ADRs, Touring Plans, Free Dining, What?

[2BusyPlanning]

OK, I understand now. I finally looked at your posts about your Dad. I must say, I'm sorry for your recent loss and it is so nice that you have all of those great memories.

I have the same picture on Main Street, where the flower carts are. I swear I am wearing a red tank top, too! I will try and find it...

I still can't believe your last trip to WDW was in 1989! My husband and I visited MGM that fall for our honeymoon. We also ate at the 50's Prime Time back then. Over the years, we stopped putting it on our list of "must-eats". It just seems like they don't play around much anymore. But, we've added it back on for our December trip. So, we'll see...

Can't wait for more!

 

[the4princesses]

Hey 2BP, If you want a preview of the bad, click on this thread - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1847173 Warning!! It is sad but also fun.

T4P - Just hold your horses. I'm gettin' to all of that. Thanks for the tips.

I've been so immersed in this trip, I'm surprized I don't wake up with newly grown mouse ears!

Hi!! I did not know that you had been to wdw before!! Oh boy!! I sure was going on and on!! You were going
anyway,, have you been to coral reef? did you know about the diver???
HELP ME FEEL LIKE I TOLD YOU SOMETHING YOU DID NOT KNOW???

hahahahah!!

Where you able to get any ADR??

Hope It all works out for you!! Have a great day!!
When in Sept. will you be at WDW?
We will be at POP Sept. 2-11,2008.
We have our ADR.

Oh I think you can find the park hours for Sept. because that's how my dd20
set our ADR to the park hours . That way we knew which ones have EPH!!

Have a great night!!
Kathy

 

[lazydoxy66]

OK, I understand now. I finally looked at your posts about your Dad. I must say, I'm sorry for your recent loss and it is so nice that you have all of those great memories.

I have the same picture on Main Street, where the flower carts are. I swear I am wearing a red tank top, too! I will try and find it...

I still can't believe your last trip to WDW was in 1989! My husband and I visited MGM that fall for our honeymoon. We also ate at the 50's Prime Time back then. Over the years, we stopped putting it on our list of "must-eats". It just seems like they don't play around much anymore. But, we've added it back on for our December trip. So, we'll see...

Can't wait for more!

I'm glad you got to pop over there and see it. It was actually fun putting that together.

 

[lazydoxy66]

OK, sorry about the delay. Did I say I was going to have us caught up by the end of this week? Busy, Busy, Busy.

Where was I? Oh yea, ADRs and DH. I have to admit. Although DH was kind of reluctant to engage in the planning at first, when I started talking about food and showed him the other restaurant info., he became very interested. Hmmm??

His first choice-(Hey T4P LOOK!) The Coral Reef. If it has an aquarium, we're there! His second choice - The Big River Grill and Brew Works. If it has beer, we're there. His third choice: (I kinda helped with this one) Boma. Sounds interesting and yummy!

By the time we had the 'where for eats' figured out, the park schedule was out. I used the guidelines in the UG to help me figure out which parks on what days. This helped me figure out which restaurants on what days. Now I just needed to wait for that magical 180 day mark. March 11th for me. I had to work that day so I figured March 12th would be OK.

March 12th a tragedy struck my family. My father passed away very unexpectedly. He wasn't expecting to pass and we weren't expecting him to pass. Things were a mess. He hadn't planned anything. He had some major bills. A house that would need to be fixed up and sold. It took some time for us, my brother and me, to figure it out. I posted a tribute to him on the trip reports board, the link is in my siggie and in a previous post above. And let's just say, WDW dropped from my radar for a while.

I did manage through all of this to make my ADRs. Guess what? I got every one of them at the times I wanted. With the exception of BRG&BW. You have to make those with the restaurant 30 days prior. I have it marked on my calendar.

Here's our IT for WDW:
Sept. 7th - Arrive around 5ish, settle in, and eat CS @ POR. Might go to DTD.
Sept. 8th - EP, CS lunch, ressie for supper @ Coral Reef. Eve @ DHS?
Sept. 9th - DHS, ressie for lunch @ PTC. Eve. - boat to DTD and Ghirardelli's
Sept. 10th - MK, CS lunch, ressie @ BRG&BW, Carriage Ride @ POR.
Sept. 11th - AK, CS lunch, ressie @ Boma, explore AKL and do campfire stories.
Sept. 12th - OUR ANNIVERSARY!!!!! Make up for what we missed at MK and EP. ressie @ SoA. I am ordering a cake for this event.

