Seeing The World for the 1st Time (again)-1st time PTR w/pics INPUT WELCOME

[stahshee]

how do I add my ptr to my sig??

I really like reading you ptr its very good!

 

[Leonsmom]

ADR’s a.k.a Automatic Dieter’s Remorse​

203 days till Leon meets the mouse and 23 days till I need to know for sure where we want to dine.

As I’ve mentioned previously, Ron and I have never done ADR’s before, we have however managed to eat at a TS restaurant in Disney. When we went to WDW way back in 2001, we knew nothing of ADR’s or even about the various restaurant offerings within Disney, and Character Dining was not even part of our vocabulary yet. While at MGM we happened onto the Sci-fi Dine-in, right about lunch time and the fact that Ron is a huge Sci-fi geek was enough for us to go check it out. We walked in and got a seat right away, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I loved the Cars!
At home eating out for us usually means Taco Bell or if I am really lucky The Outback. In my previous post I said we were indifferent, this isn’t all together true. Ron is somewhat indifferent because he has to be… money (or the lack thereof) has ruled every aspect in our lives, sooo eating out is just not something we can indulge in. ...Me? Well, I LOVE food - A little too much. I’ve heard others on the DIS refer to themselves as

Pooh sized, me…I am more Ursula sized

.
I gain weight just reading the Disney Restaurant menus.
When I first started thinking about our trip, food was the last thing I thought of. I mean I still knew nothing from ADR’s and what Disney had to offer. I did however know about Character Meals by now, and I knew I would have to look into it for Leon. So into the tour books I delved, and I come out with all this newfound knowledge about the DDP. Ooooh, Aaahh a Dining Plan….. Oh the possibilities.
Alas the more I looked into it, the more I realized, it probably wasn’t going to work for us. First off, it would mean eating way more than we are used to (even for me) in order to get our moneys worth. Actually I am sure I could handle it, but Ron may not enjoy it as much knowing we could save more money by eating out less and Leon definitely could not eat that much, so that would be more of a waste. Secondly, the idea of having to make a set plan for each and every meal and follow it could never work for us. Half the time, we don’t know what we are going to eat until I open the freezer looking for 'a box of food' about 10 – 20 minutes before dinnertime. I admit it – I am no cook. An eater, yes, but a cook …umm no.
Plus wouldn’t all those TS meals really cut into our touring time??? Oh but all those yummy yummy looking menus!! I am so confused. Should we do it?? Maybe we could? Maybe it really is a good deal if I found enough ‘just gotta have it’ meals. We could do this!

Ah pickles! Even if we did decide we wanted to do the DDP, we couldn’t. Apparently airline employee discount rates do not qualify for the DDP. Secretly, I really was hoping to convince Ron that this would be a great idea. Oh well there goes that idea.

Or does it?? Hmmm… there is always the DDE (Disney Dining Experience).
Pay $60, and get 20% off meals at participating restaurants for a year. Of course I would have to actually bite the bullet and get those AP’s I was talking about. Now that's incentive.
Now while I was salivating (I mean reading) over all those menus (not to mention checking out the pictures) when researching the DDP option, I did manage to come up with a small list of restaurants I would like to try. So here is my chance to still have some really good eats, and for us to save some money. Granted we would save a lot more money if we just stick to our normal way of handling our meals while on vacation. Which is to bring our own food for most meals and buy low cost CS food in between. Now to convince Ron that we NEED the DDE. Because with it I know there is more of a chance of me getting all (or most) of those ‘just gotta have it’ meals I'd like to try.

Okay, so here goes:
Merincess: : Sooo, we are going to do a character meal for Leon, right?

Ron : Sure

Merincess: : How about the Hoop De Doo Revue?

Ron : : The Whatee Whosy Doo?

Merincess: : It’s a musical dinner show.

Ron : How much?

Me : Ummm, weeell about $130.00 for the three of us (cringe)

Ron : Isn’t that a little expensive? (Keep in mind; we normally don’t do things like this)

Me : (thinking silently to myself – Oh crap)

Ron : Well, I guess we can manage that and a character meal, but we really have to watch how we spend our money.

Me : Well, we gotta eat right? And I was also hoping we could go out for a nice Thanksgiving Dinner (this was when we thought we were arriving on Thanksgiving day because we hadn’t booked the flights yet)

Ron : Well we don’t even know when the flight will arrive, we’ll probably be too tired to go out, and didn’t you say they have pizza delivery at our hotel?

Me : oh no, no, no, no – there will be no pizza for Thanksgiving. (This should give you a sense of Ron’s idea of getting a nice dinner – although how can I blame him, he eats frozen meals regularly.)

Ron : Well, we should watch the money situation don’t you think? I thought we weren’t eligible for that Dining Plan thing.

Me : (Ah-ha!! I think I got him!) True, but I found something better. And it will save us even more than the DDP. It’s called the DDE.

