2 Castles, 2 Send out 2011 & Ring in 2012...12 Days of Christmas

[lovethattink]

Never too late to join in! So glad you are coming along, please feel free to give me any feedback...

I love vacation at our cabin and fishing...but sometimes you just have to do something different. I can only hope he gets bitten...

Thanks for the welcome!

I am a subscriber to Touring Plans, but in March, I learned about easywdw, and their free touring plans. Even being a Disney "local", I've found both sites very useful, especially when comparing and contrasting the 2 sites together. Easywdw does not have January's crowd calendar up yet.

One thing I've noticed this year, it seems like alot more people are following TP. I noticed that if there is a day where 1 park is not listed as best or worse, the park not listed has ended up being the best choice. My husband has started to joke with me that maybe we need to start hitting the worse park because it seems that the best parks are more crowded than expected.

Also, if you are using Lines from TP on your cell phone once you get in the park, it's best to read the actual wait times posted by guests at the bottom of the screen to get the most up to date times. Often they differ from the wait time listed at the top of the screen.

Adding a day to my park ticket...

I am hoping to get an early to midafternoon flight out...although not sure that will happen. I had planned Chef Mickey's for the last breakfast...see the castle and say goodbye to Mickey. Now that I think more...that probably would be the best scenerio in case we have to do a late morning flight.

I think going with the lowest projected crowds is probably my best bet, no matter which park that might be for the last day. For the most part TOURING PLANS crowd levels work with where I wanted to be on most days. And then getting ridemax to help me plan those days...UGH!!!

I still have no "WDW" hours for January, no definite flight plans, and no Candlelight Processional ADR... There are just too many factors in play at the moment.

I hope all works out soon for you! That's great that you added an extra day to your ticket! Now you can say goodbye to the castle on the very last day!

 

[Becc1]

Love the ET and MIB afternoon! I think I may have to branch out on my Disney days this summer and try some other movies out

 

[momabaarjo]

Oh your a lucky duck to do the class! I would love to learn- I try to do, but it doesn't turn out too well- this is a cake I decorated for my son's science birthday party, it was a bear pa with the ears cut off and decorated to look like Einstein.

I know sad and pathetic! Let me know how the class turns out though! Also how was the POTC4? Did you ever get to the movies.... you didn't write a review for us! I like the double feature night! We have been so busy these last few weeks that I didn't even get to fit anything in!
Did you ever get your days planned out? You make Adr's coming up here i a few weeks right?

I am sure your little monkey loved the cake! I think it looks great too!

We really did not have a movie night for POTC4...we ended up going to the drive in theater with 2 of my husband's cousins and their families, in addition to a friend of mine and her family. There was about 24 of us. We took a grill and grilled hotdogs and had all the fixings before the double feature (Xmen and POTC4). It was a late night (or should I say early morning...we did not get home until after 2 am). I will try to post a few pictures!

 

[momabaarjo]

Your movie day looked awesome! Good luck in your baking class.

Thanks on both counts. My movie days/nights are so low key to some people that post to the thread where I got this idea. I do not have the time to do the elaborate decorations, menus, games, etc. Never the less, the kids love them and that is all that matters.

I wish it was a baking class, that I could do. But it is just cake decorating and I feel like such a failure.

 

[momabaarjo]

Also, if you are using Lines from TP on your cell phone once you get in the park, it's best to read the actual wait times posted by guests at the bottom of the screen to get the most up to date times. Often they differ from the wait time listed at the top of the screen.


I hope all works out soon for you! That's great that you added an extra day to your ticket! Now you can say goodbye to the castle on the very last day!

I love TP app...I used it last summer and it was so helpful!

Have not added an extra day to the trip yet, just thinking about it and the best way to end our trip!

 

[momabaarjo]

ADR are still giving me a

Nothing I seem to plan really looks good to me!

 

[momabaarjo]

I need critics...please tell me what you think...I really need the input!

Here is what I am coming up with, keep in mind I am still considering the DxDp...I know we will be leaving some dining credits unused, but I figured out the costs and we are still way ahead in saving money. We are also breakfast people and are good until evening on eating again (but in WDW sure we will find some things to snack on...my list is already huge).

