***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[bugarwitch]

I have news for you.. no one gets their money's worth at those places! I guess some people can but they are SO expensive for relatively inexpensive foods, you are definitely paying for the entertainment!

and I'm so glad you found us! I think we are all feeling a little burned out with the planning. hopefully you will stick around this thread, it's a great group and we talk snout sell kinds of stuff.

i, too, am worried about what it will be like when we get back. it's gonna be rough but we'll have each other! that's all I got right now.

Thank you so much for the lovey welcome! I have been reading so much on these forums and have gotten so much great advice- and encouragement!

Didn't mean to sound like Debbie Downer.. I think what got to me today was I was planning to get up really, really early tomorrow to make our first FP's for 3:30-6:30- for our MVMCP party night (11-29) and then realized I can't do it until Saturday. Now my (ha ha) funny husband keeps telling me he is going to wake me up every morning for the next 2 weeks- before 4 AM to make FP's. What a guy...
Then of course, as we all have, been waiting for the announcements for ROL, and of course no more SW fireworks, that I just KNEW DH would enjoy..... This whole process just feels like it has become a part time job! I am just going to do the best I can, and look forward to our trip! And, I plan to savor every single moment while there.

Last night, on a tip from someone else here, I went on to TeePublic, and found the 2 shirts I have been searching for, for ages! Sooooo excited! "Never too old for Disney", and, "Have courage and be kind". Can't wait to get them!!!!!

Again, thank you- all- for being my Disney buddies!

 

[Lisa F]

I'm with you..lots of ts this trip for food allergies, but I don't eat much at one sitting...I am so not going to get my money's worth at GG or H&V....telling myself I'm paying for the fun...lol!

I have news for you.. no one gets their money's worth at those places! I guess some people can but they are SO expensive for relatively inexpensive foods, you are definitely paying for the entertainment!

 

[Iowamomof4]

I'm thinking about swapping out GG breakfast in favor of Captain's Grille. This is what our plan would look like:

Rope drop Joy & Sadness
Soarin'
The Seas w/ Nemo
TT w/ Crush
Head over to Yacht Club for breakfast (ADR @ 11-ish)
Back to Epcot in time for FEA 1:35-2:35

What time do you think we would need to leave the Seas area to walk to Captain's Grille? Youngest in our group is 8, no elderly people or anything, no strollers.

I'm wanting to switch for better selection, the food looks more appealing to our group, and we're not all that into characters (especially not character meals!). Also, it's cheaper and we can get 10% off w/ our Disney Visa.

 

[Mintycake]

we did sci fi last time and kiddo loved it! it was his request to go again.



I don't know what it is about me but I just can't get excited about QS places. Although I will say the food courts at the value resorts look pretty darn tasty and I also liked the pepper market when I went there like 15 years ago lol. But in the parks... meh. Flame tree BBQ looks good and I will have the pulled pork cheese fries. I love the QS at Morocco. The all breast nuggets are alright. But for the most part I could take it or leave it. Even if I am going to eat light I just much prefer TS and sitting down and being served and not standing in line to order and pay, to pick up food, juggling my food, keeping track of my kid, fighting for a table, cleaning it off myself as it is invariably gross from the previous people. I have no memories on my trip of "wow that was a great meal." The best I think I have is "well the food was edible and no one got killed so we'll call it a win." I'm such a whiny baby

I totally get it. While I'm not a qs person either, I like the fact I can do a meal kinda quickly aND get back to touring. Also 3 sit down meals a day would be way too much...there are already a few where we are doing 2. I let a bunch of adrs go today and am feeling better about it. But I hear ya if it was just me and dd a TS restaurant would be much more manageable!

 

[Mintycake]

And when I told dd about the zootopia meet at mvmcp she lit up! Then I told her we would have to give up kids club and she was like nahhh! Oh well!

 

[Candycane83]

I'm thinking about swapping out GG breakfast in favor of Captain's Grille. This is what our plan would look like:

Rope drop Joy & Sadness
Soarin'
The Seas w/ Nemo
TT w/ Crush
Head over to Yacht Club for breakfast (ADR @ 11-ish)
Back to Epcot in time for FEA 1:35-2:35

What time do you think we would need to leave the Seas area to walk to Captain's Grille? Youngest in our group is 8, no elderly people or anything, no strollers.

