>> April 1, 2012 - Disney Dream Spring Break Frenzy! <<

[ccbride412]

Does anyone know if you can print your own photos at Shutters? We have a surprise for our guests but need to be able to print photos before the cruise is over to give to them.

 

[RemoCat]

Are you all ready??? For those coming in the day before the cruise and staying on property, ADR's start tomorrow, and can book up to 10 days worth - it's the 180 day window!!!

I'll be up before the sun getting some ressies (we're coming back to the World after the cruise for Easter weekend). Just don't take any of my dining slots and we're all good.

Also just got a sweet deal on luggage today (we've been needing it for some time - ours has been broken and can't go on a plane anymore). Things are really coming together!

Have a good evening, and get to bed early if you're getting up to make those ressies.

Erin

 

[guarn3md]

Does anyone know if you can print your own photos at Shutters? We have a surprise for our guests but need to be able to print photos before the cruise is over to give to them.

Yes - Shutters prints pictures for you. Just don't know if they print a quantity of the them. I can't imagine that they wouldn't. We got prints and and the photo cd before we left the cruise.

Are you all ready??? For those coming in the day before the cruise and staying on property, ADR's start tomorrow, and can book up to 10 days worth - it's the 180 day window!!!

I'll be up before the sun getting some ressies (we're coming back to the World after the cruise for Easter weekend). Just don't take any of my dining slots and we're all good.

Also just got a sweet deal on luggage today (we've been needing it for some time - ours has been broken and can't go on a plane anymore). Things are really coming together!

Have a good evening, and get to bed early if you're getting up to make those ressies.

Erin

My ADR date is not till 10/8...have the rest of this week to think about where we want to go and to get a handle on our plan. We are booked at WL CL for after the cruise - so I won't have to get up on Saturday, just need to let WL IPO know what I want and they will make the reservations. Been reading easywdw past couple of days trying to build our touring schedule. Helps that we are going to WDW 47 days from today for a week - don't feel so much pressure to see everything!
So this weekend was horrid - had a terrifying scare that DH brought home bedbugs from a business trip 2 weeks ago. But after massive research and realizing that we really have none of the symptoms we believe we have carpet beetles. Still not good but better than bedbugs. DH is going to work from home tomorrow and the pest company will be out to let us know what we need to do. Meanwhile, we spent all weekend from the moment I discovered the icky looking wormy bugs yesterday afternoon till tonight deep cleaning our entire house...three floors, not an easy task! I also took all blankets and comforters to the dry cleaners and have put everything else in the wash on hot and dried it as hot it will allow. The house is sparkling but I am still ickied out by all of it... Kind of looking forward to going to work tomorrow! Wish I was leaving for this cruise tomorrow!
Good Luck with the ADR's tomorrow...
Debbie

 

[RemoCat]

"My ADR date is not till 10/8...have the rest of this week to think about where we want to go and to get a handle on our plan. We are booked at WL CL for after the cruise - so I won't have to get up on Saturday, just need to let WL IPO know what I want and they will make the reservations. Been reading easywdw past couple of days trying to build our touring schedule. Helps that we are going to WDW 47 days from today for a week - don't feel so much pressure to see everything!"

I'm all read up on easywdw, too, and am a little frustrated that we need to _not_ follow his advice for 2 days of our trip, but it has to do with timing, which parks we feel we "need" to be at before rope drop for fastpasses, and which days we'll actually be on property at that hour while my parents are still with us (they leave the Saturday after the cruise). All of that comes together to take us to the "wrong/non-recommended" parks for 2 days. It's driving me nuts, but we've weighed our reasons and need to do it. Luckily our plans for Easter weekend itself follow the touring suggestions. We figure we'll make it all work and be happy regardless of the crowds! They'll be Disney days, so they'll be great days!

I'll be at Disney in mid-December with my parents (going to watch my foster bro perform with his HS choir), and then again 3 weeks later to cheer on my hubby in the half-marathon in Jan. (staying with our friends who live there and work for Disney). But, since the kids aren't going until the "big trip", I do feel a little pressure to see what they want to see when we go. So, a little planning is in order.

