said, "I wouldn't mind staying at the Wilderness Lodge again."

To which my eyes about popped out of my head, I covered my ears with my hands and sang "La la la la la"

He just laughed at me.

NO-RESORT-SWITCHING!

I want to stay at CSR. Reallyyyyy want to. I :lovestruc the WL, but no, no, no. This is a budget trip and that is THAT! The more we can save the better.

So, back to that AP rate. It brings at Moderate room down to $89 per night, a $60 per night savings.

Room only-all nights at CSR (no moving! :thumbsup2)=$501.

That's half of our current price tag (which, in all fairness does include dining and a 1 day ticket).

Much number crunching later, and we have determined our new Plan:

* Room + Quick Service Dining Plan.

* We are keeping the ADRs for Crystal Palace and Sci Fi only.
And here is how we came to that conclusion:

*All meals OOP + mugs + snacks
(OOP meals are the two TS above, the rest CS)

*Quick Service Dining Plan (which from here forward will be known as QSDP, because seriously...:rolleyes:)
QSDP + 4 meals OOP (2 TS above, plus 2 CS to make it 3 meals a day)
The cost of the 2 options above were nearly identical.
BUT, with the QSDP we get 2 snacks a day each.

That means more Iztakadoozies people!!!!! :yay:
And more Mickey Rice Krispies!
And more Mickey Ice Cream bars!

I am not a teensy bit heartbroken over the canceled ADRs. I'm actually quite relieved. This will allow us to roll-with-it a bit more, we are only tied to two things - which is much more ideal with a toddler....and just the "stop and smell the roses" style of touring we enjoy more.

Plus we are saving over $200!

I'm THRILLED with these changes. Toddler Friendly Touring + saving money, can't beat it!

(plus, more Itzakadoozies! :woohoo:)

[princess&her4princes]

Yay Brook! :cool1:You are SO good with this Disney budgetting thing!! I'm very impressed!!!:thumbsup2 This is going to be a FAB trip!! Can't wait to hear more!!!!:goodvibes

[MRYPPNS]

Toddler Friendly Touring + saving money, can't beat it!

I can't agree more. Just wait until you add another baby/kid into the mix!

[MeMom]

Thank you for the pictures!! Henry would love that Dut Dut fountain in the pool.

I think it's ironic that Music plays the movies on the big screen at night, but Movies doesn't. :laughing: I suppose it's because they are in the middle and everyone can easily filter in from Movies or Sports?

Yeah, probably because it is in the middle.

Even if you don't stay there, you can take Henry over to Sports. There are dut-duts in the Tennis area.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/P1100792.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/P1100795.jpg

[jordanyosh]

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: for saving money.

I will be curious to hear how you liked the QSDP. With young adult guys, I don't know if they'll really like TS that much...so you can be the guinea pigs for me....thanks...;):thumbsup2

I guess I can also do a search....meh....

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for saving more money!!! I also am looking forward to what you think of the QSDP! :thumbsup2

[Donald is #1]

Wow, that is a great rate!

[SoonerGirl]

Woo Hoo for saving money!! :woohoo:

I think the QSDP sounds like a great idea with a toddler, I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about it too.

You can never have too many Itzakadoozies, now can you! :thumbsup2

[kschafer]

So Brook...exactly how do you feel about itzakadoozies? :rotfl:

I think the plan is a great one! I do enjoy TS but it can sometimes feel like you are planning your vacation around them. QSDP will give you a trip where you can roll with it!

[brookelizabeth]

Yay Brook! :cool1:You are SO good with this Disney budgetting thing!! I'm very impressed!!!:thumbsup2 This is going to be a FAB trip!! Can't wait to hear more!!!!:goodvibes

Thanks! It's kinda fun to hunt out the discounts and crunch the numbers and see how we can save. I enjoy not having to worry about the budget as much-and having a budget enables us to go again and again! :goodvibes

I can't agree more. Just wait until you add another baby/kid into the mix!

:rotfl: I cannot even imagine! :faint: Aren't things so much more enjoyable when they are happy?

Yeah, probably because it is in the middle.

Even if you don't stay there, you can take Henry over to Sports. There are dut-duts in the Tennis area.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/P1100792.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/P1100795.jpg

Those are SUCH cute pictures of Brooklynn with the Duts! That is really sweet-Henry would be excited about the tennis balls on the building and the baseball ball too! It would be fun to go over there and explore.

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: for saving money.

I will be curious to hear how you liked the QSDP. With young adult guys, I don't know if they'll really like TS that much...so you can be the guinea pigs for me....thanks...;):thumbsup2

I guess I can also do a search....meh....

:laughing: Reading TRs is much more enjoyable anyway!

Hurray for saving more money!!! I also am looking forward to what you think of the QSDP! :thumbsup2

Now lets see if I can still keep that $200 in my pocket versus spending it on something else Disney related. :rolleyes:

I hope the QSDP works as well for us as I think it will. I haven't ever read any reviews on it-or any TRs with it, so we'll see!

Wow, that is a great rate!

I was really surprised! AKL and WL also had great rates, but I had to resist and ignore Joe! Besides, I do want to try CSR (and every other resort. ;))

Woo Hoo for saving money!! :woohoo:

I think the QSDP sounds like a great idea with a toddler, I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about it too.

You can never have too many Itzakadoozies, now can you! :thumbsup2

I think the flexability of CS meals will be really nice. There are SO many CS choices with everything from pizza and burgers, to baked chicken and schwarma! Plus, if we eat at CSR we won't be charged the 10% gratuity from the Pepper Market. ;)

Never too many Itzakadoozies! YUMMMMM!

So Brook...exactly how do you feel about itzakadoozies? :rotfl:

I think the plan is a great one! I do enjoy TS but it can sometimes feel like you are planning your vacation around them. QSDP will give you a trip where you can roll with it!

Me and Itzakadoozies :love:

And Henry likes 'em too! :rotfl2:

I did feel like we were planning our entire trip around TS, which isn't so bad when it was just Joe and I-we LOVED all our sit downs during our honeymoon - and I think we'll like 'em more again when Henry isn't so antsy in a chair. :rolleyes1

[IluvXU]

I go away.. and now you are headed to CSR. It is so pretty, we had a good location and I imagine it is less walking than SSR. Quick service would be great... especially at Pepper Market, it is a pricey quickservice, but good. Great rates.... wow!

[2xcited2sleep]

Toddler friendly touring, saving $ and more snacks?! What a great combo. I'm going to have to go check out those AP rates... :rolleyes1

[Flossbolna]

Brook, your plans sound great! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[shebaxric]

I'm glad that you stuck to your guns and are staying at CSR! I've heard so many good things about the re-model, I think you'll really enjoy it. Now, about the QSDP, DH and I are struggling with this or TSDP. We've done the TS in the past, and have really enjoyed it. The problem (that you correctly mentioned) is that you are kinda tied to those TS ADR's. You definitely have much more flexibility with QS. So, as Jordanyosh said, you can be the guinea pig!:goodvibes I'm going to stay with the TS we have booked right now and complete ADR's, and can always switch when we find out the details in your September TR! I'm telling you, your TR and PTR have given me sooo much information, I feel like I should be paying you for planning my trip!:lmao::lmao: Do you accept American Express?:rotfl2:

[teruterubouzu]

The new plans sound great! I really think you'll like CSR.

[Charleston Princess]

Now lets see if I can still keep that $200 in my pocket versus spending it on something else Disney related. :rolleyes:

Didn't you know? In the ways of Fuzzy Disney Math, that $200 is supposed to be spent on something else Disney related! :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

WOO HOO for saving money! I love Fuzzy Disney Math....just love it. It makes me so happy. Marc...not so much. :lmao:

[moparop]

I think QSDP is going to rock, especially with Pepper Market! And to save some bucks too -- AWESOME!

[blessedby3]

We had the QSDP on our last trip this past March and Loved it. We actually couldnt eat all the food since you get dessert at each meal and then 2 snacks per day!! We had over 20 snacks left on our card at check out and we took home lots of rice krispy bars to share. You will get to try lots of different snacks! We even used some snack credits for yummy things to have a breakfast so we wouldnt have to pay oop!

[BellaSoleil]

I don't know how or why, but I just realized that I'm not subscribed to this PTR. Boy, did I have some catching up to do.

A September trip.

SHUT UP!!!!

Can I be Henry's big sister?

[Lamping3]

:cool1:I am so excited for you! Another trip! :woohoo: I love how things just work out!

[Lovemy3babes]

Saving money is always a good thing my dear! Congrats on the new plan. :)

[KathyRN137]

Well...an AP rate came out the other day and it's a good one!

Joe even said, "I wouldn't mind staying at the Wilderness Lodge again."

To which my eyes about popped out of my head, I covered my ears with my hands and sang "La la la la la"

He just laughed at me.

NO-RESORT-SWITCHING!

I want to stay at CSR. Reallyyyyy want to. I :lovestruc the WL, but no, no, no. This is a budget trip and that is THAT! The more we can save the better.


Good for you, Brook!! :thumbsup2 Way to stick to your guns!!

(Besides, you're gonna need that $$ for the NYE trip... everything is sooo much more expensive during holiday season!) :eek:


Kathy

[tiggrbaby]

Great work, Brook! The more you save, the more you can do!

[brookelizabeth]

I go away.. and now you are headed to CSR. It is so pretty, we had a good location and I imagine it is less walking than SSR. Quick service would be great... especially at Pepper Market, it is a pricey quickservice, but good. Great rates.... wow!

What location did you stay in? (Do I recall correctly that you said you requested Casitas?) We were a bit torn between Casitas and Cabanas, but are leaning toward Cabanas because of the sandy beach/multiple hammocks - that is Joe's ideal.

I can't wait to read about how you enjoyed CR for a couple nights! :goodvibes

I was a bit shocked when I looked at the prices of the Pepper Market, but it's really nice that they take the DDP and that even includes the 10% tip.

Toddler friendly touring, saving $ and more snacks?! What a great combo. I'm going to have to go check out those AP rates... :rolleyes1

The AP rates are GREAT. I think it was around $60 for a Value, $89 for a Mod and $139 for a Deluxe (WL or AKL)! Our room only would be 501, with with QSDP, $802. Cheapppppp!

Brook, your plans sound great! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Thanks! I'm really excited about them and keep dreaming of the details!

I'm glad that you stuck to your guns and are staying at CSR! I've heard so many good things about the re-model, I think you'll really enjoy it. Now, about the QSDP, DH and I are struggling with this or TSDP. We've done the TS in the past, and have really enjoyed it. The problem (that you correctly mentioned) is that you are kinda tied to those TS ADR's. You definitely have much more flexibility with QS. So, as Jordanyosh said, you can be the guinea pig!:goodvibes I'm going to stay with the TS we have booked right now and complete ADR's, and can always switch when we find out the details in your September TR! I'm telling you, your TR and PTR have given me sooo much information, I feel like I should be paying you for planning my trip!:lmao::lmao: Do you accept American Express?:rotfl2:

The room pictures look absolutly amazing! I love the colors and the style.

I'm very happy to be the guinea pig! I'll bring back a full review - the good, the bad, and (hopefully none, but...) the ugly. I'm thinking it's going to be a lot of food with the 2 snacks and dessert every meal, but I won't be complaining! :laughing:

And yes, I DO accept American Express. :lmao:;) (glad I can help with the info! I've learned SO much on the DIS!)

