Baseball and Magic! Mar 2014 PTR, Um- make that TWO trips please!

[francis6306]

So, I chose to enjoy some drinks, but not as heavily as others on our trip… I've actually never had "too much" to drink, because I'm a bit of a control freak and I cannot stand the thought of not being in complete control of myself and my actions. Anyway, I sipped on rum punch or strawberry daiquiris in between cokes and water.

My Strawberry is at the top… we had several colorful drinks over the weekend!


The resort is an all-inclusive and had a buffet that was opened all day. There was also the "Barefoot Grille" and Jerk Hut for lunch. For dinner, there were a few places to eat that you had to make reservations the day before (and ONLY the day before! Where is my 180 days???) We went to the Seabreeze (Seafood), Kenko (Japanese/Jamaican fusion) and Sorrento (Italian).

My favorite was Kenko. It was a hibachi/teppanyaki place. It was really good, but not totally traditional Japanese. We had a girl chef and she was amazing!


Sorrento, was good, but I guess I just assumed there would be more Pasta dishes, and there wasn't. I was a little disappointed, but luckily that day at lunch, the buffet had a pasta station and I got chicken alfredo then.


So that's my Jamaica trip… lots of sleeping and resting with a lot of girl time! I am SO glad that I went, as I have had a pretty crappy summer. I am so grateful for a supportive husband that can step up and take care of the kids and isn't afraid to let me go out of town.

 

[francis6306]

I have to stop looking at times and hours and such. I keep over thinking and getting myself confused! haha!

So, anyway, My plan will work out for us even if we arrive on Sunday, vs Saturday. Although, I DO hope we can arrive on Saturday… Not sure if I've explained the problem, but the Basketball Tournaments happen that weekend- they start on Thursday. And who goes to tournaments with the team? The Cheerleaders and band! If the Basketball teams stinks, then they won't make it to the tourny and easy peasy because the band won't go without the basketball team! The OVC has the men's and women's Tourney's the same weekend, which is nice- a lot of other conferences host them over two weekends, which would make this trip impossible.

So, if they make it to the tourny, then Corey will already be in Nashville on friday. When Cortlyn comes home from school that day, we will jump in the car and head to Nashville- either way! We have friends in the area andNashville is a good stopping point. Orlando is only about 10 hours from there. So we will just leave early on Saturday. HOWEVER, if the basketball teams are GOOD, then Corey may have to stay with the band. UNLESS he has a good Grad Student that can come to the Tourny and stay with the band if the team is good.

Now, we MAY be able to fly from Nashville or Memphis to Orlando, but then coming home gets tricky… I'm still watching for good deals. If we can get it for under $100 each way, then I MAY consider flying. But buying 4 tickets is the hard part! I'm doing my part to get points from Airtran through ERewards… I should have enough for one flight for me, so that would be good. We'll see if that will work out for us- but I'm not planning on it.

If Corey has to stay with the team, then we will just leave Sunday morning… which will shift everything around. I will move our EPCOT day to Wed and we just won't have a break day. Why you ask? Because I can't imagine going to Disney World and NOT going to MK first!! It's a MUST!! I KNOW the other parks are good- but I like to START by seeing the Castle and It's a Small World people!!!!

Of course, if we have to leave on Sunday morning, I want to leave SUPER early- because I do NOT want to cancel my Ohana ressie on Sunday evening! We have never been there, and I think we will like it.

 

[jenseib]

Love the Jamica trip. It's one of those places I still want to see!

I know what you mean about the dining plan. It's getting higher and higher. Do an add up of the buffets though. They are really high too. UGH! The year I went without dining I really avoided most of the buffets because they were so high priced, even breakfast. We did 1900PF for breakfast and I think it was like $60 or more with just the 2 of us.
I know I probably don't save much though either with the plan, but I do like the prepaid part. Once Claire goes to adult price though, I really will be reconsidering it.

I hope you can get there early rather than later. I bet it is driving you batty not knowing.