12/29-Epcot
Early Dinner: Biergarten CP Package (hoping for 3:30 pm ADR, for the 6:15 pm CP)

*We will still be officially staying at the RPR at US...this will be out of pocket. But I really want to go to CP! We will have morning and early afternoon at USO and just head to Epcot for the CP in time for ADR.
*Being of Germany descent, I thought this would be a great place and since we are paying OP the best option for CP.

12/30-DHS
Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare (10:00 am)
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: Mama Melrose F! (hoping for around 3:30-4:00 pm)

*We will be checking into the BWV this morning (hoping to be checked in by 9:30 and head to breakfast).
*I want the kids to really know that we are in WDW, so I think a trip to see the castle in the distant is a must to start this portion of 2 castles off right...plus I am dying for some strawberry soup, bread budding, and lobster eggs bendict). ALso, I am hoping that the gingerbread house at the GF will still be up!
*I am really not sure about Mama Melrose, reviews seem to be really mixed on this place. Since I am thinking deluxe, maybe I should go with Brown Derby.

12/31-AK
Breakfast: Grab and go from BW Bakery that morning, if needed...EMH-AM and I want to be at rope drop
Early Lunch: Yak & Yeti
Dinner:
1st Choice: Ohana (7:30 pm)
2nd Choice: Narcoossee's (7:30 pm)
3rd Choice: Boma (8:30 pm)

*Help me with my dinner choice! I am looking at Ohana & Nacroossee's so that we could see the fireworks at MK at 8:30...call that NYE and go to bed (or stay up and see fireworks from BWV-DHS/EPCOT at midnight). I am thinking Boma because we could stay at AK until close (8 pm) and then head back to BWV.

1/1-Epcot/DTD & Resort Pictures
Breakfast: Kouzzina (7:30 am)
Lunch: Snack at Countries we visit/DTD
Dinner: Raglan Road or Hoop-Dee-Do Revue (7:15 Show)

*What do you think for dinner?

1/2-MK
Breakast: Kona (7:30 am)
Early Dinner: CRT (4:00 pm)

1/3-DHS
Breakfast: Pick up something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: 50s Prime Time (11 am)
Dinner: Boma (7:30 pm)

1/4-MK
Breakfast: CP (8:00 am)
Dinner: Ohana, Narcoossee's, California Grill (7:15 pm)

*Dinner depending on what happens NYE night!

1/5-Epcot
Breakfast: Something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: Snack around the world
Dinner: Teppan Edo, Le Cellier or Crown & Rose

Thoughts for Dinner? We will plan to take in Illumnations this night.

1/6-Fly
Breakfast: Chef Mickey

 

[lovethattink]

I need critics...please tell me what you think...I really need the input!

Here is what I am coming up with, keep in mind I am still considering the DxDp...I know we will be leaving some dining credits unused, but I figured out the costs and we are still way ahead in saving money. We are also breakfast people and are good until evening on eating again (but in WDW sure we will find some things to snack on...my list is already huge).

12/29-Epcot
Early Dinner: Biergarten CP Package (hoping for 3:30 pm ADR, for the 6:15 pm CP)

*We will still be officially staying at the RPR at US...this will be out of pocket. But I really want to go to CP! We will have morning and early afternoon at USO and just head to Epcot for the CP in time for ADR.
*Being of Germany descent, I thought this would be a great place and since we are paying OP the best option for CP.

Biergarten is a great choice for OOP! The food is good. I think the shows are shown hourly? I'm of German decent too.

Allow plenty of time to travel between Universal and Epcot. In March, there was a traffic jam and it took us 2 hours to get from CSR to the parking garage at Universal.

12/30-DHS
Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare (10:00 am)
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: Mama Melrose F! (hoping for around 3:30-4:00 pm)

*We will be checking into the BWV this morning (hoping to be checked in by 9:30 and head to breakfast).
*I want the kids to really know that we are in WDW, so I think a trip to see the castle in the distant is a must to start this portion of 2 castles off right...plus I am dying for some strawberry soup, bread budding, and lobster eggs bendict). ALso, I am hoping that the gingerbread house at the GF will still be up!
*I am really not sure about Mama Melrose, reviews seem to be really mixed on this place. Since I am thinking deluxe, maybe I should go with Brown Derby.

