Diary of an Aussie Disney Honeymooner

[zanzibar138]

And (barring allergies) the PB&J shake is sooooo good.

Eww! As an Aussie, I can't quite fathom the idea of PB&J. To be fair, I've never tried it, but it does not sound appealing at all!

Our equivalent is probably vegemite and cheese, which I'm sure doesn't sound appealing to anyone who didn't grow up with it (although I am certainly NOT going to suggest it as an appealing flavour for a milkshake).

Don't let the "interactive thing" throw you. I've laughed a lot there (been... 3? 4? times). It's very non-threatening and good natured.

I'm ok with a little bit of fun interaction just between us at our own table (which is why I'm ok with character meals), but I would be too nervous that I would get picked on to stand in a corner or perform I'm a Little Teapot, which I've heard happens That's a VERY big nope from me.

If I could get past that, it does seem like it would be a great option - unique experience, an appealing menu and a comparatively reasonable price point.

Not too fancy.

Still expensive though for something that doesn't scream 'I can only do this at Disney World'. We generally prefer plainer food, but there are 1 or 2 entrees that appeal to me, which is more than Sci-Fi

 

[pkondz]

Eww! As an Aussie, I can't quite fathom the idea of PB&J. To be fair, I've never tried it, but it does not sound appealing at all!

Won’t know if you don’t try…

Speaking of which….

Our equivalent is probably vegemite and cheese, which I'm sure doesn't sound appealing to anyone who didn't grow up with it (although I am certainly NOT going to suggest it as an appealing flavour for a milkshake).

…I’ve tried vegemite… so now you have to try a PB&J shake!

Fair is fair ya know.

I'm ok with a little bit of fun interaction just between us at our own table (which is why I'm ok with character meals), but I would be too nervous that I would get picked on to stand in a corner or perform I'm a Little Teapot, which I've heard happens That's a VERY big nope from me.

There’s a trick to getting out of that.

Say “No.”

 

[zanzibar138]

…I’ve tried vegemite… so now you have to try a PB&J shake!

If someone had one I was just able to take a sip from, absolutely! Maybe we could get one between us, but Ben is very fussy so I'd probably end up with it lol!

I remember on a previous trip when my ex and I ordered a root beer to try. One sip was enough for me and even he couldn't finish it. We had to throw half of it out, just seems like a waste!

There’s a trick to getting out of that.

Say “No.”

Easier said than done when you're a socially anxious introvert. Sometimes when you try to say no they make even more of a fuss about it, or the people around you start to give you a hard time. The idea of being singled out fills me with so much dread that I'm actually on the verge of tears just thinking about it. That level of discomfort.

FWIW, I'm also concerned about the level of interaction required for Smuggler's Run. I need to do further research to check my comfort level before making a decision about riding.

Yep, I'm lots of fun at parties

 

[pkondz]

If someone had one I was just able to take a sip from, absolutely! Maybe we could get one between us, but Ben is very fussy so I'd probably end up with it lol!

Hmmmm…
If you feel that strongly about it… then skip it!
But do try the chicken and onion rings.

I remember on a previous trip when my ex and I ordered a root beer to try. One sip was enough for me and even he couldn't finish it. We had to throw half of it out, just seems like a waste!

Oh dear….
I’ll drive out of my way for a good root beer.
(Wurst Bier Hall in Fargo and Wall Drug ice cream shop (Root beer float).)

Easier said than done when you're a socially anxious introvert.

It’s Disney. They’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re smiling.
I remember one time, I was drinking something… probably a Coke… and the waiter brought me a refill without asking. Not overly surprising. But at the end of the meal he brought me another one in a take-out cup because it was hot out. I was very surprised by that.

Sometimes when you try to say no they make even more of a fuss about it, or the people around you start to give you a hard time. The idea of being singled out fills me with so much dread that I'm actually on the verge of tears just thinking about it. That level of discomfort.

Like I said. It’s Disney. If the server sees you’re uncomfortable they’ll stop. Or not even start. The action is meant to make people smile, not cry.

FWIW, I'm also concerned about the level of interaction required for Smuggler's Run. I need to do further research to check my comfort level before making a decision about riding.

