Bunnies, Blooms, & the Boardwalk...NEW TR LINK ADDED p. 14

[OhMari]

Hi Sarah,
I just posted on your Facebook and wondered if you were doing a Pre-trip.

I am flying out the day before you, except, we are going down to the Keys until Tuesday. I think on Wednesday I am going to try and schedule a birthday surprise for my dh at the Richard Petty Driving School. It is his 50th birthday and he loved the racetrack school when I gave it for a present for our 25th wedding anniversary. Tuesday nite I might try and get Victoria and Alberts, but we are staying off site and we have a car so we have other options for places to eat.

I hope we can meet up. I don't know what I am going to do with my 2 days yet. Is your sister still a CM?

I'm betting you are going on a tour on Wednesday, "Keys to the Kingdom"?

 

[disneygeeks]

You're right, it is hard to pick just one thing-there's so much I would like to do but obviously you can't do it all in one week. But it gives you more reason to keep going back to Florida!

Ooh, that's exciting. Have you heard anything yet? Do you know what she was applying for?[/QUOTE]
I talked to her this morning and she said the she was really nervous b4 the interview but she said they really made her feel comfortable. I think she said she was trying out for food and retail, but she said that she won't find out up to 3 weeks after the interview....lets hope

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

I'm in. I like reading about other people's trips. We're going in March so your trip report should help me deal with the post-Disney funk.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi Sarah,
I just posted on your Facebook and wondered if you were doing a Pre-trip.

I am flying out the day before you, except, we are going down to the Keys until Tuesday. I think on Wednesday I am going to try and schedule a birthday surprise for my dh at the Richard Petty Driving School. It is his 50th birthday and he loved the racetrack school when I gave it for a present for our 25th wedding anniversary. Tuesday nite I might try and get Victoria and Alberts, but we are staying off site and we have a car so we have other options for places to eat.

I hope we can meet up. I don't know what I am going to do with my 2 days yet. Is your sister still a CM?

I'm betting you are going on a tour on Wednesday, "Keys to the Kingdom"?

Hi Marissa! I'm a little jealous that you're leaving on the 6th but we will be going to the Brewers home opener that day instead.

Where will you be staying offsite? Does your DH have a convention again this year? If you're not getting to WDW until later in the week we should try to meet up. By that point we'll probably have done pretty much everything we wanted to so we'd be flexible.

As for my sister, she's back home now even though she doesn't want to be. She wanted to do the summer alumni program but apparently they're not having it this year. She'll just have to settle for doing another CP/internship once she graduates next year.

We've talked about doing the KTTK tour too, so that could be it...

I talked to her this morning and she said the she was really nervous b4 the interview but she said they really made her feel comfortable. I think she said she was trying out for food and retail, but she said that she won't find out up to 3 weeks after the interview....lets hope

Yeah, I seem to remember last year when my sister applied she found out a couple weeks after her phone interview. Hopefully it'll all work out for your friend!

I'm in. I like reading about other people's trips. We're going in March so your trip report should help me deal with the post-Disney funk.

Yay, glad to have another reader!

 

[wdwgirl03]

OK, well, since we're under 2 months now it's time to get this PTR rolling! Dad asked me this morning if I looked at the park hours yet and if I had some sort of idea of what I would want to do when we get there. I said no. I haven't looked at the park hours yet, but like he said, since we'll have 6 full days we won't really need to plan too much. It should be plenty of time to do whatever we want. So instead of starting with park plans, I thought I'd start off with something I don't usually talk about a lot...FOOD!

Our family has never really been big on ADRs, and this trip is no different. I know a lot of people really like doing a big sit-down meal every night but I can't imagine eating that much food. As of right now we only have one reservation and that's Via Napoli.

Claire and I ate there on our trip last spring but since Dad has never been, I thought it might be a good choice. We will never turn down Italian food! When we went last year we really liked it and I'm sure Dad will feel the same way. Last year I tried the margherita pizza which I enjoyed but I also remember seeing on someone's TR that the spaghetti and meatballs was good too so I might have to give that a shot. I do love spaghetti!

We were also looking at making an ADR at the T-Rex Cafe.

OK, so I know this place is pretty popular but it's either they don't make many ADRs available or they just get snatched up really quickly because we couldn't get anything for any of the days we're going to be there. I keep saying how I want to go here, so I think if we do we might just try going over to Downtown Disney some evening and see if we can get a walk-up or whatever. A couple years ago when we ate at the Rainforest Cafe we did that. The wait was a couple hours, but atleast you're able to visit all the stores until your time.

The other place I keep saying I want to go to is Beaches and Cream.