Did I say anything about trying to lose weight so I can eat like the fat girl I am and not feel guilty at WDW??? Food glorious food!

So what do you think?

Next: The Perfect Bag and Packing List

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hi!! I did not know that you had been to wdw before!! Oh boy!! I sure was going on and on!! You were going
anyway,, have you been to coral reef? did you know about the diver???
HELP ME FEEL LIKE I TOLD YOU SOMETHING YOU DID NOT KNOW???

hahahahah!!

Where you able to get any ADR??

Hope It all works out for you!! Have a great day!!
When in Sept. will you be at WDW?
We will be at POP Sept. 2-11,2008.
We have our ADR.

Oh I think you can find the park hours for Sept. because that's how my dd20
set our ADR to the park hours . That way we knew which ones have EPH!!

Have a great night!!
Kathy

Yes, you have helped me out. I am going to have the diver with a sign. Like I said, I want to rattle the 'oh so cool' disposition of that DH of mine. I've never seen that idea anywhere on the boards. Hopefully you've helped more than just me.
As you can see, we will be at WDW for Sept. 7th to 13th. You will be there at the same time. If you are going to be at a park the same as us, let me know. Maybe we can meet up.

 

[lazydoxy66]

From the minute I signed on to the DIS, I started reading about what bag to carry @ WDW. The most popular one seemed to be the Baggallini Messenger Bag. I browsed several web sites and looked at a lot of bags. I am not a bag expert, however I thought the Baggallini looked the best.

With the help of my fellow DISers I was able to purchase it at a huge discount. It is specifically - Women's Baggallini MES160 Messenger Bag. Regular price @ Shoebuy.com - $31.45. Membership (free) discount - 10% and Promo discount - $10.00 off. Free shipping. Total cost = $19.30. I don't know if you can still get a promo discount or not. Here are some pics with some of my 'stuff'.

Front

In the background you can see Kanga and Roo. They are sooo old.
Back

Main compartment

Front Interior Pocket

Front Exterior Pocket

Back Pocket

Cell Phone Pocket on Strap

Side Pocket #1, for water bottle

Side Pocker #2, with velcro closure

Me wearing it like I will at the WDW

Stuff from packing list

Mister fan from Walmart - $4.95

Tiny fan for DH ( I didn't think he'd like the mister) - $2 and change from Walmart

The only complaint I can see right now is that I wish the bag strap was about 2-4 inches longer. I like my bags to be more towards my hips. I will be giving the mister and Baggallini a trial run next week. We are going on our yearly trek to Shipshewanna in N. Indiana. It's been super nice this week. I bet it will be hot next week. I'll let you know how they work.

As far as packing lists go - I took what I thought I would need from a couple of lists and printed up my own. Allearsnet and a poster on the boards have everything you could ever want. My definite recommendations for the parks: Sunscreen, Shout Wipes, Wet Ones and Ponchos. The Shout wipes and Wet ones are in my purse all the time, not just for vacation. I can't eat without either one of these things. My chest is a magnet for food and let's not get into the germ thing with hands.

Next: FREE DINING!?? and Clothing

 

[lazydoxy66]

I welcome any and all questions and comments on this thread. Don't be shy, jump right in. I love all the different opinions on these boards. And all the great tips!

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Oh, boy! We're moving along nicely now! Looks like you are going to hop about the parks. We like to just get the base tickets and stay all day. Either go in late and stay late, or go early and leave early. But, this time it's just me and my DD20 and we can go from 8am-12am!!! Oh, we'll have my parents too - but they will probably leave out after dinner.

You chest is a magnet for food
That's what my DH says to me all the time! You are so funny...

