Double October Birthday Palooza-Lots New 5/12 & Now Complete!!!!!

[SoonerGirl]

5 weeks from today at this time we will be lunching at Le Cellier........Ahhhhhhhhhhhh Mushroom filet here we come!!!!!!

Mmmmm, that sounds heavenly! Today was my ADR day and I was able to get a lunch @ Le Cellier too, I'm drooling just thinking about that filet!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Mmmmm, that sounds heavenly! Today was my ADR day and I was able to get a lunch @ Le Cellier too, I'm drooling just thinking about that filet!

Yeah for Le Cellier!!!! I was reading today about the food & wine festival cards that you can get. You load it up like a gift card & it has a wrist band. You can then walk around all the kiosks & try all the things you like without having to carry a bunch of cash. Sounds like a great idea to me & one that I am thinking we will definetly try during our drinking & snacking around the world.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Ooooo, I think that's new, I don't remember them having anything like that when we went for F&W. I like that idea!

 

[BriarRosie]

Hello there my ABD pal!

Thanks for telling me about your report. But sadly, I will be at WDW a week earlier. I thought it was funny to see my friend Brenda's (oybolshoi) food reports get pimped here, because I'm currently pimping her pre-food report in my own pre-food report on the restaurant reviews forum.

I can tell you that the Epcot Segway tour is a lot of fun. Enough that I did this tour twice! I want to try the Ft. Wilderness Segway tour now.

And I'm also on Weight Watchers, and have been since last November. So when you met me, I was only doing WW for a few weeks. I lost 4 lbs. that week, even with all the buffets and such. It was the 12 miles of walking a day that probably helped. I have lost 50 lbs since I started. I'll have to PM you a photo.

As for the festival, I'm giving the program a HUGE rest that week. And I'm going to try doing laps around World Showcase for every couple items I buy at the food and wine kiosks.

My advice about the festival gift cards is that they are handy to have at the kiosks...when the card terminals don't crash. Always keep some cash on hand because I've always encountered a card terminal crash at least once during my noshing. It doesn't happen that often, but you'll be glad you had some cash when it does happen. (And if it never happens, consider yourself lucky! LOL)

And boy I feel guilty about not meeting up with Sakina and Mildred! I'm not meeting up with other Orlando area people I know, so I'm feeling lots of guilt all around!

 

[jns]

I'm here too
Sounds like you have a great trip planned


Hope you both have great Birthdays

 

[Disneygrl36]

Hello there my ABD pal!

Thanks for telling me about your report. But sadly, I will be at WDW a week earlier. I thought it was funny to see my friend Brenda's (oybolshoi) food reports get pimped here, because I'm currently pimping her pre-food report in my own pre-food report on the restaurant reviews forum.

I can tell you that the Epcot Segway tour is a lot of fun. Enough that I did this tour twice! I want to try the Ft. Wilderness Segway tour now.

And I'm also on Weight Watchers, and have been since last November. So when you met me, I was only doing WW for a few weeks. I lost 4 lbs. that week, even with all the buffets and such. It was the 12 miles of walking a day that probably helped. I have lost 50 lbs since I started. I'll have to PM you a photo.

As for the festival, I'm giving the program a HUGE rest that week. And I'm going to try doing laps around World Showcase for every couple items I buy at the food and wine kiosks.

My advice about the festival gift cards is that they are handy to have at the kiosks...when the card terminals don't crash. Always keep some cash on hand because I've always encountered a card terminal crash at least once during my noshing. It doesn't happen that often, but you'll be glad you had some cash when it does happen. (And if it never happens, consider yourself lucky! LOL)

And boy I feel guilty about not meeting up with Sakina and Mildred! I'm not meeting up with other Orlando area people I know, so I'm feeling lots of guilt all around!

Lori,
So glad to have you here.
Great to hear such good things about the Segway tour. I was on the fence about it mostly because it takes up precious time, but I thought Eric would love it!!!!!
I am SO INCREDIBLY PROUD OF YOU for your 50 lbs. That is wonderful. Such hard work too so I know what an accomplishment that is. Yes please pm me a photo. I am sure you look incredibly svelte! I hate missing each other by 4 days too..........we shall have to plan better in the future. I can understand the guilt about not meeting up with people but there is only so much you can do in your time. I am really excited about seeing Sakina & Mildred again----should be a fun night. Arrrrrrrr

I'm here too
Sounds like you have a great trip planned


Hope you both have great Birthdays

Thanks for joining me Jackie. Can't wait to goooooooooo & have fun on our birthdays, although I am not sure another birthday can ever top the one I shared with you & all the rest of the Dis Moonies on the Magic dressed as Mary Poppins.

