DREAMing of Our Surf and Turf Adventure ~8/30/11 Updates!~

[JessicaKnits]

Well hello all! For those of you that were reading my last PTR, you know that my last trip to WDW for Christmas/New Years Eve 2011 had to be first delayed, and eventually cancelled. For those of you that didn’t follow, here is the SparkNotes version of that saga:

My fiancé and I got engaged in late January of this year (2011) and wanted to plan our “engagey-moon”. Having been to WDW on our very first trip back in August 2010, we were looking for a change of pace at WDW. Mostly because we swore we would never go ANYWHERE with those kind of temps and humidity ever again. So, me being the Christmas Nut that I am, talked him in to going to Disney for Christmas. Unfortunately, work had other plans for me, which caused us to delay our trip to December 30th. So, we would miss most of the Christmas festivities, but would at least get to celebrate New Years Eve there! Well…then work decided to throw one more, frustrating but at the same time wonderful, wrench into my well-thought out plans. Rather than spending October – December working a 65+ hour work week in Wisconsin, I was selected to be sent to one of our vendor sites to oversee their operations from August – December. I don’t yet know where I will be going, but it will be somewhere away from home. I’m very excited/nervous about this upcoming opportunity!

Since I am not scheduled to be back in Wisconsin full time from this trip until December 20th, and with all the follow up work that needs to be done at that point, a trip on December 30th is out of the question.

Fear not! Never one to be discouraged from a trip to Disney, we are able to make a trip work if we leave in late January. While there isn’t anything overly exciting taking place at Disney during this time of year, we will be able to take advantage of some great discounts which will enable us to do some really exciting things!

So, what can you expect from this trip report? Well, LOTS of things! I never did a proper trip review for our trip in August 2010, so as we are going through our plans for this trip, I will look back on our 2010 trip, and you can expect lots of food porn as we spent 10 nights on the deluxe dining plan. I’m a huge supporter of both Ridemax and Touring Plans, so expect to see their input into this report as well. We also recently signed up for a Netflix membership, so expect the movie theme nights to be plentiful. We have some REALLY exciting stuff in store, and I can’t wait until our big reveal!

Up Next: Meet Our Cast!

 

[JessicaKnits]

So, I do have quite a few posts pre-written. Below is an index of the posts you can expect in the future for this pre-trip report.

Our Cast

Movie Night # 1 - Cars

Our Big Reveal

Movie Night #2 – 101 Dalmations

Must Do’s – Magic Kingdom

Must Do’s – Hollywood Studios

Must Do’s – Epcot

Must Do’s – Animal Kingdom

Must Do’s - Downtown Disney, Etc.

Preferred ADR’s

January 20th - Day Before Departure Plans

Flashback: Travel Day 2010 Trip

Movie Night #3 – Little Mermaid

January 21st - Travel Day Plans

Flashback: Day 1 of 2010 Trip (Part 1)

Flashback: Day 1 of 2010 Trip (Part 2)

Flashback: Day 1 of 2010 Trip (Lunch)

Flashback: Day 1 of 2010 Trip (Part 4)

Movie Night #4 – Pinocchio

January 22nd - Day 1 Plans

Flashback: Day 2 of 2010 Trip (Part 1)

Flashback: Day 2 of 2010 Trip (Part 2)

Movie Night #5 – Alice In Wonderland

January 23rd

Flashback: Day 3 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #6 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

January 24th

Flashback: Day 4 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #7 – Toy Story and Toy Story 2

January 25th

Flashback: Day 5 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #8 - Pocahontas

January 26th

Flashback: Day 6 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #9 – Lady and the Tramp

January 27th

Flashback: Day 7 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #10 – Modern Marvels: Disney World (Resort Theme Night)

January 28th

Flashback: Day 8 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #11 – Mulan

January 29th

Flashback: Day 9 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #12 – Disney Parks: Ultimate Walt Disney World (Le Cellier Theme
Night)

January 30th

Flashback: Day 10 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #13 – A Bug’s Life

January 31st

Flashback: Day 11 of 2010 Trip

Movie Night #14 – Disney Parks: Disney Cruise Line

February 1st

Movie Night #15 – Sleeping Beauty

February 2nd

Movie Night #16 – The Princess and The Frog

February 3rd

Movie Night #17 - Bambi

Movie Night #18 – Ratatouille (Les Chefs de France Theme Night)

Movie Night #19 – Monsters Inc.

