$5 A Day Means Disney MY Way! Update: OUR DAY OUT!

[meggiebeth]

My money bank was so full last night that I had to break it and count up all the money. And the total was a very pleasant surprise!

Thank you Mummy for all your help saving this money so far!

 

[meggiebeth]

Getting to Know Oscar (Woof Woof!)

I know Osc is not coming to WDW with us but I couldn't just leave him out of the introductions could I...?!?!?!

So... some info on the d'Osc? Sure.

Let's start with a story. We got Osc in 2009 just before Christmas. Well, he was just a little puppy then, and we wanted to go to a New Years Eve party, but didn't have a stairgate to stop him trotting round the house chewing everything. We cleared out the hallway and blocked the stairs off with huge sofa cushions.

When we returned, and got out of the car, we heard a little squeaky bark. Followed by numerous more squeaky barks. 'Is that Oscar?' I said. It wasn't like him to bark. We went inside, and Osc wasn't in the hall. He had pulled all the cushions down. He was infact shut inside my parents' bedroom, in the dark. Not only that, but the poor little guy had pooped and peed all over their bed and the floor. What a fabulous New Years gift to come back to.

Another time, we left a roast chicken on the worktop in the kitchen. Well, Osc decided he'd quite like to taste the chicken along with the chips (fries) on a tray next to it. When I walked into the room all I could see was his back feet and tail as he was trying to scramble onto the worktop. He'd eaten lots of the chips but thankfully had only licked the chicken so he wasn't in danger of the dreaded chicken bones.

Once, we were walking Oscie on the recreation ground. There was another lady with her dog there- a rather large lady... and when she called her dog and shook the biscuit tin Oscar decided to run and plonk right into her, knocking her over. It was embarrassing, and poor Osc didn't know what he'd done wrong!

 

[rusafee1183]

Subbing!

I really like your style, and I think it's great that you are helping save for your family trip. Very responsible!!

I am also a super crazy planner!! My husband and I just bought DVC and we will be taking our 1st trip using our points in January. It's been tough because there is nothing much for me to plan... they just make everything too easy!

So I have just been researching buying more points




Can't wait to read more!

 

[meggiebeth]

Subbing!

I really like your style, and I think it's great that you are helping save for your family trip. Very responsible!!

I am also a super crazy planner!! My husband and I just bought DVC and we will be taking our 1st trip using our points in January. It's been tough because there is nothing much for me to plan... they just make everything too easy!

So I have just been researching buying more points




Can't wait to read more!

Thankyou! Well, it is hard work, but it just goes to show that I can save money and we don't miss it.

You are so LUCKY! I REALLY want DVC- we went to the talk at SSR and everything. My dad doesn't want to 'mortgage' his holidays (we'd have to take out a loan to pay for the amount of points we'd want) so it doesn't look likely. Maybe someday we will get it. My dad thinks as soon as I am 18 I won't want to go on holiday with them anymore. He thought wrong!

If not I cannot wait to buy DVC when I am older. Woop!

IKR, it sucks having no trip to plan. That is why I started the PTR so early- I cannot bear to just have nothing to plan!

So where do you own points? I honestly don't know which resort I would choose for my home resort. BC, SSR or GF probably! I can dream!

Good luck with getting more points! And you are lucky going in January- only a few months away! You must be so excited!

 

[meggiebeth]

Epcot Restaurants- What are your two favourites?

Welcome back! Now, let me rate the Epcot restaurants with regards to how much I’d like to eat at, on a scale of 1 to 5.

(All photographs taken from the DISboards.com.)

Akershus



I really would like to return to Akershus for breakfast. We loved the food, and the princesses were nice too. It was our first ever meal at WDW so holds a special place in our heart. I also love how you get complimentary photo packs at no extra charge.

Tokyo Dining

Not interested. We don’t like Japanese food much and would rather go to other restaurants in WS.

Teppan Edo

Okay- even though I just said we don’t like Japanese food, Teppan Edo still interests me because of the chefs cooking your meal on your table. I have seen videos and it looks so neat!

