Columbus Day Weekend Food Blitz! My first PTR! Updated 10/1!

[Li Li]

Hi all! Well, I am going for it! I am going to write my very first pre-trip report! Fair warning, I am overly wordy and will use too many exclamation points!

Even if my DH is the only one to read and comment, I hope to have fun and waste some time dreaming about our next trip to WDW.

I cleared writing a PTR with the DH, and now he has commenced bugging me about when he can read the first installment! So, here we go. Wish me luck on figuring out uploading pictures. I usually only reply to other's threads.

First up, the when: We will be going to WDW on Friday, October 11 through Monday, October 14, 2013. I started a new job in April of this year, and I am still building up time, so that is why it is a relatively small trip. Going over Columbus Day weekend, I can use one day of vacation and then the Monday holiday. Plus, there is the fact that we already went to WDW this year in January! We have never gone twice in one year before, so I think it is safe to say our addiction is only growing!

Next, who are we? It's just me (Li Li) and DH, Nigel (DIS name= NigelSTW). Now, for the picture:

 

[NigelSTW]

I thought I would add a few thing about me, Nigel. I first went to Disney World before Li-Li was born in '78 and '80 when WDW was basically MK and River Country. I was a first and second grader. I was as a kid and still am awed by Main Street. My family returned in '83 and '90. I had sporadic visits to specific parks in the 90's. Over the past six years we have visited WDW a few times staying off property at my snow bird parents' rental. Now that they rent in Sarasota we stayed on property last September and this past January. (My goodness staying on property is a huge boast in the trip's enjoyment.) In short, I (we) love WDW.

My favorite attraction hands down is the Haunted Mansion. (Although I am still bitter that 20,000 Leagues and even that Mission to Mars are gone, and don't get me started on Exposition Hall and the shuttering of the camera collection.) I love the Lunching Pad just because I love to say "Lunching Pad." Riding in Spaceship Earth still gives me butterflies. How cool is it that the monorail travels inside of the Contemporay? Really, it never gets old for me. I love seeing Li Li chat it up with cast members, and learning all sorts of dirt.

We love to eat and sample adult beverages our way around World Showcase, and checkout multiple resorts on our trips. Our goal on this brief trip is to eat and taste as much as we can at Food & Wine, and hangout in Downtown Dis. The plan is to avoid the temptation in our short trip to make a commando run to the MK and AK just to say we did it, and rather to pinpoint our activity.

Li Li can discuss our pre-trip planning and booking thoughts. Hope you enjoy our thoughts, and if we are going awry please let us know.

 

[Li Li]

We are still trying to figure out how to post pictures. That's why the first post was a little short. I got frustrated!

Here's a test photo from standing in line for the new Jack Sparrow experience(?) at DHS. I can get a little narrow-eyed at Nigel for the incessant picture taking.

 

[Disneylover99]

Hi Li Li and Nigel!

We are going to Disney Oct. 11 - 14th too! This will be our first food and wine festival, but we are only going to Epcot on one day ....Sun. Oct. 13. We will have the kids with us. I am looking forward to reading your pre trip reports. It will get me excited about this super short trip we are taking. Where are you staying?

 

[glaserjm]

Yay! Glad you decided to do a PTR! Have you decided where you're staying yet? If it's your first time at F&W you guys are I'm for a real treat!

Looking forward to reading along!

 

[Li Li]

Hi Li Li and Nigel!

We are going to Disney Oct. 11 - 14th too! This will be our first food and wine festival, but we are only going to Epcot on one day ....Sun. Oct. 13. We will have the kids with us. I am looking forward to reading your pre trip reports. It will get me excited about this super short trip we are taking. Where are you staying?

It's our first F&W too! When Nigel first started talking about going over Columbus Day, I pointed out that it was F&W and we couldn't NOT go! We are using this trip as kind of an experimentation in that we are only going to Epcot one day, and the rest of the time will be relaxing around the resort and doing non-park stuff. We are staying at POR.

 

[Li Li]

Yay! Glad you decided to do a PTR! Have you decided where you're staying yet? If it's your first time at F&W you guys are I'm for a real treat!

Looking forward to reading along!

HI! Glad you found the PTR! We are staying at POR, and we are definitely excited for our first F&W!

 

[Li Li]

I'm back. How did it get to be almost 9:30 p.m. I never understand where my evenings go! On with the pre-trip reporting...

