Eatin' & Cruisin' 2012 - Update 10/30 - Trip cancelled :(

[hurleysweety]

Our Trip is officially paid in full!!

This is a big deal to me since I've never booked a vacation package through Disney. We have booked room only and we have stayed on points too. But this is the first time we are getting tix through Disney with our room package. The cool thing is that we will get 5 day hoppers, and use the remaining 2 days on the tail end of our trip.

 

[DLR29]

Congrats on paying for it!!!

Hopefully when you're there they'll have some soft openings of the new Fantasyland stuff! That would be exciting. When my friends and I go in January I snagged an ADR at the new Be Our Guest restaurant. If they have soft openings for that you should check it out.

 

[hurleysweety]

Congrats on paying for it!!!

Hopefully when you're there they'll have some soft openings of the new Fantasyland stuff! That would be exciting. When my friends and I go in January I snagged an ADR at the new Be Our Guest restaurant. If they have soft openings for that you should check it out.

Thanks!

That would be awesome to get to see some Fantasyland stuff. Part of me wishes it was opening sooner, but I think I have enough crammed into this trip already! Haha. But if there's an option, I'll be glad to "test" the new attractions and food. Ya know, for research and TR purposes...

 

[hurleysweety]

I can't believe I have waited this long to figure out my dining plans. It could be that I'm the tiniest bit more excited for our cruise and all that first-time newbie cruise stuff, that I've neglected the 6 days I'll be in WDW. Whoops...

And now, we invite to relax, let us pull up a chair, as the dining room proudly presents... your dinner! *ahem* my dining plans!​

Wednesday - Arrival Night
Dinner at The Wave

Thursday - EP morning/night
Breakfast at OPR at CBR - OOP
Snacks at F&W
Lunch at Katsura Grill
Dinner at Chefs de France

Friday - MK morning/EP night
Breakfast in room (hopefully we've been to winn dixie by now. )
Lunch at Cosmic Ray's
Dinner at Teppen Edo (our only "new" restaurant on the list!)

Saturday - DHS Morning/AK "Night"
Breakfast in room
Lunch at Staring Rolls Cafe
Dinner at Yak & Yeti (I think I want to change this one to a "new" place)

Sunday - Embarkation Day!
Breakfast at Pepper Market
...
...
...

Thursday - Disembarkation Day EP Morning/MK Night
Breakfast on the Dream
Lunch at F&W snacks
Dinner at Earl of Sandwich or Plaza Inn

Friday - MK or DHS Morning/DHS NIGHT FOR OSBORNE LIGHTS (im not excited or anything...)
Breakfast - snack in the park
Lunch at Staring Rolls or Pecos Bills
Dinner at Earl of Sandwich or Sci Fi Dine In
​

It feels so good to have this done! 42 DAYS LEFT!!!


Goodnight, all!

 

[hurleysweety]

I think we're gonna upgrade our last two nights to a moderate resort.

Right now we're waiting on confirmation for POR in a River View room. We figure that after 4 days of free dining and 4 nights in a Cat 5 on the Dream, a value would be a less than steller way to end the trip. Really, we've always spent our last couple days of the trip in a different resort for one reason or another, and its always been a category down from where we were - the number one taboo of split stays. We're always so sad to leave, and at least we'll be a little excited for our stay at POR. We've stayed there once before, and it didn't meet our expectations. But now we have a better idea of what to expect and where to ask for a room location, so we hope that plays in our favor!

We were also considering upgrading to AKL since I hear it is just beautiful during the holidays. But I couldn't believe the cost. Because of the way the discount falls, we would be getting around 15% off rack rates. Bleh...

Also...WE ARE LEAVING IN 38 DAYS!!!!!!!
Time to bring out the countdown calendar!!

 

[hurleysweety]

And I just also have to add...13 days until DH's conference in Anaheim and a one day adventure in DLR. Thought I would be solo, but just found out that DH's friend and his GF are gonna join us for the day there. So I get to be the third wheel while DH is in meetings. Still sounds like a great day at Disney to me!

