A Salute to Food & Wine but Mostly Wine..12/21 FINAL THOUGHTS...a Solo Trip Adventure

[2xcited2sleep]

So thanks to Jackie (Charleston Princess) I got clued in on the rumor of the increases to ticket prices. And a MouseSavers alert confirmed it today (confirmed it as rumor but still...)

It was enough to spur me into action.
I've got to decide.
Pressure!!!
I need 5 day park hopper for October. And if going in December I'd need another several days. And certainly I'd be back within a year....

What would any self-respecting DIS-er do????

I bought an AP!!!!!!!!!!!​

Gulp! Now I have to make the best use of it possible. Oh the problems I have...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for being an AP holder!!!

I think I am jealous.

 

[askelton]

I bought an AP!!!!!!!!!!!​

AP= gud. We have had ours for 3 years.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurray for being an AP holder!!!

I think I am jealous.

Thanks. I'm wondering what I've done. The DIS boards have created a monster! I'm not even sure I can say fuzzy Disney math was employed here... just blatant rationalization.

AP= gud. We have had ours for 3 years.

Thanks. Let me know if there are any tips. I want to milk this thing for all it's worth. Of course now I've already moved on to considering the Dining Experience card...

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What do they do with all the info that they gather as you're clicking "1" if you've been since '03 and "1" if you've been more than 5 times in your life etc.? Does that affect who answers the phone and how they answer your questions? Are they thinking "geez lady, you've been > 5 times and you don't know this already??"

Just a random thought for the evening. Which came to me because...

I added an ADR at Kona Cafe for my Sunday evening pre-MNSSHP dining pleasure!

 

[OhMari]

I'll be at the BC the day you leave. Maybe we can meet.
Anyway, I received the 3-mail from Mousesavers too.

I bought 10 day no-expiring tickets last April. Those tickets are already $100 more a ticket than I paid. I know she had an e-mail alert last April, but you were wise to buy a AP. The 10 day is almost as expensive as the AP. The AP will let you park hop too.

 

[askelton]

Thanks. Let me know if there are any tips. I want to milk this thing for all it's worth. Of course now I've already moved on to considering the Dining Experience card...

DDE is definitely worth it! For $60 you get 20% off all your food & beverages, alcohol included, for up to 10 people. Free valet as well.
The AP has dining discounts as well, but DDE's are better. We go out for dinner and walk around a while and then go home. It's a nice date night.


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Participating Restaurants and Lounges in the DDE as of February 2008:[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court

All-Star Sports Resort
End Zone Food Court[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma-Flavors of Africa
Jiko-The Cooking Place
Victoria Falls[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
(eat in only)
Cape May Cafe
Martha's Vineyard Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]BoardWalk
Belle Vue Lounge
ESPN Club
Flying Fish Cafe
Spoodles[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Club
Sand Trap Bar & Grill[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Caribbean Beach Resort
Shutters at Old Port Royale[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Contemporary Resort
California Grill
Chef Mickey's
Concourse Steakhouse
Outer Rim Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Coronado Springs Resort
Maya Grill[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Crockett's Tavern
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only, offered seasonally)
Trail's End Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare
Cítricos
Garden View Lounge
Grand Floridian Cafe
Mizner's Lounge
Narcoossee's
Victoria & Albert's (excluding Chef's Table)[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Old Key West Resort
Olivia's Cafe[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Polynesian Resort
'Ohana
Kona Cafe
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (late show only)
Tambu Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pop Century Resort
Everything Pop Dining
Classic Concoctions[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Port Orleans Resort
Riverside:
Boatwright's Dining Hall
River Roost
French Quarter:
Scat Cat's Club
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory [/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
Artist's Palette [/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point
Territory Lounge
Whispering Canyon Cafe[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Yacht Club Resort
Ale and Compass Lounge
Crew's Cup Lounge
Captain's Grille
Yachtsman Steakhouse[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace
Cap'n Jack's Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island
Raglan Road[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side
Planet Hollywood[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Epcot
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Bistro de Paris Restaurant
Chefs de France Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
The Garden Grill Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Disney's Hollywood Studios
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hollywood & Vine
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Tune-In Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Crystal Palace
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Animal Kingdom
Tusker House Restaurant
Pizzafari
Flame Tree Barbecue
Restaurantosaurus[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Disney's Vero Beach Resort
The Green Cabin Room
Shutters Restaurant
Sonya's Fine Steaks & Chops (Sunday Brunch not included)[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Entertainment & Dancing:[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island:
Half price admission to Pleasure Island Clubs for members and guest;
except for specially priced events[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Atlantic Dance Hall - Disney’s BoardWalk:
Admission is free for members and guest[/FONT]​

