Christmas Comes Early PTR Nov 27 - Dec 3 2011 **What's YOUR Opinion?**

[mphalens]

Hey! Another one of us followed you over.

All of your ADR plans are making me hungry! We did O'hana for breakfast the last time we were there - it wasn't our favorite - we had an issue with our waiter. But things like that are so few and far between, I'd truly chalk it up to a fluke. The atmosphere is amazing, and the smell of the Poly - Num... if only they'd bottle it.

Anyways - just wanted to say hi.

D~

I can't read my ADR plans or I get hungry too!!!

I can't wait to go to the Poly! Actually, I can't wait to go to all of the various resorts ... Part of my ADR planning was to get us to some of the different resorts so I could see them all decorated for Christmas without dragging DH there for no reason

Thanks for coming over!!! With so many Disboutiquers following me here I feel I should be posting more pictures so something

 

[miprender]

They are HUGE Star Wars fans!!! I'm worried the younger one is going to freak out about Jedi Training Academy - don't you have to be 4 to do it?

I checked the website and YES it says 4. Not sure if DS3 would be ready or not for the training. But DS5 is definately doing it (so he says) he might chicken out at the last minute.

 

[mphalens]

I checked the website and YES it says 4. Not sure if DS3 would be ready or not for the training. But DS5 is definately doing it (so he says) he might chicken out at the last minute.

Mr CA did it on our last trip ... he was just turning 5 and had a BLAST!!!!

 

[miprender]

Mr CA did it on our last trip ... he was just turning 5 and had a BLAST!!!!

I love those photos... TOO darn cute.

 

[MARsMama]

Love your Jedi training photos My ds did it on his 7th birthday, and it was certainly the highlight of the trip for him. Both boys are hoping to do it this time around, as well as my cousin's ds. Would be cool if they can all get in and do it together!

 

[momabaarjo]

Love the Jedi training photos!

 

[mphalens]

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!!​

 

[PixieMama]

Happy 4th to you, too! Great family pic

 

[mphalens]

So, as so many of us have been waiting and hoping they would, Disney added more FREE DINING dates!

I tried checking pricing online, but because of our party of 6, I was running into issues, so I sucked it up and called. After busy signals for a bunch of tries, I finally got through. . . and then waited on hold for 46 minutes.

But, I got a FABULOUS CM who was SUPER helpful!!! She checked and it was still cheaper for us to keep our original discount if we wanted to stay at SSR with regular dining. TO switch to Free Dining would have actually cost us MORE

But, she and I started chatting . . . she asked how attached to the Villas we were . . . she suggested the Cabins at Ft Wilderness, but I just couldn't see the 6 of us being able to handle that little space (especially since Mimi & Papa would be sleeping in the living room).

Then, I had the brilliant idea to ask about CBR and getting 2 rooms. The bestie & her family love CBR and I've never heard of anyone UNHAPPY with it . . . so the CM checked and it was a HUGE savings even with two rooms.
So I thought, "hmm, they have those pirate rooms . . . and if it's THAT much cheaper I wonder how much it would be to upgrade to Deluxe dining from the Free?"

So I asked. And she checked. And we could STILL save $500 even with Pirate Themed Rooms and Deluxe Dining!!!

But I knew Mimi was attached to those Villas and their space. . . and the kitchen. . . but the Moderates all have mini-fridges and with Deluxe Dining we really wouldn't NEED to keep a lot of food in the room/eat there . . . I was thinking out loud and said I wished I could call Mimi to see what she thought . . . and the CM said she didn't mind holding while I called real quick to check!!!

So, thanks to the iPhone, the CM was placed on hold, Mimi was called and given the facts really quick . . . and she said, "$500 is a good bit of savings, do you think we should do it?" I said "Yes!" and just like that, we were changing our resort and dining!!!

The CM had just entered the info for our ressie when suddenly my phone acted all crazy and I LOST THE CALL

Ugh! I called back, finally got through and started the waiting game all over again I just felt sick with all the time I felt I was wasting. And what if the reservations were GONE? Imagine my surprise when I heard the call waiting beep and I saw it was Disney! The CM said she didn't know what happened but that all of a sudden she was talking to someone else and I was gone. She pulled my phone number out of the system before switching screens and CALLED ME BACK as soon as the other call ended! LOVE THAT!

