Before the Shenanigans: A Christmas 2012 PTR (TR Link Posted 1/12/13!)

[SoNotAPrincess]

Your dining plans really do look great!! The only suggestion I have, and if you're really interested in going there, I so don't want to talk you out of it, is considering swapping out Narcoosees for somewhere else (I'd suggest Citricos if you want to stay in that area). Narcoosees was really the only Signature restaurant that we were disappointed by, the atmosphere really is wonderful, but the food wasn't as great as we were hoping.

We LOVED Artist Point though, I'm happy to see it on your list!!

Narcoosees is Gabriel and my "date night", and we've been waffling between it and Citricos. I appreciate your input because I've never been to either! I'll let him know...thank you!!

 

[oboedm]

Love the spreadsheet! I like that you put the requests as special comments throughout... that way if you do remove a character meal you don't disappoint someone. I would say that if you eliminate one, eliminate one where you will be seeing duplicate characters. For example, CMC has similar characters to CM.

I have been to Narcoosee's, but not Citricos. Our meal there was okay. I am not rushing to go back, but I have heard great things about Citricos. Is California Grill going to be open when you go? Or will it be closed for refurbishment by that time?

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Love the spreadsheet! I like that you put the requests as special comments throughout... that way if you do remove a character meal you don't disappoint someone. I would say that if you eliminate one, eliminate one where you will be seeing duplicate characters. For example, CMC has similar characters to CM.

I have been to Narcoosee's, but not Citricos. Our meal there was okay. I am not rushing to go back, but I have heard great things about Citricos. Is California Grill going to be open when you go? Or will it be closed for refurbishment by that time?

Thanks for your input! Gabriel and I decided to change Narcoosees to Citricos, which was a pretty easy decision since we wanted to do both.

I hadn't heard about the Cali Grill refurb, so I'll be checking into it. I hope it will be open...watching Wishes from CG is magical!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

OK, so I've gotten input from just about everyone regarding the first pass at ADRs (and those who don't care enough to let me know what they think will just have to suffer...or try to get last-minute ADRs on their own!)

I got a little push back from the boys on the princess breakfast in Norway, and since Brianna will have her dinner at the castle and will meet the other princesses in the parks (I hope!), I think I can safely take it off the list. No one seemed to care that it would get us into World Showcase when it's deserted. Amateurs!

The other one that is going away is the luau; and, really, I'm not too sad about it. When I went a while back, I was kinda underwhelmed, but my sister was thinking it would be cool until she read some so-so reviews (because, apparently, my opinion isn't enough all by itself!). Plus, we're having two meals at Ohana (overkill?). No hula girls, though, sorry boys!

One bit of exciting news is that my sis and her family are considering an upgrade to the Poly. Erica has been singing its praises since she got back from our Divas weekend, and my BIL thinks it would be a nice gift for her to celebrate her 19th birthday at the resort of her dreams. It's not carved in stone yet, but I'm pretty sure it will happen. I've given them the "Sooner is better than later" speech, and he's promised to let me know this weekend. Fingers crossed!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Up next: Click here for "Princess Party Rescheduled and a Surprise!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

How fun that they might be upgrading to the Poly!!

 

[oboedm]

Ohh! An upgrade to the Poly would be amazing! I hope they are able to do it.... She will be so surprised! I think the ADR "changes" look good. I would much rather eat two meals at the Poly than attend the luau!

 

[PirateKate]

All the ADRs look great to me! I hope the upgrade to the Poly works out. That's such a beautiful resort.

Can you post the link to your TR again? I clicked on the old one and it didn't take me to the right place.

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

How fun that they might be upgrading to the Poly!!

Yes! Erica will FLIP OUT...surprises are such fun!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Ohh! An upgrade to the Poly would be amazing! I hope they are able to do it.... She will be so surprised! I think the ADR "changes" look good. I would much rather eat two meals at the Poly than attend the luau!

I haven't stayed at the Poly myself in a very long time, but with my sis there, it'll be "almost" like I'm staying there, too. And you're right about the surprise...she suspects nothing!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

All the ADRs look great to me! I hope the upgrade to the Poly works out. That's such a beautiful resort.

Can you post the link to your TR again? I clicked on the old one and it didn't take me to the right place.

Convincing them to change to the Poly was easy...keeping it hush-hush for a few months will be a challenge!

For my trip report, click here: A Divalicious World Excursion!!

 

[marDgreen88]

Hi! For some reason I have been missing your links forever and I finally clicked on them... and read it all! (Well, except the diva-licious trip, but I will get there!) I have really enjoyed it! You are so funny.

I just wanted to say, MAJOR CONGRATS on being a cancer survivor! That's amazing!!! I'm so sorry you were sick recently, though. Hope you've been doing well since then!

So for your ADRs... in my 3 trips I have (obviously!!!) not been to all of those places, but I can give you insight to the ones I HAVE been to! (Forgive me if you've been to them all and heard all this a million times!)

