A Rolex Vacation on a Timex Budget: Sept '11 PTR (TR is Live!)

[Nermel9]

Ok, so I've been staring at park maps and I can't figure it out:

Where is this "bird show" she's talking about??

Is anyone familiar enough w/ AK to help? The last time I was at WDW, AK had just opened, and was far from complete.

LOL...I know where it is, but I can't really describe it, but I've seen it like, 3 times...it's on the way to Africa if you are walking over from Asia. Wow, that's a vague description ...hold on, let me look at a map and see if I can describe it better!

Edit: Ok I looked at a map, and that's really the best I can do. If you walk behind the Tree of Life over to Africa from Asia, you pass right by it. It's very shady over there, lots of trees, it's a nice area...I can't imagine where they would hold a private event, though? I hope they give you pictures!

 

[PixieMama]

Ok, so I've been staring at park maps and I can't figure it out:

Where is this "bird show" she's talking about??

Is anyone familiar enough w/ AK to help? The last time I was at WDW, AK had just opened, and was far from complete.

The Flights of Wonder show?

It's close to the Yak & Yeti restaurant. I remember because while my family watched the show, I hung out in front of the restaurant... I don't "do" bird shows, LOL! Things flying over or near my head FREAK. ME. OUT.

 

[PixieMama]

...here is the latest from Events:

"We actually saw a few locations but one stood out. We’re now working on getting a manageable F&B minimum for that one. ( : I’m having some problems getting the photos sent from my phone but our tech guru is back today so she’s going to help and we’ll get them sent out. The location xxxx and I are working on is very pretty and right on the river that goes around the Tree of Life. It’s very close to the Bird show if that helps orient you a bit. It has lots of foliage and feels very secluded. There’s a small, winding walkway that takes you from the promenade down to the location which is only about 15’ x 20’."

So....we shall see!

I think I may know this location... as I mentioned in my above post, I didn't go with the family to view the bird show. I mostly hung out in front of Y&Y but did wander around for a bit. I remember going down a little walkway and coming to a small covered gazebo or pavilion. If I hadn't gone down the walkway and stayed on the main area, I'd never have known it was there! It's very secluded. And it's right on the river, as mentioned.

 

[Stefy]

Right I'm back to catch up and lots has happened. Love Nemo, your DH is going to be speechless

Everything looks like its falling into place, the new spot sounds wonderful

I think I may know this location... as I mentioned in my above post, I didn't go with the family to view the bird show. I mostly hung out in front of Y&Y but did wander around for a bit. I remember going down a little walkway and coming to a small covered gazebo or pavilion. If I hadn't gone down the walkway and stayed on the main area, I'd never have known it was there! It's very secluded. And it's right on the river, as mentioned.

I am wondering if I am thinking of the same area as you too. Is there a seating area (2-3 small tables) and steps leading down to it?

 

[PixieMama]

I am wondering if I am thinking of the same area as you too. Is there a seating area (2-3 small tables) and steps leading down to it?

Yep! I bet we are thinking of the same place.

 

[Tink2Day]

Okay, I'm sitting here looking at the brochure from AK. Actually I work from home and am 'supposed' to be working. See the lengths we go to in order to help a fellow overplanner and Diser?

As you enter AK hang a right around Discovery Island once you get around it, you will go to the left and Birds of Wonder is there a short distance down that path. If you went to the right you would first run into Yak&Yeti and then Kali River Rapids.
I too wandered down that way and remembered seeing a small area that could be what they were specifying (well actually I got lost and was just kind of wandering around).
If you go to the official WDW site you can easily map it on the personalized maps. Then get a guestimate of where it is specifically.

 

[Stefy]

Yep! I bet we are thinking of the same place.

and it faces the back of a frozen cola hut right? If so, its a beautiful peaceful spot and is perfect for a romantic evening dinner

 

[jenneth79]

Edit: Ok I looked at a map, and that's really the best I can do. If you walk behind the Tree of Life over to Africa from Asia, you pass right by it. It's very shady over there, lots of trees, it's a nice area...I can't imagine where they would hold a private event, though? I hope they give you pictures!