Lobster eggs benedict?! I think you just helped me make up my mind for an August character breakfast!! Couldn't deside between breakfast or dinner, was leaning towards dinner, but this, yum!

If you are driving to the GF allow for plenty of time, their parking lot is far away and often I have driven around searching for a parking place. I used valet parking the last time we went, because we arrived at the GF almost right at our ADR time.

I have never eaten at Mama Melrose or the Brown Derby, so I am no help there, sorry.

 

[momabaarjo]

Lobster eggs benedict?! I think you just helped me make up my mind for an August character breakfast!! Couldn't deside between breakfast or dinner, was leaning towards dinner, but this, yum!

.

I had the lobster eggs benedict last summer at the GF cafe and they were so yummy!

 

[lovethattink]

I had the lobster eggs benedict last summer at the GF cafe and they were so yummy!

Ok, I'm sold!! Trying to book an ADR! Thanks! Gave you credit in my PTR

 

[lovethattink]

12/31-AK
Breakfast: Grab and go from BW Bakery that morning, if needed...EMH-AM and I want to be at rope drop
Early Lunch: Yak & Yeti
Dinner:
1st Choice: Ohana (7:30 pm)
2nd Choice: Narcoossee's (7:30 pm)
3rd Choice: Boma (8:30 pm)

*Help me with my dinner choice! I am looking at Ohana & Nacroossee's so that we could see the fireworks at MK at 8:30...call that NYE and go to bed (or stay up and see fireworks from BWV-DHS/EPCOT at midnight). I am thinking Boma because we could stay at AK until close (8 pm) and then head back to BWV.

That's a tough choice! All 3 are wonderful restaurants. Narcoossee's would use 2 table credits, but I really like the food there! I've seen the fireworks from Ohaha and that is nice too, but if you don't get a window seat you might need to move away from your table to see the. The Boma option sounds the most relaxed. One thing to consider is if other resorts will let you park at their resort on NYE? Another thing to think about, if you don't drive and take the resort bus from AK to AKL, how do you get back to AK? Will bus service continue to AK, or does it stop an hour after the park closes? We usually drive everywhere so I'm not that familiar with Disney's transportation after hours.

1/1-Epcot/DTD & Resort Pictures
Breakfast: Kouzzina (7:30 am)
Lunch: Snack at Countries we visit/DTD
Dinner: Raglan Road or Hoop-Dee-Do Revue (7:15 Show)

*What do you think for dinner?

Between Raglan Road and Hoop-dee-do, I would prefer Hoop-dee-do! It would take alot more time to get to the review than to Raglan Road. There is no easy way to get there. But it's definately way more fun! (The food is just ok, but the show is a riot.) The review would also take 2 credits, right? Raglan Road would be alot more convenient if you're already at DTD. It would save you some time. I've never eaten at there so I don't know first hand how their food is. So if you have time on your hands, hit the review. If time is of importance, then Raglan Road. Not sure if I'm any help.

1/3-DHS
Breakfast: Pick up something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: 50s Prime Time (11 am)
Dinner: Boma (7:30 pm)

50's PTC is one of our new favorites!! We ate there last week and had so much fun!! Great choice.




[QUOTE/][1/5-Epcot
Dinner: Teppan Edo, Le Cellier or Crown & Rose

Thoughts for Dinner? We will plan to take in Illumnations this night.[/QUOTE]

I have never eaten at any of these. I have our first ADR for Le Cellier in August. If my family wasn't so picky, I'd pick Teppan Edo in a heart beat!

 

[lfwhipp]

I need critics...please tell me what you think...I really need the input!



