Disney or BROKE!!! MAGIC MOMENT!! 6/18 We had the greatest trip ever!!!

[mindyd]

I have not been to all those places but we ate at Cosmic Rays and I had the rotisserie chicken with mashed potato and veggies and it was fantastic!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Hi!

I just found and read your whole pre-TR and really liked it! Your trip is getting pretty close!

As for the counter service meals; we've done only CS during our trip last year, but we've only been to two of the places you listed. Here's what I ate there:

Electric Umbrella: A great salad with chicken and pineapple. Actually one of the best meals I had in Disneyworld!

Cosmic Rays: Burger with fries. You can put everything you like on your own burger. It was good!

Thanks for reading!! Pictures!! Those both look sooooo good!! Thanks for sharing!!

Cosmic Rays now if you are on ddp the Chicken & rib combo is an awesome deal enough for sharing and it was GOOOd

I have not been to all those places but we ate at Cosmic Rays and I had the rotisserie chicken with mashed potato and veggies and it was fantastic!

I think I might get the chicken & rib combo for DSS and I!!! Thanks again everyone!!

 

[Shmu]

I really don't remember what I've eaten at those restaurants. Sorry. Again, your schedule and budget is amazing. I have kept mine general for this upcoming trip but am now rethinking. I might try and get more detailed oriented.

Like the bamboo idea. I use to have some but it died. Lasted a long time. Didn't get it from Disney. Might get some my next trip.

I have never done the paintbrush thing either. Only learned about it recently here on the DIS. My kids are teens now so not sure we'll make it. Hope you find at least 1.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I am hoping everyone will do me a favor, and list your favorite meal at one or more of the restaurants we will be eating at!! Here is the list again just to remind you!!

Electric Umbrella
CS in Mexico
Flametree
Hollywood & Vine
Mexican in Adventureland
Rainforest Cafe
Cosmic Rays
Liberty Tree

PLEASE AND THANKYOU!!!

We really enjoyed Flametree at AK. We have usually eaten at Tusker house in the past, but it was closed for renovations this year. We ate at Flametree and there was something for everyone. It was yummy.

We have eaten at Hollywood & Vine twice. The food isn't great - but not bad either. We went there this trip for the Little Einsteins/JoJo's Circus character meal - the kids loved it.

Cosmic Rays is good too - we have eaten there in the past, but not this year. The only problem there is having to get food from three different areas if you don't all want the same thing to eat.

We ate at Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney in 2006. The kids loved it. We had burgers, etc. so the food was just good - not anything special. It's definitely about the atmosphere more than the food. We didn't go this time because there is one about an hour from where we live now, which we have never been to, but could go if we wanted to.

Hope that helps.
Amy

 

[GoofyaboutMickey]

Great pre trip planning! I printed out chapter 2 and it is now part of my folder. Thanks

 

[planetcaravan19f]

I really don't remember what I've eaten at those restaurants. Sorry. Again, your schedule and budget is amazing. I have kept mine general for this upcoming trip but am now rethinking. I might try and get more detailed oriented.

Like the bamboo idea. I use to have some but it died. Lasted a long time. Didn't get it from Disney. Might get some my next trip.

I have never done the paintbrush thing either. Only learned about it recently here on the DIS. My kids are teens now so not sure we'll make it. Hope you find at least 1.

I will have to look up proper bamboo care on the internet cuz I'm clueless!!! Thanks for the compliments and well wishing!!

We really enjoyed Flametree at AK. We have usually eaten at Tusker house in the past, but it was closed for renovations this year. We ate at Flametree and there was something for everyone. It was yummy.

We have eaten at Hollywood & Vine twice. The food isn't great - but not bad either. We went there this trip for the Little Einsteins/JoJo's Circus character meal - the kids loved it.

Cosmic Rays is good too - we have eaten there in the past, but not this year. The only problem there is having to get food from three different areas if you don't all want the same thing to eat.

We ate at Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney in 2006. The kids loved it. We had burgers, etc. so the food was just good - not anything special. It's definitely about the atmosphere more than the food. We didn't go this time because there is one about an hour from where we live now, which we have never been to, but could go if we wanted to.

Hope that helps.
Amy

WELCOME!!!! Thanks for reading and for all the great meal info!!!

Great pre trip planning! I printed out chapter 2 and it is now part of my folder. Thanks

WELCOME!!!! Those are my "top tips". Here are some DIS threads that have really helped me!!

Any MISTAKES made on past trips?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=914274

What I wish I would have know BEFORE getting to WDW!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1476905

What disney tip are you really glad you listened to?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=772074

 

[Villainess]

Great PTR!!!! You are so organized!

Here's where I've eaten:
Electric Umbrella - I think it was a burger
CS in Mexico - nachos (yum!), beef tacos and a margarita!
Hollywood & Vine buffet
Mexican in Adventureland - nacho salad I think
Rainforest Cafe - usually a burger or chicken sandwhich
Cosmic Rays - hot dog or burger or chicken platter if dinner
Liberty Tree - family style; good comfort food

 

[planetcaravan19f]

I am going to throw in my packing lists just to confuse everyone.