I'm still waiting on those pictures, but it sounds like I'm going to have a working event plan and budget by COB tomorrow.... hopefully that will include a pic or two.

The Flights of Wonder show?

It's close to the Yak & Yeti restaurant. I remember because while my family watched the show, I hung out in front of the restaurant... I don't "do" bird shows, LOL! Things flying over or near my head FREAK. ME. OUT.

I'm sooooo glad you mentioned that. I have a bit of a phobia myself about that.... probably because birds like to leave "little gifts" on me all the time.... grr!.

If I hadn't gone down the walkway and stayed on the main area, I'd never have known it was there! It's very secluded. And it's right on the river, as mentioned.

This is sounding better and better.....

Right I'm back to catch up and lots has happened. Love Nemo, your DH is going to be speechless

Everything looks like its falling into place, the new spot sounds wonderful

I really think it is! I will admit I was a bit down on the whole thing this past week or so, just felt like it wasn't ever going to work out, but now I'm much more confident it will be amazing! (And, from what my event planner is telling me, well within budget! )

Thank you for the comments on Nemo... I'm just hoping I can pay it off in time... and keep my mouth shut about it! I cannot tell you how many times he has spoken about how much he wants one and I wanted to say 'here you go!'.

Keep the secret.....keep the secret....

Okay, I'm sitting here looking at the brochure from AK. Actually I work from home and am 'supposed' to be working. See the lengths we go to in order to help a fellow overplanner and Diser?

As you enter AK hang a right around Discovery Island once you get around it, you will go to the left and Birds of Wonder is there a short distance down that path. If you went to the right you would first run into Yak&Yeti and then Kali River Rapids.
I too wandered down that way and remembered seeing a small area that could be what they were specifying (well actually I got lost and was just kind of wandering around).
If you go to the official WDW site you can easily map it on the personalized maps. Then get a guestimate of where it is specifically.

This is EXACTLY why I love my fellow Disers! Thank you so much for that description and research. While I'm still waiting on the pictures I am feeling very good about this space. Of course, now I am envisioning a gazebo style thing w/ one table and fairy lights strung from the rafters... so this could be dangerous.....

and it faces the back of a frozen cola hut right? If so, its a beautiful peaceful spot and is perfect for a romantic evening dinner

Thank you everyone!!!

 

[jenneth79]

To start, I wanted to apologize for not updating in the past couple of days. I have been in quite a bit of pain lately and found out yesterday that my OTHER two wisdom teeth are now infected and must be removed.

I head in for surgery next Thursday (hopefully they won't have to break my jaw, apparently the way the bones grew over my tooth.... anyway, hopefully they won't, I rather enjoy talking! ) and for now I'm on antibiotics and painkillers that do nothing for the pain.

I will probably be very limited in my updates over the next week or so, but hopefully I will have some great news once I return!

 

[jenneth79]

So, not only can I not open my mouth at all without extreme pain, the event team called with bad news:

Even though we are meeting the minimum costs, etc, the parks have said that it is not worth it to do an even for just two people and have told them no way no how will they host our special event.

I'm desvestated, to say the least.

 

[jenneth79]

This is the email I sent. I admit I'm extremely upset with Disney right now....

Joselind,

While I know it was a difficult call to make, I do truly appreciate you letting me know the bad news today regarding what I had hoped to be a lovely celebration of my anniversary with my husband. It is disappointing not just for the obvious reasons, but also for all the work you and Becky put into this, just to have the parks take what I believe is an unreasonable stance of "it's not worth our time". It is somewhat ironic that the place where "dreams come true" is equally able to crush them for those who are quite willing to pay (on top of the 10k+ I am spending on this vacation, ALL of it back into Disney's hands!) like any other group to have something extra special, but that is what you get for dealing with such a large corporation I suppose. While I am extremely upset with Disney in general since creating a dinner for two people is just "too much of a hassle"... I am also so very greatful to work with you both as I truly belive your main goal was to make sure we had simply the perfect experience.

