A Stringbean, a Wingnut, and a plan! (A January '12 PTR) TRIP REPORT STARTED!! 1/16!!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I know I've read a lot of posts about people not liking the Clown Pool but we spent some real quality time in that pool when we stayed at Boardwalk and my grandkids loved that slide............clown and all!

I'm sure you'll enjoy Boardwalk. It's really a lovely resort and you can't beat being on the Boardwalk and that close to Epcot!

It seems like a fun pool, I've just always had an aversion to clowns!!

I'm glad you enjoyed it there! I'm very excited to stay there!

Giant plastic heads are definitely what make my vacation.

We... forgot to watch. So now it's set to DVR tomorrow! But we have seen the beginning and I have to say, I really liked the scene where P&F met Agent P (err, spoiler?). I thought they did a very good job with Phineas' reaction to learning about Perry, especially after his breakdown in the summer vacation movie. I know this isn't the show to be watching for character development or arcs (Avatar: the Last Airbender is my character growth animated show of choice ), but I really like the continuity re: Phineas reacting badly when things don't go the way his way or a situation is outside of his comfort zone/control.

And I want to know about Ferb's double life!

Have you ever browsed the TV tropes page for Phineas and Ferb? Excellent way to kill an afternoon (or more. )

We mostly just switched resorts and added a day, so not too bad. And most of our ADRs stayed the same, which was the only thing I was concerned about (boyfriend: not so much).

I think maybe it was Phineas' reaction that bugged me. I thought he'd be more understanding of Perry's adventures, since they have adventures every day! But I do get why they had him react like he did too.

No, I haven't seen that page. Wingnut has Netflix, so they have a TON of episodes on there!

That's not too many changes! And that's good your ADR's didn't change too dramatically! You go nuts getting them in the first place, it's annoying to switch things!

(I TOTALLY get the ADR prioritization though...on our 180 window day, I was up clicking away on the Disney site at 6 am, frantically getting our ADR's. One of the restaurants didn't have the times I wanted, so I was looking to switch the day. I started yelling across the apartment to Wingnut, "WE HAVE TO SWITCH THIS DAY! IS THAT OKAY? IS THAT OKAY? IT'S GOING TO BE ON A DIFFERENT DAY!!!", and he's looking at me like I've lost it, and I already had it booked because I knew I was going to get that reaction .)

 

[Merida]

I think maybe it was Phineas' reaction that bugged me. I thought he'd be more understanding of Perry's adventures, since they have adventures every day! But I do get why they had him react like he did too.

No, I haven't seen that page. Wingnut has Netflix, so they have a TON of episodes on there!

That's not too many changes! And that's good your ADR's didn't change too dramatically! You go nuts getting them in the first place, it's annoying to switch things!

(I TOTALLY get the ADR prioritization though...on our 180 window day, I was up clicking away on the Disney site at 6 am, frantically getting our ADR's. One of the restaurants didn't have the times I wanted, so I was looking to switch the day. I started yelling across the apartment to Wingnut, "WE HAVE TO SWITCH THIS DAY! IS THAT OKAY? IS THAT OKAY? IT'S GOING TO BE ON A DIFFERENT DAY!!!", and he's looking at me like I've lost it, and I already had it booked because I knew I was going to get that reaction .)

My view was that because it's usually Phineas that's the catalyst in the adventures and he's way more talkative than Ferb, he's used to having everything go his way and be about him (not in a jerky way, because he's essentially a good kid, but no one ever really seriously challenges him to change this - people ask what he's doing today all the time and he's like eight so he's supposed to have a self-centered world view). So I feel like he judges a lot of things based on his outlook and how they fit into his world (i.e., being surprised that Doofenshmirtz was evil, Perry wasn't just a housepet) and gets rattled (and then defensive) when it's not that way.

But again, since this is a solve-everything-in-15-minutes kind of show, all of the above is wild speculation (poorly and quickly written, which is why it doesn't make sense and there aren't really any backing examples), of course!

TV Tropes is amazing. So much random trivia about pretty much any form of media.

Yeah, I wasn't really sure why it was so nerve wracking to switch days for ADRs due to park crowd predictions, because in the end, it didn't really matter (boyfriend didn't care, got everything). But there's about ten minutes where it's become the most important thing in the room and of course the cat chose that second to knock over a lamp while catching a fly...! But no vacations were destroyed this time.

