Break out the bubbly and warn the waiters...she's coming back!

[Circusgirl]

It's so fun to see the plan evolve!

Don't worry at all about Sci Fi alone. Last time I went I was introduced to the family already seated in the front of the car as the "back seat driver" and it was just fine. The film clips are great fun, and the atmosphere is worth a visit. I loved my shrimp, artichoke and penne pasta with feta cheese!

If the California Grill ressie is hard to come by, remember that you can walk up and go eat in the lounge/bar area and have the same great view and meal.

I vote concert, then dinner/IllumiNations.

I'm glad you're going to try Saana! I've reserved Jiko for my trip but am thinking of switching.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wanna get up early on Saturday to email with me back and forth to ease my ADR angst? Just kidding. That's too much to ask of anyone. But hopefully by the time you wake on Sat I will have some ADRs to report.

Hey, I don't mind being up and offering support -- I can live vicariously through you!

Any time I plan anything Disney-esque I think of you and MeMom. You both plan the best little celebrations!

But don't get too excited about the cinnamon rolls. I'm popping them out of the can and baking.

That's the way I make them at my house. Not nearly as good as the ones I fell in love with at the Mara, but they do in a pinch.

 

[Circusgirl]

I have ~ a week to finalize ADRs. I think I'm about there. More on that in the next few days. But in the meantime, thought I'd get started on my lists (shout out to Lady Lallie list-maker extraordinaire ). Through a combo of DIS TRs I decided to compile lists of must-do's, never-dones and would like to do's.


So, here is the Magic Kingdom. What do you think?? Have I missed anything?

MUST-DO’S
*Shopping along Main Street
*Dole Whip
*Pirates
*Jungle Cruise
*Carousel of Progress
*Tomorrowland Transit Authority
*Haunted Mansion


NEVER DONE:
*Tiki Room Under New Management – but I’m hesitant to spoil the perfect memory I have of the original from my Disneyland trip in ‘07
*Stitch – but based on what I’ve read, I don’t think I’m going to fix that
*That rocket ship thing in Tomorrowland where you ride an elevator to get on and then the ships spin in a circle
*El Pirata y el Pericho
*Cosmic Rays
*Columbia Harbour House
*Plaza
*Spectromagic
*The wishing well by the Castle
*The Train (at least not that I remember)
*Teacups... and ain't gonna change that.


WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS TRIP (other than the must-do’s):
*Rides at night: Jungle Cruise, Thunder Mountain, Swiss Family Treehouse (supposedly you can get some neat pictures from near the top!), TTA
*Eat at the Plaza (part of my Cheeseburgers in Paradise tour of WDW)
*Spectromagic
*MNSSHP
*Explore Toon Town in more detail
*Fairies?
*Meet some characters! Maybe a character meal?
*Find the wishing well and make a wish!
*Dumbo – haven’t done this since I was a kid!
*Splash – not one of my must do’s but I’d like to do it!
*Hall of Presidents – can’t wait to see the Obama animatronic!
*Mickey’s Philharmagic – did this for the first time in December. LOVED it! And Katie’s story about her DS being so excited that Donald actually flew out of the film still warms my heart.
*Get an ice cream sandwich from the Main St Bakery
*See the Mr. Toad shout out on the Pooh ride
* Peter Pan for sentimental reasons
* Pull the sword from the stone!
*See the mural inside the building by Tony's (is that too cryptic? Do you know what I mean??)

What do you have on your lists? What have I missed? What are your MK favorites?

Up next, some MK photo favorites and finalizing those ADRs.
 

Your must do list has a nice blend of things on it!

You are right to be concerned about the Tiki Room. Sometimes change isn't good.

During MNSSHP last year, I rode both Dumbo and the Rocket Jets. The lines were non-existent to extremely short, so I took advantage of that to cross them off my not done since childhood list. There was the added fun of people being in costume (I rode on the Rocket Jets alongside a group dressed as Mayonnaise, Mustard and Ketchup) and it was super fun to see the view from up there.

I too recommend Columbia Harbor House and the tuna salad sandwich.

The train is a great foot resting place and it is fun to see the back of BTM. I hop on when I'm tired and want to rest a bit before going on.

I was never a big Spectro fan, but at my last visit I took a spot near Tony's Restaurant where I could see the parade head on and then from the side as it turned the corner, and I really enjoyed it. Watch out for the music - it will stay with you FOREVER.

