Sharing the Disney Magic with Family & Friends-DL Diamond Anniversary-DCA F&W Fest Kiosks & The End!

[dolphingirl47]

We ended up changing things all around. We were supposed to go to DLP last month and when that didn't happen, all the major trips sort of got all stirred up.

Well, if you have any questions or want me to find out any information, let me know. I will be at DLP in just over two weeks.

So no PC in 2017, but maybe 2018 if the Wonder is still doing them then. Everything is so screwy with the Canal being behind schedule and all. They keep putting off the major rehabs to the Wonder so it can still go through the canal.

Well, I think this time it may actually be happening. As far as I am aware all the locks have now been flooded.

Trader Sams doesn't sound nearly as fun as the one here, but we'll still have to try it!

We still had fun and do not regret going.

All the plans sound fantastic.

Corinna

 

[IowaTater]

D23 Expo looks amazing! I can definitely see why you wouldn't be able to do it all. I'm pretty sure my bank account would take a horrible beating as well.

I've subscribed to the cruise TR but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. (I'm so far behind on all of my PTR & TRs)

I'm glad things are looking bright for you guys. I might have missed it but when are you going for F&W 2016? We will be there Oct. 19-26.

 

[franandaj]

That is a while since you ordered it a few weeks ago. Hopefully you will get it shortly.

It finally arrived on Friday. We had a busy weekend and with the trip to my parents on Wednesday I won't have a chance to get out there until after we get back.

It was nice seeing you a few weeks ago. Hope you and Fran enjoyed the tails. What way did you cook them?

We did. I steamed them.

True. You have to select what you want to do especially you can't do everything at the Expo.

Even without all the lines I think it would be impossible to see everything there is. So much going on and a lot of it overlaps.

I can't wait to hear your adventures on the DCL. It won't be to long until your WDW trip. It is nice to be back but it want the same.

It's nice being back, but I just need things to calm down. Unfortunately they are going to ramp up quite a bit before anything slows down.

Thanks for the link! Your December plans look good. We are coming out on the 14th December going on the Dream on 24th Dec for a 4 night cruise over Christmas. Can't wait. Is yours a Christmas themed one too?

We need to get together at least for a small chit chat this time! It was so nice that last time. Ours is a Christmas themed one as well. I just got the little booklet with the luggage tags Saturday.

We also can't wait to see the resort decs. Did you see new The Osborne lights dessert party? Plus the new Magic Bands you can design yourseld in TL in MK? Too cool. We are doing a Minnie's HollyWood and Vine as well. You got to get in the spirit of it!

I hadn't heard about any of that. There is just so much to do, you really have to pick and choose.

Well done for bagging a Beaches and Cream. I haven't managed to get one of those. If we were at SSR like we usually are we would swing by and say hello. We are at the VWL those 3 nights we managed to get waitlisted. Then at SSR after you leave.

We'll be up near MK the day after you arrive. Maybe we can stop by VWL and see you and the decorations.

Any good surprises out of that collection? I see there were a few Mickey waffle makers.

There were actually some pretty valuable pieces in there. After the New Year, hopefully we'll be moved out of the old house, and then we'll really get crackin' on our new "ebay store". Not only do we have the stuff from that storage locker, but our attic in the old house has about 50 boxes of our own filled with Disney memorabilia.

So there won't be some kind of full blown, weekend long celebration in a villa somewhere?

Ha! No, but who knows, next year is his 75th! Mom says we'll just go out for a nice dinner.

It's New Orleans. You drink and fill in the gaps with historic stuff. Right?

Food, can't forget the food!

Wow! That's awesome! I'm glad they were able to do that for you.

Yeah, that worked out nicely!

Sounds like fun. I mean if they don't want to go, I think I could afford a flight to Vancouver.

It sounds like my parents are getting excited. My Dad even asked about information on the wonder, ship plans, amenities and stuff.

You've got some great travel plans! Whoo Hoo for the savings on the 2017 cruise!

Jill in CO

And you can't beat $200 in OBC!

This is kind of exciting to read because I have mentally penciled in the the 2018 WBPC cruise on my calendar...

We'll have to see if everything else falls into place, but I will be definitely putting it on the radar.

 

[franandaj]

Well, if you have any questions or want me to find out any information, let me know. I will be at DLP in just over two weeks.

Other than maps, I can't think of much of anything right now. Do you know if allears.net has the menus online?

Well, I think this time it may actually be happening. As far as I am aware all the locks have now been flooded.