But I still want to hear about YOUR favorite meals, if you haven't posted it already!!!!

Book bag (the one we carry around)
Most of this stuff will be grouped together in Gallon
or quart sized Ziploc bags, for fast searching by CMs
at the gates and for fast finding by me in the parks.
Small Waterproof box Camera/cell/batteries
Pennies/quarters
-Small toys for DSS
Extra Ziploc’s and trash bags
First Aid Kit
Game boy
Deck of Cards
Bottle of bubbles w/ wand (to create magic)
Eye glass kit
Pain Killers
Safety pins
Chap stick
Extra hair-tie
Finger nail clipper
Extra sun glasses
Gum!!!
Small spray sun block(so hands don’t get messy)
Snacks
Sm hairbrush
Kool aid singles
Napkins and wipes
Extra BIG sharpie markers
8x10/4x7 picture frame mats for autographs
clipboard to hold picture frame mats for signing
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Shout stain stick
One walkie talkie (one with other adult)
Camp towel (super absorbent, dries fast)
Blow up bath pillow for sitting on curb waiting for parades!!

Holy that’s a lot of stuff eh?!?!? I have already packed the chosen book bag with everything to see how heavy it would be and its not bad. We may take a folding stroller to rotate pushing the bookbag or letting DSS sit down in a comfortable spot.

Book bag (to stick in locker)
Extra clothes, socks
Small toys to trade if DSS gets bored with what we’ve got
Extra towels
Copy of tickets
TIP-Put key to locker on chain around neck.


Pack Car
Ones and Quarters(tolls)
Pillows/blankets
Spill proof cups
Atlas
Umbrella
Scrap paper and pen to write down parking area
Cell phone/charger
Kleenex
CD’s
Plastic bags/trash
Magazines/book
Travel journal
Small toolbox (right wrench for lug nuts, jumper cables)
flashlights
small box of travel fun/toys for DSS
electric travel cooler (plug into cigarette lighter)
travel DVD player (laptop is backup DVD player)

-Big envelope (may have to upgrade to a binder ) with map-quest directions/ triptiks/ brochures/ important info-numbers


Rubbermaid tub
DSS pool toys/floaties
Nightlights
Corkscrew
DSS sand box toys
Frisbee
Detergent/dryer sheets
Travel Salt pepper
Dish washer Detergent (the room has one)
Extra plastic grocery bags
Glade plug-ins/spray
A few Disney video games
A few Disney board games

Laptop bag
Laptop
Power strip
Extension cord
AAA batteries
AA batteries
DVD’s
A few PC video games
Digital camera/charger

Luggage Extras
Lint brush
2 Extra duffle bag/souvenirs
Lanyards/pins
Extra shoes

Wallet Extras
Medical cards
Tickets
Spare car key
Calling cards
Orlando Magic Card


Will post some more pictures and my luggage and toiletries packing lists coming soon!!.....I'm sure your on the edge of your seat!!

Pictures!!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22482982&postcount=72

 

[mindyd]

Wow that is a packing list I can not believe how detailed you are! You have things listed that I never thought of I am giong to have to steal a couple of your ideas.

 

[jordanyosh]

Now that's a packing list.

 

[Shmu]

Wow. You are the queen of packing and of organizing.
Love the autograph on frame mats idea.
Like the ziplock bag idea for grouping stuff in bag. I'm using this one.
Thanks again for sharing and keep it coming.

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Great PTR!!!! You are so organized!

Here's where I've eaten:
Electric Umbrella - I think it was a burger
CS in Mexico - nachos (yum!), beef tacos and a margarita!
Hollywood & Vine buffet
Mexican in Adventureland - nacho salad I think
Rainforest Cafe - usually a burger or chicken sandwhich
Cosmic Rays - hot dog or burger or chicken platter if dinner
Liberty Tree - family style; good comfort food

WELCOME!! I've heard the saying "comfort food" applied to the Liberty Tree alot, I can't wait!!!!

Wow that is a packing list I can not believe how detailed you are! You have things listed that I never thought of I am giong to have to steal a couple of your ideas.

Now that's a packing list.

Wow. You are the queen of packing and of organizing.
Love the autograph on frame mats idea.
Like the ziplock bag idea for grouping stuff in bag. I'm using this one.
Thanks again for sharing and keep it coming.

Thank you Thank you! I worked hard on all my lists!! I plan on going through all the websites and threads again one more time just to make sure there aren't new ideas/tips!!

Pictures!!!!!

My bookbag and its many little bags
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Planetcaravan19f/DSCF1109.jpg

Here is one I should have posted earlier with my budget total. It is an expenses sheet (an outdated/old one) I did by hand it shows all food, gas, and parking costs. It helped me do quick budget totals through out my planning. All the "IN"s with circles around them represent meals IN the room. It has all 14 days we will be gone from home.

