Can't Think of a Better Way to Celebrate 5 Years!~A May 2015 PTR!-Update 5/16-New TR Link!

[Nermel9]

Joining in ! Loving your pre trip report! Since we've never been some of your dining choices I've never even heard of before so I get to do some more research Your AK day makes me excited to go there, way more to do than I thought! Can't wait to keep reading!

Thanks for joining! Haha, there are just too many places to eat in Disney, right? Researching new places is always fun, I always seem to come back to my favorites though! There is a lot to do in AK, it's a fun park, just not my favorite!

your plans sound similar to ours. we aren`t huge fans of ak either.

Haha, I mean, I do like it, I just don't need to spend a lot of time there!

Animal Kingdom is probably my least favorite park, too, but I think I like it more each time we go. It has such a different (more laid-back) vibe than the other three parks. There's still a bit of rushing to attractions, but I think I enjoy AK more when I wander and saunter around rather than rush.

I would highly recommend the trails - I really like wandering on both trails in Animal Kingdom. They're very peaceful and SO well themed! I think the Africa trail was under some major construction, but I believe it should be done by the time you go?

You're planning to hit my two favorites (Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safari), but I also really like It's Tough to Be a Bug. Perhaps it's my love of all things Pixar, but I can't imagine a trip to Animal Kingdom without stopping by to say "hi" to my friend, Flik.

Hmm maybe that's my problem. I've never gone there and NOT rushed around. I always want to get in and get out, maybe I need to just take my time. Not on this trip, of course, but maybe next time! I've only done the trail with the tigers, the other one has the gorillas right? Yeah I'm just not a fan of gorillas, but I should check it out anyway!

I want to do ITTBAB, but I'm afraid of the bee stinging part in the seats...I'm terrified of bees and I feel like this would make me have a panic attack, which is why I've never done it!

You're staying at my two favorite resorts! We will be at the Wilderness May 20-25th! Can't wait to read along!

Oh awesome! They are too pretty perfect resorts! I can't wait to be back at the WL!

 

[Nermel9]

I feel the same way about AK, I do love it but I don't require a ton of time there. I'm going to try to spend more time on my May trip to give it more of a chance. I mean, it's ridiculous some of the things I've never done there! I typically hit up EE, Dinosaur, ITTBAB, and then bounce! It's just hard when MK, EP, and DHS are competing for your time, right?!

I'd choose Boma again over Tusker House, but keep in mind that I've never been to either one laughing, just basing my opinion on other TRs and the fact that you are already doing other character meals.

Ahhhh, the jalapeno cheese pretzel! That's on my must-do at AK, too!!!

We're getting SO close to May!!!

Haha, exactly! Maybe on my next trip I'll try to spend more time at AK, and who knows, the last few days of this trip are so up in the air, maybe we'll go back a second time, but for now, I'm guessing poor AK will only get a half day!

I'm probably going to go with Boma over Tusker House, then again, I checked for a Crystal Palace ADR for breakfast, and everything is booked, so CP might not be happening on this trip...we'll see!

Yum, I can't wait for a jalapeno cheese pretzel, I feel like it's been a long time since I've had one!

Well, even though I don't like EE, AK has moved up on my list to be tied with Epcot as my second favorite park. I'm sure you know which park I like the least.

If you want to add Tusker House and you also add Crystal Palace, Brandon can get his made to order omelet at Crystal Palace.

I'm not sure why the line was so long for you for Festival of the Lion King; the theater is certainly big enough to hold a LOT of people.

Since I don't do EE, I always do Dinosaur.

But overall, with it not being your favorite park, I think you've covered a good chunk of what to be done.

Haha, I'm pretty sure I do, the park I'll be doing my next update about!

That's true, although as of now, Crystal Palace is booked for our trip! I'll keep stalking though, I'm guessing something might open up!

I don't know, it was really frustrating! We've never had a problem getting into FOTLK, so this time, I'll be going there first!

If we have time for Dinosaur and the line isn't bad, I'll do it, but it's not really one of my favorites. I'd rather ride EE a million times!

Made it over to your PTR! I am so excited for you to stay at WL again. I just love that place! I only got a taste of it last year, and I'm longing for the day we can go back and stay there. My favorite resort for sure. POR is another great choice. We have never stayed at Riverside, but loved French Quarter on our honeymoon.

Great list of ADRs! Lots of great choices and variety.

The only TR I have going right now is our ABD Viva Italia trip, but it does include Disneyland Paris, which I'm about to get to! And I'll have a DL one coming up as soon as that one is over. Then I guess I'll have to start the PTR for our October trip. Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. lol

Yay glad you're here! I can't WAIT for WL again, I love it! Both of the Port Orleans resorts are beautiful, if POFQ was included in the Spring discounts, I might have stayed there over POR but of course, it wasn't! I do love POR though, I just watched Princess and the Frog, so I'm even more excited now to stay there!