Since we're going to be staying at the Boardwalk, there is going to be no excuse for NOT going there on this trip! I've only been to B&C once and I don't even count it since all I got was a dish of ice cream from the take-out counter. Not quite the same. I want to try the burgers that everyone seems to rave about and one of those sundaes! Any recommendations? From other TRs the ones that sound really good are the No Way Jose and the Milky Way sundae.

As far as snacks go, I'm definitely going to want to get something from the Caramel store in Germany.

Again, after seeing everyone talk about this place, I seriously cannot believe last year Claire and I just walked through it. Everything looks so good! I think this could also go under the "no excuses" list since it'll be easy enough to walk over to Epcot. From looking at that picture, that huge cupcake is something I want to try! I don't think it'll take much convincing to get Dad to go here too.

Speaking of cupcakes, I might have to get something from the Boardwalk Bakery too.

It sounds like they have some yummy treats here. I think I remember seeing something about a cheesecake brownie. Mmm! And even though we normally get cereal to keep in our room it might be cool to get something from there for breakfast.

Last but not least, I suppose that I should finally try one of these guys too:

Can you believe in all our trips to WDW I've never had one of these? Which is better-the float or the regular one? Both of them look pretty good though.

So that's my list for now. Any suggestions on what to try at these places? Feel free to share your thoughts/experiences!

 

[onelilspark]

My favorite thing to get at the Caramel shop is the caramel and marshmallow swirly thing:

And I have 2 reviews of Via Napoli in my December 2010 Dining Report.

 

[jenbear123]

I highly recommend the No Way Jose at B&C. Just make sure you're craving peanut butter and chocolate cause that thing has lots of it! I've always gotten a caramel apple from the Caramel shop. I wouldn't go out of my way for their strawberries though. It's more chocolate than caramel so why waste money on something that doesn't even have that much caramel at a caramel shop? Both the dole whip and the float are good. Depends on if you're thirsty or not. The float really brings out the flavor of the ice cream though.

 

[marDgreen88]

I think we had the margherita pizza at Via Napoli too, but we added some ingredients. I could be mistaken, but whatever it was, it was SO good.

As far as T-Rex, we walked up on a whim around 11:30 (I believe that's when they open) and we were able to easily get a table without much of a wait! So keep that in mind!

And Beaches and Cream... well as far as food, all I had was a caesar salad, but it was really good! And I would NOT recommend the Kitchen Sink to two people, so that's basically the extent of my knowledge on that place!

I've never had a Dole Whip either! SO LAME! I personally don't like pineapple juice so I'd just go with the regular dole whip verses the float, but that's just me!

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

Your plans look good so far. I like the idea of not planning too much, especially since you have 6 days. I always seem to end up planning a lot, though.

For T-Rex, have you tried calling the restaurant directly. We always have much better luck getting a reservation that way. The number is 407-828-8739.

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

Double post. Oops.

 

[Nermel9]

Your one ADR sounds great, I love Via Napoli! I need to try T-Rex someday, but I always end up canceling it for something else!

I love Beaches and Cream, it's so cute in there! And yes, you finally have to try the caramel shop!!!

ps-like my new avatar?

 

[disneygeeks]

My fav is just the dole whip itself and I seen on someone elses TR that B&C has a sundae called the kitchen sink, looks pretty big and it may feed more then a couple of people

 

[PirateKate]

That Easter parade looked really cool! Too bad they don't still do that.

I like your one ADR. We're planning on trying Via Napoli for the first time in May and I'm very excited about it. Everyone says it's really good!

 

[wdwgirl03]

My favorite thing to get at the Caramel shop is the caramel and marshmallow swirly thing:

And I have 2 reviews of Via Napoli in my December 2010 Dining Report.

Mmm, that looks good. I have a feeling it's going to be hard to decide what to get from there!

I highly recommend the No Way Jose at B&C. Just make sure you're craving peanut butter and chocolate cause that thing has lots of it! I've always gotten a caramel apple from the Caramel shop. I wouldn't go out of my way for their strawberries though. It's more chocolate than caramel so why waste money on something that doesn't even have that much caramel at a caramel shop? Both the dole whip and the float are good. Depends on if you're thirsty or not. The float really brings out the flavor of the ice cream though.

Yeah, any sundae we get we will be splitting. Those things are huge! That stinks about the strawberries but I agree, it is the caramel store not the chocolate store! I will definitely be getting something with caramel-yum!

I think we had the margherita pizza at Via Napoli too, but we added some ingredients. I could be mistaken, but whatever it was, it was SO good.

As far as T-Rex, we walked up on a whim around 11:30 (I believe that's when they open) and we were able to easily get a table without much of a wait! So keep that in mind!

And Beaches and Cream... well as far as food, all I had was a caesar salad, but it was really good! And I would NOT recommend the Kitchen Sink to two people, so that's basically the extent of my knowledge on that place!