Is the ice cream sandwich at the Plaza like the one from Sleepy Hollow? My new addictions as of my last trip were both the Sleepy Hollow ice cream sandwich and their hot Mickey waffle with powdered sugar.

Toon Town has great details and jokes. It's a good spot for afternoon wandering.

 

[Flossbolna]

AS others have already said, the rockets on AstroOrbiter do not wist and turn, but you can make them go up and down and if they go up, they are actually quite tilted as you can seen in the picture. It also goes somewhat fast but not considerably faster than Dumbo, it just appear so as it is higher up. But i was taking pictured with just one hand and that's why they turned out so wobbly. I think it adds a bit of excitement to the pictures

The ADRs look good! I would suggest doing concert first than dinner. And I can recommend Flying Fish very much. I had a lovely dinner there and will definitely return! Also I would suggest the Wave before your second MNSHHP. First of all, I would love to read about how you liked it but also because it is in walking distance from the MK, you will be at the party very quickly!

I would have kept you company on Saturday morning (considering that 6 am is noon for me), but unfortunately I will be away this weekend without my computer!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hoping to hook up with some WDW Radio pals for a drink at Paradiso 37 before we go into the Club.

You're welcome to join us!

I would love to! Thanks so much!!

It's so fun to see the plan evolve!

Don't worry at all about Sci Fi alone. Last time I went I was introduced to the family already seated in the front of the car as the "back seat driver" and it was just fine. The film clips are great fun, and the atmosphere is worth a visit. I loved my shrimp, artichoke and penne pasta with feta cheese!

If the California Grill ressie is hard to come by, remember that you can walk up and go eat in the lounge/bar area and have the same great view and meal.

I vote concert, then dinner/IllumiNations.

I'm glad you're going to try Saana! I've reserved Jiko for my trip but am thinking of switching.

It is fun to see the plans evolve. I booked this last December and never thought it would get here. Can't believe it's ADR time!

Thanks for the reassurance on Sci Fi. I think my love of the cheeseburger is stronger than potentially feeling uncomfortable.

Good tip on Cali Grill!

I think concert then dinner/Illuminations is the winner!

Jiko- that's another one I'm sad to not have in rotation this time. There's just not enough time!

Hey, I don't mind being up and offering support -- I can live vicariously through you!



That's the way I make them at my house. Not nearly as good as the ones I fell in love with at the Mara, but they do in a pinch.

Thanks! No need to set your alarm but let me know if you're up. You liked the Mara cinnabuns?

Your must do list has a nice blend of things on it!

You are right to be concerned about the Tiki Room. Sometimes change isn't good.

During MNSSHP last year, I rode both Dumbo and the Rocket Jets. The lines were non-existent to extremely short, so I took advantage of that to cross them off my not done since childhood list. There was the added fun of people being in costume (I rode on the Rocket Jets alongside a group dressed as Mayonnaise, Mustard and Ketchup) and it was super fun to see the view from up there.

I too recommend Columbia Harbor House and the tuna salad sandwich.

The train is a great foot resting place and it is fun to see the back of BTM. I hop on when I'm tired and want to rest a bit before going on.

I was never a big Spectro fan, but at my last visit I took a spot near Tony's Restaurant where I could see the parade head on and then from the side as it turned the corner, and I really enjoyed it. Watch out for the music - it will stay with you FOREVER.

Is the ice cream sandwich at the Plaza like the one from Sleepy Hollow? My new addictions as of my last trip were both the Sleepy Hollow ice cream sandwich and their hot Mickey waffle with powdered sugar.

Toon Town has great details and jokes. It's a good spot for afternoon wandering.

What? Hot mickey waffle w/ powdered sugar?! How do I not know of this?! I must investigate. One of my favorite Disney memories is breakfast on the porch of what is now Tony's, where I always had a waffle w/ powdered sugar, and being able to run off the porch and "attack" the characters as they'd appear on Main St.

PS- no characters were harmed in the course of my childhood breakfasts

AS others have already said, the rockets on AstroOrbiter do not wist and turn, but you can make them go up and down and if they go up, they are actually quite tilted as you can seen in the picture. It also goes somewhat fast but not considerably faster than Dumbo, it just appear so as it is higher up. But i was taking pictured with just one hand and that's why they turned out so wobbly. I think it adds a bit of excitement to the pictures

The ADRs look good! I would suggest doing concert first than dinner. And I can recommend Flying Fish very much. I had a lovely dinner there and will definitely return! Also I would suggest the Wave before your second MNSHHP. First of all, I would love to read about how you liked it but also because it is in walking distance from the MK, you will be at the party very quickly!