Ron : What’s the catch.

Me : No catch, we just have to get the AP’s and pay $60 for the plan and we get 20% off our meals. Isn’t that great?

Ron : What!?!

Me : (oh-oh!)

Ron : Why not just use the $60 on the actual food instead of a plan.

Me : No, really this will save us money. Already we have decided on three restaurants, which we can save on…......

cont.....on next post​

 

[Leonsmom]

Ron : Wait, three restaurants? We decided on three restaurants? When?

Me : Just now. Besides when we are not eating at a restaurant we will still do the whole eat breakfast in the room and pack a lunch thing.

Ron : Okay, well let me think about it.

Me : (jumping up and down, clapping and smiling)

Ron : I said, I’ll THINK about it

Me : Oh who you kidding – we’re doing it. (Batting my eyes)

My husband is so great; he always indulges me, (even when he shouldn’t.) So yes, he did agree especially after I showed him several menus and pictures. Now, I need to narrow down my choices (after all it wouldn’t be fair of me to take advantage of DH, while he is tolerating my “Go BIG, or go home” planning strategy)

** Next installment - #31 Food Glorious Food - More about Dining
​

 

[Leonsmom]

how do I add my ptr to my sig??

I really like reading you ptr its very good!

Thank you!
To enter a link to your PTR:
1. Copy the http code from your PTR thread
2. go to user CP
3. click edit signature
4. click on the insert link icon
5. paste your http into the pop up
6. hit save
This is the best way I have to explin it

 

[stahshee]

my best tip is to make early ch dining resiies like at 800am befor the parks open. then you get to eat and walk around main st.. also you can head right to the area you want to enter( you will have to wait at the ropes) but when that rope comes down you are ahead of the crowds

your dh is like mine (cheap and a party pooper) I am also trying to plan meals but just like you we plan to eat when I open the fridge.. I am also trying to plan meals and actually do it. it is usually my dh who throws it off track( he is only cheap when it comes to us going to Disney ) my dh is ok with the trip as long as he dose dont have to reach in to the family budget... but then he wants me to buy us dinner every night while we are on vacation

 

[devonsmommy]

Hi!
Signing on to read more of your report!

 

[newtodis]

I am so glad your here!
Wow, I've said that exact same thing to my mom!!!
She claims I don't want her in Leon's life. Yet I invite her over at least once a week and she never comes. I guess it just doesn't count unless i drop everything and go to her.

So the same way with my mom!! Drop everything and drive an hour to her house with a dog that DS is allergic to! Sounds like a wonderful idea to me! NOT!!! She's already planning everything we're going to do when we go back to visit...ugh!

203 Days and counting.
{Oh wow. I just realized that if I want to lose all my weight before Disney then I have to lose 2 lbs a day!!! Okay so that is never going to happen.}
Sorry I was just thinking to myself.

Good luck!! I want to loose some weight before Disney too. I've been beggin DH for an eliptical machine so I can work out in the morning before I have to come to work but I haven't gotten it yet...I hope you loose the weight though. It will make the trip that much more enjoyable!

 

[newtodis]

Ron : Wait, three restaurants? We decided on three restaurants? When?

Me : Just now. Besides when we are not eating at a restaurant we will still do the whole eat breakfast in the room and pack a lunch thing.

Ron : Okay, well let me think about it.

Me : (jumping up and down, clapping and smiling)

Ron : I said, I’ll THINK about it

Me : Oh who you kidding – we’re doing it. (Batting my eyes)

My husband is so great; he always indulges me, (even when he shouldn’t.) So yes, he did agree especially after I showed him several menus and pictures. Now, I need to narrow down my choices (after all it wouldn’t be fair of me to take advantage of DH, while he is tolerating my “Go BIG, or go home” planning strategy)

Next installment... Food Glorious Food!

Congrats on getting the APs and DDE!!! We're doing the AP since we have another trip coming up soon and were debating on the DDE but I think we're going to do that too since our December trip isn't during free dining.

I have to agree with the other poster about doing the charater meals early in the morning. My boys did so much better fresh and awake and nothing had really miffed them yet. Early lunch was also pretty good but anything past about 1:00 and they'd already started the melt down.

Sounds just like me and DH! I had to be selective in the menus and pictures I showed to DH since I'm such a picky eater! I just kept telling him the boys wouldn't be able to find anything to eat there! Now that his mommy is going too, of course she's going to start piping in about where she wants to go so I'm sure I'll get stuck somewhere I don't like anything and will have to order off the kids menu!

 

[Leonsmom]

Hi!
Signing on to read more of your report!

Welcome!
I plan on taking some me time tonight to add more to this PTR.

 

[Leonsmom]

So the same way with my mom!! Drop everything and drive an hour to her house with a dog that DS is allergic to! Sounds like a wonderful idea to me! NOT!!! She's already planning everything we're going to do when we go back to visit...ugh!