 

[Oliquig]

Yeah, Phineas' reaction was a bit odd, and while it was happening I was thinking about whether there was another episode where he freaked out, and then I realized, I was putting way to much stock in a cartoon.

But I did like that they gave Kevin his own dimension.

 

[hlrababy]

Well, I am officially losing my mind!! LOL I thought I had already joined this PTR!! Well, I am here now!

 

[Jennifer48]

for the Boardwalk! Love LOVE that resort!

Did you watch the P&F movie this weekend? I'm sorry if you already mentioned it and I missed it. I liked it!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

My view was that because it's usually Phineas that's the catalyst in the adventures and he's way more talkative than Ferb, he's used to having everything go his way and be about him (not in a jerky way, because he's essentially a good kid, but no one ever really seriously challenges him to change this - people ask what he's doing today all the time and he's like eight so he's supposed to have a self-centered world view). So I feel like he judges a lot of things based on his outlook and how they fit into his world (i.e., being surprised that Doofenshmirtz was evil, Perry wasn't just a housepet) and gets rattled (and then defensive) when it's not that way.

But again, since this is a solve-everything-in-15-minutes kind of show, all of the above is wild speculation (poorly and quickly written, which is why it doesn't make sense and there aren't really any backing examples), of course!

TV Tropes is amazing. So much random trivia about pretty much any form of media.

Yeah, I wasn't really sure why it was so nerve wracking to switch days for ADRs due to park crowd predictions, because in the end, it didn't really matter (boyfriend didn't care, got everything). But there's about ten minutes where it's become the most important thing in the room and of course the cat chose that second to knock over a lamp while catching a fly...! But no vacations were destroyed this time.

That does make sense. I just always saw him as a very encouraging, "look on the bright side" kind of character. His reaction just surprised me. But I'll also admit I wasn't paying perfect attention during the movie (on the Dis, of course!), so I could have missed stuff too.

Ohh it's a trivia site! Idk why, I assumed it was a Hulu-type site! I'll definitely have to check that out!

Hahaha isn't that always the way?? You really have to focus on something, and everything takes that opportunity to go awry! I'm glad everything worked out though!

Yeah, Phineas' reaction was a bit odd, and while it was happening I was thinking about whether there was another episode where he freaked out, and then I realized, I was putting way to much stock in a cartoon.

But I did like that they gave Kevin his own dimension.

But overanalyzing cartoons is fun!

I still just think his reaction was strange. I also haven't seen the other episode where he got freaked out, so maybe I'm missing a bit of backstory.

Overall, I did think the movie was fun though!

Well, I am officially losing my mind!! LOL I thought I had already joined this PTR!! Well, I am here now!

Welcome!!! Glad to have you here!!

for the Boardwalk! Love LOVE that resort!

Did you watch the P&F movie this weekend? I'm sorry if you already mentioned it and I missed it. I liked it!

We're REALLY excited!!! Have you stayed there? I've only appreciated it from the outside so far .

I did, we've been talking about Phineas' reaction to Perry being Agent P...what do you think?? Overall, I did enjoy the movie, but I only saw the first 2/3rds of it (before Jersey Shore came on ).

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The next morning of our trip, we will be having breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe, one of the meals Wingnut still cannot stop talking about.

Look at this joy.



And the other contributor to his joy.



This is an incredibly good breakfast (pictured are the Steak and Eggs). We love it at the Grand Floridian Cafe, possibly the only detracting factor is that the meal takes a bit long. But that's okay with us. The atmosphere is pleasant, the food is awesome, and Wingnut is in dining bliss.

We don't have a lunch planned for this day, I'm really hoping to use some of our snack credits for more fun items this time around. If not a fun snack lunch, possibly a CS wherever we happen to be.

Dinner is a new experience for both of us: California Grill.

I'm tremendously excited about this. Our ADR is for 5:55, and Wishes is scheduled for 8, so I'm thinking if we don't eat for 2 hours, we'll certainly still be in the vicinity to watch Wishes from the balcony.

Everyone knows I haven't seen Wishes in person yet, right?

YouTube, many many times. But in person, nope. It was one of our missions of our previous trip, but it just was too freezing.