The new plans sound great! I really think you'll like CSR.

I've heard very few poor reports of CSR - I'm very much looking forward to it!

[brookelizabeth]

Didn't you know? In the ways of Fuzzy Disney Math, that $200 is supposed to be spent on something else Disney related! :lmao:

:rotfl2: Oh, that is probably true, esp since I started thinking of a souvie list today!

WOO HOO for saving money! I love Fuzzy Disney Math....just love it. It makes me so happy. Marc...not so much. :lmao:

:rotfl: That's funny! Maybe if you let him buy a DVD player, or a fancy remote to go with that big screen TV he would be more partial to the Fuzzy Disney Math. ;)

I think QSDP is going to rock, especially with Pepper Market! And to save some bucks too -- AWESOME!

When I saw the prices at the Pepper Market, PLUS the 10% gratuity, it just made more sense to pay for the QSDP - I think it will work out great!

We had the QSDP on our last trip this past March and Loved it. We actually couldnt eat all the food since you get dessert at each meal and then 2 snacks per day!! We had over 20 snacks left on our card at check out and we took home lots of rice krispy bars to share. You will get to try lots of different snacks! We even used some snack credits for yummy things to have a breakfast so we wouldnt have to pay oop!

oh that is GREAT to hear! I hadn't really thought of using a snack credit for breakfast-that is an excellent idea. Joe and I did that on the regular DDP back in 2006, we'd grab a muffin or a bagel for breakfast along with filling up our mugs with the "coffee". It worked well. So, now we'd get to do that AND have a regular snack in the park. I'm likin' this more and more! :goodvibes And bringing rice krispys home?! Oh yes. Yum!

I don't know how or why, but I just realized that I'm not subscribed to this PTR. Boy, did I have some catching up to do.

A September trip.

SHUT UP!!!!

Can I be Henry's big sister?

He he he! Hiya Soleil!
Yes, you can be Henry's big sister!!!!! :goodvibes

:cool1:I am so excited for you! Another trip! :woohoo: I love how things just work out!

Me too!!! It was just such a good deal, we couldn't pass it up! (which is exactly Disney's intent with those discounts! :rolleyes:)

Saving money is always a good thing my dear! Congrats on the new plan. :)

Yes! I am really excited about saving the money! It gives us more room to breathe.

Good for you, Brook!! :thumbsup2 Way to stick to your guns!!

(Besides, you're gonna need that $$ for the NYE trip... everything is sooo much more expensive during holiday season!) :eek:


Kathy

You are VERY right. And I think we should just move that $200 right into a savings account for the NYE trip...

Thankfully we will still have our APs and are planning on doing most meals in the room. However, even pricing a rental car, from Dec 26-Jan 1, for a large van, over $500!!!! :sick:

Great work, Brook! The more you save, the more you can do!

Exactly!!! It gives us room to breathe now, and money to save for later. :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

In the switching of arrival days and dining plan, I've revised The Plan, so in keeping with my geekdom, I now present to you The Plan 1.1.

I'm listing some of the CS meals I have tucked away in the back of my mind...not comitting to any, but, will "gently steer my touring party" in that direction. ;)


Wednesday, September 2:
Arrival (well, technically it will be the 3rd when we arrive on property, but...)
SLEEP
Floss, I recall you and C eating a bit of something when you arrived at the Poly late night on your last trip, what time did you arrive, and what was open? I am thinking we might want a bit to eat (esp. Henry) before we go to bed. I might have to just buy some granola bars or the like at the airport......

Thursday, September 3:
Wake up in WDW!!
Animal Kingdom
(CS lunch - Flametree BBQ)
MK for Spectro and/or Wishes
(CS - CASEY'S! hello my pretty corn dog nuggets!)

Friday, September 4:
Crystal Palace breakfast with Pooh & friends!!
MK
(CS lunch in mind - CHH, tuna sammich, drool)

Saturday, September 5:
Breakfast at the Main Street Bakery. Oh yes.
Monorail to Epcot
(CS lunch - Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe, haven't tried either!)

Sunday, September 6:
DHS
Sci-Fi lunch
(If we are around for dinner, Studio Catering Company or Starring Rolls, SCC chicken=yummy!, SR delish looking sammiches)

Monday, September 7:
Departure day

And since we do plan to get to the parks early (as close to RD as possible), we should have our evenings free-so we'll squeeze in DTD at somepoint. And when we do, I'll be snacking at Goofy's (pretzel rods!) and dining at either EoS or WPE.

I need to make a Desired Snack List, a Souvie List, and a packing list. (shoe update coming soon!)

I also need to make a countdown calendar for Henry....(and well, it's as much for Joe and I as it is for Henry! :laughing:)

[MeMom]

(CS lunch - Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe, haven't tried either!)


I think you're gonna like Sunshine Seasons! It's one of our very favorite counter services.

[Donald is #1]

I vote for the Tangerine Cafe. :love:

[Charleston Princess]

The Tangierine Cafe was my favorite CS of the entire trip! :goodvibes

[lazydoxy66]

I think a lot of people are going for the QSDP. It really is such a hassle to make and keep all the ADRs.
My next trip with my DH should be very interesting as I have vowed to do it without the DDP. I want to find the restaurants that serve a full menu at their bars. No ADRs required.

Your plans look great.

[IluvXU]

Cafe Rix was open in the main building until Midnight (last week). It has some quick service stuff.

The meals look great we are big CHH fans and had a fantastic meal at WPE and EoS last week!

[mickeysmyboy]

Your new plan looks great!!

I can't believe you didn't jump at the chance to switch when Joe mentioned it!! I would have jumped at that chance!!! Your are a wonderfully strong women!!!!!

BTW!! Your NOT a Geek!!! ;)

[brookelizabeth]

I think you're gonna like Sunshine Seasons! It's one of our very favorite counter services.

I've wanted to eat there since the first trip, but it has never worked out. All the food looks delish - and that strawberry dessert has been calling my name for a LONG while now!

I vote for the Tangerine Cafe. :love:

The food here looks so good too-and SO MUCH of it! I could easily split with Joe or share with Henry. Problem is, I don't know if Joe will go for it.

The Tangierine Cafe was my favorite CS of the entire trip! :goodvibes

I've always heard such rave reviews of it all - I look forward to seeing what was on your plate! I haven't even browsed their online menu yet...

I think a lot of people are going for the QSDP. It really is such a hassle to make and keep all the ADRs.
My next trip with my DH should be very interesting as I have vowed to do it without the DDP. I want to find the restaurants that serve a full menu at their bars. No ADRs required.

Your plans look great.

Ooooh, I LIKE that idea of the full menu at the bars! :thumbsup2 I believe quite a few places have this available.

Cafe Rix was open in the main building until Midnight (last week). It has some quick service stuff.

The meals look great we are big CHH fans and had a fantastic meal at WPE and EoS last week!

Thank you! That is GREAT to hear. I have a feeling we'll quite a bit at CSR too. CHH, WPE and EoS are some of my favorites...I love the chinios chicken salad at WPE.

Your new plan looks great!!

I can't believe you didn't jump at the chance to switch when Joe mentioned it!! I would have jumped at that chance!!! Your are a wonderfully strong women!!!!!

BTW!! Your NOT a Geek!!! ;)

:rotfl: I was tempted for a half second-but we've stayed at both, and I REALLY want to try a new resort, and keeping this as a budget trip just makes me feel so much better about it all.

Trust me...I'm a big computer geek. For a girl anyway. Joe takes the cake of all computer geekiness. He and one of his close friends, oh Lordy...NERDS! :laughing:

[IluvXU]

Pepper Market is a great deal on the dining plan too. We had some fantastic food there!

[2xcited2sleep]

Your plans look great! What a fun, quick trip! :yay::yay:

[teruterubouzu]

I'm a big fan of both Tangierine Cafe and Sunshine Seasons. At Tangierine, I usually get the veggie plate. I eat food like that here at home quite frequently, but I don't get to listen to Morockin' while I'm doing it.

Sunshine Seasons has a great variety. Last trip, I got the vegetarian stir fry with tofu. I went with a pork chop on the previous trip and was really happy with it. They also have a lot of tempting desserts in their bakery case.

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

So are you SURE you are REALLY staying at the CSR? :lmao: I'll give you room to change your mind, just in case!! HA HA...:rotfl:

So, 1.1 plans are looking great! I agree it's awesome to save a little $$ and add a little more flexibility to your schedule with a toddler. Good for you!:cool1:

I understand completely about skipping MNSSHP at Henry's age - you have plenty more trips in your future and will always have it to look forward to. My son is a fairly early riser so it's must that we take an afternoon break back at the resort before attending and he's 5.5 and will still barely make it! :)

Enjoy your Sunday!
Heather

[wdwgirl03]

Your plans look great!

We've never stayed at CSR before so I can't wait to hear about it.

[Flossbolna]

Your sisters trip is in January, right?
Not sure if I could convince Joe to go back quite so soon. :rolleyes1 Wouldn't that be a blast though? Hitting RD and just going for it allllll day long. Half the fun would be recording it, the wait times, the pictures and all!


I did not have the time to comment on that previously, but yes it would be so much fun!! :cool1: Even if January 2010 does not work, perhaps we get the chance some time in the future? :goodvibes And it would make wonderful TR material! :lmao:

In the switching of arrival days and dining plan, I've revised The Plan, so in keeping with my geekdom, I now present to you The Plan 1.1.

Floss, I recall you and C eating a bit of something when you arrived at the Poly late night on your last trip, what time did you arrive, and what was open? I am thinking we might want a bit to eat (esp. Henry) before we go to bed. I might have to just buy some granola bars or the like at the airport......

(CS lunch - Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe, haven't tried either!)

(If we are around for dinner, Studio Catering Company or Starring Rolls, SCC chicken=yummy!, SR delish looking sammiches)


Plans 1.1 sound great! I am extremely proud to be named in your update and will tell you all I can about late night snacks! :goodvibes At the Poly the CS place Captain Cooks is actually open 24h, so that was no problem. We actually only got some fruit this time. But we did this once at AKL, too. The other time we arrived so late that Mara was closed for the night (after 11pm). They still had a very good selection of all the stuff in the fridges. I think we even would have been able to get hot food, but am not sure. But then CSR might be very different...

Epcot CS: these are my two favourite places! Very good choice!

Studio CS: Have you checked how long they are open? I remember reading about people finding it difficult to find CS for dinner at the Studios...

[KathyRN137]

I need to make a Desired Snack List, a Souvie List, and a packing list. (shoe update coming soon!)

I also need to make a countdown calendar for Henry....(and well, it's as much for Joe and I as it is for Henry! :laughing:)


And folks wonder what we do here on the PTR Board!! :lmao:


Kathy

[mickeysmyboy]

And folks wonder what we do here on the PTR Board!! :lmao:


Kathy

:lmao: Your sooooo right!

[SoonerGirl]

I also need to make a countdown calendar for Henry....(and well, it's as much for Joe and I as it is for Henry! :laughing:)

Hey Brook, this DISer has designed some really cute countdown calendars, most of them are just 30 days, but I thought I'd give you the link and let you check them out.

http://disign.mickeysmailbox.com/cc

[shebaxric]

I wonder how many variations this plan will end up being?:rotfl: Let's make a bet and say 1.6. . . . Any takers?

