Supercallifragilistic-ADR'sApproachUs! May '09 PTR *Trip Report has Begun! Pg. 208*

[Lady Lallie]

Are those the ones with the fleece in them?

Yes, they are so soft and comfy. I really like them. I actually just wore them out shopping without socks they are that warm and cozy!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I thought you were updating this thing tonite?????

 

[Lady Lallie]

I thought you were updating this thing tonite?????

I'm working on it!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Marc and I sat down on Thursday night in front of the computer and made some solid decisions concerning our May Trip.

Transportation:
We've decided to......drive! Airfare was getting ridiculous on our Saturday to Saturday check in/out days. We went on this handy dandy gas calculator website (thanks Julez!) http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ With fuel costs where they are right now, it's way way way cheaper to drive then to fly. I even budgeted for higher gas prices as they will most likely be around Memorial Day. I am not crazy about the long drive BUT after giving it some thought I came up with some advantages.

1. No packing restraints. I can pack whatever I want, however I want and don't have to fit my liquids into a teeny ziploc bag.
2. We can bring some breakfast foods, snacks and drinks with us to save on our food expenses.
3. I'm looking forward to having a road trip with Marc. We have never been on one together.
4. Seeing the sights.
5. My dad is going to let us borrow Betty, his GPS.
6. If the buses totally stink at POR, we have our car there. We also don't have to pay for any taxi's like we did last trip.
7. Sonic & Steak N' Shake!

ADR's/Dining:
We made an OOP food budget, that includes any food that we will buy on the way down and back to Florida and OOP meals at Disney. We are sticking with the regular dining plan and we have finally narrowed down our ADR's. I am not posting an itinerary again until I know what the park hours are, so at least now all I will have to do is plug in where we want to eat on the appropriate days. I think some of you might be a little shocked when you read the new list! I really really hope that we don't change our minds anymore. I am banning myself from the Food Porn Thread.

Le Cellier (1TS): I am really excited to have the Chocolate Moose again. Yum! I also feel as though we deserve a do over at Le Cellier since I was a crankpot when we went in September.
Jiko (2TS): I have read so many good reviews of Jiko, not to mention the delicious looking pictures that I just have to try it here.
O'hana(1TS): Shocked? I am. It just keeps calling me for dinner. I've read some really great reviews and some mixed ones. Those wings and pork dumplings look so delicious that I am willing to take a chance.
Rose & Crown Pub(1TS): It keeps calling my name, I can't shake the interest in going here. Even though we were going to try Ragland Road, we decided to cancel that and do R&C instead. We weren't really feeling like going to DtD this trip. Maybe last minute but we aren't going to plan for it.
Akershus Storybook Dinner(1TS): We were going to do lunch but we looked at the updated dinner menu and it sounds better, so dinner it is!
Whispering Canyon Cafe(1TS): This is another one that is surprising the heck out of me. I keep going back to the menu and the food porn. I showed Marc the picture of the skillet and he started to drool.

That is our 7 TS credits that we are allowed on the dining plan. The only place I plan on paying for appetizer OOP is Jiko. I really want that bbq chicken flatbread with the green apples.

We have a few OOP meals we want to do.
Crystal Palace: We had such a great breakfast here last time and getting into the park early is pretty worth it in our opinion.
Boatwrights: We'd like to try breakfast here as well. I am thinking departure day perhaps. It's seems very reasonably priced for breakfast.
Grand Floridian Cafe: We're going here for lunch. I am in love with the idea of the Grand Floridian Burger that has lobster, asparagus and a yummy looking sauce. Marc saw a picture of the Grand Sandwich and he requested that we eat lunch here. So there you go. I am pretty excited about this meal.
Hollywood Brown Derby: This meal is very iffy. I know. You all know how I loved my Salmon Polenta and how I dream of it. With that said though, we don't want to use 2TS for BD, we rather try Jiko this trip. When we were making our OOP food budget, we can save ourselves almost $100 if we don't go to Brown Derby. We decided to book an ADR when our window opens up for dinner BUT if we find ourselves on a tighter trip budget then we'd like closer to departure, then we will cancel BD. It will be there next trip, plus Marc makes polenta now.