More info about us: As you may have gleaned from Nigel's post, there is a slight age difference of 8 years between us, which is why he likes to say things like "before my wife was born".

So, yes, we had both been indoctrinated into Disney in our formative years. I was at Disney when I was six (Contemporary) and 11 (Grand Floridian, or as I like to call it: Dad's business trip write-off). Nigel's been a bunch more times throughout his childhood through to college. But we first went together in 2008 in January before we got married in April of that year. As Nigel mentioned, we started going to Disney as his parents would "winter" in Orlando for two months from January through early March. To entice us to visit, they bought us non-expiring 10 day passes (yes, I know, I have the best in-laws ever!). So, thus started our yearly tradition of going to visit the in-laws and Mickey Mouse in January. We went in 08, 09, 10, 11, 13. Where's 2012, you might say? Well, that was the year that the in-laws wanted a change of pace and went to Sarasota (the nerve!). The location change plus some work issues occurring in January/February made us plan a September 2012 trip actually on property for the first time in our married lives!

Well, I guess if you want to be technical, it was almost on property since we stayed at the Dolphin. We went for a week-long extravaganza, and thought it would satisfy us for awhile, but lo and behold, we went again for three days in January 2013 (which is whole other story, I'll get to it eventually).

So, with our Disney addiction mounting every month, we decided to plan a quick trip over Columbus Day weekend! And we booked....Port Orleans Riverside! Why there? Stay tuned...

 

[glaserjm]

HI! Glad you found the PTR! We are staying at POR, and we are definitely excited for our first F&W!

POR is definitely on my list... we've rented DVC points our last three trips and are doing so again in November, but eventually I think if we will need to expand beyond OKW (it is hard because we love it so much! ). Have you stayed there before? It looks like a really lovely resort and the food court gets good reviews too.

I know it's a short trip for you, but OKW is right around the corner from POR and in my opinion the Gurgling Suitcase is one of the best places on property to have a drink!

 

[Disneylover99]

Well, I guess if you want to be technical, it was almost on property since we stayed at the Dolphin. We went for a week-long extravaganza, and thought it would satisfy us for awhile, but lo and behold, we went again for three days in January 2013 (which is whole other story, I'll get to it eventually).

So, with our Disney addiction mounting every month, we decided to plan a quick trip over Columbus Day weekend! And we booked....Port Orleans Riverside! Why there? Stay tuned...

How did you like the Dolphin? We are going for another long weekend trip in December, and this is where we have booked.

Last August we stayed at POFQ and loved it. We also loved visiting POR!

 

[Li Li]

POR is definitely on my list... we've rented DVC points our last three trips and are doing so again in November, but eventually I think if we will need to expand beyond OKW (it is hard because we love it so much! ). Have you stayed there before? It looks like a really lovely resort and the food court gets good reviews too.

I know it's a short trip for you, but OKW is right around the corner from POR and in my opinion the Gurgling Suitcase is one of the best places on property to have a drink!

This will be our first time at POR and first time at a moderate. I saw your tradition about going to the Gurgling Suitcase for a drink, and I definitely made a mental note! If there's one thing we do well at Disney, it is getting drinks! We love Disney transportation bar crawls!

How did you like the Dolphin? We are going for another long weekend trip in December, and this is where we have booked.

Last August we stayed at POFQ and loved it. We also loved visiting POR!

We both really liked the Dolphin and would stay again. Beds were definitely comfy. We booked through Costco, and got a resort view room. We could see Epcot and DHS, and if we went to the windows out by the elevators, we could see MK and even watched Wishes there one night! The location just can't be beat. Walking distance from DHS, Epcot and tons of restaurants. We want to go back, but there are always new places to try!

 

[appleorchard]

M,J and I will be there right before that weekend!

 

[NigelSTW]

Li Li and I were already plotting what we are going to do duirng our short three night stay. We should be arrivng at POR midafternoon. Too late to fully enjoy Food & Wine, so we won't be going to a park. Or could we? Li Li came up with the intriguing idea of attending the not so scarry Halloween party that night. We have never been to it, so is it worth it? Then again it is a good excuse to add some time at MK to our trip.

