2 weeks in Disney? Check! Deluxe Dining? Check! 10 year anniversary? Check!

JKMastalski

Enjoys wine at Victoria Falls
Joined
Mar 17, 2003
Messages
957
Welcome to my pre trip report! As my title explains, this October we are celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss. What better way to enjoy it than spending two whole weeks in the world!

Back when we were dating, in the very late 1990’s, we would take frequent trips to Disney World. I had vacationed there many times as a child and teenager and my husband had only been once, when his sister was granted “make a wish” and the whole family got to go. We both soon realized our mutual love for Disney and a new era was born for us!

We used to go almost every year – staying anywhere from the All-Stars to Shades of Green (DH was in the army) to The Wilderness & Animal Kindom Lodge.

I remember saying to him “One day we will come here and spend two whole weeks and take our time with EVERYTHING and not have to rush”. We both laughed and thought when would we be able to go away for two weeks at Disney? Being in our very early 20’s, that thought seemed lifetimes away. But the idea always stuck with me.

Fast forward many years later and no better excuse than our 10th anniversary milestone to celebrate! Especially since its been 6 years since our last trip down there! That’s equivalent to 42 dog years which is exactly what it feels like!!!
Now, let me introduce the cast of characters:

Moi! Jennifer – mid thirties. Loves everything about decorating, party planning, reality tv and trips home to New England.
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DH, Joey – also mid thirties, Biggest Philadelphia sports enthusiast, loves movies, wine & cigars, fine dining and will do anything to get out of mowing our lawn (You can take the boy out of the city, but you can’t take the city out of the boy!)
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And just for good measure, 10 years ago…..
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Up next: Hotel Decisions!
 
When we first started planning, we were going to go the last couple of weeks of October, but when free dining was announced, we figured we would take advantage of it and go a little sooner. When we were deciding where we should stay, the Boardwalk Inn was a no-brainer. We had longed to stay there forever and it just made sense for such a special trip. However, after realizing that two weeks there would be $7500+ for just a standard view, our longing to stay there came to a screeching halt. One week we could manage, two would be pushing it.

After doing a little research, I realized that in September, Shades of Green does a salute the veteran’s program which I had totally forgotten about. We had stayed there back in 1999 and loved it. Great location, biggest rooms on property and private buses where military gentlemen actually give up their seats to women and children. I called to make a reservation for our first weeks stay and not only is the rate so unbelievable, but they were also running a 40% off special on top of the rate. $520 for 8 nights on property? Don’t mind if I do!

The second week we booked with free dining at the Boardwalk, upgraded to deluxe dining and we couldn’t be happier!

Up next: ADR for the first week
 

I guess my plan of attack is to visit our favorite restaurants that aren't as pricey as some of the others when we don't have free dining our first week. Plus the fact, we will probably spend a couple of those days visiting "that other park" in Orlando.
With this in mind, I have booked our dinner fave's at Hollywood Studios -

Mama Melrose
50's Prime Time
Sci Fi Drive In


and a couple of our favorite breakfast spots -
Whispering Canyone (ketchup, anyone?)
Kona

We've never tried Kona, but we are anxious to give it a whirl. Since we will be at Shades of Green and its across the street at the Polynesian, we figured it was a good of a time as any!

Up next: A surprise dinner for the hubs...
 
Congratulations on 10yrs of marriage! I'm excited to read your plans - kudos to a fantastic deal at Shades!

We are trying Kona Cafe for BF in May. I want to taste their tonga toast I see mentioned everywhere.
 
Congratulations on 10yrs of marriage! I'm excited to read your plans - kudos to a fantastic deal at Shades!

We are trying Kona Cafe for BF in May. I want to taste their tonga toast I see mentioned everywhere.

Thanks! The only reason I want to try Kona is for the Tonga Toast! Let me know how it is!!:)
 
So moving onto the second week of ADR (Or PS as they were called the last time we were there!), we are on the Deluxe Dining plan. If there is one thing my hubby likes to do, its EAT! So there will be many ADR's this week. Some of which I have booked already:
Lunches:
Yak N Yeti
Le Cellier
San Angel Inn
La Hacienda

Dinners:
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Artist Point
Narcoosee's
California Grill
Flying Fish
Jiko

Some of these we've dined at before and some will be new places for us (hopefully becoming favorites!)

I have a few other suprises throw in there, but they will be for another update!
 














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