Thanks!

Ooh, Disneyland Paris? I'll have to check that TR out! I might not sub and comment if it's almost over, but let me know when your DL TR starts so I can be there from the beginning! I'm finding that's the only way I can stay caught up with TR's now, if I catch them almost from the beginning, if there's too much for me to go back and read, forget it! Not because I can't read all of it, but because I can't remember everything I want to comment on, then I feel bad, then I end up not saying anything, then I assume the person thinks I abandoned they're TR...wow, I have issues when it comes to TR's huh?

Haha, you know you'll end up at Boma before going to AK
We rarely stay long there either. We do our faves and go.
Also, hubs ALWAYS ( never fails) to fall asleep during nemo ALWAYS!

You should get a rum-infused dole whip! Very yummy

And le cellier will be there next time! Don't cheat yachtsman out of your try! LoL

Haha, you know me way too well! I'll almost definitely do Boma!

Yeah I might do Nemo someday, but as of now, I don't really have any need for it!

They have them at AK now???

Haha, I'm trying! I admit, I did check to see if Le Cellier was available the night we're going to Yachtsman, but it's not...so far so good!

 

[Nermel9]

Hi! New follower here and I think I am new to your reports! I just started a PTR for myself so I figured it would be fun to follow along with some other PTR's. Glad I randomly clicked on yours!!

How perfect that you have so many amazing memories at WDW with your "Mickey"! Seems only right to celebrate 5 years there (Congrats!).

I can be a resort changer too! BUT it seems like you have landed on a great choice with WL and POR. We stayed at WL several years ago and really loved it. I am sure we will return someday. I've never stayed at POR (but have at POFQ). POR is on my list but darn it for rarely ever being part of the promotions. I usually feel like by the time I pay PO rates I could be at WL or AKL. Haha! Having the boat access to DTD is a great perk.

Love your ADR choices. Outside of the steakhouses (we are mostly vegetarian) you truly have picked many of my favorites.

We tried Boma for breakfast for the first time in February and I really enjoyed it. Since you have a character meal already I say...don't break tradition. Plus that juice.....

Hopefully all the construction really amounts to reasons for people to go to (and stay at) AK. Dinosaur is one of my absolute favorites so I can't imagine not going at all but I tend to see it as a one day park too. Although I haven't yet explored the trails, etc. and I really would love to do that!

Thanks for joining! I'll definitely join your PTR too!

Thank you! I'm so glad we get to go back for our 5 year anniversary!

WL is awesome, I cannot wait to go back! I love both PO resorts, I wanted to do POFQ but they weren't part of this latest promotion and POR was, so that was kind of nice! I am happy to be going back there too!

Thank you! I'm so excited for Disney food, haha!

Oooh, good point about that juice, I almost forgot about that!

I like Dinosaur, but it's just not a must do for me! If I have time and I'm over there I'll do it! The trails are fun, I've only done one, the tiger one, but it's really cute! I really need to explore near the Tree of Life, isn't there a kangaroo over there or something? Or is that an urban Disney legend?

Hi there! I didn't see actual dates for your trip, but looks like very early May ...we will be there 05/08/-05/17 at All Star Music Family Suites. Maybe our paths will cross. I also saw some other folks that may be there at the same time as me, that I was not aware of...have to go check out everyone's PTRs!

I LOVE Tusker House breakfast. It is one of my favorites. AK, not so much...too hot for me.

I also love WL. We go to Whispering Canyon Café every trip. I love just sitting by the fireplace...even though it is usually 100 degrees outside. Just the massiveness of the lobby is impressive. Great choices ...never stayed at POR, but have stayed at POFQ and loved it too. Both very romantic choices.

Lynn

Hi, thanks for joining! Yep, we'll be there the first week of May, so our dates do overlap a bit! It seems like a lot of people will be there in May! It's a great time to go to Disney!

I loved Tusker House too, but I also love Boma, so it's a tough choice! Haha, I agree, AK is way too hot, even when it's not that hot out!

I love WL, sitting by the fireplace is so nice! Just hanging out in that lobby for a big chunk of time is one of my favorite things to do, it's weird how I can just sit and waste a ton of time in resort lobbies in Disney World!

Hi Jen! I'm late but I found you!

Yay glad you're here!

I have to say, I was a little surprised not to see Le Cellier on your ADR list! But the restaurants you do have look great. I think any trip that involves 'Ohana and Be Our Guest is a win. And Beaches and Cream if you can swing it.

