Dork Wars Episode II: The Revenge of Joaquin - Nov. 12 / Jul. 13 PTR *UPDATE 6/30*

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I'm here... Took me awhile, but I made it...

Love your plans so far... And I totally agree about cheap flights... Those days are long gone!!!

But dang... Only $100 for the July flight down... Score!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm here... Took me awhile, but I made it...

Love your plans so far... And I totally agree about cheap flights... Those days are long gone!!!

But dang... Only $100 for the July flight down... Score!!!

LOL, that's okay, I'm glad to see you here.

I know, it' so sad that the days of affordable flights are gone. I had to jump on that flight while it was there because it was so inexpensive.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm updating a little fast and furious, but I want to get some details out of the way because I know what tends to happen is that time tends to get by you. I won't have as much time always to spend on the DIS either, because I'm currently studying for the CPA exam, and that takes up A LOT of time.

So, let's talk a little November, shall we?

I also had to edit this post to let everyone know that the Boardwalk waitlist came through! Woo hoo!!!!! We now have a garden view studio at the Boardwalk. Yay for Mom, because this will be her first official stay at the Boardwalk. She's only stayed one night before.

Departure Day - Wednesday November 21, 2012

So both my Mom and I have to work on this day. For me, because I'm in Accounting, it's month end, so there would have been no way I would be allowed to take the day off anyway. As discussed previously, our flight doesn't leave until 9pm that night from Midway.

Midway is not an ideal location, it's the hardest airport for us to get to here, but it was the cheapest flight we could get.

I'm working until about 5pm, so the plan is for me to hitch a ride to work so I don't have to worry about my car. My Mom and Dad will come to pick me up at work and my Dad will drop us off at the airport. It will be rush hour, so it's a good idea for us to leave early. It already takes about 45 minutes on a good traffic day, so during rush hour, we have no idea what we're going to get.

We'll have some dinner at the airport and then be ready to go.

We're bringing carry ons and one piece of luggage between the two of us. Originally we were going to bring only carry ons, but I want to buy a few houseware items when we're down there, so I wanted the extra room.

Our plane is set to land at 12:30am. I'm hoping it lands a little early, as they have in the past. Mom will head to get the luggage while I get the car rental. I'm hoping to have that all squared away quickly. I don't want to get to the resort later than 2am.

Then it will be off to bed as soon as we get ourselves settled in at the hotel. I've been checking the hours for the parks, but they haven't updated anything recently. For Thanksgiving though, it seems that they tend to wait until you get closer.

Day 1 - Thursday November 22, 2012

This is our Epcot day, yay!

The park is still set to open at 9am. With our late arrival, that will work in our favor, but I can't guarantee we'll be there right at 9am. It all depends on how arrival goes.

We are not doing a dining plan (I forgot to mention that in my previous updates). My Mom and I have been very strict with our eating, and I'm approaching my Disney trip this year with the same idea. I didn't want to do Dining and be forced to get a dessert with every meal that I eat. I wanted a little more flexibility.

Breakfast will be at:

Just a small breakfast, probably something like some yogurt and some fruit for us. During that time, we'll secure some fastpasses for:

If the wait time isn't too bad, we might way. I don't know for sure though. If it is longer, we'll head to:

Gotta go see Figment!

And:

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.......

We'll probably be ready for lunch after that. Our reservation is at 11:30am at:

Via Napoli! I have never eaten here, so I'm super excited. We're going to follow our plan of sharing a pizza and sharing an appetizer. I'm super excited.

After our lunch, we will likely wander World Showcase, and eventually, because it's me and you know me, we'll end up at the Ditch.

For one (or a few) tasty tasty 'ritas....and perhaps a Drunk Little Cucumber....for my brother.

Other must do's at Epcot?

What, how on earth did THAT picture get in there......

Basically, just wandering around aimlessly. My Mom and I don't have hard pressed plans really. We just go with the flow with a few basic plans.

I do want to stay to watch Illuminations, because I haven't seen the whole show in quite a while, and neither has my Mom. So that's definitely part of the plan. Oh, and I forgot a few other important details.

Honestly, I never know WHERE those pictures come from......

Up Next: November, Day 2

 

[teekathepony]

Bahahaha, had a good chuckle at all the mysteriously appearing drink photos. And the reappearance of the Drunk Little Cucumber.
Sounds like a great day's worth of plans!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Bahahaha, had a good chuckle at all the mysteriously appearing drink photos. And the reappearance of the Drunk Little Cucumber.
Sounds like a great day's worth of plans!

Hahaha, I had to make the whole thing a little funny. LOL. Plus, for real, I mean Epcot does have some great drink offerings.