Yup we're twins seperated at birth

Good luck!! I want to loose some weight before Disney too. I've been beggin DH for an eliptical machine so I can work out in the morning before I have to come to work but I haven't gotten it yet...I hope you loose the weight though. It will make the trip that much more enjoyable!

I started WW (Weight Watchers) 4 weeks ago and lost 10lbs - then came Mother's Day Brunch with my mom, Mother's Day dinner with his mom,
(meanwhile all I really wanted for MY Mother's Day was to stay home and do absolutly nuttin! - All in all it was nice, but not what I had in mind for me. Oh well - I hope everyone had a T-rrific Mother's Day!!)
then there was Ron's Bday which his parents insisted on celebrating on a weeknight (against my wishes due to Leon's problems in school) because they go away on the weekends (seasonal campsite in PA on the Deleware). So Ron invited them to our house. And they brought LOTs of food and dessert. Ugh 5 lbs back on in a matter of 3 days !
Why is it so hard to lose but so easy to put on??? So not fair!
Gotta get back on the wagon.
I want to go from this :

TO THIS:

Congrats on getting the APs and DDE!!! We're doing the AP since we have another trip coming up soon and were debating on the DDE but I think we're going to do that too since our December trip isn't during free dining.

I have to agree with the other poster about doing the charater meals early in the morning. My boys did so much better fresh and awake and nothing had really miffed them yet. Early lunch was also pretty good but anything past about 1:00 and they'd already started the melt down.

Sounds just like me and DH! I had to be selective in the menus and pictures I showed to DH since I'm such a picky eater! I just kept telling him the boys wouldn't be able to find anything to eat there! Now that his mommy is going too, of course she's going to start piping in about where she wants to go so I'm sure I'll get stuck somewhere I don't like anything and will have to order off the kids menu!

Thanks, although technically I don't have them yet (I may have mentioned a $1500.00 car repair to my van ....well on Monday Ron's car died also and we needed a new altinator among other things to the tune of $900) I hate when life gets in the way of Disney!!! I plan to have enough money by the end of the month to pick up the AP's and I will wait till we get there to buy the DDE (since it is activated the day you purchase it)

For character breakfast I will either do the very first seating or the very last, but i'll go into that more in my next installment.
196 days left till Disney!!!!

 

[Leonsmom]

Food Glorious Food​

So here is the list of restaurants I am considering and why I chose them:
Chef Mickey’s for Breakfast (I hear it’s the best place for Birthday celebrations)
Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House (does this get us into the park any earlier?)
Garden Grill (it’s one of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package choices – which we still haven’t definitely decided on)
Play n Dine (come on its Jo-Jo)
Biergarten (also part of Candlelight Processional package - and I know Leon will love the oompah music and dancing – can just see him getting up and dancing)
Sci-fi Dine-in (for old times sake – plus Leon will love the cars)
Hoop de Doo Revue (BBQ, Music, and Jokes, need I say more?)
Hollywood And Vine (it's the lowest price TS for Fantasmic Dinner Package)
Whispering Canyon Café (I had decided on this for Thanksgiving Dinner, but just because we won’t be there on Thanksgiving doesn’t mean I will easily give this one up)
…and Boma (this was another consideration for Thanksgiving)

Okay so now I need to narrow them down, even though I don’t know what days I want to book my ADRs for. I don’t know if it’s just me, but without knowing the park hours or when the EMHs are, I find it hard to figure out any type of itinerary. The November and December calendar still has not been updated…ugh!
So here is what I am thinking.
As much as I, ummm I mean, Leon would love to meet a whole bunch of characters in more personal settings, I think it’s probably best to just pick one character meal and hope we find the rest of our friends in the parks. I think I am leaning towards Chef Mickey’s. I will want to do this on Leon’s actual Bday, which I am hoping falls on MK’s morning EMH day. I want to be there for the rope drop, get our fill of rides, and then try to get Leon in the cockpit of the monorail on our way to Chef Mickey’s for the latest time I can get for Breakfast. I know, tall order, but with a little bit of Hope and Pixiedust......
Next –
From the beginnig I've had my heart set on the Hoop De Doo Revue; I know Leon will have a ball there. My next decision will have to be which day and what time? Should we go on our arrival day? Or later in the week? As far as what time … ideally I want the early seating, for Leon’s sake. The only conflict I have with that is that the DDE only offers the 20% discount on the 9:30pm seating. That’s a really late night for Leon. We will already have a late night at MVMCP so do I really want to push it for a savings of just $30???I also considered the night before we head home, but I don't want to be out too late that night because I am planning the pirate cruise for Leon at 9am on the last day.

