Childfree (by choice) Disney Lovers!

[Bunless]

What's TGM?

So, I'm needing help from everybody.
We last were at WDW in February 2008, we're going again in January 2011.
Any changes to be aware of?

 

[maddhatir]

What's TGM?

So, I'm needing help from everybody.
We last were at WDW in February 2008, we're going again in January 2011.
Any changes to be aware of?

Sorry- Tour Guide Mike!

OMG- yup. New things happening! New restaurants in Epcot- they are adding a 300-seat pizzeria to Tutto Italia -
Cantina de San Angel in Mexico is expanding w/ a 400 seat indoor/outdoor restaurant. Mexico now has a Tequila bar inside.

Givenchy will open in France.

Did you know they now have a Wishes Dessert Party?

Hot air Balloon ride @ DTD. Adventurers Club is GONE. Some new restaurants in DTD.

TOTAL revamp of Fantasyland!! Supposed to be completed by 2012-13.

I am sure there is more that I am missing............

 

[book_junkie]

Alesia- I thought you might have some experience with this! It is sad to see. The poor kid was so upset.

No matter what it might be- the child needs help. Hopefully the parents are doing something about it now, while he is young

And if not maybe his school will catch it- they seem to be screening for such things in my area now....

Updates since 2008 that I didn't seen mentioned:
Total redo of Star Tours- new adventure, new everything... ToT update to the programming and a little addition to the interior scenes.... Space Mountain redo...

And for a question of my own... hubbie and I have had a really rough year, and were thinking of sneaking down to Disney end of October for our vacation... Right now we're looking at POFQ- pros, cons? Looking for relaxing, less kids (know that you can't get completely away from them ), romantic, but can't afford the luxury of the deluxes....

 

[Bunless]

Sorry- Tour Guide Mike!
Is this something I should look in to?

OMG- yup. New things happening! New restaurants in Epcot- they are adding a 300-seat pizzeria to Tutto Italia -meh, not a big pizza fan. We haven't been to Tutto Italia, though. Anyone been there?
Cantina de San Angel in Mexico is expanding w/ a 400 seat indoor/outdoor restaurant. I prefer my Mexican food out of a taco truck. YUMMMMMMexico now has a Tequila bar insideNow THAT sounds promising! Good addition to drinking around the world, yes?.

Givenchy will open in France. I think I hear the bells of heaven ringing.

Did you know they now have a Wishes Dessert Party? No! But that sounds nice, I need to look into that one.

Hot air Balloon ride @ DTD. Adventurers Club is GONE. Some new restaurants in DTD. We walked around DTD on our way back from the cruise (had a few hours to kill before the flight). The balloon ride looked, well, lame. We ate at the Italian restaurant there, it was fabulous. Would like to try Paradisio 37 (?). I knew the Adventurers Club was gone, and am so so so sad about it.

TOTAL revamp of Fantasyland!! Supposed to be completed by 2012-13. I read about that, will be making a special trip in a few years to check it out. It's got to be so much better than what they have now. That's one thing that Disneyland has right, Fantasyland. It's Beyooootiful!

I am sure there is more that I am missing...........Oh, come now, don't you know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING that goes on at WDW? I mean, it's only 6 theme parks, multiple entertainment complexes, and what, something like 20 resorts? I expected more from you....

Updates since 2008 that I didn't seen mentioned:
Total redo of Star Tours- new adventure, new everything... *jumping up and down* ToT update to the programming and a little addition to the interior scenes.... Space Mountain redo...thank god. I really didn't like the old one. Much prefer the new one at Disneyland. Anyone know how the two compare now?

And for a question of my own... hubbie and I have had a really rough year, and were thinking of sneaking down to Disney end of October for our vacation... Right now we're looking at POFQ- pros, cons? Looking for relaxing, less kids (know that you can't get completely away from them ), romantic, but can't afford the luxury of the deluxes....We haven't stayed at POFQ, just at Caribbean, but that was a long time ago. We really enjoyed it. As long as we stuck to the 'quiet' pools, it was great.

.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

Happy Monday everyone!

Well I had a burger and some potato casserole and skipped the rest. I've been trying very hard to lose weight and have finally found something that's doable foodwise & exercisewise that's helping me drop the pounds. I've lost almost 12 pounds in 3 weeks and feel great!

Glad this day is almost over, it feels like the day that never ends! UGH!!!