So, we are now staying at CBR in the pirate themed rooms and are on the Deluxe Dining Plan!!! I posted on FB asking for opinions while I was trying to decide and I think based on the comments I had there, it will be a great choice for us. DH is going to be excited because it means I can add some ressies he was sort of hoping for!

So, based on my current ressies, any suggestions for what to add???

1. Ohana at 8:00pm on our first night (11/27)
2. Rose & Crown at 7:45pm but wish it was later (11/30)
3. Tusker House at 8:00am (11/29)
4. 1900 Park Fare at 8:35am (12/2)
5. Crystal Palace at 9:15am (11/27)
6. Hollywood & Vine Play & Dine at 8:00am (11/30)
7. Raglan Road 11:00am (12/3)
8. Garden Grill at 7:45pm (12/2) - I'm holding it for now, but want a Candlelight Processional Seating for the 2nd show that night . . . I figure worst case we could do stand by for the 1st show and then go have dinner afterwards

Mickey's Backyard BBQ for 12/1
Tony's Town Square at 5:20pm (11/28) - not sure if we'll keep this, but it'd be perfect timing to walk out and get a spot for the Electrical Parade that night!
Hollywood & Vine Play & Dine for lunch for just Mimi, the boys & I at 11:30 (12/1)
Raglan Road for an early dinner before MVMCP 4:00pm (11/28)
Sci Fi Dine In 12:30pm (11/30)

I have taken such a long break from planning that I know I'm going to have to go back and look at everything again to figure this all out! But please give me your suggestions/comments/etc!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

If Illuminations is at 9:00 pm, your ADR for Rose & Crown is perfect for viewing time on the patio...if you are under the awning ask that they take you down to the private area...just few steps down for a view without the obstruction for the high fireworks. I loved the Rose and Crown...silton salad, fish & chips, and sticky toffee pudding...YUM.

I have not eaten anywhere else on your list but have some of the same ADRs! Looking forward to Ohana and 1900 Park Fare (strawberry soup and bread pudding)...

Congrats on the pirate room! What an awesome CM to call YOU back!

 

[mrsksomeday]

If Illuminations is at 9:00 pm, your ADR for Rose & Crown is perfect for viewing time on the patio...if you are under the awning ask that they take you down to the private area...just few steps down for a view without the obstruction for the high fireworks. I loved the Rose and Crown...silton salad, fish & chips, and sticky toffee pudding...YUM.

I have not eaten anywhere else on your list but have some of the same ADRs! Looking forward to Ohana and 1900 Park Fare (strawberry soup and bread pudding)...

Congrats on the pirate room! What an awesome CM to call YOU back!

Bolded by me, Epcot has Illuminations at 9:30pm during this time of year.

 

[momabaarjo]

Dang...but maybe service will be running a little behind and you can stretch it out somewhat...or maybe you will get a great server who tells you to just hang around down below! Crossing my fingers for you...I loved the view and the no crowds!

 

[Monknmom]

I like the plans I am trying some of those places too! YAY for all of those savings that you have!

 

[MARsMama]

That is wonderful that you were able to save money and still upgrade to deluxe dining as well as get a pirate room
Your ADRs sound great, a lot of the same places we are trying for the first time. I'm looking forward to trying Rose and Crown, 1900 Park Fare, 'Ohana, and Garden Grill for the first time. We love Tusker House and Crystal Palace so we made them a 'must-do' for this trip! (Boma breakfast is our other 'must-do' from our last trip )

 

[mphalens]

I'm really excited about the Deluxe dining - but I can't figure out any ADR's to add. MrCA wants Chef Mickey - but I can't get a decent time at any part of our week that we could make it work. Oh well keep trying, right?

We're still undecided about MVMCP. I think it's going to come down to a "IF DH GETS HIS BONUS" decision. We might not get to take advantage of the advance purchase pricing, but at least we'd really have the money to do it, kwim?

I'm still trying to figure out what outfits I'm going to make . . . and obviously I need to add in various and assorted pirate pajamas now I really want to make the boys some fabulous pirate outfits and let them do Pirates League (since Sheriff Shortstuff won't be old enough for Jedi Academy) - but MrCA isn't really keen on facepainting and I feel like that's all Pirates League really is, isn't it?