Next- Being that we are planning Leon's Pirate cruise for the last day, Saturday that means we will be at GF. Do we want to do 1900 Park Faire for B'fast or do we want to just eat in room before we go? I can't see Leon being that much into Alice and Mary Poppins .....but I would .

Next-I know I want to do the Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. so Hollywood & Vine is definitely in. So that is an easy choice. I just wish they had a character dinner too. You know, ......for Leon. Obviously I will do this on an MGM night. So again I really need those calanders updated.

Next-I don’t know if I really want to do the Candlelight Processional or not. I mean I know that I will love it, and I am pretty sure Ron would enjoy it too, but I worry whether or not Leon can sit through it. However I do know, I will want to do at least one TS meal at Epcot. So will it be Biergarten or Garden Grill? Both sound really fun! The German in me wants to go to the Biergarten and I know Leon will have a blast -We go to the German-American Schutzenfest every year and he loves it; the Garden Grill on the other hand is a great opportunity to slip in another character meal. I did also consider the Coral Reef briefly, because Ron and I are both scuba divers and Leon loves sea creatures, but I think the other two would be more fun and neither Leon nor Ron like eating fish.

Next- Before we made the decision to leave the day after Thanksgiving, I was on a serious hunt for the perfect place to have our Thanksgiving Dinner. I got alot of recommendations for the Whispering Canyon. I basically had decided that that was where we would go. It sounds like so much fun and the pics of the food look great! So we are keeping it. Now I have to figure out a way to get Leon to ask for ketchup.

Next-Okay, so Boma …. I would love to go to Boma. The food sounds great and who we kidding it’s at AKL. I want an excuse to see the AKL, buuuut I don’t know if Ron or Leon would like Boma’s selection as much as I am sure I will. So I still don’t know about this one yet. I have to watch the cash flow. If we do decide to go to Boma it will be on an AK night.

The ones in red are definite, the ones in blue I am still deciding on. The rest of our meals will be either counter service, and snacks or meals we pack.

While looking into the restaurants that I might choose I came across this thread .
I lists peoples favorite foods at Epcot. I decided to take notes, and now I have a list of 'treats' that I plan to hunt down while visiting the world.

Here's my list:
Rice Cream
School Bread
Lefse
KakiGori
Grand Marnier Slushie
Fiesta Layered Margarita
Soft Pretzels
Dole Whip
Mickey Bar

I will probably have to pick and choose, based on cost factor and hunger
If anyone knows how much these things cost or want to add anything to the list, feel free to post it.

Coming up next more lists....

** Next installment - #38 Mickey Mouse makes me cry! - I am just a sap for that mouse
​

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

I am subscribing to this! You seem to be having so much fun planning this trip! I know I have a lot of fun planning our trip too. We will be going in October for 8 days and we are psyched. I haven't updated our Pre-TR lately because me and my mom have run into some money issues but still budgeting Disney in so we are just working hard for the money! I look forwarding to hearing more!

 

[stahshee]

Food Glorious Food​

So here is the list of restaurants I am considering and why I chose them:
Chef Mickey’s for Breakfast (I hear it’s the best place for Birthday celebrations)
Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House (does this get us into the park any earlier?)
Garden Grill (it’s one of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package choices – which we still haven’t definitely decided on)
Play n Dine (come on its Jo-Jo)
Biergarten (also part of Candlelight Processional package - and I know Leon will love the oompah music and dancing – can just see him getting up and dancing)
Sci-fi Dine-in (for old times sake – plus Leon will love the cars)
Hoop de Doo Revue (BBQ, Music, and Jokes, need I say more?)
Hollywood And Vine (it's the lowest price TS for Fantasmic Dinner Package)
Whispering Canyon Café (I had decided on this for Thanksgiving Dinner, but just because we won’t be there on Thanksgiving doesn’t mean I will easily give this one up)
…and Boma (this was another consideration for Thanksgiving)

Okay so now I need to narrow them down, even though I don’t know what days I want to book my ADRs for. I don’t know if it’s just me, but without knowing the park hours or when the EMHs are, I find it hard to figure out any type of itinerary. The November and December calendar still has not been updated…ugh!
So here is what I am thinking.
As much as I, ummm I mean, Leon would love to meet a whole bunch of characters in more personal settings, I think it’s probably best to just pick one character meal and hope we find the rest of our friends in the parks. I think I am leaning towards Chef Mickey’s. I will want to do this on Leon’s actual Bday, which I am hoping falls on MK’s morning EMH day. I want to be there for the rope drop, get our fill of rides, and then try to get Leon in the cockpit of the monorail on our way to Chef Mickey’s for the latest time I can get for Breakfast. I know, tall order, but with a little bit of Hope and Pixiedust......
Next –
From the beginnig I've had my heart set on the Hoop De Doo Revue; I know Leon will have a ball there. My next decision will have to be which day and what time? Should we go on our arrival day? Or later in the week? As far as what time … ideally I want the early seating, for Leon’s sake. The only conflict I have with that is that the DDE only offers the 20% discount on the 9:30pm seating. That’s a really late night for Leon. We will already have a late night at MVMCP so do I really want to push it for a savings of just $30???I also considered the night before we head home, but I don't want to be out too late that night because I am planning the pirate cruise for Leon at 9am on the last day.