Movie Night #20 – Lilo and Stitch (Hawaiian/Ohana Theme Night)

Movie Night #21 – Hercules

Movie Night #22 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Movie Night #23 – Pirates of the Caribbean

Movie Night #24 – Peter Pan

Movie Night #25 – Dumbo

Movie Night #26 – The Lion King

Movie Night #27 – Toy Story 3

Movie Night #28 – A Muppet’s Christmas Carol

Movie Night #29 – Beauty and the Beast

Movie Night #30 – Twas the Night Before Disney

Final ADR List

Final Thoughts

 

[JessicaKnits]

Allow me to introduce our craaaaaaaazy cast for this trip. We follow the “ladies first” rule around here, so that means we get to start with me!

My name is Jessica, I’m the young’n and will be 24 by the time of our trip. I am an insurance sales agent by day, and also own a very small business that sells hand knit items. This will be my second trip to Disneyworld. The first was with Adam back in August 2010. I have been to Disneyland several times, with my first trip being in June of 2006, just after I graduated high school. This trip really is what “hooked” me on Disney. Don’t get me wrong, I always loved Disney movies, but never really got the whole Disney vacation bit until I went and saw what all the fuss was about for myself. While I was going to school, I didn’t save up my dollars for partying, but rather for Disneyland vacations (which is really the greatest kind of party right?). Last summer was the first time I got to go to Disneyworld, and it far surpassed my wildest dreams!

Next is Adam, my wonderful fiancé. Adam works as a contracter, and thankfully has managed to keep himself working during these difficult times. His very first trip to Disney was when we went last summer. He went because he loves me. He also made me promise that once we went, that would be the end of the Disney begging for awhile. I was true to my word, for the most part, at least for a few months. It wasn’t long after we got engaged that I started dropping hints that I really wanted to go. Since our wedding is not until June of 2013, we have time to fit in another trip. YAY!
On our last trip, I was a little (ok, a lot) out of hand by my dear fiancé’s standards. So, I plan to change up our touring style quite a bit on this trip. We are also going at a time of year that is even less crowded (and honestly, in August we never really ran into any long lines) so we have time to be rather leisurely.

I used Ridemax on our last trip, and honestly I found it to be an absolutely invaluable tool to our planning. It was lovely to be able to just plug in the activities that we wanted to do in a day and print out those itineraries. I will be renewing my subscription with them for this trip once the time draws nearer. Last summer, using Ridemax, we were able to pretty much get all of the rides we wanted to do out of the way by the time of our lunch reservation, and then head back to the hotel for a break.

Before we go, a few more pics from our last trip:

 

[JessicaKnits]

Let me start by saying Adam loooooooooves “kid” food, and I rarely ever make anything like tator tots or hot dogs. Movie theme nights are a great way for Adam get to enjoy some food that he loves, and for me to relieve some of my childhood favorites. The first movie that arrived for us was Cars. Cars came out after my childhood years were over, but that doesn’t mean that I love it any less.

Target also happened to have some great deals on "Cars" themed tableware, and I just couldn't help myself.

For our main course, we had these little babies:

These are Lightning McQueen Sandwiches. Also known as a homemade Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich made to look like a car. These are so easy and sooooo yummy! We normally make these for tailgating at Packer games, and quite honestly, the way of assembling them to look like cars makes them much more functional and less messy than the way I normally assemble them! All you do is take a normal hoagie roll, and cut a diamond shape out of the top. I try to keep as much of the bread in tact as possible, but if you end up having to rip it out, it will still work. Then, I coated the inside of the “body” with mayonnaise. Next, fill it in with your pre grilled steak (I used sandwich steak, marinated, grilled, then sliced; you could also use ribeye steaks) then top that with your veggies. I used green peppers, onions and mushrooms; marinated and roasted under the broiler in the oven. Your “Car” should be full, but not overflowing. Then top with a slice of cheese (I use swiss, but provolone works nicely as well). Take the piece of bread you cut out, and set it on top of the cheese, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes – long enough to warm sandwich through and melt the cheese. Once they come out of the oven, insert 4 toothpicks and then slide on pickle slices for the wheels.