So here's hoping I get the ressies I want in the morning without any problems. Better get to bed!

By the way, so sorry about the bug issues - yuck!! Glad it wasn't bed bugs, though!!

 

[guarn3md]

I hear you about the pressure with following "the recommended park plan"! This past April, after the cruise, we only had two days in WDW - Thursday and Friday. We were doing one day in Epcot and the other in MK. My plan was to do EP on Thursday and MK on Friday. This didn't gel with any advice pages - EasyWDW, TGM, touringplans, ... I was nervous but that was my plan and I was sticking with it! It all worked out in the end!! A crowded day at Disney is better than any other day at home!!
Good luck tomorrow - let us know how you do!!
Deb

 

[RemoCat]

Hey all! So, I got up before the sun and pulled out the ol' laptop to make dining ressies this morning. Since we're staying on property before the cruise, our 180-day window started today. So...I got everything I wanted...almost. But in the end, I think I really got everything I wanted. I'll explain...

We got 1900 Park Fare for the day of arrival, the latest possible breakfast seating. We really _should_ be able to make it, but also reserved for the following Saturday just in case. Our kids LOVE those characters, and we've never been. Excited! Then, off to the cruise Sunday, so no ressies on property. Then again nothing the day we get back, but then doing 50's Prime Time (kids have never been, they'll get a kick out the humor) on Friday, and San Angel Inn on Saturday (again, for the kids and atmosphere).

Here's where I had to make a last minute change. We've been planning on brunch at Chef Mickey's (looks like there's usually an Easter brunch). I put in for 10:15, as we're also planning to do protestant church service at the Contemporary at 9:00. Thought this would be the easiest way to have a meal with Mickey that day. Well...NOTHING is available, any time, all day. I quickly make a switch, and decide to try for 'Ohana (never been, looks like good reviews, looks like we can see Mickey, too). Also, it's on the monorail which would be easiest since we'll be at Contemp anyway. Got it, with several times to choose from. I then decided to call in (by now it was 7:00, because the online system was soooooooo messed up, kicking me out everytime I tried to make a ressie...ahhh...) I speak to a wonderful CM and told her I wanted to be sure there weren't Chef Mickey tables available. After researching (and seeing that other CM's were also looking for this), they discovered that the restaurant hasn't released any times for that day yet. So, still could get one, just have to wait. Anyway, after reading some more and thinking it through, I think I'm going to stick with 'Ohana anyway. Thoughts??? I like the reviews I'm reading, and also think I'm liking the idea of a non-buffet, since it will be such a packed day crowd-wise. Would be nice to just sit and be served.

So anyway, sorry so long, but wanted to through this out there as I know several of you will also be doing this today or this week sometime. If you've been to both 'Ohana and Chef Mickey's for breakfast, please let me know if I'm making a good decision.

Thanks! Erin

 

[guarn3md]

Hey all! So, I got up before the sun and pulled out the ol' laptop to make dining ressies this morning. Since we're staying on property before the cruise, our 180-day window started today. So...I got everything I wanted...almost. But in the end, I think I really got everything I wanted. I'll explain...

We got 1900 Park Fare for the day of arrival, the latest possible breakfast seating. We really _should_ be able to make it, but also reserved for the following Saturday just in case. Our kids LOVE those characters, and we've never been. Excited! Then, off to the cruise Sunday, so no ressies on property. Then again nothing the day we get back, but then doing 50's Prime Time (kids have never been, they'll get a kick out the humor) on Friday, and San Angel Inn on Saturday (again, for the kids and atmosphere).

