Cruising, Wining, and Disney Dining - Two 2012 PTRs in One! **TR LINK UP**

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Congrats on getting your flight info together! That is when you know the trip is really happening!!

Ugh, planning the departure day at Disney is the worst feeling. No matter when the trip is happening, that last day is the worst! And I'm right there with ya about "stink eyeing" people who are just checking in!

And I do have to say something about the buses to/from DTD, we always have the worst luck! It seems to take forever! Or, if you're unobservant like we were, you could end up on the wrong bus and take an hour detour!

We only ate at Boma which I really loved!! I know it's your birthday and Kris is kind of a picky eater, so Jiko might be a safer bet. But the nice thing about Boma is since it's a buffet there are plenty of "safe" options!

So excited for all of your upcoming excitement!!

 

[jenny105]

Congrats on getting your flight info together! That is when you know the trip is really happening!!

Ugh, planning the departure day at Disney is the worst feeling. No matter when the trip is happening, that last day is the worst! And I'm right there with ya about "stink eyeing" people who are just checking in!

And I do have to say something about the buses to/from DTD, we always have the worst luck! It seems to take forever! Or, if you're unobservant like we were, you could end up on the wrong bus and take an hour detour!

We only ate at Boma which I really loved!! I know it's your birthday and Kris is kind of a picky eater, so Jiko might be a safer bet. But the nice thing about Boma is since it's a buffet there are plenty of "safe" options!

So excited for all of your upcoming excitement!!

I was literally bouncing around the house when we booked the airfare.

Yes, I definitely give those poor people just getting off the ME bus dirty looks. I'm sure that's a great first impression when visiting WDW.

I've never had an issue with the DTD buses. I usually just hop off at the first stop and walk over to wherever I need to go within DTD. I'm never in a rush for anything when I'm there so I don't mind having to walk. I usually go at night too so I never have to deal with the TL stop.

We're going to Boma for breakfast before we go to AK. I was looking at the menus for both Jiko & Sanaa and you're right - Jiko might be the safer bet with Kris!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

It's awesome that your rooms were ready so early. One year we drove to Disney and got there around 11 am. We were all exhausted and our room wasn't ready. We had to fight with the front desk to get us one asap because we didn't feel like moving at that point. Considering we're staying in a DVC unit this trip & those are notorious for not being ready early, we decided to go with the later flight.

I love the boats too! Whenever there's an option to take a boat somewhere, I take it. That's why I loved staying at WL. I took the launch to MK, Contemporary, and FW. The only time I don't take it is in the Boardwalk area. Too many stops!!

I have heard that about the DVC resorts too. Maybe it's because no one wants to leave!

I really look forward to taking the boat to and from DTD. I don't think I've ever taken the boat launch to MK. My mom always wanted to ride the monorail when we were kids!

Hi everyone!

I forwarded my flight information to Lynn and she responded & said that she set us up for Magical Express. I haven't taken that since my 2009 trip and Kris has never used it so that'll be a brand new experience for him. Do they still show the cute little video??

It's Monday so it's time for a daily plans update! My last one...for now.

10/8 - Day 9 - Our departure day

We booked the latest flight possible back to NJ and our flight doesn't leave until 7:55 PM. That means ME will probably pick us up around 5 so we have plenty of time to enjoy WDW before we leave. It's making me sad to even think about this day. We'll either spend the time revisiting MK & Epcot, which are our favorite parks, or maybe we'll hit up DTD for some last minute souvenir shopping. If we do decide to go to MK and we have any TS credits left, I'd like to go to Whispering Canyon Cafe for a late lunch. I've never been there and it sounds yummy & fun! Plus, WL is my favorite resort and I'd love to visit. After that we'll head back to AKL to catch ME. Then our trip is over. Is it weird to be sad about that when the trip is still 6 1/2 months away??

They do still play the movie on ME..love it!

I HATE thinking about departure day too! It makes me so sad. The only direct flight we could get on the way home departs at 1:50pm. Yuck! I know that ME will pick us up 3 hours before that, so we have NO time to do anything. So depressing. On our last trip our flight home wasn't until 6:30pm..we ate at 'Ohana for breakfast then took the monorail to Epcot and stayed there until about 1pm. It was a great way to end our trip....a last ride on Soarin' and lunch at Sunshine Seasons.

 

[smile4stamps]

Oh last days are sad!! I am also hoping for a late departure so we can hang out and relax for the day! Plus I will have to return to CA while hubby returns to CO so that makes things even more sad!

I've heard excellent reviews of all the AKL restaurants lately. Hubby won't let us go back to Jiko as we had an AWFUL time in 2009 but I hear they have a different Chef now and most of the reviews are really positive! I think if transportation wasn't such a hassle to/from there I would want to try it again but unfortunately I already have more dinners than nights so I am okay skipping it this time!

