April 2010 ABD Backstage Magic : California Here We Come!!!

[columnwest]

I just got my docs, and faxed them into Disney. I called ABD and confirmed that they got them. I was worried since sending them snail mail from Canada would've taken longer than 14 days, and you can't FedEx them due to the PO Box address. But, it looks like all is good now.

I'm going to be arriving two days early at the Hollywood Rennaissance. If people are doing Universal or other stuff, I'd certainly be interested in tagging along, especially since I'm a solo traveler this time out. I won't have a car though.

 

[slapwhitey]

I just got my docs, and faxed them into Disney. I called ABD and confirmed that they got them. I was worried since sending them snail mail from Canada would've taken longer than 14 days, and you can't FedEx them due to the PO Box address. But, it looks like all is good now.

I'm going to be arriving two days early at the Hollywood Rennaissance. If people are doing Universal or other stuff, I'd certainly be interested in tagging along, especially since I'm a solo traveler this time out. I won't have a car though.

We'll be there 2 days early as well. Haven't finalized any plans yet though....still working out airfare. We'll probably be doing some sort of Studio tour (most likely WB). Once we get it figured out we'll keep everyone posted in case others are into the same thing.

Thanks for the heads up about faxing from Canada. We're getting our paperwork filled out today....slipped our mind this week. I'll fax it tomorrow rather than snail mail.


Chris

 

[slapwhitey]

Sorry, double post

 

[katscradle]

I just got my docs, and faxed them into Disney. I called ABD and confirmed that they got them. I was worried since sending them snail mail from Canada would've taken longer than 14 days, and you can't FedEx them due to the PO Box address. But, it looks like all is good now.

I'm going to be arriving two days early at the Hollywood Rennaissance. If people are doing Universal or other stuff, I'd certainly be interested in tagging along, especially since I'm a solo traveler this time out. I won't have a car though.

I sent our off in the mail last week without even thinking.
I hope they get them.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I hope you all are keeping healthy during this early flu season. My family is getting over being sick. DS9, DD6 and I all had the flu. DS9 and I were on Tamiflu for five days. For me, it didn't work very well. A week later, I am still coughing, weak, nauseous and just not 100%. I want to get better! It is so frustrating! DD6 was prescribed a Tamiflu compound which I had to drive to a couple of pharmacies until I found one able to fill the prescription. Poor Bill had strep throat. DS4 was the only one that wasn't sick. It was very weird because he is the most vulnerable. He did get a flu mist last month during his annual check-up. Maybe, that actually helped?!?!?!?!

My Wii Fit Plus arrived on Monday. It's an early Christmas present from Bill. I asked for it as soon as I heard there was new version coming out. I do not have the older version. But, I heard great things about it and wanted to give it a try since we cancelled our gym membership at the beginning of the summer. The Lifetime Fitness rates were getting outrageous! When doing a budget, that was one of the first things to go. Since being sick, I haven't felt like doing anything nevermind exercise. Also, I didn't feel like hopping on the board and hearing that "Ohhhhhhh!" after the character blows up like a balloon. Bill's friend told him about it. I can't wait to amuse my husband with my avitar. I plan to start on Monday. I know that sounds so cliche'. But, I want to be 100% healthy before jumping around. Does anyone have the Wii Fit? If so, how do you like it?

Have a great day y'all!

Jennifer

 

[klam_chowder]

Glad to hear you're all recovering Jennifer.

Love the wii fit - tho it's been quite a while since I've been on it so it will tell me it's wii fat or wii don't fit by the time I step on. All my pants are quite a bit tighter so I really need to get back on it - I'll join you and say I'll start on Monday Let us know what you think of the wf+

Make it a great weekend folks!

cheers,

 

[Dodie]

I'm going to ask this here instead of by e-mail because, as far away as this trip is at this point, it will probably happen to someone else.

Northwest has changed our flight numbers twice since we submitted our paperwork to ABD. The times are the same, but the numbers have changed.

How should we let ABD know this - or should we let DU know so they can inform ABD?

Thanks.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Please just let me know if any of your info changes and I will pass it along to ABD.

As your agent, this allows us to keep track your reservation and note any changes.

a few weeks prior to our Adventure, I will check for any information that might have changed at the last minute and notify ABD of the changes.

Please do not consider this an immposition. It's just part of what we do.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Dodie]

Thanks, as always, Kevin! The e-mail is on its way.

In reality, April will be here before we know it. I'm currently focused on December and Disapalooza, but this trip (and the "pay-in-full" date) are going to come upon us fast!

 

[stenogoddess]

It looks like Disney shopping is clearing out all of its ABD stuff. Here's the link in case anyone wants to pick something up!

http://www.disneystore.com/disney/store//departments/adventures-by-disney/cdo/64999/

 

[Carolinagal]

Thanks, Lauren, for the info - I picked up a couple of things!

Not sure if ya'll keep up with Deb Wills, but she is on "our" adventure right now! She is posting pictures on Twitter and Facebook.

Happy rest of the week to you all!

 

[katscradle]

It looks like Disney shopping is clearing out all of its ABD stuff. Here's the link in case anyone wants to pick something up!

http://www.disneystore.com/disney/store//departments/adventures-by-disney/cdo/64999/

It's no good in Canada.

 

[spokanemom]

HELP!!!

Fuzzy Disney Math is at work in my brain...

Since someone took pity on me (thanks Heather!) I am now saving the single person supplement on the ABD trip. YEA!!

