Can't We Just Travel by Map? Oct 2013 PTR

[oopsiDAISY]

So, Mom and Dad have made THEIR room reservations!!!! They will be staying at the Marriott Royal Palms. It is just a mile from Disney property. Here is a link to check it out:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcorp-marriotts-royal-palms/

They have reserved a two bedroom villa. There is a king sized bed in the master, and in the other room there are two doubles and a daybed. In addition, there is a sleeper sofa in the living room. It looks SO NICE! They check in on Friday, October 4th....which got me to thinking...

Yep~ changes have been made already! Brian and I talked, and have decided to leave Thursday night or REALLY early Friday morning. When we get to Orlando we will go directly to Mom and Dad's place to spend the day Friday relaxing and resting from the long drive. Then we will spend the night with them the first night. We get to start our vacation a day earlier than anticipated!!!! Saturday morning we will get up, have a quick breakfast in their condo, then Brian and and the kids and I will head over to POR to check in and drop our bags off. We will have them put them in the room when it is ready. We will get our KTTW card (or bracelet if they should happen to be available by October) and head out to Animal Kingdom to Let the Memories Begin!!!

There have also been a few minor adjustments to the dining schedule. After sending the menus to my mom she realized the she and dad may not be able to join us as often as they wanted since the prices were so steep. I had tried to warn her, but who could ever be prepared for the reality of just HOW pricey Disney Dining is? So, I talked with her some more and explained that the portions were HUGE and that she and dad could share entrees. I also explained that Charity and Jillian would be getting adult sized portions with the DP, so there would be plenty of food to share as well. She was much more comfortable with the situation after we talked. So I have switched some buffets around so that they will no longer join us for a buffet at all.

Here is what the NEW and improved plan looks like...


Friday, 10-4
ARRIVE!!!
Spend the day and night at MRP (Marriott Royal Palms)
We will probably just eat in that night.


Saturday, 10-5 - Mom and Dad will only join us for dinner
Animal Kingdom
Lunch: Flametree or Yak & Yeti QS
Dinner: Boatwright’s

Sunday, 10-6- Mom and Dad will be visiting friends elsewhere
Epcot
Lunch: World Showcase Choice
Dinner: Cape May Cafe

Monday, 10-7
POR Pool Day
Lunch: Riverside Mill
Dinner: Spirit of Aloha Luau

Tuesday, 10-8- Mom and Dad will join us here
Hollywood Studios
Lunch: Backlot Express
Dinner: Kouzzina

Wednesday, 10-9- Mom and Dad will join us here
Epcot
Lunch: Teppan Edo
Dinner: F&W Festival Date Night for Connie & Brian

Thursday, 10-10
POR Pool or DTD
Lunch: Earl of Sandwich or Riverside Mill
Dinner: Extended Family Cookout in Celebration (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc)

Friday, 10-11- Mom and Dad will head home early on this day
Magic Kingdom
Lunch: Be our Guest Quick Service
Dinner: Kid's Choice (haven't discussed with them yet)

Saturday, 10-12
Hollywood Studios - half day
Lunch: Family Choice (Brian informed me that he does not like the Commissary)
Dinner: on the road headed home

 

[DMGeurts]

Love the Christmas pictures Oopsi! I especially love the last one of the kids! Cute!

I will be back later to comment on your latest plans! Must get something accomplished in my sewing room this morning.

D~

 

[disny_luvr]

So, Mom and Dad have made THEIR room reservations!!!! They will be staying at the Marriott Royal Palms. It is just a mile from Disney property. Here is a link to check it out:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcorp-marriotts-royal-palms/

They have reserved a two bedroom villa. There is a king sized bed in the master, and in the other room there are two doubles and a daybed. In addition, there is a sleeper sofa in the living room. It looks SO NICE! They check in on Friday, October 4th....which got me to thinking...

Yep~ changes have been made already! Brian and I talked, and have decided to leave Thursday night or REALLY early Friday morning. When we get to Orlando we will go directly to Mom and Dad's place to spend the day Friday relaxing and resting from the long drive. Then we will spend the night with them the first night. We get to start our vacation a day earlier than anticipated!!!! Saturday morning we will get up, have a quick breakfast in their condo, then Brian and and the kids and I will head over to POR to check in and drop our bags off. We will have them put them in the room when it is ready. We will get our KTTW card (or bracelet if they should happen to be available by October) and head out to Animal Kingdom to Let the Memories Begin!!!