 

[francis6306]

Love the Jamica trip. It's one of those places I still want to see!

I know what you mean about the dining plan. It's getting higher and higher. Do an add up of the buffets though. They are really high too. UGH! The year I went without dining I really avoided most of the buffets because they were so high priced, even breakfast. We did 1900PF for breakfast and I think it was like $60 or more with just the 2 of us.
I know I probably don't save much though either with the plan, but I do like the prepaid part. Once Claire goes to adult price though, I really will be reconsidering it.

I hope you can get there early rather than later. I bet it is driving you batty not knowing.

I really enjoyed it! I think you know, I'm so landlocked, I have to travel pretty far to get to a beach anyway, why limit us to the Florida beaches? We could go anywhere!

Yeah, I'm going to add everything up closer to time. Honestly, I'm really hoping for a decent shot at Free Dining. I know it's a long shot, but I gotta hope for it!! If we get free dining, then of course, we'll have the dining plan. The "prepaid" part is the best part though.

Um, yeah! It's really hard! Hopefully we will have a good idea closer to the trip. It's really going to depend on his staff and the basketball team.

 

[francis6306]

OMG. I had a LONG post written and my internet crashed!! My WHOLE post is gone.

Not that I have a ton of readers, but still!

 

[emmysmommy]

Christen, I'm finally caught up. So many wonderful updates and plans!! Yay!

Also, I think I commented on FB but I'm so sorry about losing your grandpa. I truly believe that your future with him will be far more glorious than your past.

So, in the middle of all the sad and crazy, we had family pictures taken& did I share any of those here? I don't think that I did&

That is such an AWESOME family photo! Seriously just fabulous.

How's Cort doing with kindergarten?

Okay, so&.

We decided to book POR for this trip. Cortlyn had wanted a Pirate room, but I'm just not sure if I want to upgrade to that.

I am totally bummed that it looks like we will have to do the Magic Bands. I HATE wearing bracelets and I don't want to have to plan my FPs for the day& Oh well. I'll get used to it- it's Disney after all!

How exciting!!! And Cortlyn gets the pirate room. This will be a memorable trip for her.

I've read that you can double dip and reserve FPs ahead of time with the magic bands and pull paper fast passes. Try it and let us know!!

Soooo& Today was the DAY!!!

So here is my list!!

Sun- O'hana Dinner! NEW!!!!
Mon-Teppan Edo Dinner! NEW!!!!
Tues-Hollywood & Vine Breakfast
Wed- 1900 Park Fare Breakfast
Thurs- CRT Breakfast
Fri- Tusker House Breakfast

Love all of your dining choices ... just haven't tried Hollywood & Vine. I'm still bummed that I had to give up my 'Ohana dinner this last trip.

I really enjoyed reading about your Jamaica trip. Sounds like the nice relaxing time was somewhat medicinal! I loved the movie The Help. I can imagine the book was so much better.

Sorry about your post crashing. Argh!!

 

[jenseib]

OMG. I had a LONG post written and my internet crashed!! My WHOLE post is gone.

Not that I have a ton of readers, but still!

I hate when that happens.

 

[francis6306]

Christen, I'm finally caught up. So many wonderful updates and plans!! Yay!

Also, I think I commented on FB but I'm so sorry about losing your grandpa. I truly believe that your future with him will be far more glorious than your past.

Thank you! My soul knows that, but sometimes it's hard to get the mind to remember!

That is such an AWESOME family photo! Seriously just fabulous.

Thank you!! I think this canvas will be my favorite!

How's Cort doing with kindergarten?

She is LOVING it! Seriously, she LIVES for Monday mornings!

How exciting!!! And Cortlyn gets the pirate room. This will be a memorable trip for her.

I don't think I made that clear- sorry! Pirate Rooms are at CBR, and we decided on POR. POR has a pirate CRUISE that Cortlyn is probably going to go on though.. more on that to come

I've read that you can double dip and reserve FPs ahead of time with the magic bands and pull paper fast passes. Try it and let us know!!

