Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed
- Thread starter brookelizabeth
- Start date
Donald is #1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2006
Wow! Another trip this year is awesome!
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???
What flavor Pop-Tarts will you be eating?
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Muy!!
Brook, that's so exciting!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!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.
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!
Yippie for the BONUS trip!!!!
And Already double digit dancing
I love it! Almost time to make a countdown too!
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!
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!
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
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Very, very cool!!
I see you have a new PTR....
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!
I always need coffee, so I get it.
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.Have you checked out the online adr's? I was searching them yesterday for that weekend.
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!!
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.
So, a future trip! (Plus, saves us money by not going...)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
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
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
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
Anyway, congrats to you for getting to go again--Im so green
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.
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!
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!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
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!
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..........
I was SHOCKED (and giddy) when Joe admitted he first priced the Poly!
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! 
Yay Brook for another trip!!!!!!!!!!!!
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?
) I wish we could move it around a bit, but with the serious lack of vacation time I have between January and December trips...
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
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.
And shoot - I'm going to miss you by THREE days!
UGH! 3 days!!!!!!!
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.
Very awesome! And a bit unbelievable. Joe was kinda embarrassed to tell his co-workers.
Boy, you really like going to Disney World, don't you???
What flavor Pop-Tarts will you be eating?
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
4. We must stalk all the same TR's because I knew every ADR reference in your list
Did you stay at CSR? I don't think I actually have read your TR!
I'll remedy that right now!I like your #3. No Pop Tarts! (I don't even like them!
)#4...
Charleston Princess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2008
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
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2007
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
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2007
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...
Flossbolna
Sea days are just so relaxing!
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2006
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...
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
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Ah! I think I did read that TR, but I'm going to look again!
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!
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...
That is so funny!!
I'm going to have to tell Joe that...!
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...
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...
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! 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
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Um...
I think you might need another cup of coffee/tea....you stayed at POFQ not CSR!
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.
jordanyosh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2003
So any more news on the ADR front for your September trip?
Charleston Princess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2008
Um...
I think you might need another cup of coffee/tea....you stayed at POFQ not CSR!
I probably confused you though with the mention of PO in the first post and then switched it up on ya with CSR.
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.
I promise we stayed there.
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Yay for another trip, corn dog nuggets and pop tarts and CSR!!!
Hopefully we leave the Pop Tarts out though...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.
I promise we stayed there.
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
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
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!)
And then I heard nothing back from the TA.
This morning I checked my email first thing. Still nothing!
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!
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?!?!)
Of coure, all this led me straight to a deeper game plan and ROPE DROP discussions with Joe. We've never done RD...
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!
)And then I heard nothing back from the TA.
This morning I checked my email first thing. Still nothing!
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!
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?!?!
)Of coure, all this led me straight to a deeper game plan and ROPE DROP discussions with Joe. We've never done RD...
Flossbolna
Sea days are just so relaxing!
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2006
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! 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"!
As you know, I am one of those RD persons!
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"! Share this page
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