A year without Disney? Who am I kidding?!(a PTR) LINK TO TR!

[DisMomAmy]

A few updates to comment on...

First off, Yay for booking!! I think you'll be happy with POP. I stayed there with my mom and was really happy with the buses & they have a great food court. I wouldn't stay there with my whole family but it should work out well for you & Greg.

Second - It's great that you have nine days - I'd suggest trying to visit Epcot as much as you can during the week & avoid it during the weekends. It gets really busy on the weekends during F&W. I was there for opening weekend last year and it was packed!

Third - I think you have some great ADRs chosen! Now you get to wait.

Also enjoying the cruise TR - anxiously waiting for more.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

That is a great list! I love (or would love to try) everything on there - well, except for Boma..

I hate not having the park hours when I'm trying to plan meals! I normally don't end up planning around the hours for that reason. My plans are always based on our meals! It's kind of impossible to do both, though with the way they release the hours.

 

[Joyciemc]

mmmmm... that is a nice looking ADR list! You have a lot of favorites of mine on there.

I love lunch at LTT- I used to be addicted to it (the Colony salad is so so good! As is the pot roast) I had to make a conscious decision to stop booking meals there.

And you have one of my firsts:
We are trying San Angel Inn this trip and I am so excited!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

You have to try the toffee cake at LTT It was SO good!

I really think you guys will like Sci Fi, too. It's pretty simple, but I really enjoyed it.

The Toffee Cake and the Tavern Fried Cheese are enough to make me book an ADR!

My DH Burgers and I of course want to keep his love for Disney growing, what better way than Burgers IN Disney World!

A few updates to comment on...

First off, Yay for booking!! I think you'll be happy with POP. I stayed there with my mom and was really happy with the buses & they have a great food court. I wouldn't stay there with my whole family but it should work out well for you & Greg.

Second - It's great that you have nine days - I'd suggest trying to visit Epcot as much as you can during the week & avoid it during the weekends. It gets really busy on the weekends during F&W. I was there for opening weekend last year and it was packed!

Third - I think you have some great ADRs chosen! Now you get to wait.

Also enjoying the cruise TR - anxiously waiting for more.

For the amount of days we want to spend in WDW, POP fits within our budget. DH has mentioned booking CSR more than once but unless free dining comes out I won't consider it. I don't want to feel stressed trying to save up all our "fun" money for WDW.

We were there for the beginning of F&W as well. We noticed that the early afternoons were a great time to visit the booths.

That wait is always the WORST isn't it?

I know, I know, I'm really falling behind on the TR and the PTR. My 2 jobs are definitely keeping me busy!

That is a great list! I love (or would love to try) everything on there - well, except for Boma..

I hate not having the park hours when I'm trying to plan meals! I normally don't end up planning around the hours for that reason. My plans are always based on our meals! It's kind of impossible to do both, though with the way they release the hours.

I'm sad that you didn't enjoy Boma-but then again, not every person is going to enjoy every restaurant. It's our favorite place for breakfast but that is just IMO.

Ugh, it's like torture waiting for park hours. I literally have butterflies in my stomach in anticipation of them being released! In fact, I'm checking as I type this. THEY'RE OUT! Oh man, that just created the next chapter of planning for me!

mmmmm... that is a nice looking ADR list! You have a lot of favorites of mine on there.

I love lunch at LTT- I used to be addicted to it (the Colony salad is so so good! As is the pot roast) I had to make a conscious decision to stop booking meals there.

And you have one of my firsts:
We are trying San Angel Inn this trip and I am so excited!

It'll be our first time but I think it will be perfect for a break in the MK! I'm all about booking ADR's for lunch as opposed to dinner. That way, it leaves our evenings open!

San Angel was a GREAT experience for us. The ambiance is relaxing and the food was great! I've been reading reviews about how spicy it has been lately but it wasn't for us and we aren't spicy lovers so I hope they haven't switched chefs or tweaked recipes. DH requests that we eat there next time!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Okay, so I definitely had this post ALL typed up a while back and it deleted on me but I'm ready to tackle it again!

Cruise TR, Day 2: Part 2

The last time I left you off with the February Cruise TR we had just sat down to watch The Dilemma at the AMC in Downtown Disney. Overall, the movie was pretty good but it was quite enjoyable to watch a movie set in Chicago, our home town! Especially since we were currently in Florida.