Miscellaneous:
We've almost got our trip paid for, so now it's just some car maintenance to make sure my car is in tip top shape, renew our AAA membership in case of emergencies, putting aside any other trip money and keep counting down until May 23rd!
We joined a photopass share and I am happy about that. As much as I hate giving up the control, it's affordable and I am willing to take the chance in case something goes wrong. Also, the DISer who is running the share has done one before so that makes me feel better too.

When we had our long Trip Talk on Thursday, we decided that going on this trip is important to us and much needed after the last few months of stress and we are willing to cut back as much as we have too to make it happen.

Only 134 Days until we are at Disney!!

 

[Roxychica7]

Yey for GFC!! I'm so excited to hear about your "final list." You and Marc will love GFC, make sure you stock up on their desserts. Remember, they're "mini's" so you can get two! I love your choices, I wanna try WCC too and Ohana's for dinner (we loved their breakfast) and of course wanna try Le Cellier. Ah, getting so excited for you!!

 

[Roxychica7]

Do you and Marc plan out what you're going to order ahead of time? I have to do that with Dbf as he will change his mind 50 times by the time they're ready to take our order. I write all his choices on index cards before the trip, about a month in advance

 

[If U Had Wings]

The plans sound great. some really good choices there.

 

[jenjolt]

Marc and I sat down on Thursday night in front of the computer and made some solid decisions concerning our May Trip.

Transportation:
We've decided to......drive! Airfare was getting ridiculous on our Saturday to Saturday check in/out days. We went on this handy dandy gas calculator website (thanks Julez!) http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ With fuel costs where they are right now, it's way way way cheaper to drive then to fly. I even budgeted for higher gas prices as they will most likely be around Memorial Day. I am not crazy about the long drive BUT after giving it some thought I came up with some advantages.

1. No packing restraints. I can pack whatever I want, however I want and don't have to fit my liquids into a teeny ziploc bag.
2. We can bring some breakfast foods, snacks and drinks with us to save on our food expenses.
3. I'm looking forward to having a road trip with Marc. We have never been on one together.
4. Seeing the sights.
5. My dad is going to let us borrow Betty, his GPS.
6. If the buses totally stink at POR, we have our car there. We also don't have to pay for any taxi's like we did last trip.
7. Sonic & Steak N' Shake!

ADR's/Dining:
We made an OOP food budget, that includes any food that we will buy on the way down and back to Florida and OOP meals at Disney. We are sticking with the regular dining plan and we have finally narrowed down our ADR's. I am not posting an itinerary again until I know what the park hours are, so at least now all I will have to do is plug in where we want to eat on the appropriate days. I think some of you might be a little shocked when you read the new list! I really really hope that we don't change our minds anymore. I am banning myself from the Food Porn Thread.

Le Cellier (1TS): I am really excited to have the Chocolate Moose again. Yum! I also feel as though we deserve a do over at Le Cellier since I was a crankpot when we went in September.
Jiko (2TS): I have read so many good reviews of Jiko, not to mention the delicious looking pictures that I just have to try it here.
O'hana(1TS): Shocked? I am. It just keeps calling me for dinner. I've read some really great reviews and some mixed ones. Those wings and pork dumplings look so delicious that I am willing to take a chance.
Rose & Crown Pub(1TS): It keeps calling my name, I can't shake the interest in going here. Even though we were going to try Ragland Road, we decided to cancel that and do R&C instead. We weren't really feeling like going to DtD this trip. Maybe last minute but we aren't going to plan for it.
Akershus Storybook Dinner(1TS): We were going to do lunch but we looked at the updated dinner menu and it sounds better, so dinner it is!
Whispering Canyon Cafe(1TS): This is another one that is surprising the heck out of me. I keep going back to the menu and the food porn. I showed Marc the picture of the skillet and he started to drool.

That is our 7 TS credits that we are allowed on the dining plan. The only place I plan on paying for appetizer OOP is Jiko. I really want that bbq chicken flatbread with the green apples.