For a beverage we had Mater’s Motor Oil – Also known as Light Lemonade mixed with a splash of Black Cherry mix.

And last but not least – Dessert! Luigi’s Tires! (Chocolate Covered mini doughnuts).

Now, no we did not eat all of these at once, but we did have them with ice cream, hmm…it looks like something familiar.

And here's a picture of the entire table set up.

I have to give ALL the credit for this meal to the fabulously talented posters at this thread.

Overall our first theme night was quite a success. You can see in the picture that I added some Caesar salad next to our sandwiches. While it did not necessarily fit with the theme, it made me feel better that there was something resembling a veggie on the plate.

 

[JessicaKnits]

Sorry, I promise this will be my last post for today! Can you tell its been raining and miserable and icky in Wisconsin today? I've just been so excited to tell you all what we're going to be up to on our trip that I have to get this post out tonight. So, without further delay...ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I present to you, Our Surf and Turf Adventure!!

Well, to be fair, it is Turf then Surf then Turf again, but Surf and Turf just sounds much fancier right?

We will start our trip officially on January 21st. When we arrive in Florida, we will be headed off to check in here:

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

We are booked here in a Preferred King Bed Room on the Deluxe Dining Plan for a glorious 8 nights!! On our last trip we stayed at the Pop Century, and while we absolutely loved it, I am excited to experience the many “extras” that a moderate hotel has to offer! The main reasons I picked this resort over other moderates is because it has recently been renovated and does not share a bus stop with other hotels. We like to have early breakfast ADRs at other hotels, and having to stop at another resort would stress me out too much.

After a perfect 8 nights here, the best, most amazing part of our entire two trips combined begins as we head here:

To our Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Dream! We will be embarking on a 4 night Bahamian Cruise on Disney’s newest luxury liner and I can’t wait. Neither of us has ever gone on a cruise before, and Adam can be a little iffy as for as sea sickness goes, so we figured just 4 nights would be best, in case things turn south!! And for those wondering why 4 and not 3, I really want to have a day at sea to explore the ship, so a 4 day it had to be.

Once our cruise commences, we are headed back to our 2nd choice resort for the night:

Port Orleans Riverside – River View Room. I have always wanted to stay in one of the mansions on Magnolia Bend, but reports on the buses caused us to book at Coronado Springs instead for the larger portion of our stay.
Then, on February 3rd, its unfortunately time to say goodbye, until next time!

(All Photos in this post courtesy of www.wdwinfo.com

 

[JessicaKnits]

So the next movie that arrived for us was 101 Dalmations, the animated version. We also have the non-animated version on our queue, so I moved that towards the very end. I was completely at a loss for what to make again, so I consulted the movie theme night thread once again for more inspiration. I strongly encourage that thread if you haven’t already visited there, AMAZING ideas!

So, for entrée’s we again started with Caesar Salad, and I also made a pasta salad.

For our main course, I made a homemade pepperoni pizza. See the spots?

Then for dessert we had “puppy chow”. I didn’t take a picture of that, but it was pretty yummy! I always called "puppy chow" "muddy buddies" when I was a kid (gross, right?) but since we are watching 101 Dalmations, we will go with puppy chow. Once again, another lovely movie night!

Up Next: Must Do's - Magic Kingdom

 

[JessicaKnits]

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
I loooove roller coasters, but will be honest. I freak out that I am going to hit my head on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The fact that our last time on this ride, there was a 7 foot tall man in front of us who managed to not bang his head on anything, does not help to ease my irrational fear about this ride. But it still is good fun, and the theming here is really neat.

Buzz Lightyear
Because Toy Story is one of my favorite movies and because a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.