And I know that seeing it for the first time from the Contemporary isn't the ideal viewing angle and experience, but it's still better than not having seen it at all, right? And I am hoping that we'll see Wishes from inside the MK during this trip as well. I'd also love to try watching from the Poly beach someday too.

(But I'm not just excited about California Grill because of the fireworks! I think that it's going to be a great dining experience too!)

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Since the picture of that fabulous looking drink is breakfast I'm ruling out it being an ice cream sundae. Is it some sort of coffee drink? I've never tried the Grand Floridian Cafe but now I think it's on my short list.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I have only seen Wishes from the Contemporary. I thought it was amazing from there, so I can't imagine how blown away I'll be if I get to see it on Main St.!!

Remember how I said I might need some non-dairy tips for Brynn from you? Well, yep. Her non-dairy trial is going really well, so we'll be keeping her diary-free. Still not sure if it's related to Crohn's or another inflammatory bowel disease or if it's just plain old lactose intolerance (though hers would be severe if that is the case), but dairy-free nonetheless. I would LOVE it if you could PM me some yummy things she will be allowed to eat at the World, or post it on here! I don't want her feeling left out!

 

[StuffedwFluff]

I'm surprised that you haven't seen wishes in person yet. Youtube is great, but you have to add the pushing and shoving of the crowds, the six foot person in front of you with his daughter on his shoulders and the dread of waiting in the bus lines. Only then will you get wishes at its best.

 

[Jennifer48]

We're REALLY excited!!! Have you stayed there? I've only appreciated it from the outside so far .

I did, we've been talking about Phineas' reaction to Perry being Agent P...what do you think?? Overall, I did enjoy the movie, but I only saw the first 2/3rds of it (before Jersey Shore came on ).

I have stayed there! DH & I stayed there for our 1st wedding anniversary and we super loved the area. It was so nice to be able to hang out on the Boardwalk at night or head down to one of the restaurants to eat or pick up a snack or beverage. Fabulous!

I thought it was hilarious! Phineas' reaction was funny. I don't think he overreacted or anything. I mean, his bf is leading a double life and he felt that Perry couldn't trust him by telling him. Well obviously he doesn't talk but you know what I mean.

I'm going to have to try the Grand Floridian Cafe one time. Your breakfast looks so good!

Everyone knows I haven't seen Wishes in person yet, right?

Wishes is only the best fireworks EVAR! In my humble opinion of course

The ideal place to watch it is from Main Street with the castle in the foreground. But like you said, its better to watch it elsewhere than not at all.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Remember how I said I might need some non-dairy tips for Brynn from you? Well, yep. Her non-dairy trial is going really well, so we'll be keeping her diary-free. Still not sure if it's related to Crohn's or another inflammatory bowel disease or if it's just plain old lactose intolerance (though hers would be severe if that is the case), but dairy-free nonetheless. I would LOVE it if you could PM me some yummy things she will be allowed to eat at the World, or post it on here! I don't want her feeling left out!

I'm sorry to hear that dairy is still not agreeing with Brynn! I absolutely have a list of things she'll be able to enjoy!!

(This is from Disney’s Food Allergy and Dietary Reference sheet. You can call or email Disney for this list. It was last updated on June 24, 2010. Disney notes to always ask to speak to a manager or chef first as vendor products and ingredients may have changed.)

Pre-packaged Snacks:
Chocolate Chip Cookies, manufactured by Divvies LLC, are made without milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. May be found at Main Street Bakery (MK), Liberty Inn and Electric Umbrella (E), Kusafari Bakery and Tusker House (AK) and Starring Rolls Bakery (HS).

Specialty Products Available at Most Locations (Resorts and Parks):
Amy’s Rice Macaroni and Cheese
Bob’s Red Mill Pancake, Brownie and All-Purpose Baking Mixes
Earth Balance
Ener-G Foods Egg Replacer, Tapioca Hot Dog Buns, Hamburger Buns, Dinner Rolls, Brown Rice Sliced Bread and Rice Pizza Shell
Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Bar, Boom Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Rice Crispy Chocolate Bar
Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Vegan Cheese
Gluten-Free Kneads Lemon Cookies (baked in specific locations)
Namaste Foods Pancake and Waffle Mix and Cake Mix
Pacific Natural Foods Rice Milk
Rice Dream Classic Vanilla Rice Milk and Frozen Dessert
San-J Wheat-free Tamari
Silk Soy Milk: Plain, Vanilla and Chocolate
Silk Soy Yogurts: Banana/Strawberry, Peach and Plain
Tofutti American Soy Cheese, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Tofutti Cuties, Vanilla and Chocolate Frozen Dessert
Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta, Elbow Pasta, Brown Rice Spaghetti