We have a few OOP meals we want to do.
Crystal Palace: We had such a great breakfast here last time and getting into the park early is pretty worth it in our opinion.
Boatwrights: We'd like to try breakfast here as well. I am thinking departure day perhaps. It's seems very reasonably priced for breakfast.
Grand Floridian Cafe: We're going here for lunch. I am in love with the idea of the Grand Floridian Burger that has lobster, asparagus and a yummy looking sauce. Marc saw a picture of the Grand Sandwich and he requested that we eat lunch here. So there you go. I am pretty excited about this meal.
Hollywood Brown Derby: This meal is very iffy. I know. You all know how I loved my Salmon Polenta and how I dream of it. With that said though, we don't want to use 2TS for BD, we rather try Jiko this trip. When we were making our OOP food budget, we can save ourselves almost $100 if we don't go to Brown Derby. We decided to book an ADR when our window opens up for dinner BUT if we find ourselves on a tighter trip budget then we'd like closer to departure, then we will cancel BD. It will be there next trip, plus Marc makes polenta now.

Miscellaneous:
We've almost got our trip paid for, so now it's just some car maintenance to make sure my car is in tip top shape, renew our AAA membership in case of emergencies, putting aside any other trip money and keep counting down until May 23rd!
We joined a photopass share and I am happy about that. As much as I hate giving up the control, it's affordable and I am willing to take the chance in case something goes wrong. Also, the DISer who is running the share has done one before so that makes me feel better too.

When we had our long Trip Talk on Thursday, we decided that going on this trip is important to us and much needed after the last few months of stress and we are willing to cut back as much as we have too to make it happen.

Only 134 Days until we are at Disney!!

OOOH...your plans sound WONDERFUL LL!!! And think of all the great stories you'll be able to share on a roap trip!! Road trips are all Phillip and I do because of my irrational fear to fly!! So unless I have to get into a plane, we drive everywhere and we really enjoy the time together!!! And got to love having the GPS!!!!

Your ADRs look great!! I also have Ohana's calling my name and I can't wait to eat there...I'm so very very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photopass shares are awesome!! Hope yours works out really really well!!! Got to love having the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!

 

[julezdisney]

Here's what I think about your decisions, LL:

#1- I can't believe you've never been on a road trip w/your hubby! It's a definite must! When I step back and think of my DH's personality, I'd think that I would hate a road trip with him. It's actually quite the other way around. It gives us an oppurtunity to talk that we don't otherwise have day-to-day.

#2- Seeing the sights is an awesome point. I love a good-old road trip for this. Sadly, both our trips to/fro WDW through the TN mountains were in the dark- so I didn't even get to see anything but shadows!

#3- Sonic & Steak N'Shake---> AWESOME!!!

#4- You'll find that the HESS gas stations on WDW property are very inexpensive for gas. Def. fill up there when you get there if you can, and before you leave.

#5- Interesting mix of dining! Can't wait to hear about 'em!

And finally #6- Once again, I'm so proud of you and Marc for taking all the steps to be financially responsible w/this trip. It speaks volumes to your ability to work together as a married couple working towards your common goals. In the coming years, when you two start your family, these experiences will come in SO HANDY- you will see!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Cool update!

I think you will enjoy driving down and seeing the scenery change.

On the whole Sonic and Steak n' Steak thing -- when you hit the South, there are also these wonderful places called Waffle Houses. Mmmmm. You should try one.

I will have to go play with the fuel calculator link -- that is right up my extreme OCD planning alley!

Your ADRs look good -- I am so jealous that you are going to eat at Jiko. I want to eat at Jiko.

 

[julezdisney]

On the whole Sonic and Steak n' Steak thing -- when you hit the South, there are also these wonderful places called Waffle Houses. Mmmmm. You should try one.

Jim and I were cracking up at all the WAFFLE HOUSE signs! By the end of the trip we were convinced it was a code word for something else and there was no way people could like waffles that much!

 

[Megablocks]

Your ADR's look awesome. I am also really excited about Le Cellier.

That's so cool that you decided to drive down, that's going to be so much fun! I would love to attempt something like that. How long will it take you? 24 (ish) hours?