The second question is which day to attend Food & Wine? I was thinking Saturday. It'll be busy crowded, and it'll give us Sunday our last full day there to relax and do some resort exploring and whatnot. Li Li counters with a strong argument that Sunday is going to be less busy, so do our relaxing on Saturday. Frankly, I can now see it both ways.

On Monday, we leave NOR around 2pm. Is there any trouble we can get into that will just last the morning that we should not miss?

--On a side note: I am already roughing out a penciled in trip for September 2014! This one hopefully a week. I just hope we can do a week in WDW in September and a weekend trip to Las Vegas that same July for a science conference.--

 

[Joben]

We are still trying to figure out how to post pictures. That's why the first post was a little short. I got frustrated!

Here's a test photo from standing in line for the new Jack Sparrow experience(?) at DHS. I can get a little narrow-eyed at Nigel for the incessant picture taking.

Hey I'm following too. Looks good so far, this pic kills me don't think that face is allowed in WDW unless you are bumped for the third time by the same person with a stroller or rascal don't get me started
look forward to more reports

 

[Joben]

Li Li and I were already plotting what we are going to do duirng our short three night stay. We should be arrivng at POR midafternoon. Too late to fully enjoy Food & Wine, so we won't be going to a park. Or could we? Li Li came up with the intriguing idea of attending the not so scarry Halloween party that night. We have never been to it, so is it worth it? Then again it is a good excuse to add some time at MK to our trip.

The second question is which day to attend Food & Wine? I was thinking Saturday. It'll be busy crowded, and it'll give us Sunday our last full day there to relax and do some resort exploring and whatnot. Li Li counters with a strong argument that Sunday is going to be less busy, so do our relaxing on Saturday. Frankly, I can now see it both ways.

On Monday, we leave NOR around 2pm. Is there any trouble we can get into that will just last the morning that we should not miss?

--On a side note: I am already roughing out a penciled in trip for September 2014! This one hopefully a week. I just hope we can do a week in WDW in September and a weekend trip to Las Vegas that same July for a science conference.--

Hey Nigel: I'll guess I'll respond to yours separately since you are both doing it. Funny coincidence, my DW is also younger but by almost 11 years.

The Halloween part is a must. not only is the park crowds less in general, if you are going without kids you will find most people are in lines with their kids to get candy and greet characters so ride lines are very low. The fireworks display is phenomenal and not to be missed.. not sure if it is available during the Halloween party but the wishes dessert party allows you a dessert buffet and seating for not that bad of a price. it is now something we have to do every time we are there. but do get a good spot for the fireworks. and get a drink at the gurgling suitcase in OKW before you go to the MK.

I think your F&W is good either way. you've have the right idea, and both sides have equal +'s and -'s so I don't think either is a bad choice.

If you want to kill some time in the am before you head out, you can play some putt-putt. I do believe if you pay for one you can play again the same day for free, and I think it counts on any putt-putt course. this is another thing that we try to do every time we are there. if you are of fan of it the fairways putt-putt is pretty cool and different than most. it has really long fairways and is a fun little course

you think a penciled in nov 2014 is bad? we have Nov this year march 2014 and oct 2014 already planned, getting our first season pass on the next trip!!!

 

[Disneylover99]

Li Li and I were already plotting what we are going to do duirng our short three night stay. We should be arrivng at POR midafternoon. Too late to fully enjoy Food & Wine, so we won't be going to a park. Or could we? Li Li came up with the intriguing idea of attending the not so scarry Halloween party that night. We have never been to it, so is it worth it? Then again it is a good excuse to add some time at MK to our trip.

The second question is which day to attend Food & Wine? I was thinking Saturday. It'll be busy crowded, and it'll give us Sunday our last full day there to relax and do some resort exploring and whatnot. Li Li counters with a strong argument that Sunday is going to be less busy, so do our relaxing on Saturday. Frankly, I can now see it both ways.

We are arriving at our resort (AofA) around noon on Fri. Oct. 11. We are going to MNSSHP that night. I've never been, but I've only heard great things about it. That is our main reason for going to Disney in October. the F&W Festival is just a bonus for us.

I've also heard to avoid Epcot on Saturdays during F&W, so we are going on Sunday. We have made an ADR for dinner on Sunday at Biergarten in case the food kiosks are too busy. We are going to relax and sleep in on Saturday since we will be up late Friday night at MNSSHP.

 

[NigelSTW]

We're sold. Halloween party is on.