I would have kept you company on Saturday morning (considering that 6 am is noon for me), but unfortunately I will be away this weekend without my computer!

OK. I may give the old Astro Orbiter a go. If I'm feeling brave enough. Or if Paula or Jen make me.

Thanks for the Flying Fish recommendation. I just may do that... I think they have a bar that I could sit at. What did you have there? Did you try the "famous" snapper? That's one of the things I've been eyeing.

Oh and the Wave. Another place I want to try. It's so hard to fit it all in!! Literally and in terms of scheduling!

-------------------------

In breaking trip news, stupid Delta has changed my flights. Now instead of a nice 2.5 hour direct flight I have to go from CT to Michigan to Orlando and it is a ~ 6 hour extravaganza each way. And on top of that it takes away about 6 hours of Disney time getting me there later and making me leave earlier.

I am so PO'd. I'm hopeful maybe it will change back? Or do you think I could cancel and get a refund?

ARGH! Not what I needed today!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I wouldn't take my chances that it will change back, I'd be canceling if it was me!

 

[Circusgirl]

In breaking trip news, stupid Delta has changed my flights. Now instead of a nice 2.5 hour direct flight I have to go from CT to Michigan to Orlando and it is a ~ 6 hour extravaganza each way. And on top of that it takes away about 6 hours of Disney time getting me there later and making me leave earlier.

I am so PO'd. I'm hopeful maybe it will change back? Or do you think I could cancel and get a refund?

ARGH! Not what I needed today!

ARRRRGH!!!!

When Alaska canceled my flight last December, they allowed me to re-book with them for any other flight at no charge. They would have also refunded the flight if that is what I wanted, since it was their change. I originally had a red-eye and they changed me to a direct flight departing Seattle the morning I was supposed to be arriving in Orlando. Since it takes all day to get there, I changed to the day before so I could be there for the things we had already planned for the first day.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Stupid MF Delta. (use your imagination on the MF ). There is another direct flight that same day but it's full. "Sorry," they say.

Oh they're gonna be sorry.

So as I left it they are trying to see what they can do for me and someone will be calling me in the next 24-48 hours. Of course they made it sound like if I do not answer the phone when they call - anytime over the next 2 days- then all bets are off.

I am so annoyed! I know I should focus and worst coming to worst I am still going to WDW but still.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I am using my imagination and I am right there with you!

It is poor customer service to say the least!

I hope they fix this very quickly!

 

[Lady Lallie]

That is just bull! Stupid Delta!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Stupid MF Delta. (use your imagination on the MF ). There is another direct flight that same day but it's full. "Sorry," they say.

Oh they're gonna be sorry.

So as I left it they are trying to see what they can do for me and someone will be calling me in the next 24-48 hours. Of course they made it sound like if I do not answer the phone when they call - anytime over the next 2 days- then all bets are off.

I am so annoyed! I know I should focus and worst coming to worst I am still going to WDW but still.

Are you kidding me?!!! I would be SO MAD right now...how can they do that? DId you talk to a manager? How can they do that?? I'm so mad for you!!!!!

 

[Flossbolna]

How horrible!! You might want to try to ask on the transportation board what your best options are. While there is no pixie dust on the transportation board (that's their slogan), they are a bunch of very travelwise persons (lots of them fly all the time for business) and they will be able to advise you on a best strategy. I am a lurker there and find them allways very helpful. However - due to the no pixie dust issue - I would suggest to write a not too emotional email.

 

[TarzansKat]

CoP isn't exactly riveting but for whatever reason I love it. Maybe b/c I can remember it from when I was a kid. And at the time the final scene with the video game and the stove that responds to voice commands seemed so futuristic! Now it just seems sad. But I'm not sure if I want them to update it- if that makes any sense.

You know what? I love it, too! But it puts everyone to sleep, except me. I guess if I have a boatload of cranky adults on my hands, I know where to go. And I agree, I don't want them to change it. It's the same way I feel about the Tiki room. There are so few touches of Walt left in the parks, it's a shame to tamper with them too much.

I think I'm going to put the train on my would like to list. I can't even visualize where the other train stations are (other than Main St).

I couldn't visualize it either until we did it May. It stops in Toon Town and Frontierland, if that helps.

Tactics:
Planning a "belt and suspender" approach of both the online methodoligy and the telephone.

I am DED over the belt and suspender comment.