There have also been a few minor adjustments to the dining schedule. After sending the menus to my mom she realized the she and dad may not be able to join us as often as they wanted since the prices were so steep. I had tried to warn her, but who could ever be prepared for the reality of just HOW pricey Disney Dining is? So, I talked with her some more and explained that the portions were HUGE and that she and dad could share entrees. I also explained that Charity and Jillian would be getting adult sized portions with the DP, so there would be plenty of food to share as well. She was much more comfortable with the situation after we talked. So I have switched some buffets around so that they will no longer join us for a buffet at all.

Here is what the NEW and improved plan looks like...


Friday, 10-4
ARRIVE!!!
Spend the day and night at MRP (Marriott Royal Palms)
We will probably just eat in that night.


Saturday, 10-5 - Mom and Dad will only join us for dinner
Animal Kingdom
Lunch: Flametree or Yak & Yeti QS
Dinner: Boatwright’s

Sunday, 10-6- Mom and Dad will be visiting friends elsewhere
Epcot
Lunch: World Showcase Choice
Dinner: Cape May Cafe

Monday, 10-7
POR Pool Day
Lunch: Riverside Mill
Dinner: Spirit of Aloha Luau

Tuesday, 10-8- Mom and Dad will join us here
Hollywood Studios
Lunch: Backlot Express
Dinner: Kouzzina

Wednesday, 10-9- Mom and Dad will join us here
Epcot
Lunch: Teppan Edo
Dinner: F&W Festival Date Night for Connie & Brian

Thursday, 10-10
POR Pool or DTD
Lunch: Earl of Sandwich or Riverside Mill
Dinner: Extended Family Cookout in Celebration (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc)

Friday, 10-11- Mom and Dad will head home early on this day
Magic Kingdom
Lunch: Be our Guest Quick Service
Dinner: Kid's Choice (haven't discussed with them yet)

Saturday, 10-12
Hollywood Studios - half day
Lunch: Family Choice (Brian informed me that he does not like the Commissary)
Dinner: on the road headed home

I think your plans look great! Getting in an extra day is awesome. I like how you planned some "down days". We always have at least one day where we don't visit a park. It's nice to have a day to sleep in a bit and enjoy the resort.

In Magic Kingdom we always enjoy eating at Liberty Tree Tavern. I know some people don't like it here, but we appreciate the family style meal and the slower pace. We think the food is pretty good too.

 

[DMGeurts]

In Magic Kingdom we always enjoy eating at Liberty Tree Tavern. I know some people don't like it here, but we appreciate the family style meal and the slower pace. We think the food is pretty good too.

I agree - lunch here is a must do for us... Their pasta is fantastic!

D~

 

[Pluto0809]

Yay for arriving a day early!

All of your choices look great for meals. My favorite CS in World Showcase is the Fish and Chips place in England. Of course they only serve on thing so everyone has to like Fish and Chips. I don't even like sugar cookies but on man are the ones there good! Mom and I had lunch there and I ate all of my cookie (they are very big) and half of Mom's cause she was full.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I think your plans look great! Getting in an extra day is awesome. I like how you planned some "down days". We always have at least one day where we don't visit a park. It's nice to have a day to sleep in a bit and enjoy the resort.

In Magic Kingdom we always enjoy eating at Liberty Tree Tavern. I know some people don't like it here, but we appreciate the family style meal and the slower pace. We think the food is pretty good too.

I am so glad we get the extra time to have days off this time. Last time we went we didn't schedule days off and it definitely wore on us. We actually had a two-fold purpose for scheduling the days off...rest AND not having to purchase as many park tickets!

I have printed the menu for LTT as one of the choices the kids will have for our MK dinner. We shall see what they choose...

I agree - lunch here is a must do for us... Their pasta is fantastic!

D~

See comment above regarding LTT!

Yay for arriving a day early!

All of your choices look great for meals. My favorite CS in World Showcase is the Fish and Chips place in England. Of course they only serve on thing so everyone has to like Fish and Chips. I don't even like sugar cookies but on man are the ones there good! Mom and I had lunch there and I ate all of my cookie (they are very big) and half of Mom's cause she was full.

