A Winter Escape to the Enchanted Forest-Jan'13 TR:**5/21 Parting Thoughts/New PTR!

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Tuesday, January 29th - 6:00am

Our last day. The day we go home. But I didn't have much time to pout this particular morning. Having learned my lesson from the day prior about not giving ourselves enough time to get to our early morning ADR, I tried to get everything in order for our check out day. Our last shot at lining up for Enchanted Tales with a short wait. And we had an 8:10am ADR at Crystal Palace before the park opened that could give us a head start. I had told everyone that we should be out the door by 6:55am. We packed our suitcases the night before minus the items we needed for the morning. We were set for express checkout so didnt have to waste time at the front desk.I got both kids dressed and shoed. Helped scan through our bedroom and bathroom to make sure we werent leaving anything behind. DFIL was ready by 6:40am with only one thing left to do. Apparently, as I was finding out this particular morning, he had promised DD that he would shave his mustache off this morning before checking out of the hotel. It had been a year since he kept it and DD had been asking him to shave it off. So he wanted to do it while his granddaughter could watch. A pretty cute idea. He started shaving it off as I left the hotel room with the suitcases.

I took the heaviest two suitcases out to the parking lot and loaded them up, then drove the minivan to the lobby curbside so that everyone could meet up there. I know, I was going all commando on my poor family. Before I started driving the minivan to the curbside, I collected all of the loose toy items that were scattered across the seats and floors over the past 4 days inside the van. As I reached over to pick up the baby zebra that we bought for DS at AK, it dawned on me that I had no recollection of packing baby Simba that we had bought for DD. The same Simba that she asked me to buy for her every 15 minutes that day. I quickly texted DW to see if she packed it. She texted back saying that she did not pack Simba, that they had already left the room, AND that I had all the keys. DOH!! I parked quickly at the curbside and got permission from a CM to leave it parked there for a couple of minutes.

I ran down the path towards our building thinking I would run into my family but nooooo one was to be seen. I look to my left to the path that leads towards the foodcourt and saw them making their way. So I ran again and caught up with them, redirected them towards the lobby, and took them to the minivan. Then I ran back to the room, up the three flights of stairs, and into our room. As soon as I entered the room, the first thing that caught my eye? DFIL left his camera on the table! I grabbed it, then looked around for Mr. Simba. Finally, I shook the blankets on the kids bed and out he popped out! I ran back to the van as fast as I could. DFIL had no idea still that he had left his camera behind. We had Simba to thank for that.

The drive to MK was uneventful. As I slowed down approaching the parking booths, a hand with a mini stop sign stuck itself out from the booth. Having never seen that I just started laughing. I stopped next to the booth waiting for the CM to take a look at our parking pass. She had the look of a person who hadnt gotten her morning coffee. Had this grumpy look on our face. Nary a Good morning or Have a Magical day!. She looked over our windshield, then waved us in with her little stop sign. I asked DW Did she seem a bit un-Disney to you? to see if it was just me. DW agreed with me. We kind of laughed about it and joked that she hadnt had her minimum Magic Quotient filled for the day. Pulled into the parking lot. The fog was thick enough that I couldnt see where the lone parking CM was. Just kind of followed the cones down and there he was. We were the third car. Quickly got out and made our way to the Resort Monorail. Of course, when we saw the monorail parked there, I made my family run with me to catch it!

As we were running through the monorail plaza, there were several groups of people huddled across. At first I thought they were all tour groups. Great, I thought, on our last day at MK, Im seeing the most number of tour groups ready to march into the park. Didnt make sense though. Since when do tour groups show up 1.5 hours before opening time? Then as I got closer and was able to better observe the groups, they were actually part of the YES program! WHEW!

Once we boarded the monorail, I started noticing that DS was not his usual peppy self today. He had a tired look on his face and was telling us his stomach was hurting. UH. OH. I was starting to get worried that this was the beginning of a stomach bug for him.

This was the closest we got to Poly all trip this time - on the monorail.