Have a great evening everyone!

omg..that is awesome! wtg! I need to figure something new out...I know stress is a big part of it...but I'm up about 15 pounds since November. I am exercising and trying to eat less and it still just isn't working. I"m really not that stressed anymore, but I just need to find that one little thing that will really kick start my weight loss...

 

[KRIS10420]

Happy Monday everyone!
Well I had a burger and some potato casserole and skipped the rest. I've been trying very hard to lose weight and have finally found something that's doable foodwise & exercisewise that's helping me drop the pounds. I've lost almost 12 pounds in 3 weeks and feel great!

Arggghhh! I have been trying to reply to this for hours but lately my computer has taken up not wanting to load anything, grrrr.

Congrats Tammy! That is awesome, way to go.
I haven't been consistantly exercising or eating properly since my trip in November, and boy does it show I have had enough so back on the band wagon.

Madd: I was just curious who the fine looking fella in your signature is?

 

[maddhatir]

Madd: I was just curious who the fine looking fella in your signature is?

THAT is mah baby, Sharlee!!! He plays bass for Arch Enemy. I'z in luuuuuv! ...OK, lust!

And for a question of my own... hubbie and I have had a really rough year, and were thinking of sneaking down to Disney end of October for our vacation... Right now we're looking at POFQ- pros, cons? Looking for relaxing, less kids (know that you can't get completely away from them ), romantic, but can't afford the luxury of the deluxes....

DH and I stayed @ POFQ in '06. It was worth it to "step up" from a value. IMO, the room decor was beautiful, so were the grounds. The grounds were always quiet and so was the food court But we went in Sept, that could be why. It is nice to walk along the river over to POR and you have the boat that takes you right to DTD. They also have horse-drawn carriage rides @ the POR.

And- I am going to go into my DVC shpeel you can buy points from DVC owners and the price comes out to about the same as booking a mod. We will be paying $161.00 a night to stay at the BWV boardwalk view in Oct during the F&W! But- if you can book a mod and get a code, free dining etc, that would certainly be worth it.

 

[HockeyKat]

Well I had a burger and some potato casserole and skipped the rest. I've been trying very hard to lose weight and have finally found something that's doable foodwise & exercisewise that's helping me drop the pounds. I've lost almost 12 pounds in 3 weeks and feel great!

Glad this day is almost over, it feels like the day that never ends! UGH!!!

Have a great evening everyone!

Tammy that's great!!

What have you decided on for food and exercise?


I have been on the 2010 Campaign to not be fat anymore myself... down almost 33 lbs since Jan 3rd. I have about 30 more to go.



Madd, I owe you a DVC explanation from pages back. The contract we bid on is a BWV resale contract. Disney has the right to buy back any contract if they don't like the price, so you have to put in a bid and then wait for them to decide if they are going to waive that right (the right of first refusal, or ROFR).

The bad thing about resale is the ROFR, but the good thing is that you save a lot of money. Our bid is for 150 pts at $75/pt with seller paying closing costs (brings it to $72/pt). It also comes with all '08 '09 and '10 pts. 150 available now then, that have to be used by 8/31, and 300 available on 9/1 (we had them bank the '09 pts). If I went through Disney, the cheapest I could get is $102/pt after incentives, at Animal Kingdom.

 

[maddhatir]

Sorry- Tour Guide Mike!
Is this something I should look in to?

Well- I think the price for TGM is $20 and some change. I sign up for every trip just to get his "least crowded" charts. He tells you what parks are good and which parks to avoid every day of your vacation. That is worth the $20 to me. He has SOOOOO much more helpful info on his site- but the charts are what I like.

OMG- yup. New things happening! New restaurants in Epcot- they are adding a 300-seat pizzeria to Tutto Italia -meh, not a big pizza fan. We haven't been to Tutto Italia, though. Anyone been there?

No- we have not been to Disney since TI opened. I might try the pizza just b/c I am a pizza FREAK! I did love the pizza at the BW when we stayed there in Aug 08. It didn't taste like that disgusting Dominos-like crap they sell in the parks.

Cantina de San Angel in Mexico is expanding w/ a 400 seat indoor/outdoor restaurant. I prefer my Mexican food out of a taco truck. YUMMMMMMexico now has a Tequila bar insideNow THAT sounds promising! Good addition to drinking around the world, yes?.

OMG- ITA about good Mexican food. Not far from where we live, we have tons of blueberry farms. There are a lot of workers that come from Mexico for the summer to work and in that area they have this great little stand run by the Mexican people. 99% of the time it is just the farm workers that eat there. DH and I ride the cycle to the stand just to get a bite. It is funny b/c when you ask for a beer, someone runs across the street to the liquor store to get you one b/c they do not have a liquor license! OR they just give you one of theirs. I love it!