Here’s what I’m trying to get:
* Thursday 10/1 – Grand Floridian Tea ~2pm

* Thursday 10/1 – dinner before MNSSHP #2… Wave? Kona? Plaza?

I'm with everyone else on this one. As someone who's done tea numerous times, let me tell you. It's yummy and extremely filling. I always go with the grand tea, and I love it. So much food, so reasonably priced, and so good. Plus, not only does it come with tea, but a little glass of the bubbly, my dear!

On my last trip, we had a late afternoon tea, and I ended up eating at Casey's for dinner. The hot dog and fries really hit the spot, but it wasn't until much, much, much later that night. I know I wouldn't be able to have tea and a big dinner.

Stupid MF Delta. (use your imagination on the MF ). There is another direct flight that same day but it's full. "Sorry," they say.

Oh they're gonna be sorry.

So as I left it they are trying to see what they can do for me and someone will be calling me in the next 24-48 hours. Of course they made it sound like if I do not answer the phone when they call - anytime over the next 2 days- then all bets are off.

I am so annoyed! I know I should focus and worst coming to worst I am still going to WDW but still.

OMG! I am so sorry. I'm going to sound totally jerky right here, but this is why I never fly Delta. I've heard horror stories about how flights get changed with little to no notification. At least you found out in advance, hopefully something can be done.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I wouldn't take my chances that it will change back, I'd be canceling if it was me!

ARRRRGH!!!!

When Alaska canceled my flight last December, they allowed me to re-book with them for any other flight at no charge. They would have also refunded the flight if that is what I wanted, since it was their change. I originally had a red-eye and they changed me to a direct flight departing Seattle the morning I was supposed to be arriving in Orlando. Since it takes all day to get there, I changed to the day before so I could be there for the things we had already planned for the first day.

Oh, I am using my imagination and I am right there with you!

It is poor customer service to say the least!

I hope they fix this very quickly!

That is just bull! Stupid Delta!

Are you kidding me?!!! I would be SO MAD right now...how can they do that? DId you talk to a manager? How can they do that?? I'm so mad for you!!!!!

Thanks for being outraged with me!!!

How horrible!! You might want to try to ask on the transportation board what your best options are. While there is no pixie dust on the transportation board (that's their slogan), they are a bunch of very travelwise persons (lots of them fly all the time for business) and they will be able to advise you on a best strategy. I am a lurker there and find them allways very helpful. However - due to the no pixie dust issue - I would suggest to write a not too emotional email.

GREAT advice! You weren't kidding about no pixie dust but they were very helpful.

AND, I am happy to report that I am back on direct flights!!!

You know what? I love it, too! But it puts everyone to sleep, except me. I guess if I have a boatload of cranky adults on my hands, I know where to go. And I agree, I don't want them to change it. It's the same way I feel about the Tiki room. There are so few touches of Walt left in the parks, it's a shame to tamper with them too much.

Totally agree. It's a great big beautiful tomorrow...

I couldn't visualize it either until we did it May. It stops in Toon Town and Frontierland, if that helps.

Nope. I'll have to take a look at a map. I'm sure I can't miss it.

I am DED over the belt and suspender comment.

Happy to make you laugh!

I'm with everyone else on this one. As someone who's done tea numerous times, let me tell you. It's yummy and extremely filling. I always go with the grand tea, and I love it. So much food, so reasonably priced, and so good. Plus, not only does it come with tea, but a little glass of the bubbly, my dear!

On my last trip, we had a late afternoon tea, and I ended up eating at Casey's for dinner. The hot dog and fries really hit the spot, but it wasn't until much, much, much later that night. I know I wouldn't be able to have tea and a big dinner.

I've heard about the bubbly! In fact that's what sold me on the tea. That can't surprise you! I could probably make a meal of the strawberries and cream! I'm a little nervous about frou frou sandwiches but there's certainly no shortage of food at WDW if I don't fill up at tea! Pecos Bills may be the answer.

OMG! I am so sorry. I'm going to sound totally jerky right here, but this is why I never fly Delta. I've heard horror stories about how flights get changed with little to no notification. At least you found out in advance, hopefully something can be done.

Thanks. Not jerky at all. For the record, I've never had this issue w/ Delta before but the experience of getting it fixed does give me pause on booking through Travelocity again. But thankfully all is well again.... fingers crossed they'll stay that way!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww...a woman after my own heart, I'm so not going near any teacups ever ever ever again....spiny is just not my thing...and well we both know how much I love the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise at night...I love it...one of the best experiences.