 

[vikkii19]

We also booked the late flight this time too, I'm really looking forward to having some time on the last day, usually we only have time to pack and leave.

Hopefully the BOG restaurant will be open, I think a lot of us will want to get ADR's there.

Looks like we won't be at AKV together anymore, I just had a waitlist come through, so we'll be at BWV/BCV.

Can't comment on the AKV restaurants, even though we stayed there last trip, we only did Boma breakfast.

 

[jenny105]

I have heard that about the DVC resorts too. Maybe it's because no one wants to leave!

I really look forward to taking the boat to and from DTD. I don't think I've ever taken the boat launch to MK. My mom always wanted to ride the monorail when we were kids!



They do still play the movie on ME..love it!

I HATE thinking about departure day too! It makes me so sad. The only direct flight we could get on the way home departs at 1:50pm. Yuck! I know that ME will pick us up 3 hours before that, so we have NO time to do anything. So depressing. On our last trip our flight home wasn't until 6:30pm..we ate at 'Ohana for breakfast then took the monorail to Epcot and stayed there until about 1pm. It was a great way to end our trip....a last ride on Soarin' and lunch at Sunshine Seasons.

Good, I'm glad they still show the little movie!

That stinks about your departure flight. I always love being able to take advantage of the last day. It gives me one more thing to look forward to. I'd be really sad if I had to wake up, pack, and leave immediately.

Oh last days are sad!! I am also hoping for a late departure so we can hang out and relax for the day! Plus I will have to return to CA while hubby returns to CO so that makes things even more sad!

I've heard excellent reviews of all the AKL restaurants lately. Hubby won't let us go back to Jiko as we had an AWFUL time in 2009 but I hear they have a different Chef now and most of the reviews are really positive! I think if transportation wasn't such a hassle to/from there I would want to try it again but unfortunately I already have more dinners than nights so I am okay skipping it this time!

Sorry to hear about your bad experience at Jiko! I've heard so many positive things that I'm willing to take a chance on it (if BoG isn't open yet...). I had Kris look at the menu last night and as soon as he saw the filet mignon he was ok with Jiko. I was worried he wouldn't be able to find anything he liked.

We also booked the late flight this time too, I'm really looking forward to having some time on the last day, usually we only have time to pack and leave.

Hopefully the BOG restaurant will be open, I think a lot of us will want to get ADR's there.

Looks like we won't be at AKV together anymore, I just had a waitlist come through, so we'll be at BWV/BCV.

Can't comment on the AKV restaurants, even though we stayed there last trip, we only did Boma breakfast.

BoG ADR day is going to be crazy! The Dining Reservation CMs are going to be swamped!

I was thinking of switching to BWV but I've already asked my DVC owner for so many things, I didn't want to throw that into the mix too! Congrats on being able to switch over there. I've stayed at BC once and loved being so close to Epcot.

 

[jenny105]

Hi everybody!

We're out of the 200s! 199 days to go!

I can't believe I can make our ADRs in a few weeks!! I thought time was going to go by so slowly but it's flying!

I mentioned in a previous post that our room is paid in full. Our next task is buying tickets. I put in the request for the two day comp tickets. I can get one for each of us and that ticket is a hopper & includes water park admission. I can pick it up when we get there. We only plan to park hop a couple of days during our trip so we'll use that ticket on those days. We are going to purchase a 5 day base ticket for the rest of our time. The AAA employee price is $249. I have about $75 to go until I can purchase my ticket. I want to get it before the prices are raised and if memory serves me correctly, that happened in June last year.

I keep checking the TA site to see if the park hours were posted and no luck yet! Looking at the September hours, I'm positive there will be a MNSSHP on the 30th because the park is closing at 7. I'm going to buy our MNSSHP tickets with the commission I get back from the cruise. We'll get that by the end of June.

Speaking of the cruise, only 92 days to go for that! Can you believe it?? I booked that in April of 2011 and it seemed SO far away then.

And only 37 days to go until Scotland! I really need to get ready for that trip. I have to exchange some $ for pounds. I have no idea how much to bring. The hotel costs & our meals are pretty much covered but I'll need some for spending. Any input on this would be appreciated as I've never had to do this before! I also need to get a converter so my stuff will work over there and figure out if I can call home from my cell phone once I'm over there. Any advice on that? Help! I'm a domestic TA, not an international one!

I have Newsies tickets for April 22 that I need to sell since I'll be in Scotland. I have them listed on StubHub and TicketsNow but no takers yet. I really want to see it and buy tickets to a different show but if I don't find anybody to buy these, I really don't want to put that money out again. Theatre tickets are not cheap! If you know of anybody who lives near NYC who'd like to see the show and take these tickets off my hands, PM me and I'll tell you the details!

On a totally unrelated topic, the Rangers only need 4 more points to clinch a playoff spot!