AK is a hard park to describe. It doesn't have a lot to keep you in the park for long, but what it does have is AMAZING. So it's not like you can completely skip the park, because then you'd be missing some fantastic Disney attractions, like EE and FotLK.
But I do have to agree with you, riding EE at night is the best! It's unbelievable, climbing up the mountain and seeing everything lit up. It was one of the main reasons I ran the EE 5K race a second time.

Haha, I'm surprised too! And I can't say it remain off the list...but for now, we're going with Yachtsman! I am definitely going to squeeze in Beaches and Cream, I might actually do it on our arrival day, I just have to move some FP's I think!

That's so true about AK, I've skipped it on shorter trips and I've missed not going there, but I don't need a lot of time there either! I wish we didn't have to plan our trips so rigidly, that way I wouldn't have to worry about rushing around while I'm there so much!

I love EE at night, it's like a different ride! I'm going to try to find a way to fit that in, but it's hard because the nights it's open late enough that it would be dark are nights I already have ADR's planned. We'll see if I can swing it!

I want to do the EE 5K so bad...someday!

 

[Dugette]

I mean, they make you make your initial ADR's 180 days out from your vacation, so what else can you do for 6 months but obsess over them, and change them, and add more restaurants, and juggle around your itinerary to fit things in. It's all part of the fun right?

Yep, totally agree. We weren't supposed to have many ADRs for our May trip (trying to keep the budget down) and I kept finding ones that I just couldn't pass up. And changing them around. And adding. And dropping. Etc.

It's our "official" 5 year anniversary dinner.

Sounds like a great place to do it! In fact, I think we may have had our 5 year anniversary dinner there too. Just realized that. Or maybe it was 4 years? Or maybe both, clearly my memory is shot - guess I need to go back and re-read my own TRs.

So this dinner is perfect. Look how CUTE the Chippy Ewoks are!

I know, aren't they cute?! I'm excited for this dinner because Izzy will probably get a kick out of seeing the characters dressed up in Star Wars costumes. She likes Disney characters and she likes Star Wars (what she knows of it), so should be really fun.

I wanted to go for lunch, and of course, they changed the lunch from a Fast Pass to an actual ADR and the morning the ADR's were released, it was crazy!

Did you end up getting a lunch? I was tempted when they released the breakfast, but I just don't have anywhere in the schedule to put it. I did grab a lunch that I hadn't planned on, though.

I have to go to a few of my favorites, right?

Absolutely!

We went in here in September for the first time, and OMG, it instantly became a new favorite. So I have to find a place to fit this in.

Love Sanaa! One of our favorites too. I'm sad that we don't have it planned for May, but there are just way too many restaurants and too little time.

I think we'll wait until we switch over to POR to go here, so we can take the boat over to DTD and not worry about the nightmare parking situation they have going on over there.

Good idea! It's always nice to take that boat ride anyway. And Raglan Road is great. Dug was just saying today how much he loves that place.

I just love this place, and it's nice that you can make an ADR now

I like the ADR ability now. It was always so hard to plan before because you didn't know if you'd be able to get in quickly or not.

(Oh, and there's no way I'm skipping DHS or MK early morning magic hours. )

Smart!

because if I get drenched, I want to know at least I'll be leaving right after .

I'm the same way. If possible, I try to hit Splash last too, just in case.

go one night where the park is open until 8 and ride Expedition Everest at night,

I love AK at night! Best time to go. It's so pretty and so different than it is during the day.

You should get a rum-infused dole whip! Very yummy

I second this! They have them at Tamu Tamu, I believe. Yum.

 

[Nermel9]

Hollywood Studios Must Do's!

Hi guys! So today's update will be about DHS must do's, which is fun, because I absolutely LOVE this park! But before that, I wanted to just tell you a couple of random things!

One is, I tried to add the dining plan to my trip and I couldn't! What? I was under the impression you could add the dining plan to a room only reservation with an AP, I figured all they had to do was switch you over to a package and that's that. I thought I had done it before, but I was wrong, turns out I didn't have an AP when I added the dining plan to our reservation so close to the trip, I already had a package with tickets, so it wasn't a problem. Since I have a room only reservation, they would have had to cancel that reservation and rebook as a package, but if they did that, I would have lost my discount on both rooms, and there's NO WAY I'm losing that! POR I could have lived with losing, but WL? No way! So we're dining plan-less on this trip! Which is weird, because we always have it for longer trips. So I'm scared, but I'm also kind of happy, because this way, we're not forced into dessert (believe it or not, I don't always want dessert!) and we can get appetizers instead. Maybe I'll do what I've read some people do, and that's purchase a gift card to pay for your meals, so it "feels" like everything is prepaid. That's not a bad idea. I just feel like paying for everything is going to be stressful, I like knowing everything is already taken care of!