Dreams Come True Parade (Missed on Last Trip)
On our last trip, it was simply too hot for us to bear by the early afternoon, so we did not see any of the parades at Disney.

Hall of Presidents
Good old fashioned American nostalgia. And who can resist Morgan Freeman as the narrator?

Haunted Mansion
We personally enjoy the 999 happy haunts here. While it is an interesting ride, its not something that we usually ride more than once.

It’s a Small World (Was closed for renovation last trip)
Because for some reason I can’t help torturing myself with this ride? But mostly because it was closed last time, so Adam does not understand the full weight of how torturous this ride really can be.

Side Note: At Disneyland once, I was on this ride when it broke down. Thankfully, they did shut off the music, or else, things could have become ugly.

Jungle Cruise
This used to be one of my favorites, until I went on the Kilimanjaro Safari. But, for posterity’s sake…

Liberty Belle Riverboat (Was closed for renovation last trip)
We missed out on this last time because it was closed for renovation. It’s a nice thing to do to kill some time, and something we will probably only do once.

Main St. Electrical Parade (Missed last trip)
So, we had every opportunity to see this parade last time, but I was a bit salty over it, pouted like a child, etc. So, we did not. Having been to Disneyland so many times, I always had the opportunity to see Main St. Electrical Parade; so of course Murphy’s Law would dictate that on the one summer that I get to Disneyworld that they take out the awesome Spectromagic parade is no more, and we get MSE instead. Well of course, as soon as we got home, I got all nostalgic about MSE and regretted not going.

Mickey’s Philharmagic
We only went on this once when we were here in August, and I really regretted not going again. It was a neat ride and we both really enjoyed it!

Peter Pan’s Flight
A classic, how can we resist?

Pirates of the Caribbean
I absolutely adore the pirates ride. Its nice, peaceful, and it always nice and cool!

Space Mountain
Probably my 2nd favorite ride in all of Disneyworld. I could ride it over and over and over again!

Splash Mountain
Another favorite ride for us! I love the everything about this ride, including the fact that you can get absolutely drenched!

Stitch’s Great Escape
I personally don’t care for this ride at all, but Lilo & Stitch is one of Adam’s favorite rides. But hot dog burps or whatever it was? No thanks.

Tom Sawyer’s Island (Missed last trip)
I have been to Tom Sawyer’s Island in Disneyland, but would love to check it out in Disneyworld too. Last time it was just too hot.

Wishes
For obvious reasons. Last year we did the Wishes Dessert Party. We did not have a very positive experience and needless to say, we will not be attending again this year.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Adam being a contractor is very fascinated by the construction of Walt Disney World; A bus driver on a previous trip was telling Adam all about the utilidors and he was really fascinated by this. I don’t think he realizes there even is such a thing as a tour that allows him to see them, so this will be booked as a surprise for him!

So tell me, anything else that we missed or overlooked? Would love to get some other opinions on the matter. And don’t worry, there will be PLENTY of eating, but ADRs are for a future post.

Up Next: Must Do’s – Hollywood Studios

 

[JessicaKnits]

Backlot Tour
We went on this just once last trip and I found it really exciting. My camera had died and unfortunately I didn’t get any great pictures, so we will definitely have to remedy that this trip.

Beauty and the Beast
This is easily one of my favorite Disney movies (it is also one of the first I can remember watching). I loved the musical version of it; what amazing talent!

Fantasmic! (Missed on last trip)
We booked the Fantasmic dining package last trip, and ended up not going to the show! It was just a really miserably hot and rainy day for us, so after our meal we took our vouchers to the end of the line and gave them to a nice couple and went back to the hotel. This time, we will need to see this. I have seen the one at Disneyland but Adam never has!

The Great Movie Ride
Oh, I just don’t know how to describe it. I just really love this ride. So many memories of great movies. I adore munchkin land!

Lights, Motors, Action! (Missed on last trip)
This is another super awesome thing that we missed on our last trip. There are cars, there are flames, so I think it goes without saying that Adam will love this!

Muppet Vision 3-D
This is just a classic favorite for me. I always remember going to my Grandma’s as a little girl and watching the Muppets. Anyone remember Muppet babies?