I love the Snack List, Souvie List, and Packing List (will there be a shoe sub-set list?:lmao:)!! Just think you're only 2 months away from your Corn Dog Nuggets!!

[jenjolt]

Brook!! I'm all caught up and Plans 1.1 look wonderful!!!! Of course I'm sure there will be changes between now and then...I would hate to count what version my trip plans are on from January!!!!

OOOH...you are getting very close to your next trip!!! How exciting!! Well I can't wait to read more!!!!

[Lovemy3babes]

(CS - CASEY'S! hello my pretty corn dog nuggets!)

Ah Brook, you never cease to make me giggle. You are a hoot about the love affair you have with those yummy corn dog nuggets. :rotfl: Plan 1.1 looks great!

[GreatBiscuit]

WOHOO on the updates! :cool1: I'm so happy you get a Sept trip! Sounds like it is gonna ROCK! Those corn dog bites were def scrum-diddly-umptios! Now I'm :surfweb: to see how The Plan is gonna shape up. (I'm a Plan fan you know! :thumbsup2)

[TravelBug86]

Hey Brook! I'm wayyyy late in joining this party but had to say Hi :flower3: I read your last TR and really enjoy your writing- you are a bit of a comedian and it makes for a very enjoyable read :goodvibes Heny is just precious :angel:
Now I guess I have some reading to do!!!

[troobabiee7]

Your plans look great! Sunshine Seasons is probably our fav counter service at Disney, but everything at the TC looks really good too (I loooooveee falafel!). It's a tough choice, but an awesome dilemma to have to deal with :laughing:

[disneydusted]

Hi Brook! We've been away but I am all caught up now. I can't believe you are going in September!!! Awesome! And your number working is amazing! I am glad you are keeping us all posted with your thinking. :goodvibes Might I say I am turning green with envy??? ;)

[brookelizabeth]

Pepper Market is a great deal on the dining plan too. We had some fantastic food there!

That was one of the big reasons we went with the QSDP-the meals are so expensive there OOP. The fajitas look reallyyyyy yummy and I've heard good things about their pizza too!

Your plans look great! What a fun, quick trip! :yay::yay:

Thanks! It really is fun to plan these last minute trips!

I'm a big fan of both Tangierine Cafe and Sunshine Seasons. At Tangierine, I usually get the veggie plate. I eat food like that here at home quite frequently, but I don't get to listen to Morockin' while I'm doing it.

Sunshine Seasons has a great variety. Last trip, I got the vegetarian stir fry with tofu. I went with a pork chop on the previous trip and was really happy with it. They also have a lot of tempting desserts in their bakery case.

Ooooh, Morockin'. That has some serious weight for Tangierine...hmmm...

But, yes, that pork chop I've seen appear in many TRs and on the Food Pictures thread-drool. And the strawberry shortcase dessert looks so so good.

We just better not end up at the Electric Umbrella again. :rolleyes:

So are you SURE you are REALLY staying at the CSR? :lmao: I'll give you room to change your mind, just in case!! HA HA...:rotfl:

So, 1.1 plans are looking great! I agree it's awesome to save a little $$ and add a little more flexibility to your schedule with a toddler. Good for you!:cool1:

I understand completely about skipping MNSSHP at Henry's age - you have plenty more trips in your future and will always have it to look forward to. My son is a fairly early riser so it's must that we take an afternoon break back at the resort before attending and he's 5.5 and will still barely make it! :)

Enjoy your Sunday!
Heather

:rotfl2: YES! I'm sure! But, I'll be honset. Part of me waivers slightly when I read about other resorts. I have to remind myself that eventually we can hit them all, one at a time. I also LOVE the WL, so that's hard to turn down! Must keep the budget in mind, must keep the budget in mind. ;)

Your plans look great!

We've never stayed at CSR before so I can't wait to hear about it.

It looks like such a beautiful resort, I think we are going to have a great time walking around and taking lots of pictures!

I did not have the time to comment on that previously, but yes it would be so much fun!! :cool1: Even if January 2010 does not work, perhaps we get the chance some time in the future? :goodvibes And it would make wonderful TR material! :lmao:

Plans 1.1 sound great! I am extremely proud to be named in your update and will tell you all I can about late night snacks! :goodvibes At the Poly the CS place Captain Cooks is actually open 24h, so that was no problem. We actually only got some fruit this time. But we did this once at AKL, too. The other time we arrived so late that Mara was closed for the night (after 11pm). They still had a very good selection of all the stuff in the fridges. I think we even would have been able to get hot food, but am not sure. But then CSR might be very different...

Epcot CS: these are my two favourite places! Very good choice!

Studio CS: Have you checked how long they are open? I remember reading about people finding it difficult to find CS for dinner at the Studios...

You are so right-it would be EXCELLENT TR material! Hmmmm...we might have to plan something for the future...2011 possibly...Joe literally rolled his eyes at me when I told him about that Ultimate Touring Plan! :laughing:

Thank you for all the info on the snacks! I knew you would be the person to ask! :thumbsup2 I had no idea the CS'-even the fridges-were open that late. I hope that due to CSR being a convention resort that they might have longer hours-even maybe just at their bar, we could grab something. I'll bring a back-up plan of granola bars or the like though.

I haven't looked into how late the CS' at DHS are open...that is a very good point. I will have to do that. I've also been reading/listening to the UG Podcast and they highly recommend Backlot Express, so I have to look into that one too.

[brookelizabeth]

And folks wonder what we do here on the PTR Board!! :lmao:


Kathy

Your sooooo right!

:rotfl2: Exactly! LISTS! BAG DRAMA! SHOE DRAMA! ADR FEARS! It's so fun, isn't it???

Hey Brook, this DISer has designed some really cute countdown calendars, most of them are just 30 days, but I thought I'd give you the link and let you check them out.

http://disign.mickeysmailbox.com/cc

Those are SO cute! Love it! I don't think Henry will mind in waiting until 30 days. ;) (Now let's see if I can!) I want to use the Cars one and the Mickey one in the top row. Hmmm....I guess that makes 60 days, right? :laughing:

I wonder how many variations this plan will end up being?:rotfl: Let's make a bet and say 1.6. . . . Any takers?

I love the Snack List, Souvie List, and Packing List (will there be a shoe sub-set list?)!! Just think you're only 2 months away from your Corn Dog Nuggets!!

Oh too funny! We shall see how many times they get revised...1.6 might sound about right!

I've gotten so much better with shoes as I've gotten older. I used to have to pack a different pair for every outfit. But, with all the walking Disney requires, I was down to one pair, then two...now three...:rolleyes1 My update will be about the third pair, my new addition that just arrived today! :yay:

Oh yes, corn dog nuggets. Tonight (during church-naughty me!) I had a slight day dream of the golden nuggets. "Hmmm..what should I order there? I'm not so fond of their fries, and I reall want the CHH fries, too many fries-don't want to get sick...hmm...maybe I'll try the chili...oh, Pastor is teaching us-listen, listen!!" :laughing:

Brook!! I'm all caught up and Plans 1.1 look wonderful!!!! Of course I'm sure there will be changes between now and then...I would hate to count what version my trip plans are on from January!!!!

OOOH...you are getting very close to your next trip!!! How exciting!! Well I can't wait to read more!!!!

I am sure there will be changes too! I keep reading/hearing about all these other CS places, already considering the Backlot Express at DHS...

Ah Brook, you never cease to make me giggle. You are a hoot about the love affair you have with those yummy corn dog nuggets. :rotfl: Plan 1.1 looks great!

:goodvibes Thanks! :goodvibes My dear Joe thinks I'm a nut! But he likes it!

WOHOO on the updates! :cool1: I'm so happy you get a Sept trip! Sounds like it is gonna ROCK! Those corn dog bites were def scrum-diddly-umptios! Now I'm :surfweb: to see how The Plan is gonna shape up. (I'm a Plan fan you know! :thumbsup2)

I'm glad to hear you liked the nuggets! And oh, yes, I know you are a big Plan fan. I kinda "stole" that official title, "The Plan" from you... but you are the JEDI MASTER of The Plan. I am a meer Padawan. ;)

Hey Brook! I'm wayyyy late in joining this party but had to say Hi :flower3: I read your last TR and really enjoy your writing- you are a bit of a comedian and it makes for a very enjoyable read :goodvibes Heny is just precious :angel:
Now I guess I have some reading to do!!!

Hey there, welcome! Thanks for joining in here as well! :goodvibes And thank you for your kind words on my writing and my Henry! So far our trips have provided enough humor on their own-the PTRs are always a bit more bland. ;)

Your plans look great! Sunshine Seasons is probably our fav counter service at Disney, but everything at the TC looks really good too (I loooooveee falafel!). It's a tough choice, but an awesome dilemma to have to deal with :laughing:

I have to agree with you-it is a really awesome dilemma to have to deal with. Knowing us, we'll end up at Mexico or something completely different...:laughing:

Hi Brook! We've been away but I am all caught up now. I can't believe you are going in September!!! Awesome! And your number working is amazing! I am glad you are keeping us all posted with your thinking. :goodvibes Might I say I am turning green with envy??? ;)

I can't believe we are going in September either! It hits me over and over again-and I'm so excited about the trip, wishing it would just be here-but also hoping it takes its time because Henry turns TWO just 2 days before we leave. :sad1: So, I want the days to fly in one way, but to CRAWL in another... I have quite a few more things to share/update with-lists (of course), shoes, and some 2010 plans I want to share! Hopefully I will get some of that up tomorrow afternoon.

[Flossbolna]

Shoes update sounds wonderful, really looking forward to that!! :goodvibes

WDW Today was actually the very first Disney podcast I ever subsribed to. :goodvibes And yes, they generally think that Backlot Express is the best of the not so great CS options in the studios. I ate there twice in 2008 and really liked it. Just don't go at a time just after a Indiana Jones show ended. It seems like everyone in the audience immediately has to eat there after the show. The lines can get extremely long!

And we really should keep that 2011 ultimate touring plan idea in the back of our minds! :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

Shoes update sounds wonderful, really looking forward to that!! :goodvibes

WDW Today was actually the very first Disney podcast I ever subsribed to. :goodvibes And yes, they generally think that Backlot Express is the best of the not so great CS options in the studios. I ate there twice in 2008 and really liked it. Just don't go at a time just after a Indiana Jones show ended. It seems like everyone in the audience immediately has to eat there after the show. The lines can get extremely long!

And we really should keep that 2011 ultimate touring plan idea in the back of our minds! :thumbsup2

Very good tip about avoiding it after the Indiana Jones show - thank you! I am enjoying the WDW Today Podcast-I think the "ding" of the bell is pretty funny, and they are just goofy!!

I told Joe last night about doing the ultimate touring plan in 2011 with you, he said "Henry and I will be at the pool." :rotfl2: Then he admitted that he would like to try it too! But, we don't know how that would go with a little one-Henry will be 4 by that time, so....:confused3 maybe he can do it? Or maybe they can bail out once Henry has his fill and we'll keep going! :goodvibes

[IluvXU]

I would highly recommend Backlot express. We have ate there the last two trips to HS. We always go right when it opens, and yes miss the Indy show letting out.

