Feb 28th -Mar 7th Pre-Trip Report: First Report

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Feb 28th -Mar 7th Pre-Trip Report: First Report

I have been reading information on the Disboards for a few years now. I recently decided that even being an inexperienced writer, that I could share my pre-trip reports and my completed trip reports. Surely, someone could gain some knowledge from them, and I could contribute to a site that I feel is invaluable to planning a Walt Disney World Vacation.

I have only been to WDW 3 times, which makes me very inexperienced in the Dis world. The first time, I was about 10 years old and I do not remember the dates, but I think it was in 1982.

The second time was January 2006 (Little Souvenir Trip), and the most recent was March 2008.

We took DS1 on his first Disney trip in March 2008. He loved it. It was amazing to see his face. The pictures are priceless.

We decided then, that we would go back every year if we could manage it with work and money. But we do have a timeshare and we can stay on Disney property with it, so I hope that will enable us to go every year.

Well, our next trip and this Pre-trip report will begin for our next visit to WDW on Feb 28th to March 7th, 2009.
So the planning begins….

 

[CruisingCamper]

Well, when we decided that we would be going in February. We chose the dates of Feb 28th to March 7th. This worked best for our work schedules and it was still in the not-so-crowded dates.

Airfare:

We purchased our airfare for DH, myself and DS2 at $270 per person. This was a good price for the small airports in our area.

 

[CruisingCamper]

Resort: Disney's Wilderness Lodge Villas. We got very lucky here!!!

We traded our timeshare week that we own in Branson, Missouri through an exchange company for a studio at the Wilderness Lodge Villas.



Stay tuned!!!

 

[CruisingCamper]

I haven't had much time to read about the villas yet. But we stayed at the WL during a previous trip and loved it. The boat service to MK is great!!

The only request that I made so far was for a bottom floor room. I hate elevators!! I will be researching on the Dis for which building at the would be best for my family.


We are all set, now the wait continues...

 

[CruisingCamper]

Dining

We are going to be at the World and I have upgraded us to the Deluxe Dining.

It is my understanding that we will receive 3 meals per day plus two snacks.

I have made some Advance Dining Reservations, like CRT and Chek Mickey's already. We will have to wait on the rest until the new online ADR system opens up in October.

Any advice about my choices would be most appreciated.

 

[CruisingCamper]

Getting closer!!

 

[CruisingCamper]

The Cast of Characters:

Me- The momma to DS2 and DW. I have recently fell in love with all things Disney. We vacation about 5 times per year, but now that will include a trip to WDW every year!!! I am a major trip planner.

DH- The Daddy to DS2 and DH to me. He acts like he doesn't like Disney, but he really does, he's like a little kid at heart. Makes fun of me for planning ADR's so far in advance. BUt wouldn't he be shocked if I didn't and we had no where to eat when we got there or had to wait for tables every day.

DS2- He's the little souvenir!! He loves Mickey and Nemo.

 

[JilyBean]

Your trip plans sound great. I wish I could comment on your dining choices, but I am new at dining at Disney. I do know that Narcossee's is supposed to be fabulous and you have a great view of the fireworks too.

Hope you have a great time.

 

[CruisingCamper]

JilyBean

Thanks for your reply. I have heard the same about Narcoossee's. I called this morning a got a new reservation for the Japan place Teppan Edo?? I think that's it.

 

[james'mommy]

Everything sounds great except Teppan Edo. I have a ressie there in Nov and am reconsidering it. There is always a huge line there. Like wall to wall people. My DS will be 6 and I'm not sure if he can survive a huge wait. I think the backup is because of the family style dining. I'm thinking of substiuting Biergarten but DH doesn't like sitting with other people unless it's hibachi style. He may just have to deal.

 

[CruisingCamper]

Everything sounds great except Teppan Edo. I have a ressie there in Nov and am reconsidering it. There is always a huge line there. Like wall to wall people. My DS will be 6 and I'm not sure if he can survive a huge wait. I think the backup is because of the family style dining. I'm thinking of substiuting Biergarten but DH doesn't like sitting with other people unless it's hibachi style. He may just have to deal.