Good to know. I wonder if they will bring other ships across once the wider locks are opened.

We still had fun and do not regret going.

All the plans sound fantastic.

Thanks. I'll definitely have to try it out.

D23 Expo looks amazing! I can definitely see why you wouldn't be able to do it all. I'm pretty sure my bank account would take a horrible beating as well.

Ours took a huge beating two years ago. We did pretty good this time.

I've subscribed to the cruise TR but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. (I'm so far behind on all of my PTR & TRs)

That's oK. I seem to be going rather slowly. I haven't even posted past day 1 although I am well into writing day 2.

I'm glad things are looking bright for you guys. I might have missed it but when are you going for F&W 2016? We will be there Oct. 19-26.

We are going to be there Oct 18-28. I see a DISmeet potential for the future!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Do you know if allears.net has the menus online?

No, unfortunately not. I have been frantically trying to find menus online, but to no avail. The only ones I found are about 6 or 7 years old.

Good to know. I wonder if they will bring other ships across once the wider locks are opened.

I think the timing is pretty perfect. If I remember correctly, Port Canaveral is using its exclusive rights to the Dream next year and to the Fantasy in 2017.

Corinna

 

[Flossbolna]

@franandaj and @dolphingirl47 this website has the best DLP menus in my opinion: http://www.dlpguide.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

Some are not that up to date, but many are rather recent. Since DLP just redesigned their website and app to look like the American ones, I hope that menus might appear on the official website in the future...

 

[dolphingirl47]

@franandaj and @dolphingirl47 this website has the best DLP menus in my opinion: http://www.dlpguide.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

Some are not that up to date, but many are rather recent. Since DLP just redesigned their website and app to look like the American ones, I hope that menus might appear on the official website in the future...

Thanks. I am going over there now to check it out.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

No, unfortunately not. I have been frantically trying to find menus online, but to no avail. The only ones I found are about 6 or 7 years old.

Well, it's good we had this discussion here since Magdalene came to our rescue!

I think the timing is pretty perfect. If I remember correctly, Port Canaveral is using its exclusive rights to the Dream next year and to the Fantasy in 2017.

So what you're saying is that when the new locks open up there is the possibility that the Dream and Fantasy will be released from their contracts that they can possibly travel to the West Coast?

@franandaj and @dolphingirl47 this website has the best DLP menus in my opinion: http://www.dlpguide.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

Some are not that up to date, but many are rather recent. Since DLP just redesigned their website and app to look like the American ones, I hope that menus might appear on the official website in the future...

Thanks! I will have to check out that link when I have some time!

 

[franandaj]

So over on the Cruise thread I alluded to the fact that it was 180 days from my trip with Naked Jim and his partner Alberto, and that I made some ADRs. Actually it was the second set of ADRs. Since we are doing a split stay, I was able to make my first set and most of the ADRs on Sunday morning. Today I made the last three. Here is how the trip is looking so far.

Wed Apr 27
Fly to Orlando
Stay at Loew’s RPH
Dinner at Rick’s American Café

Thurs Apr 28
US/IoA for Gringott’s at Diagon Alley
Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade
Dinner at Palm Steakhouse

Fri Apr 29
Park to be determined
Check into VWL
Hopefully Alberto will cook us an early dinner with a Latin Flair
FP+ for Illuminations?

Sat Apr 30
9AM Breakfast at Whispering Canyon
Spend the day checking out Disney Springs
6:15 PM Hoop de Doo Review

Sun May 1
Happy Birthday to me!
Epcot FP+ will be made
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival lunch grazing at the booths
7PM Dinner at Artist Point

Mon May 2
Lazy morning at the resort
1:00PM lunch at Sanaa
AK for night time activities

Tues May 3
Resort switch day
12:00 Behind the Seeds tour(?)
2PM lunch at Chef’s de France
Check into Poly Bungalows
Cook dinner in the room
Wishes on the patio!

Wed May 4
9AM Rope Drop MK
10:40AM 1900 Park Fare
??? Whatever we want
6:40PM O’Hana
Back to the room for more fireworks from the balcony!

Thurs May 5
Whatever we didn’t do for the last week.
6:40PM Be Our Guest

Fri May 6
Travel Home

We haven’t booked our flights yet, nor have we actually reserved the rooms at Universal. We have some time on that one still.

And only 31 days until the next WDW/Cruise trip!

 

[dolphingirl47]

So what you're saying is that when the new locks open up there is the possibility that the Dream and Fantasy will be released from their contracts that they can possibly travel to the West Coast?

