Disney Like it Used to be...And Like it's Never Been Before! Feb. '12 PTR! TR LINK!

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Wow, wow, wow - I am drooling just reading your line-up You are eating at some of our very favorites as well as some that are on our "must do" list.

As far as Shula's - we ate here on our honeymoon and it was by far the best steak we have ever eaten ... EVER (did I mention ever? )! Candi agrees and that says a lot - his Dad raises cattle for a living and we all know what happens to those cattle after they are raised My point though, he knows good steak The prices are a little steep, but very well worth it (in our opinion). Also, I have heard a lot of people say you can buy a discounted meal voucher on restaurants.com to save a reasonable amount on your final bill

With that being said, if for some reason your service is horrible, the place is a disaster and everyone hates their meal .... pretend I never wrote the above paragraph

I am SO glad to hear that you loved Shula's! It sounds amazing! We all love a good steak, so I think we will really enjoy it there.

I love all of your choices for lunch and dinner and your one breakfast. I think your family will be very happy with your choices. They should just be very happy you took care of it because they don't realize how many restaurants there are and how time consuming it can be to plan what you want into the days you are there.

They all keep saying how lucky they feel to have someone planning this trip for them, but I think you are right - they will really appreciate it when we get there and the realize how much planning goes in to things!

Your dining plans sound fantastic! Can't wait to hear what you think of Shula's as well as Il Mulino.

I have never stayed at BC but when we stayed at Boardwalk we looked around a little and thought it would be a nice place to stay when the kids are older.

Thank you! I am really pleased with our ADRs. I think we've got a nice combination of places.

Woohooo for the Beach Club!! I'm really envious! What a beautiful place, and you're right--being so close to Epcot will be awesome!

You've made some really, really good restaurant choices!! I liked that you're doing Teppan Edo--we actually have that one booked for our trip in May and it will be our first time there as well, so I can't wait to hear what you think about it!!

I'm so excited about the Beach Club! Walking to Epcot is going to be so nice.

I'm really hoping we all like Teppan Edo. I've read so many great things about it.

I'm joining in! I really enjoyed reading about your Disneymoon.

Thank you!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Love, LOVE your newsletters! What a great idea! So excited that you are trying the BC! So convenient for you!

I'm also very excited for you to try California Grill since you didn't on your Disneymoon. I really hope you have wonderful experiences at all your choices!

I am really loving doing the newsletters. My family is so excited to get them, too!

I am excited to try CG, too. I really, really hope we like it. I have a feeling it's going to be a favorite!

all I can say about your dining choices is- YUM!!!!

Enjoy all that wonderful sit down dining now, because when you guys have a little one, you'll be fondly remembering those two TS days!

Haha - I bet that is true!

I think all your lunch and dinner plans sound great. I too would love to try Teppan Edo at some point and I think doing it with a big group is the best time.

Thanks! I am excited about our choices!

Teppan Edo is really cool! And the food is tremendous! If you've ever eaten at Tokyo Dining the food is the same quality, but with a great food show (one of the BEST hibachi restaurants I've eaten at).

I think you all will LOVE Cali Grill! Mike and I love the food and atmosphere and I hope you all will too

Tony's is pretty good. Everytime we end up eating there the food is good. Not THE BEST, but not horrible either.

I haven't been to a few places you listed so I am looking forward to being able to hear about your experiences there after your trip

Hearing all about those restaurants is making me hungry and needing a disney trip! LOL

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed Teppan Edo. I really want to start the trip off with a great meal.

Sounds delish!! Are you staying CL too? That would be so fabulous!

No, only my dad is staying CL. We thought about it, but really the only reason we wanted to was for the lounge. Once the CM told me that we could go in there with him, we figured why spend the extra money?

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I'm in! I loved following along (quietly) on your Disneymoon trip report!