I have read that too!! I'm wondering if that will still be the case in March?

Love all of your dining choices ... just haven't tried Hollywood & Vine. I'm still bummed that I had to give up my 'Ohana dinner this last trip.

I don't think you are missing anything major at H&V, but it's a great character interaction for the littles!

I really enjoyed reading about your Jamaica trip. Sounds like the nice relaxing time was somewhat medicinal! I loved the movie The Help. I can imagine the book was so much better.

Jamaica was WONDERFUL! The book was amazing, but I'm a ridiculous reader… I can't put stuff down!

Sorry about your post crashing. Argh!!

I hate when that happens.

It STINKS!!!

 

[francis6306]

YA'LL! This week has been CRAZY!!! Miss Cortlyn had soccer and cheerleading this week! CRAZY I tell you!

So my post that disappeared to thanks to the interwebz fairies… I found out that one of my friend's sisters just got a job as a Concierge at Port Orleans!! I'm so excited! She was working on Main Street when we went in Nov, but we couldn't find her, so now that she is going to be working at our resort, I'm SURE to see her at least once, right?!?!

I also started to talk about my plans for the week… but I'm not going to go that deep into it right now… I'm so sleepy! I just want to crawl in bed!! As it stands- if we are able to arrive at The World on Saturday night then this is the general plan:

• Sunday- MK
  We have a meal planned at O'Hana this night. I REALLY hope that no matter what we're able to make this meal! Fingers crossed for a yummy lunch at Peso's Bills
• Monday- Epcot
  Teppan Edo for dinner! The F&G festival is going on, and I know last year they had some food vendors like for the F&W festival, so I'm HOPING they are doing something like that again… I haven't done much research on it yet.
• Tuesday- Hollywood Studios
  Hollywood and Vine Breakfast- but… if we have to have FP+ by this time, then MAYBE this isn't as necessary as before… and perhaps, we could change this to a lunch over there?? But then Brenda had that experience with the rat…
• Wednesday- Break day
  We have 1900 Park Fare as a breakfast this morning… Cortlyn requested this and I was more than happy to book that for her! I'm also thinking DTD this day- so that would mean EOS for lunch, right???
• Thursday- Magic Kingdom again
  This is a EMH morning, so we have a later breakfast booked at CRT. Cortlyn really wanted Catie to eat in the Castle and with that new menu… well, it was a twist of the arm, but OKAY! Maybe we can do dinner at Casey's or one of those Waffle Sandwiches??
• Friday- Animal Kingdom
  Tusker House Breakfast first thing in the AM. Of course, again, with the FP+ this extra early time isn't as necessary… so maybe we could move this to a lunch? Also considering that we could do Boatwrights for dinner this night, since we're staying at POR. Gonna wait and see on this though. We may just try and call after nap
• Saturday- Leave? Extra Park day?
  I'd love to do at least a breakfast this morning, but I dunno… Kona, Chef Mickey's, or maybe even WCC for breakfast?

I'll get a little more detailed later…

 

[emmysmommy]

Yep, We saw Remy's little friend was at HBD. I'd go back.... it didn't scare me away for good.

I hope you are able to keep 'Ohana... love that dinner. And YES, you must do EoS if you are in DTD. Do you also like WPE? That is another DTD favorite of ours.

For your last breakfast if you do Chef Mickey's that would make it all character breakfasts right? (H&V, 1900 PF, Tusker House, and CRT) Actually Chef Mickey's is one of the only character breakfasts that we have not tried. (that and H&V) However, I'm a huge Kona fan.

 

[francis6306]

Yep, We saw Remy's little friend was at HBD. I'd go back.... it didn't scare me away for good.

Yeah, it's bound to happen… I actually saw a little field mouse in the parking lot at church this morning! Our church is literally in the middle of cornfields- have I mentioned I live in the middle of nowhere??