The 2nd thing is, I'm getting those urges to change things! You know how I just said I wouldn't mind if I lost POR for the dining plan? Well that's because I've been considering switching to Art of Animation! I don't know, I want to but I don't. I'm so excited for POR, but at the same time, I really loved AoA when we visited in December, and I think it would be fun to spend a decent amount of time there! And that way, I'd have to rebook and I'd be able to get the dining plan for at least half of the trip...I don't know. I haven't done anything yet, but who knows what the next month will bring?

Oh, and I'm checking Le Cellier ADR's guys...I haven't booked one, but I've been checking to see what's available...

Anyway! Enough rambling, here are my DHS must do's! Like I said, I love this park soooo much, if I wasn't so obsessed with Epcot, and the Magic Kingdom wasn't, well, the Magic Kingdom, it would be my favorite! A lot of people hate this park, I think it's so pretty, I love the colors and the buildings, and hello, some of the best rides in Disney are in this park!

My first must do is...(and if you know me at all, this won't be a surprise!)

The Tower of Terror! I love this ride SOOOO much, there are no words for that I can use to describe how much I love this attraction! If I could live here, I would! If I could move to Florida and become a creepy bellhop, I would! It's a thrill ride, but it's got that backstory that Disney is sooo good at! I could ride this over and over and never get bored. I just love it.

Next thing I have to do is...

The Rock N' Roller Coaster! I love this ride, but sometimes I have issues with it, because if I don't sit the right way in it, my head will smash between the safety harness and I'll get a horrible headache, but mostly, I love it! The beginning is the BEST part of almost any ride! And I love Aerosmith being blasted in my ears, that makes it so much more fun!

Next is something I'm pretty sure everyone does in DHS!

Toy Story Mania of course! How can you not love this ride, it's just like being in a Toy Story movie, and it's always fun to beat Brandon at this, because he gets so mad and comes up with really interesting excuses as to why he didn't do very well!

I love the drawing class, but it seems like it's almost impossible to get into lately!

It used to be this hidden treasure in DHS, and now everyone knows about it, so if you don't get there at the right time, forget it! I'm surprised there's not an FP+ for this yet!

As far as must do attractions, those are my top 4. Of course, there's always a must do snack at every park, right?

And for me, it's a Starring Roles cupcake. YUM, just look at that thing! It's alway so hard to choose between the red velvet and the peanut butter, because they are both SO amazing! Luckily, we're going to DHS multiple times on this trip, so I guess I'll have to get both!

If we have time, I'm sure we'll do Star Tours, and I would LOVE to finally see the Beauty and the Beast show, which I alway say I'm going to do and never do! We're not huge fans of Fantasmic, so I doubt we'll do that. The only ADR I have for this park is the Jedi Mickey's dinner, which I'm so excited about! I always have a turkey leg in DHS, I don't know why, it's just something I always do so I'm sure that will be happening. I kind of want to go to Mama Melrose's for dinner again, since we haven't been there in SO long but I have no clue where I'd find time for that. Ugh, so many ADR's, so little time!

Oh! And I'm sure we'll be doing One Man's Dream at some point, because you can't go to DHS and not at least walk through there!

If I've left anything off of the list, please let me know, I love hearing about why people love certain parks!

Up next...Magic Kingdom must do's!


​

 

[Gracefulskinny]

So I'm scared, but I'm also kind of happy, because this way, we're not forced into dessert (believe it or not, I don't always want dessert!) and we can get appetizers instead.

YOu may just find you like not being on it. Use the dining plan calculator and give yourself some leeway. I always use the cost of the dining plan as my starting budget. You may surprise yourselves.

I just feel like paying for everything is going to be stressful, I like knowing everything is already taken care of!

You'll be okay. Just set the budget in your mind and anticipate your food costs at the restaurants. As long as the anticipated food costs are within budget you'll be okay.

A lot of people hate this park, I think it's so pretty, I love the colors and the buildings, and hello, some of the best rides in Disney are in this park!

I enjoyed it as well until I had to plan for a toddler as well. Then it gets not as fun and REALLY hard to plan for.

Toy Story Mania of course!

Of Course!

Of course, there's always a must do snack at every park, right?

If you're like me you have a whole spreadsheet just for food!