I have planned many events in the past, and even with my own wedding, I have not dealt with individuals who understood my vision better or had such an obvious love for what they did. You two are quite special and I hope others appreciate that!

Of course, if anything else comes up as an option for an extra-special event, please let me know. Otherwise, I wish you both nothing but the best.

Regards,

Jennifer

 

[swwake]

Oh nooooo! I'm so sorry this happened. Maybe the powers that be will come to their senses. That just doesn't make sense.

Very nicely written letter.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I am so sorry about the tooth situation, I can't imagine how much pain you are in.

I do not understand them saying that about your private event. If you are meeting their minimums I don't see what the issue is? The "not worth it" statement is unacceptable and ridiculous. I would be livid and devastated.

Is there any way they can do it with the park open? I know Lurkyloo had an anniversary dinner by Rose and Crown before Illuminations one time so maybe they can do that at any park besides MK while it is open? I know it isn't the same though.

 

[Nermel9]

I'm so sorry about your wisdom teeth, I know all about that, one of mine was infected and it was the WORST pain ever, and no amount of Advil or Tylenol would help...I only started to feel a little better once the antibiotics kicked in, and then finally had it removed a few days later. I got the 2nd top tooth taken out a year later, but I still have the bottom two which luckily, hardly ever bother me, but I need to get them taken out before something happens!

I'm also so sorry about your event. That's terrible. I can't believe they would just flat out say no, if you're willing to pay their requirements. I'm glad you sent them an email, it sounds like the people you worked with were great! I hope you can find something special to do for your anniversary!

 

[PixieMama]

So sorry to hear about your wisdom teeth pain! I had to have a few impacted wisdom teeth taken out a few years ago... NOT. FUN. Hope you're feeling better soon.

And that is such a bummer about the event!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I'm so sorry to read about your bad news and the pain in the teeth - sounds like a rotten week

Am hoping the surgery goes ok. I also think you worded your letter about the event disappointment really well. Fingers crossed that you hear a reply and maybe some way of being able to plan something extra special.

 

[Stefy]

Thank you for the comments on Nemo... I'm just hoping I can pay it off in time... and keep my mouth shut about it! I cannot tell you how many times he has spoken about how much he wants one and I wanted to say 'here you go!'.

Keep the secret.....keep the secret....

I totally know what you are going through, the amount of times I wanted to tell DF about what I had planned for his birthday last year nearly killed me. But it is so worth it in the end to see his face light up in surprise

To start, I wanted to apologize for not updating in the past couple of days. I have been in quite a bit of pain lately and found out yesterday that my OTHER two wisdom teeth are now infected and must be removed.

I head in for surgery next Thursday (hopefully they won't have to break my jaw, apparently the way the bones grew over my tooth.... anyway, hopefully they won't, I rather enjoy talking! ) and for now I'm on antibiotics and painkillers that do nothing for the pain.

I will probably be very limited in my updates over the next week or so, but hopefully I will have some great news once I return!

Sorry to hear about your teeth problems, hope all goes well Thursday and don't worry about the lack of updates etc you post when you are good and ready, we'll all be here waiting

So, not only can I not open my mouth at all without extreme pain, the event team called with bad news:

Even though we are meeting the minimum costs, etc, the parks have said that it is not worth it to do an even for just two people and have told them no way no how will they host our special event.

I'm desvestated, to say the least.

So sorry to hear about your plans not panning out, but there are plenty more opportunities out there, what about the Chef's Table at V&A or the private dining event for 2 instead?

 

[Shannon84]

I am just baffled by this response from Disney!! In my opinion they would be getting the same amount of money, but actually for less work since it would just be the two of you, so really it is worth their time...but thats just my opinion of course

I hope that you still have a wonderful vacation and can find something extra special to do to celebrate, I am sorry to hear about this after all the time you put into it!!

Hope you are healing quickly from the wisdom teeth issue!

 

[jenneth79]

Oh nooooo! I'm so sorry this happened. Maybe the powers that be will come to their senses. That just doesn't make sense.