I hope that we aren't disappointed with the choice. The only reason that I called to get an ADR at Teppan Edo is my DD16. She loves the Japanese Steakhouse style dining that we have here. DH hates it, so if it's a line in addition to him having to eat food he really doesn't like, it may not be such a good idea after all. In fact, I am not even sure what they offer there, I need to get a peak at there menu too!

 

[DISNEYJAZZ]

oh man i feel ya on the teen years...have 3 grown kids and can't wait to see how they handle their own teens in a few years...hehe..revenge will be sweet...hehe
great tr...adrs look great,we did the hollywood & vine and it was good...kids really loved getting up and dancing around the room with jojo & goliath... loved crt too good food and the castle is lovely and the ceremony was great...will be posting that soon on my tp..still gotta do 1/2 of another day to get to the mk day...hehe...we did capn jacks on our 1st day and it was good but our fav of the trip ws coral reef..the themeing,the food all ws great and i got the kids the menu/diver sign and they still can't figure out how mickey and minnie knew they would be there...hehe the magic of the internet i tell them....can't wiat to read more of our pre-trip....i'll start a pt after my tp if my other dd doesn't back out...she's famous for dragging her feet...i will ahve to take charge so my granddaughters can meet the mouse!

 

[javaj]

Sounds like great trip planning so far! We've only stayed at the Poly once before but Tokelau was great, perfect location for us. Close enough to GCH, but close enough to walk to TTC. We had garden view but had a small sideways view of the fireworks.

I'm very interested in how DxDDP ends up working for you, especially dining with a toddler. We plan on using it this November with a 6yo and a 2yo.

Question -- is your toddler dining with you for all your meals? If so, aren't some of those dinners pretty late? You may have a toddler on a different schedule, we are planning more early morning breakfasts and early dinners, then counter service lunch (but we're prepared with table service lunch ADRs just in case). Also, I've found that the later the dinner ADR, the longer the wait to get seated.

Are you hoping for Illuminations view during your Rose & Crown meal? I hope you get it, our ADR is for the exact same time!

We like Rose and Crown, Ohana's, Chef Mickey's, 1900 PF, Le Cellier, Crystal Palace. Are you not doing any Ohana's dinner? We really like Ohana's dinner so we'd definitely do that if we were staying at the Poly.

Haven't tried Narcossee's, Capt Jack's, Flying Fish, Mama Melrose, California Grill, Yachtsman.

We weren't happy with Tony's or Rainforest.

Hollywood and Vine was just okay but with great character interaction. Cindy's was okay but we haven't been there since they switched it to 2 credits, didn't seem worth it without little girls LOL

Have a great time, can't wait to see how your trip turns out!

 

[CruisingCamper]

Sounds like great trip planning so far! We've only stayed at the Poly once before but Tokelau was great, perfect location for us. Close enough to GCH, but close enough to walk to TTC. We had garden view but had a small sideways view of the fireworks.

I'm very interested in how DxDDP ends up working for you, especially dining with a toddler. We plan on using it this November with a 6yo and a 2yo.

Question -- is your toddler dining with you for all your meals? If so, aren't some of those dinners pretty late? You may have a toddler on a different schedule, we are planning more early morning breakfasts and early dinners, then counter service lunch (but we're prepared with table service lunch ADRs just in case). Also, I've found that the later the dinner ADR, the longer the wait to get seated.

Are you hoping for Illuminations view during your Rose & Crown meal? I hope you get it, our ADR is for the exact same time!

We like Rose and Crown, Ohana's, Chef Mickey's, 1900 PF, Le Cellier, Crystal Palace. Are you not doing any Ohana's dinner? We really like Ohana's dinner so we'd definitely do that if we were staying at the Poly.

Haven't tried Narcossee's, Capt Jack's, Flying Fish, Mama Melrose, California Grill, Yachtsman.

We weren't happy with Tony's or Rainforest.

Hollywood and Vine was just okay but with great character interaction. Cindy's was okay but we haven't been there since they switched it to 2 credits, didn't seem worth it without little girls LOL

Have a great time, can't wait to see how your trip turns out!

Thanks for your reply!! Yes, the toddler will be dining with us for all of our meals. He normally doesn't go to bed until 10PM our time, which is 11PM WDW time, so I hope that we'll be fine taking him to the dinners.

