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

[mousescrapper]

just love that your are staying at the Poly we stayed there in '08 and fell in love w/ it it will be a wonderful stay!!! Congrats!

 

[MeMom]

This alone is exciting to me. If I had that in my e-mail, I wouldn't change it for anything! I hope you have an absolute blast!

P.S. Jill says maybe by the WDW 50th Anniversary celebration, we will have enough to stay at Poly for at least a few of the days.

 

[Nermel9]

Woo hoo, congrats on gettingt to stay at the Poly, I'm SO jealous, that is my dream resort! Although, after visiting the Boardwalk last week, I really want to stay there now, too! But seriously, nothing is better than the Poly!

 

[kmrein]

AAGHHH! We LOVED the Poly. I am so excited for you two, you're going to have such a great time!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on the Poly!!!!! That is awesome! I love that pool and beach!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

How cool is that! You will be our neighbor! Cause we move after three nights over to BLT so we'll be monorail buddies!

Augh, I really should start packing for my trip next week, right?


Can't wait for January!

And the monorail makes it super easy to get to Epcot, if you can figure out the walk from Poly to the TTC.

I know, I thought of that!!!

Hahaha nah, I don't usually pack until a day or two before. If I pack before then, I'll start needing things out of the suitcase and then it just gets confusing hahaha.

I've been looking at the map, I think it should be (hopefully) easy. An easy route to Epcot is a must for us!

Woo Hoo! I'm so competitive that I'm thrilled that I guessed Polynesian.

I am so so so SO excited for you to be staying at the Polynesian. It is going to be amazing, truly amazing. What a fabulous addition to your trip!

Hahahaha yay!!

Thanks!!! We're really excited too! I'm hoping we love it there! (I'm pretty sure we will!)

just love that your are staying at the Poly we stayed there in '08 and fell in love w/ it it will be a wonderful stay!!! Congrats!

Thanks!!! We can't wait!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

This alone is exciting to me. If I had that in my e-mail, I wouldn't change it for anything! I hope you have an absolute blast!

P.S. Jill says maybe by the WDW 50th Anniversary celebration, we will have enough to stay at Poly for at least a few of the days.

Thanks!! Hahaha I definitely plan on sticking with this!

Yay!! That would be a lot of fun!

Woo hoo, congrats on gettingt to stay at the Poly, I'm SO jealous, that is my dream resort! Although, after visiting the Boardwalk last week, I really want to stay there now, too! But seriously, nothing is better than the Poly!

Thanks!! The Poly is both of our dream resorts actually too! We'd definitely still love to stay at the Boardwalk at some point too!

AAGHHH! We LOVED the Poly. I am so excited for you two, you're going to have such a great time!

Thanks!!! We're really excited!!

Congrats on the Poly!!!!! That is awesome! I love that pool and beach!

Thank you!! I can't wait to check out the beach and everywhere - it all looks so pretty and fun!

 

[Nermel9]

Thanks!! The Poly is both of our dream resorts actually too! We'd definitely still love to stay at the Boardwalk at some point too!

My DH loves the Poly as much as I do, I'm HOPING that if we go in May for our anniversary, we can stay there, since it will only be 4 or 5 nights! I'm so excited for you guys, make sure you take lots of pictures!

 

[Jennifer48]

for the Poly!!! What a great choice!

Awwww, I don't even get a hint?? Not even one? Wingnut is going to think I'm nuts meandering from door to door pulling on them all. Hopefully I pick at least one correct door so he doesn't abandon me in DHS looking like I forgot my keys!

Ok your hint: Its a store

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

My DH loves the Poly as much as I do, I'm HOPING that if we go in May for our anniversary, we can stay there, since it will only be 4 or 5 nights! I'm so excited for you guys, make sure you take lots of pictures!

That would be fun!!! I definitely will!

for the Poly!!! What a great choice!