 

[KatGarcia]

What do they do with all the info that they gather as you're clicking "1" if you've been since '03 and "1" if you've been more than 5 times in your life etc.? Does that affect who answers the phone and how they answer your questions? Are they thinking "geez lady, you've been > 5 times and you don't know this already??"

Just a random thought for the evening. Which came to me because...

I added an ADR at Kona Cafe for my Sunday evening pre-MNSSHP dining pleasure!

Awesome! I am so excited to eat there myself!!! Have you looked at the menu..any idea what u'll get? I peruse those menus way too much. lol.

 

[lynn71092]

Did you know there's an "Eat to the Beat" concert every night during the F&W Festival? That might make a difference on when you decide to go. The groups that are playing while you're there are Otis Day & the Knights, Expose and Kool & the Gang. Check out the F&W schedule on the Dis Home page

 

[ILuvCrush]

I'm a bit intimidated to write a TR... I'm just not nearly as entertaining as all you!!

Kat... I love your avatar... I took Saturday off work solely to read the new Twilight Book

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'll be at the BC the day you leave. Maybe we can meet.
Anyway, I received the 3-mail from Mousesavers too.

I bought 10 day no-expiring tickets last April. Those tickets are already $100 more a ticket than I paid. I know she had an e-mail alert last April, but you were wise to buy a AP. The 10 day is almost as expensive as the AP. The AP will let you park hop too.

I'd love to meet! Although I have a fairly early (~11am) flight home. I have come to terms with my impulsive decision to buy the AP and am already plotting return trips. Keep me away from the DVC stands or I'm done!

DDE is definitely worth it! For $60 you get 20% off all your food & beverages, alcohol included, for up to 10 people. Free valet as well.

Thanks so much for including all of the restaurants. It does look like a great deal. And including the alcohol in the discount is quite a nice treat. I may be able to drink the value of the card never mind the food!

Awesome! I am so excited to eat there myself!!! Have you looked at the menu..any idea what u'll get? I peruse those menus way too much. lol.

Ah yes - one of my favorite "I'm bored" activities. Which frequently occurs at work. In fact today I was very excited to see on allears that quite a few menus were updated in July. I'm thinking the Beef Teriyaki at Kona. I've seen some very yummy pictures lately and it has this pineapple salsa on top... I'm a sucker for salsa.

Did you know there's an "Eat to the Beat" concert every night during the F&W Festival? That might make a difference on when you decide to go. The groups that are playing while you're there are Otis Day & the Knights, Expose and Kool & the Gang. Check out the F&W schedule on the Dis Home page

Thanks so much for looking that up for me! I sort of knew there were concerts but hadn't done much looking. Kool and the Gang is "Celebrate good times...come on" ... right? That might be a must see. Do you have any favorites?

I'm a bit intimidated to write a TR... I'm just not nearly as entertaining as all you!!

Well, I don't know about that but no pressure.

 

[KatGarcia]

I'm a bit intimidated to write a TR... I'm just not nearly as entertaining as all you!!

Kat... I love your avatar... I took Saturday off work solely to read the new Twilight Book

Thanks! I plan to ignore the world and read till my eyes bleed...lol.

Ah yes - one of my favorite "I'm bored" activities. Which frequently occurs at work. In fact today I was very excited to see on allears that quite a few menus were updated in July. I'm thinking the Beef Teriyaki at Kona. I've seen some very yummy pictures lately and it has this pineapple salsa on top... I'm a sucker for salsa.

OOOOO updated...guess where I am headed now.....

 

[2xcited2sleep]

TGIF!!! It was a particularly carpy week over here and as I sit down with my cocktail to relax I get to thinking about all of the yummy cocktails I am going to be trying in October...