I loved the atmosphere at Coral Reef, but I'm not the BIGGEST fan of seafood. The menu just doesn't have enough choices, and the choices they did have weren't very appealing, at least to my family. That being said, I did enjoy the mahi mahi I had ENOUGH, and I'm sure that a seafood lover would enjoy it a lot. I didn't care for the dinner rolls, either. They were too hard or something... BUT I LOVED the creme brulee I had for dessert!

Yak and Yeti is delicious but that is where we noticed that they really emphasize how much you should tip them... and with a large party that might end up being a pretty hefty tip!

I'm a fan of both Sci-Fi and 50's Prime Time, so no complaints there.

I LOVE CRYSTAL PALACE, however, I've never had lunch or dinner there... but I can say that their breakfast is amazing.

And Beaches and Cream... well I'd say your party is large enough to try and conquer a Kitchen Sink! Our party of five couldn't finish it, but we're wimps. As far as food I only had a caesar salad but it was really good, if that means anything! Hahah.

Okay... sorry about how long that got! I hope that at least SOME of this information is useful to you! Can't wait to read about more of your plans in the future! (AND the Diva trip!!!)

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Hi! For some reason I have been missing your links forever and I finally clicked on them... and read it all! (Well, except the diva-licious trip, but I will get there!) I have really enjoyed it! You are so funny.

Hello and welcome!! I'm so happy that you made it over, and I'm glad you're enjoying!

I just wanted to say, MAJOR CONGRATS on being a cancer survivor! That's amazing!!! I'm so sorry you were sick recently, though. Hope you've been doing well since then!

Thanks! Yes, feelin' good and doin' fine now...nothin' like a health scare to make a girl behave herself (for a while anyway)!

So for your ADRs... in my 3 trips I have (obviously!!!) not been to all of those places, but I can give you insight to the ones I HAVE been to! (Forgive me if you've been to them all and heard all this a million times!)

I loved the atmosphere at Coral Reef, but I'm not the BIGGEST fan of seafood. The menu just doesn't have enough choices, and the choices they did have weren't very appealing, at least to my family. That being said, I did enjoy the mahi mahi I had ENOUGH, and I'm sure that a seafood lover would enjoy it a lot. I didn't care for the dinner rolls, either. They were too hard or something... BUT I LOVED the creme brulee I had for dessert!

Yak and Yeti is delicious but that is where we noticed that they really emphasize how much you should tip them... and with a large party that might end up being a pretty hefty tip!

I'm a fan of both Sci-Fi and 50's Prime Time, so no complaints there.

I LOVE CRYSTAL PALACE, however, I've never had lunch or dinner there... but I can say that their breakfast is amazing.

And Beaches and Cream... well I'd say your party is large enough to try and conquer a Kitchen Sink! Our party of five couldn't finish it, but we're wimps. As far as food I only had a caesar salad but it was really good, if that means anything! Hahah.

Thanks for your input...I haven't been to Coral Reef in a while and remember that it was cool to eat surrounded by fishies, but I don't remember the food very well. Which, when you think about it shoulda been a warning to me!

We are SO doing the kitchen sink...I cannot wait. My nephew is under the misguided notion that he can eat half of it by himself. NOT!

Okay... sorry about how long that got! I hope that at least SOME of this information is useful to you! Can't wait to read about more of your plans in the future! (AND the Diva trip!!!)

No worries, I encourage long comments...keep 'em comin'!!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi! I'm all caught up and subbing for the rest! Can't wait to hear about all the plans

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Hi! I'm all caught up and subbing for the rest! Can't wait to hear about all the plans

Welcome! Glad to have you along for the ride!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

After being delayed by my recent health crisis, Jaden’s princess birthday is rescheduled. We’re going to MK on Friday, March 16, and we’re both excited! By necessity, it’s been downsized to one jolly day of practically perfect princess partying; and we’ll be accompanied by Jaden’s mom and Dad (Darrell and Jayne), ensuring that she gets to ride Space and Splash and any other ride that my knee won’t allow me to enjoy.

And as if that isn’t enough, I’ll be spending four glorious days at Disney BY MYSELF from April 26-29. Gabriel has to be out of town and suggested that I might not miss him so much if I’m at Disney. What a sweetie! I’ve been to Disney solo several times but never for more than a day, so I’m pretty excited about this particular jaunt. I’m looking forward to doing things my way at my own leisurely speed, which includes staying up late and not rushing to get up in the morning.

I have to choose my resort and ADRs and get them booked, so that’s my priority for today. I love and adore the deluxes but will probably go with a mod this time unless there’s an exceptional AP or FL resident rate floating around with my name on it. We shall see!


Up Next: Click here for "April Resort and ADRs"

 

[marDgreen88]

Such exciting news! Can't wait to find out where you decide to stay and everything! Sounds great.