I am really thinking about that I may cancel the CRT too! I am like you, is it really worth it with no little girls. DD16 really wants to go, but she really wants to do a lot of things!!LOL!! I can talk her into something else, I hope.

I have thought about Ohana's for dinner. I just don't know if DH would like it. I guess I can look at the menu and go from there!!!

Yes, we hope to see Illuminations for Rose and Crown. I hope we succeed, and you do too!

We ate at Tony's in March and we really liked it. We sat out on the patio and watched Spectromagic and it was great. We hope to do the same this time.

 

[CruisingCamper]

oh man i feel ya on the teen years...have 3 grown kids and can't wait to see how they handle their own teens in a few years...hehe..revenge will be sweet...hehe
great tr...adrs look great,we did the hollywood & vine and it was good...kids really loved getting up and dancing around the room with jojo & goliath... loved crt too good food and the castle is lovely and the ceremony was great...will be posting that soon on my tp..still gotta do 1/2 of another day to get to the mk day...hehe...we did capn jacks on our 1st day and it was good but our fav of the trip ws coral reef..the themeing,the food all ws great and i got the kids the menu/diver sign and they still can't figure out how mickey and minnie knew they would be there...hehe the magic of the internet i tell them....can't wiat to read more of our pre-trip....i'll start a pt after my tp if my other dd doesn't back out...she's famous for dragging her feet...i will ahve to take charge so my granddaughters can meet the mouse!

You sound like a great Grandmother!!! I bet they love you!! We hope that DS1 likes the characters at the Disney's Play and Dine.

 

[javaj]

We ate at Tony's in March and we really liked it. We sat out on the patio and watched Spectromagic and it was great. We hope to do the same this time.

Oooh how was watching Spectro from there? Was the view good? Were there a lot of people in your way? I can't seem to picture the patio. What time was your ADR (how soon before Spectro)? I doubt I can convince DH to try Tony's again, but hmmmm.

Thanks!

 

[CruisingCamper]

The Great Packing Debate:

We are flying to WDW, it will be me, DH and DD16 with seats and DS1 without a seat!!

This may be the worst decision I have made in a while. The reason being that DS1 will not have a baggage allowance and he needs to take the most stuff!

What to do? Pack for a few days and wash... it's the only possible way for two adults, a teenage girl and a baby to pack in three suitcases!! Yes, 3!!! Delta only allows one free bag, but the second bag is only $25 each way. So if all else fails, I can pay the extra $$$ and have other bags.

What to pack???

I know it'll be hot that time of year, so we should be able to get by with shorts and capris, right?


What does Business Casual mean for the signature dining places? In March, we seen folks in shorts, if they are nice, is it ok? At home, when they say business casual, they mean slacks and collared shirt. But what about WDW?

 

[CruisingCamper]

Oooh how was watching Spectro from there? Was the view good? Were there a lot of people in your way? I can't seem to picture the patio. What time was your ADR (how soon before Spectro)? I doubt I can convince DH to try Tony's again, but hmmmm.

Thanks!

The patio at Tony's does sit up above street level a little, so our view was good. It was in March and it was on the night of the Pirate and Princess party, so the crowd was not like a normal night at MK. I hadn't really thought about that until now, so now I wonder??? You have me thinking now.

 

[dizziedupbaby0127]

Hi! Im joining your TR! It looks like you will have your hands full this trip and it should make for some interesting stories!

Your ADR's look good! Wondering, are you going to do a dining review when you get back? I am going on my honeymoon in December and am inexpirenced in Disney Dining and would love some input.

<----Me waiting for more!!

 

[CruisingCamper]

Hi! Im joining your TR! It looks like you will have your hands full this trip and it should make for some interesting stories!

Your ADR's look good! Wondering, are you going to do a dining review when you get back? I am going on my honeymoon in December and am inexpirenced in Disney Dining and would love some input.

<----Me waiting for more!!

Thanks for joining the thread. And you are very correct in saying that I will be having my hands full...I really do, how many folks take a 16 and 1 year old to WDW at the same time.

Yes, I do planning on doing a food review and a trip review when we return.