"10/23/2010 Seven Days of Magic Sailing to the Saints Looking for Serenity Now!"

[Sand]

Saw some pictures of BLT...WOW...that place looks fantastic.

Has WDW released the MNSSHP schedule yet? Nan and I might need to fly in a day later than planned. We wanted to do two days 'commando-touring' the parks...but might only have time for one. Doing MNSSHP the day we fly in would help me get my 'disney-fix'.

We stayed at BLT in December. it was AWESOME! I didn't know the castle stays lit the whole night until about 7am. One night it rotated between all the pastel colors ALL NIGHT. The windows are floor to ceiling. I actually had to close the curtains so the girls would go to sleep because they didn't want to miss a color on our "nightlite".

I am keeping an eye out for the MNSSHP dates. They did just realease the Flower and Garden dates and schedules if any one is going in the spring.

 

[Sand]

I was actually looking up some new recipes yesterday. I love to cook; I read cookbooks like novels. Kevin, your recipe sounds great! Franks Hot Sauce is always a winner. I love that you added Sriracha (Thai garlic-chile sauce, it has got a kick to it).

I love Food network. They did a spin-off site Food2.com, basically for college students - which I am not. Here are 10 different varieties of nachos from food2 that I thought had clever combinations. The BBQ nachos I would use frito scoops and for the Breakfast Nachos I would use bagel chips. Notice some of them use toasted, seasoned pita chips - can buy ready made:

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Whether it was Cheddar Rushmore or the Stadium o' Snacks, we've been craving nachos.

We could smother a bunch of chips in salsa, cheese and refried beans. Throw it all in the oven at 400F for 3 - 5 minutes or microwave, it gets until melty with hot toppings.
We even flirted with making our own tortilla chips to mix it up.

All good but we were craving something else.



We started kicking around some fresh ideas to taste drive:

1) BBQ Nachos:
Shredded pork, beef or chicken (rotisserie chicken is an easy way to go), BBQ sauce, shredded cheese. Coleslaw and baked beans depending on where you 'Q in the US.

2) Breakfast Nachos:
Scrambled eggs, chopped and sauteed chorizo, breakfast sausage or chopped bacon, drained and sliced jalapenos from can or jar, cream cheese, sauteed onions. Top after heating with sour cream or ketchup.

3) Buffalo Wing Nachos:
Buffalo wing sauce, chopped celery, crumbled blue cheese, chopped chicken (again, rotisserie is great). Blue cheese dressing is also great on top after heating.

4) Cheeseburger Nachos:
Sauteed ground beef or turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce

5) Dessert Nachos:
Bite-sized pieces of your favorite fruit, chocolate chips, sauce or syrup. Once heated, top with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream. Can start with cinnamon pita chips or homebake your own.

6) Jewish Deli Nachos:
Chopped red onions, capers, cubes of cream cheese warmed on a bed of bagel chips. Top after with smoked salmon and finely chopped hard boiled egg.

7) Italian Nachos:
Bite-sized pieces of cooked sweet or hot Italian sausage (or chopped meatballs), pasta sauce (red or cheese based), shredded mozzarella, sprinkle oregano and parmesan on top

Philly Cheesesteak Nachos:
Chopped and sauteed deli roast beef, sauteed mushrooms and slices of onions and green bell pepper, shredded American or Provolone cheese

9) Pizza Nachos:
Pizza sauce, shredded mozzarrella (or cheese blend), favorite pizza toppings from pineapple to mushroom to pepperoni

10) Thai Nachos:
Beef, chicken or seafood curry, chopped peanuts, finely sliced carrots

 

[d'Isigny]

This would be the goofy Pool; Midship; Deck 9 and you are standing in front of Pinocchio's Pizzeria.

yep - yep - yep...you would be correct on photo and name of a great place for some fast food - hot dogs, burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and all the extras that go with them.

I was actually looking up some new recipes yesterday. I love to cook; I read cookbooks like novels. Kevin, your recipe sounds great! Franks Hot Sauce is always a winner. I love that you added Sriracha (Thai garlic-chile sauce, it has got a kick to it).