IMG_7258 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Foggy lake

IMG_7261 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

By the time we lined up after the turnstiles, we were about 25 people behind and it was 7:40am. Somehow, we were able to get here around the time I wanted to. We waited for them to let us in the park for the next 10 minutes. As we were waiting, we struck a conversation with a lady standing behind us who was from St. Louis. She was sort of listening in to our conversation about how I had made everyone run since waking up to get here as fast as we could. She then tells us that she was here with her daughters family staying at the Contemporary Resort, and that the family asked her to head out to MK first because she was slow and they would catch up with her along the path between the resort and the park. She was taking it in good humor and laughing about how now shes in line and no one else from her group is to be seen. The rest of her family eventually joined up with her. The family in front of us turned to ask us when our reservation was, and we told them it was for 8:10am at Crystal Palace. A worried look came over the mom of the family and she said to her husband We must be in the wrong line. We quickly had to reassure her that she was in the correct line and that all of us were either going to CRT or CP. We even gave her directions where to find the check in podium at CRT.

The rope dropped and we started our brisk walk to CP.


IMG_7263 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Loved seeing the Castle in the distance barely peeking out from the fog. In fact, I couldnt see the crane thanks to the fog!

From Crystal Palace - I may have to consider watching Wishes from this spot in October.


IMG_7265 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As the families in front of us took the photopass photo baits one by one, we became the lead family by the time we approached CP. We were the first family to check in, but we were seated 5-6 families later.


IMG_7281 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7282 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Once again, our table location was not the best in terms of getting the characters to visit us first. Our server was very friendly though. Gave us the orientation and we were about to grab our plates of food from the buffet when DS told me that he wanted to just stay at the table and asked me to stay with him. That was not a good sign. As has been the case during this trip, he usually wants every opportunity to go pick out the food he wanted. So I stayed with him at the table while everyone else went for their plates. He crawled into my lap and told me he was cold. Poor guy. And we had dressed him in shorts and a sleeveless shirt thinking it was going to be a very warm day. I wrapped my arms around him to warm him up and he felt better but continued to tell me his stomach was bothering him.

Once everyone else came back to the table with their food, and a plate for DS that DW had put together, DS seemed to perk up and started drinking his orange juice. He took several bites of his waffles and eggs and seemed to be in better spirits. So we thought maybe that was it. Soon the characters made their way around. First Piglet. Not much interaction. Just a couple of poses with him. I keep forgetting, but Piglet IS a boy, right?


IMG_7285 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Next came Tigger. We tried to coax the kids into bouncing with him but they didnt budge. So their grandpa decided to show them how its done and jumped up and down with Tigger. Pretty funny sight. Tigger did try to eat the food on DDs plate as well. Gave me a big hug since he wasnt getting much love from the kids who were a bit standoff-ish. And then he gave DW a kiss on her hand, but quickly followed that by using her as a leaning post while gesturing the family in the next table.


IMG_7296 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Silly Tigger.

IMG_7309 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

We hit a lull after that. Pooh and Eeyore were nowhere to be seen for the next 15 minutes. It was already 8:30 and I was getting a little antsy when they appeared in our section. But about 5 minutes later the darn parade!


IMG_7316 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Then DS tells us that he needs to go to the bathroom and this is when we found out he had the stomach bug of sorts. And of course, I immediately started regretting letting him drink all that OJ and eat all those eggs and waffles. It was 8:45 and the both characters were still about 3-4 tables away. I had already paid our bill using the dining plan and had the check signed so that we could be ready to go. But DS had already seen them. And he reeeealy wanted to meet Pooh. It would have been too cruel of me to rip him away from that opportunity just so we could shave off some wait time for Enchanted Tales. So, we patiently waited. Pooh and Eeyore came through one after the other. DS was funny with these characters. He seemed to be most interested in how furry they were. He would stick out his little index finger and poke a part of their body or run it across the fur with this silly grin on his face.

Here's Eeyore slowly making his way to us. C'mon Eeyore - pick up the pace! I just noticed the little girl behind Eeyore as I was posting this picture who looks like she's going after his tail! Cute!


IMG_7335 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As soon as we finished meeting with Eeyore, we rushed out of the restaurant. The first thing I heard was the two bursts of mini-fireworks from the train station that usually means that the opening ceremony is over and people are flowing in through the gates! I told DW and DFIL that the rope drop crowd will be descending upon us and we had to move to stay ahead of them. So we briskly made our (not running) past the hub and up the ramp into the Castle. As we were about to enter through the Castle, I looked back and saw a sea of people moving towards us with the front edge at the entrance to the hub!

DW called this my "Na Na Na Boo Boo" Picture All I could think of was "They're GAINING on us!!"

IMG_7351 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

A drive-by picture as we trekked through the Castle.

