Free Dining 2013

[smitch425]

Thank you! I want to have list ready of my options for hotels when I take the dog out for a walk Thursday AM. I appreciate your help

You're welcome, and just in case I missed you earlier, to the boards!

 

[black562]

OK, now you've got my curiosity up on this one. I have a box of tissues on my desk so I'm prepared.

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I feel him walking by my side, smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

Disney World was our world and we shared many special memories there. I remember him the best way I know how...by continuing the fun that we always enjoyed together. He always taught me to enjoy life, have fun and not worry about the little things.

Here's to you Dad...I shall ALWAYS remember!!!

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.

 

[kcwiak]

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I see him next to me, standing tall and smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.

Awww, this is such a wonderful memory to have of your Dad. I am bawling. Thanks for the warning on tissues.

Thank you for being so awesome.

 

[pxedst21]

Staying at the All Stars doesn't mean you will have 3 bus stops or share buses, especially in low crowd season like September. I have probably ridden the All Star Movies buses a couple of hundred times and, literally, only shared a bus with or stopped at one of the other All Star resorts a handful of times. We have also stayed at Pop a few times and the bus stop there is no more efficient than the All Stars buses. Both great resorts, both great bus service, can't go wrong with either

That's good to know!! We stayed at music several years ago and after 2/3 days of being crammed on buses with all 3 resorts, started driving to the parks just to avoid the buses at night. We've done Pop ever since because of it. Glad to know they do their own buses.
Thanks!!

 

[kcwiak]

That's good to know!! We stayed at music several years ago and after 2/3 days of being crammed on buses with all 3 resorts, started driving to the parks just to avoid the buses at night. We've done Pop ever since because of it. Glad to know they do their own buses.
Thanks!!

The buses are the reason we stay at Pop. It is a great resort but the buses make it even better. Unless we can do a deluxe, we will always do Pop.

 

[rainynight]

Last Nov I stayed in the LM rooms, but I was one of the lucky ones who got free dining for it. But I will say that I had planned to stay there even if I didn't have free dining. I wanted to check out the resort at least once, and why not do so when it was brand new. I won't however ever stay there again unless they offer some great discount. I enjoyed the resort, but the LM rooms are just too far out. We usually get preferred, or even preferred pool view. We enjoy being near the main building and right by the pool as well. Now in our LM room we were right by the pool but we had such limited time we never used it.
I am happy to say I did it once, but it is not worth rack rate for us.

We had free dining last September but stayed one night in a Little Mermaid room (my birthday present to myself) and while it was nice I wouldn't stay again even with free dining for the simple fact that its a long walk from the rooms to the main area. After one day i was so glad we were at Pop the rest of the trip.I cant imagine skipping free dining over at Pop just to stay in a Little Mermaid room, especially since aside from the Ariel shower curtain its not really princess themed. I guess if enough people cancel their LM reservations and switch resorts they will start offering free dining there though.

 

[kcwiak]

Yep, still Thursday for the GP. There is a FD deal for Sept 2-25 and also a room deal for Aug 15-Sept. 28.

Thanks! So excited about FD - nice almost $1400 savings with the upgrade to dining! Also glad we check in on 9/21 and Disney allows you to keep for length of stay. Nice perk.

 

[Marsheliz]

Wow, Black, what a sad, bittersweet, beautiful story... I am sorry for your loss.. I think I told you but mom died 3.5 weeks ago and I miss her so much.. We took her with us on our last Disney vacation and I know this next one will be emotional for me.. I love looking at our pictures and remembering how much fun we had and I still can't believe it has been almost a month since she has been gone or since I have talked with her.
That trip is something cancer can never take away from me and my boys.

 

[black562]

Awww, this is such a wonderful memory to have of your Dad. I am bawling. Thanks for the warning on tissues.

Thank you for being so awesome.

You caught it right before an edit...added a couple sentences at the end.

And thank you...it warms the soul to hear kind words.

 

[mjmpoohfamily]

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I feel him walking by my side, smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

Disney World was our world and we shared many special memories there. I remember him the best way I know how...by continuing the fun that we always enjoyed together. He always taught me to enjoy life, have fun and not worry about the little things.

Here's to you Dad...I shall ALWAYS remember!!!

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.


In response to Black:

Thank you for sharing. That was so beautiful and yes I am crying at my desk. It's so wonderful to know that fathers and sons can have a connection like that. Your dad was truly amazing. I am hoping that my son and my husband will have the same type of connection while we are there. They have a special father/son bond even though they are step father and son, but I am hoping this will bring us even closer as a family.

Again thank you for sharing you have truly touched our hearts today.

 

[Clamesa]

My thinking is it could sell out because its Friday the 13th, unless everyone decides to do the limited time magic villains night at the studios and go to the first party on Tuesday the 10th, then it maybe one of those cases where the party isn't as crowded because everyone is at the studios.

Never know what folks will do....

Black where I can find information about this party ? I tried the WDW site but since they changed it I'm totally lost. Well not totally but pretty close .

Thanks!!

 

[dig311dug]

does anyone else get this:
Remaining Balance: We're sorry. Detail payment information is not available at this time. Please try again later.