Has anyone done Pirates League that can tell me about it? Obviously I'd make their outfits rather than buy at Disney, so what all is included in the price????

 

[miprender]

I'm really excited about the Deluxe dining - but I can't figure out any ADR's to add. MrCA wants Chef Mickey - but I can't get a decent time at any part of our week that we could make it work. Oh well keep trying, right?

We're still undecided about MVMCP. I think it's going to come down to a "IF DH GETS HIS BONUS" decision. We might not get to take advantage of the advance purchase pricing, but at least we'd really have the money to do it, kwim?

I'm still trying to figure out what outfits I'm going to make . . . and obviously I need to add in various and assorted pirate pajamas now I really want to make the boys some fabulous pirate outfits and let them do Pirates League (since Sheriff Shortstuff won't be old enough for Jedi Academy) - but MrCA isn't really keen on facepainting and I feel like that's all Pirates League really is, isn't it?

Has anyone done Pirates League that can tell me about it? Obviously I'd make their outfits rather than buy at Disney, so what all is included in the price????

We just did the Pirate League and it was AWESOME (to quote my son) It really is a cool experience. The cost is $29.99 and you get a Pirate Name, Sword, EyePatch, Sheath to hold the sword, bandana, earring & fake teeth plus the Makeup. But the room that they do the makeup in is just so cool. I think your boys will love it. I have some pictures up on FB from the PirateLeague when you get a chance.

My DS5 (now 6) did the Jedi training too and he loved that. Wasn't sure if he was going to back out but he did it and wants to do it again next time.

 

[DMGeurts]

OK - I think I have just lost my marbles... I'll be back in a minute to give you input on your ADRs

D~

 

[mphalens]

We just did the Pirate League and it was AWESOME (to quote my son) It really is a cool experience. The cost is $29.99 and you get a Pirate Name, Sword, EyePatch, Sheath to hold the sword, bandana, earring & fake teeth plus the Makeup. But the room that they do the makeup in is just so cool. I think your boys will love it. I have some pictures up on FB from the PirateLeague when you get a chance.

My DS5 (now 6) did the Jedi training too and he loved that. Wasn't sure if he was going to back out but he did it and wants to do it again next time.

I'm off to go look at pictures on Facebook!
Phalen LOVED Jedi Training on our last trip . . . I just know Finn thinks he can do it this time but there is just NO WAY he'd pass for 4 years old We don't call him shortstuff for nuthin'

OK - I think I have just lost my marbles... I'll be back in a minute to give you input on your ADRs

D~

let me know when you find them

 

[DMGeurts]

1. Ohana at 8:00pm on our first night (11/27)
2. Rose & Crown at 7:45pm but wish it was later (11/30)
3. Tusker House at 8:00am (11/29)
4. 1900 Park Fare at 8:35am (12/2)
5. Crystal Palace at 9:15am (11/27)
6. Hollywood & Vine Play & Dine at 8:00am (11/30)
7. Raglan Road 11:00am (12/3)
8. Garden Grill at 7:45pm (12/2) - I'm holding it for now, but want a Candlelight Processional Seating for the 2nd show that night . . . I figure worst case we could do stand by for the 1st show and then go have dinner afterwards

Mickey's Backyard BBQ for 12/1
Tony's Town Square at 5:20pm (11/28) - not sure if we'll keep this, but it'd be perfect timing to walk out and get a spot for the Electrical Parade that night!
Hollywood & Vine Play & Dine for lunch for just Mimi, the boys & I at 11:30 (12/1)
Raglan Road for an early dinner before MVMCP 4:00pm (11/28)
Sci Fi Dine In 12:30pm (11/30)

Gosh - I haven't sat down and planned a Disney menu in a long time.

I can tell you that I've eaten at GG and loved it.... It was one of the best meals/character interactions we had while at WDW. So, that one is a definate must do again someday.

And I love Crystal Palace too... That was an amazing breakfast - a lot of fun!

Those are the only opinions I can add... the only other restaurant that we ate at that we just loved was Liberty Tree Tavern - even though there were no characters (for lunch) - the food was supurb and the CMs were amazing.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

let me know when you find them

It might be a while... I haven't even started looking yet.

D~