Ok your hint: Its a store

Thanks!! Okay, I will be on the door-opening hunt!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

So last week or so, Molly brought up the question of dairy free frosting.

Was it a dairy free icing you used? I'm exploring dairy free items (sigh!) and I'm curious what you used.

Since I don't have to be very dairy free, I didn't really know the options out there insofar as dairy free cake toppings. But you guys know how much I love researching these things, and I found out that there seems to be quite a few options!

So for Molly and my other dairy allergic friends, here is what I found!

My first level of research was dragging Wingnut down the specialty foods aisle at our grocery store (Stop & Shop) to see what I could find. That's where I saw the Cherrybrook Kitchen box mixes.



(Sorry my phone pics aren't that great)

While looking on Amazon, the Cherrybrook Kitchen frosting also seems to come in a ready-to-use can. (But that does seem a bit pricey.)

Moving my research onto the Internet, I was reading that Pillsbury frostings (which would probably be much easier to find all over!) are dairy-free, but seemed to get mixed answers on EXACTLY which ones. Chocolate and vanilla seemed to be pretty solidly dairy-free, and a few people were saying that the cream cheese frosting was also dairy-free (but I'd check that label!). So what I got from that one is a few of them are most likely dairy-free, definitely take a look at the labels when you're in the store!

And for some DIY options, here is a list I found of a great variety of frostings you can make that are all dairy free.

I'm pretty sure I've barely scratched the surface of dairy free frosting options that are out there. If anyone has any other suggestions or knowledge on the topic, feel free to chime in!

(I'll be back later today or tomorrow with some more 30 day park challenge answers!)

 

[3prettyprincesses]

So last week or so, Molly brought up the question of dairy free frosting.



Since I don't have to be very dairy free, I didn't really know the options out there insofar as dairy free cake toppings. But you guys know how much I love researching these things, and I found out that there seems to be quite a few options!

So for Molly and my other dairy allergic friends, here is what I found!

My first level of research was dragging Wingnut down the specialty foods aisle at our grocery store (Stop & Shop) to see what I could find. That's where I saw the Cherrybrook Kitchen box mixes.



(Sorry my phone pics aren't that great)

While looking on Amazon, the Cherrybrook Kitchen frosting also seems to come in a ready-to-use can. (But that does seem a bit pricey.)

Moving my research onto the Internet, I was reading that Pillsbury frostings (which would probably be much easier to find all over!) are dairy-free, but seemed to get mixed answers on EXACTLY which ones. Chocolate and vanilla seemed to be pretty solidly dairy-free, and a few people were saying that the cream cheese frosting was also dairy-free (but I'd check that label!). So what I got from that one is a few of them are most likely dairy-free, definitely take a look at the labels when you're in the store!

And for some DIY options, here is a list I found of a great variety of frostings you can make that are all dairy free.

I'm pretty sure I've barely scratched the surface of dairy free frosting options that are out there. If anyone has any other suggestions or knowledge on the topic, feel free to chime in!

(I'll be back later today or tomorrow with some more 30 day park challenge answers!)

Good work Nancy Drew!! Sara, this was so sweet of you to investigate! I think I've seen Cherrybrook Kitchen before too. I know they do some gluten free stuff but it never occured to me that it could be dairy free too! Oh, I'm so going to check this out, thank you!

Back to your PTR...the Poly!!! Oh honey, you're going to love it. This was the first resort we ever stayed at with our girls on their first trip back in 2008. It's so perfectly themed, you'd swear you were in Hawaii. Though I've never been to Hawaii so I guess my experience doesn't mean squat! Still, it's a gorgeous resort. I'm so happy for you and Wingnut. Oooh, you can walk to the TTC and catch the monorail for Epcot too, it's really easy and a very pleasant walk. Plus, watching Wishes from the beach is probably my favorite thing in all of Disney to do. We stayed in Tokelau several times and it's a great location, very central to the TTC, Great Ceremonial House and the pools. The rooms were pretty darn big too.