I hope you are able to keep 'Ohana... love that dinner. And YES, you must do EoS if you are in DTD. Do you also like WPE? That is another DTD favorite of ours.

We went to WPE last year… and that is where the dreaded "CAMERA" incident happened…….

For your last breakfast if you do Chef Mickey's that would make it all character breakfasts right? (H&V, 1900 PF, Tusker House, and CRT) Actually Chef Mickey's is one of the only character breakfasts that we have not tried. (that and H&V) However, I'm a huge Kona fan.

Yeah, I thought about that with the characters, so that's why I'm struggling… That and the fact that there are only about a dozen places I'd like to try!

 

[francis6306]

A brief update to what has been keeping me from my necessary Disney planning!!!

First of all, last weekend was the first home Football game. At home games this is where you find me:


Because I have to take care of these girls:



It's the perk of being married to the band director! I get to help out with the guard and twirler! We are way too into our kids and love them like family- but don't tell them that… then they will know we're a bunch of pushovers… They performed at a marching festival yesterday that was 2 hours away and we didn't get to go with them. With Catie being so little still, I struggle to find the right balance of being a part of the action and having small kids. Next year I think she will be able to travel with the band better!

Cortlyn also had soccer and cheerleading this week! WHEW! They don't have tiny cheer teams (I think you have to be in 4th or 5th grade), so the HS does a big cheer clinic for the littles- so much fun! Cortlyn has also wanted to play soccer since she was old enough to know what it was, so we are playing fall soccer. They don't keep score and it looks like they are just sorta herding cats with all those little kids on the field… but she enjoys it!



Catie is struggling with being the "little sister" right now… she just wants to play!


It started raining RIGHT as the girls took the field for their cheer performance… It's okay. Catie was prepared- she had Tink to cover her!



MORE DISNEY SOON!!! I promise! This week should be MUCH easier to deal with!

 

[francis6306]

Okay, Magic Kingdom day!

• Sunday- MK
  We have a meal planned at O'Hana this night. I REALLY hope that no matter what we're able to make this meal! Fingers crossed for a yummy lunch at Peso's Bills

I'm starting to think about what FP+'s I will want to pull if we end up with the Magic Bands. Considering that they are expanding the "test" I'm thinking I will end up with them. I have heard conflicting things about littles getting a MB and I'm hopeful that Catie WILL get a bracelet. (Even though the answer from the Mom Panel said I wouldn't…)

Of course, it all depends on what they offer. Does anyone have a link to see what the choices are right now?

I know our MUST DO rides are as follows!

• It's a Small World
  It's not a trip to MK without this, right??
• Thunder Mountain
  I think that Cortlyn will like this ride!
• Pirates of the Caribbean
  We've missed this the last several trips. And you know, I have a Pirate loving kiddo!
• Space Mountain (for ME!)
  I don't think I'm going to try this with Cortlyn. Unless she really surprises me, but since it's a single rider style ride, I won't make her feel like she is missing out on anything here. Corey doesn't really like coasters…
• Little Mermaid
  Love this ride!
• Barnstormer
  Catie should be plenty tall enough for this!
• DUMBO!!!!
  Well, that goes without saying...
• Mickey's PhilharMagic
  This is a family tradition now, since Corey is the "conductor" in our family!
• Jungle Cruise
  LOVED this at night last trip, but I think I'd like to try it during the day now too!

We're having computer issues, so I'll be back with MUST DO shows, food/snacks and characters!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ohana oh how I love thee!

I think that there is a list of the attractions that use the new fastpass plus but I don't remember where I saw it. Maybe on someone's trip report? If I find it, I'll post it for you. Most reports that I am reading say that they are pretty easy to use and most are satisfied with them.

Loving your list of attractions that you must visit on your Magic Kingdom day. Those are all on our list too.

 

[emmysmommy]

That photo of Catie with the Tink umbrella is ADORABLE!!

Even if they don't issue Catie a Magic Band I'm sure you could ask for one from concierge/front desk even if it is just a pretty color and isn't linked to anything. Assuming she'll want a "bracelet" for the novelty and not because it works??