 

[Dugette]

I think you'll be just fine without the dining plan. I'd go ahead and put the amount you would have spent on the dining plan onto a Disney Gift Card instead. I think you'll end up with some extra souvenir money on it, since your meals are likely to come out cheaper. I've done the math before for us and the dining plan really only makes sense if we both order some of the most expensive items at every meal and really would have both gotten desserts as well. Not being on it allows you to eat how you choose to eat - maybe an appetizer, splitting a dessert, etc. More flexibility.

Not a surprise you have Tower of Terror at the top of your list.

I agree about getting a headache on RnRC. I've found that I do much better in the front seat there, for some reason.

Mmmm, that Butterfinger cupcake makes me want one. I was thinking I'd get my favorite chocolate peanut butter one, but I've never had the Butterfinger and everyone seems to love it... tough Disney decisions!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I think that going to Tusker House is a good option. It's pretty similar to Boma to me. I mean, not identical, but close.

We did get the jalapeño pretzel in DHS and it tasted pretty good. Haha.

I've added dining plans with AP only discounted rooms. That makes no sense that you can't. If you have an AP, why on earth would they say you needed to buy park tickets? Did you talk to someone about it or try to do it on the site? Either way though, don't even worry about not having a dining plan! Buy Tables in Wonderland instead with your AP! 20% off every sit down restaurant, liquor included. That's all I ever do. I haven't done a dining plan in years now because Tables is better for me. Oh, they don't take it at the Jedi Mickey dinner though. I learned that last year.

My brother always comes up with interesting explanations as to why he doesn't beat me either. Never that I'm better than him. LOL.

 

[amazingact21]

It's hard not being on the dining plan that first time, but I've actually come to prefer not being on it. Alex and I eat our fair share of food, but we find that we tend to skip dessert or only order one, then get snacks from some of the better places. (Mainly at Epcot) Plus, if we eat a big breakfast or lunch, we tend to only buy a pretzel or one QS meal to split later in the day, as opposed to a whole extra meal.


I love that you included Starring Rolls in your DHS Must Do's. That place is amazing, and those 2 cupcakes are definitely the best. That red velvet...it's better than a cake!

 

[cajunfan]

OK, something more to add to my must eat list. That peanut butter cupcake look awesome! I was planning on going there, but now I know exactly what I am getting!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I think you'll be just fine without the dining plan! We had it during our 2012 trip but didn't miss it during our 2013 trip - we ate in just as many restaurants and had plenty of food (and dessert!), but didn't feel like we had completely overeaten. We will be dining plan free on our upcoming trip as well!

You and I have very similar Hollywood Studios must dos! The Tower of Terror and Toy Story Midway Mania are two of my favorite attractions in all of Disney World, and Rock N' Roller Coaster is pretty awesome, too! I also never miss walking through One Man's Dream - perhaps one of these years I'll manage to not tear up during the film at the end.

The Starring Rolls cupcakes are incredible, but I can't visit Hollywood Studios without eating my Carrot Cake Cookie!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

I think no DO will be fine with you. You can always buy TIW since you have a AP. Mike looked at LC adds, but ry wouldn't eat anything there picky kid! LoL

I'm excited for the SW dinner at HW&V! Mostly for the characters!!!

We buy a lot of gift cards to pay for meals, when we don't use DP. It's great, plus with our giant eagle grocery stores, we get fuel perks, to! Win win!!

 

[deedee2177]

Hi There I have followed along on your past TRs so I was excited to see you had started a PTR. My next trip is not until November which we are referring to as our Honeymoon Redo, but I'm just happy to have a trip to look forward to! I started a PTR for the trip a few weeks ago...feel free to check it out. I would love to hear any suggestions you may have.

Here's my comments:

Resorts: So I have not had the opportunity to stay at either of these resorts. However, we are considering staying at POR - Riverside when we take the kids back in March/April 2016. So, for selfish reasons I am hoping you keep that reservations.

ADR's - All the places you listed sound great! We are hoping to do 'Ohana for dinner (a first for us and very excited about) and BOG for dinner (DH is a picky eater and I just didn't see anything on the lunch menu that I thought he would like).

AK - So, I have to agree with you about AK. Though I do love the park, it is not my favorite. However, during my next trip I am hoping to do a few things there that I have not had the chance to do in the past. Now my DH on the other hand loves this park!

HS - I love this park as well, and agree with all your Must Dos. Star Tours is definitely a Must Do because my DH is a huge Star Wars fan!

Dining Plan - During our last trip we did not do the DP because we stayed off-site (we had 6 in our group so it was cheaper for us to rent a condo). We did exactly what you mentioned and we bought Disney Gift Cards to use for our meals. I bought them from Target and used my Target Red Card and saved 5%. It worked out really great, and I felt better knowing the meals were taken care of in advance. Also, you don't necessarily have to get Disney Gift Cards, you could get a reloadable Visa/Mastercard and use that for your meals.