Very nicely written letter.

Thank you.

I am so sorry about the tooth situation, I can't imagine how much pain you are in.

I do not understand them saying that about your private event. If you are meeting their minimums I don't see what the issue is? The "not worth it" statement is unacceptable and ridiculous. I would be livid and devastated.

Is there any way they can do it with the park open? I know Lurkyloo had an anniversary dinner by Rose and Crown before Illuminations one time so maybe they can do that at any park besides MK while it is open? I know it isn't the same though.

I spoke to lurkyloo on Friday and she said I wasn't the first person to tell her this happened. I'm guessing that they were starting to get more and more requests for events like this and decided it wasn't worth the hassle to do them all. As opposed to making a decision that no further events would be accepted, which would be the best thing to do from a customer service perspective, they just halted everything mid-stream. Annoying, but that's what you get working with a company like that.

I'm so sorry about your wisdom teeth, I know all about that, one of mine was infected and it was the WORST pain ever, and no amount of Advil or Tylenol would help...I only started to feel a little better once the antibiotics kicked in, and then finally had it removed a few days later. I got the 2nd top tooth taken out a year later, but I still have the bottom two which luckily, hardly ever bother me, but I need to get them taken out before something happens!

I'm also so sorry about your event. That's terrible. I can't believe they would just flat out say no, if you're willing to pay their requirements. I'm glad you sent them an email, it sounds like the people you worked with were great! I hope you can find something special to do for your anniversary!

Thanks. We're still having the Victoria and Albert's dinner in the Queen Victoria room for our anniversary proper, so that should be celebration enough.

My biggest drama now is that I don't have ADRs for our final night, and everything I would want (California Grill, O'hana) is BOOKED! I almost went off on the phone when the reservations rep said "well, you waited too long...."

Grr.

So sorry to hear about your wisdom teeth pain! I had to have a few impacted wisdom teeth taken out a few years ago... NOT. FUN. Hope you're feeling better soon.

And that is such a bummer about the event!

Thank you... I cannot wait to get these stupid teeth OUT, they hurt so bad.

I'm so sorry to read about your bad news and the pain in the teeth - sounds like a rotten week

Am hoping the surgery goes ok. I also think you worded your letter about the event disappointment really well. Fingers crossed that you hear a reply and maybe some way of being able to plan something extra special.

Thank you. Just our trip there will be super special, and I will have to keep telling myself that!

I totally know what you are going through, the amount of times I wanted to tell DF about what I had planned for his birthday last year nearly killed me. But it is so worth it in the end to see his face light up in surprise

Sorry to hear about your teeth problems, hope all goes well Thursday and don't worry about the lack of updates etc you post when you are good and ready, we'll all be here waiting

So sorry to hear about your plans not panning out, but there are plenty more opportunities out there, what about the Chef's Table at V&A or the private dining event for 2 instead?

Thank you! I think I'm going to have to change my PTR name now

I am just baffled by this response from Disney!! In my opinion they would be getting the same amount of money, but actually for less work since it would just be the two of you, so really it is worth their time...but thats just my opinion of course

I hope that you still have a wonderful vacation and can find something extra special to do to celebrate, I am sorry to hear about this after all the time you put into it!!

Hope you are healing quickly from the wisdom teeth issue!

I'm going to WDW with the best husband on earth, what more could a girl ask for?

Thank you ALL for your well wishes regarding the teeth drama. I'm still in a ton of pain (Of course, the antibiotics didn't work.... again....) so I will probably head back in today to the office to check it out. They come out either way on Thursday, so things should improve from there.

Crossing my fingers!

 

[natebenma]

Thoughts are with you that everything goes ok with the surgery on Thursday. Look forward to seeing posts from you that you are feeling MUCH better!

Sorry to hear about your event! But I am glad to hear your attitude that when you are the most magical place on earth with the person who is the center of your universe, then all will be ok!

Any chance you would put the BC IPO on the case to find you a final dining reservation?

Good luck!