12/31-AK
Breakfast: Grab and go from BW Bakery that morning, if needed...EMH-AM and I want to be at rope drop
Early Lunch: Yak & Yeti
Dinner:
1st Choice: Ohana (7:30 pm)
2nd Choice: Narcoossee's (7:30 pm)
3rd Choice: Boma (8:30 pm)

*Help me with my dinner choice! I am looking at Ohana & Nacroossee's so that we could see the fireworks at MK at 8:30...call that NYE and go to bed (or stay up and see fireworks from BWV-DHS/EPCOT at midnight). I am thinking Boma because we could stay at AK until close (8 pm) and then head back to BWV.
I am leaning towards Ohana for my Dinner, ive hear great things and since we wont be on the delixe plan this go roune, i cant spend the extra credit on Narcossee's. But any of them sound awesome

1/1-Epcot/DTD & Resort Pictures
Breakfast: Kouzzina (7:30 am)
Lunch: Snack at Countries we visit/DTD
Dinner: Raglan Road or Hoop-Dee-Do Revue (7:15 Show)

*What do you think for dinner? while i enjoyed Raglan Road this last trip, it wasnt anything super yummy i will revisit any time soon, it was loud, the food not that seasoned and i really thing if i had the kids, i would have to go for the HDDR

1/2-MK
Breakast: Kona (7:30 am)
Early Dinner: CRT (4:00 pm)

1/3-DHS
Breakfast: Pick up something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: 50s Prime Time (11 am)LOVE cant wait to do this on our trip too!
Dinner: Boma (7:30 pm)

1/4-MK
Breakfast: CP (8:00 am)
Dinner: Ohana, Narcoossee's, California Grill (7:15 pm)

*Dinner depending on what happens NYE night!

1/5-Epcot
Breakfast: Something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: Snack around the world
Dinner: Teppan Edo, Le Cellier or Crown & Rose

Thoughts for Dinner? We will plan to take in Illumnations this night. R&C or LC, i base this off the fact that we do hibacchi often at home, so we try to do something a little different when we are at Disney

1/6-Fly
Breakfast: Chef Mickey

Great choices!!!

 

[annmarieda]

I need critics...please tell me what you think...I really need the input!

Here is what I am coming up with, keep in mind I am still considering the DxDp...I know we will be leaving some dining credits unused, but I figured out the costs and we are still way ahead in saving money. We are also breakfast people and are good until evening on eating again (but in WDW sure we will find some things to snack on...my list is already huge).

12/29-Epcot
Early Dinner: Biergarten CP Package (hoping for 3:30 pm ADR, for the 6:15 pm CP)

*We will still be officially staying at the RPR at US...this will be out of pocket. But I really want to go to CP! We will have morning and early afternoon at USO and just head to Epcot for the CP in time for ADR.
*Being of Germany descent, I thought this would be a great place and since we are paying OP the best option for CP.

12/30-DHS
Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare (10:00 am)
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: Mama Melrose F! (hoping for around 3:30-4:00 pm)

*We will be checking into the BWV this morning (hoping to be checked in by 9:30 and head to breakfast).
*I want the kids to really know that we are in WDW, so I think a trip to see the castle in the distant is a must to start this portion of 2 castles off right...plus I am dying for some strawberry soup, bread budding, and lobster eggs bendict). ALso, I am hoping that the gingerbread house at the GF will still be up!

Great! Strawberry soup? For Breakfast? YUM... now I need to see if I can fit that into my own plans.

*I am really not sure about Mama Melrose, reviews seem to be really mixed on this place. Since I am thinking deluxe, maybe I should go with Brown Derby. I really like Mama Melrose...but if I were on deluxe I would definitely go with Brown Derby...just for a change.

12/31-AK
Breakfast: Grab and go from BW Bakery that morning, if needed...EMH-AM and I want to be at rope drop
Early Lunch: Yak & Yeti this is on my list too
Dinner:
1st Choice: Ohana (7:30 pm) Again.. on my list.
2nd Choice: Narcoossee's (7:30 pm)
3rd Choice: Boma (8:30 pm)

*Help me with my dinner choice! I am looking at Ohana & Nacroossee's so that we could see the fireworks at MK at 8:30...call that NYE and go to bed (or stay up and see fireworks from BWV-DHS/EPCOT at midnight). I am thinking Boma because we could stay at AK until close (8 pm) and then head back to BWV.