Well, looking forward to following along with your PTR (and then your TR)!

 

[KathyM2]

Hi there!! Loving your PTR so far! I totally get you with wanting to constantly change things - it is so hard to just plan and then leave it alone. I love WL too...we just stayed there a few weeks ago. I do wish I had time to just tour all the resorts and make a prioritized list of where I'd like to stay lol. But the DIS certainly helps with recos...although everyone has their preferences. Your dining plan is making me hungry!

 

[teekathepony]

Too bad you couldn't get the dining plan, but it sounds like you've got a great outlook about it. We like the dining plan, but you're so right -- sometimes you just dont want dessert!
DHS is definitely where it's at when it comes to rides. I'm NOT a ToT fan, but I do appreciate the incredible theming in there! It's a beautiful building! RnR on the other hand, I could (and have!) ride it over and over and over and over. Love it!
You hit all my favourites at DHS! Great day planned.

 

[Nermel9]

YOu may just find you like not being on it. Use the dining plan calculator and give yourself some leeway. I always use the cost of the dining plan as my starting budget. You may surprise yourselves.

You'll be okay. Just set the budget in your mind and anticipate your food costs at the restaurants. As long as the anticipated food costs are within budget you'll be okay.

I enjoyed it as well until I had to plan for a toddler as well. Then it gets not as fun and REALLY hard to plan for.

Of Course!

If you're like me you have a whole spreadsheet just for food!

I did check out that dining plan calculator (I had no idea such a thing existed until I read this comment!) and according to that, we'll be saving $200 without the dining plan, which is awesome! Of course, a lot of things I had to guess on, since I don't know exactly where we'll be eating every day, but as long as we stay somewhere around the price of the dining plan, I'm good!

Haha I can see how DHS with a toddler would be difficult, there's not much for really small kids there!

I used to do spreadsheets and charts and all of that for Disney food and snacks, but now, since I pretty much know what I want and where it is, there's no need anymore! I sometimes miss that level of planning, but now it's almost more fun for me to just wing it (well as much as you can anyway, with FP+ and ADR's!)

I think you'll be just fine without the dining plan. I'd go ahead and put the amount you would have spent on the dining plan onto a Disney Gift Card instead. I think you'll end up with some extra souvenir money on it, since your meals are likely to come out cheaper. I've done the math before for us and the dining plan really only makes sense if we both order some of the most expensive items at every meal and really would have both gotten desserts as well. Not being on it allows you to eat how you choose to eat - maybe an appetizer, splitting a dessert, etc. More flexibility.
Not a surprise you have Tower of Terror at the top of your list.

I agree about getting a headache on RnRC. I've found that I do much better in the front seat there, for some reason.

Mmmm, that Butterfinger cupcake makes me want one. I was thinking I'd get my favorite chocolate peanut butter one, but I've never had the Butterfinger and everyone seems to love it... tough Disney decisions!

I'm thinking about a Disney gift card, but I'm SO AFRAID of losing it...the dining plan would have cost us about $900, so if I bought like, 2 gift cards for $500, I would be so terrified of losing them! I mean, I can just as easily lose my wallet or actual cash but...I don't know, a gift card just makes me so nervous! I know people do it all the time and it's a good idea, but I'm afraid! I think we'll be ok without the dining plan, I'm kind of happy about it now, because the only dessert I HAVE to have is bread pudding at 'Ohana, and that's already included!

Haha, of course ToT is at the top, my favorite Disney ride!

We usually do the front seat and I get headaches there too...it all depends on how I'm sitting, I have to make sure I'm sitting up straight so my head doesn't bounce around too much, and I have to keep it pushed back...and sometimes I forget and before I know it, we're taking off and it's too late!

All of the Starring Roles cupcakes are good, so you can never really make a bad decision!

I think that going to Tusker House is a good option. It's pretty similar to Boma to me. I mean, not identical, but close.

We did get the jalapeño pretzel in DHS and it tasted pretty good. Haha.

I've added dining plans with AP only discounted rooms. That makes no sense that you can't. If you have an AP, why on earth would they say you needed to buy park tickets? Did you talk to someone about it or try to do it on the site? Either way though, don't even worry about not having a dining plan! Buy Tables in Wonderland instead with your AP! 20% off every sit down restaurant, liquor included. That's all I ever do. I haven't done a dining plan in years now because Tables is better for me. Oh, they don't take it at the Jedi Mickey dinner though. I learned that last year.

My brother always comes up with interesting explanations as to why he doesn't beat me either. Never that I'm better than him. LOL.