 

[Disneygrl36]

We will be spending 2 full days at EPCOT & they will both be birthdays. EPCOT is Eric's favorite park so that is why he chose it. I wanted our days to be spread out right & to end up with Illuminations so that is why we ended up with it on my birthday as well.

I am hoping to really be able to enjoy tasting lots of new foods & wines at the Food & Wine Festival. At the kiosks, I really want to try food that we haven't tried at home....like Greek, Thai, cheeses from around the world, Indian, Austrian, etc. etc.
We did not opt for any of the formal planned dinners or events, but we might try to squeeze in some of the free ones or the 8$ events.
October 24 2009--I highlighted what we might like to see
2:00PM - 2:45PM Wine Seminar Château des Charmes, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, Paul Bosc
5:30PM - 6:15PM Wine Seminar Groth Vineyards & Winery, Napa Valley, CA
4:30PM - 5:30PM Culinary Demonstration / Wine Presentation Pastry Chef Claire Clark, The French Laundry, Yountsville, California

This is what is happening on my birthday Oct 31st
October 31 2009--I highlighted what we might like to see.
12:00PM - 12:45PM Wine Seminar Maison Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France ---We drink some Louis Jadot wine at home so this might be fun!!!!

The Eat to the Beat concerts will be Taylor Dayne & John Waite....not must sees, we can just take a listen as we walk around.

Since we will have 2 whole days, I want to really take our time browsing the shops in World Showcase. We will both have gift cards for our birthdays to spend after all.

I also want to spend more time watching the entertainment around World Showcase........we rarely plan this out & end up catching a few minutes here & there. This time I really want to take the time to enjoy a whole show.
Especially these guys.....Off Kilter

Also want to try to see:
Jammitors

The Candy Lady....never seen her

Mo-Rockin'

World Showcase Players

We just want to make sure we stop & smell the roses & really soak up the wonderful atmosphere at EPCOT.

Must have food/beverages besides all the nibbling & sipping around the world....
Mushroom filet at Le Cellier---lunch on Eric's bday.
Must have a Grand Mariner slushie!!!! Had one in May & it was so refreshing.
Have to do our usual sipping of exotic soft drinks at Club Cool........just no Beverly.
No other must haves at EPCOT because we will be doing most of our sampling from the food & wine festival.

More updates to follow with must do's for each park......

 

[BriarRosie]

Some of the $5 discounted seats for DVC/AP/TiW members are gone, but a couple of them show up still for the demos you want. They're all available at the full $8 price.

Here's the link from the festival discussion thread:

SEMINARS AND DEMONSTRATIONS PRE-REGISTRATION
Use this link
http://www.register123.com/profile/w...D=0x173908616f

to access a preregistration page to book the $8 food and wine demonstration seminars at the Festival Center in advance for 8$ - or a discounted price of $5 (based on availability) for TIW/AP/DVC members (you must enter your AP or membership number to get the discounted price), starting on Wednesday, August 26.

I suggest you book this ahead of time and print the confirmation from the summary page; it's better than the email confirmation. This guarantees you admission if you really want to do these. I'm not sure how they're handling walk ups...or if the seminars sell out ahead of time.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Some of the $5 discounted seats for DVC/AP/TiW members are gone, but a couple of them show up still for the demos you want. They're all available at the full $8 price.

Here's the link from the festival discussion thread:

SEMINARS AND DEMONSTRATIONS PRE-REGISTRATION
Use this link
http://www.register123.com/profile/w...D=0x173908616f

to access a preregistration page to book the $8 food and wine demonstration seminars at the Festival Center in advance for 8$ - or a discounted price of $5 (based on availability) for TIW/AP/DVC members (you must enter your AP or membership number to get the discounted price), starting on Wednesday, August 26.

I suggest you book this ahead of time and print the confirmation from the summary page; it's better than the email confirmation. This guarantees you admission if you really want to do these. I'm not sure how they're handling walk ups...or if the seminars sell out ahead of time.

Thanks Lori for the advice from a pro......
After talking with Eric I went ahead & booked us for the Louis Jadot wine seminar on my bday. Got the DVC 5$ rate.
I told him we had a special event on his bday that was going to be 2 hrs long & he decided he didn't want to do any other seminars etc to take up park time that day. So this time, we will just try the one wine seminar & if we like it maybe next time we will explore a signature dinner or more events.

 

[Disneygrl36]

In trip related news.......
Got something new & cool from UPS today.

I told her not to worry yet...we still have a month to go.
That luggage was on sale at disney.com for 59$...pretty good deal I thought.