I've never had a Dole Whip either! SO LAME! I personally don't like pineapple juice so I'd just go with the regular dole whip verses the float, but that's just me!

Yes, the pizza I had was really good. I didn't think to add anything to it though.

Thanks for the tip on T-Rex.

I'm not big on pineapple either but I feel like it's some sort of Disney sin to not ever have one. LOL.

Count me in!!

Great, welcome!

Your plans look good so far. I like the idea of not planning too much, especially since you have 6 days. I always seem to end up planning a lot, though.

For T-Rex, have you tried calling the restaurant directly. We always have much better luck getting a reservation that way. The number is 407-828-8739.

Yeah, we figure we have our strategies and since we always get to the parks for rope drop it's not too hard to do a lot of things. Especially with only 2 people.

No, we've only looked online. Might have to try that. Thanks for the suggestion!

Your one ADR sounds great, I love Via Napoli! I need to try T-Rex someday, but I always end up canceling it for something else!

I love Beaches and Cream, it's so cute in there! And yes, you finally have to try the caramel shop!!!

ps-like my new avatar?

I really want to do T-Rex because it was awesome the one time we ate at the Rainforest Cafe and they seem really similar. I love the decor too. So fun!

The one thing I remember about B&C is that it's so tiny!

haha, yes I did notice your avatar.

My fav is just the dole whip itself and I seen on someone elses TR that B&C has a sundae called the kitchen sink, looks pretty big and it may feed more then a couple of people

Oh yeah, if I ever tried the Kitchen Sink I would need about 10 people to help me. I don't think we'll be going for that on this trip. But it would be fun to get sometime.

That Easter parade looked really cool! Too bad they don't still do that.

I like your one ADR. We're planning on trying Via Napoli for the first time in May and I'm very excited about it. Everyone says it's really good!

I don't remember too much about the parade but it is a bummer they don't do it anymore. Oh well.

Yay for trying Via Napoli! I'm sure you'll like it.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Happy Friday everyone!

Down to 50 days today! It still seems like a lot but I'm sure the next month and a half are going to go by so quickly. Can't wait!

So I figure since we've reached 50 days until our trip I will go ahead and reveal our surprise plan for the Thursday we're there.

There were a couple people who guessed we're going to be doing some sort of tour. Well, you would be correct. But which tour is it? I've mentioned wanting to do a couple tours in my other TRs, particularly the Wild Africa Trek and Keys to the Kingdom. While the Wild Africa Trek would be awesome, we won't be doing it this trip. Which means we will be doing the

Keys to the Kingdom tour!

Congrats to Marisa (OhMari) for guessing correctly.

Here's the description directly from the Disney World Website:

Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park.


Guests must be at least 16 years of age.

This approximately 4.5-hour walking tour explores the stories behind the remarkable creation and growth of Magic Kingdom theme park. Hear the intriguing story of Walt Disney and learn how his innovative ideas, revolutionary visions, creative philosophies and amazing accomplishments brought the Theme Park to life. The journey includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions.

One unforgettable highlight is a trip below Magic Kingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors. This is one urban legend that is absolutely, and almost unbelievably, true—the Guest accessible areas of Magic Kingdom theme park are actually on the second floor of a massive structure. The first floor—called the Utilidors—allows Cast Members, deliveries and even trash to be unknowingly transported below Guests' feet as they wait in line for their favorite attraction.

Oh man, I really can't wait for this. We had so much fun on the Backstage Safari tour a couple years ago and I'm sure we'll really enjoy this one too. We've been wanting to do it for a while now so I'm excited. Especially to see the Utilidors. LOL. Maybe it'll turn out to be not so exciting but I still think it'll be cool. I'm pretty sure that when Dad booked it he said the lunch we get is going to be at Columbia Harbor House. I'm curious to see which attraction(s) we get to see (possibly the Haunted Mansion judging from the picture on the website?). If you've done the tour before please don't tell me!

So there's my news for today. I'm also going to try to come up with some sort of countdown like I've done on past PTRs so stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!

 

[marDgreen88]

Sounds so cool! Backstage stuff WOOO! So I guess the other Maris(s)a was the winner hahaha... I was KINDA close.

 

[Caretames1]

50 days! I really need to sneak into your bags, what's your flight time!

My DH knows a couple that did the Keys tour and they said it was amazing! I bet it will change everything you think you know about MK! This is one TR I can't wait for!

 

[Nermel9]

Wow, 50 days already! Woo hoo!

Yay, the Keys to the Kingdom tour sounds amazing! I'm definitely hoping to do it someday, on one of our longer trips!

 

[PirateKate]

Keys to the Kingdom sounds awesome! I've always wondered what it's like in the Utilidors. Fun day!