I love Sriracha (in moderation). Have two techs in San Francisco that use Sriracha like I would ketchup - don't know how their stomach holds up. But...I love that the butter and Sriracha cuts the overpowering vinegar flavor normally found in hot wings.

Thank you for taking a look...hope you try this and will let me know how you and your guests like it.

Here are 10 different varieties of nachos from food2 that I thought had clever combinations. The BBQ nachos I would use frito scoops and for the Breakfast Nachos I would use bagel chips. Notice some of them use toasted, seasoned pita chips - can buy ready made:

4) Cheeseburger Nachos:
Sauteed ground beef or turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce

We just pan fried some ground beef and added spices for taco/burittos...so...am going to use that with the above type of Nachos. Thanks for the suggestion - am sure they'll go quick.

 

[JohnO]

We'll be taking in the F & W Fest. the day before the cruise. We LOVE F & W Fest.!!

 

[sunshine1259]

We'll be taking in the F & W Fest. the day before the cruise. We LOVE F & W Fest.!!

That should be fun. Unless we make a pit stop in St. Louis, we just might take a day to visit EPCOT. That's my DH's favorite park. I just wish our Disneyland annual passes worked at WDW.

 

[d'Isigny]

Happy Monday...

Hope all had a great weekend!! As I've said before....my favorite football team was already out...but...I really enjoyed the super bowl. Condolences to any Colts fans out there...congrats to those rooting for the Saints.

Thanks again for the tips on the nachos. We went with the Cheeseburger style - they came out great!

Was doing some research on one/two day park passes at WDW. WOW...doesn't Disney stick it to those taking a short trip. So...I got to thinking...Disney is giving away a free day at any park for completing a community service project. These tickets can be upgraded to add additional days/hopping option - with some limitations (no special events like MNSSHP - etc). So, I signed us up for a Catholic Church that needed some gardening work through the Disney sponsored - Hands On Network - web site. The whole family was out of the house at 0700 (I'm a cruel Dad...Mom and I get the benefit...AND the children get the work - too) digging trenches, planting trees and picking vegetables. Still don't know if we can fly in early enough to do two full days - or MNSSHP the day we fly in and a full day on Friday.

The Disney web site is only showing hours through August 31st...any ideas when they will open up through the end of October? I'd sure like to start making dining and touring plans...@%&&!!%@&!#.

 

[Sand]

Happy Monday...

Thanks again for the tips on the nachos. We went with the Cheeseburger style - they came out great! Great!!

Was doing some research on one/two day park passes at WDW. WOW...doesn't Disney stick it to those taking a short trip. So...I got to thinking...Disney is giving away a free day at any park for completing a community service project. These tickets can be upgraded to add additional days/hopping option - with some limitations (no special events like MNSSHP - etc). So, I signed us up for a Catholic Church that needed some gardening work through the Disney sponsored - Hands On Network - web site. The whole family was out of the house at 0700 (I'm a cruel Dad...Mom and I get the benefit...AND the children get the work - too) digging trenches, planting trees and picking vegetables. Still don't know if we can fly in early enough to do two full days - or MNSSHP the day we fly in and a full day on Friday.
Great idea! We bought annual passes in Dec because we caluculated it would be cheaper than buying tix for Dec09 and Oct10 trips. I agree Brenda! I wish Disney would allow the passes to be valid in both DL and WDW.

The Disney web site is only showing hours through August 31st...any ideas when they will open up through the end of October? I'd sure like to start making dining and touring plans...@%&&!!%@&!#.

6 months before, so April 1st (no joke!). Disney went back to making ADR's available 6 months out FROM YOUR ARRIVAL DATE. No, you don't have to wait to book your ADR's one day at a time for the duration of your vacation. You can book online or call. The CM's will go by your check-in date. Have your confirmation # and list of restaurnats ready!

 

[sunshine1259]

Happy Monday...

Hope all had a great weekend!! As I've said before....my favorite football team was already out...but...I really enjoyed the super bowl. Condolences to any Colts fans out there...congrats to those rooting for the Saints.

