A Birthday Trip without a Birthday - 2/16: Conclusion and Bonus Birthday Tea

[englishrose47]

In 2 days I too wil be saying ONE MONTH!!! Dan too!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Magdalene,

So excited for you that your trip is getting so close!...

I am going to DWD and Universal in March so I am really curious to see your thoughts on the rides and restaurants...

I've always wished that they would add an additional restaurant to the German Pavilion...something a little authentic...

If they didn't want to commit to an entire full service restaurant...I think a nice German style coffee house might have been nice...I agree that the new bakery in Germany while perhaps tasty-although I haven't experienced it yet-looks more American than German...

It would have been interested to really have a kind of German coffee house with a turn of the century decor... with authentic German pastry...Cupcakes aren't really German as far as I know...

hmmm...or am I confused were the coffee houses Austrian or where they German also?

 

[englishrose47]

In 2 days I too wil be saying ONE MONTH!!! Dan too!!!

Today is ONE MONTH day for me !!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

ONE MONTH, (well actually a little less now)!!!!

I think changes are inevitable in every plan as you get closer. What changes I'm seeing look great! Going budget over WAY-over-priced is never a bad thing. The price increase at Boma is outrageous, and I'm so glad I tried it before it went up to $39 a head! WOW!

You're right- Kona looks like a way better deal than 'Ohaha. As you know, while I liked it, it wasn't spectacular, and you can probably get most of what's "over there" too.

Anyway, counting down with you!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

One month away! Awesome! (can I come?)

I think you will be very happy with Kona Cafe for dinner. Julie and I really enjoyed it (just be ready for a loud atmosphere, that's all).

 

[jenb1023]

Sounds like you are ready to go! It will be here before you know it!

 

[eandesmom]

Time is flying!!

Have a look at my ticker (and Katharina's): it is exactly one month until we arrive at the Boardwalk - Mickey has already arrived there.

Only 19 days at work for me, 20 for Katharina - I have Monday October 10th off from work already and Monday October 3rd is our national holiday: Reunification Day - on October 3rd 1990 West and East Germany were reunified into one Germany again - they had been seperated ever since WW II (if you want to read more about this, I did a special update about the Berlin Wall in the 2010 PTR to be found here).

Katharina and I had a very long talk on the telephone yesterday about all kind of trip planning things.

We have finalised our packing lists - coordinated who is bringing what of things which we can easily share. And we did look at our master plan again.

We made a few dining adjustments, we might drop a few of our ADRs since we rather want more flexibility in our schedule.

So it looks like that we won't make it to breakfast at Kona Cafe, but are thinking about dropping Ohana and instead go to Kona for dinner that evening. We feel that Kona offers a better value for money (the recent menus seem to indicate that Disney has once again made dining more expensive, dinner at Boma is now $39 ).

Another change is that we will drop the Cape May Cafe breakfast since the characters aren't that important to us - and once again the price is a bit scary: $28.75 per adult... But we found a substitute which we are quite excited to try: Fresh at the Dolphin. The buffet there is $17 per adult (and offers a 20% DVC discount) and offers made-to-order omelettes, fresh roasted ham, different juice mixes, speciality pancakes, waffles and French toast. It all sounds delicious and the reviews are generally positive. Now I just have to figure out whether we need an ADR for there...

Actually I found out that all the Swan/Dolphin eateries (except their signature restaurants) offer a 20% DVC discount. I think we will check out the options there, especially since they seem to have a food court like place which neither BW nor Y&BC have.

I also ordered our MNSSHP party tickets!! Need to pick them up at Will Call as well, so I guess when we get our park tickets, we can also pick those up - and then keep them in the room safe in order to not too lose them.

You see, we are getting organised! And excited!!!!!!

The price for Cape May is scary, I wouldn't do it if not on the dining plan I don't think. Very cool about the DVC discount at the Swolphin locations, I've heard good things about Fresh.

The BC Marketplace isn't a food court but it's not bad for a deluxe CS.

 

[englishrose47]

Hoping everything is okay as you haven't been on the boards for a while !!I have been posting my plans and hoping we can set a definate meet!!!!!

 

[Kleese]

It's been so long since I've been to the boards that today was my catch up day for your thread. I was so happy to hear about Harry Potter! I can't wait to hear about all of it. It seems that you have left nothing out of your birthday celebration and I'm so happy for the both of us because I know you will tell us all about it I am very sad though that I can't seem to pull up your trip pics and will have to try again from another computer. I hope that is the trouble because I would hate to miss your wonderful pictures. I love to live through you. I can see so many places that otherwise I would never be able to and for that I am thankful.

Hope all is well over there in Germany it's good to be back on and reading your posts. You don't have much longer now and I'm sure you both can't stop smiling thinking about how much fun your going to have

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone!

I meant to update the PTR yesterday evening, but then my phone line died... The phone is working again, but still no internet...