Looking at your ticker (and then double checking mine)... I think we're going to be there at the exact same time! Not only that, as per your schedule, we also have these park schedule days and ADR's in common:

Saturday (Arrival Day)- Epcot Evening
Sunday- MK Day
Monday- Epcot Day; Lunch at the Rose and Crown
Thursday- Dinner at the California Grill
Friday- MK Day

We also have similar DHS and AK days, only backwards! (We're going to DHS on Tuesday and AK on Thursday--and we're looking forward to a Yak and Yeti lunch as well!)

It's too funny that after reading all these trip reports, someone that I "know" will be there at the same time! If you see two similar-looking sisters (one brunette in her early thirties and one blond teenager), be sure to say hi!

Thanks so much for joining in again!

Wow, I can't believe how similar our plans are! Maybe we will bump into each other!

Oh my gosh, what a great idea with the Newsletters! I need to corral more of my family into going on a Disney trip so I can do this!!!

You've got some great places to eat lined up, and you are going to LOVE the BC! The walk to Epcot alone is soooo worth it!

I'm not going to lie - the newsletters and all of the other fun planning ideas is one of the reasons I wanted to do this trip in the first place! It's taking my OCD planning to a whole other level.

I had the same exact thought!

I love all your ADR's...you got me think about adding more to mine!

We love the Crystal Place Breakfast too! It just has such a nice vibe! I don't know if we will be doing it this year, we always like to try something new.

We went to Tony's earlier this year for the first time, and I have to agree with the previous poster the food was ok. It wasn't anything spectacular, but good. The restaurant itself if very pretty hope you get seated near the fountain.

I really like Yak and Yeti too... my dh not so much oh well, I can't wait to have some of those dessert wontons again.

The Plaza is great the sandwiches are really really good.

I haven't been to any of the others so I am looking forward to your review! (no pressure)

The wontons at Y&Y are amazing, aren't there?! I think that is my favorite dessert at Disney, actually. I'm glad to hear that the sandwiches are good at the Plaza. I've read lots of good reviews about it, so I can't wait to try it.

Rose and Crown is fantastic! Love it there! I've never been to Il Mulino or Shula's, but I've heard amazing things about both. You picked a variety of places-- can't wait to hear how everyone enjoys them!

I'm so excited for R&C. I'm already planning on the fish and chips!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

PLANNING A FAMILY VACATION STEP THREE: FIGURE OUT THE DETAILS

As you all know, there are so many details that go into planning a Disney vacation! Once we got the big ones (the hotel and the ADRs) out of the way we could focus on some other things. The first order of business was deciding on what kind of package we wanted. This of course included our ticket and dining plan options.

I sent out a second newsletter after our resort vote to let everyone know that we had chosen the Beach Club, and to explain the different plan options. Below is what I wrote about our ticket choices.

Ultimately, everyone agreed with me, and we went with a 7 day, Magic Your Way base ticket, with no hopping. On a side note, Miguel and I are considering upgrading our tickets to Annual Passes. We had APs from November of last year through this November, and it was so nice to not have to worry about tickets on the honeymoon, or feeling like we wasted a ticket if we only went to a park for a few hours. We are currently thinking about going back to Disney in late September/early October, so if we do, APs would be our best bet. We'll see how that plays out!

Ok, back to the family plans...our next decision was whether or not to do the dining plan. I am kind of on the fence about it, myself. After we did it a few trips ago, we absolutely loved it and I said we would never go back without it. But then we got APs and got a TiW and then I really enjoyed the freedom of not having the dining plan. Here is the dining options page from the newsletter.

Once my dad decided to stay Club Level, we all kind of felt like the DxDP might be a waste. Even though it would be a great deal, none of us could imagine eating that much food. Also, two of our ADR locations (Shula's and Il Mulino) don't participate in the dining plan. So, we chose to just pay out of pocket. Sadly, our Tables in Wonderland card will be expired by February, but Florida residents are able to purchase it as well, so my dad is going to get one so we call all use it! We found that it really does save you lots of money.

Lastly, there was the decision about just how to get to Disney. Obviously our choices were to fly, or to drive.