I'm wanting to switch for better selection, the food looks more appealing to our group, and we're not all that into characters (especially not character meals!). Also, it's cheaper and we can get 10% off w/ our Disney Visa.

Not sure how long it'll take but that switch is a great way to see the resort decorations!!

 

[Iowamomof4]

Not sure how long it'll take but that switch is a great way to see the resort decorations!!

I used mapmywalk.com and found out it is just under a mile from the Seas pavilion to Yacht Club. I'm thinking 40 minutes would be fine since we shouldn't have to fight major crowds to get there (not like getting out of MK or something where you have to go down Main Street!). We'll play it by ear after Soarin' and just keep an eye on the time to make sure we're over there in time. I like your idea to see the resort decorations!

 

[Mrs. Inc]

Just have to chime in here- a reply to this comment! I convinced (kinda demanded) that DH and I take this trip to WDW, to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. A 2 week trip-11/28-12/11! Started planning this trip a year ago.

I have committed to paying for things OOP, he never would have considered- and I am doing all of the planning, ADR's (only places and foods he will enjoy), fast passes, found our offsite accommodations, etc.

Now, 32 days out, I am so burned out on this whole process, and I haven't even been able to schedule our fast passes yet! It occurred to me this week, that I have been planning and dreaming for so long now, and this trip will be here, and gone, in the blink of an eye. Of course when we return home, it will be the Christmas season. But I imagine, I will be going through "Disney Withdrawal"

How do you all deal with this? Don't feel confident enough to do a solo trip.. and hope to go back again with DH, but who knows...

I hear ya, sister! My DH and I will celebrate our 30th in December. I do 90% of the vacation planning, and it does get old at times. Mine doesn't want to talk about it at all when we are in the planning stage, but then wants to rework all the plans when we are on vacation. Had a big agrumement once at Disney for New Years 2000.. I finally put my foot down and said if he doesn't want to be involved in the planning, he doesn't get to change my plans on the trip!

But, bottom line is he's terrible at long range planning, and I love vacations! So he's lightened up on trips, and I continue to plan all the fun trips I want! this trip and the last one I took alone with DD, and I think he's feeling left out...he's agreed to Disney in fall 2018! I win!

We've got ya...and take a break when you need one...but maybe after you book your fast Passes!

 

[Iowamomof4]

In 555 pages we may have covered this already, but be sure to look for photo booths if you have Memory Maker! Some of them have a tap point and your photos will show up in MM!

http://www.disboards.com/threads/photo-booths-now-apart-of-memory-maker.3548522/

 

[Lisa F]

I totally get it. While I'm not a qs person either, I like the fact I can do a meal kinda quickly aND get back to touring. Also 3 sit down meals a day would be way too much...there are already a few where we are doing 2. I let a bunch of adrs go today and am feeling better about it. But I hear ya if it was just me and dd a TS restaurant would be much more manageable!

but at a prime meal time it's not so quick... the lines are longer and it's harder to find a table. That said, I generally try to avoid prime meal times all the time when traveling and that's why we are doing late breakfasts/early dinners (for the most part). I find that things get backed up as the night goes on but if you are there close to opening it's quite nice. It's not always doable but I like to do it when it is. Early breakfast would be better but I can't manage it not being a morning person

I am over the moon to get to go to LTT again. The ex is coming to spend the weekend and Halloween with kiddo (we will both take him ToT) and i asked him to bring one of the 3 liberty tree tavern mugs and the CRT mug we had... he can keep two of the LTT ones. we have one dated 1998 (from our honeymoon :-/), one from 2001 and one undated. I told him i'd take either the 2001 or undated one. I don't know why I'm squeamish about the 1998 but he says he is not using it either.