Rock N’ Roller Coaster
Oh my word! Love, love, Love, love, LOVE this ride!! I could seriously ride this non-stop for days. I wish after you rode once or twice that you could just skip that little intro bit as that gets pretty dry after awhile, but the ride after is more than worth it.

Star Tours
I have never been a big fan of this ride, either at Disneyland or Disneyworld. I never get “motion” sickness, but on this ride I always end up feeling queasy. Perhaps its because there is no moving air in there. Perhaps its because it smells like 1984. In any event, now that it has been re-mastered, we will re-visit.

Tower of Terror
Another one of my favorites. Everything from the theming, to the story, to the gift shop afterwards. A friend of mine and I rode it an unlucky 13 times in a row one very un-busy morning at California Adventure. And the one at Disneyworld kicks the pants off the one At Disneyland!

Toy Story Midway Mania (Closed for renovations on last trip)
I do think that I cried for a solid day when I found out this ride would be closed on our last trip. Ok, maybe I didn’t actually cry, and maybe it wasn’t for a whole day, but there was definite sadness. It goes without saying that this will be the very first ride we head for when we get to this park!

Up Next: Must Do's - Epcot

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Joining in!!!

Is that your wedding dress in the top photo?? I LOVE it!!!

How fun with your Cars-themed meals! The little Lightening McQueen sandwich is so clever!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Joining in!!!

Is that your wedding dress in the top photo?? I LOVE it!!!

How fun with your Cars-themed meals! The little Lightening McQueen sandwich is so clever!

So fun story about the wedding dress. I actually saved the People magazine that featured Chelsea Clinton's wedding, because I looooooved her dress. Vera Wang designed it, so obviously getting a replica was out of the question. Well then good ole Vera decided she was going to start designing for David's Bridal. So, I went and looked and TADA! As close as one could get without owning the original. It is still different, but I actually like mine better than hers! We added the little flower embellishment (its actually a hair pin) because I looooove flowers. In the same People magazine is another story about some couple from The Bachelor or Bachelorette and her ring is almost identical to my engagement ring, so it was sort of spooky that both the inspiration for dress, and creepy clone of my ring were in the same magazine. Needless to say, I will save that magazine forever.

And I totally can't take credit for the Cars sandwiches, that idea came from the movie theme night thread, although the recipe was mine for philly cheese steaks was mine

 

[Disneymoon23]

Hi, I'm joining in on the fun. Your plans look great! It's awesome that you get to stay at two different resorts and go on a cruise. You guys will have a blast. Your dress is gorgeous. Can't wait to hear the rest of the plans.

 

[JessicaKnits]

Hi, I'm joining in on the fun. Your plans look great! It's awesome that you get to stay at two different resorts and go on a cruise. You guys will have a blast. Your dress is gorgeous. Can't wait to hear the rest of the plans.

Thanks and Welcome! I'm very very excited to stay at Coronado!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Ahhh…Epcot! One of my favorite (and Adam’s least favorite) parks. I always joke with him that if he dislikes Epcot, he is free to take me on an ACTUAL trip around the world. It’s always a good way to illicit an eye roll from him.

So, we find that it is absolutely essential to hit this park at rope drop, and on all 3 days of our last trip we left right after our lunch ADR, not to return until our dinner ADR. So, without further delay, here are our “Must Do’s for the Park”

SoarinI
love this ride! Even though I have been on it what feels like 100 times (maybe it actually is) it never gets old. Even though you know that golf ball is coming, it’s still just as exciting. I always found it amazing, at California Adventure, I hardly ever used FastPass and hardly ever had more than a 15 minute wait for this ride! I couldn’t believe it when we went to Epcot. We were using Ridemax and they had Soarin as our first ride. We had never been to Epcot before, so were a little unsure of where we were going, and also really confused that the ride was IN a building. Well, no worries, because we just followed the masses and masses and masses of people! We went right for the standby line. If we would have waited in the lines to grab FastPasses, we would have been passed by about 20 minutes worth of people. It was crazy!