Next- Being that we are planning Leon's Pirate cruise for the last day, Saturday that means we will be at GF. Do we want to do 1900 Park Faire for B'fast or do we want to just eat in room before we go? I can't see Leon being that much into Alice and Mary Poppins .....but I would .

Next-I know I want to do the Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. so Hollywood & Vine is definitely in. So that is an easy choice. I just wish they had a character dinner too. You know, ......for Leon. Obviously I will do this on an MGM night. So again I really need those calanders updated.

Next-I don’t know if I really want to do the Candlelight Processional or not. I mean I know that I will love it, and I am pretty sure Ron would enjoy it too, but I worry whether or not Leon can sit through it. However I do know, I will want to do at least one TS meal at Epcot. So will it be Biergarten or Garden Grill? Both sound really fun! The German in me wants to go to the Biergarten and I know Leon will have a blast -We go to the German-American Schutzenfest every year and he loves it; the Garden Grill on the other hand is a great opportunity to slip in another character meal. I did also consider the Coral Reef briefly, because Ron and I are both scuba divers and Leon loves sea creatures, but I think the other two would be more fun and neither Leon nor Ron like eating fish.

Next- Before we made the decision to leave the day after Thanksgiving, I was on a serious hunt for the perfect place to have our Thanksgiving Dinner. I got alot of recommendations for the Whispering Canyon. I basically had decided that that was where we would go. It sounds like so much fun and the pics of the food look great! So we are keeping it. Now I have to figure out a way to get Leon to ask for ketchup.

Next-Okay, so Boma …. I would love to go to Boma. The food sounds great and who we kidding it’s at AKL. I want an excuse to see the AKL, buuuut I don’t know if Ron or Leon would like Boma’s selection as much as I am sure I will. So I still don’t know about this one yet. I have to watch the cash flow. If we do decide to go to Boma it will be on an AK night.

The ones in red are definite, the ones in blue I am still deciding on. The rest of our meals will be either counter service, and snacks or meals we pack.

While looking into the restaurants that I might choose I came across this thread .
I lists peoples favorite foods at Epcot. I decided to take notes, and now I have a list of 'treats' that I plan to hunt down while visiting the world.

Here's my list:
Rice Cream
School Bread
Lefse
KakiGori
Grand Marnier Slushie
Fiesta Layered Margarita
Soft Pretzels
Dole Whip
Mickey Bar

I will probably have to pick and choose, based on cost factor and hunger
If anyone knows how much these things cost or want to add anything to the list, feel free to post it.

Coming up next more lists....

the hoop doo is major$$$ .. how about that on your arrival day

sense you are going Thanksgive week it is going to be crowed .. like crazy. ,but the temps are GREAT .. what I am trying to say its not that hot to wait in line to meet with the characters.. so you could pick and choose. I would not plan any early meal on an early entry day..

Chef Mickey's is awesome.. 1900 Park fair the food was not that great imop just trying to help. Great plans

 

[joelp]

How this trip came to be:​

My second trip as an adult was with Ron for our 1 year Anniversary in Oct 2001 (although our anniversary is actually in May. I figured One Year is traditionally a paper gift, and tickets are made of paper.

Uh - the tix aren't made of paper (at least not now ...)

OK - when in May? The DW and I also got married in May 2000 - today!! (And no - I didn't get her anything "special" ... we're going to see Cirque du Soleil on Saturday [without the DD!!] ) [but I did remember to get a card - with and ... ]

And - I went to college at the recently "deceased" Southampton College ... so there's a little LI in me, too ...

OK the just woke up and is sitting on my lap, talking a mile a minute - and I was just informed that when she turns 5 she needs to have a "PS" - in other letters ... a Play Station ... [I hate pre-school!!]

Danielle says have a kinda day ...

Later ...

 

[Leonsmom]

Uh - the tix aren't made of paper (at least not now ...)

They were back then... I think? Well at least the airline tickets were.

OK - when in May? The DW and I also got married in May 2000 - today!! (And no - I didn't get her anything "special" ... we're going to see Cirque du Soleil on Saturday [without the DD!!] ) [but I did remember to get a card - with and ... ]

YIKES!!!! You just reminded me, my Anniversary is a week from today! I need to go get a gift... and make reservations for dinner (because every year Ron forgets to do it and we end up doing nothing) I want to go to the Melting Pot that just opened in Farmingdale. We went to one in AZ and I loved it. I've asked to go for Valentine's Day, My Birthday, Mother's Day and now Our Anniversary. I figure the only way I will get there is if I reserve it myself.