Ok… I’ve done this ride solo. There is zero interaction with other guests. I mean I suppose you could start a conversation with someone else before the ride started if you wanted, but… I kept to myself, rode, then left without once opening my mouth. You might get paired up with four other people who have done it a lot and will be upset about your inefficiency… but 1. People like that are in the minority… the vast majority of most guests are just like you and me, visiting tourists who have either never ridden or have seldom ridden. 2. People who expect everyone else to be ride experts are deluded. You may be a pro, but it’s doubtful anyone else is. Just go and have fun. No one will notice your performance as they’ll be too focused on their own. Ever play a video game? How concerned are you about the person playing one beside you?
Word of warning though… under no circumstances allow the CM to assign you to be engineers. Pilot is best. Being an engineer is as exciting as warming up food in a microwave. Just tell the CM you’d like to be pilots or gunners and you’re willing to wait.
(If you’re too scared to ask, just be engineers but focus more on the ride and less on the buttons.)

Yep, I'm lots of fun at parties

 

[zanzibar138]

It’s Disney. They’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re smiling.

Thanks for all your reassurance. That helps!

 

[zanzibar138]

It's go time! There's been a lot going on over the last few days, with park hours being released and our first ADR window opening.

The first thing to note was that my plans for the first few days got completely messed up (not in a bad way), with the announcement of the CM day at MK, addition of an extra AH party at HS, and EEH moved to AK for our first TWO nights! We've also really tried to maximise our opportunities to watch the fireworks from the Poly to get the best bang for buck

With that said, our arrival day and first full day remain much the same as originally planned (AH party at MK, leisurely first day at EPCOT), although I had planned to replace the EPCOT dinner plans with lunch at Space 220 to allow for fireworks viewing back at the Poly.

We had been planning to start Wednesday at AK and hop to MK for the evening, but with EEH now at AK and an AH party at HS, we'll just head straight to AK at our leisure, hang out until the end of EEH, and then hop to HS for the AH party!

We had been planning to spend the Thursday at EPCOT, but that is the CM appreciation day at MK, so we'll spend the day there instead to take advantage of hopefully significantly lower crowds. We'll move EPCOT to the Friday (resort transfer day), and had planned a late breakfast at Garden Grill. If we feel like it, we can hop back to MK or just go directly to BLT when our room is ready.

Last night our ADR window opened, and I was ready to go straight away! We were still too late for a Space 220 reservation for our second day though - it must get booked out as part of +10 perks even before it opens up. There was availability on the Friday though, so we decided to switch that and Garden Grill. I think it will be more fun to start with a character meal anyway, but had been trying to avoid an early start that day. I've booked 9:50am (the latest available), which I think should be fine as part of a more leisurely paced day with an early night.

I'm nervous about the next lot of ADRs now, as I have 2 which I've identified as potentially difficult to get (CRT specifically during fireworks time + fireworks package at Rose & Crown). Having said that though, I was trying to do it on my phone in between dancing lessons and didn't really know what to expect. Next time I'll make sure I'm on my computer, with multiple tabs open + my schedule spreadsheet so I can be a bit more prepared to make changes on the fly. I am travelling that night, but I should have landed and be at my destination by 9pm at the latest (ADR window opens at 10pm local time), so I should be good unless there are MAJOR delays.

There'll be a few other tweaks to the rest of the schedule, particularly around the rescheduling of EEH to AK instead of EPCOT on the Monday night (which is disappointing - would have liked to have that EEH at EPCOT!). May require further tweaking to accommodate ADRs though, so I won't go into too much detail yet. One thing I will mention is that after much consideration, youtubing, and reassurance from @pkondz we have decided to switch to Prime Time instead of Sci-Fi for our F! package. Ben's still keen to try Sci-Fi for the atmosphere, but if we're not doing the package, I can just get an appetizer and/or dessert.

 

[pkondz]

with EEH now at AK and an AH party at HS, we'll just head straight to AK at our leisure, hang out until the end of EEH, and then hop to HS for the AH party!

Okay, that sounds like a fun night.