IMG_7352 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

We were able to get in line for Enchanted Tales with not many people in front of us.

Next Up: Meeting Belle and Lumiere

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, that certainly was an eventful morning already and we're just getting to RD. I'm glad that Simba (and the camera) were discovered before it was too late.

I just hope that your DS's stomach bug isn't anything too bad.

DW called this my "Na Na Na Boo Boo" Picture All I could think of was "They're GAINING on us!!"

IMG_7351 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

There's no time for pictures!!! If anyone falls behind, they're on their own!

 

[khertz]

As soon as I entered the room, the first thing that caught my eye? DFIL left his camera on the table! I grabbed it, then looked around for Mr. Simba. Finally, I shook the blankets on the kids bed and out he popped out! I ran back to the van as fast as I could. DFIL had no idea still that he had left his camera behind. We had Simba to thank for that.

Thank goodness you forgot Simba!! I would be freaking out if I had left my camera!

Foggy lake

IMG_7261 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I have never seen that much fog in WDW, that's nuts!

So I stayed with him at the table while everyone else went for their plates. He crawled into my lap and told me he was cold. Poor guy. And we had dressed him in shorts and a sleeveless shirt thinking it was going to be a very warm day. I wrapped my arms around him to warm him up and he felt better but continued to tell me his stomach was bothering him.

Oh no, poor little guy. That doesn't sound good!

Just a couple of poses with him. I keep forgetting, but Piglet IS a boy, right?

You know, that's a good question. I think so??

DW called this my "Na Na Na Boo Boo" Picture All I could think of was "They're GAINING on us!!"

IMG_7351 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Okay, that's just hilarious.

 

[emmysmommy]

The rope dropped and we started our brisk walk to CP.


IMG_7263 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Silly Tigger.

IMG_7309 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

That photo of Main Street with the foggy morning is amazing!! Love it!

That tiger is attacking your kid!! That is a cute photo!

I do believe Piglet is a boy. Although, it can be confusing since he wears pink.

Sorry your little guy wasn't feeling well.... looks like he may have perked up later.

That photo of the mad dash of people towards the castle is great!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Well, that certainly was an eventful morning already and we're just getting to RD. I'm glad that Simba (and the camera) were discovered before it was too late.

I just hope that your DS's stomach bug isn't anything too bad.


There's no time for pictures!!! If anyone falls behind, they're on their own!

Oh, it's going to get more eventful as we hadn't heard the last from DS's stomach bug. (hint hint)

Apparently, according to DW I was on full drill sergeant mode at the time. I was pushing DS in the stroller and pacing waaaaaaaay ahead of DW, DFIL, and DD. I must have taken the picture while waiting for them to catch up.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I have never seen that much fog in WDW, that's nuts!

The fog was pretty thick and was my first time as well seeing Main Street in it. Pretty cool visuals though.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

That tiger is attacking your kid!! That is a cute photo!

That photo of the mad dash of people towards the castle is great!

Where's animal control when you need them?

The rush of the crowd was really an impressive. It was as if the flood gates opened. And the front edge of that crowd was moving so fast!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great pics!

Thank you!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Tuesday, January 29th - 9:00am

We walked through nearly the entire queue for Enchanted Tales with Belle and hit the line at the entrance of Maurice's cottage. I breathed a sigh of relief!


IMG_7355 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7361 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

We stood there for about 10 minutes. Not sure if there was a delay with the attraction opening. Once we entered inside I didn’t have much of a chance to look around inside Maurice’s cottage. Would have like to have taken my time and checking out the details but DS was clinging on to me so I was holding him the whole time. Here's a couple of attempts at one handed photography while carrying DS in the other arm.


IMG_7362 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7363 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

We were taken to the mirror portal. We were one of the last for this group so we stood in the backside but had a decent view. The special effects were really good as the mirror turned into a doorway. We were then taken to the hallway outside the library where Wardrobe began dishing out the roles in the storytelling with the help of a CM. It was pretty cute how they assigned the roles. They would tell everyone to perform certain tasks and the CM would pick out kids and adults based on how enthusiasm. For instance, the CM asked everyone to roar like the Beast. A little guy in the front row gave a very loud roar and he got picked.


IMG_7365 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7370 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7371 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

DD and DS decided that they did not want to participate in the storytelling and just watch with us from the audience. We entered the library. Lumiere welcomed us in and prepped us on how to surprise Belle when she arrives.