 

[lazydoxy66]

I was just lookin' at the previous posts. I've got a lot of stuff. And I'm not done yet. I expect I'll be dragging out the "el grande" suit case any day now. Yep, I'm nuts. I have officially crossed the line into Disney insanity. I just went to HD and grabbed some more LGMHs. I should have taken them all!!!!

Here is a Picture of the elusive LGMH.

This is a must for all DISers!!! Unless you don't want to be bothered by your DISer buds??

Now listen up! If you are new to Disney you need to know this next little secret. Now, I know there are a few people that would like to keep this info. a secret, I say share the wealth! If somebody is willing to put up with the heat and possible rain and take kids out of school they need to know!! I didn't know when I happened to book my trip. I just plain lucked out. I stumbled upon a thread called the 'free dining watch'. What's this all about? I clicked on it.
'Have they posted the dates yet?, Who does this apply to? Can I add it to my current booking?, Disney Visa Card holders get the first crack at it, then it's open to the public. etc., etc.' I nearly had heart failure. I still don't know the details. But I can tell you this-I GOT IT!!!!

WDW offers FREE DINING in September. The offer usually opens up in April.They allow DVisa to receive it 1 week prior to the general public. It's only open for specified resorts for a specified time. I just watched the 'watch' thread and called during the first week the offer was open to the public. I got a great CM, Persia, at the WDTC and she hooked me up, no problem. This freebie saved me $400 plus! !!! I never thought being married in Sept. was that big of a deal until now. I just think of it as a little extra anniversary gift from WDW.

Clothing! I started buying clothing, specifically for WDW, early on. I know it is going to be steamy. I focused on 'wicking' material. The 2 best sites I found were http://www.shirtsupplier.com and http://www.sierratradingpost.com.
Wicking shirts and shorts can be expensive. These sites have great prices. Sometimes the selections and sizes are limited. However, they get new inventory all the time, you need to keep checking. I haven't had any trouble with the merchandise I've ordered. Their delivery is very prompt - 3 to 5 days most of the time.

I also bought a pair of hiking sandals at sierra - Kamik. Sorry, Croc people, but no way. I also don't wear socks with my sandals. I wanted something comfortable. Merrells and Tevas are too expensive. The Kamiks were on clearance - $15. Plus I got a 10% dicount for my first order. Guess what? They are great!. I've tried them on all day treks. No blisters, no chafing and they fit perfect. You can see them in the top right corner of this picture.

Next: My Final Estimate and a Recap

 

[the4princesses]

hey how are you!! this is our 2nd time going to pop with free dining you are going to love it !!

We had a friend that went in 2006 and told us about it!! :cool1 I just could not believe it!! But it was true! Come April 2007 we are watching with all our might!!

Then came 2008!! We just could not pass it up!! We will be at POP Sept. 2-11th with free dining!!!

Oh go to this site and look at my dd19's report!! She has a count down to wdw from 2007!! WE ARE GOING TO MAKE ONE FOR 2008 SOON!!
WE WENT TO HD AND GOT ABOUT 60 OF THE MICKEY HEADS AND LOOK AT THE WINDOW DECORATION MY DD19 DID!! SHE'S THE BEST!!


PLEASE WHEN YOU GO TO HER TR PLEASE COMMENT ON HER SITE SHE'S HOPING TO GET A LOT OF PEOPLE TO DO SOOOOO!!

THANK'S KATHY

 

[the4princesses]

OH SORRY THIS IS THE SITE!http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858799.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
kATHY

 

[lazydoxy66]

Alright so most of the work of planning is done at this point. I've got the ressies for hotels and car and dining complete. I've paid for the trip, as far as WDW's part. I've got money in the bank to cover the rest. Here's my complete IT including some extras.

Sept. 5th - Friday
I pick up the rental car and we pack it that evening. I am packing a separate duffle for the overnights at Georgia so we can leave the big suitcase in the trunk. I'm also going to fry some chicken and make some kind of salad. I thought it would be nice to stop at a park or rest stop and have a picnic lunch on the way down.

Saturday - Leave between 4 and 5AM. If we see anything interesting to visit on the way down, we've got plenty of time to stop and enjoy it. Eat our picnic lunch. Check in at Cartersville around 4PMish.