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Such exciting news! Can't wait to find out where you decide to stay and everything! Sounds great.

I know! Is there anything better than a surprise Disney trip? I don't think so!! (Trip details in the next post!)

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

OK, so the plans are set!

I figured we wouldn’t be able to get into the Castle for Jaden’s birthday on such short notice, and I was right. But she’s very excited about breakfasting with Pooh and the gang at Crystal Palace, so all is well. I figure we’ll do counter service for lunch and then have dinner at LTT. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there, but it gets pretty good reviews. Fingers crossed! I wish Be Our Guest was going to be open, but you can’t have everything.

For my solo jaunt, I’m staying at POR in a royal room! I’m enormously excited about this, and I’m already being teased mercilessly by family and friends. I’m a bit befuddled by their reaction. What, they didn’t think I’d want to stay in a princess room? Seems like a no-brainer to me! Gabriel very gallantly insisted that I get the dining plan, which is nice because I won’t have to budget for food…it’s already paid for! When you think about it, the folks at Disney are really quite brilliant!

My ADRs are all made, too…woo hoo!

Thursday—AK in the morning/Epcot in the evening
I’ll grab a vanilla Chai from Starbucks on the way over and probably get a slice of pumpkin bread to go with it for breakfast.

For lunch, it’s Yak & Yeti. It’s my first time there, so please let me know what you think, what you recommend, etc.

Dinner will be at the Rose & Crown. I was a bit challenged making the ADRs because there are places that I want to go to with Gabriel in October (like Tutto Italia), but R&C is a safe choice because it’s not high on his list (silly boy) and is one of my favorites.

Friday—Magic Kingdom
Breakfast is at Crystal Palace, strictly for early park entry and puffed French toast, not necessarily in that order! I do feel a bit odd about doing a character meal by myself, but I think it will be OK. If nothing else, I can get some snaps of Pooh and the gang.

My lunch ADR is at Tony’s; but, honestly, I’ll probably change it. I’ve heard so much bad about Tony’s lately (for sure I won’t be getting the lasagna!). I was thinking about The Wave or Kona because they’re only a monorail ride away, and I’ve never been to either for lunch. Then again, I may just go back to the room for an afternoon siesta, which, now that it’s typed out, actually sounds very good. And POR has an awesome food court.

I decided on Grand Floridian Café for dinner. Even though I didn’t love it when Erica and I were there, she loved it so much—and I hear so many raves about it—that I want to give it a second chance. No pork chop this time though! After dinner, I’ll zip back to MK for Wishes and whatever else takes my fancy.


Saturday—Epcot Day
After (potentially) closing down MK the night before, I’ve scheduled a late ADR for Kona because I haven’t stopped thinking about their macadamia nut pancakes since I had them in December.

And then it’s off to Epcot. Ah, my beloved Epcot, how I love thee!
Lunch is at Via Napoli. I’m really looking forward to this ADR because I’ve heard such wonderful things about the pizza. I’m hoping for a light lunch (you can stop laughing now) because, after a break from the park (maybe), dinner is…

…Bistro de Paris! This is my exception to the “not without Gabriel” rule. He’s completely OK with it, but I wish he could be there with me. Ah, life.

Sunday—DHS
If I can still walk after eating so much, I’m already tasting the red velvet cupcake I want for breakfast.

Lunch is slated for the Brown Derby. It’s been forever and a day since I was there. In fact, I can’t even remember what I ate there. I’m waffling on the grapefruit cake because I’m just not a fan of grapefruit, but “they” (whoever “they” are) say it’s wonderful, so I may just have to give it a try.

I anticipate heading for home around 3 p.m., after loading up on various snacks because there’s no way I’ll have used them all.

Gabriel and I have a bet that I won’t make all my ADRs because that is a TON of food described up there. I guess we’ll just have to see.

I’m a little nervous about this trip, which is completely crazy when you think about it…after all, it’s my favorite place; and if I can go by myself for a day, why not four days? I may invite my BFF to come over one night...another thing we’ll just have to wait and see about.

Edited to add: For anyone who's interested, click here for Jaden's Practically Perfect Princess Palooza (a trip report)

Up Next: Click here for "April Solo Trip Update"

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I can't believe how soon your trip for Jaden's birthday is coming up!!!

A solo trip - that's so exciting!!! Of COURSE you're going to stay in a Royal Princess room! I wouldn't expect anything less!!

Your dining plans sound great - definitely a bunch of fun restaurants! Those breakfasts at Kona really do lurk in your dreams for months afterwards, don't they?? Mmmm..pancakes and Tonga Toast!

 

[teekathepony]

Jaden's birthday plans sound awesome!
Love the solo trip plans, I've always wanted to do a few days solo!
Hmm bad things about Tony's? Interesting... I haven't heard those things and my fam ate there in September and all 6 of us loved it! Oh well, I guess we caught them on a good day! lol