 

[hurleysweety]

Still waiting to hear back from my TA. Usually she is so fast I don't have time to think about the decisions!

Yesterday I spent an hour or so figuring out a pattern for my FE that I want to sew. The kicker is, I've never sewn anything before. I happen to be pretty crafty and can usually figure most creative skills out without help - or with plenty of youtube videos. I still haven't bought my sewing machine yet since I can't decide if I want to buy a basic cheap one, or a nice one. I figure that I will keep up this new hobby for awhile, but I'm afraid to spend so much on it that I feel like I can't buy anything if I can make it. LOL. Sorry, hun, if you want jeans, I'll have to sew them. My pattern came out really well, actually. It has two pleated pockets, and is 8'' x 22'', not including the material that will be looped around the wooden dowel. The pockets are 11 inches wide that shrink down to 8 inches with the pleats in them. They are over 6 inches in height, making them a bit longer than standard pockets I've seen on here. I will be sure to post pictures later. I'm also thinking I would really like to post a FE sewing tutorial from a newbie sewing standpoint.

In other news, I'm trying to figure out something to surprise my DH with - something in the middle of "OH my gosh, you paid how much for this? That is insane!" and "Uhh, wait...you mean this cost extra? For what?"

 

[DLR29]

Yay for upgrading!!! Bummer that you can't stay at AKL because it's such a cool place. Have never really looked into POR or POFQ but it looks nice and small.

Also third wheeling at DLR > no day at DLR any day of the week! I haven't gone in a month ( ). But I'm planning on going this Sunday with friends to check out the Halloween stuff.

And P.S. my previous tag had to do with me being a helpful teenager on the DISboards or something...well after my birthday a couple weeks ago I can no longer have that title. Glad to say that my new scrolling tag came from none other than this thread!

 

[hurleysweety]

Yay for upgrading!!! Bummer that you can't stay at AKL because it's such a cool place. Have never really looked into POR or POFQ but it looks nice and small.

Also third wheeling at DLR > no day at DLR any day of the week! I haven't gone in a month ( ). But I'm planning on going this Sunday with friends to check out the Halloween stuff.

And P.S. my previous tag had to do with me being a helpful teenager on the DISboards or something...well after my birthday a couple weeks ago I can no longer have that title. Glad to say that my new scrolling tag came from none other than this thread!

Yay for the tag fairy!! That's awesome! I think that we are planning to take our college kids next summer - at least we hope so. It'll be a trip geared towards, "cheap college kids."

I so wish we could stay at AKL. Truth is, we could. I'd just rather spend my money elsewhere - like on a nice dinner at a signature. That's my current plan. Or maybe splurge on something else. I'd rather divide up my vacation money so that every part gets a little "special" something. IMHO, its not a vacation if you spend every nickel for the room, and have to watch every other nickel that leaves your pocket for the week. But who knows, that might change someday! If the Poly opened up, lets just say I'd switch before DH could even respond.

 

[hurleysweety]

First off, I don't sew...yet. I am such a newbie that I'm sure any seamstress could easily point out about 100 no-no's with my FE so far. That said, here are some visual pictures to help out others who wonder - how does that fabric turn into that beautiful pocket hanger?

I spent awhile making and cutting my pattern out of computer paper. I use a lot of searching on the boards to determine height and all that good stuff. I'll write something formal later on. Here are the pattern pieces and some of the fabric:

Then you have to pin the pattern to the fabric to cut it out. I now understand why everyone buys those rotary cutters and self healing mats.

I need to cut out and iron on my interfacing still, but I wanted to set up what the finished product would look like. I'm earning my ears here, for sure. LOL.

And for the record, still no sewing machine yet...

 

[hurleysweety]

Got my sewing machine ordered today. It will be here Friday! I can't wait to tackle this sewing venture!