The only thing about Tusker House is, Brandon just LOVES making his own omelets. And Boma is so much faster. And I can't seem to find an ADR there, so there's also that...

You can get the dining plan with an AP, but you have to book it all at the same time. Since I already have a room booked, and it's a room only reservation, they would have to cancel my room, and rebook it as a package to add the dining plan, and if they do that, the room I have with the discount could be gone. So I'm not taking that chance. It's my fault, really, I should have remembered that, but for some reason, I just thought they could add the stupid dining plan to my stupid room reservation and turn it into a package. It's obnoxious but I think it will actually work out in the end!

I have to do a little more research, but I think I'm going to get the TiW card! Do you know where to get it? Last time I got one was in 2011, and I think I got it mailed to me, but you can buy it in Disney right? Figures they don't take it at the Jedi Mickey dinner. (Was that good, by the way, or are you basically going just to meet the characters? I never hear anything good about H&V!)

 

[Nermel9]

It's hard not being on the dining plan that first time, but I've actually come to prefer not being on it. Alex and I eat our fair share of food, but we find that we tend to skip dessert or only order one, then get snacks from some of the better places. (Mainly at Epcot) Plus, if we eat a big breakfast or lunch, we tend to only buy a pretzel or one QS meal to split later in the day, as opposed to a whole extra meal.


I love that you included Starring Rolls in your DHS Must Do's. That place is amazing, and those 2 cupcakes are definitely the best. That red velvet...it's better than a cake!

Yeah I think I might actually enjoy not being on the dining plan, there are some places that I just don't want dessert because I'm SO stuffed, and also places that we get appetizers in addition to everything else, so we're paying all that extra money...I think not having it will work out better, especially if we get TiW!

Haha, I love Starring Roles, I can't NOT include it!

OK, something more to add to my must eat list. That peanut butter cupcake look awesome! I was planning on going there, but now I know exactly what I am getting!

OMG it is SO good! The frosting is peanut butter, and there's also peanut butter in the middle, it is the best thing ever!

I think you'll be just fine without the dining plan! We had it during our 2012 trip but didn't miss it during our 2013 trip - we ate in just as many restaurants and had plenty of food (and dessert!), but didn't feel like we had completely overeaten. We will be dining plan free on our upcoming trip as well!

You and I have very similar Hollywood Studios must dos! The Tower of Terror and Toy Story Midway Mania are two of my favorite attractions in all of Disney World, and Rock N' Roller Coaster is pretty awesome, too! I also never miss walking through One Man's Dream - perhaps one of these years I'll manage to not tear up during the film at the end.

The Starring Rolls cupcakes are incredible, but I can't visit Hollywood Studios without eating my Carrot Cake Cookie!

Yeah I'm pretty excited with not having the dining plan this time, at first I was freaked out, but now I think it's better! I always feel SO stuffed after eating, and then they force you to get dessert, which you feel obligated to eat! As long as I get my bread pudding from 'Ohana, I'm happy!

OMG that film at the end of One Man's Dream is just SO good! I can't really handle it because I hate crying in Disney, so we usually go in, walk through, and then turn around and leave! But I do love that movie!

I think no DO will be fine with you. You can always buy TIW since you have a AP. Mike looked at LC adds, but ry wouldn't eat anything there picky kid! LoL

I'm excited for the SW dinner at HW&V! Mostly for the characters!!!

We buy a lot of gift cards to pay for meals, when we don't use DP. It's great, plus with our giant eagle grocery stores, we get fuel perks, to! Win win!!

I think we will get the TiW, I just wish I knew if we were going again in the next year so I'd get more use out of it!

Aww, no Le Cellier? Someday you have to go!

That's the only reason I'm excited for the SW dinner, I'm guessing the food won't be that great!

I'm nervous about buying gift cards, what happens if you lose them?

 

[Nermel9]

Hi There I have followed along on your past TRs so I was excited to see you had started a PTR. My next trip is not until November which we are referring to as our Honeymoon Redo, but I'm just happy to have a trip to look forward to! I started a PTR for the trip a few weeks ago...feel free to check it out. I would love to hear any suggestions you may have.

Here's my comments:

Resorts: So I have not had the opportunity to stay at either of these resorts. However, we are considering staying at POR - Riverside when we take the kids back in March/April 2016. So, for selfish reasons I am hoping you keep that reservations.

ADR's - All the places you listed sound great! We are hoping to do 'Ohana for dinner (a first for us and very excited about) and BOG for dinner (DH is a picky eater and I just didn't see anything on the lunch menu that I thought he would like).