Now, at the risk of sounding presumptious , will this be the last change to your resort? I'm just asking... Just kidding!

 

[MEK]

How great that you did all that research on dairy free frosting! It still sounds yum, even without the dairy!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Just throwing in some more dairy-free cake options here--
Most, if not all, Duncan Hines cake mixes are dairy free, and nearly all of their frostings are, as well. The only frostings they make that are **NOT** dairy free are cream cheese (both whipped and creamy), chocolate butter cream (regular butter cream is fine), and MILK chocolate (classic and dark are fine), though I'd recommend checking the labels just in case they change the recipe.

So funny that I can now add info since you were the one who helped me so much when we found out about Brynn's dairy allergy! I guess I'm getting used to it now!

 

[Merida]

Yay the Poly!!! That ham looks so good! It may just be the Pennsylvania Dutch in me, but no breakfast (especially when dining out) is complete without a side of ham (especially with maple syrup or brown sugar on top).

Any particular reason for changing/choosing the Poly in particular? Or just a 'This sounds fun this trip around!' sort of switch?

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Good work Nancy Drew!! Sara, this was so sweet of you to investigate! I think I've seen Cherrybrook Kitchen before too. I know they do some gluten free stuff but it never occured to me that it could be dairy free too! Oh, I'm so going to check this out, thank you!

Back to your PTR...the Poly!!! Oh honey, you're going to love it. This was the first resort we ever stayed at with our girls on their first trip back in 2008. It's so perfectly themed, you'd swear you were in Hawaii. Though I've never been to Hawaii so I guess my experience doesn't mean squat! Still, it's a gorgeous resort. I'm so happy for you and Wingnut. Oooh, you can walk to the TTC and catch the monorail for Epcot too, it's really easy and a very pleasant walk. Plus, watching Wishes from the beach is probably my favorite thing in all of Disney to do. We stayed in Tokelau several times and it's a great location, very central to the TTC, Great Ceremonial House and the pools. The rooms were pretty darn big too.

Now, at the risk of sounding presumptious , will this be the last change to your resort? I'm just asking... Just kidding!

Not a problem!! I got all curious after you asked! I'm almost 98% positive that the Cherrybrook Kitchen stuff was gluten-free too! It's so fantastic - the options that are out there now!

We're really excited about the Poly!! Hahahaha we've never been to Hawaii either - but this is a perfectly fine substitute to me! I've been looking into the different transportation options, the walk to the TTC doesn't seem too bad!

I've been debating whether or not to request a specific longhouse. I think that Tokelau looks like a great location for us, with it right in between everything. But since we've never stayed there before, idk if I should go with what's assigned and just enjoy the experience! We have a garden view room booked, so I'm not sure what longhouses that narrows the possibilities down to.

This should be the last change! I swear!

How great that you did all that research on dairy free frosting! It still sounds yum, even without the dairy!

I love looking at the different options that are out there now. It's so awesome that there's SO many allergy-free substitutes - I remember one of the only substitutes being easily available when I was younger was So Delicious the soy "ice cream", and being so happy that existed. Now there's so many more options in regular grocery stores, it's great!

Just throwing in some more dairy-free cake options here--
Most, if not all, Duncan Hines cake mixes are dairy free, and nearly all of their frostings are, as well. The only frostings they make that are **NOT** dairy free are cream cheese (both whipped and creamy), chocolate butter cream (regular butter cream is fine), and MILK chocolate (classic and dark are fine), though I'd recommend checking the labels just in case they change the recipe.

So funny that I can now add info since you were the one who helped me so much when we found out about Brynn's dairy allergy! I guess I'm getting used to it now!

Thanks so much for sharing that!!! You wouldn't think so many standard frostings would be dairy-free, but it's great that they are!! I'm glad that you're getting used to the dairy-free grocery shopping, and that Brynn's been feeling better!