I did not try out the Tequila bar either- it was not there on our last trip- I think Tammy went though (or was that Paradiso 37?). Their flights look interesting- go and check out the info!!!

Have you been on the Dsney Food Blog site??- they have some good info- and PICS!
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/

Hot air Balloon ride @ DTD. Adventurers Club is GONE. Some new restaurants in DTD. We walked around DTD on our way back from the cruise (had a few hours to kill before the flight). The balloon ride looked, well, lame.

Yeah- but it is not much $$- I want to try it out, just to say I did!

I DO need to get to T-Rex and try one of their Cotton-tinis. That is also on my "just b/c" to do list LOL.

I am sure there is more that I am missing...........Oh, come now, don't you know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING that goes on at WDW? I mean, it's only 6 theme parks, multiple entertainment complexes, and what, something like 20 resorts? I expected more from you....

Hey man- I try! It seems like when I have a big gap in trips- I don't keep up as much. Once my trip is planned in my head- I start investigating all that is new- it is hard to keep up with everything! Lots going on these days, isn't there!?

 

[maddhatir]

Tammy that's great!!

What have you decided on for food and exercise?


I have been on the 2010 Campaign to not be fat anymore myself... down almost 33 lbs since Jan 3rd. I have about 30 more to go.

Kat- that is AMAZING! I am being lazy just trying to get off 3 more!

Madd, I owe you a DVC explanation from pages back. The contract we bid on is a BWV resale contract. Disney has the right to buy back any contract if they don't like the price, so you have to put in a bid and then wait for them to decide if they are going to waive that right (the right of first refusal, or ROFR).

The bad thing about resale is the ROFR, but the good thing is that you save a lot of money. Our bid is for 150 pts at $75/pt with seller paying closing costs (brings it to $72/pt). It also comes with all '08 '09 and '10 pts. 150 available now then, that have to be used by 8/31, and 300 available on 9/1 (we had them bank the '09 pts). If I went through Disney, the cheapest I could get is $102/pt after incentives, at Animal Kingdom.

Thanks for the info. It is very confusing sometimes. I mentioned to DH about buying a resale. He didn't say no- but that does not mean anything.

Now, can you buy a DVC directly from the owner? I know you see a lot of the Vistana time shares for sale by owner- dirt cheap.

 

[HockeyKat]

Kat- that is AMAZING! I am being lazy just trying to get off 3 more!




Thanks for the info. It is very confusing sometimes. I mentioned to DH about buying a resale. He didn't say no- but that does not mean anything.

Now, can you buy a DVC directly from the owner? I know you see a lot of the Vistana time shares for sale by owner- dirt cheap.

Thanks!! I have been working pretty hard at it. Calorie cutting and an a$$ton of exercise.

No, you still have to pass ROFR regardless of whether you go by owner or from a reseller (like a real estate agent, sort of). Any deed change, including removal of a divorced spouse, etc. requires approval from Disney. This is bad for buying a resale dirt cheap, but good as an owner as your property doesn't devalue as fast as a traditional timeshare.

If you went by owner (if you even can, I have never seen a listing?), I wouldn't think you would save anything, plus there would be a TON of hassle trying to figure out all of the documents to submit.

I used the Timeshare Store, which is a DIS sponsor, for both of my resales. If you do go that route, Scot or any of the guys over there are very patient and knowledgable and can answer any questions that you have.

 

[TKDizneyluver]

OMG Tammy- That is AWESOME!!! 12 lbs! I am so happy for you!

Thanks Madd!

Cantina de San Angel in Mexico is expanding w/ a 400 seat indoor/outdoor restaurant. Mexico now has a Tequila bar inside.

This place was "the Bomb". DH and I went here and did not want to leave, it was packed, everyone was partying and the food was good but alas we didn't want to miss Illuminations!

omg..that is awesome! wtg! I need to figure something new out...I know stress is a big part of it...but I'm up about 15 pounds since November. I am exercising and trying to eat less and it still just isn't working. I"m really not that stressed anymore, but I just need to find that one little thing that will really kick start my weight loss...

Thanks Tiff! Keep up the good work with your walking, that's what has worked for me, and I've got done on my meal portions but still eating regular foods.