I decided a good place to start in DTD was the Marketplace so the plan was lunch and then shopping! We'd work our way back towards the theatre after lunch stopping in whatever store we fancied and just enjoying the little bit of time we'd be on Disney property! So, after the movie we made our way ALLLL the way over to Earl of Sandwich. Of course, the line was quite long but it moved pretty quickly. Enjoy the food pictures!

We both started with the Chicken Tortilla Soup. It was a bit too thick for my liking but the flavor was good. I ended up tossing about half of it b/c I was just too full!

I had a Mediterranean Wrap. Overall it was good but there was too much dressing so I ended up unwrapping most of the second half and picking at it with a fork.

Greg had the Hawaiian BBQ (I believe that is what it is called.) He really enjoyed his sandwich. I don't care much for pineapple with anything salty and I'm not one for a lot of BBQ sauce.

After lunch we began browsing the stores. I was so excited to have all the time we wanted to walk around DTD. However, it didn't quite work out the way we had planned...

 

[DisneyFirefly]

They actually filmed part of The Dilemma near my house! Literally like two blocks away! I haven't seen it yet, though.

I'm the same way as you with dressings... I can't have a lot of it on something because it just grosses me out. Even with mayonnaise, I can't have a lot. As for BBQ sauce, I don't like it at all.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I've wanted to eat at Earl of Sandwich but have yet to make it there.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Woo Hoo!!! 1000th post baby! Man, I love the DIS! Anyway...

They actually filmed part of The Dilemma near my house! Literally like two blocks away! I haven't seen it yet, though.

I'm the same way as you with dressings... I can't have a lot of it on something because it just grosses me out. Even with mayonnaise, I can't have a lot. As for BBQ sauce, I don't like it at all.

That's really neat! For being a "typical" Vince Vaughn movie, story line surprisingly sucked me in so I didn't find as much humor in it as I normally do with his movies so I definitely want to see it again now that I know what happens in the end.

I forget that you live in Chicago. We should plan a DIS meet sometime!

I'm getting just thinking about having too much mayo on my sandwiches. When I was younger, my step-mom put SOO much mayo on my sandwich I couldn't even eat it. My dad likes a lot of mayo so I guess she thought I would do. I put just enough to coat the bread and then scrape my knife across it so there's barely any on=perfect! Yeah, I'm weird...

I've wanted to eat at Earl of Sandwich but have yet to make it there.

One of these days you will. I feel like so many people are drawn away by the line but it really does move quickly! If you ever happen to get a chance, I suggest having either you or your DH by a spot to sit with the boys while the other stands in line. It's self-serve soft drinks (unless you want one of their bottled drinks) so you could take turns going up there as well. Also, they put the sandwiches in bags so you won't feel like you are carrying too much!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

That's really neat! For being a "typical" Vince Vaughn movie, story line surprisingly sucked me in so I didn't find as much humor in it as I normally do with his movies so I definitely want to see it again now that I know what happens in the end.

I forget that you live in Chicago. We should plan a DIS meet sometime!

I'm getting just thinking about having too much mayo on my sandwiches. When I was younger, my step-mom put SOO much mayo on my sandwich I couldn't even eat it. My dad likes a lot of mayo so I guess she thought I would do. I put just enough to coat the bread and then scrape my knife across it so there's barely any on=perfect! Yeah, I'm weird...

High Fidelity was filmed AT my high school, too, ON a school day I did enjoy Couples Retreat, which I really liked.

We so should! That would be awesome! I've got season passes to Great America, so if you ever want to go, that would be fun Or we could meet up downtown or out at Woodfield or something.

I'm just like you, actually... I do that same thing with mayo.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

High Fidelity was filmed AT my high school, too, ON a school day I did enjoy Couples Retreat, which I really liked.

We so should! That would be awesome! I've got season passes to Great America, so if you ever want to go, that would be fun Or we could meet up downtown or out at Woodfield or something.

I'm just like you, actually... I do that same thing with mayo.

Couples Retreat is shelved in our DVD collection in our favorites section!

I'd be fine with whatever.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Just a bit of an update:

DH started his new job in the "big" city last week (Chicago). So he has been adjusting to that and has been exhausted in the evenings!

I still work at the library and babysit for the same family and it definitely keeps me busy. I finally was able to get the internet to work on my laptop at the house I babysit at! I am so happy! I'll have more time to plan and such. Which is great since the park hours for October are out! I see a date change in our future for the trip as well. I'll explain once I get a more updated itinerary put together. I change my mind so many times! I'll probably end up changing it when we're on the trip!