I think that by the time I leave next month, your countdown will be in the double digits. You'll at least be really close!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Jim and I were cracking up at all the WAFFLE HOUSE signs! By the end of the trip we were convinced it was a code word for something else and there was no way people could like waffles that much!

Were you trying to come up with what it was code for?

Oh, but there is so much more than just waffles at Waffle House -- for example, there is nothing like a big plate of scattered, covered, and smothered hash browns. Mmmmm...

 

[brookelizabeth]

I think the Deluxe December is a good trip to work up too and who knows maybe if we can be really smart with Money it will be our first DVC trip.

Ah yes, DVC would make it even better! The only reason DH and I could afford DVC was because we became financially responsible (followed Dave Ramsey's plan to get out of debt)....it really does completely change your future! A while of watching the pennies results in YEARS of freedom.



I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Sonic and Steak & Shake made your lists of pluses on the driving. I haven't tried Sonic yet (we just got them in a few locations in Minnesota this past summer finally - after YEARS of commericals teasing us!), but Steak & Shake I have ate at once in Missouri. Oh yum.

I think the roadtrip with your hubby will make for some great memories! Plus the bonuses about packing whatever you want, AND not having to pay stupid bag fees is a big bonus. If my DH could drive, I would want to make a roadtrip at least once down to WDW. But, being the sole driver in my household, a trip like that would totally exhaust me for the week.

Are you guys planning on making a stop overnight, or just plowing straight through?

I love all your ADRs! We thought (as you may remember from the TR) O'hana was FANTASTIC. Er-well, I did. Joe was already feeling a bit icky that night, so what he could eat, he loved and he wants to do it again. The potstickers are droooooooooooooool. I hope you enjoy it!

We also loved WCC. Yum!

I want to try Jiko sometime too, and the Rose & Crown has been catching my interest as of late too - it might make the December trip list.

I had a wonderful experience with my Photopass Share. The person running it kept us all up to date when she had problems getting the CD from Disney and she was VERY quick in sending out the CD copies, even though it was Christmas-time. I hope you have a great run with it too.

I hope the next 134 days fly by for you!!

 

[MegansMom]

How fun that you guys are going to take on a road trip!!! TOO FUN!!! I think you will enjoy it---remember those memories are just as important at times.....will you be coming down through my way??? Or is there another route to take from the East Coast?

Thoughts on your ADRs----YUM!! You have some of our favorites on there---including Grand Floridian Cafe which is one of our new favorites!!! AWESOME meal we had there for sure! The only place on your list that we didn't enjoy was actually WCC at WL. It may have just been our night and our VERY poor waitress. She was MIA through most of the meal---so we really didn't understand what was going on most of the time, our food's quality was poor because our skillet seemed like it sat out for awhile---let's just say we had LOTS of issues there. I really don't want to go into too many details, because I know many others enjoy it---it really probably was just a bad circumstance and waitress. I hope you have better luck there! All in all, looks good---I hope you get everything you want!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Cool update!

I think you will enjoy driving down and seeing the scenery change.

On the whole Sonic and Steak n' Steak thing -- when you hit the South, there are also these wonderful places called Waffle Houses. Mmmmm. You should try one.

I will have to go play with the fuel calculator link -- that is right up my extreme OCD planning alley!

Your ADRs look good -- I am so jealous that you are going to eat at Jiko. I want to eat at Jiko.

Can I just add, we play I spy with Waffle Houses when we head south and the pecan waffles are to die for!

 

[nts4wdw]

Good update! Driving isn't bad, although you have alot farther to come than we do. Will you be coming through SC?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Seems like quite a few restaurants are calling your name. Seriously, though, I love what you chose. I can't wait to hear about them as there are quite a few on your list that I haven't tried yet either!

I think the roadtrip will be fun. The way down perhaps a bit more fun than the way back.

I've never eaten at Sonic or Steak N Shake... never even heard of Steak N Shake.

And on having the trip almost paid for. That is fantastic!

Oh and by the way... since you'll have your own car there ... I hear there is a Crocs outlet very near WDW property....