IMG_7390 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7375 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7377 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Belle soon entered. I was really impressed with how they set this whole experience up. It was very interactive and for the kids provided a very tangible experience. Instead of the usual simple signing the autograph book and posing for a picture type of meet and greet, this attraction gives the kids (and adults) to have a very personal experience with Belle.


IMG_7381 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7384 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7386 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Once the story was completed, each child got a chance to come to the center of the “stage” area to briefly meet with Belle one on one and take a photo. Even the children who didn’t participate in the story telling were invited up to meet with Belle so DD took that opportunity. She got a bookmark as a gift from Belle. DS also enjoyed this quite a bit. Even though he wasn’t feeling well, he was mesmerized by the whole experience. Near the end of the story, he leaned over to me to whisper in my ear “I really like this."

When we left Maurice’s cottage, it was 9:30am. We gave the kids a choice: Under the Sea or Barnstormer. Barnstomer was the winner by a mile. I sent everyone off to Barnstormer while I trekked over to Big Thunder Mountain to grab some fastpasses. DD hadn’t made up her mind yet whether she wanted to try BTMRR for the first time today so I figured that it couldn’t hurt to grab the FPs just in case she decided to try it and she liked it. That was a loooong FP run. Whew. Fortunately, Frontierland was very empty during this time of the morning.


IMG_7407 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7409 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

On my way back, I got texts from DW that they had decided to go on Winnie the Pooh ride on their way to Barnstormer, and that they were now just on their way to Barnstormer. I looked back up from my phone, and there they were just a few feet in front of me.

Next Up: "It's T-Shirt Day!"

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad you managed to see Enchanted Tales. We just never were smart enough to go there first thing in the morning and didn't want to wait through the long lines. It looks like a great experience.

I love the pictures across the water in Frontierland.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm glad you managed to see Enchanted Tales. We just never were smart enough to go there first thing in the morning and didn't want to wait through the long lines. It looks like a great experience.

I love the pictures across the water in Frontierland.

We really enjoyed it. Sadly I don't think the wait times will go down anytime soon when I consider how long the wait times are for some of the other meet and greets.

Those pictures from Frontierland are among my favorites from this trip!

 

[khertz]

Enchanted Tales looks really cute! I'm wondering if Paxton will want to participate, but I think he will enjoy the show either way. Too cute about your DS whispering that he likes it!

Gotta agree with Andy, those photos of Frontierland across the water are just beautiful!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Enchanted Tales looks really cute! I'm wondering if Paxton will want to participate, but I think he will enjoy the show either way. Too cute about your DS whispering that he likes it!

I think you're right that Paxton will still enjoy it a lot even if he doesn't take on any of the roles. Every kid likes a good storytelling!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

The past week was a blur. Between my work hours and trying to attend a conference in town, felt like I was out of breath. Well, all the food I ate while meeting up with my friends in town for the conference probably contributed to the shortness of breath as well!

Anyway, now that I've had a chance for a breather I was able to research a little more on my October conference in Orlando and the Disney opportunities that come with it. And to say I'm getting excited is probably an understatement. I'm going to have to start a PTR to bottle up the excitement of planning soon.

Hotel reservations through the conference's website will open on June 3rd. Not sure if that means June 3rd at midnight or later in the morning but you know I'll be up at midnight trying! Looks like the conference pretty much booked most of the rooms at Beach Club since the only rooms available through the Disney website for the same dates are Lagoon/Water view Club level, and 2 bedroom suite Club level. Even most of the other club level rooms appear to have been blocked off.

Which got me wondering (and slightly hyperventilating ). The conference website lists just a single flat rate for all of its hotels as is the case with all of the conferences I've attended. For Beach Club, it's listed as $189/night - which is an unbelievable deal to start off with. But since a good chunk of the club level rooms as well as all of the non-club level waterview rooms are also blocked off, is it possible that these rooms will be offered at the $189/night as well?? Normally I would say nooo way Disney would do that and I'm just dreaming. But I've never attended a conference through Disney so a small part of me is reeeeeeally wishing that these awesome rooms are going to be offered at a very cheap rate! If any of you have any experience with this through your conference activities, please let me know and bring me back to reality if needed.

Other benefits I'm discovering: After 2pm and After 4pm tickets being offered at cheap rates. And a 10% discount on regular full day park tickets!

I think I already mentioned that private night event at DHS for 4 hours included in the price of the conference registration!