I thought I'd share with you the preliminary plans for my Disney projects!

Disney Projects​

For those of you who have followed my past PTR(s), you probably know I like to get creative! For our trip last year I had two projects. For one of the projects, I made mousekeeping envelopes and tip holders. My mousekeeper loved them so much she left us flowers one night!

I also made a Mickey tote bag, which I and can't wait to use it again this year! For those of you that forgot what it looks like and for those of you that have not seen it before:

This year, I plan on making the mousekeeping envelopes/tip holders again and my other project will be shirts! I want to make shirts for us to wear to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Are there any projects that you will do or have done for your trips to Disney?

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I have big...I mean BIG news!

Ready?

I'm going to Disney World...NEXT MONTH!

My sister and I are going for a long weekend over Easter! It's going to be C-R-O-W-D-E-D! TouringPlans predicts crowd levels to be at capacity so it is going to take some serious planning on my part to maximize our short time there! Luckily, the parks have great hours so I plan on getting us there early and staying out late.

I've been wanting to take my sister to WDW for a long time now and she doesn't want to feel like a third wheel and come with Greg and I in the fall so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. This is going to be the first time I'm away from Greg since we've been married though so I know that I'll miss him dearly. It will make me pack in even more to a day so I can go back to the room and crash!

We're staying at Pop! for 3 nights and have 4 day PH. We'll arrive early afternoon on Friday and depart early evening on Monday. Our flight doesn't get back in Chicago until 11pm! Phew!

Stick around for touring plans and dining choices!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Seriously?

Yay for a girls weekend!!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Couples Retreat is shelved in our DVD collection in our favorites section!

I'd be fine with whatever.

We'll figure something out

I have big...I mean BIG news!

Ready?

I'm going to Disney World...NEXT MONTH!

My sister and I are going for a long weekend over Easter! It's going to be C-R-O-W-D-E-D! TouringPlans predicts crowd levels to be at capacity so it is going to take some serious planning on my part to maximize our short time there! Luckily, the parks have great hours so I plan on getting us there early and staying out late.

I've been wanting to take my sister to WDW for a long time now and she doesn't want to feel like a third wheel and come with Greg and I in the fall so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. This is going to be the first time I'm away from Greg since we've been married though so I know that I'll miss him dearly. It will make me pack in even more to a day so I can go back to the room and crash!

We're staying at Pop! for 3 nights and have 4 day PH. We'll arrive early afternoon on Friday and depart early evening on Monday. Our flight doesn't get back in Chicago until 11pm! Phew!

Stick around for touring plans and dining choices!!!

Yay! That's awesome!

 

[Sallyd]

I am already looking forward to it! Choosing the dining I think is going to be the hardest part. It's easy to spend over $1000 on food-it all adds up very quickly!

Agreed!! I never thought I'd come close to spending what the plan would cost, but it was!!! Seriously considering it next trip...

 

[Joyciemc]

That is fantastic news! I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time- crowds aren't as big a deal when you are prepared for them!

 

[hurleysweety]

Just found your PTR and love your plans so far! Also, it is so awesome that you get to go next month for a quick girls weekend - even if it will be crowded to the max. You can really test your touring skills!!!

We're a lot like you guys. We got married a year earlier, in 2008, and have been to WDW twice since then, and Disneyland a whole lot more! We keep saying we'll visit other places, and I keep telling DH, "oh, I'm sorry I just love it so much." And he's like, "So what? I love it too!!" And thus, we never make it many places other than WDW and DLR!

I love hearing that you're a crafty person too! I've always wanted to do a few projects for the trip, but have only ever managed my planning binder. Your minnie bag is super cute, but I have never sewn before. Maybe I'll jump on board with mousekeeping envelopes! Do you have pics from last year's?

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Woo hoo! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to hear about this action-packed weekend!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Seriously?

Yay for a girls weekend!!

Seriously! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

We'll figure something out

Yay! That's awesome!

Okay, sounds good! I'm very excited to take my sister on her FIRST TRIP to Disney World!

Agreed!! I never thought I'd come close to spending what the plan would cost, but it was!!! Seriously considering it next trip...

If Free Dining doesn't come out, I don't think that I will keep the DDP on our reservation. Since we're staying 10 nights that's a LOT of TS to plan for. We'll see, though.