Items Available at the Quick-Service Locations in the Parks:
Fresh Fruit Cups at Harambe Fruit Market and Drinkwallah (AK); Sunset Ranch Market and ABC Commissary (HS); Liberty Square Market (seasonal), Mickey’s Toontown Farmer’s Market and Main Street Bakery (MK) and most EPCOT Quick Service Locations
Silk Soy Milk at Restaurantosaurus and Pizzafari (AK), ABC Commissary (HS), Sunshine Seasons (E) and Main Street Bakery, The Lunching Pad, Sunshine Tree Terrace and Friar’s Nook (MK)
Rice Milk at Sunshine Seasons (E) and Main Street Bakery (MK)
Tofutti Frozen Dessert at Restaurantosaurus (AK), Hollywood Scoops (HS), Sunshine Seasons and Fountain View (E) and The Cone Shop and Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (MK)
Rice Dream Frozen Dessert at Restaurantosaurus (AK), Hollywood Scoops (HS), Sunshine Seasons and Fountain View (E) and The Cone Shop and Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (MK)
Cakes, 6 inch Chocolate with Chocolate Frosting or Vanilla with Vanilla Frosting are available with a 7 day notice at most table service restaurants. These cakes are prepared with no added wheat/gluten, milk, soy, peanut, and tree nuts. To order these cakes and for pricing call 407-827-2253.

Some VERY detailed information and links can be found on mousescrappers - I hope you don't mind me linking to your report here, but your info is so good! - PTR "The Mouse-KIDS are in charge...", in this post in particular. (Her information is gluten/wheat, dairy, and egg-free.)

Overall, I can promise you that Brynn will absolutely not feel left out!! There are SO many substitutions that can be made, and there are plenty of treats that are dairy-free already! (Dole Whips!) The main thing is to always ask what's available, the special options are not always advertised. But they're usually there! Disney is INCREDIBLY accommodating to allergies and special diets!

Let me know if there's any more info I can find for you!

 

[Nermel9]

OMG I'm so excited for GFC on our trip, and it's your TR that made me want to go there! I can't wait to finally try it! That drink in the picture looks fantastic!

Cali Grill sounds great, another place I need to go someday! I cannot believe you haven't seen Wishes! I'm glad you will finally get to see it on this trip, it's so amazing!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

YOU ARE AWESOME!! THANK YOU!

 

[Megablocks]

GFC looks reallyyyyy good! I can't tell exactly what the drink is that Wingnut enjoys but it looks like chocolately amazingness. Is it a coffee/chocolate kinda drink? I'm really big on anything coffee and chocolate.

I'm sooooo glad you will finally get to see Wishes on this trip!! I've never watched it from Main Street, but I've watched it from the right-hand side of the castle, where the rose garden is. There's a little walkway and I just stand behind the low fence, on the side closest to the castle. Much less crowded there. Not as perfect a view as from Main Street, or directly in front of the castle, but it's pretty good! Oh, and the music just gets me every time. I'm a huge sap so I always, always cry.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Since the picture of that fabulous looking drink is breakfast I'm ruling out it being an ice cream sundae. Is it some sort of coffee drink? I've never tried the Grand Floridian Cafe but now I think it's on my short list.

Oops, I should have specified!!! That is a frozen cappuccino, which he absolutely adored!

I would totally add GFC to your list! I've heard great things about their Maple French Toast as well!

I have only seen Wishes from the Contemporary. I thought it was amazing from there, so I can't imagine how blown away I'll be if I get to see it on Main St.!!

Oh yay!! I'm excited to see it in person!!

I'm surprised that you haven't seen wishes in person yet. Youtube is great, but you have to add the pushing and shoving of the crowds, the six foot person in front of you with his daughter on his shoulders and the dread of waiting in the bus lines. Only then will you get wishes at its best.