I do hope we get to try Yorkshire Fish and Chips this time! I have heard fabulous reviews of it, and I wanted to try it last time. We ended up eating at Sunshine Seasons TWICE because it was just so good the first time. My dream would be to pick up lunch or dinner a the fish and chips stand, then sneak over to the stage in the English garden area to enjoy the Beatles tribute band while we chow down on the yumminess!

 

[Pluto0809]

I am so glad we get the extra time to have days off this time. Last time we went we didn't schedule days off and it definitely wore on us. We actually had a two-fold purpose for scheduling the days off...rest AND not having to purchase as many park tickets!

I have printed the menu for LTT as one of the choices the kids will have for our MK dinner. We shall see what they choose...



See comment above regarding LTT!




I do hope we get to try Yorkshire Fish and Chips this time! I have heard fabulous reviews of it, and I wanted to try it last time. We ended up eating at Sunshine Seasons TWICE because it was just so good the first time. My dream would be to pick up lunch or dinner a the fish and chips stand, then sneak over to the stage in the English garden area to enjoy the Beatles tribute band while we chow down on the yumminess!

This is almost what Mom and I did! There was zero seating in the area by Yorkshire so I lead her back to that little courtyard and we found a bench. It was pretty empty back there and unfortunately the band was not playing. It was a great place to get out of the crowds and eat our lunch. I do love Sunshine Seasons too, it's hard to pick!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

This movie night was SO MUCH FUN!!! I loved the food, and had a blast preparing it with the kids. We really did have a great time on this night.

The invitation:

Making food together:

Decorations:

The food:

Gabe made these caterpillars all on his own!

Artists at work:

The finished masterpieces:

Gabe had fun playing with the "decor" while we all watched the movie:

And out next movie night theme is:

 

[DMGeurts]

Love it! All of your food is just perfect! I seriously NEED to come to one of your FMN - they ROCK!!!

Hmm... Nemo is next???

D~

 

[Pluto0809]

I think you need to adopt me! I love seeing all of your Movie nights! The food looks delicious especially that Dirt and Worms dessert. Gabe did a great job on the Caterpillers.

 

[Pixiedust530]

Your Bug's Life movie night looks like so much fun. I usually consider myself a creative person, but then I read a post like yours and.....EH....not so much!

Your food looks delicious and is making my mouth water. Mmmmmm!

I can't wait to see what you do for Finding Nemo....that's one of my FAVORITE Disney movies!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

This is almost what Mom and I did! There was zero seating in the area by Yorkshire so I lead her back to that little courtyard and we found a bench. It was pretty empty back there and unfortunately the band was not playing. It was a great place to get out of the crowds and eat our lunch. I do love Sunshine Seasons too, it's hard to pick!

I may have more chances to try Yorkshire Fish than I originally anticipated...see below.

Love it! All of your food is just perfect! I seriously NEED to come to one of your FMN - they ROCK!!!

Hmm... Nemo is next???

D~

We will be having a movie night every second Saturday of the month...let me know a week in advance when you and the girls plan to show up, K?

I think you need to adopt me! I love seeing all of your Movie nights! The food looks delicious especially that Dirt and Worms dessert. Gabe did a great job on the Caterpillers.

I was so proud of my little man for the caterpillars. He has gotten to the point now that he wants to help EVERY TIME I am in the kitchen... not always a good thing since he is still quite young. This little job was PERFECT for him and he was quite proud of himself, too.

Your Bug's Life movie night looks like so much fun. I usually consider myself a creative person, but then I read a post like yours and.....EH....not so much!

Your food looks delicious and is making my mouth water. Mmmmmm!

I can't wait to see what you do for Finding Nemo....that's one of my FAVORITE Disney movies!

I am not as much creative as able to copy and elaborate on other folks' ideas! I am on a Disney Movie Night thread on here, and it helps a LOT!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Well, it seems the economy has finally caught up to us...

We have been on a super tight budget for a while, and we have survived and managed to stay on top. We are still on top as opposed to going under, but the strain is taking quite a toll on our finances. We have now seen the impact the new social security deductions are going to make on our paychecks and it is the straw that is breaking our financial camel's back.

Brian told me last night that if he doesn't sell his motorcycle, we may not be able to go to Disney this year. He has not slept at all for the last week or so, and yesterday he just had a bad day and it all got to him.