Thanks again for the tips on the nachos. We went with the Cheeseburger style - they came out great!

Was doing some research on one/two day park passes at WDW. WOW...doesn't Disney stick it to those taking a short trip. So...I got to thinking...Disney is giving away a free day at any park for completing a community service project. These tickets can be upgraded to add additional days/hopping option - with some limitations (no special events like MNSSHP - etc). So, I signed us up for a Catholic Church that needed some gardening work through the Disney sponsored - Hands On Network - web site. The whole family was out of the house at 0700 (I'm a cruel Dad...Mom and I get the benefit...AND the children get the work - too) digging trenches, planting trees and picking vegetables. Still don't know if we can fly in early enough to do two full days - or MNSSHP the day we fly in and a full day on Friday.

The Disney web site is only showing hours through August 31st...any ideas when they will open up through the end of October? I'd sure like to start making dining and touring plans...@%&&!!%@&!#.

Hi, Kevin. I think that in another couple of months they should open up. That would put us at the 6-month mark.

I think that we might try that Give-a-day, Get-a-day, for a day at EPOCT before our cruise. I will have to check with DH.

 

[d'Isigny]

I think that we might try that Give-a-day, Get-a-day, for a day at EPOCT before our cruise. I will have to check with DH.

it was really easy...worth working 4 hours for a free day - value ~$78 per person.

what was not so easy...was finding an event to support. if you are even thinking about this...I'd recommend going to the Disney web site and signing up. it will forward you to 'Hands On Network'...where you search by your zip code for volunteer options. In my area...these options were filling up fast. There were a few times...I went to sign us up...only to find out on the final click...they were full.

should you want more infomation...there is support on one of the DIS sections. I think in the Theme Park section.

good luck..k

 

[sunshine1259]

it was really easy...worth working 4 hours for a free day - value ~$78 per person.

what was not so easy...was finding an event to support. if you are even thinking about this...I'd recommend going to the Disney web site and signing up. it will forward you to 'Hands On Network'...where you search by your zip code for volunteer options. In my area...these options were filling up fast. There were a few times...I went to sign us up...only to find out on the final click...they were full.

should you want more infomation...there is support on one of the DIS sections. I think in the Theme Park section.

good luck..k

Thanks, Kevin. I will have to get on it.

 

[Grandma4ever]

Found us on page two and that will not do, so here is a little bump to put us back at the front.

 

[Anjelica]

Angelica: Here is the link to the ATV tour. www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/ATVStMaarten.htm
It looks like Sydney can go as a rider. I think my friend Brad is going to go on the tour. I think Chel and the others are doing something else.

Any issues with the two of us tagging along? If not let me know when you guys are booking and I will do so also.

Been away for a bit - recovering from one of the nastiest Stomach Flu's I have ever had. I'm finally on some meds to help calm the stomach down -the same stuff I was on with both pregnancies - ZOFRAN - BEST...DRUG...EVER.

In any event - we are still getting ready for our trip to Ireland at the end of March (no kids). As soon as we get back we have a little over 3 weeks till our week trip back to our second vacation home - WDW. I'm actually looking forward to our "Vacation Sprint" over the next couple of years.

We are going to fly in the Thursday before our trip and staying at AKV right now - its one of our home resorts and since I'm not in the 7 month window can't change it to anything else yet. We then plan on staying Saturday night at WDW and fly back home later Halloween Day/Night. We are buying our Annual Passes this May trip and want to get our use out of them.

 

[Anjelica]

*GASP* Page 2....

Off topic but at what point did the Cruise Line Forum get to be more like the Community Board these days.

 

[sunshine1259]

*GASP* Page 2....

Off topic but at what point did the Cruise Line Forum get to be more like the Community Board these days.

 

[Anjelica]

I didn't use to frequent the Community Board alot because sometimes it got down right nasty. I could always rely on the Cruise Forum and the DVC boards to generally be filled with people being cordial and nice to each other even though they didn't agree. But lately some of the threads on this "generally nicer forums", one I was a part of just this past day/two, have really gone South quickly.