Nine Dragons

My parents and Willum love Chinese food, however I have read mainly bad reviews for Nine Dragons so am pretty reluctant to try it. My dad may change my mind though- knowing how much he adores Chinese cuisine. We have it lots at home- there are so many Chinese takeaways near us! And they are cheaper than Indians (my dad’s other favourite cuisine!)

Le Cellier

I would quite like to try Le Cellier, although the 2 credits are a bit of a put-off considering its reviews generally claim it serves average or bad food for the price. But the restaurant looks beautiful and I love the look of the chocolate ‘moose’ dessert! Yum!

So- what are your favourite Epcot restaurants- or even better- do you have any experiences of any I have just mentioned? I would appreciate feedback!

 

[lovingeire]

Our favorite restaurant at Epcot is probably Tangerine Cafe, which is a CS. Love the it's different, Mediterranean food, and the baklava is yummy! We were not impressed with Teppan Edo. Th food was bland compared to other hibachi plAces I've been too and the show was lack luster and disappointing. However, that's our experience. We're actually trying Rose & Crown in a few weeks, mostly so we can watch illuminations! I'm sure it wouldn't be all that exciting to eat at the UK restaurants, but I'm excited because I used to love in Ireland and visited London and Scotland (where my grandma was from) frequently so Im hoping it will be like going "home".

 

[meggiebeth]

Epcot Restaurants

Here are some more Epcot restaurants rated by myself out of priority.

(All photographs taken from the DISboards.com)

La Hacienda de San Angel

It isn’t really a priority for us to eat here- we aren’t huge fans of Mexican food- however the views for Illuminations are a small draw for us. The decor looks really pretty too.

Biergarten

I am actually quite interested to eat here because of the fun looking atmosphere and entertainment. We love shows and music, plus there would be an opportunity to meet new people (AMERICANS- WOO!) so it looks like a very likely possibility.

Restaurant Marrakesh

I am not sure about this place- just because I have no idea what Moroccan food would taste like and whether we would like it or not. The actual restaurant looks beautiful, though, and that for some reason actually makes me want to eat there.

Chefs de France

I am not too bothered about returning here since we have already been and whilst we enjoyed it, we don’t want to go back when there are so many other restaurants in WS to try. (For anyone wondering, I highly recommend it if you haven’t been, and meeting Remy and his helper is such fun!)

Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room

We do not want to return here by any means. We had the most terrible food (and totally not authentic British cuisine) but it did taste quite processed. I think it was definitely altered to suit a more American palette, but it is a real shame it is not really British... and doesn’t showcase how good the food is our country offers. Raglan Road is a more authentic pub, and it is owned by an Irish family I believe. However one thing is great about R&C and that is the FIREWORKS VIEW! We have heard it can be very crowded on the balcony overlooking the lake, but because the rain had caused them to close it off on the day we were there, it was pretty empty and our waitress let us go down and get a good view.

I would appreciate any feedback or advice regarding any of the above restaurants! Merci beaucoup!

 

[meggiebeth]

Our favorite restaurant at Epcot is probably Tangerine Cafe, which is a CS. Love the it's different, Mediterranean food, and the baklava is yummy! We were not impressed with Teppan Edo. Th food was bland compared to other hibachi plAces I've been too and the show was lack luster and disappointing. However, that's our experience. We're actually trying Rose & Crown in a few weeks, mostly so we can watch illuminations! I'm sure it wouldn't be all that exciting to eat at the UK restaurants, but I'm excited because I used to love in Ireland and visited London and Scotland (where my grandma was from) frequently so Im hoping it will be like going "home".