I'm also in this crazy hunt for a suitcase. I need a large one and also a small wheeled carry on that will be full of cruise-only stuff. (Hopefully it will help us to stay organized that way!) And apparently, these days, all the good deals are on these large 5 piece sets. Uhh...hello, what if I want a deal on just one? If you want that, you either pay up the wazoo for the brand name, or you get a brand you've never heard of. Even with overstock and amazon, I am just amazed at the amount of varieties available too. How the heck does one decide?

Next weekend we head to DLR! So excited to get out of town for a couple days. Not sure of any plans for that ONE day at Disneyland, especially given that I probably won't have a break, and it will be my first visit to a Disney park without my DH in over 4 years!

Getting anxious about my rental car too. Yikes the rates are so high! I'm part of the thread on the transportation board that is tracking Nov 2012 rates and no one seems to be getting a great deal. Well, I guess some people did, but with a lesser known company.

Also been working hard on my FE gifts. I can't talk at all about them, except that I might be putting way too much effort into them!

 

[MrsBearcat]

Ok so I have to ask....What in the world is a FE gift?

 

[hurleysweety]

Ok so I have to ask....What in the world is a FE gift?

Good question! FE gift is short for Fish Extender gift. That helps, right? No? Well it's a Disney cruise thing that someone, somewhere long ago came up with to add to the fun on board. Its kinda like a gift exchange.

People (on the disboard cruise meet thread) who are going on the same cruise get together and make a Fish Extender Group. They sign up to give and receive small gifts while on the cruise. You make a gift for each person, and they, in return make one for you. Some people craft or sew fancy things, some people bring candy and food from their home state, some make up emergency kits with bandaids and such, and some just go crazy buying pirate stuff to the joy of many little ones! Do a quick search and you'll see all the great unique ideas.

They put the gifts for one another in the hanging pocket of sorts, which hangs outside the room. They often have the same number of pockets as the people in the room, and are personalized with names and favorite Disney characters. Outside each stateroom there is a metal fish in which guests hang their fish extenders on, which is where the name came from!

We are making/buying gifts for each kid, and then will also have a family gift. Some have more elaborate gifts, and just do one per cabin. IMHO, its not so much about how much you get, but just the fun of having little things in your pocket each day.

Should be interesting for us since we don't have kids. Hope we aren't ignored!

 

[MrsBearcat]

Ahhhh now I get it! Sounds fun

 

[hurleysweety]

Ahhhh now I get it! Sounds fun

And just like planning is half the fun for our vacations - crafting these gifts is making me even more excited for the cruise!

 

[hurleysweety]

Our Cruise Documents Came!!!!!!

DH woke me up and waived them in my face on my day off. At first I was so mad that he forgot that I could sleep in since I wasn't working. Then my eyes opened and I saw "Disney Cruise Line" and sat straight up!

My expectations were so high, I think I was a bit disappointed. I guess I expected Mickey to climb out of the envelope and pack my bags. Everything on the documents looked correct - except for Palo is booked for just me. Whoops:

DH: (sarcastically)So you don't want to eat with me?
Me: (mumbling..)Apparently not...
Both: Laughter
Me: *Roll over and goes back to sleep*
DH: *Continues to Laugh*
(I'm a night owl - DH is a morning person!)

In other news...we leave for DLR on Friday! Right now we are discussing getting 2 day tix and going on Friday night too. Of course, we'll only be able to use them in DCA since DL closes at 7pm for the party. We considered the party too, but alas, it has been sold out for weeks apparently. Our friends will be meeting us there and I will be with them, third-wheelin' it all day until DH comes at 4pm. Then we'll head over to DLR and hang out with him.

The plan is to be at DCA at 7:30am and do all that we want to do there before 4 - I think that should be easy. And if we get tired, my plan is to go to the GCH hotel and sit in the lounge or lobby to get a break from the people and the crowds. I hope our plan works out okay and that our friends don't find me completely nuts. Fortunately, I've know the guy in the couple for a few years and have been on trips with him before (when he was the youth pastor at our church) and after dealing with kids at camp and a variety of situations, he has seen me and my best and worst. He is one of DH's best friends, so it should be fun when DH joins us at 4pm. Hoping very very much that we can get in line early - the whoooole day depends on that. I hope they get that...maybe I'll call them at like 6am to make sure they're up and getting ready, and then every 5 minutes until I feel like they could be standing and alert...