If you've read along with any of my other reports then you will know that we always drive. I often think it would be really nice to get there in an hour instead of the 7 that it takes to drive, but we always decide against flying. If you've ever been to the Atlanta airport, then you know that it is a pretty time consuming venture just to get in and out of there. Between driving to the airpot, getting there early for security, the flight itself, baggage claim and making it to Disney from MCO, we could easily spend nearly 7 hours flying! Plus, for four people, it would be much pricier to fly then it would be to drive. So, driving it is! We love the flexibility of having a car to drive the parks so that we don't have to rely on Disney transportation. I was originally thinking about us renting a van so that we could all drive to the parks/ADRs together, but the quotes I am getting are all about $500! I think for that we can just take two cars!

And, since there aren't enough pictures in this update, here are a few pictures from my early Disney trips! Please excuse the big white blobs in the first two - I was taking a picture of a picture and my flash reflected off the photo.

Love this! Me at the Poly! (What is now 'Ohana).

My dad, Goofy and I!

 

[LutheranChick82]

You are way to adorable in those pictures!!
My DH and I are planning on taking a family vacation to Disney in the future and your PTR is definitely giving me ideas on how to plan our trip when it comes time.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Awesome update, Courtney!! I'm very impressed with all the info that you've sent out to your family--it's very detailed, but also very easy to understand Disney's sometimes complex details!! You'd make a great Travel Agent! Your family is very lucky to have you as the head planner!!!

I know excatly what you mean about flying--I've often wanted to fly as well...but like you said, Hartsfield-Jackson can sometimes be a nightmare! And I agree that having your own vehicle while own property can be nice as well...especially if you're running late and don't want to chance waiting on a bus!!

I can't wait to hear what else you have in store!

 

[disneybarbie]

Aww love the old family photos Courtney! you have obviously always been a Disney fan

That sounds like a good idea about the tickets & Tables in Wonderland card.. great that your Dad can get one as a Florida resident



Emma x

 

[blessedmom4]

Courtney, LOVE the plans thus far (GO WITH THE AP)!!! I LOVED the gorgeous vintage photos!!!! So cute!!!!

 

[reelmom]

I agree with not flying also. We alway debate it but driving always wins out. We are too close to pay that amount for airfare.

 

[JessicaKnits]

Hi there,

I've always loved your reviews and am finally going to post.

Congrats first on your marriage, sorry I am so late on that!

Second, congrats on the family vacation! We have often discussed family trips, but we have always come to the conclusion that there are just too many opinions and everyone is too stubborn. You definitely have everything under control and are doing a much better job than I would be

Can't wait to read more!

 

[merbobear]

I'm here to follow along!
I love the newsletters you are doing. I am the planner for a big family trip next year (It's me, dh, dd, my mom, mil and a friend of ours), and I created a private facebook group to share details with everyone. It's so easy to share little pieces of the plans when it's as simple as an email or fb update!

 

[Jennifer48]

We drive from MA because its cheaper so I know the feeling!

You are so adorable in those photos!!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm finally caught up!

AHHH I'm so happy you are staying at the Beach Club, you are going to LOVE it! If I didn't love my Wilderness Lodge so much, the BC would definitely be my favorite resort. The rooms are SO beautiful, and Stormalong Bay is so much fun! And walking to Epcot is awesome! I love the Beach Club. Seriously. I need to stay there again!

I think not doing the dining plan is a good idea for you guys, especially if someone has a TiW card! I learned on my last trip that we need the DDP! I'm even thinking about the Deluxe for our next trip!

Driving is definitely the better option, I think, I'd love to drive, but we'd lose like 4 Disney days driving from CT, and I just can't bring myself to do that! We used to drive all the time when I was a kid, though!

I love the old pics of you, how cute!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

You are way to adorable in those pictures!!
My DH and I are planning on taking a family vacation to Disney in the future and your PTR is definitely giving me ideas on how to plan our trip when it comes time.