CM appreciation day at MK, so we'll spend the day there instead to take advantage of hopefully significantly lower crowds.

Interesting... Hadn't thought that would lower crowds. No idea.

CRT specifically during fireworks time

Can't speak to the fireworks, but the fish in papillotte was my DD's favourite meal of the trip. It was the special, I think... either that or it's just not on the menu anymore.

One thing I will mention is that after much consideration, youtubing, and reassurance from @pkondz we have decided to switch to Prime Time instead of Sci-Fi for our F! package.

I think you'll have a much better meal and experience there.

 

[zanzibar138]

Okay, that sounds like a fun night.

I was actually super excited for that schedule change!

Interesting... Hadn't thought that would lower crowds. No idea.

Apparently MK closing at 4:30pm puts most people off going. I can definitely understand that if you've got limited time and no park hoppers, but it doesn't bother us so planning to make the best of it!

Can't speak to the fireworks, but the fish in papillotte was my DD's favourite meal of the trip. It was the special, I think... either that or it's just not on the menu anymore.

I actually quite like the look of the food there. That was going to be our Disney wedding day, and I'm expecting it to be a little bittersweet thinking of what might have been, so really trying to make it a bit extra special! Hopefully we'll be able to snag the fireworks timing and a window table

I think you'll have a much better meal and experience there.

 

[pkondz]

Apparently MK closing at 4:30pm puts most people off going. I can definitely understand that if you've got limited time and no park hoppers, but it doesn't bother us so planning to make the best of it!

Oh! D'uh. Of course. I wasn't thinking of them shutting down early, but yes, I'd think that would do it.

I actually quite like the look of the food there. That was going to be our Disney wedding day, and I'm expecting it to be a little bittersweet thinking of what might have been, so really trying to make it a bit extra special! Hopefully we'll be able to snag the fireworks timing and a window table

I hope that works out. I'd love to hear all about seeing the fireworks from inside the castle.

 

[zanzibar138]

Excited to have gotten most of our preferred dining options!

• Tuesday 9:50am Chip n Dale's Harvest Feast Breakfast at Garden Grill
• Friday 1:00pm Space 220 Lunch
• Saturday 7:05pm Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
• Sunday 4:15pm 50's Prime Time Cafe Dinner Fantasmic
• Monday 10:20am Chef Mickey's Fun Time Character Breakfast
• Wednesday 7:20pm Fairytale Dining Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table
• Thursday 8:00pm Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
• Friday 10:30am A Buffet with Character Breakfast at The Crystal Palace
• Friday 7:00pm Boma - Flavors of Africa Dinner

The only thing we had to tweak was the EPCOT fireworks dining package - we would have preferred Rose & Crown, but Spice Road might also be nice for something a bit different. Ideally I was aiming for slightly later for CRT, but it might work well being slightly earlier - we should be all settled at our table in time for the fireworks, and an earlier dinner means more time to enjoy EEH afterwards!

Just got Tusker House breakfast to go now. Got nearly another week until our ADR window opens up for that one, but I'm not too concerned - it should be a fairly easy one to get.

 

[pkondz]

What a great lineup!

 

[zanzibar138]

It's been a big couple of weeks with wedding preparations kicking up a notch and work handover in full swing in preparation for my extended leave, including a trip to the Sydney and Melbourne offices last week.

I actually forgot about our Tusker House ADR until the following morning Luckily it was a nice easy one and I was still able to get a 9:40am slot on our preferred day. I've done some more work on our planned itinerary, and have transferred more money across to our travel card.