Sunday
Up early again. We would like to visit Gatorland before we go to WDW. DH loves reptiles. Next we will check in at POR around 5PM. This is my all time favorite shot of POR - Acadian Mansion from Prg.

Then we'll unpack, eat CS at the Riverside Mill Food Court and either explore the resort grounds or go to DTD.

Monday
Let the party begin! We are starting our vaca. at EP. CS lunch, probably the Tangerine Cafe?? Ride musts are Soarin' and TT. Dinner @ Coral Reef and we might go to DHS in the evening.

Tuesday
DHS day. Ride musts are ToT, R&R and TSM. Lunch @ 50's PTC. Dinner @ RMFC and DTD evening with a snack from Ghirardelli's

Wednesday
MK all the way. Grab a morning bite at the Main St. Bakery. Must do rides are PoTC, HM, JC, SM, BTMR. Not sure where we'll do lunch. Dinner @ BRG&BW.
Carriage ride @ POR in the evening.

Thursday
All day @ AK. Rides to do are KS, EE, Dinosaur. Lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ. Dinner at Boma. In the evening we are going to explore AKL and go to the fire side stories.

Friday
Open day. I suspect we will go back to MK. Take a mid-afternoon pool break then go to SoA. Plan to finish up our anniversary @ EP WS.

Saturday
Head home early AM. Staying @ Cartersville on the way back.

That's the basic plan. I know if we get most of our interests completed or things are just too crowded, we will park hop or go back to the pool. I am taking my UG touring plans. I will try them but no promises.

$$$$$$$$
Show me 'da money.
WDW - POR for 6 nights w/park hopper for 5 days and Free dining = $1669.82
2 nights @ Cartersville $118.26
Rental Car $267.84
Gasoline 60 gal.@ $4.50, est. $270.00
Tips for 4 TS, one is buffet, 5th is SoA, tip included $51.00
Tips for Mousekeeping $12.00
Extra $$$ $500.00

Total $2888.92

Having our 10th Anniversary at WDW------------------PRICELESS!!

I've spent around $400.00 on clothes and other items relating to this trip. I will probably spend about another $50 to $100 on snacks, water and sodas for the coolers.

Next: You Know You've Gone over the Edge When....

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Your DH is going to LOVE the idea of free dining! There is something about men and not having to pay... he's going to love it. My DH experienced this last September (also our anniversary - ours is on the 23rd, so a little later in the month). He was in heaven! He kept asking me "Do we have to pay for this one? Do we have to pay for this one?" Nope!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Your DH is going to LOVE the idea of free dining! There is something about men and not having to pay... he's going to love it. My DH experienced this last September (also our anniversary - ours is on the 23rd, so a little later in the month). He was in heaven! He kept asking me "Do we have to pay for this one? Do we have to pay for this one?" Nope!

You should have seen his face when I told him we were eating for free. He said, 'How'd you do that?' I answered, 'DISboards.com.' He originally gave me a little grief over talking about the DIS all the time. He hasn't said one negative thing since it saved us $400 +.

 

[lazydoxy66]

1. You go one day without the DISboards and you break out into a cold sweat.
2. You make a ticker to add to your signature.
3. You see people hiding from you because they've heard enough about WDW.
4. You sing various tunes like Whistle while you work and It's a small world.
5. You test drive all your essential park gear months in advance.
6. You have your suitcase(s) packed 5 months before your departure.
7. You have more HDMH than you have walls to paint.
8. You make a count down calendar.
9. You start practicing your curtsey for the princesses.
10. You start making things to take with you to WDW.

#10 is the subject of this entry.
I couldn't find any lanyards to suit me. I wanted one to clip my world key and fast passes to. So I made 2. 1 for me and 1 for DH. We have enjoyed the PotC movies. With that theme in mind this is what I came up with:
DH's

Mine

I was a little worried about what DH would think of it. 'Hey, Mikey, he liked it!' He is more into this trip than I thought he would be at this point. Now these probably cost me more in the long run, but they are custom made!!

