Dragging a grumpy DH back to the World ~ Single Digits!!

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I received an email alert from Expedia this morning. They are having a US Fare Sale with fares starting at $46/one way. You must book by Thursday, March 5 and travel by November 4. Once I saw that, I knew I should check it out. Here's what I found:

Expedia: $166.20/round trip on AirTran + $15 checked baggage fee = $181.20/each

AirTrain website: $159.20/round trip + $15 checked baggage fee = $174.20/each

A part of me thinks I should wait and see what Southwest has to offer. I still have about a month until they release their August date. I'm sure I'll still be able to find something below $180 if I wait a month, right?

 

[Beka]

Oh my god, that pic of you at Christmas is cracking me up! I'm totally on!

 

[tinkgurl]

I love the Dining Plan!

 

[Beka]

So...a few weeks ago I opened up my email and found the elusive 40% pin code waiting for me!!!!!!

I *clearly* have been reading too much of my nursing text books, and not enough Disney. What the heck is this 40% thing?

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Oh my god, that pic of you at Christmas is cracking me up! I'm totally on!

Thanks for stopping by! Ha, isn't that pic awesome? It's definitely one of my best.

I love the Dining Plan!

I think everyone is pushing me towards that direction. I really want to try it!

I *clearly* have been reading too much of my nursing text books, and not enough Disney. What the heck is this 40% thing?

WHAT?! You mean, you'd rather study then waste countless hours on DIS?! For shame! I'm right there w/ you. I'm studying for the LSAT and take time in between to get my Disney fix.

The 40% offer is a room only discount. It was sent to randomly selected recipients through email or snail mail. I'm not really sure if there is any rhyme or reason how you get selected. I am registered online, and figure that's how I got the email.

 

[debraW76]

Ooh, I bet that saved you a bunch with 6 kids! It's so hard trying to decide w/ just two people. We'll have a car, so it really makes sense to just do our own thing and not worry about the DDP. Plus, when I told DH that we would do the DDP, he was sad about missing out on Flippers, Sweet Tomatoes and Carrabba's. Ha!

Yes it did. We hardly ever buy convenient food (drinks, popcorn, etc) in the park. Simply because buying say one snack times 6 would be almost $30! But with the dining plan the kids got to get at least one treat a day. That saved us several times because we could give them sugar when they were reaching their limit. Just enough of a boost to make it through one more ride!

Off topic but I have a funny story about Carrabbas. I went there once (in Bham) with some friends. I ordered a cup of coffee. Afterwards, I was wanting a refill and seeing how the waitress didn't pick up on the fact my cup was empty I decided to ask. "Could I get another cup of coffee please?" She looked at me funny and asked back "You want another cup of coffee?" Again with a puzzled look on her face. "Yes, please" I responded. and away she went.

A few minutes later she brought me another cup of coffee. Oh well, I thought. Maybe it was easier than just refilling the cup I already had. So we finish our meal and when she brings me my bill she charged me for 2 cups of coffee. Yes, TWO cups of coffee.

I stopped her and asked if they didn't have free refills on coffee. She said "Yes, we do offer free refills but you asked for another cup." I just sat there in complete disbelief until finally she got it. "Oh!" she said. And took the other charge off my bill.

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

So I read your whole thread last night and then didn't say anything or subscribe or anything...

Hi

I feel you on the grumpy husband. Mine was not thrilled about going, but seems to be getting more and more into it as things progress. I haven't talked yet to him about doing anything to make things "real" but that's besides the point

Hope your day is going well.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Yes it did. We hardly ever buy convenient food (drinks, popcorn, etc) in the park. Simply because buying say one snack times 6 would be almost $30! But with the dining plan the kids got to get at least one treat a day. That saved us several times because we could give them sugar when they were reaching their limit. Just enough of a boost to make it through one more ride!

Off topic but I have a funny story about Carrabbas. I went there once (in Bham) with some friends. I ordered a cup of coffee. Afterwards, I was wanting a refill and seeing how the waitress didn't pick up on the fact my cup was empty I decided to ask. "Could I get another cup of coffee please?" She looked at me funny and asked back "You want another cup of coffee?" Again with a puzzled look on her face. "Yes, please" I responded. and away she went.

A few minutes later she brought me another cup of coffee. Oh well, I thought. Maybe it was easier than just refilling the cup I already had. So we finish our meal and when she brings me my bill she charged me for 2 cups of coffee. Yes, TWO cups of coffee.

I stopped her and asked if they didn't have free refills on coffee. She said "Yes, we do offer free refills but you asked for another cup." I just sat there in complete disbelief until finally she got it. "Oh!" she said. And took the other charge off my bill.