Interesting to hear that your favourite restaurant is a CS. I'll have to look at the menu for that place then. Out of interest, what makes it so good, and better in your opinion than the TS restaurants? It is a shame you didn't like Teppan Edo, but you are making me feel better about not going (my mother says she is no way going to a Japanese restaurant- she hates the food!) Have a good time at Rose and Crown! We really didn't like the food- it isn't British to be honest- seems to have been altered to appeal more to American tastes. (Things like bacon in mashed potato? Ewwww.) The fireworks view is AMAZING though, and it is worth asking if you can have an outside seat with a view of the lake as it can get pretty busy.

We actually had an Irish waitress so in that respect you will feel right at 'home'. They love to talk about their home, country etc. I hope you had good trips to the UK! I have never been to Ireland surprisingly, but Scotland is beautiful- we go up there once or twice a year to see my Grandma. London is a city that just has so much to offer and is so beautiful. (Actually, Harrods has a whole Disney department now and I cannot wait to go!)

 

[ZFamily5]

Hi Meggie!

Not sure how I missed this, but I'm glad I found it now! Have to go back and read but I wanted to respond before I forgot.

Off topic, but have you been to Disneyland Paris? We're going this summer (just started a PTR) and I'm in need of help planning, so if you know anything, please let me know!

Hope everything is going well!

 

[meggiebeth]

Hi Meggie!

Not sure how I missed this, but I'm glad I found it now! Have to go back and read but I wanted to respond before I forgot.

Off topic, but have you been to Disneyland Paris? We're going this summer (just started a PTR) and I'm in need of help planning, so if you know anything, please let me know!

Hope everything is going well!

THING 1!!! It's been such a long time! Long time no speak! I remember you mentioning your plans to go to DLP in your last TR. Sounds exciting! I shall pop over to join in your PTR.

I have been to DLP but cannot really remember much. Certainly will try to help whenever possible! And to think how near you will be to me (well... 400 miles... that's... kinda near?

 

[meggiebeth]

Epcot Restaurants- Continued

Welcome back and big apologies for not updating in so long! Christmas has meant we have been busier than usual and I have been occupied shopping for Christmas presents. Rory likes to stand by the tree shaking his presents to try to determine what they are!

Here are the remaining* Epcot restaurants rated. I would appreciate any advice. Photos are taken from the DISboards.com.

Garden Grill Restaurant

We are very eager to try this place. One thing we love about WDW is the amazing theming and this place apparently scores top marks for that and atmosphere. The fact it rotates is really intruiging and I am determined that we shall try GG on our upcoming trip.

Coral Reef Restaurant

We are not keen to try this restaurant. We are not big fans of seafood, except for Mummy, and even she would be put off hearing all of the terrible reviews. The panoramic fish tanks sound really neat, but I am just not too sure it would be worth one of our 33 precious TS credits. That being said, I thought I would dislike Chef Mickey's, Akershus and HDDR and those were my favourites of the trip! I also thought MK would be my least favourite park but in fact it is by far my favourite. I have learnt (...I hope...) to stop assuming...

I would be extremely grateful for any feedback or suggestions! Many thanks and I hope you are all having a very merry Christmas season!

 

[meggiebeth]

What a great achievement and all these savings will make a big difference!!! Thank you Mummy for all the help!!!

 

[wdwtwins]

Hi! So glad you're finally back!

Here's an awesome website where you can check out all of the menus for all the paraks It really helps me out
http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm#epc

At Epcot, we really really really LOVE Le Cellier!! We always enjoy it every time we go and the service is awesome! You should definitely check it out!

We're possibly going to Tepon Edo so I'll be sure to tell you how it goes. I hope it's good and my mom really likes Japanese food so I hope we enjoy it!

 

[meggiebeth]

Hi! So glad you're finally back!

Here's an awesome website where you can check out all of the menus for all the paraks It really helps me out
http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm#epc

At Epcot, we really really really LOVE Le Cellier!! We always enjoy it every time we go and the service is awesome! You should definitely check it out!

We're possibly going to Tepon Edo so I'll be sure to tell you how it goes. I hope it's good and my mom really likes Japanese food so I hope we enjoy it!

Hello!!! Sorry it has been so long!