[Charleston Princess]

We always eat at Backlot when we are eating CS at DHS -- it is big and quiet.

[SoonerGirl]

Oooooo, an update about shoes! I love shoes! I may, or may not, have had a suitcase completely devoted to shoes on past trips :rolleyes1

[brookelizabeth]

I would highly recommend Backlot express. We have ate there the last two trips to HS. We always go right when it opens, and yes miss the Indy show letting out.

We always eat at Backlot when we are eating CS at DHS -- it is big and quiet.

More props for the Backlot Express! I will be checking out that menu, sounds like we'll be having The Plan 1.2. :surfweb: :laughing:

Oooooo, an update about shoes! I love shoes! I may, or may not, have had a suitcase completely devoted to shoes on past trips :rolleyes1

:rotfl2: I've been there too! I've been really good about shoes at Disney, but on trips where we don't walk so much...:blush:

[mickeysmyboy]

:rotfl2: Exactly! LISTS! BAG DRAMA! SHOE DRAMA! ADR FEARS! It's so fun, isn't it??

:rotfl: There's sooooooo much! Truly, it's potential mind blogging!!!

[brookelizabeth]

Sometime ago now, while reading LL’s PTR there was some shoe discussion...naturally. :goodvibes Several people commented about Teva Mush sandals and how wonderful they were. I have a good rotation of park shoes between my Keens and my Crocs and my feet generally stay pretty happy while at WDW, but this girl is ALWAYS looking for new shoes! So, a quick Google search later and I found the Mushies, as I like to call them, came in several cute patterns and colors. Plus, they were not badly priced for as high praised as they were on the DIS!

I figured I would wait, possibly ask Joe and purchase them in the future.

Then because I did a good deed at work I was entered into a raffle and I won a $100 gift certificate! :banana: This was a type of gift certificate where I could choose what it would be for from a variety of places. At first I wanted Disney Dollars. Duh! But, they didn't have that option. Then, I was leaning toward something computer related for Joe-he really wants a laptop. However, there was not an option for this either. Then I was thinking Dec trip-possibly for a rental car, or airline. But, then Joe said the magic words,

“Just get whatever you want.”

Ah yes. What does a girl need more than SHOES and BAGS? :confused: :yay:

Shoebuy.com and bagsbuy.com, $50 each please! :wizard:

And even better yet, these were insta-gift certificates. They literally emailed me the gift certificate code within minutes. And a few minutes later, I had some fancy Teva Mushies in my online cart and was happily hitting “submit”!

A few days later (yesterday), these beauties arrived:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/580182274_rRP9b-O.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:openLB('580182274_rRP9b','Original','','','');)

I put them on, and oh ya, these were good. :thumbsup2 I wore them around the house for a bit, Henry even test drove them. ;) They are keepers and will enter the rotation of Brook’s Disney Shoes. Keens, Crocs, Mushies.


Now, for the bagsbuy.com gift certificate. I’m still up in the air on that one. I LOVE my Baggalini, so I don’t need/want a new park bag, but wouldn’t mind another, different colored Baggalini to up the wardrobe factor. However, do I want to use my free $50 on that? They are great bags, I even use my current one for my regular purse quite often. But with $50 I could get something unique and cute…and not from Target! :laughing:

I looked to see if they had Vera Bradley bags since they are just adorable; however, they don’t. :guilty:

I’ve browsed through many bags on their site, and just haven’t decided. Thankfully the gift certificate doesn’t expire for another year or more, so I’ve got some time to decide.

And onto some very fun and exciting news.

As some of you know, Joe and I have been kicking around the idea of a cruise for our 2010 vacation – namely the Podcast Cruise, December 12-16, 2010 OR maybe joining a few other DISers in June 2010. For the Podcast Cruise the cost is right around $1500 for Joe, Henry and I, and the June cruise would be about $1000 more. The more we thought about it, timing and dollar-wise, the Podcast Cruise would be the best deal for us.

We knew a cruise was something we wanted to do, but the budget has been tight lately, so putting in a deposit was the problem. We feared them running out of room (there are over 500 people already signed up!) and/or the prices going up before we were able to put down the deposit.

Then, as I was lurking on the Podcast Cruise boards, dreaming and hoping, I noticed a post from the TA arranging the cruise…she said you could put in a deposit for ONE person, then add the rest of your party at a later date.

I told this to Joe and 15 minutes later I was putting in our request, and yesterday I put down the deposit!

WE ARE GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE! The DIS PODCAST CRUISE! I’m so stinkin’ excited! I need lots of dancing smilies!:dance3::yay::woohoo::cool1::banana::cheer 2::hyper::dancer::jumping1:


http://www.mickeypath.com/id/1292137065.jpg
(http://www.mickeypath.com/)

Neither Joe or I have ever cruised before, so I pretty much know NOTHING about it. I’ve been lurking and reading on the Cruise boards and already learning so much. It’s 15 months away, but I think it will take me that long to feel confident in understanding it all.

And meanwhile I have this PTR, a September TR, a December TR, and then the Cruise PTR to keep me busy!

[jenjolt]

YAY for going on a cruise!! You guys are going to have the best time ever Brook!! I can't wait to hear your perspective on the cruise!!!

Oh I keep seeing those Teva Mush Flip flops and I keep thinking I need to get a pair for the fall...so I might just cave although I'm considering another pair of tennis shoes (Asics) so we'll have to see!!!

Congrats on the $100 gift cards though that is amazing!

[SoonerGirl]

Congrats on your gift cards! Getting new shoes is fantastic, but getting FREE new shoes - now it just doesn't get much better than that! :thumbsup2

AND, you get to go on a cruise :woohoo: A Disney cruise is on my list of things to do, but I promised DH that if we went to WDW in December that I wouldn't mention another Disney trip of any kind for awhile, so that is a dream that is going to have to stay on the back burner for now. BUT, I can live vicariously through you! :cool1:

[Lady Lallie]

I am so excited for you about the Podcast Cruise!! :banana: That will be so much fun for you! Yayayayaya! :dance3:

I am so glad you love the mushies. I have tried to find themin 12's all over the place but I can't. The 11's are just too small and the Men's mushies feel way different on my feet than the woman's. Curse my big feet! :headache: On a side note, Shoebuy is like my favorite shoe website! It is has the best customer service and super fast shipping!

[IluvXU]

My sister in law has Mushies.. wears them all the time!

Huge congrats on the Cruise. We did the 3 day Disney cruise for our honeymoon it was a fun time!

[thewesterberg]

WOWZERS!!!! You're one busy girl! Surprise after surprise (and trip after trip:lmao:) on this PTR!! A cruise... how awesome is that! And how fun to plan something totally new! Exciting stuff!

And I have to commend you in your choice of shoes. I :love: Teva Mush sandals. A whole lot of love for them! Never wore flip flops before I tried them and I brought them along last year on our trip along with my Chacos. The Mush never left my feet! So comfy during all those miles of walking. I've made converts of my whole family and a bunch of friends and their kids! I think all the women and girls going on our August trip have at least one pair!

[GreatBiscuit]

Congrats BE! I'm so exicted for you guys! Can't to hear all about your many adventures on the open seas!

[mickeysmyboy]

Brook! You never cease to make me laugh or lighten my day!!!

I LOVE your mushies!! I've never heard of these! I have to check them out now! They look very similar to my favorite 2 pairs of flip flops! they're tidewaters! I have one with a flip flop print and one with a pink pirates prints! I wore both at WDW in march and me feet were fine!

I'm freakin jealous of the cruise!!! Can I come?! I so want to do a Disney cruise and DH just isn't down with the idea of a cruise of any kind! He gets sea sick! Strange that he's a sailor I know but a small sailboat doesn't make the crazy man sick! The closest I'm ever going to get to a cruise is a few years ago when my cousin got married on the Norwegian Dawn before it left the dock in NYC! I was hoping the beautiful ship might change DH's mind but it didn't! Poop!

Enjoy planning!!!

[MRYPPNS]

I have the Mushies, or I had the Mushies....I have one Mushie actually. I lost one of the pair when we switched bedrooms in early spring. I'm hoping it shows up before my October trip because I really don't care for the Speedo flip flops I got to replace them.

[tiggrbaby]

Sometime ago now, while reading LL’s PTR there was some shoe discussion...naturally. :goodvibes Several people commented about Teva Mush sandals and how wonderful they were. I have a good rotation of park shoes between my Keens and my Crocs and my feet generally stay pretty happy while at WDW, but this girl is ALWAYS looking for new shoes! So, a quick Google search later and I found the Mushies, as I like to call them, came in several cute patterns and colors. Plus, they were not badly priced for as high praised as they were on the DIS!

I figured I would wait, possibly ask Joe and purchase them in the future.

Then because I did a good deed at work I was entered into a raffle and I won a $100 gift certificate! :banana: This was a type of gift certificate where I could choose what it would be for from a variety of places. At first I wanted Disney Dollars. Duh! But, they didn't have that option. Then, I was leaning toward something computer related for Joe-he really wants a laptop. However, there was not an option for this either. Then I was thinking Dec trip-possibly for a rental car, or airline. But, then Joe said the magic words,

“Just get whatever you want.”

Ah yes. What does a girl need more than SHOES and BAGS? :confused: :yay:

Shoebuy.com and bagsbuy.com, $50 each please! :wizard:

And even better yet, these were insta-gift certificates. They literally emailed me the gift certificate code within minutes. And a few minutes later, I had some fancy Teva Mushies in my online cart and was happily hitting “submit”!

A few days later (yesterday), these beauties arrived:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/580182274_rRP9b-O.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:openLB('580182274_rRP9b','Original','','','');)

I put them on, and oh ya, these were good. :thumbsup2 I wore them around the house for a bit, Henry even test drove them. ;) They are keepers and will enter the rotation of Brook’s Disney Shoes. Keens, Crocs, Mushies.


Now, for the bagsbuy.com gift certificate. I’m still up in the air on that one. I LOVE my Baggalini, so I don’t need/want a new park bag, but wouldn’t mind another, different colored Baggalini to up the wardrobe factor. However, do I want to use my free $50 on that? They are great bags, I even use my current one for my regular purse quite often. But with $50 I could get something unique and cute…and not from Target! :laughing:

I looked to see if they had Vera Bradley bags since they are just adorable; however, they don’t. :guilty:

I’ve browsed through many bags on their site, and just haven’t decided. Thankfully the gift certificate doesn’t expire for another year or more, so I’ve got some time to decide.

And onto some very fun and exciting news.

As some of you know, Joe and I have been kicking around the idea of a cruise for our 2010 vacation – namely the Podcast Cruise, December 12-16, 2010 OR maybe joining a few other DISers in June 2010. For the Podcast Cruise the cost is right around $1500 for Joe, Henry and I, and the June cruise would be about $1000 more. The more we thought about it, timing and dollar-wise, the Podcast Cruise would be the best deal for us.

We knew a cruise was something we wanted to do, but the budget has been tight lately, so putting in a deposit was the problem. We feared them running out of room (there are over 500 people already signed up!) and/or the prices going up before we were able to put down the deposit.

Then, as I was lurking on the Podcast Cruise boards, dreaming and hoping, I noticed a post from the TA arranging the cruise…she said you could put in a deposit for ONE person, then add the rest of your party at a later date.