I bet those snack credits came in handy when the blood sugar levels were dropping. Have you even seen the "John & Kate Plus 8" WDW episode? All their kids start having breakdowns b/c it's midday and their blood sugar levels are dropping. Oh my gosh, it's horrible but also hilarious. I can laugh now b/c I don't have kids. But, it won't be funny when I'm in that situation.

Your Carrabba's story cracked me up. That poor, POOR waitress. She didn't sound very bright. At least she didn't make you pay for the second cup. That's just too funny.

So I read your whole thread last night and then didn't say anything or subscribe or anything...

Hi

I feel you on the grumpy husband. Mine was not thrilled about going, but seems to be getting more and more into it as things progress. I haven't talked yet to him about doing anything to make things "real" but that's besides the point

Hope your day is going well.

Hey Jess, welcome! Thanks for stopping by and delurking yourself. I always wonder how to suck people in and post on my PTR. It's hard!

Glad to hear he's coming along. My DH is too...but VERY SLOWLY (think snail pace). This is actually going to be our first trip away as a married couple. We weren't able to afford a honeymoon when we got married (3 years ago this June) and we've traveled w/ family a few times since, but nothing alone. I'm so excited!!

 

[tinkgurl]

Honestly, with the dining plan, everyone gets an entree and dessert...we thought it was well worth it because we have been able to try things that we normally wouldn't have tried! I say go with it. Besides...you'll be walking it all off at the parks.

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

Hey Jess, welcome! Thanks for stopping by and delurking yourself. I always wonder how to suck people in and post on my PTR. It's hard!

Glad to hear he's coming along. My DH is too...but VERY SLOWLY (think snail pace). This is actually going to be our first trip away as a married couple. We weren't able to afford a honeymoon when we got married (3 years ago this June) and we've traveled w/ family a few times since, but nothing alone. I'm so excited!!

This is exactly our situation, except that we have done one family trip and by the time we get to Disney a couple of smaller trips but to visit people (or schools) so no real honeymoon. We are super excited for an actual honeymoon!!

 

[Beka]

Weekly Weight Loss: 0 lbs...but, nothing gained
Total Weight Loss: 4 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 4

Well, I didn't lose any weight this past week. But, I am relieved that I didn't gain anything either. I really need to find some better food options - especially for dinner. I feel stagnate in the food department. I eat a lot of the same thing and I'm starting to get tired of it. Any ideas?

What do you typically eat? Pre-make some salads. Too bad your DH doesn't like meat (I try to do healthy low-carb, or at least limit refined carbs, but have to anyway.) We do meatballs in cream of mushroom or marinara sauce; lots of crock pot meals, chili, soups. Allrecipes.com has tons of ideas, and can even send you daily recipes.

40% PIN CODE TOTAL = $954.16
FREE DINING TOTAL = $926.26

TOTAL SAVINGS USING FREE DINING CODE = $27.90

That's another $27.90 you can spend on pis. Hello?

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Oh man; my fav TS?

Cape May Cafe character breakfast
Crystal Palace
Chef Mickey's
Sci-Fi Drive-In
Cinderella's Royal Table

And, I have a ton of fav CS, too! I think you should go for the DDP; part of the experience to me is eating at all of the Disney restaurants.

I will definitely help you make choices, if you'd like the help assuming you do the DDP!!

 

[TxRabbit]

I think doing the DDP would be like a total immersion into the whole Disney experience. Maybe DH would end up liking it more and more, especially if he was eating some tasty food! That's are hard decision though, especially if he has his heart set on eating at the other restaurants. Do you think he thinks of it as being his break from Disney, since he doesn't like it quite as much?

With the price difference between the two, you could still go to Sweet Tomatoes AND do the DDP!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Honestly, with the dining plan, everyone gets an entree and dessert...we thought it was well worth it because we have been able to try things that we normally wouldn't have tried! I say go with it. Besides...you'll be walking it all off at the parks.

We don't normally eat THAT much food while we're at the parks. We usually share a CS meal and then have a few snacks during the day. But, I would love to branch out and try new things like you said. Over indulging is a part of the vacation experience, and you're right...we will be doing LOTS of walking to balance it all out.

This is exactly our situation, except that we have done one family trip and by the time we get to Disney a couple of smaller trips but to visit people (or schools) so no real honeymoon. We are super excited for an actual honeymoon!!

You guys definitely deserve to have a nice, relaxing honeymoon!

What do you typically eat? Pre-make some salads. Too bad your DH doesn't like meat (I try to do healthy low-carb, or at least limit refined carbs, but have to anyway.) We do meatballs in cream of mushroom or marinara sauce; lots of crock pot meals, chili, soups. Allrecipes.com has tons of ideas, and can even send you daily recipes.