 

[Kat016]

Just something to keep the kids excited since it's such a long time away
I have a glass vase that I decorated with a sign and Disney stickers; then typed up a bunch of "Disney" things to do and printed them out on Disney paper. Not sure if I'm going to let them pull one a day or every other day yet. It just has simple things like---eat on a Disney plate, eat Mickey pancakes, make Mickey cookies, watch a Disney movie, make a list of rides at each park they want to do..... just anything Disney related to keep the excitement going until we go

That's awesome! What a fun craft...my kids would like that too...can I "steal" that idea?!? Please!!

 

[sjs314]

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I feel him walking by my side, smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

Disney World was our world and we shared many special memories there. I remember him the best way I know how...by continuing the fun that we always enjoyed together. He always taught me to enjoy life, have fun and not worry about the little things.

Here's to you Dad...I shall ALWAYS remember!!!

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.

Joe Thanks for sharing your story about you and your Dad, so sorry He was taken too soon. I've lost both my boys but Disney was our Happy Place with wonderful memories and I can relate about getting emotional while walking the parks, it is good to be able to return and relive all the good times.

 

[pxedst21]

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya...

Dad and I used to go to WDW together every year. During those trips, we had many once in a lifetime experiences. One year we got to meet a Disney animator that worked directly with Walt on alot of classic films. He even drew me a sketch and signed it, which I still have framed to this day. Another trip, we found ourselves on the first bus into Animal Kingdom on the first soft opening day. We were literally the first public group into the park and it was facinating to see how things progressed from that day. We celebrated birthdays, and many other things, but mostly just enjoying the Disney magic. I truely believe, he had a large part in my blooming love for Disney.

In 1999, three months (to the day) after our Disney vacation, he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. I then realized that, at that point, Disney was much more than a vacation...it was memories, fun times, once in a lifetime encounters, and so much more. The next few trips to Disney were bittersweet. I would find myself watching the parade on Main Street, smelling the scents from the Confectionary, hearing the music...and for a moment, could see him standing next to me. At times, I became emotional for no reason, just something flashed me back to a memory. Now I know, that whenever I'm at Disney, I feel like I'm closest to my Dad...I feel like he's there with me (he is), and I make new memories doing new things or new attractions and thinking to myself "Dad would've loved this".

So there you have it...a Father...a Son....many years of good times....and many more years cut short. But lots of memories all the same...and lots more being made each and every year. It's more than a vacation, it's a pilgrimage. It's that reason that every time I go, there are certain things I must do out of tradition...and other things I do to make new memories. And sometimes, at just the right moment, I feel him walking by my side, smiling and just saying "I'm glad we're here".

Disney World was our world and we shared many special memories there. I remember him the best way I know how...by continuing the fun that we always enjoyed together. He always taught me to enjoy life, have fun and not worry about the little things.

Here's to you Dad...I shall ALWAYS remember!!!

As I said earlier...you asked for it.

And now you know.....the rest of the story.

ok, should have taken the hint at the tissue....

the best thing about Disney is the memories!!


We've always gone just because we are total Disney freaks (DH and I met working at the Disney Store)....but have to say it totally changed after my third son was born deaf. He had surgery for cochlear implants in Oct.2007 when he was 12 months old and his first trip was Feb. 2008. To see him dancing to the music on It's a small world....knowing that without this technology he never would have been able to hear it/fully experience it; it was like going to Disney for the very first time all over again. Now it seems like every trip we just enjoy Disney even more because we are seeing it through our kids eyes. Watching how excited they get is more fun then anything-even if it means riding Buzz 10 times in a row lol. Disney is all about memories--and having my now 6 yr old bust out singing It's a small world when we are in line at the grocery just brings me straight back to seeing him ride it/hear it for the first time.

 

[black562]

Black where I can find information about this party ? I tried the WDW site but since they changed it I'm totally lost. Well not totally but pretty close .

Thanks!!

Unleash the Villains Friday, Sep 13, 2013
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Disney villains are so excited about Friday the 13th, they're taking over Disney's Hollywood Studios! Join in the fun for a night of mischief and a villainous dance party that will last until the 13th hour (1 a.m.).

 

[Marie17]

Question --

What happens if I book a reservation for free dining and once the schedule of testing for the upcoming school session comes out my child won't be able to attend and has to stay behind with grandparents?

Since it is a package deal - would I just pay for his ticket and not cash it in? Could we possibly use the child (disney adult since he is 10) credits as our own for the vacation? I don't know what happens if a member of the original reservation does not show up.

Thanks.

 

[pxedst21]

That's awesome! What a fun craft...my kids would like that too...can I "steal" that idea?!? Please!!

Have fun!!! My kids had fun coming up with the ideas too. Some are individual (like color your own Disney castle) and some are more group (like play a Disney board game). Anything to spread some pixie dust

 

[plutospalforever]

Sorry all, I wanted to get this out earlier, but my Dis app is not working and I apologize if this is a repeat message. As of 7:50am, the only AoA suites left available for FD is Cars and those are extremely limited. So, if you are a DV holder and have not booked, suggest doing it soon. For those waiting till Thursday hoping they will release some more rooms. Fingers crossed!

 

[pxedst21]

does anyone else get this:
Remaining Balance: We're sorry. Detail payment information is not available at this time. Please try again later.

Mine has the same thing. When I asked this morning she said it was just their systems were overloaded right now.