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Okay I can barely comment on the ADRs....I can't get past the driving part! I think the driving is really going to spice up your TR!!! I'm concerned how long it is going to take you though when you have to stop at ever light post on the way for a pic!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Yey for GFC!! I'm so excited to hear about your "final list." You and Marc will love GFC, make sure you stock up on their desserts. Remember, they're "mini's" so you can get two! I love your choices, I wanna try WCC too and Ohana's for dinner (we loved their breakfast) and of course wanna try Le Cellier. Ah, getting so excited for you!!

Your review of GFC was one of the reasons I wanted to eat there!

Do you and Marc plan out what you're going to order ahead of time? I have to do that with Dbf as he will change his mind 50 times by the time they're ready to take our order. I write all his choices on index cards before the trip, about a month in advance

I have a vague idea of what I want, Marc makes up his mind pretty quickly. Though I do remind him of pictures that I have shown him if I think of it while we are there.

The plans sound great. some really good choices there.

Thanks! I'm really excited.

OOOH...your plans sound WONDERFUL LL!!! And think of all the great stories you'll be able to share on a roap trip!! Road trips are all Phillip and I do because of my irrational fear to fly!! So unless I have to get into a plane, we drive everywhere and we really enjoy the time together!!! And got to love having the GPS!!!!

Your ADRs look great!! I also have Ohana's calling my name and I can't wait to eat there...I'm so very very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photopass shares are awesome!! Hope yours works out really really well!!! Got to love having the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!

The more I think about the road trip, the more excited I am. I think it will be fun for us to do.

Here's what I think about your decisions, LL:

#1- I can't believe you've never been on a road trip w/your hubby! It's a definite must! When I step back and think of my DH's personality, I'd think that I would hate a road trip with him. It's actually quite the other way around. It gives us an oppurtunity to talk that we don't otherwise have day-to-day.

I think it will be nice.

#2- Seeing the sights is an awesome point. I love a good-old road trip for this. Sadly, both our trips to/fro WDW through the TN mountains were in the dark- so I didn't even get to see anything but shadows!

Marc is very excited about what we will see.

#3- Sonic & Steak N'Shake---> AWESOME!!!

#4- You'll find that the HESS gas stations on WDW property are very inexpensive for gas. Def. fill up there when you get there if you can, and before you leave.

#5- Interesting mix of dining! Can't wait to hear about 'em!

Good Tip! I'm wondering about parking, if we drive to another resort, say the Poly, do we have to pay for parking if we have an ADR there??

And finally #6- Once again, I'm so proud of you and Marc for taking all the steps to be financially responsible w/this trip. It speaks volumes to your ability to work together as a married couple working towards your common goals. In the coming years, when you two start your family, these experiences will come in SO HANDY- you will see!

Thank you so much. I'm really quite proud of us.

Cool update!

I think you will enjoy driving down and seeing the scenery change.

On the whole Sonic and Steak n' Steak thing -- when you hit the South, there are also these wonderful places called Waffle Houses. Mmmmm. You should try one.

I will have to go play with the fuel calculator link -- that is right up my extreme OCD planning alley!

Your ADRs look good -- I am so jealous that you are going to eat at Jiko. I want to eat at Jiko.

I told Marc about the Waffle Houses and he's excited. I'm not so sure....
I'm very, very excited about Jiko. It's going to be yummy!

Jim and I were cracking up at all the WAFFLE HOUSE signs! By the end of the trip we were convinced it was a code word for something else and there was no way people could like waffles that much!

Oooh, conspiracy!!

Your ADR's look awesome. I am also really excited about Le Cellier.

That's so cool that you decided to drive down, that's going to be so much fun! I would love to attempt something like that. How long will it take you? 24 (ish) hours?

I think that by the time I leave next month, your countdown will be in the double digits. You'll at least be really close!

We're thinking about 24ish hours or so.

Were you trying to come up with what it was code for?

Oh, but there is so much more than just waffles at Waffle House -- for example, there is nothing like a big plate of scattered, covered, and smothered hash browns. Mmmmm...

Hm. I don't know CP. What are they covered and smothered with?