Breaking out of our Disney rut!!! Nov 2011 PTR

[prisjoyce]

Hi there ,
I've enjoyed reading so many PTR's and TR's in preparation for our Fall trip, that I thought it might be fun to do my own. Here goes....

Who's who: Our family of 4- DH, DW (that's me), DD8 and DS6.

How much longer: We'll be in the World Nov. 19-26, which means we'll be there for Thanksgiving! We're driving to FL from our home in MD, so we'll head south the day before check-in, Nov. 18.

Sleeping at: Giving POFQ at try. We've never been there, but it seems like a fun resort. We like the idea of a quiet place when we need a break, and from what I've read, this fits the bill. (Is there a "fingers crossed" smilie?)


Our backstory....
We've been to Disney with our children several times- from a 5-day trip when I was pregnant w/ DS, to a 3-day stop on the way home from SIL's Miami wedding, to our last trip: Thanksgiving 3 years ago (I think we did 5 days then, too.) I may have missed a trip in there somewhere, but you get the point.

We really loved visiting at Thanksgiving; being in WDW over a holiday added a little extra magic for us. The Christmas decorations were up and we were THANKful to be spending that time together. It was awesome!

So, here we go again! I hope you'll come along for the ride.

 

[fromscratchmom]

I'm in.

 

[prisjoyce]

Perhaps I should quickly explain the title. For us, this trip is about trying new-to-us things at Disney. We'd fallen into a routine of staying at the same resort, getting the same ADR's, following the same path, with the same rides and photo-ops, etc. See a pattern here? So this time we're hoping to give some new things a go. First up: new resort, as I mentioned.

Also on the list: new restaurants, different rides/experiences and our very first time on the DDP. All the unfamiliarity has this Planner Mom a little turned around , but I'm going with it! Besides, I know I'll still be enjoying some of my faves: funnel cake, frozen lemonade, Dole Whip.... YUM!

More on all of that coming up!

Have a suggestion for something different we could try? Please let me know!

 

[prisjoyce]

I'm in.

Awww. Thanks! I hope I don't bore you to death! haha

Does the "fromscratch" refer to baking, cooking, scrapping or something else? I'm a Mom/cooker/baker/scrapper myself.

 

[fromscratchmom]

Does the "fromscratch" refer to baking, cooking, scrapping or something else? I'm a Mom/cooker/baker/scrapper myself.

Mostly to baking and then cooking in general. But when I happened upon the idea of that as a screen name that was generally available all over I also liked it because I tend to make things up as I go, sometimes a little too much.

 

[bkandreu]

I'm in! I really like the idea of having a trip where you try new things! My family does the same exact thing. Unfortunately, I am not the one who gets to plan the restaraunts and stuff, so I won't be able to have a "trying new things trip" until I get out on my own! It's great that you guys are going on Thanksgiving! That is an amazing time for Disney Have you thought of which restaraunts you are trying? Which were the ones you frequented?

 

[prisjoyce]

I'm in! I really like the idea of having a trip where you try new things! My family does the same exact thing. Unfortunately, I am not the one who gets to plan the restaraunts and stuff, so I won't be able to have a "trying new things trip" until I get out on my own! It's great that you guys are going on Thanksgiving! That is an amazing time for Disney Have you thought of which restaraunts you are trying? Which were the ones you frequented?

Saw your PTR... hope the Disney bug bites your parents soon!

 

[prisjoyce]

I've fallen into the trap of doing the same things over and over because I KNOW it's what we like; it's a like a vacation guarantee. I know what to expect, and that we'll leave the restaurant/attraction with a happy buzz.

Some of our always-visits:
Crystal Palace: we have eaten here every single trip. But I don't have an ADR for Nov. Mistake?

CRT: been here once for breakfast. Was the food worth it for the price? No. Is eating in the Castle awesome? YES. I actually have an early (before the park opens) ADR, but I don't know if I want to keep it. Is getting a ho-hum meal in a Castle worth 2 TS credits? Hmmmm.....

Tony's: I love, love Lady & the Tramp, and Italian food, so we've been here multiple times for those reasons alone. But I can't say the food is what brings me back...

Casey's: a solid QS for kid food, and the movies shown in the back are a nice place to rest your feet for a bit. I do not like corndogs, but something about those corndog bites keep me coming back!

Pinocchio's Village Haus & Cosmic Ray's: our other-side-of-the-park QS's. It's just what we know.

Akershus: a good option for a Princess character meal, but not my favorite. Those darn Princesses just reel you in!

Rainforest Cafe: our go-to spot in AK. It's just been a no-brainer...a sit down place where we can all find something to eat. Any suggestions for other places in AK?

Garden Grill: we've only been here once and might repeat. The kids loved that the restaurant was turning and the food was pretty good. I'm open to trying other places in Epcot, but there are so many choices that we get overwhelmed and go with what we know. Any recommendations for easy-to-get ADR's or walk-up places?

We've never found anywhere worth repeating at HS. We usually grab something quick from whatever stand/restaurant is closest. I know people eat here, but where?