That's all for now!

 

[klacey1]

Ahhh, last night was beautiful (Thank GOD!) My brother is an Avalanche fan (how, I don't know) and is going to the game on Saturday night. So jealous even though Zach and I are going next week haha.

I'd go to your bank and maybe exchange $300ish into sterling. That would give you just under 200 pounds of spending money. Sounds like a lot, but I'd rather have more than I need. I'd hate to have to pull out my credit card and deal with international fees! Also, if you don't think you'll be back to Scotland, I'd take advantage of buying some really unique souvenirs!

No idea about your cell-- probably get hit with insane roaming even if it does work over there. I'd avoid it if possible!

I'd TOTALLY take those off your hands but we have something going on the 22nd. Sorry-- I really want to see it, too!

 

[tifaas]

I have missed quite a bit with being absent this last week. Yay for getting the airfare booked. Score on getting a late flight back so you can have almost a full day at Disney!

I would love to take those tickets off your hands and see it. I love the theater and jump on any chance to go. But I'm thinking the miles in between Austin and NY are a bit much. LOL.

 

[jenny105]

Ahhh, last night was beautiful (Thank GOD!) My brother is an Avalanche fan (how, I don't know) and is going to the game on Saturday night. So jealous even though Zach and I are going next week haha.

I'd go to your bank and maybe exchange $300ish into sterling. That would give you just under 200 pounds of spending money. Sounds like a lot, but I'd rather have more than I need. I'd hate to have to pull out my credit card and deal with international fees! Also, if you don't think you'll be back to Scotland, I'd take advantage of buying some really unique souvenirs!

No idea about your cell-- probably get hit with insane roaming even if it does work over there. I'd avoid it if possible!

I'd TOTALLY take those off your hands but we have something going on the 22nd. Sorry-- I really want to see it, too!

I wanted to go to that game just cause it's on Saint Patrick's Day but I'm going into the city for something else tomorrow. Can't afford two days in a row!

I definitely don't want to be hit with international fees. I can exchange the money right here at our office but I'm still up in the air about how much to bring. Maybe I'll ask the tour rep.

I have a pre-paid contract with my cell. I pay the same amount every month, I don't get a bill. So I don't know how it would work out if I called home from over there. Maybe I should look into buying a calling card.

I have missed quite a bit with being absent this last week. Yay for getting the airfare booked. Score on getting a late flight back so you can have almost a full day at Disney!

I would love to take those tickets off your hands and see it. I love the theater and jump on any chance to go. But I'm thinking the miles in between Austin and NY are a bit much. LOL.

That's a little far to travel for Newsies. If you're up for it though, the tickets are yours.

 

[jenny105]

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend. I had a lot of fun! On Friday my sister and I went into New York City to see The Unforgettable Fire, a U2 tribute band. We got there early so we decided to go for a drink at Tiny's - Henrik Lundqvist's bar. Too bad Henrik wasn't there! It's a great little place but it's true to it's name - tiny! Unforgettable Fire was amazing. I had to keep reminding myself the lead singer wasn't actually Bono. His looks, his voice, his mannerisms - he had Bono down cold! I really want to see them again. It was just like being at a U2 show! We had a blast.

Tell me he doesn't look like Bono!!

On Saturday I met up with a couple of my friends for some St Patrick's Day drinks. On Sunday, Kris and I went to see 21 Jump Street. It's worth seeing just for the Johnny Depp cameo. Too funny!

I was able to check us in for the cruise this morning! I could've done it Saturday but believe it or not, I completely forgot about it! I know right?? Palo was completely booked for both days so we won't able to have dinner there which is kind of a bummer. Oh well. I can't believe it's only 3 months away! I booked it last April. Time flies!

Has anyone read the Hunger Games? I am PSYCHED for the movie. Me, my co-worker Joanna, my sister, and Kris are all going to see it at midnight on Thursday night. I'm going to be one sleepy girl at work on Friday but it will be worth it. Can't wait!

194 days to go til Disney! I'm off to check out the hours and see if I need to tweek anything

 

[smile4stamps]

Looks like you had a busy weekend!

Touring plans had a few updates this morning with the park hours release. They took away my AK day! But I think I will still make it my AK day otherwise it would be a week before we go there...

 

[oboedm]

He really does look like Bono! Glad you had a happy St. Paddy's day. =) I am excited for the Hunger Games movie, but couldn't get through the book. I didn't find Katniss to be a likeable character, and so I didn't like being stuck in her head the entire time. The movie won't have that issue, so I will definitely go see it! Maybe it will get me to finish the first book and read the other two! =)

 

[Imagineer5]

I found the october hours! So excited!

I also love the hunger games, can't wait for the movie. The previews look fantastic. Luckily the local theater does "baby pictures" and next Thursday they are playing the hunger games! It's pretty sweet - the movie is just for parents with young babies (too young to watch the movie) and they set up changing tables and stuff. I saw This Means War a couple weeks ago this way.