Okay let me do that now............

......COOL! I looked on line for the number and got a coupon for a free choclate fondue for two, just for signing up. And our ressie is for this Sunday (Saturday was completely booked!)

And - I went to college at the recently "deceased" Southampton College ... so there's a little LI in me, too ...

We head out there every Sept for the Shinnicock Pow Wow. It's Tradition!

OK the just woke up and is sitting on my lap, talking a mile a minute - and I was just informed that when she turns 5 she needs to have a "PS" - in other letters ... a Play Station ... [I hate pre-school!!]

Just wait till Kindergarten ...it get's worse!!!!! I am amazed with the things that come outta Leon's mouth since Sept.

Danielle says have a kinda day ...

Later ...

Tell Danielle to have a -rific Day!

 

[joelp]

Food Glorious Food​

So here is the list of restaurants I am considering and why I chose them:
Chef Mickey’s for Breakfast (I hear it’s the best place for Birthday celebrations)
Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House (does this get us into the park any earlier?)
Garden Grill (it’s one of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package choices – which we still haven’t definitely decided on)
Play n Dine (come on its Jo-Jo)
Biergarten (also part of Candlelight Processional package - and I know Leon will love the oompah music and dancing – can just see him getting up and dancing)
Sci-fi Dine-in (for old times sake – plus Leon will love the cars)
Hoop de Doo Revue (BBQ, Music, and Jokes, need I say more?)
Hollywood And Vine (it's the lowest price TS for Fantasmic Dinner Package)
Whispering Canyon Café (I had decided on this for Thanksgiving Dinner, but just because we won’t be there on Thanksgiving doesn’t mean I will easily give this one up)
…and Boma (this was another consideration for Thanksgiving)

Okay so now I need to narrow them down, even though I don’t know what days I want to book my ADRs for.

You have (UG!) - so go online and find the best parks/parks to avoid for each day and go with that to develop a schedule (you can always tweak it later) ... With a 6-year old, I wouldn't be too concerned about EMH. And you know what days the MVMCP are scheduled ... so that will also limit your park options ...

I think I am leaning towards Chef Mickey’s. I will want to do this on Leon’s actual Bday, which I am hoping falls on MK’s morning EMH day. I want to be there for the rope drop, get our fill of rides, and then try to get Leon in the cockpit of the monorail on our way to Chef Mickey’s for the latest time I can get for Breakfast. I know, tall order, but with a little bit of Hope and Pixiedust......

Why not go for lunch instead of a late-breakfast? - then head back to POP for your afternoon break or ride the monorail a bit ... It will tough to leave the MK (i.e. drag Leon kicking and screaming from the most magical place in the world ... ) after only a couple hours, and if you head back to the MK, the crowds will be bigger in the afternoon ...

Next –
From the beginnig I've had my heart set on the Hoop De Doo Revue; I know Leon will have a ball there. My next decision will have to be which day and what time? Should we go on our arrival day? Or later in the week?

I would keep your arrival day "simple" - get your feet wet, a good night's sleep, and then dive into WDW the next morning (early ...). If you're going to have a late night ( ... MVMCP), I would have an "easy" day and plan on sleeping in the following morning ...

Next- Being that we are planning Leon's Pirate cruise for the last day, Saturday that means we will be at GF. Do we want to do 1900 Park Faire for B'fast or do we want to just eat in room before we go? I can't see Leon being that much into Alice and Mary Poppins .....but I would .

So - give him a hearty beakfast in the room (of whatever you have left on your last day ...), toss him onto the pirate boat - and you and the DH go to breakfast ...

Next-I know I want to do the Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. so Hollywood & Vine is definitely in. So that is an easy choice. I just wish they had a character dinner too. You know, ......for Leon.
Surprisingly good food at H&V ... We liked Mama Melrose's, too. The Characters were only OK - so you won't be missing much.

However I do know, I will want to do at least one TS meal at Epcot. So will it be Biergarten or Garden Grill? Both sound really fun! I did also consider the Coral Reef briefly, because Ron and I are both scuba divers and Leon loves sea creatures, but I think the other two would be more fun and neither Leon nor Ron like eating fish.

Rumor has it kids like the Biergarten ...

Next- Before we made the decision to leave the day after Thanksgiving, I was on a serious hunt for the perfect place to have our Thanksgiving Dinner. I got alot of recommendations for the Whispering Canyon. I basically had decided that that was where we would go. It sounds like so much fun and the pics of the food look great! So we are keeping it. Now I have to figure out a way to get Leon to ask for ketchup.

Next-Okay, so Boma …. I would love to go to Boma. The food sounds great and who we kidding it’s at AKL. I want an excuse to see the AKL, buuuut I don’t know if Ron or Leon would like Boma’s selection as much as I am sure I will. So I still don’t know about this one yet.