And I've purchased my MNSSHP ticket for Sunday, the 27th!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Tuesday January 29th - 10:00am

This update is light on pictures - but you'll thank me in a few minutes. DS decided he didn’t want to ride Barnstormer again. When I ask him if he liked the ride, he tells me that he did BUT it was a little fast for him especially “when it drops down fast” for the first time. So he and DW went over to Dumbo. DD and DFIL went up to the queue entrance for Barnstormer only to be told that the ride was closed all day. DD was crushed with disappointment and she began to cry. I tried to remind her that at least she got to ride it a few times the day before, but of course, that doesn’t really help to a 6 year old who is focused on the here and now. So, I told her I would take her to Speedway to make it up to her and that got her smiling again in a few minutes.

By the time we lined up for Speedway at the entrance of the queue (after a quick restroom break for DD), the line was stretched outside the entry way with a 30 minute wait time. For some reason, they had not opened up the second lane yet even though it was just about 10am! We were still in line outside the normal queue area when DFIL, DW and DS joined after their Dumbo ride. DS was sort of slumped on DW’s shoulder as she was carrying him. I was telling DD something when I heard an “OOHHHHHH” from DW and looked up to see DS had thrown up. Half of it landed on the ground. The other half, well, on DW. It was a very big mess.

I told DD and DFIL to stay in line and go for a race. DW carried DS over to the nearest restrooms right by the teacups. I walked over to one of the gift shops in Tomorrowland to buy shirts for DW, then walked those back to the restrooms. The problem was, I couldn’t get them to her without entering the women’s room. Right then, a CM was walking by and I asked her if she could get these to my wife. Also right at that moment, a woman came out of the restroom looking for me and the t-shirts. DW and DS cleaned up and walked out of the restroom. DS was shirtless and I couldn't help letting out a laugh at that point. Apparently his shirt was beyond salvage. I made a second trip to the same gift shop to find him a shirt. The same CM from my previous purchase rung me up and made a cheerful comment: "It's T-Shirt Day!" We set camp on a shaded table nearby while waiting for DD and DFIL. I bought a couple of bottles of water and we gave DS very small sips interspersed 10 minutes apart to see how he could tolerate it. DW gives the same advice to her patients and their families when a young one is dealing with the stomach flu. DS did okay. Soon, DFIL and DD joined us after their ride on the race car and we were off to BTMRR. Here's DD and DFIL enjoying their last lap.


IMG_7419 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I know I’m lingering on this unpleasant topic a bit too long. And with so many Disney trips under our belt, it was bound to happen. Have to give kudos to the CMs who cleaned the mess up in front of the Tomorrowland queue. During the time it took me to make two trips to the gift shop, a CM had cleared the entire mess.

OK! Moving on to better things. As we were moving across the hub to Frontierland, I checked in with DD to see if she was still up for trying Big Thunder for the first time. I told her that she could watch the ride from outside, then decide if she would like to try it. She responded by telling me that she already made up her mind and that she wanted to try it. She was a little nervous though I could tell. She was giving herself a pep-talk and looking for reassurance from me that this would be okay for her and that it would not be “that fast”. I told her that it will be about as fast as Test Track which she already did well with, and that I thought she would enjoy this one a lot. DW and DS split off to watch the Country Bear Jamboree which later I heard he liked. I think mostly, the two of them were happy to be sitting indoors, air conditioned, and doing something more relaxing.

For the first BMTRR ride, DFIL, DD, and myself went on together. I sat in the row in front of them. This was DFIL’s first time as well since the ride was closed for refurbishment for his first WDW trip in April. As the train slowly pulled out of the station, DD had this look of concern which only got amplified when we entered the first cave part. But as soon as we dropped down from the first ascent, it was all squeals and laughter from there. She absolutely ate this one up. I love this one as well. It’s such a mellow coaster. And I hadn’t before, but this time around I noticed all of the detailed theming that went in along the tracks.


IMG_7436 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7452 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7461 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Also, it has three big slopes so makes the ride feel much longer than the average coaster which is a big plus for the younger children. As soon as we got off, DD had to go on it again. So I sent DFIL and DD back in using the remaining two FPs while I waited by the exit next to the geysers. Pictures I took while waiting for them.