 

[rasadkowski]

but at a prime meal time it's not so quick... the lines are longer and it's harder to find a table. That said, I generally try to avoid prime meal times all the time when traveling and that's why we are doing late breakfasts/early dinners (for the most part). I find that things get backed up as the night goes on but if you are there close to opening it's quite nice. It's not always doable but I like to do it when it is. Early breakfast would be better but I can't manage it not being a morning person

I am over the moon to get to go to LTT again. The ex is coming to spend the weekend and Halloween with kiddo (we will both take him ToT) and i asked him to bring one of the 3 liberty tree tavern mugs and the CRT mug we had... he can keep two of the LTT ones. we have one dated 1998 (from our honeymoon :-/), one from 2001 and one undated. I told him i'd take either the 2001 or undated one. I don't know why I'm squeamish about the 1998 but he says he is not using it either.

I'm so glad you're going to LTT! You've been mentioning all along for months how it's one of your favorites and wish you could fit it in this trip!

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

I just scored a 12:15 LTT lunch. Plane lands at 10:00am. Dinner at 6:45. just switched around my FP+ so first FP+ is 1:55-2:55 and put space mountain at the end so we're not rushing to there and getting right on a roller coaster after eating. 6.5 hours between meals. Will probably do apps and ooey gooey toffee cake. I know people are upset about the loss of their favorites on the menu but I can still find liek 5 things I want to order. Found a review showing the chowder and it looks good actually... that + the corn fritters might be really nice. Or even the pasta if I am hungry.

mama REALLY doesn't like those QS meals. I get the twitches thinking about it. Would rather relax in colonial splendor with ooey gooey toffee cake.

I told M and he told me to keep it or change it, whatever I want is fine. I'm keeping it in hopes of getting the kid's meal or whatever, because I really love the OGTC!

you may have just identified the only characters my child will wait to see

I have seen this movie and might want to see them too--we'll see though.

 

[Maryemcd]

Good morning all! Been a busy week and at 1pm, I have to deliver training on a new system to 10 (sales) account directors. Plus, I got a new boss 2 weeks ago and still trying to figure him out while our new team forms. Doing same (?) but not dedicated to one specific business unit. Working on 2 new projects without transitioning any of my other projects/support items to someone else!!

You know, it's really nice having a cool boss that you get along well with. Spent my weekly catch up meeting with her telling her about all my Disney plans, lol.

My new boss is a guy (about my age). But I'll still be working with my old boss and can discuss with her ;-)

Ok, so for those going to DS, do you guys plan what you will be doing there? I'm looking at the map and thinking I can't do it randomly... the place is too big!

You can definitely walk through it randomly, but you probably want to have an idea of which stores you want to go in. I'm only planning on "unique" places rather than "regular" stores (like clothing, cosmetics, or housewares places). With the new announcement, I think Santa will be in our plans at DS.

Funny moment of the day:

(Backstory: I just got promoted to Office Supervisor about 3 weeks ago at my medical billing office. While our doctors are our bosses, they don't handle vacations or PTO, that's all done through human resources.)

Dr D. comes by my desk and says, "Just wanted to let you know our next corporation meeting is Dec 6th."
I awkwardly but firmly reply, "Umm I will be at Disney World."
He looks a little dumbfounded then laughs, "Well I guess you won't be there then!"
I laugh, "No sir!"

@Mal6586 Congrats on the promotion!!
Your response is 100% justified! You can't be expected to change plans within 30 days!

Just wanted to pop in real quick and say hi. I have to go back to page 547 and catch up. Work has been so busy this week I swear it must be a full moon coming. I recently took a new position hoping it would be more relaxed and it totally is not. I've been trying to read the posts while I'm stuck in traffic on the way home - so bad I know.
Thank you @LisaF for responding so quick the other day about my Fastpass and ticket questions. All of a sudden I didn't feel like I did it right.
I'm on the same boat with being done with planning. I'm over it at this point and it is what it is. I know no matter what the trip will be awesome. It is our first big family trip with the baby. I can't wait to see him light up when he meets Mickey.
I've been picking up little things here and there. I found some battery operated mini lights for the stroller and a cute Mickey vest at Target for the baby.
I'm hoping things slow down so I can finalize our itinerary and make sure I have all paperwork printed out. And start packing !
I'm hoping after DS goes to bed tonight I can read the last few pages on the board... that's if I don't fall asleep myself.