Welcome!! I know, I feel strange for not having seen it!! Hahaha thanks for completing the Wishes experience for me! Hmmm...that actually could be why I've been avoiding it...

I have stayed there! DH & I stayed there for our 1st wedding anniversary and we super loved the area. It was so nice to be able to hang out on the Boardwalk at night or head down to one of the restaurants to eat or pick up a snack or beverage. Fabulous!

I thought it was hilarious! Phineas' reaction was funny. I don't think he overreacted or anything. I mean, his bf is leading a double life and he felt that Perry couldn't trust him by telling him. Well obviously he doesn't talk but you know what I mean.

I'm going to have to try the Grand Floridian Cafe one time. Your breakfast looks so good!



Wishes is only the best fireworks EVAR! In my humble opinion of course

The ideal place to watch it is from Main Street with the castle in the foreground. But like you said, its better to watch it elsewhere than not at all.

Awww that's so nice!!! I know I love the area, I'm excited to really see the resort too!

I think I need to watch it again! I really want to like the movie, I think I just wasn't paying enough attention to it! And I still haven't seen the ending!

You SO need to try GFC! It's really one of the best breakfasts at Disney! (At least, according to Wingnut and I... )

Hahaha I do want to give Wishes a shot! I know the best visual is from Main Street, but I'm SO not a crowds person, so that's scaring me off. Maybe I'll ease into this by starting from the Contemporary, and see how it goes .

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

OMG I'm so excited for GFC on our trip, and it's your TR that made me want to go there! I can't wait to finally try it! That drink in the picture looks fantastic!

Cali Grill sounds great, another place I need to go someday! I cannot believe you haven't seen Wishes! I'm glad you will finally get to see it on this trip, it's so amazing!

Yay!!! I'm excited you're going to give GFC a shot! I hope you enjoy it there!! We love the Steak and Eggs

I'm really excited for Cali Grill, I've never been there before! Ahhh I know! I'm really hoping to see it on this trip! I'm thinking the ADR at CG will help ensure that! The videos I've seen are definitely wonderful-looking

YOU ARE AWESOME!! THANK YOU!

You're so welcome!!!!

GFC looks reallyyyyy good! I can't tell exactly what the drink is that Wingnut enjoys but it looks like chocolately amazingness. Is it a coffee/chocolate kinda drink? I'm really big on anything coffee and chocolate.

I'm sooooo glad you will finally get to see Wishes on this trip!! I've never watched it from Main Street, but I've watched it from the right-hand side of the castle, where the rose garden is. There's a little walkway and I just stand behind the low fence, on the side closest to the castle. Much less crowded there. Not as perfect a view as from Main Street, or directly in front of the castle, but it's pretty good! Oh, and the music just gets me every time. I'm a huge sap so I always, always cry.

That is a frozen cappuccino, Wingnut LOVED it! If you like coffee and chocolate, I'm sure that you'd love this as well! GFC is a great place for breakfast, everything they have looks great!

The rose garden sounds like a great place to watch it too! I'm really hoping the stars align and we FINALLY get to watch Wishes on this trip . There are so many fun-sounding places to watch it from, I'm sure we'll experience one of them!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I've been waiting for your next day of ADRs!

I'm sure Wingnut is SUPER excited about getting another fabulous, frozen beverage. Your picture of his coffee, as well as the good rumors about the french toast, may mean that I'll end up at the GFC someday.

The California Grill is one of the restaurants I'm most looking forward to in February... I can't wait to see the views from up there! And hooray that you'll finally see Wishes!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I've been waiting for your next day of ADRs!

I'm sure Wingnut is SUPER excited about getting another fabulous, frozen beverage. Your picture of his coffee, as well as the good rumors about the french toast, may mean that I'll end up at the GFC someday.

The California Grill is one of the restaurants I'm most looking forward to in February... I can't wait to see the views from up there! And hooray that you'll finally see Wishes!

You should definitely give GFC a try!!! He's really excited about going back there!! (and so am I )

All of the pictures I've seen from CG look gorgeous, I can't wait!! I'm undecided whether I'd prefer to sit in the main room or the wine room though. I heard from the wine room you can see Epcot...and that's an easy way to persuade me! But I don't want to miss out on the other gorgeous views of MK!

 

[tankgirl427]

Can't wait to see the rest of your ADR's and see if any of our days match up!