Congrats Tammy! That is awesome, way to go.
I haven't been consistantly exercising or eating properly since my trip in November, and boy does it show I have had enough so back on the band wagon.

Thanks Kris! I know what you mean about getting back on the bandwagon. I feel like that has been my life, but for some reason since I turned 46 I've started thinking about what life will be like when I'm 50 and I decided I don't want to be "fat & 50"!!! LOL so I'm determined!! Not to mention DH was to a beach vacation the end of Oct. and I don't want to look like a beached whale!

Tammy that's great!!

What have you decided on for food and exercise?

Thanks Kat!

I have actually started a program on my treadmill and just eating smaller meals. I walk 2 miles a day (1 in the morning & 1 after work), but as I'm walking I keep increasing my speed so that I am working my legs hard and building muscle. I am at a 25 minute mile right now and working towards a 20 minute mile. I got this from a book called, Walking Yourself Thin. I eat regular foods just less, greek yogurt & almonds for breakfast with coffee, lunch is soup with crackers or a sandwich veggies or salad, and dinner is usually a piece of meat with a salad or veggies on the side. I don't know if it's my determination or what but this has been really easy for me to do. I don't typically get the urge to snack and I never eat anything after dinner. I do treat myself to a sugar free International House coffee if I do get a sweet tooth. Hopefully this will keep going cuz it's working really well for me!

 

[HockeyKat]

Thanks Kat!

I have actually started a program on my treadmill and just eating smaller meals. I walk 2 miles a day (1 in the morning & 1 after work), but as I'm walking I keep increasing my speed so that I am working my legs hard and building muscle. I am at a 25 minute mile right now and working towards a 20 minute mile. I got this from a book called, Walking Yourself Thin. I eat regular foods just less, greek yogurt & almonds for breakfast with coffee, lunch is soup with crackers or a sandwich veggies or salad, and dinner is usually a piece of meat with a salad or veggies on the side. I don't know if it's my determination or what but this has been really easy for me to do. I don't typically get the urge to snack and I never eat anything after dinner. I do treat myself to a sugar free International House coffee if I do get a sweet tooth. Hopefully this will keep going cuz it's working really well for me!

That's great!! I think these things work best when you find something that you can live with.

I find filling up with veggies really helps. Exercise does too, since it makes me not want to eat bad since I just went through that torture and don't want to erase it.

Once you conquer the walking portion, if you ever want to move to running, I highly recommend interval training. I never in a million years thought I could run before I tried it. I am only to the point that I can run 2 min at a time now, but I have gotten up to a 12-13 min avg mile in a 5K, by doing run 2, walk 2 intervals. Although, it has taken 4 months to build to this point... I started at about a 18-20 min walking mile.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

TI have actually started a program on my treadmill and just eating smaller meals. I walk 2 miles a day (1 in the morning & 1 after work), but as I'm walking I keep increasing my speed so that I am working my legs hard and building muscle. I am at a 25 minute mile right now and working towards a 20 minute mile. I got this from a book called, Walking Yourself Thin. I eat regular foods just less, greek yogurt & almonds for breakfast with coffee, lunch is soup with crackers or a sandwich veggies or salad, and dinner is usually a piece of meat with a salad or veggies on the side. I don't know if it's my determination or what but this has been really easy for me to do. I don't typically get the urge to snack and I never eat anything after dinner. I do treat myself to a sugar free International House coffee if I do get a sweet tooth. Hopefully this will keep going cuz it's working really well for me!

the exercise is similar to what I try to do...I try to do at least 2 miles a day...some days more if my ankle and knee feel ok and I'm feel ambitious
some days it is all walking outside, some days it is half outside and half walk away the pounds dvds(just cause they kick my butt WAY more than walking outside does)
trying to eat smaller portions and when I want a snack I have a little fruit, veggies or a handful of nuts. (also occassionally a skinny cow ice cream bar..anyone else love this brand??)
I just keep crossing my fingers that I'll actually start to see the weight coming off soon.

 

[maddhatir]

Madd: I was just curious who the fine looking fella in your signature is?

Hmmmm Kris- after agreeing with me on my wall that Jesse James is hot- and now Shar? Could this mean you like our (Tammy, Joey and I) odd taste in men- huh???

 

[Bunless]

Well- I think the price for TGM is $20 and some change. I sign up for every trip just to get his "least crowded" charts. He tells you what parks are good and which parks to avoid every day of your vacation. That is worth the $20 to me. He has SOOOOO much more helpful info on his site- but the charts are what I like.
I'll look into it... don't have anything else to do after all.