I'm over with planning too, but now I'm starting to stress about Thanksgiving! Will have 11 people at the house and then the trip just a week later. ugh, I can't think about it now.

but at a prime meal time it's not so quick... the lines are longer and it's harder to find a table. That said, I generally try to avoid prime meal times all the time when traveling and that's why we are doing late breakfasts/early dinners (for the most part). I find that things get backed up as the night goes on but if you are there close to opening it's quite nice. It's not always doable but I like to do it when it is. Early breakfast would be better but I can't manage it not being a morning person

I am over the moon to get to go to LTT again. The ex is coming to spend the weekend and Halloween with kiddo (we will both take him ToT) and i asked him to bring one of the 3 liberty tree tavern mugs and the CRT mug we had... he can keep two of the LTT ones. we have one dated 1998 (from our honeymoon :-/), one from 2001 and one undated. I told him i'd take either the 2001 or undated one. I don't know why I'm squeamish about the 1998 but he says he is not using it either.

I'm with you on timing! It's so funny, we generally go to dinners around here at 4:00 or 5:00pm. Before the recession, we did that so we didn't have to wait an hour or more for a table at places that don't take reservations. Most restaurants are no longer that crowded, but I still like going at off-times.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

we did sci fi last time and kiddo loved it! it was his request to go again.



I don't know what it is about me but I just can't get excited about QS places. Although I will say the food courts at the value resorts look pretty darn tasty and I also liked the pepper market when I went there like 15 years ago lol. But in the parks... meh. Flame tree BBQ looks good and I will have the pulled pork cheese fries. I love the QS at Morocco. The all breast nuggets are alright. But for the most part I could take it or leave it. Even if I am going to eat light I just much prefer TS and sitting down and being served and not standing in line to order and pay, to pick up food, juggling my food, keeping track of my kid, fighting for a table, cleaning it off myself as it is invariably gross from the previous people. I have no memories on my trip of "wow that was a great meal." The best I think I have is "well the food was edible and no one got killed so we'll call it a win." I'm such a whiny baby

I really don't like QS either. I hate looking for a table only to find a dirty one and then searching for and asking someone to clean it, which is not usually cleaned the way one would hope. Yes, in that regard of expecting a clean (like with cleaning fluid) table, I'm a total princess! I can count the QS locations I've been to on one hand, so I totally get it.

 

[DisneyBelle27]

Just have to chime in here- a reply to this comment! I convinced (kinda demanded) that DH and I take this trip to WDW, to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. A 2 week trip-11/28-12/11! Started planning this trip a year ago.

I have committed to paying for things OOP, he never would have considered- and I am doing all of the planning, ADR's (only places and foods he will enjoy), fast passes, found our offsite accommodations, etc.

Now, 32 days out, I am so burned out on this whole process, and I haven't even been able to schedule our fast passes yet! It occurred to me this week, that I have been planning and dreaming for so long now, and this trip will be here, and gone, in the blink of an eye. Of course when we return home, it will be the Christmas season. But I imagine, I will be going through "Disney Withdrawal"

How do you all deal with this? Don't feel confident enough to do a solo trip.. and hope to go back again with DH, but who knows...

I totally sympathize with you on the Disney withdrawal issue. I've been so fixated on this trip to keep myself occupied that once it's over I don't want it to leave a giant gaping hole in my life! Lol. First off, I do think the fact that it'll be full-on holiday season when I get home will help. It's my absolute favorite time of the year, with Christmas movies, and music, and tv shows, and decorating, and baking, and all that good stuff. I think that's going to help with the immediate Disney withdrawal pain. Otherwise, what I tend to do is find something else to fixate on for a bit. Usually a next trip. It doesn't have to be a Disney trip. It could be something small, like my next weekend trip. Or even just exploratory planning, like cruising through the travel websites looking for sales on getaway packages. Whatever it is, just something where I can refocus my attention, to distract myself from being sad that my current trip is over.