Thank you! I was wondering where I could find all the menus... the WDW site does not have all of them.

Right, Le Cellier has just gone up on the list! Some people say it's great and some just say it is OK, so I'm glad to get some more feedback.

I hope you have a good time at Teppan Edo and I'll be interested to hear how it went. If your mum likes Japanese food then surely it'll be great!

 

[ZFamily5]

THING 1!!! It's been such a long time! Long time no speak! I remember you mentioning your plans to go to DLP in your last TR. Sounds exciting! I shall pop over to join in your PTR.

I have been to DLP but cannot really remember much. Certainly will try to help whenever possible! And to think how near you will be to me (well... 400 miles... that's... kinda near?

I KNOW!! I haven't been on in forever! I missed talking to you!

That is pretty close! How far is London from your area?

Loving the restaurant ratings! And great job on saving so much, we're trying to do the same here! Hope you had a great holiday!

 

[meggiebeth]

I KNOW!! I haven't been on in forever! I missed talking to you!

That is pretty close! How far is London from your area?

Loving the restaurant ratings! And great job on saving so much, we're trying to do the same here! Hope you had a great holiday!

Well- I am certainly glad you are back on now! Me too!

We live about 30 minutes- 40 minutes away from central London. Pretty close. My dad also works in London. We love going up there for day trips. Remember to fit in a trip to Harrods- it is THE most amazing department store and looks more like a 5* hotel!

Thanks! Hope you are saving loads too! Europe isn't cheap and the airfare from the US? Haha!

Hope you had a great Christmas! It is sad that it is all over now.

 

[meggiebeth]

Once again, I am so sorry I have been so SLOW at updating! The festive season has kept me rather busy and my Photobucket account was playing up- so I finally tried resetting the internet settings on my computer and voila! I managed to get into my account finally!

News from the Festive Season...!

I thought I would just do an update on what we have been up to. It has been an exciting and enjoyable few weeks and I am looking forward to sharing our adventures with you.

I took part in the secret santa on the UK Community Board here on the DISboards. It was really fun and I got some great presents. (One Oscar particularly liked...!)

Here are my secret santa presents:

And here is little Osc enjoying Mickey in his Christmas outfit:

Hair Bows

I have also started making hair bows and thought I would share a few.

I am improving I hope, slowly but surely. It would be nice to be able to sell some, and raise some spending money of my own for Florida.

Christmas Day

William and Rory got some nice gifts in their stockings. Rory is a huge fan of Vaseline since he gets sore lips from licking them too much. Willum loved his Toblerone.

Rory was very happy with his presents. (We all were!)

If you have heard of Minecraft you may know what this odd looking soft toy is... a creeper. Rory was thrilled with it and said it was just what he wanted. He carried it around a lot now, along with his other soft toys. (He also got a Shadow the Hedgehog plush toy.)

Rorsie made each of us a gift out of hama beads. I got a Mickey head in rainbow colours, my dad got a Spitfire (aeroplane), Willum got a Minecraft pickaxe and my mum got a lovely little heart! (Pictured below.)

Our Christmas dinner was great- note Rory's odd faces in the background...

We then went over to my aunt and uncle's house for a few hours. They have just moved into a brand new house in our village and love it. It's so convenient for us, just popping in and not having to make a longer journey to see them!

(Note that Mummy is holding Rory's Shadow the Hedgehog plush toy!)

When we were about to leave, we had some family photos taken.

I got some lovely presents, including a beautiful dress and a lovely, warm pair of sheepskin boots from Mummy and Daddy. (Along with some great Disney presents and crafty things!)

Thanks for reading, and I will update more soon!

 

[glaserjm]

Hi Meg! I just wanted to pop in to say that I just finished reading your 2011 trip report and now I'm following along on your October/November 2013 pre-trip report. You look like you have a great family and I was especially excited to read about Oscar as I'm a huge dog lover! I grew up with labradors and my parents have 3 (one yellow, two chocolate). We will be heading to WDW in about 60 days, so I love reading trip reports to help get me in the spirit!