I told this to Joe and 15 minutes later I was putting in our request, and yesterday I put down the deposit!

WE ARE GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE! The DIS PODCAST CRUISE! I’m so stinkin’ excited! I need lots of dancing smilies!:dance3::yay::woohoo::cool1::banana::cheer 2::hyper::dancer::jumping1:


http://www.mickeypath.com/id/1292137065.jpg
(http://www.mickeypath.com/)

Neither Joe or I have ever cruised before, so I pretty much know NOTHING about it. I’ve been lurking and reading on the Cruise boards and already learning so much. It’s 15 months away, but I think it will take me that long to feel confident in understanding it all.

And meanwhile I have this PTR, a September TR, a December TR, and then the Cruise PTR to keep me busy!

Congrats on winning for good deeds! And what great ways t spend the winnings!

You will loooove the cruise! I have been on two Disney cruises, and they are so very magical; it will spoil you for any other cruise line!

You need to start researching door magnets and fish extender gifts on their boards. Both are so much fun!

[wdwgirl03]

A Disney cruise?! OK, that is so not fair! :snooty:

[Donald is #1]

Wow a cruise too! :worship:

[Charleston Princess]

Woo hoo for the cruise!!! That is super awesome!!!

I have been looking at the Mushies, too -- I just don't know if I can switch to them for park touring...

[Lamping3]

You just keep adding and adding to this PTR. How exciting! I am going to have to try out those flip flops!

[KathyRN137]

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/580182274_rRP9b-O.jpg

WE ARE GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE! The DIS PODCAST CRUISE! I’m so stinkin’ excited! I need lots of dancing smilies!:dance3::yay::woohoo::cool1::banana::cheer 2::hyper::dancer::jumping1:




Goodness!!! :eek:

I was just thinking, "Wow, great flip-flop find", and then I was like "Wow-ee!! A Cruise!!!"

That was a real bombshell!!! Congrats!!! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[teruterubouzu]

You are funny. I thought I was just going to read an update about cute new shoes and then I read that you are going on a CRUISE! Very fun!

[CJsMom]

Ooh, those Mushies look comfy! Congrats on the cruise - it sounds great!! :banana:

[DreaGirl]

Hi Brook! I finally finished your last TR and I'm almost caught up on this PTR. Love the pattern you chose on your mushies. I'm going to have to try them on, because I agree, a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes!! :)

[lazydoxy66]

Congrats on the gift cards and the cruise!!!! You are one lucky lady.

[moparop]

Wowwie!!! I so want to do a cruise, especially a disney one! Enjoy!

I am looking up Mushies right now... I need something that I can fit these swollen pregnant feet into!

[2xcited2sleep]

I've been eyeing the podcast cruise too :rolleyes1

And I just ordered some mushies! :thumbsup2

Happy 4th of July, Brook!!

[MeMom]

WE ARE GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE! The DIS PODCAST CRUISE! I’m so stinkin’ excited! I need lots of dancing smilies!:dance3::yay::woohoo::cool1::banana::cheer 2::hyper::dancer::jumping1:


http://www.mickeypath.com/id/1292137065.jpg
(http://www.mickeypath.com/)

Neither Joe or I have ever cruised before, so I pretty much know NOTHING about it. I’ve been lurking and reading on the Cruise boards and already learning so much. It’s 15 months away, but I think it will take me that long to feel confident in understanding it all.

And meanwhile I have this PTR, a September TR, a December TR, and then the Cruise PTR to keep me busy!

You must be livin' right, girl! :cool1:

[disneyfan61]

Wow Brook-an added trip in the fall & now a cruise!!! Do you have room in a suitcase??? That is great!! Will keep us entertained with all the TR's!! My DH has no desire for a cruise and he was in the Coast Guard :confused3. My sister on the other hand is addicted to cruises like I am to Disney. Great Mushies. I had never heard of them either but they look very comfy!!:thumbsup2

[jenseib]

I am so jealous of the cruise. I REALLY want to do one, but DH thinks that one of us will fall off or something..so we have to keep working on him. We have cruised before (not Disney) just not with a child.

[PopArtGal]

Great news about the cruise!!!

Lucky you!

[Flossbolna]

I am amazed that Joe might actually be interested in joining us on the Ultimate Touring Plan! :goodvibes I am sure we will be able to work something out until 2011, we still have a bit of time to plan that! :lmao:

Shoes look wonderful! :thumbsup2 I just ordered myself a pair of those Teva Mushs, too, but I chose the blue ones:

http://images.stylight.de/static/res200/s0006/6778.1.jpg

I really had a hard time deciding on a style, but since the summer shoes season is coming towards its end, the availability rather decided for me...

And booking the podcast cruise sounds great!! You really have a lot of exciting things to look forward to! :thumbsup2

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow Brook-catching up on your pretrippie- lots of exciting stuff between the 2 Dis trips and the cruise-Henry is going to be quite the traveler before he even gets out out of preschool (or in...:goodvibes)...

We want to do a Dis Cruise too...sound like so much fun-have never cruised before but would trust Disney to do a really great one...:woohoo:...lucky you...:hug:...wish those dates could work for us...:confused3 I'm a little confused by the dates...Dec 12-16-that seems like a 4night, 5day but the link lists it as 3nights? Is is 3 nights or 4 of Disney cruising goodness?

Interested in this whole shoe conversation-I wear Clarks as my comfy shoes but usually a 2 inch heel-and I think I need a flatter really comfy shoe-but I don't want to do a traditional athletic sneaker cause I don't normally wear them except for excercise-they feel too I don't know heavy or bulky to me for walking the parks...plus they remind me of the treadmill and weight lifting...(i want a little escape from that when I vaca...:rotfl:) so tell me

about your Keenes (sp)-I went on line and they look cute...are they really comfy...? the Teva mushies are really cute but how much do they differ from flip flops? Do they provide real support to walk the parks-omg-I sound like my mother...:eek:


I've never done one before but I'm feeling inspired to start a pre trippie and then do a trip report-we are leaving in six weeks...:scared1:...I just realized...if I'm going to do one I should bite that bullet soon...:rolleyes:

Thanks for the inspiration...:thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

YAY for going on a cruise!! You guys are going to have the best time ever Brook!! I can't wait to hear your perspective on the cruise!!!

Oh I keep seeing those Teva Mush Flip flops and I keep thinking I need to get a pair for the fall...so I might just cave although I'm considering another pair of tennis shoes (Asics) so we'll have to see!!!

Congrats on the $100 gift cards though that is amazing!

Thanks Jen! We are very excited about the cruise. Joe keeps telling Henry about it. :cutie:

Congrats on your gift cards! Getting new shoes is fantastic, but getting FREE new shoes - now it just doesn't get much better than that! :thumbsup2

AND, you get to go on a cruise :woohoo: A Disney cruise is on my list of things to do, but I promised DH that if we went to WDW in December that I wouldn't mention another Disney trip of any kind for awhile, so that is a dream that is going to have to stay on the back burner for now. BUT, I can live vicariously through you! :cool1:

I agree! FREE shoes are the best! And I still have about $20 left on that gift card...so I might get another pair almost free. :yay:

How long is "awhile"? Couple months? :rotfl:


I am so excited for you about the Podcast Cruise!! :banana: That will be so much fun for you! Yayayayaya! :dance3:

I am so glad you love the mushies. I have tried to find themin 12's all over the place but I can't. The 11's are just too small and the Men's mushies feel way different on my feet than the woman's. Curse my big feet! :headache: On a side note, Shoebuy is like my favorite shoe website! It is has the best customer service and super fast shipping!

That STINKS about there not being 12's! Just silly. :sad2: My cousin wears a size 12 and her feet went up to a 13 while pregnant, it was the dead of winter and she literally had to wear flip flops!

My sister in law has Mushies.. wears them all the time!

Huge congrats on the Cruise. We did the 3 day Disney cruise for our honeymoon it was a fun time!

We looked into doing a cruise for our honeymoon as well, but we were B-R-O-K-E at the time, plus we were looking at crazy cruises we STILL wouldn't be able to afford! I'm so glad we went to Disney though, it started the love/obsession! :laughing:

WOWZERS!!!! You're one busy girl! Surprise after surprise (and trip after trip:lmao:) on this PTR!! A cruise... how awesome is that! And how fun to plan something totally new! Exciting stuff!

And I have to commend you in your choice of shoes. I :love: Teva Mush sandals. A whole lot of love for them! Never wore flip flops before I tried them and I brought them along last year on our trip along with my Chacos. The Mush never left my feet! So comfy during all those miles of walking. I've made converts of my whole family and a bunch of friends and their kids! I think all the women and girls going on our August trip have at least one pair!

I know! We have gone a bit crazy lately with vacation planning, but really-this is about IT for trips through 2010. We might do something smaller in 2010, but as for now, this is it. Maybe we'll do that Black Hills trip...:idea:

ANOTHER rave review of the Mushies!! :thumbsup2

Congrats BE! I'm so exicted for you guys! Can't to hear all about your many adventures on the open seas!

Thanks GB! I'm really looking forward to it. It seems so far away-to think that Henry will be THREE by that time blows my mind.

Brook! You never cease to make me laugh or lighten my day!!!

I LOVE your mushies!! I've never heard of these! I have to check them out now! They look very similar to my favorite 2 pairs of flip flops! they're tidewaters! I have one with a flip flop print and one with a pink pirates prints! I wore both at WDW in march and me feet were fine!

I'm freakin jealous of the cruise!!! Can I come?! I so want to do a Disney cruise and DH just isn't down with the idea of a cruise of any kind! He gets sea sick! Strange that he's a sailor I know but a small sailboat doesn't make the crazy man sick! The closest I'm ever going to get to a cruise is a few years ago when my cousin got married on the Norwegian Dawn before it left the dock in NYC! I was hoping the beautiful ship might change DH's mind but it didn't! Poop!

Enjoy planning!!!

I was away this weekend...You have a new PTR I see...:yay:

I've never heard of Tidewaters, I'll have to check those out!

I've heard that people that get seasick usually DON'T on cruises because you can barely tell you are moving due to the size of the boat. There are quite a few threads on it over on the Curise Boards... but you said he DOESN'T get sick on a small boat, but only on big ones?? :headache: Maybe you could sneak away on a solo cruise?? The Podcast cruise is deeply discounted. :rolleyes1 (and there are threads about having a roomie for the solo travellers to save money! :rolleyes1) ;)

[brookelizabeth]

I have the Mushies, or I had the Mushies....I have one Mushie actually. I lost one of the pair when we switched bedrooms in early spring. I'm hoping it shows up before my October trip because I really don't care for the Speedo flip flops I got to replace them.

Oh I hope you find it too! That stinks!

Congrats on winning for good deeds! And what great ways t spend the winnings!

You will loooove the cruise! I have been on two Disney cruises, and they are so very magical; it will spoil you for any other cruise line!

You need to start researching door magnets and fish extender gifts on their boards. Both are so much fun!

I'm SO excited about the door magnets and the fish extenders! I had to explain the fish extender to Joe the other day and he doesn't fully get it, but I think he'll love it once he realizes. I know there are already huge threads on the Podcast Cruise Board about them both!

A Disney cruise?! OK, that is so not fair! :snooty:

:rotfl2: :hug:

Wow a cruise too! :worship:

YEP!! :dance3: So excited! It's a bit unreal!