 

[Candycane83]

I really don't like QS either. I hate looking for a table only to find a dirty one and then searching for and asking someone to clean it, which is not usually cleaned the way one would hope. Yes, in that regard of expecting a clean (like with cleaning fluid) table, I'm a total princess! I can count the QS locations I've been to on one hand, so I totally get it.

I will say I have the same problem! I usually like QS when it first opens or early since everything is still clean and it's not hard to find a table. But that doesn't necessarily work. My problem with Disney QS in particular is that I cannot first save a seat while DH buys the food. I understand why they do it that way but I really don't want that to be another line my son waits in, especially when hungry!

 

[Lisa F]

I'm so glad you're going to LTT! You've been mentioning all along for months how it's one of your favorites and wish you could fit it in this trip!

haha I do tend to repeat myself lol. When I was still nailing down my dining plans I kept trying to find a way to fit it in for a light lunch even. But it just was not going to happen. I have a 1:55 BoG on our last day and I'm considering either keeping it just for cupcakes and drinks or getting rid of it all together - we have breakfast at 9:50 at CP and 6:15 HDDR. So we may need a snack in the middle of the day, but there are so many other MK options - the waffles and stuffed pretzels... it seems like it may be more hassle than it is worth. I might just save BoG for a nice dinner whenever we make it back. Also kiddo has been there (for lunch) and was unimpressed. But I did go back and forth on trying to cram a LTT lunch in somewhere. turns out it all worked out YAY

I told M and he told me to keep it or change it, whatever I want is fine. I'm keeping it in hopes of getting the kid's meal or whatever, because I really love the OGTC!
I have seen this movie and might want to see them too--we'll see though.

Well I know people freaked out about the change but honestly the stuff that dropped (with the exception of the BLT sandwich) is not what I would have ordered anyway. I was thinking apps, salad, the pasta or the BLT, all of which is still on the menu. Though people are TICKED, I would not be surprised to see at least the pot roast returned as an option... i am seeing reports of people showing up to the restaurant raising huge stinks about the change in menu, talking to managers, leaving without ordering etc.

Zootopia is one of kiddo's favorites. he loves movies where anyone who is "different" has success and friendship and happiness.

I'm with you on timing! It's so funny, we generally go to dinners around here at 4:00 or 5:00pm. Before the recession, we did that so we didn't have to wait an hour or more for a table at places that don't take reservations. Most restaurants are no longer that crowded, but I still like going at off-times.

haha whenever I vacationed with my parents we always did that. they like to be in bed early and just relax and watch tv (not me lol) and I used to think of it as an "old person" thing... like the early bird special. but now at 42 I'm like "that's a good idea!" when they were here visiting it was so nice to go to dinner at 5:30 and have our choice of table and then at 6:30 the place is packed with a line out the door.

I really don't like QS either. I hate looking for a table only to find a dirty one and then searching for and asking someone to clean it, which is not usually cleaned the way one would hope. Yes, in that regard of expecting a clean (like with cleaning fluid) table, I'm a total princess! I can count the QS locations I've been to on one hand, so I totally get it.

I know I am a total princess but I figure if you're gonna be a princess, where is a better place to do it than at WDW? I won't lie, QS was tough with the kiddo. It was a very small part of our trip though and I ended up adding more TS meals as the week went on.. I only booked a few not knowing how he would tolerate them but turns out after our 2nd character meal he was begging me for more. I booked TH and Ohana breakfast in advance and ended up adding CP on our last day (which makes it a tradition since we've done it once lol). I'm not sure when I decided to go all in on TS for the trip but at the point I did I was excited about all of my choices rather than only some of them, lol. Oh well. I think if I did NOT have the kiddo it would be easier (and more appealing) to be flexible. Or even if I had another adult who was willing to do the line waiting while I grab a table with kiddo (though in some places you can't do that til you have food). We are "only" doing 2 meals a day so hoping that leaves enough tummy room for some snacks!

 

[Lisa F]

I will say I have the same problem! I usually like QS when it first opens or early since everything is still clean and it's not hard to find a table. But that doesn't necessarily work. My problem with Disney QS in particular is that I cannot first save a seat while DH buys the food. I understand why they do it that way but I really don't want that to be another line my son waits in, especially when hungry!