Aww, thank you!

Awesome update, Courtney!! I'm very impressed with all the info that you've sent out to your family--it's very detailed, but also very easy to understand Disney's sometimes complex details!! You'd make a great Travel Agent! Your family is very lucky to have you as the head planner!!!

I know excatly what you mean about flying--I've often wanted to fly as well...but like you said, Hartsfield-Jackson can sometimes be a nightmare! And I agree that having your own vehicle while own property can be nice as well...especially if you're running late and don't want to chance waiting on a bus!!

I can't wait to hear what else you have in store!

Thank you! That is exactly what I was going for - informative but not overwhelming!

Aww love the old family photos Courtney! you have obviously always been a Disney fan

That sounds like a good idea about the tickets & Tables in Wonderland card.. great that your Dad can get one as a Florida resident



Emma x

I have definitely always loved Disney! It's fun to look back at the old pictures. We are very lucky that my dad will be able to get a TiW card.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Courtney, LOVE the plans thus far (GO WITH THE AP)!!! I LOVED the gorgeous vintage photos!!!! So cute!!!!

Thank you, Judy! I am leaning towards that AP.

I agree with not flying also. We alway debate it but driving always wins out. We are too close to pay that amount for airfare.

That is our thought, too. If we lived further away, I might could justify the cost of airfare. But even with driving we are able to spend a half-day at Disney on our arrival day so I figure for the savings, its worth a few less hours there.

Hi there,

I've always loved your reviews and am finally going to post.

Congrats first on your marriage, sorry I am so late on that!

Second, congrats on the family vacation! We have often discussed family trips, but we have always come to the conclusion that there are just too many opinions and everyone is too stubborn. You definitely have everything under control and are doing a much better job than I would be

Can't wait to read more!

Thank you so much! I am very glad that my family is very laid-back (at least when it comes to this trip) and that they are letting me be in control. I could see how it could become very frustrating if they weren't!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I'm here to follow along!
I love the newsletters you are doing. I am the planner for a big family trip next year (It's me, dh, dd, my mom, mil and a friend of ours), and I created a private facebook group to share details with everyone. It's so easy to share little pieces of the plans when it's as simple as an email or fb update!

Yay! Glad you're joining in again! That is such a good idea about the facebook group! I bet that does make sharing details so much easier!

We drive from MA because its cheaper so I know the feeling!

You are so adorable in those photos!!

Thank you! I can't imagine driving all the way from MA! I am used to the 8 hour drive to Tampa (to see my dad), so the 7 hour drive to Orlando isn't bad, but I think I would hit my limit around 10 hours.

I'm finally caught up!

AHHH I'm so happy you are staying at the Beach Club, you are going to LOVE it! If I didn't love my Wilderness Lodge so much, the BC would definitely be my favorite resort. The rooms are SO beautiful, and Stormalong Bay is so much fun! And walking to Epcot is awesome! I love the Beach Club. Seriously. I need to stay there again!

I think not doing the dining plan is a good idea for you guys, especially if someone has a TiW card! I learned on my last trip that we need the DDP! I'm even thinking about the Deluxe for our next trip!

Driving is definitely the better option, I think, I'd love to drive, but we'd lose like 4 Disney days driving from CT, and I just can't bring myself to do that! We used to drive all the time when I was a kid, though!

I love the old pics of you, how cute!

I am so excited about the Beach Club! I really hope we love it. I KNOW we will love being able to walk to Epcot.

If I lived where you do, I would have to fly, too! I don't mind the 7 hour drive, but I don't think I could be in a car that long. I would go crazy!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

PLANNING A FAMILY VACATION STEP 4: MAKE A PLAN

So, I'm pretty sure that you can tell by our ADR list which parks we'll be going to on each day since we aren't doing hoppers, but here is a more detailed outline of our plans! I figured I could never get through a really detailed daily plans series since it took me months to get through the disneymoon plans, it seemed. Hopefully this will suffice!