The DW and I LOVE Boma!! - we planning on eating there at least twice on our trip. It's not as "exotic" as you may think and there's a pretty wide range of food selections ... And you want to check out the AKL ...

I decided to take notes, and now I have a list of 'treats' that I plan to hunt down while visiting the world.

Here's my list:
Rice Cream
School Bread
Lefse
KakiGori
Grand Marnier Slushie
Fiesta Layered Margarita
Soft Pretzels
Dole Whip
Mickey Bar

School Bread - interesting - just don't have it for breakfast (very sweet!!)
Dole Whip = Brain Freeze!! (but yummy ...)
Mickey Bar!! Mickey bar!! (at least one a day ... )

I will probably have to pick and choose, based on cost factor and hunger
If anyone knows how much these things cost or want to add anything to the list, feel free to post it.

Coming up next more lists....

Also check out the cinnamon buns at the Main Street bakery ...

 

[newtodis]

203 Days and counting.
{Oh wow. I just realized that if I want to lose all my weight before Disney then I have to lose 2 lbs a day!!! Okay so that is never going to happen.}
Sorry I was just thinking to myself.

How's it going? I don't think I'm doing so well here eating out a lot with the in laws while they were here but I'm trying to do better.

Food Glorious Food​

So here is the list of restaurants I am considering and why I chose them:
Chef Mickey’s for Breakfast (I hear it’s the best place for Birthday celebrations) We loved it here last time. I'm considering going back. Even picky Corbin would eat here!
Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House (does this get us into the park any earlier?) We're planning on eating here-I think I have an 8:10 ADR. We're hoping to finish by 9 to get right to the safaris since I think they're very close to each other!!
Garden Grill (it’s one of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package choices – which we still haven’t definitely decided on)
Play n Dine (come on its Jo-Jo) We ate here on the last trip. Just a warning-I ate totally of the kid's buffet. The "adult" one looked a little yucky. Maybe I'll try again if I can get right at the beginning of lunch/dinner.
Biergarten (also part of Candlelight Processional package - and I know Leon will love the oompah music and dancing – can just see him getting up and dancing) Isn't this the place where you sit with strangers? I don't know if I could do that with my boys. I *never* know what's going to come out of their mouth next!
Sci-fi Dine-in (for old times sake – plus Leon will love the cars) This looks cool and we want to try this one too!!
Hoop de Doo Revue (BBQ, Music, and Jokes, need I say more?) This looks cool but I don't know if my boys would sit through it
Hollywood And Vine (it's the lowest price TS for Fantasmic Dinner Package) Don't know if it's any different from the Play and Dine in regards to food??
Whispering Canyon Café (I had decided on this for Thanksgiving Dinner, but just because we won’t be there on Thanksgiving doesn’t mean I will easily give this one up)
…and Boma (this was another consideration for Thanksgiving)

Okay so now I need to narrow them down, even though I don’t know what days I want to book my ADRs for. I don’t know if it’s just me, but without knowing the park hours or when the EMHs are, I find it hard to figure out any type of itinerary. The November and December calendar still has not been updated…ugh!
So here is what I am thinking.
As much as I, ummm I mean, Leon would love to meet a whole bunch of characters in more personal settings, I think it’s probably best to just pick one character meal and hope we find the rest of our friends in the parks. We did two on our first trip and it was nice-Chef Mickey's and Play and Dine. I think I am leaning towards Chef Mickey’s. I will want to do this on Leon’s actual Bday, which I am hoping falls on MK’s morning EMH day. I want to be there for the rope drop, get our fill of rides, and then try to get Leon in the cockpit of the monorail on our way to Chef Mickey’s for the latest time I can get for Breakfast. I know, tall order, but with a little bit of Hope and Pixiedust......
Next –
From the beginnig I've had my heart set on the Hoop De Doo Revue; I know Leon will have a ball there. My next decision will have to be which day and what time? Should we go on our arrival day? Or later in the week? As far as what time … ideally I want the early seating, for Leon’s sake. The only conflict I have with that is that the DDE only offers the 20% discount on the 9:30pm seating. That’s a really late night for Leon. We will already have a late night at MVMCP so do I really want to push it for a savings of just $30???I also considered the night before we head home, but I don't want to be out too late that night because I am planning the pirate cruise for Leon at 9am on the last day. The pirate cruise sounds like so much fun!!

Next- Being that we are planning Leon's Pirate cruise for the last day, Saturday that means we will be at GF. Do we want to do 1900 Park Faire for B'fast or do we want to just eat in room before we go? I can't see Leon being that much into Alice and Mary Poppins .....but I would . This is so me!! I want a princess meal! I keep hinting how to specifically make ADRs for CRT or something like that for our Dec trip since it'll be my b-day while we're there!