IMG_7501-2 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7503 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_7509 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Boy, could that area use a shade. I’m pretty sure I got more sun and tanning just during those 15 minutes standing there compared to what I had gotten for the entire trip! I waved at the two as their train flung by. Soon, DD was bouncing out with DFIL telling me how her favorite part is when the train drops and she is “lifted up in the air”. Two times were clearly not going to be sufficient for her. So as we walked out of the area, I picked up another set of FPs for a little bit later.

Next Up: More Princesses!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my!! Your poor DS - and your DW for being in the splash zone! I think every parent has experienced something like that but definitely NOT at a park where you don't happen to have a change of clothes. Glad that worked out ok. (Wasn't your DS not feeling so well at CP for breakfast?? I'm trying to remember instead of looking back - lazy me!)

Whew! I was almost expecting your DD to not like BTMRR. But sounds like she is a roller coaster junkie in the making.

I know what you will be doing June 3rd. Sorry I'm no help with any convention rates or room types that will be released. My instinct is that the CL rooms will still be a great deal considering the killer price for the standard rooms at under $200!! That's awesome!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Oh my!! Your poor DS - and your DW for being in the splash zone! I think every parent has experienced something like that but definitely NOT at a park where you don't happen to have a change of clothes. Glad that worked out ok. (Wasn't your DS not feeling so well at CP for breakfast?? I'm trying to remember instead of looking back - lazy me!)

Whew! I was almost expecting your DD to not like BTMRR. But sounds like she is a roller coaster junkie in the making.

I know what you will be doing June 3rd. Sorry I'm no help with any convention rates or room types that will be released. My instinct is that the CL rooms will still be a great deal considering the killer price for the standard rooms at under $200!! That's awesome!!

Hi Brenda! Yup, DS wasn't feeling well at CP so this wasn't a complete surprise. DW and I have been thrown up on several times from our two kids but never in public. I was glad that the gift shop was so nearby!

I'm also hoping that DD is slowly turning into a coaster junkie! For our next trip, I'm hoping to put her on Everest Expedition. I think she'll love that one. Faster than BTMRR but still no big drops.

I think you're right about the room rates for my conference. I would be ecstatic if I can land just a non-club water view room below $200 price! Sooo, if you hear a "Whoo Hoo" coming from the east during the early morning hours of June 3rd then you'll know I landed an extra awesome deal with my room!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Planning for the October conference in Disney is moving along very nicely! I purchased my plane tickets this morning.

And I think I have my ADRs all set unless a Be Our Guest slot magically opens up for a dinner. I knew it was extremely popular but didn't think there wouldn't be a single opening at 180 days. I'm guessing all of the 180+10 folks are taking up all the slots and since I have to wait until the conference opens up hotel registrations, I couldn't be one of them. Regardless, I'm very excited about the restaurants I have lined up for dinners - most of them will be firsts for me and I'm fully taking advantage of traveling without kids.

Saturday Dinner: Todd English's Bluezoo

Sunday Dinner (before MNSSHP): O'hana - this may very well be changed to California Grill once it reopens and ADRs become available.

Monday Dinner: Jikos

Tuesday Breakfast: Kona
Tuesday Dinner: Flying Fish Cafe

 

[emmysmommy]

Planning for the October conference in Disney is moving along very nicely! I purchased my plane tickets this morning.

And I think I have my ADRs all set unless a Be Our Guest slot magically opens up for a dinner. I knew it was extremely popular but didn't think there wouldn't be a single opening at 180 days. I'm guessing all of the 180+10 folks are taking up all the slots and since I have to wait until the conference opens up hotel registrations, I couldn't be one of them. Regardless, I'm very excited about the restaurants I have lined up for dinners - most of them will be firsts for me and I'm fully taking advantage of traveling without kids.

Saturday Dinner: Todd English's Bluezoo

Sunday Dinner (before MNSSHP): O'hana - this may very well be changed to California Grill once it reopens and ADRs become available.

Monday Dinner: Jikos

Tuesday Breakfast: Kona
Tuesday Dinner: Flying Fish Cafe

Darn, no BOG availability! I'm in the same boat. I have an ADR for the day after we leave! We changed our travel plans and now I can't get another reservation. I would extend our trip just to dine at BOG again but that is a little obsessive... not to mention something I'm sure my DH wouldn't agree is necessary.

As for your other ADRs - I'm a HUGE fan of Kona breakfast and I love Jiko! I've never been to Flying Fish but I would love to try it sometime.

Your back up plan for California Grill sounds good!