There is some exciting planning news to share: longer park hours (Rosie, that will affect you as well, am going to post on your PTR as well!) for October. Especially one day with a 7pm closing at AK. Since sunset is at 7pm while we are there, this is a rare chance: experience AK at twilight! So, we are most likely changing a few things around...

Hopefully the internet will work again during the weekend so I can get the update done then - as well as get some more DLP pictures up for you. We are still missing one land at DLP, the whole of Walt Disney Studios (don't get excited about that, visually it is the only park Disney opened which truly can be called ugly!!), the hotels and the meals! Wow, I really need to start working on that to get it done within the next 19 days!!

 

[lovealldisney]

19 days! WOW time really has flown by! Can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone, it seems like time is flying and I still have lots of comments from you guys which I never replied to! Sorry!! I try to be better with keeping up here for the last 13 days!! I still want to post the rest of the DLP pictures before the trip and I have a special Germany update which I want to do for you - but I need to get the pictures for that first!!

But, let's start replying!

We really liked the Royal Pacific. The rooms were a good size and nice and the resort was themed very nicely. Only downfall is they just don't have the Disney service in the parks or hotel.

Lovely pictures of Fantasyland! I love the labyrinth!

I recently heard from some people who were very pleased with the service, especially at the Universal hotels. Maybe they are improving?

The labyrinth has always been one of my favourite attractions - well in the sense as the Peoplemover is one of my favourites at MK, not horribly exciting, but a very fun diversion.

Thanks for the tour though DLP. Your pictures really show all the similarities and the differences. I like how each park has its own identity yet manage to still hold the Disney magic we all know and love.

Yes, that is exactly it!

 

[Flossbolna]

Magdalene & Katharina!

I am sorry I've been quiet for your PTR, but I have been enjoying it very much! Now that my granddaughter is 3 and I care for her all day M-F there is not not usually much DIS time for posting, but I do try to read my favorite PTR's and TR's.

Thank you for the photos of Disneyland Paris! Until I saw your photos, I had little to no interest in visiting - but now it is added to my must visit list! Fantasyland is breathtakingly beautiful! WDW has never been my favorite MK - Disneyland holds that place in my heart, but seeing your photos, Disneyland Paris could easily win me over!

I might just have to see if some Dis friends may be able to visit DLP for a long weekend next year.

October is such a great time to visit WDW - the 11th might be just a little bit early for the nicest weather, but by mid visit it should be very nice, nearly perfect. Fingers crossed! Late October is one of my favorite times to visit.

Off to do some more catching up! Thanks again for the beautiful photos of DLP. (where is the best place to stay without a car?)

Last November I had a birthday trip without a birthday - sort of - the day we departed was my birthday, but at check-in the CM insisted I wear a birthday pin for the entire 4 days, so hope you will do the same! She said it is not necessary to be there on the birth day, but being the same month and a birthday trip counts.

Christine, it was great to see your long post! I have phases when I am more a reader than a writer here on the DIS as well - and spending time with your granddaughter is the best excuse you can have!

I know a few people who know DL and DLP very well and the way they put it is that they say DL is more charming while DLP is more beautiful. I have only been at DL twice, but it is a very wonderful place and I can see why it is your favourite!

Next year should be an excellent year for a visit to DLP. They have a massive renovation scheme going on at the moment for the 20th anniversary next year when they will have a brand new night time show with fountains and lights installed at the Central Plaza. Sounds wonderful!

I am feeling a bit guilty about "celebrating" my birthday there, but I think it will still be fun, even if it is early! Thanks for the encouragement!

Lovely pics! I was so intrigued by the Alice in Wonderland attraction. It is not something you see much anymore in the US, but the type of adventure I used to love as a child.

Glad you liked them! I have read comments about how the labyrinth only could work in Europe, but not in the US regularly and am always surprised about that.

Oh corned beef on a pretzel roll sounds delish to me I love both!!!
I had forgotten that Ellen would be able to help with the Disabilities aspect of that trip !! Thanks for the reminder.

I think you will have the greatest fun at Universal. I have done a bit more research about it and am getting very excited about that part of our trip!

Loved the pix of Fantasyland DSL!!
Quick Question did the Toad in the Hole Restaurant serve Toad in the Hole !!???? Does anyone know what it is !!!!???

No, there wasn't any toad in the hole being served! And I know what it is: sausages baked in batter (like the yorkshire pudding batter) - do you cook it at home?

 

[Flossbolna]

ok, I THIRD what Elin and Wendy said!! We miss you!! We are all looking forward to the Jamborini Meet

Can I FOURTH Elin, Wendy and Diana? (is that allowed? ) We miss you.

Magdalene: I'm sorry our timing didn't work out this year. It was so lovely to meet you & Katharina last year.

I know, it stinks!!!! I so wish our plans had worked to be the same schedule - this is twice now we'll just barely miss each other!!!! On another note, we've stayed at the Royal Pacific many times, it's lovely, you'll enjoy it!!!