Well, I'm focused more on portion control and calorie intake. I've been slowly trying to incorporate healthier food options too. I eat a lot of fish (mainly Tilapia), salads (croutons are my weakness), sandwiches (use one slice of bread and 2 oz of meat), fresh veggies (carrots, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, green beans) and fresh fruits (strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes, raspberries, etc...). I need to find recipes that are healthy and appeal to me. I've found a few things on Allrecipes.com and so far I've loved them all. It's just finding stuff that is appealing, yet good for me too. Plus, DH and I don't like the same things so I'm basically cooking for one.

That's another $27.90 you can spend on pis. Hello?

Ha, I like your thinking!!

Oh man; my fav TS?

Cape May Cafe character breakfast
Crystal Palace
Chef Mickey's
Sci-Fi Drive-In
Cinderella's Royal Table

And, I have a ton of fav CS, too! I think you should go for the DDP; part of the experience to me is eating at all of the Disney restaurants.

I will definitely help you make choices, if you'd like the help assuming you do the DDP!!

I've never been to any of those...and I call myself a Disney fan. HA! I really want to try CRT and Chef Mickey's the most. I think I'd really enjoy them both. I think the Sci-Fi Drive-In would be fun too -- I love the cars!

Thanks for the offer, Heather! I will definitely keep that in mind if I convince DH!

I think doing the DDP would be like a total immersion into the whole Disney experience. Maybe DH would end up liking it more and more, especially if he was eating some tasty food! That's are hard decision though, especially if he has his heart set on eating at the other restaurants. Do you think he thinks of it as being his break from Disney, since he doesn't like it quite as much?

With the price difference between the two, you could still go to Sweet Tomatoes AND do the DDP!

YES...ITA!! That's one of the main reasons why I want to do the DDP. Well, that and I want to try some TS restaurants...finally. I do think he'd rather not do it b/c eating at the other places really offers him an escape from WDW while we're there (yeah, I know ).

Well, I want Sweet Tomatoes and he wants to go there, Carrabba's and Flippers. So, it starts adding up if we do DDP and go to all three of those places. It'd be so nice if DH would just magically agree w/ everything I say.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I decided to plan out which restaurants we'd like to try, if we go ahead and do free dining. The one thing that really stresses me about this, is the whole schedule issues. Free dining means for getting ADRs, which means I don't get to look at at our touring plans closely until after I make all of our ADRs. It won't be a HUGE deal, since we'll have park hoppers and we can just eat and then hop to another, less crowded park. But, still...it's annoying!

Sunday, August 23 - Saturday, August 29 = 6 days worth of credits

CS Restaurants
Cosmic Ray's - MK
Peco Bill's - MK
Flame Tree BBQ - AK
Wolfgang Puck Express - DTD
Toy Story Pizza Planet - DHS
Earl of Sandwich - DTD

TS Restaurants
Chef Mickey's - CR
Tutto Italia Ristorante - Epcot
Cinderella's Royal Table - MK (takes 2 TS credits)
Boma - AKL
Whispering Canyon Cafe - WL

Snack Options
Main Street Bakery (cupcake for DH is a MUST) - MK
Sleepy Hallow (funnel cake to share) - MK
Boulangerie Patisserie (Some type of pastry for DH)- Epcot
Harambe Fruit Market (Fresh pineapple for both) - AK
Goofy's Candy Company (Build your own...for both) - DTD
Everything POP (Breadsticks for DH and salad for me) - PC
KRNR (Smoothie for me)- DHS

Okay, I'm officially starving now!

 

[TxRabbit]

CS Restaurants
Cosmic Ray's - MK
Peco Bill's - MK
Flame Tree BBQ - AK
Wolfgang Puck Express - DTD LOVE IT!!!
Toy Story Pizza Planet - DHS
Earl of Sandwich - DTD

TS Restaurants
Chef Mickey's - CR I'm excited for our first time this trip!
Tutto Italia Ristorante - Epcot I'm seriously debating this one as a possible lunch ressie on my one wing it Epcot lunch day.
Cinderella's Royal Table - MK (takes 2 TS credits) I think everyone should eat in the castle once! We enjoyed it tremendously. It was the highlight of our trip with DS and his interaction with the princesses. Nothing like getting kissed by Snow White to make a young man feel special!Boma - AKL SOOOOO good. I loved the soups so much. They were really really good. Am I am a zebra dome fan too.
Whispering Canyon Cafe - WL Totally excited for our first time this trip!