Love the must do MK ride list. I still have not been on Barnstormer but everything else just doesn't feel like I've been to Disney if I don't hit them up.

Wishing you a happy Wednesday!!!

 

[francis6306]

Ohana oh how I love thee!

I think that there is a list of the attractions that use the new fastpass plus but I don't remember where I saw it. Maybe on someone's trip report? If I find it, I'll post it for you. Most reports that I am reading say that they are pretty easy to use and most are satisfied with them.

Loving your list of attractions that you must visit on your Magic Kingdom day. Those are all on our list too.

Yeah, I know I have seen them somewhere. I have plenty of time (you do that 60 days out, I think? ), but you know, if I'm going to plan it- I NEED to play it NOW so I'm ready on day 60!

And my hestitation with the new FP+ is that I like to judge things based on my girls on that day. My crystal ball JUST shattered, so I can't tell if this day is going to be an early nap day or not…

That photo of Catie with the Tink umbrella is ADORABLE!!

Even if they don't issue Catie a Magic Band I'm sure you could ask for one from concierge/front desk even if it is just a pretty color and isn't linked to anything. Assuming she'll want a "bracelet" for the novelty and not because it works??

Love the must do MK ride list. I still have not been on Barnstormer but everything else just doesn't feel like I've been to Disney if I don't hit them up.

Wishing you a happy Wednesday!!!

Yes… we can't have one sister with a pretty bracelet and the other sister with no bracelet… Having two girls is tough like that! I have heard on some other boards that moms with littles are getting them, but I've also read of some NOT getting them.

You need to ride Barnstormer! It's a quick ride, but a lot of fun!

 

[jenseib]

Weird...I know I responded to your other posts...but it's gone.

I got to make a Few ADR's this week. I got BOG, so I am happy now!!!!

You are way ahead with your planning. I am still not sure what the whole plan is for the week. One day we want to do legoland and I haven't decided which.

 

[francis6306]

Weird...I know I responded to your other posts...but it's gone.

I got to make a Few ADR's this week. I got BOG, so I am happy now!!!!

You are way ahead with your planning. I am still not sure what the whole plan is for the week. One day we want to do legoland and I haven't decided which.

I know all about missing posts….

I think staying off site helps you with seeing other parks… it's hard to imagine doing US or Legoland when you are minutes away from the Magic Kingdom!

 

[francis6306]

So, I've been eating up every review about Magic Bands and FP+ since, I'm fairly sure we will have them. I believe that both PO resorts are now "testing" them. I doubt they would go back to cards at this point. I was happy to read this blogpost and especially this part:

Of course, my two year old didnt actually need a Magic Band since he didnt have a park ticket, but when I ordered my Bands prior to my trip I called and Disney agreed to send him his very own accessory to avoid the inevitable screaming.

Makes me hopeful- plenty of people have said that they have given the littles MB's& Let's just hope that continues to be the case!!!!

Yesterday was incredibly busy! We had a TON going on& but the MOST IMPORTANT part of the day was when we were outside and I saw the postman drive up. I noticed that he "parked" the vehicle and I jumped up and started running towards him- you know what it means when they PARK right? That means there is a PACKAGE!!!!!! And I was RIGHT! He had THIS!!!


Which had THIS inside!


Don't judge me for opening it while on the porch. I do this for MY DAUGHTERS& THEY wanted to see this. You know& because they were practically FORCING me to check online constantly to see when it would arrive&. It was ALL them& Not me&

 

[francis6306]

Not sure I have many readers, BUT,



I got a ROOM ONLY DISCOUNT for our trip!!! YAY!!


I read online that Play, Stay and Dine and a Room Only discount were out for Disney Card holders- which I AM!! Luckily, my TA Jenn was able to call and get me the Room Only Discount, since the PS&D dates end right before my trip! But I was able to save about $300 for our trip AND I got to upgrade to a garden view!!