Just a side note here. My DH had a brain tumor removed 6 years ago. He came through with flying colors. Today we found out it is back. He will have to have surgery again followed this time by chemo. This probably won't happen until Oct. or later. It should not interfere with our WDW trip as long as he develops no physical problems. We've been through it before so it's not quite as scary this time. Still very serious though. It will be in the back of our minds from now until it's taken care of. It has been an emotional roller coaster year for us. WDW will be a welcomed respite.

Next: My Review of the Baggallini Messenger Bag

 

[teruterubouzu]

I have to say I love the lanyards! More importantly though, I'm sorry to hear about your DH. That must be very scary. I hope you both are able to relax and have fun during your trip, ad that he does well with the treatment this fall.

 

[lazydoxy66]

I have to say I love the lanyards! More importantly though, I'm sorry to hear about your DH. That must be very scary. I hope you both are able to relax and have fun during your trip, ad that he does well with the treatment this fall.

Thank you! All we can do is hope for the best!

 

[lazydoxy66]

I used it on a trip to the flea market at Shipshewana this past Tuesday. I wore it exactly as you see it in the picture above.
PROS:
1. Lots of room in this bag. You could fit everything and the kitchen sink in it.
2. Comfortable. No rashes or pinch points.
3. Secure. The Zippers are tough. They have padlock loops on them for extra security, if needed. I always buy a bag or purse with a strap long enough so that I can wear it in front of me.
4. Nylon. Easy to clean and water resistant.
5. The bag itself is very light weight. The weight will come from what you put in it. I didn't have much in it on this trip. I will have it a lot fuller @ WDW.
6. I love the key and pen holder in the front interior pocket.

CONS:
1. The strap, IMO, needs to be about 4" longer. As I am 5'6" this wasn't a huge problem. Someone with a longer torso might be uncomfortable wearing it like I do though.
2. The main compartment needs some dividers or some kind of pockets internally to help keep things orderly. I'll probably buy some clear mini totes to put things in.
3. The front interior pocket needs a change pocket and the 'credit card' pockets are very deep. I bought a cute little change purse at the flea market for my change and cards.

That's it. None of the cons would prevent me from buying another one. It is a very handy bag.

And since we are on the subject of reviews, let's talk about my Kamik sandals. I wore them the other day at the flea market also. Walked in them non-stop for 4 hrs.
Pros:
1. Light weight.
2. Good tread.
3. Easy to clean.
4. No pinch points or chafing.
5. Fit me perfectly.

Cons:
Only 1 and it really didn't pertain to me. I have a long, narrow foot, Size
9 1/2. The only thing skinny on me is my feet. God has a good sense of humor, don't you think? These sandals, as I said, fit me perfectly. Mine are a size 10. The straps are adjustable with velcro closures. However, I think anyone with a wide foot would have trouble with comfort on these particular sandals. If you have a wide foot you need to find a wide sandal.

Extra goodies I found!!!
Another helpful website, especially for anyone who is driving, http://www.floridasturnpike.com/ On this site you can calculate your toll, find construction/traffic info., learn about Sun Pass, and several other useful tidbits.

A great idea I found the other day on this website is for Disney themed envelopes to use for money, ie your kid's money, mousekeeping. They are adorable and the DISer who is providing them can even customize them with a name or whatever. I printed some of them up, they are great! Here's the link, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1755694

Next up: Packing. Yep, I'm gonna start now.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Here's the proof!

And this was a great idea from another DISer. I'm hoping I can just roll it up and secure it with a couple of small bungees or something.

It's just a cheap 'over the door' shoe organizer. You can put all your toiletries in it and hang it on the back of the bathroom door in the resort room.

Hey, I've only got a couple of months left!!! Time is flying like Tink!
In the tradition of all Disney freaks, I ordered the customized WDW maps the other day. They came on this past Saturday. I love them!

These say it all. We are really going! This little poem on the inside of the envelope actually choked me up!
"With these special maps
that you now hold
Enchantment and fun
will surely unfold.

They tell of a trip
that's perfect for you
With wonder and magic-
your favorites, too.

So open them now
and be sure to grin
it's time to let your journey begin!"

Next: It's Not Stealing If They Are Free, Right?

 

[2BusyPlanning]

My heart is with you both...