 

[marDgreen88]

Yum! Via Napoli is great! If yall are getting an appetizer as well, you might want to get a smaller pizza. I don't know what you're planning, but it might end up being more than you think!

I'm glad IllumiNations is part of the plan. It should ALWAYS be part of the plan.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Yum! Via Napoli is great! If yall are getting an appetizer as well, you might want to get a smaller pizza. I don't know what you're planning, but it might end up being more than you think!

I'm glad IllumiNations is part of the plan. It should ALWAYS be part of the plan.

That's exactly what we were thinking of doing, ordering an individual sized pizza and sharing that with something else.

I constantly miss Illuminations, so I'm trying to make sure that doesn't happen this time.

 

[MEK]

What, how on earth did THAT picture get in there......

Are you sure the Yeti didn't do it?

Seriously, this sounds like my kind of day because 2/3rds of it involves the Ditch.

Yeah for your BWV waitlist coming through! Don't you just love that!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Wow, your rental car booking skills are very impressive!!!

I cannot wait to finally try a drunk little cucumber for myself!!!! I love the Ditch, such a magical place of wonderfulness!!

 

[shan23877]

Great news about BWI! I really love that area, and I think that the BWI is great (the pool doesn't bother me )

Your plans sound awesome. My favorite days in Epcot are the laid back ones. It's actually kind of nice to only have a few attractions on your list. I enjoy the extra time to wander and explore (drink).

 

[IheartDDuck]

Are you sure the Yeti didn't do it?

Seriously, this sounds like my kind of day because 2/3rds of it involves the Ditch.

Yeah for your BWV waitlist coming through! Don't you just love that!

Ooohhh, I forgot about the Yeti. It is possible that he was involved in some way.....

Anything involving the Ditch works for me.

I love it when the waitlist comes through. I'm very excited because it's a great location.

Wow, your rental car booking skills are very impressive!!!

I cannot wait to finally try a drunk little cucumber for myself!!!! I love the Ditch, such a magical place of wonderfulness!!

I am constantly trolling the rental car sights just waiting for the best price. Normally it works out in my favor. I just stalk those websites the same way that I stalk for airline tickets. LOL.

You will love the drunk little cucumber, I'm sure! It truly is a magical place of wonderfulness.

Great news about BWI! I really love that area, and I think that the BWI is great (the pool doesn't bother me )

Your plans sound awesome. My favorite days in Epcot are the laid back ones. It's actually kind of nice to only have a few attractions on your list. I enjoy the extra time to wander and explore (drink).

I love that area too and the pool there doesn't bother me either. I just love being walking distance from Epcot. It's definitely my favorite park to be laid back in.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Hey Danielle!
I'm signed up for these trips! How awesome to have 2 to look forward to!

First, congrats on the weight loss! That is awesome!

Second, congrats again on getting into the Boardwalk! That's where DH and I stayed for his first trip and we loved it! Walking to Epcot and DHS studios was incredible! Beach Club is on our list of places to stay in the future, just for a different view

You are seriously having me look into a car rental. Since we'll have DD along for this trip I would love to be able to come and go without having to wait...

And yay for AKL!!! We stayed there one night last time (teaser) so we had to book it for this trip! Can't wait!!

Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Hey Danielle!
I'm signed up for these trips! How awesome to have 2 to look forward to!

First, congrats on the weight loss! That is awesome!

Second, congrats again on getting into the Boardwalk! That's where DH and I stayed for his first trip and we loved it! Walking to Epcot and DHS studios was incredible! Beach Club is on our list of places to stay in the future, just for a different view

You are seriously having me look into a car rental. Since we'll have DD along for this trip I would love to be able to come and go without having to wait...

And yay for AKL!!! We stayed there one night last time (teaser) so we had to book it for this trip! Can't wait!!

Looking forward to hearing more!

Thanks! The weight loss has been going well and I'm just trucking along. Working on the couch to 5k program right now, so hopefully I'll be jogging a full three miles in eight weeks.

I've stayed at Boardwalk two times, but my Mom hasn't yet, so she's super excited about it. I'm just thrilled about the location.

I love car rental. I look at the whole cost / value thing, and for us, because we're normally at Deluxe resorts because of DVC, we have to contend with bus service that's a little bit shoddy, so I just like having the car.

I love AKL, it's one of my favorite resorts for sure.