I also loved seeing pictures of your village in Essex. I'm what is referred to in America as an Anglophile. If you haven't heard the term it basically refers to someone who loves all things British. I especially love England and London in particular. I studied at Imperial College for a semester while I was at University and London is my favorite city in the World. I was lucky enough to go back a few years ago with my husband who had never been and we are planning another trip sometime in 2014 to visit London and Scotland, as my husband is of Scottish descent.

Keep the great updates coming and a Happy New Year!

 

[risuhill]

Somehow, you remind me of me a little bit. I'm fourteen, and unfortunately, I'm the only one in my family that likes WDW quite a bit. I'm obsessed with planning trips there, and sometimes my parents get fed up with my obsession.

 

[meggiebeth]

Hi Meg! I just wanted to pop in to say that I just finished reading your 2011 trip report and now I'm following along on your October/November 2013 pre-trip report. You look like you have a great family and I was especially excited to read about Oscar as I'm a huge dog lover! I grew up with labradors and my parents have 3 (one yellow, two chocolate). We will be heading to WDW in about 60 days, so I love reading trip reports to help get me in the spirit!

I also loved seeing pictures of your village in Essex. I'm what is referred to in America as an Anglophile. If you haven't heard the term it basically refers to someone who loves all things British. I especially love England and London in particular. I studied at Imperial College for a semester while I was at University and London is my favorite city in the World. I was lucky enough to go back a few years ago with my husband who had never been and we are planning another trip sometime in 2014 to visit London and Scotland, as my husband is of Scottish descent.

Keep the great updates coming and a Happy New Year!

Hello there! I never did get to finishing that TR... I suppose I just got really bored of reliving a trip that I missed so much! Thanks for reading along! And thank you, Oscar is a beautiful and wonderful little (or big!) dog, and one of the best decisions we ever made was getting him. (Both my parents work so they were reluctant to get a dog that needed so much attention.) We did, and he has just been adorable ever since. Your parents MUST love labradors to have three- that must be so much hard work. My dad grew up with labradors (just like you!) so when we decided to get a dog getting a labrador was the obvious choice. I see you have two rescue dogs which is awesome- I wanted to get one but they are quite hard work, so maybe when I am older.

You must be getting pretty excited to see your trip coming so soon! I see you are staying at OKW- we were thinking about staying there this time but chose SSR again. It seems like SSR and OKW are both overlooked a lot, but weirdly I actually vastly prefer SSR to the Poly and AKL. We have heard great things about OKW so should be visiting it on our next trip.

Thanks! My village is very pretty, but quite big. If you are interested in seeing places other than London for your upcoming 2014 trip, Essex is a great choice, although there are so many lovely places here. We are 20 minutes from Cambridge- not sure if you have been there- but it is lovely, and the Universities are beautiful. I haven't heard of the term anglophile before, but I would probably be the opposite... an... Americophile?

London is amazing, we are lucky to live so close. It is a beautiful city, and I have spent so many days in London and still not seen most of what it has to offer. Scotland is great, have you been before? I spent a week holidaying there and really seeing the sights, and was blown away. The CairnGorms were beautiful, and Loch Ness was really eery. I wasn't actually that happy with Edinburgh, it just didn't compare to London.

Be sure to go to a Cailidh (not sure if that is spelt right) event as Scottish dancing is so fun and your husband will sure get back to his roots!

Somehow, you remind me of me a little bit. I'm fourteen, and unfortunately, I'm the only one in my family that likes WDW quite a bit. I'm obsessed with planning trips there, and sometimes my parents get fed up with my obsession.

Hello there, and thanks for joining! It is great to meet another teen who loves WDW. I can totally relate with you- my parents do sometimes act like I am a little pathetic liking Disney- something that is apparently for children. But, there is a whole world of adult Disney, and adults who love Disney!

Are you going to WDW anytime soon? Any plans? (Planning is half the fun to me!)