No- we have not been to Disney since TI opened. I might try the pizza just b/c I am a pizza FREAK! I did love the pizza at the BW when we stayed there in Aug 08. It didn't taste like that disgusting Dominos-like crap they sell in the parks. I have yet to try pizza in the parks. I'll keep it that way. The only fast food type of food I'll have in the parks is a single corn dog a trip. Well, that and sometimes I'll have one of the kids meal packs.



OMG- ITA about good Mexican food. Not far from where we live, we have tons of blueberry farms. There are a lot of workers that come from Mexico for the summer to work and in that area they have this great little stand run by the Mexican people. 99% of the time it is just the farm workers that eat there. DH and I ride the cycle to the stand just to get a bite. It is funny b/c when you ask for a beer, someone runs across the street to the liquor store to get you one b/c they do not have a liquor license! OR they just give you one of theirs. I love it! That, is truly awesome.

I did not try out the Tequila bar either- it was not there on our last trip- I think Tammy went though (or was that Paradiso 37?). Their flights look interesting- go and check out the info!!! Will do! We're excited about staying at one of the resorts that you can take a boat to downtown Disney. We really enjoyed eating there during the day this last time. Not crowded, beautiful weather, perfect to eat outside (not too humid, but not too cool).

Have you been on the Dsney Food Blog site??- they have some good info- and PICS!
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/
Um, no, but WILL.


I DO need to get to T-Rex and try one of their Cotton-tinis. That is also on my "just b/c" to do list LOL. Um, WHAT?

I have been on the 2010 Campaign to not be fat anymore myself... down almost 33 lbs since Jan 3rd. I have about 30 more to go. Yay!

This place was "the Bomb". DH and I went here and did not want to leave, it was packed, everyone was partying and the food was good but alas we didn't want to miss Illuminations! You know, that EPCOT Club has quite the cover charge.

I'm looking forward to trying to loose weight again. I'm really, really missing being able to go for a walk.

 

[maddhatir]

Bunless- BEHOLD, the Cottontini @ T-Rex!

I need to try this

Also, trust me, being from NJ I think I know pizza The pizza @ the BW and WGPuck Exp is awesome! (Ok the last time I had it it was awesome) Stay far away from from places like Pizzafari, Pizza Planet, OK most other places IN the parks- unless, you like DOMINOS! {{bleck}}

I have read that some people do not like the pizza at the BW- but maybe those people are used to crappy pizza at home

At home, if it's not from a real pizzeria- I don't want to know about it. Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Little Ceasars.....I just don't get it

 

[Alesia]

Also, trust me, being from NJ I think I know pizza The pizza @ the BW and WGPuck Exp is awesome! (Ok the last time I had it it was awesome) Stay far away from from places like Pizzafari, Pizza Planet, OK most other places IN the parks- unless, you like DOMINOS! {{bleck}}

I have read that some people do not like the pizza at the BW- but maybe those people are used to crappy pizza at home

At home, if it's not from a real pizzeria- I don't want to know about it. Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Little Ceasars.....I just don't get it

Funny, I just mentioned this to you on facebook, but I'll say it here, too: You really should try the pizza from Giordano's. It's absolutely the best pizza ever.

I have never understood why people go on vacation and eat pizza from Domino's.

 

[maddhatir]

Funny, I just mentioned this to you on facebook, but I'll say it here, too: You really should try the pizza from Giordano's. It's absolutely the best pizza ever.

I have never understood why people go on vacation and eat pizza from Domino's.

Alesia- I don't see your post on FB

I don't usually leave the parks for food- I am always on the DDP. But YEARS ago DH and I stayed off property and ate at this "Chigaco style" pizza place, could that have been Giordanos?? From what I remember, it was in a shopping center by DTD.

Not to be snooty - but I am SO not a "Chicago style" pizza fan. I am all about the NY style pizza baby! I love the Sicilian, the Neapolitan and sometimes just the Tomato Pie! oh Mama MIA! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Cheese, sauce, olive oil and basil is all I need. Never any toppings.

When we go to NYC we have to go to John's for pizza! YUM! If you are ever in the area- they have a few locations and so worth the stop IMO http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm

But you see TONS of people eating that Dominos looking pizza at the parks. I guess the kids like it-

 

[Bunless]

Bunless- BEHOLD, the Cottontini @ T-Rex!

I need to try this

WHAT? dear god. I would need a few drinks before I tried that.

I prefer flat bread.