EXACTLY. my strong QS memories are all of trying to corral my kid on line while ordering, then while waiting to pick up the food and then keep him with me while balancing a tray through the crowds looking for a table. Columbia Harbor house I distinctly remember sitting down, blowing the hair out of my eyes and having to compose myself before I could eat. Cosmic Rays was a nightmare, I ended up getting something very mediocre I did not want because it was what was available at the pod where HE wanted something and I couldn't endure the line twice. and it was at an off hour and the place was empty but the food had clearly been sitting around since the last rush. Sunshine seasons was alright, because of how it was laid out (paying at the end) it was easy enough to go to one spot for his food, one for mine, grab some dessert and drinks and check out. There is SO much seating there but I did have to use some of my overpriced bottled water to clean my table before I would sit down and eat at it. Trying to remember what else we did... but now I can't lol. Will probably never go back to cosmic rays, like the food at CHH but it's hard to find a table and sunshine seasons I would do again, it's just not my first choice. I was going to try pecos bills for this trip (I had mostly decided) but finding a seat there can be really tough too... but I do love the atmosphere and I love tex mex. but being seated and served at LTT sounds way better lol

 

[Candycane83]

EXACTLY. my strong QS memories are all of trying to corral my kid on line while ordering, then while waiting to pick up the food and then keep him with me while balancing a tray through the crowds looking for a table. Columbia Harbor house I distinctly remember sitting down, blowing the hair out of my eyes and having to compose myself before I could eat. Cosmic Rays was a nightmare, I ended up getting something very mediocre I did not want because it was what was available at the pod where HE wanted something and I couldn't endure the line twice. and it was at an off hour and the place was empty but the food had clearly been sitting around since the last rush. Sunshine seasons was alright, because of how it was laid out (paying at the end) it was easy enough to go to one spot for his food, one for mine, grab some dessert and drinks and check out. There is SO much seating there but I did have to use some of my overpriced bottled water to clean my table before I would sit down and eat at it. Trying to remember what else we did... but now I can't lol. Will probably never go back to cosmic rays, like the food at CHH but it's hard to find a table and sunshine seasons I would do again, it's just not my first choice. I was going to try pecos bills for this trip (I had mostly decided) but finding a seat there can be really tough too... but I do love the atmosphere and I love tex mex. but being seated and served at LTT sounds way better lol

I initially wanted to try Flame Tree BBQ/ CHH/ Pinocchio's/ Katsura Grill when I considered DP... menu appeals to me and I can find something for my son. But... it still poses the same problem. I'd probably put this on my to try list for next time I am doing one QS on EPCOT day only, otherwise, I have TS for everything else. LOL!

 

[Lisa F]

Thanks...i thought you were referencing some restaurant I haven't heard of!

haha sorry
it used to be "all you can eat"
but I think that proved a little too "on point" for gluttonous americans, especially with all of the comedy skits of fat people getting kicked out of buffets for eating more than the ownes planned on (like the simpsons etc). so then it became "all you care to eat"
now I even see people say "all you care to enjoy" as a slightly more delicate way of phrasing it.

I tend to like them for the variety more than the volume of food though. Just my particular quirk, I really like the family style AYCTE breakfasts because to me that is a LOT of variety for breakfast... not like a buffet, but I often like having some fruit, a bite of something sweet, some eggs, some bacon, etc and it is very hard to get that in a preplated breakfast. Of course at a place like Boma I would try all of the interesting things and stay away from plain eggs etc. But for dinner, I do not like the huge platters of food... yes there is more variety than a preplated meal but it is not the variety I crave. Like I am not really looking for turkey AND beef AND pork or stuffing AND mashed potatoes AND mac and cheese.... if I am going to eat that type of stuff I will just get a preplated meal. At buffets I tend to hit the salads pretty hard, and maybe only have a few bites of carved meats and traditional sides... I eat all of the weird stuff that I might not want an entire order of at a sit down but a few forkfuls of whatever hits the spot. So give me boring preplated breakfast menus but the preplated dinner menus do not appeal to me at all... except for 'Ohana because it is so many things I like lol.