 

[Disneylover99]

We're sold. Halloween party is on.

Cool! Now you need costumes. My husband and I were thinking of going as a plug and socket. I saw some comfy looking costumes at a local party store. He would be the plug and I would be the socket. I know it sounds a bit rude for Disney, so I'm not sure. I wish I had a picture to post.

 

[Li Li]

M,J and I will be there right before that weekend!

Hi appleorchard! Maybe we will pass each other in the Philly airport!
Where are you guys staying on that trip?

Hey Nigel: I'll guess I'll respond to yours separately since you are both doing it. Funny coincidence, my DW is also younger but by almost 11 years.

The Halloween part is a must. not only is the park crowds less in general, if you are going without kids you will find most people are in lines with their kids to get candy and greet characters so ride lines are very low. The fireworks display is phenomenal and not to be missed.. not sure if it is available during the Halloween party but the wishes dessert party allows you a dessert buffet and seating for not that bad of a price. it is now something we have to do every time we are there. but do get a good spot for the fireworks. and get a drink at the gurgling suitcase in OKW before you go to the MK.

I think your F&W is good either way. you've have the right idea, and both sides have equal +'s and -'s so I don't think either is a bad choice.

If you want to kill some time in the am before you head out, you can play some putt-putt. I do believe if you pay for one you can play again the same day for free, and I think it counts on any putt-putt course. this is another thing that we try to do every time we are there. if you are of fan of it the fairways putt-putt is pretty cool and different than most. it has really long fairways and is a fun little course

you think a penciled in nov 2014 is bad? we have Nov this year march 2014 and oct 2014 already planned, getting our first season pass on the next trip!!!

We are in for the Halloween party! And then we can relax Saturday and hit F&W Sunday. At least that's my plan; I should make sure Nigel reads this. Season passes? Wow, jealous!

We are arriving at our resort (AofA) around noon on Fri. Oct. 11. We are going to MNSSHP that night. I've never been, but I've only heard great things about it. That is our main reason for going to Disney in October. the F&W Festival is just a bonus for us.

I've also heard to avoid Epcot on Saturdays during F&W, so we are going on Sunday. We have made an ADR for dinner on Sunday at Biergarten in case the food kiosks are too busy. We are going to relax and sleep in on Saturday since we will be up late Friday night at MNSSHP.

Cool! Now you need costumes. My husband and I were thinking of going as a plug and socket. I saw some comfy looking costumes at a local party store. He would be the plug and I would be the socket. I know it sounds a bit rude for Disney, so I'm not sure. I wish I had a picture to post.

Sounds like a great plan! I bet we are sure to run into each other! I think we are pretty sold on doing the Halloween party Friday and F&W Sunday. You know, we were really close to booking AoA for this trip. I think one of the bigger reasons is that the standard rooms book up so quick and we don't really need family suites for just us two! So, we went with POR which has some rabid fans here on the DIS! It seems well-suited in that it has stuff to do at the resort and transportation to DTD.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to talk Nigel into a costume! There are few hard and fast rules in our relationship but "no dancing" and "no costumes" are the two biggies!

 

[glaserjm]

Hi appleorchard! Maybe we will pass each other in the Philly airport!
Where are you guys staying on that trip?

We are in for the Halloween party! And then we can relax Saturday and hit F&W Sunday. At least that's my plan; I should make sure Nigel reads this. Season passes? Wow, jealous!

Sounds like a great plan! I bet we are sure to run into each other! I think we are pretty sold on doing the Halloween party Friday and F&W Sunday. You know, we were really close to booking AoA for this trip. I think one of the bigger reasons is that the standard rooms book up so quick and we don't really need family suites for just us two! So, we went with POR which has some rabid fans here on the DIS! It seems well-suited in that it has stuff to do at the resort and transportation to DTD.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to talk Nigel into a costume! There are few hard and fast rules in our relationship but "no dancing" and "no costumes" are the two biggies!

Joe has a strict no dancing policy as
well. Although I got a temporary pass at our wedding and my brother's wedding. Although he will do costumes. Last year we went as Fantasyland Imagineers complete with hard hats and construction vests. The cast members enjoyed that and we got to talk to a lot of different CMs that night... we even fooled some who thought there was something wrong with the ride when we got in line!
I think your plan sounds great and you'll get the best that Disney has to offer in the Fall in one short trip!