 

[klacey1]

Concert sounds fun! Tiny's is kind of near my office but I've never been. I'd dieee if I ran into him!
That sticks about Palo's, but I'm sure wherever you eat will be great!
We're going to wait to see the Hunger Games after the madness we endured for the last Harry Potter movie! I'm in the middle of Catching Fire--they're definitely page turners but I'm not sure I LOVE them. Definitely want to see the movie, though-- probably next weekend.

 

[khertz]

I am SO excited about seeing the Hunger Games movie!! I read all those books at the point in Paxton's life when he wouldn't sleep anywhere for his nap but in my arms. Thank goodness for my Nook!! I actually need to start asking around for a babysitter, because DH really wants to see it too...

I also love the hunger games, can't wait for the movie. The previews look fantastic. Luckily the local theater does "baby pictures" and next Thursday they are playing the hunger games! It's pretty sweet - the movie is just for parents with young babies (too young to watch the movie) and they set up changing tables and stuff. I saw This Means War a couple weeks ago this way.

That is really awesome!! I so wish there was something like this near here. We used to go to the movies all the time, but I think we have seen a total of 3 in theaters in the 16 months Paxton has been around!

 

[jenny105]

Looks like you had a busy weekend!

Touring plans had a few updates this morning with the park hours release. They took away my AK day! But I think I will still make it my AK day otherwise it would be a week before we go there...

Busy but fun!

AK is a 'park to avoid' both days for the days I wanted to go so I sucked it up and picked one. The crowd level is like a 4.7 so I'm guessing it won't be too bad!

He really does look like Bono! Glad you had a happy St. Paddy's day. =) I am excited for the Hunger Games movie, but couldn't get through the book. I didn't find Katniss to be a likeable character, and so I didn't like being stuck in her head the entire time. The movie won't have that issue, so I will definitely go see it! Maybe it will get me to finish the first book and read the other two! =)

I think Katniss is a badass LOL. I can't wait for the movie. It's getting really positive reviews!

I found the october hours! So excited!

I also love the hunger games, can't wait for the movie. The previews look fantastic. Luckily the local theater does "baby pictures" and next Thursday they are playing the hunger games! It's pretty sweet - the movie is just for parents with young babies (too young to watch the movie) and they set up changing tables and stuff. I saw This Means War a couple weeks ago this way.

Don't the hours being released make the trip seem so much closer??

That's awesome! I've never heard of anything like that. I hope you get the see the movie soon. I'm so excited for it.

Concert sounds fun! Tiny's is kind of near my office but I've never been. I'd dieee if I ran into him!
That sticks about Palo's, but I'm sure wherever you eat will be great!
We're going to wait to see the Hunger Games after the madness we endured for the last Harry Potter movie! I'm in the middle of Catching Fire--they're definitely page turners but I'm not sure I LOVE them. Definitely want to see the movie, though-- probably next weekend.

I probably would've passed out. I was like 'can I get a second job here?' LOL.

I was addicted to the Hunger Games books. I think I read the first one in a day and a half and immediately bought the rest of the trilogy. I wasn't too happy with the way it ended though but I love the first two books.

I am SO excited about seeing the Hunger Games movie!! I read all those books at the point in Paxton's life when he wouldn't sleep anywhere for his nap but in my arms. Thank goodness for my Nook!! I actually need to start asking around for a babysitter, because DH really wants to see it too...

That is really awesome!! I so wish there was something like this near here. We used to go to the movies all the time, but I think we have seen a total of 3 in theaters in the 16 months Paxton has been around!

It's getting great reviews so now I'm even more excited to see it! I didn't want it to be another Twilight!

 

[smile4stamps]

So yeesterday I got an email from touring plans changing a bunch of stuff on my days I was tracking and then today I got another email changing a lot of them back!

The day that was my AK day is now back to being a Best Park!

 

[jenny105]

So yeesterday I got an email from touring plans changing a bunch of stuff on my days I was tracking and then today I got another email changing a lot of them back!

The day that was my AK day is now back to being a Best Park!

I got an email like that too! The resort crowd levels changed and then went back. I bet we get a lot of those emails between now and October! Once my ADRs are made, we're pretty much set with our park days.

 

[sophie832]

Is it too late to join in? DH and I finally booked our Oct. trip, and I am now getting caught up on Oct. PTRs. I've been reading yours (starting from allllll the way back in 2011), and now I'm super-excited for all of your trips! We've only done one cruise ever, and it wasn't DCL, so I can't wait to hear all about that. October is getting closer and closer!

Just read the first Hunger Games book, and now I'm hooked! Glad I read it before the movie (I like to imagine it my own way first), but I will definitely end up seeing the movie in the next couple of weeks.