AND.........Really cool news that one of my best friends from high school & her hubby will be Orlando at the start of our trip. If they can stay over the 23rd we may be able to make dinner work that evening. We already have ressies at Jiko & I am sure we can add them. I sent her the menu & she is excited about it--she's not a Disney park fan but recommedning that they visit EPCOT for the Food & Wine festival & having dinner at AKL might start helping her see that Disney is for adults without kids too!!!!

 

[BriarRosie]

Thanks Lori for the advice from a pro......
After talking with Eric I went ahead & booked us for the Louis Jadot wine seminar on my bday. Got the DVC 5$ rate.
I told him we had a special event on his bday that was going to be 2 hrs long & he decided he didn't want to do any other seminars etc to take up park time that day. So this time, we will just try the one wine seminar & if we like it maybe next time we will explore a signature dinner or more events.

Well, considering this is the first year they are charging for the seminars, I'm not a pro! Be sure to still get there at least 20 minutes early, because you still need to check in and get seated.

You might change your tune about the special dining events after you see my food porn. But the price tag on these events: I basically budget all my money on the food, and since they're paid for in August, I'm not spending a ton while I'm there in October. Or so I try to convince myself.

The luggage looks fabulous, btw.

 

[Jennifer48]

Finally made it over Melanie! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! Sorry I'm late, just got back from my honeymoon. I'm so excited you have another trip planned! I love reading your TRs and I'm sure this one will be just as fun as the others.

I did the Segway tour with friends back in 2005 and it was the best tour ever. Riding the Segway alone was worth the price, nevermind getting to ride it around the World Showcase before it opened. Super awesome!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Well, considering this is the first year they are charging for the seminars, I'm not a pro! Be sure to still get there at least 20 minutes early, because you still need to check in and get seated.

You might change your tune about the special dining events after you see my food porn. But the price tag on these events: I basically budget all my money on the food, and since they're paid for in August, I'm not spending a ton while I'm there in October. Or so I try to convince myself.

The luggage looks fabulous, btw.

I am sure your food porn is going to make me drool. I was looking at the prices & they are pricey, but if you enjoy it then it's worth it. I mean look at the cash we laid down for our ABD & it was worth every penny to me to see the things we saw.
I think the luggage is pretty cute.

Finally made it over Melanie! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! Sorry I'm late, just got back from my honeymoon. I'm so excited you have another trip planned! I love reading your TRs and I'm sure this one will be just as fun as the others.

I did the Segway tour with friends back in 2005 and it was the best tour ever. Riding the Segway alone was worth the price, nevermind getting to ride it around the World Showcase before it opened. Super awesome!

Jennifer!!!! So glad to have you here. Are you going to write about your honeymoon? Hope you had a magical one!!!!
Can't wait for the Segway tour.

BY the way..........Eric has figured it out.....oh well so much for the surprise element. BUT he is really excited about it so guess I still did good.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Love all your fun pictures to go with your "not yet been there done that" plans! So fun! You know how to pack in the photo's..

I would love to do that segueway tour BUT if it's a choice between that or the garden tour I'd pick the garden tour.. seems like a nice "seasonal" thing to do. Other things to help consider whether or not to do the segueway tour: 1) Do you have any other special plans or ideas for the birthday celebration day?
2) Have you and eric done the segueway before?
3) What was the thing holding you back or making you hesitant this time?

As for what to do when not at Disney? Were you thinking about only things to do at Disney besides parks or outside of disney as well? For me... my NUMBER ONE thing I would just about have to do if I ever make it to Florida would be the Dolphin Cove experience. Have you ever thought of that place?

Jellyrolls sounds like so much fun.. that is definitely something that would be on my list. I am really sad that they took down the Adventurer's Club before I ever had a chance to go there. I just think that sounded like the coolest thing ever.

As for places to eat: Do you like cheese? I have been cravign the cheese plate at the Contemporary ever since my idol Oybolshoi reviewed it in her WORLD FAMOUS dining and TR report ______ (link to follow as she doesn't have it in her siggie anymore and I had to ask for it). Anyway, this girl is an AMAZING food reporter and I have been salivating for this thing ever since.

P.S. A shout out to MAGICFOR2 (of is it MAGIK4TOO? ) and Soonergirl! Long time no see

Hey my friend TravelMe! How are you? I've been having a hard time keeping up here.

Melanie, love your plans! I would agree with TravelMel, check out CG! I read that you can watch the fireworks from the lounge w/o ADRs - don't know if that fits in anywhere, but it sounds romantic! The SeaRaycers sound like fun! We had that on our list in March, but changed our minds when we got to WL - we just wanted to chill - so relaxing there.