Test Track
I find Test Track to be pretty awesome! The queue is also really neat here. It’s another one of those where I just wish you could skip that video and get on the ride. Pretty dry and unexciting after the first time you see it.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Wow, I really hope this is back for this trip. I love this! We tried out Captain EO last trip. Perhaps it was because we were both a little too young to have remembered the MJ craze, but wow. Was this really exciting back in the 80s? I did not find it to be in 2010. So, here’s to hoping.

Journey into the Imagination (Missed on our last trip)
This was another one that we missed on our last trip. Not sure how really, we were in Epcot for THREE of Eleven days! I believe this is what happens though when you are touring with Adults with severe ADD. (Don’t judge me for saying that, because we both actually suffer from the condition). I’m sure it was one of our many “Oh hey lets do this! Wow, look at that thing way over there!” moments.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends
While we went on our little clam-mobile ride last time, I didn’t even realize that there was all sorts of other stuff that we could have done in here! Sometimes I just have to shake my head at myself.

Spaceship Earth
Another one that I think is really neat! I love all the little scenes you pass by! My attempts to capture the “Welcome to Your Future” animation on my camera last time were unsuccessful so its time for a redo.

Now, on to the countries we go. We (Okay, I) like to tour clockwise. Why do you ask? Well, because I get to stop for one of these first:

Mexico
Mmmmm. La Cava margaritas are probably the best thing ever. Or at the very very least, my favorite adult beverage in all the World (Disney or otherwise). That would be me with a fabulous La Cava blood orange margarita on our last trip. We had a lovely server last time. I am obsessed with 1951 Tequila Crema. Think Baileys but its tequila instead. Its incredible stuff really, and the only place I can find it is in Mexico. According to the company’s website, there was a retailer sort of kind of not really by us (4 hours away in Chicago). It was actually a distributor though and not a retailer, and lets just say, if I met their order requirements in order to acquire the stuff, I would be placed on a permanent financial timeout by my dear fiancé. I have a point I promise. While we were at La Cava, I had the following exchange with our waiter.

“Do you have tequila cream?”

“Ahhhh…1951, that’s really good stuff!”

“I know! So you have some?!?! (That sentence was pretty much a shriek, and not a question)

“Yea no, we don’t have that here. But its really good!”

So, that was like mean. I was quite disappointed, but thankfully my parents went to Mexico this January and replenished my stock by gifting me 4 bottles as a belated Christmas gift.

We also did not ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour, so will need to give this a try.

Norway
So of course we will need to check out Maelstrom, we did on our last trip and I wasn’t sorry.

There will also be a stop at Kringla for something yummy. Not sure what it will be just yet, but we really enjoyed our snacks here on our last trip.

China
We really didn’t stop too long here on our last trip as it was threatening rain or we were on our way to our next ADR. I definitely would like to see the “Reflections of China” film and to stop for a tea or Peach Snap (probably the latter) while we are here.

Germany
As I am of German descent, I always enjoy my time in this pavilion. I even tried out my German-speaking skills while we were waiting for the engraver at the crystal shop. I did ok actually! Anywho…on our last trip, there was no such thing as Karamelle Kuche. Wow, did we miss out! This will probably be our first stop here. We had also had a fabulous meal at Biergarten, but probably won’t be back again. They also sell Kinder Chocolate in the sweet shop here, which is one of my all time favorites!

Italy
Um, wine? Yes, please! I did bought the little wine tour last time. This time, I think I will just buy the whole bottles! Delicious.

United States (Missed last time)
So, this is another place where I am at a loss for words. And I also find myself thinking “What the heck did we DO in Epcot for 3 days?!” We did not set a foot in this place the last time we were here. Maybe it was because we are American and didn’t think we would learn anything new? Whatever the case, shame on us for not going, and we will definitely be checking this place out, it sounds really neat.

Japan
We definitely have to go see Mitsukoshi again. We did the pick a pearl here last time, and while I got a beautiful average size pearl, a little baby (really, under age 2) picked herself a HUGE silver pearl. Lucky lady! I think it is a nice tradition. I got mine set on a horseshoe (for good luck) and will wear it tucked in one of the layers of my dress on my wedding day.