Woo hoo for the cruise!!! That is super awesome!!!

I have been looking at the Mushies, too -- I just don't know if I can switch to them for park touring...

I don't know how I'll do in flip flops for park touring either...both my Crocs and my Keens have backs. But, I figure it's worth a shot with all the rave reviews, and if anything I can use them and quick slip on/off bumming around the resort/pool shoes.

You just keep adding and adding to this PTR. How exciting! I am going to have to try out those flip flops!

It's hard to believe all this has happened so quickly!

Goodness!!! :eek:

I was just thinking, "Wow, great flip-flop find", and then I was like "Wow-ee!! A Cruise!!!"

That was a real bombshell!!! Congrats!!! :thumbsup2


Kathy

:rotfl: Thanks Kathy! It's very exciting - and kinda strange to have a year and a half of vacations already planned!

You are funny. I thought I was just going to read an update about cute new shoes and then I read that you are going on a CRUISE! Very fun!

He he! :goodvibes

Ooh, those Mushies look comfy! Congrats on the cruise - it sounds great!! :banana:

So far they are really great. They even have arch support and the bottom molds to your foot.

Hi Brook! I finally finished your last TR and I'm almost caught up on this PTR. Love the pattern you chose on your mushies. I'm going to have to try them on, because I agree, a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes!! :)

Thank you for reading all these reports! :goodvibes They have quite a few fun patterns for the Mushies, I thought this one was a tad funky. I might end up with another pair too...we'll see how I blow the remaining money on the gift card!

[brookelizabeth]

Congrats on the gift cards and the cruise!!!! You are one lucky lady.

:goodvibes Thank you! I am blessed with a wonderful job and a great (Disney obsessed) husband! :laughing:

Wowwie!!! I so want to do a cruise, especially a disney one! Enjoy!

I am looking up Mushies right now... I need something that I can fit these swollen pregnant feet into!

I think the Mushies would be PERFECT for pregnant feet! I wore cheap crappy flip flops, but they had a great foam bottom, almost my entire pregnancy and they were JUST what I needed. The Mushies are very comfy and would help you through the hot summer months!

I've been eyeing the podcast cruise too :rolleyes1

And I just ordered some mushies! :thumbsup2

Happy 4th of July, Brook!!

Ooooh, ooooh! COME ON THE CRUISE!! Have you checked out the boards for the 2.0 cruise?

And YAY for the Mushies! Let me know how you like them!

Thank you for the holiday wishes-we were out of town all weekend, spur of the moment camping trip/family party. We had a GREAT time. I'll share pictures at some point. I still have to finish up that Wisconsin Dells TR too...:rolleyes1 I hope your holiday was a good one!

You must be livin' right, girl! :cool1:

:rotfl2: I try to! :goodvibes

Wow Brook-an added trip in the fall & now a cruise!!! Do you have room in a suitcase??? That is great!! Will keep us entertained with all the TR's!! My DH has no desire for a cruise and he was in the Coast Guard :confused3. My sister on the other hand is addicted to cruises like I am to Disney. Great Mushies. I had never heard of them either but they look very comfy!!:thumbsup2

Our suitcase is HUGE, so we just might have room. ;)

My cousins are addicted to cruises too, they belong to a cruise program to get major discounts. Every time they share pictures I get jealous...and now, I can finally join them! :woohoo: (well, in 15 months I can join them :rolleyes:)

I am so jealous of the cruise. I REALLY want to do one, but DH thinks that one of us will fall off or something..so we have to keep working on him. We have cruised before (not Disney) just not with a child.

I actually just read a thread the other day about someone asking this VERY question. Disney has NEVER had anyone ever fall off board. Even from the staterooms with verandas. Everything is high enough that it would be very difficult to accidently fall off. Not sure if that would reassure him...but, I'm trying! :goodvibes

Great news about the cruise!!!

Lucky you!

Thank you! I'm really excited about it!

[brookelizabeth]

I am amazed that Joe might actually be interested in joining us on the Ultimate Touring Plan! :goodvibes I am sure we will be able to work something out until 2011, we still have a bit of time to plan that! :lmao:

Shoes look wonderful! :thumbsup2 I just ordered myself a pair of those Teva Mushs, too, but I chose the blue ones:

http://images.stylight.de/static/res200/s0006/6778.1.jpg

I really had a hard time deciding on a style, but since the summer shoes season is coming towards its end, the availability rather decided for me...

And booking the podcast cruise sounds great!! You really have a lot of exciting things to look forward to! :thumbsup2

I was a bit amazed at Joe wanting to join us too!! I think it would be just a blast to do.

I really like those blue ones! I debated on those, I like the flowers. I do have about $20 left on the card, so we'll see....:goodvibes

Wow Brook-catching up on your pretrippie- lots of exciting stuff between the 2 Dis trips and the cruise-Henry is going to be quite the traveler before he even gets out out of preschool (or in...:goodvibes)...

We want to do a Dis Cruise too...sound like so much fun-have never cruised before but would trust Disney to do a really great one...:woohoo:...lucky you...:hug:...wish those dates could work for us...:confused3 I'm a little confused by the dates...Dec 12-16-that seems like a 4night, 5day but the link lists it as 3nights? Is is 3 nights or 4 of Disney cruising goodness?

Interested in this whole shoe conversation-I wear Clarks as my comfy shoes but usually a 2 inch heel-and I think I need a flatter really comfy shoe-but I don't want to do a traditional athletic sneaker cause I don't normally wear them except for excercise-they feel too I don't know heavy or bulky to me for walking the parks...plus they remind me of the treadmill and weight lifting...(i want a little escape from that when I vaca...:rotfl:) so tell me

about your Keenes (sp)-I went on line and they look cute...are they really comfy...? the Teva mushies are really cute but how much do they differ from flip flops? Do they provide real support to walk the parks-omg-I sound like my mother...:eek:


I've never done one before but I'm feeling inspired to start a pre trippie and then do a trip report-we are leaving in six weeks...:scared1:...I just realized...if I'm going to do one I should bite that bullet soon...:rolleyes:

Thanks for the inspiration...:thumbsup2

I didn't notice a link that said 3 nights...I am pretty certain it's 4. Maybe a typo...? I'll have to look into that!

That is funny about the tennis shoes reminding you of working out! :laughing: I think I would feel the same way (even though, I don't work out!), and my feet would just get too hot, but it seems to work really well for a lot of people-my DH included!

My Keens are GREAT. We did veryyyy heavy touring for 10 days in Israel and they held up the entire time and I don't recall my feet ever aching. The inside is so soft, it's like a pillow, but INCREDIBLY supportive. I have nothing negative to say about them. And they are waterproof-which comes in handy! The Mushies are comfy - they don't differ a ton from regular flip flops, but they do have more support and the bottom forms to your foot after wearing them for a bit. I don't know if I could wear those day in and day out at the parks, but I know I could with my Keens.

If you do a PTR please post your link here! 6 weeks!! :woohoo:

[SoonerGirl]

How long is "awhile"? Couple months? :rotfl:

In my mind, or in his? :rolleyes1 :lmao:

Actually, I've already got another trip planned in my head - I'm hoping to talk my mom into going with me next May for the Flower & Garden Festival. She's never been to WDW, and I know she would love the F&G. I'm pretty sure DH would be okay with it as long as he doesn't have to go.....

[blessedby3]

I am getting greener and greener with each of your updates!!! A cruise:lovestruc
I would love to have just ONE ticker at this point! You are a blessed lady:)
My 14 yr old son just asked yesterday when we were going back to Disney. Sadly I had to tell him Im not sure:sad1:
Things are just harder as the kids get older. Enjoy these frequent trips anytime during the year. Once Henry gets in school it will be harder:hug:

Oh, and I love my Teva Mushies too!

[jenseib]

What are Keenes like? I can't do croc or flipflops, they both kill my feet, and I can't stand anything between my toes. I usually do tennis shoes. I have such horrid feet and it's har to find anything to fit, let alone be comfy.

[Flossbolna]

What are Keenes like? I can't do croc or flipflops, they both kill my feet, and I can't stand anything between my toes. I usually do tennis shoes. I have such horrid feet and it's har to find anything to fit, let alone be comfy.

I'd be interested in getting to know more about the keens. I googled them yesterday and there seem to be a lot of different types. Which do you have?

I have some Teva Pretty Rugged sandals and those are great for park touring as well. :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

In my mind, or in his? :rolleyes1 :lmao:

Actually, I've already got another trip planned in my head - I'm hoping to talk my mom into going with me next May for the Flower & Garden Festival. She's never been to WDW, and I know she would love the F&G. I'm pretty sure DH would be okay with it as long as he doesn't have to go.....

:rotfl:

A F&G trip sounds wonderful! Epcot is so beautiful during that time. Joe and I hope to go during this time too some year - he acutally priced a surprise trip for me for my birthday during it this year, but it was just not going to work with the budget.

That is so nice that your DH doesn't mind you going at least! :thumbsup2

I am getting greener and greener with each of your updates!!! A cruise:lovestruc
I would love to have just ONE ticker at this point! You are a blessed lady:)
My 14 yr old son just asked yesterday when we were going back to Disney. Sadly I had to tell him Im not sure:sad1:
Things are just harder as the kids get older. Enjoy these frequent trips anytime during the year. Once Henry gets in school it will be harder:hug:

Oh, and I love my Teva Mushies too!

I truly am very blessed that we are able to swing these trips. And having a DH who is just as eager to go as me! ;)

I understand about how much more difficult it is to go when the kids are older-we keep talking about taking advantage as much as we can while Henry is young and FREE!

And love hearing that about the Mushies! :thumbsup2

What are Keenes like? I can't do croc or flipflops, they both kill my feet, and I can't stand anything between my toes. I usually do tennis shoes. I have such horrid feet and it's har to find anything to fit, let alone be comfy.

My Keens are very similar to this pair:
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss09/shoes/women/trailhead/newport

You can see Joe's pretty good in this picture:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/560997099_Fyq8C-L.jpg

They are sold at outdoors type stores-and are considered "walking sandals". They have really great support, and are VERY comfortable. There is nothing between the toes (they might have styles that do, but ours don't), and are almost like a sneaker in style-the toes are completely covered and there is a thick back strap.


I'd be interested in getting to know more about the keens. I googled them yesterday and there seem to be a lot of different types. Which do you have?

I have some Teva Pretty Rugged sandals and those are great for park touring as well. :thumbsup2

Mine look like the Newport ones above, but are a few years old-so I think the style has slightly changed.

I didn't realize they had so many styles! I like those Rotan ones...hmmm...:) I've seen those Teva Pretty Rugged shoes around quite a bit-they look like they would be really great! I might have to look into those for the future too.

[brookelizabeth]

As you know, we have elected to purchase the QSDP on this trip. That includes TWO snacks a day.

In my mind I'd like to say we will use one snack credit for breakfast each morning. A bagel. A pastry. Something nummy. Save on the money.

HOWEVER, knowing me, the plates-o-eggs and potatoes will be calling my name each morning from the Pepper Market, "Brook, ooooh, Brook! Come and eat the breakfast goodness that awaits you!"

Have I mentioned I can't wait for our breakfast ADR at CP? Breakfast Buffet. Drool.

Alright, back to the point of this post.