For me, I would choose Ohana (and this is what I plan) but because I need to use only one ts credit. Nacroossees is 2, right? If I had the "extra" credits that I am sure I would in having deluxe I would do a couple 2 ts meals.

1/1-Epcot/DTD & Resort Pictures
Breakfast: Kouzzina (7:30 am)
Lunch: Snack at Countries we visit/DTD
Dinner: Raglan Road or Hoop-Dee-Do Revue (7:15 Show)

*What do you think for dinner? Ok, so even though most of my answers revolve around taking advantage of using the exta credit... this time, I would pick RR. There is the chance for a bit of a show... and the food is good. From what I can see, I wouldn't like the HDDR show...and the food doesn't thrill me either. Not having been though... I cant say for sure.

1/2-MK
Breakast: Kona (7:30 am)
Early Dinner: CRT (4:00 pm) how special will this be ?!?

1/3-DHS
Breakfast: Pick up something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: 50s Prime Time (11 am)
Dinner: Boma (7:30 pm)

1/4-MK
Breakfast: CP (8:00 am)
Dinner: Ohana, Narcoossee's, California Grill (7:15 pm)

*Dinner depending on what happens NYE night!

1/5-Epcot
Breakfast: Something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: Snack around the world
Dinner: Teppan Edo, Le Cellier or Crown & Rose

Thoughts for Dinner? We will plan to take in Illumnations this night. I think the quickest could be Rose and Crown... so if you really can't miss illuminations and the time is close.... but... Le Cellier is wonderful... and Teppan Edo is fun.

1/6-Fly
Breakfast: Chef Mickey

I think you have some awesome choices there! I am a bit jealous at deluxe!!!

 

[shocky5]

I need critics...please tell me what you think...I really need the input!

Here is what I am coming up with, keep in mind I am still considering the DxDp...I know we will be leaving some dining credits unused, but I figured out the costs and we are still way ahead in saving money. We are also breakfast people and are good until evening on eating again (but in WDW sure we will find some things to snack on...my list is already huge).

12/29-Epcot
Early Dinner: Biergarten CP Package (hoping for 3:30 pm ADR, for the 6:15 pm CP)

*We will still be officially staying at the RPR at US...this will be out of pocket. But I really want to go to CP! We will have morning and early afternoon at USO and just head to Epcot for the CP in time for ADR.
*Being of Germany descent, I thought this would be a great place and since we are paying OP the best option for CP.

12/30-DHS
Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare (10:00 am)
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: Mama Melrose F! (hoping for around 3:30-4:00 pm)

*We will be checking into the BWV this morning (hoping to be checked in by 9:30 and head to breakfast).
*I want the kids to really know that we are in WDW, so I think a trip to see the castle in the distant is a must to start this portion of 2 castles off right...plus I am dying for some strawberry soup, bread budding, and lobster eggs bendict). ALso, I am hoping that the gingerbread house at the GF will still be up! It should be! I've ready nothing disappears until around Jan. 3rd.

*I am really not sure about Mama Melrose, reviews seem to be really mixed on this place. Since I am thinking deluxe, maybe I should go with Brown Derby. I concur with Ann on this one - if you are doing Dx, go for some 2ts meals!
12/31-AK
Breakfast: Grab and go from BW Bakery that morning, if needed...EMH-AM and I want to be at rope drop
Early Lunch: Yak & Yeti
Dinner:
1st Choice: Ohana (7:30 pm)
2nd Choice: Narcoossee's (7:30 pm)
3rd Choice: Boma (8:30 pm)

*Help me with my dinner choice! I am looking at Ohana & Nacroossee's so that we could see the fireworks at MK at 8:30...call that NYE and go to bed (or stay up and see fireworks from BWV-DHS/EPCOT at midnight). I am thinking Boma because we could stay at AK until close (8 pm) and then head back to BWV. While I've never seen them personally, I've heard the NYE fireworks at MK are amazing! I'm sure anywhere in WDW on NYE is amazing! I'm not any help... I would probably go to O'hana's personally but plan on going to Boma's for our trip as well so this is a tough one.
1/1-Epcot/DTD & Resort Pictures
Breakfast: Kouzzina (7:30 am)
Lunch: Snack at Countries we visit/DTD
Dinner: Raglan Road or Hoop-Dee-Do Revue (7:15 Show)

*What do you think for dinner? My vote is RR! Would think that would be fun on New Year's Day for dinner.
1/2-MK
Breakast: Kona (7:30 am)
Early Dinner: CRT (4:00 pm)

1/3-DHS
Breakfast: Pick up something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: 50s Prime Time (11 am)
Dinner: Boma (7:30 pm) YEAH! You have Boma in here... go to O'hana's or Nacroossee's on NYE!!