Here's where I had to make a last minute change. We've been planning on brunch at Chef Mickey's (looks like there's usually an Easter brunch). I put in for 10:15, as we're also planning to do protestant church service at the Contemporary at 9:00. Thought this would be the easiest way to have a meal with Mickey that day. Well...NOTHING is available, any time, all day. I quickly make a switch, and decide to try for 'Ohana (never been, looks like good reviews, looks like we can see Mickey, too). Also, it's on the monorail which would be easiest since we'll be at Contemp anyway. Got it, with several times to choose from. I then decided to call in (by now it was 7:00, because the online system was soooooooo messed up, kicking me out everytime I tried to make a ressie...ahhh...) I speak to a wonderful CM and told her I wanted to be sure there weren't Chef Mickey tables available. After researching (and seeing that other CM's were also looking for this), they discovered that the restaurant hasn't released any times for that day yet. So, still could get one, just have to wait. Anyway, after reading some more and thinking it through, I think I'm going to stick with 'Ohana anyway. Thoughts??? I like the reviews I'm reading, and also think I'm liking the idea of a non-buffet, since it will be such a packed day crowd-wise. Would be nice to just sit and be served.

So anyway, sorry so long, but wanted to through this out there as I know several of you will also be doing this today or this week sometime. If you've been to both 'Ohana and Chef Mickey's for breakfast, please let me know if I'm making a good decision.

Thanks! Erin

Erin it all sounds good! You just gave me food for thought - pun intended! I didn't think about Easter Sunday. I may have to try for a Ohana or 1900 Park Fare breakfast. We have done the Ohana breakfast - so good! We are doing it again in November with 22 of us! We have never done 1900 Park Fare for breakfast, only dinner. I loved the dinner - really fun atmosphere!! Ohana is served family style. They bring a big platter of eggs, waffles, etc... and refill as much as you can eat. The characters are fun and breakfast is good!..I have never done Chef Mickey's for breakfast, only dinner. We have done it so many times I am a little over it - DS however it not!
Debbie

 

[RemoCat]

Thanks for the info, Debbie. I think we are definitely going to stick with 'Ohana - everything I read on here suggests it....great reviews! I'm so excited about the atmosphere, too. Hubby and I love to visit PR (we've never stayed there, though have dreamed of it...), and I don't believe the kids have ever been. Should be fun! My daughter looked at photos and videos (we're telling/asking them about meal choices, even though they still think it's for the summer), and my daughter just sighs and says, "It looks sooo tropical! I just wish I could go to the Bahamas or Caribbean or something!" HA! "Maybe someday, sweeties!"

Still looks like they haven't released CM's for Easter yet. I'm going to keep an eye on it, but only out of curiosity at this point - I'm not changing what I got!

Have a good night!
Erin

 

[RemoCat]

Had some time to post some more photos, for those interested.

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[RemoCat]

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[RemoCat]

It will take a small miracle to get our kids out of the Oceaneers Club each day!

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[SSinWYO]

Are you all ready??? For those coming in the day before the cruise and staying on property, ADR's start tomorrow, and can book up to 10 days worth - it's the 180 day window!!!

I'll be up before the sun getting some ressies (we're coming back to the World after the cruise for Easter weekend). Just don't take any of my dining slots and we're all good.

Also just got a sweet deal on luggage today (we've been needing it for some time - ours has been broken and can't go on a plane anymore). Things are really coming together!

Have a good evening, and get to bed early if you're getting up to make those ressies.

Erin

Ok, Erin - I'll bite being a newbie and all. What is an ADR? And I'm also looking for luggage so where'd you get your great deal? End of March will be here before we know it and I'm starting to get really antsy.

We're also trying to decide what exactly to do with our days before and after as we fly in on the 30th (very late) and out on the 7th (eve). I've been overworking my internet browser to be sure! So many choices!

TTYL!

 

[Deb T.]

Ok, Erin - I'll bite being a newbie and all. What is an ADR?

I can answer that one... ADR = Advanced Dining Reservations.

 

[RemoCat]

Ok, Erin - I'll bite being a newbie and all. What is an ADR? And I'm also looking for luggage so where'd you get your great deal? End of March will be here before we know it and I'm starting to get really antsy.

We're also trying to decide what exactly to do with our days before and after as we fly in on the 30th (very late) and out on the 7th (eve). I've been overworking my internet browser to be sure! So many choices!

TTYL!