Photos are "borrowed" from my friends on the DIS and Google

10. A margarita from the little shack/stand at Downtown Disney.

Sorry this photo isn't of the drink but of the view. That little shack mixes a good drink! And I love just sitting and people-watching!

9. Fiesta margarita in Mexico

8. Peach Tea Schnapps Slushie in World Showcase

7. Champagne from France

No picture - sorry - use your imagination. And I believe at F&W time there is a champagne and chocolate truffle combo...

6. Year of a Million Dreams Glowtini (or is it bluetini?)

Either way, it looks cool! And it has a glow in the dark ice cube!!

5. Tangerine Daquiri in Morocco

Charleston Princess, this one is your fault! I bet it is very refreshing on a hot day.

4. Welsh Dragon at Rose & Crown

Dawn (punkin413) mentioned this in her TR and it went immediately on the list! I believe this is her photo too.

3. Yak Attack - Yak & Yeti.

I love mango... and, OK, alcohol too.

2. Grand Marnier Slushie

If it's good enough for Samanta Brown, it's good enough for me! And I hear a lot of great things about it on the DIS too.

1. The Lapu-Lapu!!

It's practically mythical around these parts. I've convinced myself it must have magical healing properties..or copious amounts of alcohol.. I'm flexible, it's all good.

Ahhh.... 84 days from now I'll be drinking one of these babies...

 

[askelton]

I may be able to drink the value of the card never mind the food!

exactly

10. A margarita from the little shack/stand at Downtown Disney.
9. Fiesta margarita in Mexico
8. Peach Tea Schnapps Slushie in World Showcase
7. Champagne from France
6. Year of a Million Dreams Glowtini (or is it bluetini?)
5. Tangerine Daquiri in Morocco
4. Welsh Dragon at Rose & Crown
3. Yak Attack - Yak & Yeti.
2. Grand Marnier Slushie
1. The Lapu-Lapu!!

OK. I'm officially inviting myself to share all this wonderfulness with you!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Mmmmm -- that pic of the tangerine daiquiri sure brings back wonderful memories!!!

The Welsh Dragon, courtesy of Dawn, is on my list for next time!!!

Still laughing about your Lapu Lapu comments -- magical healing powers versus copius amounts of alcohol -- it's all good!

I want to come too!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Oooh that Yak Attack just looks soooo good!

I've partaken of the Lapu Lapu, it was VERY good and strong too if I remember. I'm a little nervous about the adult beverages truth be told on this trip. Being alone I don't want to get tipsy or anything and sometimes just one will make me a little loopy. I am going to have to be careful with the cocktails I think!

I love your list! Some really good ones on there. And Champagne and Chocolate Truffles? MMMMMM-MMMMMMMM!

Allyson

 

[2xcited2sleep]

OK. I'm officially inviting myself to share all this wonderfulness with you!

I want to come too!

The more the merrier....seriously!

Oooh that Yak Attack just looks soooo good!

I've partaken of the Lapu Lapu, it was VERY good and strong too if I remember. I'm a little nervous about the adult beverages truth be told on this trip. Being alone I don't want to get tipsy or anything and sometimes just one will make me a little loopy. I am going to have to be careful with the cocktails I think!

I love your list! Some really good ones on there. And Champagne and Chocolate Truffles? MMMMMM-MMMMMMMM!

Allyson

I know what you mean. BUT I have a strategy... to simply eat enough to soak up all the booze!!! No seriously, I'm sure this list is a case of my eyes being bigger than my stomach. I doubt that in 5 days I can make my way through this whole list. But it's fun to pretend.

 

[ILuvCrush]

MMMMMmmmmmmm

I'm making my list and checking it twice!!!

I'll be naughty cause those drinks sure look nice............

Paula

 

[mjaure]

Hello Just found your PTR. My trip overlaps yours by a few days. DH, DS, and I will be at Pop from 10/26 - 11/01. We are also planning on going to AK on 10/26 and EP on 10/27. We are doing the MNSSHP on 10/28. Maybe we'll see you around! I'll be the 32 year old woman with a ponytail and braces dragging around a grumpy DH and an excited 12 year old DS also with braces. This is our second trip and first MNSSHP and I can't wait!

--Mary

 

[KatGarcia]

I found this somehwere and saved it... looking at it now I may have to photo shop my own changes in and check off the stuff as I try it....