Yes, it is a possibility. Whether or not they choose to exercise that option, remains to be seen.

And only 31 days until the next WDW/Cruise trip!

That is scary. I am still nowhere near to getting a concrete plan for December.

Corinna

 

[Steppesister]

Sat Apr 30
9AM Breakfast at Whispering Canyon
Spend the day checking out Disney Springs
6:15 PM Hoop de Doo Review

Now THAT is the perfect non-park day! Nicely planned!

7PM Dinner at Artist Point

Please, double please take good notes; I'm looking forward to your review of this place!

Wishes on the patio, from our Jacuzzi!!!!!!!

Bliss.

Back to the room for more fireworks from the Jacuzzi!!!!!

Let me repeat myself!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Love your plans, it sounds like a wonderful relaxed trip!!

I was trying to make fun of you on your TR because you said that you made 180 reservations - you left out the days. And at first I was really confused why you were making plans for 180 meals!

You are aware that the Poly Bungalows only have a plunge pool, not a jacuzzi on the patio?? So, if you want bubbles, you need to use the one inside. I am really excited that we are planning to get a one-bedroom for our stay at VWL and I finally get one of those lively DVC jacuzzi tubs to try out!!

 

[skier_pete]

Looks like a great trip.

Flossbolna beat me to it, but the Bungalows for all their wonder don't have a jacuzzi on the deck. It's a "plunge pool" and it looks pretty small, plus there's a good chance that big railing they put around the deck might block the fireworks view from someone sitting IN the pool.

However, you will most assuredly have a world class view of the fireworks. Our recent stay at the Poly we saw the fireworks every night, and twice watched it from the end of our building of Moorea - which is directly behind the bungalows. I was amazing how HUGE the fireworks look from there versus what you see inside the park. My only complaint was you couldn't really hear the music. Hopefully you Bungalow dwellers get the luxury of music being piped in.

 

[franandaj]

Yes, it is a possibility. Whether or not they choose to exercise that option, remains to be seen.

It should be interesting to see what happens!

That is scary. I am still nowhere near to getting a concrete plan for December.

I hope it works out for you!

Now THAT is the perfect non-park day! Nicely planned!

Thanks!

Please, double please take good notes; I'm looking forward to your review of this place!

I will take many pictures and notes!

Bliss

Except I just found out its a plunge pool, not a jacuzzi. Cool but not quite as cool as a warm jetted tub.

Let me repeat myself!!

If nothing else, enjoying a glass of wine from the balcony.

Love your plans, it sounds like a wonderful relaxed trip!!

Thanks. I hope so!

I was trying to make fun of you on your TR because you said that you made 180 reservations - you left out the days. And at first I was really confused why you were making plans for 180 meals!

I know you were! I was so excited for making them and getting what I wanted that I was leaving words out of my sentences!

You are aware that the Poly Bungalows only have a plunge pool, not a jacuzzi on the patio?? So, if you want bubbles, you need to use the one inside. I am really excited that we are planning to get a one-bedroom for our stay at VWL and I finally get one of those lively DVC jacuzzi tubs to try out!!

No, I wasn't aware that it was a plunge pool. Well, if it's hot that will be nice. I love my jacuzzi tub in the DVC one bedrooms! The ones at VWL are extra big and comfy!

Looks like a great trip.

Flossbolna beat me to it, but the Bungalows for all their wonder don't have a jacuzzi on the deck. It's a "plunge pool" and it looks pretty small, plus there's a good chance that big railing they put around the deck might block the fireworks view from someone sitting IN the pool.

However, you will most assuredly have a world class view of the fireworks. Our recent stay at the Poly we saw the fireworks every night, and twice watched it from the end of our building of Moorea - which is directly behind the bungalows. I was amazing how HUGE the fireworks look from there versus what you see inside the park. My only complaint was you couldn't really hear the music. Hopefully you Bungalow dwellers get the luxury of music being piped in.

Bummer that they are not Jacuzzis, but nice that we'll still have a good view. Hopefully there will be a TV channel where they pipe in the music.

 

[jedijill]

Your plans are really coming together! I'm jelly of the Poly bungalow.

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

Love you plans. What a FUN group of people. It's going to be a great trip. Is Alberto a good cook? I loooooooove that I know who you are talking about.

Poly bungalows!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read all about that. I about barfed when I saw how many points they are per night.

 

[franandaj]

Your plans are really coming together! I'm jelly of the Poly bungalow.