France
That’s right folks! More wine! Not to mention more tasty treats from Boulangerie Patisserie. And also a stop at the Impressions de France film…we were very lacking on the films last time. It would have been a nice place for us to escape the heat!

United Kingdom
I love the little shops here. The tea one had delightful shortbreads (my moms favorite) so we will stop by for some for her, and see what else we can find!

Canada
Oh Canada! Not a whole lot exciting here for us, but I would like to see “Off Kilter”. We will also try and catch the film here as well.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your story about the tequila cream in Epcot is too funny! I've never tried that before, it sounds interesting!

I'll admit that as much as I adore Epcot, I do skip a lot of the films. And the America pavillion. Sorry America, much more interesting snacks to be found elsewhere!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Your story about the tequila cream in Epcot is too funny! I've never tried that before, it sounds interesting!

I'll admit that as much as I adore Epcot, I do skip a lot of the films. And the America pavillion. Sorry America, much more interesting snacks to be found elsewhere!

So glad we aren't the only ones! Have you heard that the American Pavillion alledgedly has fried ice cream now? I do hope its true, and if it is, that the ice cream is delicious, as this is one of my favorite desserts of all time!

 

[JessicaKnits]

I actually really really like Animal Kingdom, and really wish we were able to spend more than one day here! Maybe when we get back from our cruise? We will see. Here is our list of musts:

Expedition Everest
This is my 3rd favorite Disney Coaster! In Case you were wondering, California Screamin’ is numero uno and Rock N’ Roller Coaster is number 2. Very fun story from our last trip: On our first trip on Expedition Everest we were behind an adorable girl about age 4 or 5 and her mother. They were either from England or Australia, I couldn’t place the accent exactly. Anyway, that’s not what is fun. The little girl was very excited, as this was her first ever roller coaster ride. Things were going fabulous. Until we started to go backwards! Oh my, the tears! All through the gift shop this traumatized little girl was wailing “Mum you liieeeeddddd to me! You said it would be fuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.” I know it wasn’t funny, but with her adorable little accent, it really…well, was funny. We sort of left it at that. I felt bad for mom, because it was apparent it was her first ride on Everest, and she did not know it went backwards. Well, later on that night, we were catching a bus from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom Lodge for our dinner at Jiko. And there was the same little girl and her mom. I just mentioned in passing “Oh, I see you are much happier than this morning.” Something to that effect. According to mom, 3 Disney princess pins will heal any and all scars. Mental Note to Self: Next time I want a Disney Princess pin, cry in a British accent, and see how it goes. So, that is our fun Everest story, maybe it isn’t actually all that fun, but I enjoyed it.

Festival of the Lion King
My only regret at this park from last time: That we only saw this show once. Also, the shutter speed on my camera was all jazzed up this day, so I couldn’t get any usable pictures. The music, the dancing, the costumes, its incredible! I would traverse all the way to this park, if only just to see this show! We will aim for 2 showings here!

Finding Nemo – The Musical
This was also a huge surprise for me! I actually used this movie as a basis for a paper in my sociology class so it holds a soft place in my heart. Whether you are a lover of theater, of music, or just the arts in general, you can’t not love what Disney did with this!

Flights of Wonder (Missed on our last trip)
Not really sure about this one, but it did look kind of neat when we walked passed on our last trip, so we will give it a try, provided time permits.

Its Tough to Be a Bug
Oh my word, I HATE bugs! So of course it makes sense that I love this! I had no idea what to expect last time. I had a blast and really enjoyed myself! I have also forgotten most of the “surprises” so it should be just as much fun.

Kali River Rapids
We only went on this once last time as well, as I really don’t enjoy walking around sopping wet all day, but also can’t be that person that wears a poncho on a water ride. But, if temps permit, we will do it once again!

Kilimanjaro Safaris
I would seriously ride this all day, if there weren’t so many other interesting things to do! I have hundreds of photos from our last trip. It was way way way more amazing than I ever could have imagined.