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Planetcaravan19f/DSCF1117.jpg

Also I had some difficulty when I tried to order AAA trip tiks, dont remember the difficulty now, but long story short I destroyed an Atlas from last year and made my own.....are you guys scared yet? Each state has it own mapquest page of directions also. Of course our address wasn't in the Mapquest directory (we live in the middle of nowhere) so I just picked one from the phone book. If you can see the little green circles on the Atlas piece...they represent each hour of travel.
This picture is of Ohio. http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Planetcaravan19f/DSCF1128.jpg

Okay I will end the madness now before it gets out of hand.

The Budget sky-rockets to $15,000!!!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22583267&postcount=80

 

[jordanyosh]

I'm an amateur....

 

[PolishMickey]

My bookbag and its many little bags
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Planetcaravan19f/DSCF1109.jpg

I do this with any camping or car trip!!! Makes things sooo much easier!!!
Sorry don't remember what I ate at WDW.

 

[carissanboys]

I don't know how I've missed your PTR until now! I actually have heard of Mackinac Island and would love to go there with the family one day. I don't konw a lot about it, but your post has reminded me to research it more. I have family that live in Portage, Michigan and I've been there a couple of times.

We're also driving instead of flying and staying off property (Windsor Hills). That's great that you have family along the way to stay with (we're doing the hotel/suite thing).

I haven't had a chance to read through the whole thread yet so I'll be back!

 

[carissanboys]

The only place that I've eaten at on your list is Rainforest Cafe. It's a great atmosphere, but I'm not a fan of the food. I would recommend sticking with something simple, such as burgers (hard to get burgers wrong!)

We're planning on trying Flame Tree BBQ during our visit. I've heard great things about their chicken. Last time we ate at Tusker House (and it was great), but they're no longer CS.

We did the ziploc baggie thing last time for the boys' outfits and it worked like a charm! I plan on doing it again. *Note to self: Buy more large Ziploc bags!

 

[Blueyed Girl]

WOW!! That's some list!!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

WOW!! That's some list!!

I'm an amateur....

I do this with any camping or car trip!!! Makes things sooo much easier!!!

Great minds think alike!!

I don't know how I've missed your PTR until now! I actually have heard of Mackinac Island and would love to go there with the family one day. I don't konw a lot about it, but your post has reminded me to research it more. I have family that live in Portage, Michigan and I've been there a couple of times.

I haven't had a chance to read through the whole thread yet so I'll be back!

WELCOME!!

I just MIGHT know everything about the Island, so if you decide to go and need some "insider" info just send me a pm!!!

The only place that I've eaten at on your list is Rainforest Cafe. It's a great atmosphere, but I'm not a fan of the food. I would recommend sticking with something simple, such as burgers (hard to get burgers wrong!)

You are not the first person to give a bad review about thier food, luckily we are going for the atmosphere!!!! Maybe we will get a quick sandwich from Earl of Sandwich and then go to Rainforest for dessert!!!

What do you guys think?

Still packing, I'm writing packing lists as I pack everything , and I will use them to pack before we leave Orlando. This way we , hopefully, won't forget anything!!

 

[carissanboys]

I just MIGHT know everything about the Island, so if you decide to go and need some "insider" info just send me a pm!!!

Thanks! I will definitely do that

You are not the first person to give a bad review about thier food, luckily we are going for the atmosphere!!!! Maybe we will get a quick sandwich from Sandwich of Earl and then go to Rainforest for dessert!!!

What do you guys think?

I think that's a great idea personally! Love Earl of Sandwich! And that way you get to experience the atmospheric greatness that is Rainforest Cafe without indulging in their poor quality food. Win win!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

17 days WHOO HOO!!!

I never told you that I paid off my loan on my Pontiac Grd Prx that I have had for the last four years. Well I decided that I wanted more room to travel down to florida, to lay down and for luggage so I decided to sell it and get a minivan!!! Yes I bought a whole VEHICLE just for our trip! So lets see that takes the budget up to....$15,000!! I got a Dodge Grd Caravan, its nice but.....

My Van was acting up earlier, it stalled at a stop sign, and then the electricity to the windows, wipers and radio cut out!!!! I think there is a wire loose, just makes me nervous so close to the trip!! I had planned on taking it to my mechanic and having it fully checked out so maybe its best that this is happening now! Luckily I have a warrenty, AAA, and trip insurance, just in case!!

I have been exhasted from work this week and have only done half the packing but I'm working on it!!

If you have never been to the weekly Freebie thread on the budget board, CHECK IT OUT!! I have ordered and recieved hundreds of items with the help of all the wonderful people that post links on the thread!!!
Here is a picture of all the shampoo/toiletries I got for free that I will take on the trip.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Planetcaravan19f/DSCF1102.jpg
Things I have purchased to take.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Planetcaravan19f/DSCF1105.jpg

Have the next two days off from work so I will get EVERYTHING on my "to do" list done!!! Then all that will be left is the last minute stuff!!!

Update: Van is fine, just loose wire.
Found a house sitter
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22676771&postcount=83