AK - So, I have to agree with you about AK. Though I do love the park, it is not my favorite. However, during my next trip I am hoping to do a few things there that I have not had the chance to do in the past. Now my DH on the other hand loves this park!

HS - I love this park as well, and agree with all your Must Dos. Star Tours is definitely a Must Do because my DH is a huge Star Wars fan!

Dining Plan - During our last trip we did not do the DP because we stayed off-site (we had 6 in our group so it was cheaper for us to rent a condo). We did exactly what you mentioned and we bought Disney Gift Cards to use for our meals. I bought them from Target and used my Target Red Card and saved 5%. It worked out really great, and I felt better knowing the meals were taken care of in advance. Also, you don't necessarily have to get Disney Gift Cards, you could get a reloadable Visa/Mastercard and use that for your meals.

Well, looking forward to following along with your PTR (and then your TR)!

Hi, thanks for joining! I will definitely check out your PTR, there are a few other ones that I have to sub to as well, I keep forgetting when I'm on here to do it!

Lol, well, I've stayed in POR before, so I can tell you, it's an amazing resort! Especially the royal rooms, they are so beautiful, but the whole resort is absolute perfection! It's almost like being in a deluxe resort, but the doors are on the outside!

'Ohana is awesome, I'd go there just for the noodles, wings, and bread pudding! And BoG is so much fun, it's just like being in the movie!

I love Star Tours, but I feel like it makes me nauseous lately, and Brandon says the same thing too. So we might skip it...it depends on how we feel, because I do love it! It just jerks you around so much! It's funny, I can handle any roller coaster and Tower of Terror 50 times in a row, but Star Tours makes me nauseous!

You weren't afraid of losing the gift cards? I don't know...a lot of people are suggesting that, so maybe it will be a good idea...I'm just afraid I will lose them and then what will we do?

Thanks!

Hi there!! Loving your PTR so far! I totally get you with wanting to constantly change things - it is so hard to just plan and then leave it alone. I love WL too...we just stayed there a few weeks ago. I do wish I had time to just tour all the resorts and make a prioritized list of where I'd like to stay lol. But the DIS certainly helps with recos...although everyone has their preferences. Your dining plan is making me hungry!

Hi! And thank you! Haha, I do love changing things! This trip has been pretty set in stone, which is surprising! (However, if the Boardwalk opened up, I'd grab it. ) I love touring the resorts, it definitely makes you want to stay at all of them! Haha, thank you, I do love Disney food!

Too bad you couldn't get the dining plan, but it sounds like you've got a great outlook about it. We like the dining plan, but you're so right -- sometimes you just dont want dessert!
DHS is definitely where it's at when it comes to rides. I'm NOT a ToT fan, but I do appreciate the incredible theming in there! It's a beautiful building! RnR on the other hand, I could (and have!) ride it over and over and over and over. Love it!
You hit all my favourites at DHS! Great day planned.

Thanks! I love dessert, but I think Brandon and I would be ok with sharing one and getting an appetizer instead. The only thing I hate sharing is the bread pudding at 'Ohana, I wish they gave you your own!

No ToT??? I guess it's not for everyone, haha! RnRC is awesome, I just wish I could prevent the stupid headache it gives me sometimes! Sometimes I'm fine, other times, I'm ruined for the day!

 

[MEK]

How nice that your trip is already next month!

You didn't change your resort, did you? I didn't realize you couldn't add the dining plan to a room only reservation. You can add it to a DVC reservation, but I haven't done it in years. Have you considered getting a TIW card? If you go again in the next 13 months (they usually give you an extra month) you can still use it. I like it. I find it works better for me than the dining plan. Of course, it is $100, so you either need a couple trips or have a large group with you. But, just a thought. It works well for an impromptu lunch at counter service.

Definitely love your must do's.

 

[Nermel9]

How nice that your trip is already next month!

You didn't change your resort, did you? I didn't realize you couldn't add the dining plan to a room only reservation. You can add it to a DVC reservation, but I haven't done it in years. Have you considered getting a TIW card? If you go again in the next 13 months (they usually give you an extra month) you can still use it. I like it. I find it works better for me than the dining plan. Of course, it is $100, so you either need a couple trips or have a large group with you. But, just a thought. It works well for an impromptu lunch at counter service.

Definitely love your must do's.

I know, I can't believe it!! I'm so excited!

No, we didn't change resorts, it's stupid that you can't just add a dining plan to a room only room, especially when you have an AP. But whatever, I'm kind of happy about it now! I might do a TiW card, I read you have to spend $500 at table service restaurants to break even, and we'll definitely be doing that, so it might be worth it for this trip alone.

Thanks!