Yay the Poly!!! That ham looks so good! It may just be the Pennsylvania Dutch in me, but no breakfast (especially when dining out) is complete without a side of ham (especially with maple syrup or brown sugar on top).

Any particular reason for changing/choosing the Poly in particular? Or just a 'This sounds fun this trip around!' sort of switch?

Wingnut loved that grilled ham! He's always looking for it on breakfast menus - I'm more of a bacon with breakfast girl, but that gets so annoying in Disney with that thin paper bacon!

Both Wingnut and I had always wanted to stay at the Poly, it is sort of our "someday, dream resort". And with the fantastic discounts when we're going, we just decided to go for it, and take advantage of the offers! We usually stay around the Epcot resort area, so this is something pretty different for us, but we're both excited to try it!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Alright, at this rate, I'll be finishing this 30 day challenge somewhere around 2017. A few more questions, a few more answers!

Day 09: Your Favorite Attraction in Future World (Remember, I skipped this one)

This is a really tough one for me. I love Soarin', but I always come off the ride thinking that it was way too short. I love Ellen, but I always think that it's too long. Can the old version of Spaceship Earth with the Jeremy Irons narration be my answer?

No. Alright. I know my answer.

Living with the Land!



I really do love Living with the Land, the storm scene at the beginning with the random meandering farm animals. The fish under the funky red lights that I'm sure do something beyond being red and funky. Floating through the peaceful greenhouse. Blueberry boy and the woman with the tomato. It's like a nice little calm oasis tucked away from the Soarin' fastpass machines.

Day 12: Your Favorite Hollywood Studios Attraction

Easy. MuppetVision 3D!



Do I even need to explain why I love this show so much?



Because the Muppets are awesome - that's why!

(New Muppets movie coming out 11/23!!)

Day 13: Your Favorite Animal Kingdom Area

I don't think I know enough about Animal Kingdom to really have a favorite area. The entire park, in my mind, runs together into a tree-and-upward-sloped labyrinth of confusion.

Day 14: Your Favorite Animal Kingdom Attraction

As much confusion I had getting to the safari (actually even more confusion getting OUT of the safari area), I'd go with that for my favorite Animal Kingdom ride.



I love the elephants .





Mingos for Bella!

It is fun to bounce around and see the animals (although I think the poacher plotline is a bit unnecessary...can't we just see the animals? ), and the environment (Serengeti? Atmosphere?) really is awesomely done.

How about you guys? Do you love the Muppets as much as I do? Oh, and those other questions too

 

[Lady Lallie]

Okay let's see...

Favorite Future World Attraction is a tie, Soarin and Spaceship Earth. Soarin because it's freaking awesome and Spaceship Earth because I love it and never have to wait to ride it.

Favorite Hollywood Studios attraction is Great Movie Ride. I love it, I love the scenes and I love the movie clips at the end.

Favorite Animal Kingdom area would be...hmmm. Probably Asia.

Favorite AK attraction would be the safari without a doubt.

 

[Nermel9]

LOL, that's a weird answer for your fav Future World attraction! Mine is definitely Soarin! It is too short, though, and I wish they would have it be Soarin over the US instead of just California, just so it's different from the Disneyland version!

I absolutely LOVE MuppetVision 3D, but my favorite DHS attraction is Tower of Terror. No question. The Muppets are awesome, though!

LOL, Animal Kingdom is confusing, I hated it when I first went there, but the more time I spend there, the more I like it! I really, really love the Asia section, it's done really well, especially near Everest, it's so beautiful! I wish I could go there at night sometime, but it always closes at 5!

My favorite AK attraction is Everest, it's such a fun ride! The safari is awesome, too!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, man, do I love Living with the Land! I have to say, though, that they need the "Listen to the Land" song.

And Muppets? I love them. My kids are OBSESSED with them. So, yes, that's one of our favorite attractions. Can't wait for the movie. We might even take Brynn to the theater for her first full-length film experience.

I'm going with EE for my favorite AK attraction. Meh. Hard to choose.