Dolphin Cove sounds really wonderful to me, too. You also get a pass to SW, but that would mean extra planning for "park" days. I was also thinking Aquatica looks really cool - I'm kind of upset with Disney for renting out "Premium seating" at the water parks - it will be harder to find good chairs - time to look for other parks. Your trip is getting close!

 

[Jennifer48]

Jennifer!!!! So glad to have you here. Are you going to write about your honeymoon? Hope you had a magical one!!!!
Can't wait for the Segway tour.

BY the way..........Eric has figured it out.....oh well so much for the surprise element. BUT he is really excited about it so guess I still did good.

I hope to do a honeymoon TR. I'll be sure to let you know when I do!

Aww too bad Eric figured it out. At least he's really excited!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Hey my friend TravelMe! How are you? I've been having a hard time keeping up here.

Melanie, love your plans! I would agree with TravelMel, check out CG! I read that you can watch the fireworks from the lounge w/o ADRs - don't know if that fits in anywhere, but it sounds romantic! The SeaRaycers sound like fun! We had that on our list in March, but changed our minds when we got to WL - we just wanted to chill - so relaxing there.

Dolphin Cove sounds really wonderful to me, too. You also get a pass to SW, but that would mean extra planning for "park" days. I was also thinking Aquatica looks really cool - I'm kind of upset with Disney for renting out "Premium seating" at the water parks - it will be harder to find good chairs - time to look for other parks. Your trip is getting close!

Hey Tammie I know what you mean about Disney renting out premium seating at water parks....seems like they are doing every thing they can to make an extra buck. We won't be doing any water parks this time. I can't seem to convince Eric that it would be a fun way to spend a day.

I hope to do a honeymoon TR. I'll be sure to let you know when I do!

Aww too bad Eric figured it out. At least he's really excited!

Make sure & let me know when you start your trippie. I am in!!!!
He always figures out my surprises......I am not a very good secret keeper.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Our second day in the parks will be spent in the Magic Kingdom.

This is a terrible thing to admit, but I will go ahead & do it. I have never been to opening at Magic Kingdom. I have never seen the opening show with the characters on the train. Eric & I have been to the MK early but has always been to do a character breakfast at Crystal Palace. I am determined that we will be there before opening & finally see this.

Would love to catch the Trolley Show down Main Street too....anyone know what time they do this?

Want to hear the Dapper Dans sing

We have not seen Monsters Inc Laugh so this will be new to us.

Multiple rides on the TTA.....I have seen the new lights for night & they look awesome so we must do this at night.

Look longingly at Space Mountain which will still be undergoing refurb.

Spend quite a bit of time in Fantasyland & Toontown taking pictures because things they are going to be a changin' with the new refurb. I think Toontown is going bye-bye for good.

Think we might try to ride Dumbo because I have never done that either.....how that has happened I am not sure. We will only do this if the line is short.

Multiple rides on Haunted Mansion....we have only ridden the new version twice at MNSSHP 2007 before our cruise, so it will be like new to us.

Climb the TreeHouse looking for unique views of the MK.

Watch the afternoon parade.

Pay attention to detail!!!!

There is a Halloween Party that night so we will be leaving the park & heading over to the Contemporary for dinner at the Wave. We have talked about either going up to California Grill for a drink so we can watch the party fireworks up there, or taking the monorail to the Polynesian & getting a drink there & watching the fireworks from the beach there. We will do one or the other kind of depending on how long dinner takes & what atmosphere we are in the mood for.

Must eats.......
Every time I say I am going to get a Dole Whip & I never do....this time I WILL get one.

Lunch at Columbia Harbour House...although it looks like they have changed the menu & our favorite sandwich is not on there anymore.

Sweet treat from Main Street Bakery

Popcorn during the parade? I can't resist that popcorn.

Up next........Must do's at Disney's Hollywood Studios

 

[Jennifer48]

You MUST see the opening ceremony at MK. Its so great!

Not sure when they do the trolley but I've seen it right after rope drop. I think that the only time I've seen it!

When I was there in Sept for my honeymoon I was so upset that the TTA was still down. I can't wait to see your pics of the new lights, I didn't know that!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

mmmm dole whip

 

[Disneygrl36]

You MUST see the opening ceremony at MK. Its so great!

Not sure when they do the trolley but I've seen it right after rope drop. I think that the only time I've seen it!

When I was there in Sept for my honeymoon I was so upset that the TTA was still down. I can't wait to see your pics of the new lights, I didn't know that!

We will make it for opening.....I am DETERMINED!!!!! I can't wait to see the lights on the TTA--from the pics I have seen they look really cool.

mmmm dole whip

I can't wait to have one.

I'm going to put up my fall/Halloween decorations today, so I might be back later with some pictures since I have a Disney theme.....imagine that.