My kids are leaving to Hawaii in January for a week with their dad's family. My DH and I are going to be childless for the first time pretty much ever. I was thinking at work today that I really need a vacation. I just got back from one 2.75 weeks ago, but that is really not important... BTW, the cruise was so relaxing!

I am just thinking with the money that I saved thanks to Heather and that I could just not come to the ABD trip early (thus saving potential hundreds), I could squeeze in a trip to WDW. I have already been pricing. I have a single day ticket left over from the last trip, I could use that as a "down payment" on our tickets. We don't need DDP, so could go room only. A discount for the room may come out. Churros, Dole Whips, and Mickey Bars (the Mickey Bars are for my DH, I am only looking out for him) would make great meals.

2 trips for the price of 1. Right?

Any thoughts?

 

[MatthewT212]

Hello everyone! I'm Matthew (MatthewT212) and I wanted to introduce myself to all of you and like all of you I'm VERY excited about the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic trip in April.

Not only will this be my first trip to Disneyland but I've also decided to extend the trip so we can visit the Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

I've never been with a group of people who love Disney as much as I do and on top of that having some of the DisUnplugged team with us makes this trip even more enjoyable.

I know this is sort of a ramble but I wanted to say Hi to everyone and that I'm looking forward to meeting all of you. I hope we can get to know each other before our trip and a HUGE thank you to Kevin for all his help! There are a lot of firsts for me with this trip and Kevin is making it a VERY smooth trip!

Thank you and looking forward to meeting all of you SOON!

Matthew
(MatthewT212)

 

[slapwhitey]

Welcome aboard Matthew!! Strap yourself in, it should be one heck of a ride.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Welcome aboard Matthew!! Strap yourself in, it should be one heck of a ride.

Welcome Matthew!

Off Topic:
Chris, Was the food at Kouzzina as bad as Kevin said during the Podcast???? I just cancelled our ADR for November because Bill (DH) refused to eat there after listening to the Podcast. We try and give every WDW restaurant at least one try with disregard to reviews. But, it really sounded terrible and a waste of money and "Disney" time that could be spent elsewhere.

Jennifer

 

[slapwhitey]

Welcome Matthew!

Off Topic:
Chris, Was the food at Kouzzina as bad as Kevin said during the Podcast???? I just cancelled our ADR for November because Bill (DH) refused to eat there after listening to the Podcast. We try and give every WDW restaurant at least one try with disregard to reviews. But, it really sounded terrible and a waste of money and "Disney" time that could be spent elsewhere.

Jennifer

It was pretty mediocre. I can only speak to what I tried but honestly the best thing I had was the brussel sprouts. Like I said to Kevin, it's a long way to go for brussel sprouts. Tracey had the steak...it was good...but average. Also very small on top of I think 4 tiny potatoes. My dish was by no means inedible but it really was like a cheesecake combined with an entree. Basically just pasta and meat sauce covered with a soft cheese. Maybe I just don't appreciate Greek cuisine but flavors aside. The portion size, prices and time invested does not seem worth it to me. All I can say is thank God for good company. Could have been a lot worse.

BTW...John's bang on with his soup description.

Chris

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

BTW...John's bang on with his soup description.

Chris

The description was very nauseating. "Lemon Sweat" Yum! Yum!

Thanks for the info! I am sure I made the right decision with the cancellation. Dining at Disney can get VERY expensive, especially when we'll be there for two weeks with a family of five (also, my nephew and mom are coming along for the second week!). I would have been really upset with a very subpar meal for the price. It's a shame they closed Spoodles. We ate there a few times and really liked it. The pasta with sausage was yummy and the flatbread pizza appetizers were great!!!! I do remember the hostesses and wait staff were NOT very good. From the review, it sounds like the staff might be the same from Spoodles.

Thanks again for the info!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

The Southwest rates are out for April. I hope by the end of the weekend, with some comparison shopping, we'll have our flight booked for this trip.

Jennifer

 

[tickledtink33]

Welcome Matthew!

Off Topic:
Chris, Was the food at Kouzzina as bad as Kevin said during the Podcast???? I just cancelled our ADR for November because Bill (DH) refused to eat there after listening to the Podcast. We try and give every WDW restaurant at least one try with disregard to reviews. But, it really sounded terrible and a waste of money and "Disney" time that could be spent elsewhere.

Jennifer

I ate at Kouzzina back in September and I enjoyed my meal. I had the flank steak. Both the steak and the potatos were very tastey. I also had the little donuts with dipping sauces for dessert. these weren't bad but I would try something else next time. I will agree that my meal was not huge but I did not leave hungry. I was comfortably full not stuffed. I don't need to leave a restaurant uncomforable and stuffed. Looking at the menu I would have to say that not everything would be to everyones taste. I stuck with something safe that I knew i would probably like. The price wasn't outrageous. With a soda, entree and dessert I paid about $33 including tip with the TIW card. I say give it a try if you want to. Remember, we all like different things and different experiences. For instance, lots of people love Whispering Canyon cafe but I can't stand the place. I just don't find someone yelling Ketchup and having 30 bottles delivered to my table entertaining. But I have met folks who eat here all the time because it is one of their favorites. Thank goodness we don't all like the same thing. In addition, I have had bad experiences at even my favorite restaurants on property. My general rule is I will avoid a Disney restaurant where I have had 2 back to back bad experiences for about 3 years and then give them another chance.