Snack Options
Main Street Bakery (cupcake for DH is a MUST) - MK Oh yes. There are several good choices here!Sleepy Hallow (funnel cake to share) - MK You betcha. Funnel cakes are YUM!
Boulangerie Patisserie (Some type of pastry for DH)- Epcot I am pumped for this one myself!Harambe Fruit Market (Fresh pineapple for both) - AK Mmmmm. LOVE pineapple.
Goofy's Candy Company (Build your own...for both) - DTD THE best.
Everything POP (Breadsticks for DH and salad for me) - PC Salad for a snack credit is a pretty sweet deal. I was just reading about that on a snack thread...
KRNR (Smoothie for me)- DHS

Okay, I'm officially starving now!

And so am I, officially super duper hungry. Isn't it fun thinking about all the yummy food to eat? I think part of it is because you can get so much info about all the different food choices. It totally adds to the excitement!

Maybe you could find and show DH some yummy pictures. Check out the food porn thread. There are tons of pics there. But don't look at it while you are hungry.

 

[shordiebecka]

I've tried my best to catch up to your PTR...They get so long!!!

We have a lot in common- both on a weight loss plan, i also had a non functioning pink ipod nano, and we both have grumpy disney boyfriend/husbands..


Looking forward to the rest of your PTR!!!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

And so am I, officially super duper hungry. Isn't it fun thinking about all the yummy food to eat? I think part of it is because you can get so much info about all the different food choices. It totally adds to the excitement!

Maybe you could find and show DH some yummy pictures. Check out the food porn thread. There are tons of pics there. But don't look at it while you are hungry.

I love the commentary you added on the restaurant choices -- thanks! Some of my favorite pictures from your PTR are the ones when you ate at CRT. It looked like you guys had so much fun! Oh, and don't you love that confirmed snack listing over on the DDP section of the restaurant board? I was hoping to see the yogurt parfait on the list, but didn't see it. Maybe I missed it?

It's so fun looking at all the menus and planning out our meals. Mmm...I totally think w/ my stomach!! Oh, and the food porn is great, thanks for suggesting it!

I've tried my best to catch up to your PTR...They get so long!!!

We have a lot in common- both on a weight loss plan, i also had a non functioning pink ipod nano, and we both have grumpy disney boyfriend/husbands..


Looking forward to the rest of your PTR!!!

So glad you stopped by! The grumpy BF title is what grabbed my attention to your PTR. I'm like, I totally relate!!! Good luck on the weight loss. It's kind of been a roller coaster for me. Some times it's really easy, and then other times it sucks.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

I decided to plan out which restaurants we'd like to try, if we go ahead and do free dining. The one thing that really stresses me about this, is the whole schedule issues. Free dining means for getting ADRs, which means I don't get to look at at our touring plans closely until after I make all of our ADRs. It won't be a HUGE deal, since we'll have park hoppers and we can just eat and then hop to another, less crowded park. But, still...it's annoying!

Sunday, August 23 - Saturday, August 29 = 6 days worth of credits

CS Restaurants
Cosmic Ray's - MK This is such a fun area, pretty good food. I prefer Pinnochio's to be honest, though.
Peco Bill's - MK
Flame Tree BBQ - AK So good! We have to eat here every time; it's a requirement from DH.
Wolfgang Puck Express - DTDJust don't eat at the restaurant; we've eaten on both levels, and it was bad both times! Express is great, though!
Toy Story Pizza Planet - DHS
Earl of Sandwich - DTD

TS Restaurants
Chef Mickey's - CR You have to eat here!
Tutto Italia Ristorante - EpcotWe ate here trip before last; it was pretty good Italian food. I'm picky though as my dad's side of the family is Italian. It's gorgeous, too!
Cinderella's Royal Table - MK (takes 2 TS credits) The food is nothing to write home about, but it's still OK. You're mainly paying for the atmosphere here. We normally go every trip.
Boma - AKL
Whispering Canyon Cafe - WL

Snack Options
Main Street Bakery (cupcake for DH is a MUST) - MK
Sleepy Hallow (funnel cake to share) - MK
Boulangerie Patisserie (Some type of pastry for DH)- Epcot
Harambe Fruit Market (Fresh pineapple for both) - AK
Goofy's Candy Company (Build your own...for both) - DTD
Everything POP (Breadsticks for DH and salad for me) - PC
KRNR (Smoothie for me)- DHS

Okay, I'm officially starving now!

I agree; find pictures. There used to be a food porn thread over on the restaurant boards; I haven't been there in a while, but they'll help you out if you can't find it!

 

[Beka]

It's still there, they're working on the 3rd one!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1919687