Saturday - Arrival Day
Depart Atlanta around 9:00 am
Stop for lunch around 1:00, likely at the Cracker Barrel!
Arrive at the BC by 5:00
Get checked in, explore the resort and see our rooms!
Relax for a few hours and then get freshened up for dinner
Go to Epcot for the first time! Through the International Gateway, of course!
Dinner at Teppan Edo.
Watch Illuminations!


Sunday - Day 1
Try to make it to the Magic Kingdom for rope drop!
Have fun at the MK
Brunch at the Crystal Palace
More MK fun
Head back to the BC to rest and relax
Go back to the MK for dinner at Tony's
Watch Wishes!


Monday - Day 2
Breakfast in the BC lounge
Walk over to Epcot
Play around in Future World
Lunch at Rose & Crown
More fun in FW
Back to the BC to rest. Maybe check out Stormalong Bay if it's warm enough
Back to Epcot for dinner at San Angel


Tuesday - Day 3
Breakfast in the BC lounge
Drive to AK
Explore AK
Lunch at Yak & Yeti
Finish up at AK, then go back to the resort to rest
Go over to the Swan/Dolphin for dinner at Shula's (does anyone know if it's close enough to walk from the BC?)
Maybe check out the Boardwalk area after dinner


Wednesday - Day 4
Late breakfast in the BC lounge
Walk to Epcot around 11:00
Explore Canada, the UK and France
Lunch at Chefs de France
Explore the other WS countries
Back to the BC to get changed for dinner
Drive over to the Poly for our ADR at 'Ohana


Thursday - Day 5
Breakfast in the BC lounge
Make it to DHS early for the TSM mad dash!
Have fun at DHS
Lunch at Sci-Fi
Wrap things up at DHS, then go back to the resort to rest
Get fancied up for dinner
Head over to the Contemporary for dinner at the Cali Grill!


Friday - Day 6
This day is still a little up in the air. I can tell you that we'll definitely be spending it at the Magic Kingdom, though. Right now, it's just a regular day, but I am considering booking us the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I think my family would love this. I know I would! The only thing that is holding me back is the lunch. I believe that lunch at CHH is built into the tour, but I think my family would rather have lunch at the Plaza, as planned. For anyone that has done this - do you think it would be possible to do the tour, and then just leave once it's lunch time? I think I will call the recreation number next week to find out.
After our morning and afternoon at the MK (however we spend it), maybe go to DTD to do some shopping
Get fancied up again for our dinner at Il Mulino.
Walk over to Epcot for Illuminations Cruise! So excited about that one! We loved the Wishes cruise on the honeymoon. I think this will be the perfect way to end the trip.

Saturday - Day 7
Head home

 

[thewigs007]

It would take away from the experience if you left to lunch somewhere else.

You really won't have time to leave for lunch at another location. That also takes away from the tour. During lunch you can chat with the other tour members.

 

[klacey1]

Your plans sound great-- definitely sounds like it'll be on the relaxing side. Lots of ADRs and break time! I can't wait to see the pictures of your Illuminations cruise! I'm sure it'll be amazing!

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi Courtney!

The plans sounds great - I like that you've built in an afternoon break each day, spend some time at the Beach Club

For Shula's - it's about 5/10 minute walk to the Swan and Dolphin resorts from the BC so should be fine

And about the KTTK tour lunch, it is in the middle of the tour so I think it would be difficult to break away from the group to go to the Plaza.. lunch is part of the tour price at Columbia Harbor House & you get to sit upstairs in a VIP section - and like someone's already said it is nice to be able to chat to other people on the tour & your tourguide; pretty much everyone on the tour will be Huge Disney fans
If you can do the tour I highly recommend it, I'd love to do it again but DH says he won't go backstage in case it 'ruins' the magic for him! Whereas for me and my sister we found it enhanced our appreciation of everything the Imagineers and Cast Members do at the Magic Kingdom.



Happy Christmas Eve!



Emma x