Snacks.

Nosh.

Nummies.

I have budgeted to purchase my breakfast each morning OOP. If I for some reason find myself just wanting a quick muffin, so be it-snack credit. However, I want the bucks there should I hear the breakfast platters. While also frees up the snack credits! :thumbsup2

I've tried quite a few different snacks through the past trips, but with two snacks a day-it's time to branch out and hunt out some new options! And this my friends, makes me very, very excited!

DONE:
* Dole Whip
* Mickey Ice Cream Bar
* Mickey Rice Krispy Bar
* Itzakadoozy!
* Main Street Bakery Ice Cream Sandwich
* Goofy's Pretzel Rods
* Cappuccino Float
* Sweet Pretzel
* Frozen Lemonade

WANT TO TRY AT SOME POINT:
* Gealto
* Churro
* Goofy's Gingerbread Man
* Hot Preztel (Germany)
* A soda float (root beer or Diet Coke)
* Hot Fudge Sundae
* Vanilla Shake
* Fruit Smoothie
* Crepe (France)
* Kaki Gori (Japan)
* Popcorn (everyone raves about WDW popcorn, I've never had it!)
* Lemonade Slushi
* Strawberry Shortcake (Sunshine Seasons)
* Worms and Dirt (Sunshine Seasons)

The problem with this, many of my DONE list is also on my HOPE TO list for this trip.

HOPE TO IN SEPTEMBER:
* Dole Whip: Tried the float, it was devine! I want to try just the ice cream this time around. If we happen to eat a meal at Cap'n Cooks for some reason this WILL be my dessert!
* Mickey Ice Cream Bar
* Mickey Rice Krispy Bar
* Itzakadoozy!
* Main Street Bakery Ice Cream Sandwich: Almost bigger than my head!
* Sweet Pretzel: Ideally while watching Illuminations. :cloud9:
* Gealto: I believe they serve this at CSR, it would be lovely if it qualified as dessert with a meal
* Germany pretzel
* Kaki Gori
* Giant Lollipop: For H - It will take him forever to finish it (or at least until Mommy hides it...;)), I think he'd be THRILLED!
* Mickey cookie: Again, for H. He'll flip!


We'll see how many I get to...and if I can resist the consistent lure of the Itzakadoozy. ;)

Is it bizzare to have a list for snacks?? :rotfl2:

[brookelizabeth]

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July holiday! Joe, Henry and I made a bit of a spur of the moment trip. We went CAMPING! :lmao: If you recall, we cancelled our camping trip to Mount Rushmore and added the September trip. One day at work he commented to me about how he still wanted to go camping...so we literally picked a random spot on the Minnesota map about 2 hours from our home, found a campground and went for it! We camped Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning we left...much to the surprise of other campers...who leaves on the 4th of July???

Well, we had a family party to attend-which is always a great time and this year did not disappoint! I feel like over the past couple years America has been changing a bit - getting a bit more of a grasp on what truly matters, other people, family and friends, rather than things. The holiday just seemed to have a bit more meaning, with the war still going on, the uncertainity of our economy...it was certainly a time of a bit of reflecting for Joe and I and our family.

I'll try to share some pictures at some point. I know I still have the rest of the Wisconsin Dells TR to do and sharing a bit more about my birthday getaway weekend. Someday I'll catch up. ;)

We had a really wonderful time camping and spending the time with our family. I hope you all had a GREAT HOLIDAY! (and for my overseas friends, I hope you had a great day too! :goodvibes)



And I also wanted to comment on the tragedy that occurred at Disney World with the monorail crash. Both Joe and I were horrified. Our prayers instantly went out to the families involved and for those of the deceased CM. I was happy to read that the monorail is back and running; however, I know when I ride it in September, my thoughts will wander to the CM and his family for a few quiet moments.

It is such a shocking thing to happen in what most all of us consider our "happy place". :sad1:

[Charleston Princess]

All of your snacks look very yummy!!! What could be better than snacking your way around the World? :cloud9:

And no, I don't think it is bizarre at all to have a list of snacks -- well, not for the people that frequent the DIS anyway. :rolleyes1

[jenjolt]

OOOH what a snack list Brook!!! Hmmmm...makes me want to eat Disney food right now!!

So I'm so with you on just trying the Dole whip this time...no Dole float that was way too much for me...but I think the ice cream would be just a nice touch!!!

H with a huge lollipop that sounds like so much fun!!! He will have a blast with it!!!

Glad you had a great time on your camping trip!!! I get what you are saying about family!! I have a couple more trips planned this summer to go visit family and just have time with them!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

[DreaGirl]

Glad you had a great 4th and enjoyed time with your family. I agree about the monorail ride, I think all of us will pause for Austin.

As for the snacks...heck no that isn't weird! I love me some Disney food and snacks. :laughing:

The Kaki Gori is :cloud9: I can't wait to get that again. :)

[Lady Lallie]

Umm....I do not see the delicious Cream Cheese Pretzel from the Launching Pad at MK! :scared1:

[mickeysmyboy]

Yummy, yummy and more yummy!! That list made me super hungry!! Breakfast at CP is sooo yummy!

Glad you guys had a good 4th and camping trip! Your so right about people re-examining things and getting back down to basics and what really matters! We went to visit friends from college for the weekend and had a fabulous time! I'll post about that in my ptr!

That monorail crash is crazy! I feel so bad for the drivers family! He was so young! And the other driver must be a wreak! DH read this morning in the paper that the train is supposed to automatically stop if it gets within 300 feet of another train. :confused3 strange. But, like I read, accidents happen anytime in any kind of vehicle and disney has an impeccable record. Just tragic though!

[Lovemy3babes]

Brook, I've been in a sandal debate for a month now. Are the Mushies soft and comfy? Are they sort of squishy? I love squishy, soft, comfy sandals. I haven't heard of these but have heard lots about Reefs. Have you ever tried those or compared these two? Ok, two last sandal questions. Where might be the best place to get these for a decent price? And how do they run size wise? Big? Small? Just right? Thanks my dear! :)

Love the snack list! A dole whip float is my dream snack.

[mrsksomeday]

Hi, I just wanted to say that this PTR is fantastic! I just read all of it and it looks like you will have a great time. Henry is adorable, your plans look wonderful. Congrats on the cruise!

[KathyRN137]

All of your snacks look very yummy!!! What could be better than snacking your way around the World? :cloud9:

And no, I don't think it is bizarre at all to have a list of snacks -- well, not for the people that frequent the DIS anyway. :rolleyes1



I couldn't have said it better!! :thumbsup2

Can't wait for the picture of Henry and the giant lollipop!!


Kathy

[TravelBug86]

Okay, no laughing at me but what exactly is an Itzakadoozy? :confused3 Is that a joke/ code name or a real food? Whatever it is it sounds sinful!!
I'm glad you had a great 4th of July with family, and camping how fun! I used to love it when I was little, I don't think I could handle it now :rotfl: I hope Henry gets one of those giant cookies again :banana:

[tiggrbaby]

Okay, no laughing at me but what exactly is an Itzakadoozy? :confused3 Is that a joke/ code name or a real food? Whatever it is it sounds sinful!!
I'm glad you had a great 4th of July with family, and camping how fun! I used to love it when I was little, I don't think I could handle it now :rotfl: I hope Henry gets one of those giant cookies again :banana:

http://www.yumiicecream.com/images/products/item05.jpg

[TravelBug86]

Oohhhh yea, I've seen those all over WDW. Never knew the name of it 'til now! Huh, who would've guessed? :confused3

[SoonerGirl]

Are the Mushies soft and comfy? Are they sort of squishy? I love squishy, soft, comfy sandals. I haven't heard of these but have heard lots about Reefs.

I've never tried the Mushies, but I do have some Reef flip flops and I LOVE THEM!!! They are so comfortable (kinda squishy), I wore them last summer touring the DL parks and had no problems what-so-ever. Usually if I walk in flip flops all day my feet really hurt at the end of the day, but that didn't happen with my Reefs :thumbsup2

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

A CRUISE??? OMG! :rotfl2: and :worship: I say go for it!! My husband and I have cruised several times and my DS is starting to seem interested in this...it might be in our future down the road. I'll enjoy reading your thoughts and comments especially what Henry liked and didn't like.

Funny the talk is about shoes and sandals. I actually broke down not too long ago and bought my first pair of Keens for myself and DS. DH thinks he'll do fine with his tennis shoes so we'll see! :) I only wish my son's feet would stop growing long enough to wear something for more than one season! :rotfl2: I ordered up a size so hopefully they'll last him through Disney in Sept. I ended up ordering the Ormond Slide since I have fairly skinny heels and nothing stays on them. So far, I really like them however the black has turned some of my toe nails black - will this wash away eventually in the shoes? I can't have busted looking toenails from my shoes! HA HA :rotfl: I guess it's better than blisters and sore feet and I just worry about the heat and wearing my tennis shoes/socks all week.

Your snack list is making me hungry!!! YUMMY!!! No, you are not crazy! I've written down a few things to try this time including the Tinkerbell sour slushies and the spicy cheese pretzels. There are plenty others but I don't have my list with me!!

Heather

[princess&her4princes]

Hi Brook!
Sorry to have missed so many updates....I was away last week and came home to MANY DIS emails, trying to play catch up now!!:)

WOW...a CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!!! You go girl, I'm so excited for you guys!!!:cool1: And for me too..cause that means more Brook PTR/TR for me!! lol :cloud9:

I'm off to check out KEEN for my upcoming September trip.....you may have sold me on them...what color do you have?

Looking forward to hearing more and btw, LOVED the snack list!!!:goodvibes

[brookelizabeth]

All of your snacks look very yummy!!! What could be better than snacking your way around the World? :cloud9:

And no, I don't think it is bizarre at all to have a list of snacks -- well, not for the people that frequent the DIS anyway. :rolleyes1

I agree! I so look forward to the snacking! I kinda figured I wouldn't be alone in making a snack list, but Joe sure looked at me funny. :rotfl2:

Then he read it. And I think I heard his stomach growl. ;)


OOOH what a snack list Brook!!! Hmmmm...makes me want to eat Disney food right now!!

So I'm so with you on just trying the Dole whip this time...no Dole float that was way too much for me...but I think the ice cream would be just a nice touch!!!

H with a huge lollipop that sounds like so much fun!!! He will have a blast with it!!!

Glad you had a great time on your camping trip!!! I get what you are saying about family!! I have a couple more trips planned this summer to go visit family and just have time with them!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

I know it! It's hard to look over the list without dreaming, isn't it? Yummmm!

I enjoyed the Dole Whip Float, but I remember being ready for a big bottle of water after! It was so sweet! They sell just the ice cream at our State Fair too, even from a Dole stand, but I just can't try it there-gotta have the TRUE one!

The huge lollipop will be a huge sticky mess, but will make for a very happy little boy-so it'll be worth it!

Enjoy your trips this summer!!

Glad you had a great 4th and enjoyed time with your family. I agree about the monorail ride, I think all of us will pause for Austin.

As for the snacks...heck no that isn't weird! I love me some Disney food and snacks. :laughing:

The Kaki Gori is :cloud9: I can't wait to get that again. :)

I tried to hunt out the Kaki Gori on a previous trip, but for some reason couldn't find it. I think it was in the midst of the F&WF's last weekend, so the park was NUTSY busy and I was just exhausted, so I gave up. But, it's very high on the list for September!