Next-I know I want to do the Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. so Hollywood & Vine is definitely in. So that is an easy choice. I just wish they had a character dinner too. You know, ......for Leon. Obviously I will do this on an MGM night. So again I really need those calanders updated.

Next-I don’t know if I really want to do the Candlelight Processional or not. I mean I know that I will love it, and I am pretty sure Ron would enjoy it too, but I worry whether or not Leon can sit through it. However I do know, I will want to do at least one TS meal at Epcot. So will it be Biergarten or Garden Grill? Both sound really fun! The German in me wants to go to the Biergarten and I know Leon will have a blast -We go to the German-American Schutzenfest every year and he loves it; the Garden Grill on the other hand is a great opportunity to slip in another character meal. I did also consider the Coral Reef briefly, because Ron and I are both scuba divers and Leon loves sea creatures, but I think the other two would be more fun and neither Leon nor Ron like eating fish. We're doing the Coral Reef with a diver who will have a sign for Corbin and Daddy (and hopefully Carter on the next trip!)

Next- Before we made the decision to leave the day after Thanksgiving, I was on a serious hunt for the perfect place to have our Thanksgiving Dinner. I got alot of recommendations for the Whispering Canyon. I basically had decided that that was where we would go. It sounds like so much fun and the pics of the food look great! So we are keeping it. Now I have to figure out a way to get Leon to ask for ketchup.

Next-Okay, so Boma …. I would love to go to Boma. The food sounds great and who we kidding it’s at AKL. I want an excuse to see the AKL, buuuut I don’t know if Ron or Leon would like Boma’s selection as much as I am sure I will. So I still don’t know about this one yet. I have to watch the cash flow. If we do decide to go to Boma it will be on an AK night.

The ones in red are definite, the ones in blue I am still deciding on. The rest of our meals will be either counter service, and snacks or meals we pack.

While looking into the restaurants that I might choose I came across this thread .
I lists peoples favorite foods at Epcot. I decided to take notes, and now I have a list of 'treats' that I plan to hunt down while visiting the world.

Here's my list:
Rice Cream
School Bread
Lefse
KakiGori
Grand Marnier Slushie
Fiesta Layered Margarita
Soft Pretzels
Dole Whip
Mickey Bar My boys got these on our last trip and *loved* them!

I will probably have to pick and choose, based on cost factor and hunger
If anyone knows how much these things cost or want to add anything to the list, feel free to post it.

Coming up next more lists....

My comments are in purple! Sounds like we could almost be going on the same trip!! If you waited another week or so we'd be there at the same time! Sounds like things are all coming together!!! I'm going to work on my new ADRs this afternoon-Gram gave us the 100% last night that she's in so now I'm here for another 20 minutes then home to change the ADRs.

 

[Leonsmom]

Is it me or does Disney make everyone cry?
Yesterday I watched joelp's home video (link was in his PTR) and it brought tears to my eyes. I read the stories on the Year of Million Dreams thread and tears come streaming out. Recieving the first DISign I ever requested made my eyes moist. Even one of my favorite threads, Most Embarressing Moments at Disney made me laugh so hard I cried.
I KNOW that the minute we land and I see the Airport Monorail I will get all choked up because I know Leon will just be beside himself with excitement. I know that everytime Leon experiance another Disney first (which will be several times a day) I'll have to wipe my eyes. I am misting up know as I write this. What IS IT about Disney and Mickey Mouse that brings me to tears??
All I can say is, I better not have a shift in hormones when I am in Disney, else I'll be balling throughout my entire stay. How do you explain to a 5 year old the Mickey Mouse just makes me cry.

** Next installment - #43 Hi, My name is Jill, …and I am a list maker - a little more about me and my OCD tendancies
​

 

[stahshee]

Is it me or does Disney make everyone cry?
Yesterday I watched joeld's home video (link was in his PTR) and it brought tears to my eyes. I read the stories on the Year of Million Dreams thread and tears come streaming out. Recieving the first DISign I ever requested made my eyes moist. Even one of my favorite threads, Most Embarressing Moments at Disney made me laugh so hard I cried.
I KNOW that the minute we land and I see the Airport Monorail I will get all choked up because I know Leon will just be beside himself with excitement. I know that everytime Leon experiance another Disney first (which will be several times a day) I'll have to wipe my eyes. I am misting up know as I write this. What IS IT about Disney and Mickey Mouse that brings me to tears??
All I can say is, I better not have a shift in hormones when I am in Disney, else I'll be balling throughout my entire stay. How do you explain to a 5 year old the Mickey Mouse just makes me cry.

yes we are normal I want to cry when I walk into the MK and my dh dose not want to go back for 5 more years after this trip.. That makes me WHALE

 

[Leonsmom]

yes we are normal I want to cry when I walk into the MK and my dh dose not want to go back for 5 more years after this trip.. That makes me WHALE

I hear you on that one!