Jill in CO

I really hope that this time they go through! I need some serious "make up" trips!

Love you plans. What a FUN group of people. It's going to be a great trip. Is Alberto a good cook? I loooooooove that I know who you are talking about.

Poly bungalows!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read all about that. I about barfed when I saw how many points they are per night.

Actually, I'm not sure I've ever had Alberto's cooking. But I know he makes Thanksgiving every year for a huge crowd over at Leisure World and Jim says that he does most of the cooking at their house. I'm just please that someone else will do it and I don't have to!

They look so nice, and I know. I can't believe that they cost just as much as the Grand Villa we all stayed in, and there will only be four of us!

 

[PrincessInOz]

WOW! 180 day mark....already? Looks like the re-do is going to be a fantastic trip with those ADRs and plans.
Enjoy the Poly Bungalows. I'm totally envious.

 

[dhorner233]

Sat Apr 30
9AM Breakfast at Whispering Canyon
Spend the day checking out Disney Springs
6:15 PM Hoop de Doo Review

Sounds like a great day! Love the breakfast at Whispering Canyon! Haven't seen the Hoop de Doo since the 1980's

Sun May 1
Happy Birthday to me!
Epcot FP+ will be made
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival lunch grazing at the booths
7PM Dinner at Artist Point

What a great way to spend your birthday!!! I can't wait to hear about Artist Point. That's on my next visit's "must do" list.

Mon May 2
Lazy morning at the resort
1:00PM lunch at Sanaa
AK for night time activities

How nice to have a lazy morning at the resort! What night time activities do they have at the AK?

Tues May 3
Resort switch day
12:00 Behind the Seeds tour(?)
2PM lunch at Chef’s de France
Check into Poly Bungalows
Cook dinner in the room
Wishes on the patio!

Lucky you staying at the new Poly Bungalows! I can't wait to see the pictures! It's as close as I'll ever get!

Wed May 4
9AM Rope Drop MK
10:40AM 1900 Park Fare
??? Whatever we want
6:40PM O’Hana
Back to the room for more fireworks from the balcony!

I have got to go to 1900 Park Fare too!! I never get to the resorts enough. And it must be heaven to watch the fireworks from your bungalow!

Thurs May 5
Whatever we didn’t do for the last week.
6:40PM Be Our Guest

You must have been very organized to a dinner reservation for Be Our Guest or is it still the hardest reservation to get at DW?

 

[franandaj]

WOW! 180 day mark....already? Looks like the re-do is going to be a fantastic trip with those ADRs and plans.
Enjoy the Poly Bungalows. I'm totally envious.

I'm hoping so! And I'm really glad that Alberto plans to join us, he is a total hoot! Not that Jim isn't but the combination is a lot of fun! I can't wait to slow down some at the bungalows, enjoying our own meals and having WDW and the water pageant and fireworks right outside. I doubt we're ever going to experience that again!

Sounds like a great day! Love the breakfast at Whispering Canyon! Haven't seen the Hoop de Doo since the 1980's

I've never done either so I'm looking forward to a day of new experiences!

What a great way to spend your birthday!!! I can't wait to hear about Artist Point. That's on my next visit's "must do" list.

That one has been on my radar for years, so I'm glad we're finally going to get to it. And it will be a little more subdued than last year's B'day!

How nice to have a lazy morning at the resort! What night time activities do they have at the AK?

I love lazy mornings at the resort, and this one is beautiful! They are launching a whole new series of events to boost nighttime attendance at AK. I think there is a parade, a "WoC"ish show, and some other stuff. Don't remember exactly what it was, but we googled it while Jim was over and we were talking ADRs and he said it sounded fun. Fran was the one who suggested it as she subscribes to almost every Disney email source out there!

Lucky you staying at the new Poly Bungalows! I can't wait to see the pictures! It's as close as I'll ever get!

I know I can't believe we got it. 1) because we need an H/A room and there are only a limited number of those and 2) I don't own there, so luckily no disabled folks who own there wanted to stay on our dates!

I have got to go to 1900 Park Fare too!! I never get to the resorts enough. And it must be heaven to watch the fireworks from your bungalow!

It's one of our favorites, the strawberry soup is one of the best things they have there!

You must have been very organized to a dinner reservation for Be Our Guest or is it still the hardest reservation to get at DW?

Actually I think it's easing up. I didn't get up at 3AM to get that reservation so maybe it's not as hard as it was two years ago.