 

[AvasMommy526]

Ahhhh your trip sounds so fun!!
And however those pics got there, I hope they stay Yes, I am a big fan of Margaritas, fruity drinks and European beer, and I am looking forward to drinking my way through Epcot (does this make me a bad mom )
Serious car rental skills! We are renting a car just for few days, (for the wedding and meeting with the planner) Im gonna have you book it lol!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Ahhhh your trip sounds so fun!!
And however those pics got there, I hope they stay Yes, I am a big fan of Margaritas, fruity drinks and European beer, and I am looking forward to drinking my way through Epcot (does this make me a bad mom )
Serious car rental skills! We are renting a car just for few days, (for the wedding and meeting with the planner) Im gonna have you book it lol!

Yeah, the pictures of drinks can stay. Because really, my trip will only create more of them anyway.

It does not make you a bad Mom for wanting to drink through Epcot! Anyone sane wants to drink through Epcot.

All I can say about renting cars is to Google discount codes and coupons and give them a try. I've gotten them to work most times.

 

[IheartDDuck]

So I found this idea from MissyRose's TR:

Peekaboo, I See Pluto!

I loved it so much that I figured it's a great thing to have for this PTR. It's the 100 foods challenge from Disney. So there is a list of 100 foods found around WDW and you have to see which ones you've eaten. I love that, and she was gracious enough to say I could steal away. So, here is the list. I have highlighted in red the foods I have eaten. People, it's a sad state of affairs! I have officially eaten 56 foods on the list.

Magic Kingdom
1. Dole Whip - Aloha Isle
2. Dole Whip Float - Aloha Isle
3. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Carts
4. Mickey Mouse Shaped Pretzel - Frontierland Pretzel Wagon
5. Popcorn - Pop Corn Carts
6. Hot Dog - Casey’s Corner
7. Nutella and fresh fruit waffle sandwich - Sleepy Hollow
8. Funnel Cake - Sleepy Hollow
9. Rice Crispy Treat - Main Street Confectionery
10. Hamburger and Fixins - Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
11. The 'Plaza' Ice Cream Sundae - Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
12. Lobster Roll - Columbia Harbour House
13. Mickey Mouse Waffle - Crystal Palace
14. New England Pot Roast - Liberty Tree Tavern
15. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - Liberty Tree Tavern
16. Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel - Lunching Pad
17. Citrus Swirl - Sunshine Tree Terrace

Epcot
1. Beverly - Club Cool
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich - Fountainview Ice Cream
3. School Bread - Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
4. Fish and Chips - Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
5. Crepes - France
6. Grey Goose Slush - France
7. Grand Mariner Slush - France
8. Margarita - La Cava de Tequila
9. Churro - Mexico
10. Caramel Corn - Karmell Kutche
11. Kaki Gori - Japan
12. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup & Pretzel Bread - Le Cellier
13. Apple Cobbler - Liberty Inn
14. General Tso's Chicken Dumpling - Nine Dragons
15. Soft Pretzel & German Beer - Sommerfest
16. Shawarma Platter - Tangierine Cafe
17. Vegetarian Platter - Tangierine Cafe
18. Wood Fired Authentic Pizza Napoletana - Via Napoli

Hollywood Studios
1. Butterfinger Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
2. Marble Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
3. Peanut Butter Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
4. Red Velvet Cheesecake - Starring Rolls Cafe
5. Carrot Cake Cookie - The Writers Stop
6. Grapefruit Cake - Hollywood Brown Derby
7. Sterling Silver Pork Seared Tenderloin - Hollywood Brown Derby
8. Cobb Salad - Hollywood Brown Derby
9. Milkshake - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
10. Angus Chuck Burger - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
11. Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
12. Dad's Traditional Meatloaf - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
13. Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
14. Peanut Butter Jelly Milkshake - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
15. Dad’s Electric Lemonade - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
16. Chicken Curry - ABC Commissary
17. Turkey Leg - Toluca Legs Turkey Co
18. Honey-Hazelnut & Ricotta Cheesecake - Mama Melrose’s Ristorante
19. Rosie's 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Cheddar Cheeseburger - Rosie's All
American Cafe
20. Grilled Veggie Sandwich - Backlot Express

Animal Kingdom
1. Jalapeno stuffed cheese pretzel - Safari Pretzel
2. 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs - Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Smoked 1/2 Chicken - Flame Tree Barbecue
4. Dim Sum Basket - Anandapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant
5. Cinnamon glazed almonds/pecans - Dino Diner
6. Pizza - Pizzafari
7. Shrimp Po boy - Restaurantosaurus
8. Hot Tea - Royal Anandapur Tea Company
9. Slow roasted pulled beef sandwich - Tamu Tamu
10. Zebra cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
11. Brownie paw - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
12. White Chocolate elephant cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
13. Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
14. Triple Yeti Blast - Upcountry Beverage Cart