 

[hurleysweety]

We made it back. It was exhausting. I have been almost worthless at work today.

But in other awesome news...We got our Mickey Mail!!

How fun are those luggage tags? I've never received Mickey Mail before, and I haven't looked through it yet so who knows what is really in that. But I do know that it feels much more real right now! It almost reminded me that I need to put in my building requests as well. I'm going to ask for Jamaica 45 or Aruba 51. I would love to be near OPR, but alas, I don't think you can get that unless you book preferred.

Coming up this week will be
Official Dining Plans
AND
Park Touring Plans
AND
Drinks @ Food and Wine!

 

[hurleysweety]

It's UPDATE TIME!

First up - We have changed our last two nights AGAIN! So we are no longer staying at Coronado Springs Resort.


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Any guesses??


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Come on? Where are we staying??




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It's not a moderate...






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Or a value...








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Or the Poly...







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Or even a deluxe!








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So then it must be...










A DVC VILLA!!! We are headed to Old Key West for a studio room those last two nights. OKW is the first place DH and I stayed together on property at Disney, and we've been back once since then too. We've never stayed in a studio there before, but they look pretty nice from what I can tell in pictures.

(thanks mouseplanet!)

Second - I think I finally have everything for my fish extender gifts. I'm hoping to have them all completed this weekend! While it would be cool to post photos of my ideas, my concept, and then the final product, I'm afraid to ruin any surprises to my cruisemates!

Third - I feel like I'm writing to myself! Did I just get incredibly boring? Maybe we were more exciting when we had just been married? If anyone is reading this, let me know. I'd love to come read your pre trip or trip report too!

Have a magical day everyone!

 

[hurleysweety]

How are we saving $$ on excursions?
Easy. Don't do any.

First Stop Nassau
So instead of paying waaay too much $$ for Atlantis or even $50 for a island tour or $65 for a "beach day", DH and I are going to do a Nassau Walking Tour (just google it and you'll find lots - with pictures too!). We'll get off the boat, see the city, the straw market, Queen's staircase, eat some local fare, and then hope back on board when we're done. There is a "bus" that will take us around the island for about $1.25 each, and I feel pretty good about a self-tour.(I've read enough reviews, I think...I hope!).

Second Stop, Castaway Cay
So excited to finally hang out here. Was going to book jet-skiing until I saw the price for just ONE hour ($95/person)! Yikes! We'll probably not do any extras here either - except a drink for me, probably. I was going to do float rentals, but based on reviews, sounds like they are a waste of time. Our plan is to head over to Serenity Bay and lounge around, enjoy the BBQ and the ocean and spend some time relaxing. We might rent bikes for $6/hour and take a little tour of the island before heading back to the boat. Seems like a perfectly relaxing day in paradise. Pirate party will happen tonight, but we're booked for Palo at 7:30. I would have been way more excited about the pirate party 4-5 years ago! Now I feel like such an "adult" since we're opting out of the pirate menu (based on reviews) and doing the "adult" thing of dining in Palo instead.

Third "Stop", Day at Sea
Sleep in, breakfast on verandah, attend drawing class, cooking class, and possibly pay for 30 minutes in the sports simulator. Watch a movie, enjoy lots of food, and a drink or two for me. Really hoping DH doesn't find this day incredibly boring!

 

[DLR29]

I'm still here!

Were you at DLR this past weekend? I was there for a few hours by myself on Saturday. I went and sat on the Mark Twain for an hour and a half and studied! I hadn't been to DLR since school started and my next couple weekends are booked, so I just had to go! I brought my books, camped out on the deck of the boat and just read for a while. It was the best idea ever! Also Saturday was REALLY crowded with it being Gay Days.

Also I'm really excited for you staying at OKW! That's awesome!

Unfortunately I don't have a TR in the process, although I may start a pre-TR for my January WDW running trip...