So I think we're planning to avoid most of these this trip. Of course, we may end up at one of the QS places because it's most convenient at that moment. Stay tuned for a list of my current ADR's and attractions that we've never hit but intend to this time!

(I gotta run to my son's baseball game!)

 

[fromscratchmom]

Crystal Palace--My family enjoyed trying Liberty Tree Tavern

CRT: .... Hmmmm.....---we felt the same way. I'm glad I did it once for my girls but we aren't planning on going back necessarily.

Instead of Casey's or Pinocchio's Village Haus or Cosmic Rays, you could try Columbia Harbor House for one of those meals. Do it your first MK day and see what you think. It gets a lot of positive reviews that I've read lately.

Akershus---personally, I'm thinking if you've done that several times and you're not sure about going back to CRT either just try to book some other character meals you haven't done yet to try new stuff. I think I'd do 1900 park fare for one of theirs probably. And do a dinner show such as over at Fort Wilderness.

Rainforest Cafe: ...Any suggestions for other places in AK?--- try Tusker House, see what you think.

Garden Grill: ... Any recommendations for easy-to-get ADR's or walk-up places? --I'm not sure about ease of ADR's and what not, but I'd suggest replacing it with something with a lot of theming or great ambience. Try this:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/san-angel-inn/

or this:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coral-reef-restaurant/

If you have park hopper and can go back to Epcot just for a meal or if you don't like either of the other two suggestions consider this:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/les-chefs-de-france/

and keep an eye out for the schedule for when you are most likely to get to see Remy there. I've seen it posted on these forums a couple of times recently. I remember that he's not there on Sundays. I think the likely times are 12:30, 1:40, 2:50 & 5:20pm... but keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will see him. It just seems like a nice bonus to, imo, if we see him and my family didn't know to expect it anyway.

We've never found anywhere worth repeating at HS. ---My family really enjoyed Mama Melrose's. I've seen positive reviews of Sci-Fi and Starring Rolls just lately here.

So many good places to try... mmmm

 

[prisjoyce]

Instead of Casey's or Pinocchio's Village Haus or Cosmic Rays, you could try Columbia Harbor House for one of those meals. Do it your first MK day and see what you think. It gets a lot of positive reviews that I've read lately. Will definitely check out Columbia Harbor House!

Akershus---personally, I'm thinking if you've done that several times and you're not sure about going back to CRT either just try to book some other character meals you haven't done yet to try new stuff. I think I'd do 1900 park fare for one of theirs probably. And do a dinner show such as over at Fort Wilderness. We've never done a dinner show. Have you? Are the shows simple humor or elaborate? They all seem so out of the way.... I'm going to look into them.

Rainforest Cafe: ...Any suggestions for other places in AK?--- try Tusker House, see what you think. Is Tusker House a QS or TS place? I think I've heard of a character breakfast there. Is it Yak and Yeti other DISers are always raving about? I can't believe I've been to Animal Kingdome multiple times and don't know about these places. See: we're in a Disney Rut!

Garden Grill: ... Any recommendations for easy-to-get ADR's or walk-up places? --I'm not sure about ease of ADR's and what not, but I'd suggest replacing it with something with a lot of theming or great ambience. Try this:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/san-angel-inn/

or this:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coral-reef-restaurant/

If you have park hopper and can go back to Epcot just for a meal or if you don't like either of the other two suggestions consider this:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/les-chefs-de-france/

and keep an eye out for the schedule for when you are most likely to get to see Remy there. I've seen it posted on these forums a couple of times recently. I remember that he's not there on Sundays. I think the likely times are 12:30, 1:40, 2:50 & 5:20pm... but keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will see him. It just seems like a nice bonus to, imo, if we see him and my family didn't know to expect it anyway. Def interested in Chefs de France! I've read a lot of good things about San Angel Inn, too. Thanks for the reminder! I'm going to look into those this afternoon.

We've never found anywhere worth repeating at HS. ---My family really enjoyed Mama Melrose's. I've seen positive reviews of Sci-Fi and Starring Rolls just lately here. I think we've grabbed some muffins to-go at Starring Rolls, and they were pretty good. I don't think my kids would like Sci-Fi (I read it's scary for younger kids) and I'm pretty sure my hubby would hate the humor at the 50's diner. Sounds like HS could use some new restaurants!

So many good places to try... mmmm

Thanks for all the great ideas! Maybe if I ease up on the ADR's, we'll be more likely to try some new places... Sometimes I over do it with the planning. (Don't tell my husband I admitted to that!)

 

[fromscratchmom]

Apparently they are quite elaborate. HDDR is one that I haven't done that sounds even more elaborate to me. It is on my list of possible must do things for a our next trip. Most people seem to love it.