Oh well - to each his own. I'm just looking forward to our trip in October!!! While I can appreciate our WDW trips there is truly nothing more relaxing that a cruise. And this time, our son should be 100% Potty Trained which means he will get to spend more time in the kids clubs. (I love my kids to death but sometimes you just need that break - lol)

 

[Orlanr]

I didn't use to frequent the Community Board alot because sometimes it got down right nasty. I could always rely on the Cruise Forum and the DVC boards to generally be filled with people being cordial and nice to each other even though they didn't agree. But lately some of the threads on this "generally nicer forums", one I was a part of just this past day/two, have really gone South quickly.

Oh well - to each his own. I'm just looking forward to our trip in October!!! While I can appreciate our WDW trips there is truly nothing more relaxing that a cruise. And this time, our son should be 100% Potty Trained which means he will get to spend more time in the kids clubs. (I love my kids to death but sometimes you just need that break - lol)

You guys have great kids, they can always hang with us.

 

[Orlanr]

Any issues with the two of us tagging along? If not let me know when you guys are booking and I will do so also.

Been away for a bit - recovering from one of the nastiest Stomach Flu's I have ever had. I'm finally on some meds to help calm the stomach down -the same stuff I was on with both pregnancies - ZOFRAN - BEST...DRUG...EVER.

In any event - we are still getting ready for our trip to Ireland at the end of March (no kids). As soon as we get back we have a little over 3 weeks till our week trip back to our second vacation home - WDW. I'm actually looking forward to our "Vacation Sprint" over the next couple of years.

We are going to fly in the Thursday before our trip and staying at AKV right now - its one of our home resorts and since I'm not in the 7 month window can't change it to anything else yet. We then plan on staying Saturday night at WDW and fly back home later Halloween Day/Night. We are buying our Annual Passes this May trip and want to get our use out of them.

No problem, I will let you know when we do the resi, we are getting in Thursday morn, I believe Brenda will be in Wednesday morn. We still have the 2BR at Saratoga Springs, we are wait listed for a tree house. Are you guys taking the bus to the port or are you renting a car?

 

[Anjelica]

No problem, I will let you know when we do the resi, we are getting in Thursday morn, I believe Brenda will be in Wednesday morn. We still have the 2BR at Saratoga Springs, we are wait listed for a tree house. Are you guys taking the bus to the port or are you renting a car?

Probably rent a car so we can get there early. I actually want to try for an upgrade (I know slim chance). You guys know yet how you are going to get there?

I would LOVE to stay at the tree house villa's - definetly take a lot of pics. Or just let us know when you will be there and we will crash..hehehehe. I can't move our ressies yet from AKV as we aren't at the 7 month window. We won't be getting in till that Thursday evening so we can minimize how long we take Sydney out of school. Are you guys staying that Saturday night after the cruise?

I forgot to add - you guys have any plans on which parks, if any, you going to the Friday before. Maybe we can meet up for a meal somewhere.

 

[d'Isigny]

Happy Friday to all...

Hope all have great plans for this weekend. We are crazy busy.

Wanted to pop in and post a picture - to continue our 'were are you' game. Please be specific (name - deck - location i.e., forward/mid/aft) and answer in Nautical terms? Enjoy...

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[Orlanr]

Probably rent a car so we can get there early. I actually want to try for an upgrade (I know slim chance). You guys know yet how you are going to get there?

I would LOVE to stay at the tree house villa's - definetly take a lot of pics. Or just let us know when you will be there and we will crash..hehehehe. I can't move our ressies yet from AKV as we aren't at the 7 month window. We won't be getting in till that Thursday evening so we can minimize how long we take Sydney out of school. Are you guys staying that Saturday night after the cruise?

I forgot to add - you guys have any plans on which parks, if any, you going to the Friday before. Maybe we can meet up for a meal somewhere.

Chel and I are going on the shuttle from the hotel, it was a pain to rent the car. We are flying home on Saturday at 2:00. I think Brenda is going to rent a car for her family (4 of them). Yea lets get together at the mouse.