Umm....I do not see the delicious Cream Cheese Pretzel from the Launching Pad at MK! :scared1:

:rotfl2: I'm a bit iffy with cheese stuffed pretzels; however, this is CREAM cheese, so I just may like it. I cannot recall, did it come with a dipping sauce too?

I know a pal from the AKL thread I frequent is a DIE HARD for this exact pretzel. She zones in on it and everything around her kinda fades as she purchases it and takes her first bite. :laughing:

I think I'll convince Joe to get it so I can have a bite to make sure I like it! Hee hee.

Yummy, yummy and more yummy!! That list made me super hungry!! Breakfast at CP is sooo yummy!

Glad you guys had a good 4th and camping trip! Your so right about people re-examining things and getting back down to basics and what really matters! We went to visit friends from college for the weekend and had a fabulous time! I'll post about that in my ptr!

That monorail crash is crazy! I feel so bad for the drivers family! He was so young! And the other driver must be a wreak! DH read this morning in the paper that the train is supposed to automatically stop if it gets within 300 feet of another train. :confused3 strange. But, like I read, accidents happen anytime in any kind of vehicle and disney has an impeccable record. Just tragic though!

I'm VERY excited about our CP breakfast! The food always gets great reviews, and Henry will enjoy the characters-especially Tigger. He usually bounces a bit when he sees Tigger, so I hope he does in September!

I loved your 4th of July report. I'll eventually get around to mine too! :rolleyes:

Brook, I've been in a sandal debate for a month now. Are the Mushies soft and comfy? Are they sort of squishy? I love squishy, soft, comfy sandals. I haven't heard of these but have heard lots about Reefs. Have you ever tried those or compared these two? Ok, two last sandal questions. Where might be the best place to get these for a decent price? And how do they run size wise? Big? Small? Just right? Thanks my dear! :)

Love the snack list! A dole whip float is my dream snack.

The Mushies are soft and comfy. I would consider them more squishy, than kinda squishy. If that makes sense! :rotfl2: They are squishy and soft enough that after a few wears they start to form to your feet. I don't know where the best place is to get a decent prices, but places like shoebuy.com and zappos.com allow free returns-which is a huge bonus in case you do not like them! :thumbsup2

I wear a size 8.5 normally and I chose a size 9 (doesn't come in half sizes), and mine fit perfectly. So I think they pretty much run right on since they don't do half sizes.

Hope that helps!

Hi, I just wanted to say that this PTR is fantastic! I just read all of it and it looks like you will have a great time. Henry is adorable, your plans look wonderful. Congrats on the cruise!

Hi there! Welcome and thank you for reading!!!!

I couldn't have said it better!! :thumbsup2

Can't wait for the picture of Henry and the giant lollipop!!


Kathy

It will be interesting to see how messy he gets and what random objects will become stuck to his face, chest and hands due to the stickiness. :rotfl:

Okay, no laughing at me but what exactly is an Itzakadoozy? :confused3 Is that a joke/ code name or a real food? Whatever it is it sounds sinful!!
I'm glad you had a great 4th of July with family, and camping how fun! I used to love it when I was little, I don't think I could handle it now :rotfl: I hope Henry gets one of those giant cookies again :banana:

Itzakadoozie---a three flavored Popsicle. They are perfect for small children.

And me!

:lmao:

Our camping comes with a blow up air mattress, otherwise, nooooooooo way man!

I hope Henry gets a giant cookie too...hee hee! :rolleyes1

[brookelizabeth]

http://www.yumiicecream.com/images/products/item05.jpg

Hello my pretty.

Oohhhh yea, I've seen those all over WDW. Never knew the name of it 'til now! Huh, who would've guessed? :confused3

Most people go for the Mickey ice creams. I've always been a bit off the beaten path...

I've never tried the Mushies, but I do have some Reef flip flops and I LOVE THEM!!! They are so comfortable (kinda squishy), I wore them last summer touring the DL parks and had no problems what-so-ever. Usually if I walk in flip flops all day my feet really hurt at the end of the day, but that didn't happen with my Reefs :thumbsup2

Thanks for filling in about the Reefs! I really want to try these too...

A CRUISE??? OMG! :rotfl2: and :worship: I say go for it!! My husband and I have cruised several times and my DS is starting to seem interested in this...it might be in our future down the road. I'll enjoy reading your thoughts and comments especially what Henry liked and didn't like.

Funny the talk is about shoes and sandals. I actually broke down not too long ago and bought my first pair of Keens for myself and DS. DH thinks he'll do fine with his tennis shoes so we'll see! :) I only wish my son's feet would stop growing long enough to wear something for more than one season! :rotfl2: I ordered up a size so hopefully they'll last him through Disney in Sept. I ended up ordering the Ormond Slide since I have fairly skinny heels and nothing stays on them. So far, I really like them however the black has turned some of my toe nails black - will this wash away eventually in the shoes? I can't have busted looking toenails from my shoes! HA HA :rotfl: I guess it's better than blisters and sore feet and I just worry about the heat and wearing my tennis shoes/socks all week.

Your snack list is making me hungry!!! YUMMY!!! No, you are not crazy! I've written down a few things to try this time including the Tinkerbell sour slushies and the spicy cheese pretzels. There are plenty others but I don't have my list with me!!

Heather

:yay: A cruise! I read tidbits about it everyday and it just makes me more and more excited. I hope we like it! Though, I don't know too many people that don't.

I hope you like your Keens! Henry has a pair that look like Keens, but are the Airwalk brand...DMIL picked them up for us-so we might truly That Family with the matching shoes and shirts in Disney World. :laughing:

My Keens haven't ever turned my toe nails black...or if they did, it stopped at some point and I don't remember! :rolleyes:

I love reading about what other people choose for their snacks and meals. I get stuck in ruts. I've seen people rave of the Tinkerbell Sour Slushies!

Hi Brook!
Sorry to have missed so many updates....I was away last week and came home to MANY DIS emails, trying to play catch up now!!:)

WOW...a CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!!! You go girl, I'm so excited for you guys!!!:cool1: And for me too..cause that means more Brook PTR/TR for me!! lol :cloud9:

I'm off to check out KEEN for my upcoming September trip.....you may have sold me on them...what color do you have?

Looking forward to hearing more and btw, LOVED the snack list!!!:goodvibes

I know how it is to play catch up, I feel like I always am, so no worries! :goodvibes

I have a pair of green Keens. When I purchased them I wanted either black or blue, but they only had green in my size. Now I'm really glad I have the green, just because they are a bit different. It's a darker green too, so you can make it work with a variety of things. :thumbsup2 Joe's are black, and Henry's knock off Keens are brown.

[Lovemy3babes]

I've never tried the Mushies, but I do have some Reef flip flops and I LOVE THEM!!! They are so comfortable (kinda squishy), I wore them last summer touring the DL parks and had no problems what-so-ever. Usually if I walk in flip flops all day my feet really hurt at the end of the day, but that didn't happen with my Reefs :thumbsup2

Thank you! I love the Reef Sandy style. I think I'm going to pick up a pair this weekend if the budget allows. :goodvibes

The Mushies are soft and comfy. I would consider them more squishy, than kinda squishy. If that makes sense! :rotfl2: They are squishy and soft enough that after a few wears they start to form to your feet. I don't know where the best place is to get a decent prices, but places like shoebuy.com and zappos.com allow free returns-which is a huge bonus in case you do not like them! :thumbsup2

I wear a size 8.5 normally and I chose a size 9 (doesn't come in half sizes), and mine fit perfectly. So I think they pretty much run right on since they don't do half sizes.

Hope that helps!

Yes, that helped! In fact, last night I made a purchase. I got these on sale at Scheel's for $20! :thumbsup2
http://i.ebayimg.com/13/!BUJyh!g!Wk~$(KGrHgoH-DEEjlLl1RtcBKMDqGe7(g~~_1.JPG

[MeMom]

What about schoolbread from Norway? Have you had that? I think that's a good snack, albeit very big and very sweet.

I hope everyone one finds the perfect shoes to fit their needs. Comfort in walking is a vital part in making a trip pleasant. I'm trying to decide whether or not to get new tennis shoes or just go with what I have, but time is running out.

Is it my imagination, or have we not seen a picture of Henry in the last few days? Even if he's not in Disney World, we still need to keep up with our boy!

[princess&her4princes]

What about schoolbread from Norway? Have you had that? I think that's a good snack, albeit very big and very sweet.

I hope everyone one finds the perfect shoes to fit their needs. Comfort in walking is a vital part in making a trip pleasant. I'm trying to decide whether or not to get new tennis shoes or just go with what I have, but time is running out.

Is it my imagination, or have we not seen a picture of Henry in the last few days? Even if he's not in Disney World, we still need to keep up with our boy!

I was thinking the same thing MeMom! I miss seeing Henry too!!!:goodvibes

[PopArtGal]

Thought I'd comment on the snacks.

But keep in mind it's my personal opinion! hehe


DONE:
* Dole Whip- I don't like pineapple. Sorry, so I won't eat one, ever. Well I think. Only idiots don't change theirs minds, right?
* Mickey Ice Cream Bar -Yummy! Thinking about it, it's been a while.
* Mickey Rice Krispy Bar-It's ok. Not enough marshmallows in my opinion. Kinda dry.
* Itzakadoozy!-I can get these kind of pops here, so I'd rather keep room for something else hehe
* Main Street Bakery Ice Cream Sandwich - Never had any. On my to eat list.
* Goofy's Pretzel Rods- On my to eat list.
* Cappuccino Float -Where can we get those?? I've had the frozen lattes with whipped cream at the bakery though. HEAVEN! I must get at least 1 each trip. :cloud9:
* Sweet Pretzel -Sweet pretzel?
* Frozen Lemonade
-My stomach doesn't really love lemonade. Though it doesn't bother it that much if I have a frozen raspberries lemonade at DHS.
WANT TO TRY AT SOME POINT:
* Gealto- Gealto? I've tried the Gelato in Italy. It tasted like ice cream. I've had real gelato before and it's nothing compared to it (wdw is not real one):)
* Churro - Dunno. They don't call to me.
* Goofy's Gingerbread Man-:lovestruc The best I ever had!
* Hot Preztel (Germany)- Never ate anything in Germany.
* A soda float (root beer or Diet Coke)- Nothing special. So I'd rather eat something else.
* Hot Fudge Sundae- At Ghirardellis they are :goodvibes
* Vanilla Shake- I'd rather eat the cookies and cream shake at Sci-fi or a chocolate shake at Ghirardelli's
* Fruit Smoothie- Dunno if they are real smoothies, or sirop?
* Crepe (France)- Yuck! I'd had better. They tasted like they poured Nestley quick on it. (At the counter/cart outside the pavilion)
* Kaki Gori (Japan)- :confused:
* Popcorn (everyone raves about WDW popcorn, I've never had it!)- It's alright. It's Orville. But it seems to taste better at WDW
* Lemonade Slushi- Where? Though dunno if my stomach would enjoy it.
* Strawberry Shortcake (Sunshine Seasons)- Never had it. Maybe
* Worms and Dirt (Sunshine Seasons)- Never had it. Chocolate cake and candy worms??


Hope it can help in some way.