Well, we got to talking and we realize there are a couple of things we could do with the situation we are in:

*If any sort of free dining is offered, we could still go to Disney. We would even settle for just the free QS dining at this point. I have printed all the "excellent" QS menu options to show him that we could make it work and not eat burgers and nuggets all week. And one HUGE financial advantage to QS dining is that you don't have to spend the outrageous amounts of $$$ you do at TS restaurants on the gratuities.

I priced out lodging and ticket only packages...we could do 5 days in the parks and have three days off. (To get only 4 days of tickets would have saved us only $63 )

What is boils down to is this: we simply will NOT have enough $$$ to pay for any dining plan whatsoever, nor will we have enough to get meals OOP if he does not sell that motorcycle.

If no free dining is offered we could:

*Stay with my parents and have a Florida vacation as opposed to a Disney vacation. We would TRY to have one or two park days, depending on how much $$$ we end up saving.

All that being said...we need to:

*SELL THE MOTORCYCLE!!!! (that has been listed on Craig's list twice in the last year with no takers)

*Get a decent tax return (don't have much faith in that, unfortunately)

*Be able to sell any number of other things we are about to advertise on Craig's list.

*Start eating beans, rice and mac and cheese a LOT to have that extra grocery $$$ to contribute.

*Ask relatives to give our kids Disney GC's for birthdays so that they will have thier own souvie $$$.

*Get the kids involved in the savings. Brian's mom gives them money on a regular basis when they do chores at her house. I am going to make a savings chart similar to this: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46168183&postcount=1
and get the kids in on the savings FUN!

So please wish us LOTS of prayers and pixie dust in the next month or so as we see if this trip is going to happen or not!!!

 

[Pluto0809]

Oh no! I hope you are able to come up with a solution. I will keep my fingers crossed that you are able to sell the motorcycle!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Oh no! I hope you are able to come up with a solution. I will keep my fingers crossed that you are able to sell the motorcycle!

I honestly think we can work together to make this happen, it just may look different than what we had originally planned...and that is OKAY! Brian was just super stressed yesterday and looking at the worst case scenario side of the picture rather than weighing other options. We agreed to just not make any decisions until our tax return comes in, then sit down and look at it again to see what our options are.

Thanks for your well wishes, Ariana!

 

[solana131]

Ask relatives to give our kids Disney GC's for birthdays so that they will have thier own souvie $$$.

This is how we do it. Well, not just the kids...I asked for giftcards for Christmas and my birthday. I have $300 right now and Bradey has $150. The past two trips I have paid for all our meals with giftcards and it has worked out fine. I just can't see the dining plan working out for us, so I have never tried it. The room-only discounts seem to be a much bigger savings for me. So we use the giftcards for meals and souvies.

I really hope you can make it work oopsi. I feel like all of us has backed out...maybe if you can make it work, the parks will be empty Yeah, probably not, but one can dream.

Good luck! I will be wishing for you!

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh no Oopsi!

OK, breathe... I like how you have taken the trip apart, so you know exactly what works for you... There are so many ways to do Disney. I hope you are able to sell that darned motorcycle so that you are all able to go.

Sending Pixie Dust your way.

D~ <--- BTW... Josh wants to know what kind of motorcycle it is... (he's not allowed to get it).

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Thanks for your support Ladies. I am just believing we will get something to work out. D~ it is a Honda Magna, a sport cruiser bike. We put an after market seat on it so that it's comfy for the passenger in the back...you and Josh would make that bike look AWESOME! ;-)

BYW- I have Harley leather boots and Harley leather riding jacket I could just throw in there for ya since you are such a special friend, LOL!

 

[Pixiedust530]

I'm sorry to hear about the financial troubles, but unfortunately I understand them all too well. It sounds like despite DH being stressed to the max that you are keeping positive and coming up with alternatives and how to make your trip work for you guys.

I hope that things will all come together and you can still do some sort of trip. It seems like so many TR's that I am following are falling apart. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you guys!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Cool! I wish her many happy dolly playing years!



I wish we would have done that... Super smart idea! I am sure it will more than suffice and she will get LOTS of use out of it!



I knew you had a Dismeet with Lynn, but I didn't realize you got to see her UPB too! Cool! Won't be long now for yours!

D~

Ho Humm... Jealous non owner of a Bag...