Quick reply (running out the door to teach Jazzercise, then I'll give a better reply tonight...): ADRs are Advance Dining Reservations. If you're staying in a Disney resort hotel, you can book dining reservations starting 180 days before your check-in, plus 10 days past your check in date. For example ,we come in on the 31st, stay on property, cruise, then return to property for the 5th-9th. We were able to book all dining reservations for our entire trip (which is why I need to keep teaching Jazzercise - I love food!! )

Also, luggage: Kohls. Had it 60% off the other night, plus I had a 30% off coupon, plus earned Kohl's cash of $20. When all was said and done, got luggage originally priced at $488 for $115!

Let me know if you're staying on property, and I would gladly walk you through the ADR process! I can reply more later this evening.

Erin

 

[SSinWYO]

Thanks Erin and Deb! We aren't staying at a Disney property. Maybe I should re-think that... I'll definitely keep an eye on Kohl's for the luggage, good tip!

 

[guarn3md]

Thanks Erin and Deb! We aren't staying at a Disney property. Maybe I should re-think that... I'll definitely keep an eye on Kohl's for the luggage, good tip!

Even if you aren't staying on property you can still make your ADR's for dining 180 days in Advance. This past Saturday was when you could start making ressies. Saturday was 180 days from 4/5, Sun was 180 from 4/6, etc... So by not staying on property you can just go to disneyworld.com and do each day seperately as they become available. A word of advice - if you plan to eat at any of the Table Service restaurants you really should have reservations and the most popular places will be gone before you know it. Tomorrow is 180 days from Easter Sunday. If you want an Easter Breakfast or dinner somewhere on property it is best to make that reservation tomorrow or soon after. It is so easy to do online... Any questions let us know!
Debbie

 

[guarn3md]

Saturday was my 180 day mark and because we are staying CL the IPO made our reservations. However, there was a glitch. I had to submit this form online but turns out the IPO never got it. I happened to call on Saturday morning because no one called for credit card info for the Fantasmic package and found out that they never got my form! I went through the dining reservations with the CM on the phone and got everything I wanted...
Thursday 4/5 - Mama Melrose Fantasmic package
Friday 4/6 - Teppan Edo
Saturday 4/7 - Kona Cafe
Sunday 4/8 - 1900 Park Fare - Supercalafragilistic Breakfast
Cape May Cafe Dinner
Monday 4/9 - The Plaza

That is what I have for now - this plan may change....
Debbie

 

[WhoDat]

I'm sorry about this, but I have to share a non-cruise thing. We're going to DC in Nov. After extensive research I made hotel ressies in August. I went online today to the hotel website and booked an identical ressie for $30 per day less and then cancelled the original one. Yea me! Now I just have to start planning what we're going to do while there. Any suggestions will be more than welcome.

 

[guarn3md]

Spy musueum is awesome! My in-laws took my son and they all loved it! Smithsonian is always good. I think the Monument is still closed from the earthquake.
When are you going and for how long? There is so much to see... Are you driving or flying - meaning will you have a car?
There is a Gaylord Hotel and they will have ICE there toward the end of November. It was really cool - we went last year and the theme was Dr. Suess.
We live 30 minutes from DC...DH works in Gaithersburg which is on the opposite side of DC from where we live in Annapolis. He has a horrible commute, but at least he only does it 4 times a week. He works from home on Fridays.
Debbie

 

[WhoDat]

Debbie - Thanks for the response. We're going to drive up late on 11/2 and leave mid-morning on 11/6. We're staying in Crystal City so I guess we'll just park the car for the duration and use the Metro.

I have a tour of the Capitol and trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing set up through my congressman's office. They still haven't heard back about the White House. I really, really wanted to go to the top of the Washington Monument but that's obviously not going to happen. The Spy Museum sounds great. Also, DH grew up near KSC in Merritt Island so he's psyched about going to the Air and Space Museum. DS (13) doesn't know about the trip yet but he and I went to the Johnson Space Center in Houston in June and he loved it. Hope it will hold over for the Smithsonian.

We're leaving in just a few weeks but oddly I haven't done any "real" planning for this trip. I keep going back to the disboards instead thinking about April.

Nancy