OOH...ADR day is coming up so soon...for both of us...I have some to make Sunday and some to make Tuesday. I can't wait!!! Oh now I have to start working on my binder LOL!!! Going to update all my information and go from there!

 

[MinnieNurse]

Stupid MF Delta. (use your imagination on the MF ). There is another direct flight that same day but it's full. "Sorry," they say.

Oh they're gonna be sorry.

So as I left it they are trying to see what they can do for me and someone will be calling me in the next 24-48 hours. Of course they made it sound like if I do not answer the phone when they call - anytime over the next 2 days- then all bets are off.

I am so annoyed! I know I should focus and worst coming to worst I am still going to WDW but still.

Sorry to hear about that. I hope they make it right for you.

We had similar issues with AA about 2 years ago. Ended up 39 hours late to Disney because of changes (not due to weather). We have not flown AA since.

I remember how helpless I felt. I could not control any of it and they really did not even act like they care. Its probably one of the must frusterating situations I have ever dealt with. Just thinking back on it gets my blood pressue elevated.

 

[MinnieNurse]

Ooops, just read you got your direct flights back. Glad it worked out for you. I am through being outraged now.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Whew! I was a ways behind...

What do you have on your lists? What have I missed? What are your MK favorites?
 

My list of favorites are: Space Mountain (refurb), TTA, BTMRR, the teacups, Buzz, Monster Inc Laugh Floor, and the Jungle Cruise. I REALLY like Spectro-I hope you are able to catch it, it's a beautiful parade!

CP, what did you eat at CHH? I'm just interested if you tried other things than I did. I had the fish and chicken combo thing and I didn't like it at all.

Just chiming in ... they make a terrific tuna salad sandwich at Columbia Harbor House ... it's one of the reasons I go there. It's so hard to find a decent tuna sandwich at WDW anymore. I've also heard that the vegetarian sandwich they make ... with hummus, I think, is really good. I may try that the next time we're there.

I have to chime in on CHH. The tuna sandwich and the hummus/brocolli slaw sandwich are YUMM-O!!!!! I don't even like tuna and I like this!!

The only suggestion I can offer on your ADRs is this - maybe skip a sit down dinner on the 1st. Every time I've done had afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge, it's taken a couple hours and I've come away stuffed. It could just be me - I tend to eat like a little piggie at WDW. I usually do the tea before MNSSHP. Then grab something at a CS location during the party (or break into my candy stash)

I third, fourth, whatever this. It is a lot of food!

Have you ever done breakfast at Chef Mickey's? It looks delish! I want to try it sometime...

I love that you are making your version of the Main Street Cinnamon Rolls on ADR day! My version sounds to be the exact same recipe as yours and CPs! Who wouldlda thought it?

Very glad to hear you got back on direct flights-what a headache!!!!!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Delta, I have had so many bad experiences with Delta I finally swore off them. They are so notorious for changes and half the time they never even notify you!

For our January trip we were flying Delta Hartford to Orlando and then later in the week Orlando to Nassau. That flight was a short direct flight to Nassau. They cancelled it completely and had us flying to Atlanta, changing plans and then going on to Nassau. Made a quick flight a half day excursion. I ended up cancelling the whole thing and they did refund my money. I told them this was not what I signed up for, not what I purchased and it no longer fit in my plans. Don't give up. Try for your money back and book Southwest or someone else (you fly out of Hartford right?). We are going Jet Blue out of Boston in August. I loved them when we used them in January. I used SW last August out of Hartford and that was great too. I hope you can come to a good resolution. Flying to MI to get to Orlando? That sucks.

And Kona, fit in Kona! You won't be disappointed!



Allyson

 

[Happydog]

So I just got it that you had a PTR brewing over here... 12 pages worth! BUT I just read it, all your posts and some of the chit chat so I could catch up!!! SO very cool! Hey, we are staying at the BCV for Christmas! Did I see you say that is where you were? The F & W festival is AWESOME. I can only say $8.00 lobster rolls for a snack credit. That and the margaritas and the champagne, yes, I am with you there! It isn't a surprise that I had no idea there were actually things and stores in the WS pavilions, b/c all I every did was follow the food booths!!!

Looking forward to following along.

I have to do ADRs for our Dec trip in August. I am flipping out about the online thing -- I will probably call, too! Curious how it works...

and we have an ADR at Sanaa, so I am looking forward to trying it out and reporting back

That is just great that you are going with fellow DISers! Astro Orbiter is fun!

Do it!