That is fantastic news! I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time- crowds aren't as big a deal when you are prepared for them!

My biggest problem right now is planning for early mornings but being so enticed by the MK closing at 3am!

Just found your PTR and love your plans so far! Also, it is so awesome that you get to go next month for a quick girls weekend - even if it will be crowded to the max. You can really test your touring skills!!!

We're a lot like you guys. We got married a year earlier, in 2008, and have been to WDW twice since then, and Disneyland a whole lot more! We keep saying we'll visit other places, and I keep telling DH, "oh, I'm sorry I just love it so much." And he's like, "So what? I love it too!!" And thus, we never make it many places other than WDW and DLR!

I love hearing that you're a crafty person too! I've always wanted to do a few projects for the trip, but have only ever managed my planning binder. Your minnie bag is super cute, but I have never sewn before. Maybe I'll jump on board with mousekeeping envelopes! Do you have pics from last year's?

I'm so happy that you stopped by!

You're right, it is a test to my planning skills! I'm afraid!

We were out to dinner with DH's family on Saturday and DH brought up that we'd be back in Disney later this year and his brother said "Again?" DH replied, "We love that place!"

Woo hoo! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to hear about this action-packed weekend!

Action is the key word!!!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

February Cruise TR, Day 2: Part III

When I last left off we were all set to begin our window shopping through Downtown Disney after enjoying our lunch at Earl of Sandwich. However, even the best laid out plans can sometimes get changed without a moment’s notice.

Greg’s aunt and uncle live in a suburb not too far out of Orlando and Greg’s mom always mentions us getting together with them when were in Orlando. On our last trip, it didn’t work out so it never happened. This trip, it did! Except, we didn’t find out when we were going to meet up with them until about 2 hours before. So, our trip to Downtown Disney was cut short. After making the plans, we set out to head back to our car. We still had some time, so we made a stop at Mickey’s Pantry where I picked up a Mary Poppin’s “In the Kitchen” book/cookbook and we also went to Goofy’s to share this:

Yum! (and SO much better than the dipped cookie I got back in October!)

When we did make it back to the car, of course the GPS was not working so we had to drive off-property and plug in the address. I wanted to make a stop at the Premium Outlets before we met up with Greg’s aunt and uncle at the Millenia Mall. (We had JUST been there the night before!) We found the Disney Store and I even made a stop in the Coach store but the line at Coach was SOO long to check-out so I didn’t purchase anything. We browsed the Disney Store and had intentions of going back later when we had more time to make decisions.

We met with Greg’s aunt and uncle and spent about an hour-hour and a half with them. We walked around and had a little something to eat. Not much though, because we wanted to eat dinner somewhere else later. We said our goodbyes and Greg and I talked about what we wanted to do for the rest of the evening.

Instead of going back to the outlet mall or even to Downtown Disney we decided to head over to the Polynesian to watch Wishes and then we’d get something to eat!  This night ended up being just perfect. We parked at Poly and made our way to the beach. It was a bit chilly and the chairs were wet/dirty so Greg grabbed some towels from the pool area and we lounged on the chairs and waited for wishes to start. It was amazing. We could see the Grand Floridian, where we spent our last trip and reminisced together. When wishes started we could barely hear the piped in music but it didn’t matter. I was just soaking up every minute of seeing the castle, even from afar. It was those moments when I wished we were just staying in Disney World. It was those moments that made the decision for us to go back to Disney World this fall.

After wishes, we headed back into the Poly and saw they had two flat screens set up with the Super Bowl playing in the waiting area for Ohana. I let Greg choose where he wanted to eat and he chose the Wave! Yum!
The CM hostess chuckled when we asked if we could do a walk-up and we were seated almost instantaneously. We both ordered what we had in October (Chili Rubbed Flank Steak and the Filet) and unfortunately because of the lighting the pictures didn’t really come out. Except for my cocktail:
Yum!

We left VERY satisfied, we each had a dessert as well because Greg loved the Gelato sampler and I loved the Creamy Indulgence, we couldn’t pass it up! We rode the monorail around to the GF and walked through the lobby just so we could smell it. Some of you will know what I’m talking about. Being that we walked through that lobby every single day on our last trip, it brings back so many memories. We reluctantly headed back to the Poly-and our parked car, and made it back to the hotel where I got some last minute things together for our departure in the morning to Port Canaveral to embark on our ship!