Deluxe Resorts
1. Zebra Domes - The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Bobotie Platter -The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
3. Barbecue Beef Short Ribs - Jiko – The Cooking Place - Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Indian Style Bread service - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Tandoori Chicken/Lamb/Shrimp - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
6. Kitchen Sink - Beaches & Cream - Beach Club Resort
7. Tonga Toast - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
8. Macadamia Nut Pancakes - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
9. Kona Coffee - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
10. Lapu Lapu - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
11. Pele's Fire Punch - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
12. Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
13. Honey Coriander Chicken Wings - OHana - Polynesian Resort
14. Bread Pudding with Banana Foster Sauce - OHana - Polynesian
15. Smoky Portobella Mushroom Soup - Artist Pointe - Wilderness Lodge
16. Canyon Skillet - Whispering Canyon Cafe - Wilderness Lodge
17. Sushi - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
18. Goat Cheese Ravioli - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
19. Strawberry Soup - 1900 Park Fare - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
20. The Grand Sandwich - Grand Floridian Cafe - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
21. Deconstructed Beef Wellington - Yachtsman’s Steakhouse - Yacht

Moderate Resorts
1. Beignets - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory - Port Orleans French Quarter
2. Fried Chicken - Trails End Buffet - Fort Wilderness Campgrounds & Cabins

Value Resorts
1. Tye Dye Cheesecake - Pop Century Food Court - Pop Century Resort
2. Orange Creamsicle - Silver Screen Spirits - All Star Movies Resort and other locations

Downtown Disney
1. Chocolate Covered Pretzels - Goofy's Candy Company
2. The Original 1762 - Earl of Sandwich
3. Hot Fudge Sundae - Ghirardelli Soda Fountain
4. Chocolate Extinction - T-Rex
5. Sparkling Volcano - Rainforest Cafe
6. Doh Bars - Cooke’s of Dublin

So, the mission on my upcoming trips? Eat foods I haven't eaten!!! In addition to ones I have obviously. But, it will be my ongoing mission to eat all of the foods on this list, or at least taste them! So, for the November trip, what's on my list?

(All food photos courtesy of the Disney Food Blog)

1) Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich - I mean come on. I'm OBSESSED with Nutella! I will love this. I guarantee it.

2) Citrus Swirl - I'm most excited for the return of the Orange Bird if I'm being completely honest. But I'm a fan of the Dole Whip, so I'm sure I'll like this.

3) Kaki Gori - Now, I'm pretty sure I've had this before, but I think I was really young, so I'm not counting it.

4) Wood Fired Authentic Pizza - Well, Via Napoli is our first ADR, so of course we are going to eat this! I can't wait.

5) Marble Cupcake - It's a cupcake. I mean come on! I think I'm gonna have to throw a red velvet cupcake in for good measure too.

6) Jalapeno Stuffed Cheese Pretzal - I'm going to preface this by saying this is a lot for me, because I loathe spicy food! But I'm doing it in the name of research!!!

7) White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake - It just looks cool people!

So what do you guys think? Any other suggestions of what I should try in November? Also, how do you guys stack up on the list?

 

[marDgreen88]

I have unfortunate news... the marble cupcake seems to have been replaced with a freakin' carrot cake cupcake. I'm sorry, but that is just laaaame to me. Marble was the type of cupcake my brother had planned on getting and then it was nowhere to be found. Who knows, maybe it'll be back when you go, and I hope it is!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I have unfortunate news... the marble cupcake seems to have been replaced with a freakin' carrot cake cupcake. I'm sorry, but that is just laaaame to me. Marble was the type of cupcake my brother had planned on getting and then it was nowhere to be found. Who knows, maybe it'll be back when you go, and I hope it is!!!

NNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, it's really not THAT serious, it just puts a crimp in my plans. I'll take a look. If not, I'll pick something else and I'll just replace it on the list dangit!

 

[zanzibar138]

Hold on while I just wipe the drool off my keyboard...



That's better

Ok, as a naive Aussie who hasn't actually been to WDW, I have a couple of questions

What are the treehouse villas? Are they part of Saratoga Springs? They look cool!

Second question... what is 'The Ditch' you refer to in Epcot? Sounds like I will definitely have to reserve an evening for cocktails when I finally get there!

And thirdly (and I've wanted to know this since I first came across it on the DIS boards, but have never asked for fear of looking a bit dumb ), what on earth is 'funnel cake'?


You did an awesome job with your car hire! And all your plans so far are looking great!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Mmm that waffle sandwich looks SO good!