I've updated the outline post, but here's a brief rundown of our Disney plans:

• Monday - arrival day
  • Aiming to arrive by 7pm, check in at the Poly
  • After hours party at MK
• Tuesday - EPCOT
  • 9:50am breakfast at Garden Grill
• Wednesday - AK + DHS
  • EEH at AK
  • After hours party at DHS
• Thursday - MK
  • Early close at 4:30pm due to CM day will hopefully mean extremely low crowds
• Friday - EPCOT
  • Resort swap to BLT
  • EE at EPCOT
  • 1:00pm lunch at Space 220
• Saturday - ??
  • Day at leisure
  • 7:05pm dinner with Snow White at Artist Point
• Sunday - EPCOT + DHS
  • EE at EPCOT
  • 4:15pm early dinner at 50's Prime Time with F! viewing package
• Monday - AK
  • 10:20am breakfast at Chef Mickey's
  • EEH at AK
• Tuesday - ??
  • We may consider an offsite day to see the manatees
• Wednesday - MK
  • Post-wedding photo shoot in the morning
  • 7:20pm dinner at CRT
  • EEH at MK
• Thursday - DHS + EPCOT
  • EE at DHS
  • 8:00pm fireworks dinner at Spice Road
• Friday - MK
  • Resort swap to AKL
  • 10:30am breakfast at Crystal Palace
  • 7:00pm dinner at Boma
• Saturday - ??
  • Leaving free to get to anything we've missed or any redos
• Sunday - AK + MK
  • EE at AK
  • 9:40am breakfast at Tusker House
  • One last fireworks at MK
• Monday - departure
  • Big travel day with 5:30am departure

 

[pkondz]

Lineup looks good, but... "Day at leisure"??? Is this even possible at Disney?

 

[zanzibar138]

Lineup looks good, but... "Day at leisure"??? Is this even possible at Disney?

Haha probably not. In this context, 'day at leisure' means 'no set plans'

 

[pkondz]

Haha probably not. In this context, 'day at leisure' means 'no set plans'

Heh. Even that is hard to comprehend.

 

[zanzibar138]

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Aussie style.



For the benefit of Americans following along, 44° C is just over 111° F. Ouch

At least it's looking much more reasonable for Christmas Day, should be perfect BBQ weather

Starting to look at the long term forecasts for the wedding day and also for Vegas and Orlando, but definitely taking it all with a grain of salt at this point. It's going to be very tough to pack for WDW not being able to see any nearer term forecasts!

 

[pkondz]

Good Lord!!
If you go outside, do you burst into flame?

I took a peek at our forecast for Christmas. It's going to be well above average. Tonight our low is -22, but for Christmas it's going to be a very unusually warm -3!

 

[zanzibar138]

If you go outside, do you burst into flame?

Lol just about! On a serious note though, the bushfire risk is pretty intense and will definitely be something I'm keeping a close eye on during this upcoming heatwave.

I took a peak at our forecast for Christmas. It's going to be well above average. Tonight our low is -22, but for Christmas it's going to be a very unusually warm -3!

Haha I'm not even sure I've experienced as low as -3 We went to Paris in late Feb/early March which was pretty cold, but still hovering more around zero I think than getting too far into the negatives. I have a weird aversion to melted ice-cream, and one of my favourite memories from that trip was being able to leisurely eat a Mickey bar as we strolled around the park, and not have to try to scarf it down as quickly as possible before it melted

 

[pkondz]

On a serious note though, the bushfire risk is pretty intense and will definitely be something I'm keeping a close eye on during this upcoming heatwave.

Oh! I remember reading about the fires in @Steppesister TR.

Haha I'm not even sure I've experienced as low as -3

Really? Well, I've definitely never experienced 44 degrees! Probably come close, but... nope. Too hot!
And while it'll be nice to have a warm -3 Christmas, I'm not looking forward to the mess the roads will be.

I have a weird aversion to melted ice-cream, and one of my favourite memories from that trip was being able to leisurely eat a Mickey bar as we strolled around the park, and not have to try to scarf it down as quickly as possible before it melted

 

[zanzibar138]

Well, I've definitely never experienced 44 degrees! Probably come close, but... nope. Too hot!

It's actually not something I've experienced often either. We quite commonly get temps of 40 and slightly above during summer, but anything above 42 is pretty unusual. There was a 44° day last season though so it does happen occasionally.

And while it'll be nice to have a warm -3 Christmas, I'm not looking forward to the mess the roads will be.

Does the warmer temperature make the roads messier? We very occasionally will get ice on our roads (more in Victoria/Tasmania, and definitely only overnight), but I can't even imagine snow on roads and how difficult that is to deal with!