I am so sorry to miss your wonderful meet! And I am feeling very guilty that I still haven't made it back to the AKL thread!! I hope I can remedy that soon! In the meantime, I hope all of you have a fantastic trip!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Very cool Fantasyland DLP pictures Magdalene! So much different than WDW. Thanks for posting them.

I am glad that you enjoyed them! It is very different from the Magic Kingdom, but I really hope that the new Fantasyland will bring some of that level of detail to the MK as well!

The meat variety, or egg?

There is an egg toad in the whole?? I only know the one with sausages...

Wow Magdalene, such breathtakingly beautiful pictures! No wonder you enjoy DLP so much. That is what I call a FANTASYland!

Loved all the photos as usual. I really need to make a trip with you sometime......you have an eye for picking out the best views and sites wherever you are!

Too funny sending Katharina through the short door! And I enjoyed getting to use a tiny little bit of the French I remember from High School.

Two hours for MEMH......that is fantastic! And what an empty park. And I really like the night shot of the Tea Cups, even though that is one ride I just don't do. Messes up my equilibrium for way too much of the rest of the day!

I did notice they don't have a crown on the wall behind the statue of Cinderella at the fountain. I guess that is a MK exclusive.

First, you are absolutely right about the crown! I was so surprised when I saw that it was missing there...

And yes, DLP went all out with its Fantasyland. I think they just took everything they had learned before to create the most beautiful park of them all at a time when they were still thinking big and taking huge risks. Some people claim that they overspent on the park and that caused the financial troubles. But the reality is more difficult - they overbuilt the hotel capacity and I think they also had not very good consultants about cultural differences between Europeans (and then this is a very varied bunch of people as well!) and Americans. They overestimated spending on merchandise by far because most Europeans don't see shopping as a vacations past-time.

I love the DLP Fantasyland pictures! Amazing to see the differences from WDW. The landscaping there looks absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing them!

Glad that you enjoyed them!! I really need to upload the next bunch soon! I am sure you will love Discoveryland!

 

[Flossbolna]

Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful photos and for your report! Such a delight for us who may never get to EuroDisney...is it still referred as that abroad?? I made friends from England on DCL, and they always called it that!
They did send me a 15 yr anniv magnet

Your trip looks like it was Magnifique

Glad that everyone is enjoying the pictures!!

I think only very few people still call it EuroDisney - I think it changed its name in 1994?? But I think it might have stuck with some people just for tradition's sake? And people who don't know anything about it might still only know about it from when it was opened, so haven't picked up on the name change...

Having never eaten at either the Swan or Dolphin, I am not positive about this, but I think that you can't charge back to your room at those locations. I don't know whether you do that or not, but we hardly ever carry more than $20 in cash with us and use our room key for everything.

That's a good point!! But I am always carrying some cash because I am horribly afraid that I might end up in a situation where I can't pay because my cards aren't accepted. Happened to me once in Canada when somehow the bank connection between Canada and Europe failed and hence all Canadian ATMs weren't able to recognize my card...

I did not know about the DVC perk at the dolphinand swan. I will have to tuck that bit of information away.


Congrats on the 1 month mark.

Yes, make sure to really study the DVC perks, there are some really interesting dining discounts!

In 2 days I too wil be saying ONE MONTH!!! Dan too!!!

Time is flying!! I think tomorrow you and Dan can say two weeks!!

 

[podsnel]

I'm excited for you, I'm excited for Katherina, I'm excited for Rosie!

I'm excited for you all to come back and write wonderful TRs to get me excited for my turn in November!

I'm really interested to hear what you think of the food court over there at the Swalphin- I really have not seen much written about it, and I do seem to spend alot of time over there at that Epcot area....

My friend Evie just got to BWV with her family today- I am thrilled for them, hoping they have an incredible time!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi everyone!

I meant to update the PTR yesterday evening, but then my phone line died... The phone is working again, but still no internet...

There is some exciting planning news to share: longer park hours (Rosie, that will affect you as well, am going to post on your PTR as well!) for October. Especially one day with a 7pm closing at AK. Since sunset is at 7pm while we are there, this is a rare chance: experience AK at twilight! So, we are most likely changing a few things around...

13 days now!!!

If you can make AK for EMH with sunset at that time, you must ride EE in the dark. It is amazing!!!!

 

[podsnel]

13 days now!!!

If you can make AK for EMH with sunset at that time, you must ride EE in the dark. It is amazing!!!!

I AGREE!!!! EE in the dark is a completely different ride- it takes it up about 10 notches!

 

[englishrose47]

We are getting sooo close !!Any word on a Meet yet Magdalena !! I have pretyy much finished up my plans and will just be commenting on the packing and finding out about my "Guys "" !!

I too have never heard of Egg in the Hole !!Scotch Eggs yes !!But it was Marv so who knows !!!! Did he say if you need a Wooden Spoon to make it !!!!