Maharajah Jungle Trek
Wow, those bats are creepy, yea? Yet another amazing opportunity for some awesome pictures, and a nice leisurely stroll.

Pangani Exploration Trail
The last time we were there was actually the first day that the baby gorilla was out and about, it was pretty incredible to see, even though it was an ugly baby (sorry, such things to exist!).

Dinosaur
I love this ride because it is so much like the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland. I really wish they would bring that to Disneyworld! But hey, I guess they have to keep some things exclusive, otherwise I would never go back to Disneyland!

Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade (Missed on Last Trip)
Just to see Mickey in a different setting!

So that sums up our list. I love Animal Kingdom Days because we can enjoy a nice relaxing signature dinner, even after a full day at the park!

Up Next: Must Do’s – Downtown Disney and the Resorts!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Lefty’s – The Left Hand Store
Wow. I am left handed and never knew such a place existed! Probably won’t buy anything here, but it is certainly worth a peek at, yes?

Mickey’s Pantry
I did not buy one of those Mickey head shaped pancake/egg shaper things last time we were here, and my life has been incomplete ever since.

Disney’s Days of Christmas
Um, because I love Christmas! And because last time I didn’t buy anything from here and I am still sad!

Goofy’s Candy Company
For obvious, yummy reasons!

Jellyrolls
We missed out on this last time (I will explain in a future post) and it still haunts me, so, it is on our night one “To Do” list!

Boardwalk Bakery
Yummmy! We have too many snack credits to know what to do with all of them (Last year we used them on 10 pieces of fudge and gave them as gifts when we got home!). This year, I want all those snack credits to go to myself.

Up Next: Preferred ADR's!! AKA The BEST part!

 

[JessicaKnits]

So now we have come to the best part of vacation: The FOOD! We are booked on the Deluxe Dining Plan for 8 glorious nights, so that translates into 24 table service credits a piece! We have lots of new additions, and I did try and switch up a few repeats so they aren't necessarily for the same meal.

Here's our Key:
* - Indicates brand new restaurant for us this trip
# - Indicates an old restaurant, but for a different meal than last trip

Later on as we go through Day-by-Day plans, I will indicate dates, times etc.

For Breakfast ADRs (Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day)
Crystal Palace
*Maya Grill
Kouzzina
*The Wave
Tusker House
*Whispering Canyon Cafe
*1900 Park Fare
*Olivias
*Pollo Campero

For Lunch ADRs
Liberty Tree Tavern
*Earl of Sandwich
#Chefs de France
Yak and Yeti
#Le Cellier
50's Prime Time Cafe

Dinner ADRs
*Flying Fish Cafe
*Ohana
Yachtsman Steakhouse
*Tony's Town Square
*Coral Reef
*Hollywood Brown Derby
*Rose & Crown
California Grill

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Um..wait...WHAT? I had no IDEA there was a left handed store in DD! That's seriously awesome. (No, I am not even left-handed, but I fully intend on going there!)

I know EXACTLY how you feel about passing up a souvenier, and then your life being absolutely incomplete and meaningless afterwards. For me it was the measuring cups and spoons. And then I went nuts looking for them online after passing oh, 8,000 sets while in WDW. But I found them!

Your ADR's look great! You have such a fun variety of places on there!

 

[JessicaKnits]

Um..wait...WHAT? I had no IDEA there was a left handed store in DD! That's seriously awesome. (No, I am not even left-handed, but I fully intend on going there!)

I know EXACTLY how you feel about passing up a souvenier, and then your life being absolutely incomplete and meaningless afterwards. For me it was the measuring cups and spoons. And then I went nuts looking for them online after passing oh, 8,000 sets while in WDW. But I found them!

Your ADR's look great! You have such a fun variety of places on there!

I never even realized there was a need for us lefties to have our very own store! But here is the info, from

http://www.wdwinfo.com/downtown/marketplace/index.htm

Lefty's - The Left Hand Store Offering all types of items for those guests that are left handed. The store has a wide variety of items such as cooking utensils, pens, pencils, and more.

Crazy stuff!

As for ADRs, there is nothing I love more about vacation (really, any days actually) than eating! So I can't wait.