1/4-MK
Breakfast: CP (8:00 am)
Dinner: Ohana, Narcoossee's, California Grill (7:15 pm)

*Dinner depending on what happens NYE night! CG will give you a different MK view than O'hana's or GF. Maybe somewhat of a closer view?

1/5-Epcot
Breakfast: Something from Main Street Bakery the night before
Lunch: Snack around the world
Dinner: Teppan Edo, Le Cellier or Crown & Rose

Thoughts for Dinner? We will plan to take in Illumnations this night. Hmmmm, tough! Teppan Edo or Le Cellier... we love both!!
1/6-Fly
Breakfast: Chef Mickey

Such a great and well thought out plan! Just remember, you are in WDW and you can't really make a bad choice. Just make one and if it doesn't set well with you after a day or so... change it. And then see how you feel. I think it's 99% gut instinct when it comes to finalizing the fine details!

 

[momabaarjo]

Thanks friends for all the input, it helps make me feel a little better! I am hoping to get the DDXDP...but until I book flights and see how much that is going to cost I am holding off actually purchasing. I know the never ending airfare ...almost worse that ADRs.

 

[momabaarjo]

Summer Movie Afternoon
June 10, 2011
A Bug’s Life

Boo is absent, he went to spend the afternoon and night with a friend. I have to apologize for my pictures. My memory card crashed and burned and I have not had a chance to replace it…so my phone was all I had.​

I must admit, I am not too much of a bug girl…just not my thing! This movie brings back memories of when Ab was a little girl. We used to have to rewind the VCR tape over and over again at the ending because she just loved the ending (no spoiler, but those who have seen the movie understand). I am excited about going to the Bug show at the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, it sounds like so much fun.

Menu: Bugs, Ants on a Log, Bug Juice, and dirt cups

Goo makes a bug

Some of the bugs we made

Ants on a log

I found this bug gummy worms at Dollar Tree! Perfect for dirt cups…

A little dessert...dirt cups​

Activity: Had a picnic on the living room floor while we watched the movie. Then we played a couple rounds of cootie.

Yes, Ab is still in her pj bottoms in the afternoon. Hey, it is summer…that is what she tells me anyway!

You can tell this game is old...it was my dh's when he was a child, MIL dug the game out for us. A few eyes were missing so we made some out of silver twist ties!​

No Summer Movie next week...I have all day trainings next week and the kids have Bible School! But Dinner & a Movie ready to go for Sunday...stay tuned

 

[lfwhipp]

LOVE the bugs life movie night, my kids will love the bugs on a stick

 

[lovethattink]

You have such great ideas!

 

[annmarieda]

I really need to copy you. Your movie days are so creative! This looked like a lot of fun... and it was not overly complicated. That is what would work great for me! Still being in her pj's... THAT is perfect. (can you tell I am thinking I need a pj day? )

 

[momabaarjo]

I really need to copy you. Your movie days are so creative! This looked like a lot of fun... and it was not overly complicated. That is what would work great for me! Still being in her pj's... THAT is perfect. (can you tell I am thinking I need a pj day? )

Thanks Ann...I feel a little ashamed of them when I post them on Movie Night Thread...some people go so over the top (you should see some of them). I guess maybe if all 3 of mine were little this would be worth it. But with Ab and Boo...just getting them to watch the movies can be a challenge. I try to take the ideas and make them into mine/something I can do with the time and resources we have...plus lots of internet searches! Now in a couple of weeks we are going to have a HUGE blowout for Cars night with Cars2 coming out! Goo is so excited!

I need a PJ day too... at least she put on a clean shirt!