 

[loganpaulsmom]

First I am hoping that you have ressies for these times already considering that you are going over Thanksgiving and traditionally it is a very busy week.. last time I tried lots of new restaurants.. I kept some of the old stand-bys.. Chef Mickeys (which consistently gets bad reviews, but we go there every time anyway)..crystal Palace, again, not so much for the food.. I took DS once to the castle, and coincidently he just said to us yesterday " you know what my dream is, its to go inside the castle".. i said to him " you did, when you went the first time and the princess kissed you, (he was 2)" he then said, " i don't want them to kiss me again".. I would not go back for the food that is FOR SURE!.. But, I think every kid should get a chance go..
We did Liberty Tree last time, and enjoyed it.. So much food! I would recommend it, especially since you are going to be there over thanksgiving.. it is not home cooking but the closest you will probably get being on vacation.. I LOVE the restaurants in Epcot.. I think there is something for everyone there.. But, reservations are a must have.. Or try some of the restaurants that at the resorts.. i loved the restaurants in the boardwalk area.. Lots of choices.. but again. I would recommend ressies..

 

[prisjoyce]

Oh, yes. I have reservations. I was up before dawn at my 180-day mark to make ressies as soon as the lines opened.

Here's what I have lined up:

California Grill
O'hana's
Captain's Grille (for Thanksgiving dinner)
Cinderella's Royal Table
Garden Grille

We've never been to the first 2, so we're pretty excited to try them both. Is the CA Grill menu as daunting as I've read? It took me a few days to get the O'hana ressie, so that's the one I'm really looking forward to.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Captain's Grille a few years ago and were pleasantly surprised. When my DD found out we were going for Tgiving, her first request was that we eat there again. She really liked the mini pumpkin cheesecakes.

As previously mentioned, we've eaten at CRT once before. I booked again because I could. What I mean is that while I wasn't sure if it was an ADR we would keep, I know how hard it is to get reservations there, so I figured I should in case my kids wanted to go. We're all still on the fence about it, but we may give it once last try. DD has said she would like to eat there again, and DS wants another sword.

Garden Grill is a wait-and-see. It's an interesting character meal, but if we can get into Chefs de France, or if something else strikes us, we may do that.

When we visited during Thanksgiving week a few years ago, we had some luck walking up to restaurants that we didn't have reservations for (including Crystal Palace), so that's where some of my dining roulette comes from... IF we want to try something different than originally planned and IF we can get in. If not, we'll go with what we have.

We've never had the dining plan before, so that's another first for us. Is it constant counting of meal and snack credits? Does everyone get enough at each meal? Are you paying OOP for QS and snacks by the end of the week? We decided to give the DDP a try because of the FD offer; we knew a room or other package discount was unlikely to be offered during our holiday week dates.

As of today, I have 39 days 'til vacation!

 

[stitches of laughter]

hi!! I'm hoppin on over! I totally suggest Coral Reef for Epcot!!! MUST do for me. I feel bad not eating in the world showcase for an extra meal, but CR is a great atmosphere with the best food. Love the jack daniels mousse for dessert!

I can't believe we will miss each other by one day! You will definitely need to give me a heads up of the weather

 

[prisjoyce]

hi!! I'm hoppin on over! I totally suggest Coral Reef for Epcot!!! MUST do for me. I feel bad not eating in the world showcase for an extra meal, but CR is a great atmosphere with the best food. Love the jack daniels mousse for dessert!

I can't believe we will miss each other by one day! You will definitely need to give me a heads up of the weather

Hi! Thanks for popping in! I'm with you: I feel like we should take advantage of the restaurants in World Showcase, but we rarely do. Yet another thing to try! (I'm gonna need more than one trip for all this "new" stuff!)

Have you posted in the November 2011 thread? It's in the Countdown section under Resorts. There is a list of everyone going in Nov and where they're staying. Since you and I will miss each other by a day, maybe you can bump into another DISer!

 

[prisjoyce]

Here's a pic of our family: 3-years ago in MK on Thanksgiving night! They had just turned down the lights as the photog snapped this pic. We had such a great time. Hoping for a repeat!

 

[fromscratchmom]

ooh, I love that.

 

[butterfly71076]

Your ADR's look great!! Ohana, for dinner, is one we never miss, awesome food, service, atmosphere, everything. This year, we decided to do breakfast there too, a first. We also have Garden Grill, another first. My sis is taking DS to CRT for dinner one night, not sure how he will like it, so we will see! I have never been to the others, looking forward to your dining report!

I have been to POFQ before, when it was just Port Orleans, way back in 1992. From what I remember, it was a really nice resort, and we all loved the dragon tongue slide in the pool.

Such a nice pic of your family!! The kids are adorable!! I am hoping to get a decent looking one myself that we can use for our Christmas card this year!

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[stitches of laughter]

Hey! I hope you have a great weekend. Planning is looking good. Are you rethinkg your adrs as much as I am? Ahahah

 

[prisjoyce]

Hey! I hope you have a great weekend. Planning is looking good. Are you rethinkg your adrs as much as I am? Ahahah

Hi! Our weekend was good; we went to Hershey Park for their Halloween Party. It was so much fun and the park was practically empty! We repeated several rides w/o getting off! DS was finally tall enough for a "Big Boy" coaster, so we're all set for Disney!

I am def rethinking our ADR's. I just keep tweaking things, but my husband keeps telling me to leave it alone. He has no idea!