Food & Wine & Friends, or 'Wishing a Year Away'. October 2012 PTR *NEW 11/18 TR link!

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I love your list of what you realized on your trip. There is something about traveling with someone other than who you normally travel with that is really eye-opening. I also find that it really makes you appreciate how in-sync you are with your normal travel buddy! I couldn't agree more with scheduling break time (that's a must for us always) and having food/drinks in the room. We normally don't take food, but we always end up with it thanks to little things I buy in the parks or at the resort. And I must always have drinks in the room! That is something that we do normally take with us. As for park bags, you know I love my VB hipsters. I'm not sure exactly how big your camera is, but mine is sort of bulky (not as large as a DSLR, though) and it fits just fine, with plenty of room for a bottled drink, my sunglasses and a poncho - and that's just in the main compartment. They are much roomier than they appear!

 

[AKL LOVER]

I've been meaning to post on here about something that happened to me that made me think of you. When we were in St. Thomas, the bartender at the pool bar (because where else would be be hanging out on vacation but the pool bar!? ) was pointing out to us how we could see PR way off in the distance from where we were. And then he breaks out..."and see that tiny little island next to it? That's Vieques. It's this great little island and if you ever get the chance to go there you should." He went on to tell us how cool and laid back it is there. One of his favorite places to visit when he gets the chance.

How funny is it that I would hear 2 people talk about such a tiny place within months of each other? Maybe it's a sign that I'm supposed to visit there

 

[ronnmel]

Welcome back! Will check out your new TR soon.

 

[Joyciemc]

I have the Crumpler 7m$ bag. It holds my DSLR with a 70-200, flash, 28-70, 100 macro, 16-35, 50 and a few other small items. Its probably overkill for most people.

The 5m$ bag is what DH has and its pretty good for what he needs (which sounds a lot like your request). He has a DSLR and 2-3 lens. No external flash for him and it holds extra batterys, cards, etc. If you look on the Crumpler site and click on the 4, 5, 6m$ bags and then scroll through the pics (click the small dots on the photo) you can see some pics of what they hold.

One of the best features is they are lined with really bright colors which makes it easy to see whats in it. Helps finding things and also with security lines.

Hope that helps.

Thanks! The 5million bag sounds just about right... it's made it on the short list!

I love your list of what you realized on your trip. There is something about traveling with someone other than who you normally travel with that is really eye-opening. I also find that it really makes you appreciate how in-sync you are with your normal travel buddy! I couldn't agree more with scheduling break time (that's a must for us always) and having food/drinks in the room. We normally don't take food, but we always end up with it thanks to little things I buy in the parks or at the resort. And I must always have drinks in the room! That is something that we do normally take with us. As for park bags, you know I love my VB hipsters. I'm not sure exactly how big your camera is, but mine is sort of bulky (not as large as a DSLR, though) and it fits just fine, with plenty of room for a bottled drink, my sunglasses and a poncho - and that's just in the main compartment. They are much roomier than they appear!

Ben and I always make sure to get/bring certain items, it was just not OK this trip without them!

Haha, whenever I think of VB hipsters, I think of you! I'm going to check them out in person, so I can get an idea of whether my camera would fit or not.

I've been meaning to post on here about something that happened to me that made me think of you. When we were in St. Thomas, the bartender at the pool bar (because where else would be be hanging out on vacation but the pool bar!? ) was pointing out to us how we could see PR way off in the distance from where we were. And then he breaks out..."and see that tiny little island next to it? That's Vieques. It's this great little island and if you ever get the chance to go there you should." He went on to tell us how cool and laid back it is there. One of his favorite places to visit when he gets the chance.

How funny is it that I would hear 2 people talk about such a tiny place within months of each other? Maybe it's a sign that I'm supposed to visit there

I think it is pretty obvious- you need to go to Vieques!!!

Welcome back! Will check out your new TR soon.

Thanks, Mel

 

[Joyciemc]

Hellooooooo there!
I promised myself that I would spend some of my day off today updating my PTR and TR. So here I am- and not only because I am procrastinating working out, I swear!

This weekend was kind of crazy- I worked both days, and Hilde&Sebastian (and their dog, Hilde who is obviously the inspiration for the 'code name') were here visiting/ looking at houses in our area. We had a lot of fun hanging out and repeatedly telling each other how much we can't wait for OCTOBER! We realized that we have been planning this trip for two years, which was even longer than I thought!

Hilde (the person, not the dog) reminded me about the beer tasting offered at the Contemporary and how that is a must-do. Since it is only offered on Saturdays from 3-4, I decided that would be a good arrival day thing. Which then made me change up our arrival day plans. Which then made me change our Day 8 plans. All will be revealed soon, since I plan on sharing those plans right in this very PTR... starting with Day 1!! (fitting, right??)

Saturday, October 13 (otherwise known as the best day ever that took the longest time to get here)

Our early flight out of Providence has us arriving in Orlando at 9:40am. We are using ME, and I figure we'll arrive at BLT at about 11am. After check in, we'll get lunch, either at the Contempo Cafe or one of the pool bars.
Then it's off to explore the resort, swim, or maybe take a nap of our room is ready!

We'll be at the Wave lounge for the beer tasting at 3, and depending on whether our room was ready earlier or not, head out to a park or stop by our room first.

The question here is: which park?? Since changing this around, I don't have an ADR for dinner, so we really are open to go anywhere.
My thoughts are torn between MK (which is just so close!) because that seems fitting or Epcot to munch on snacks from Food&Wine booths.
I've asked the group to vote, but so far only Sebastian has weighed in with "Yes!" which means he's down with either- all along he has said he is fine with whatever I plan.

What do you all think? For further info: the next day we will be at MK fairly early for Keys to The Kingdom.

Of course, we don't have to decide right now. It's just that I am wondering if I should make an ADR for dinner anywhere, and need to know where we would be. Ahhhh.... Disney problems.

 

[jenny105]

If you're planning on being at MK the next day, I'd go with Epcot. Beer tasting plus the food & wine festival is an unbeatable combo.

 

[Nermel9]

I had no idea the Contemporary had a beer tasting! Sounds fun!

I'd definitely do Epcot that night, you should go there as much as possible to experience as many things at Food and Wine as you can! I was there for 10 days last October and I still felt I didn't have enough time!

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm caught up here! Still need to make it over to your TR.

I vote MK. But thats because I have to do the MK first. Even if its just a trip down Main Street, a picture at the hub and back down Main Street to the exit to catch the monorail to Epcot....

 

[drlaurafsu]

Hellooooooo there!
What do you all think? For further info: the next day we will be at MK fairly early for Keys to The Kingdom.

Given this I say go to EPCOT. Do F&W kiosks for dinner and make it a leisurely evening. Maybe even hit up Boardwalk for some entertainment later before calling it a night.

 

[Joyciemc]

You are all so smart!
Someone on the October FB group also suggested checking out the Eat to the Beat concert that night, and it is Javier Colon (he one the Voice last year) and I love him!
Hilde also voted for Epcot, so there you have it!

If you're planning on being at MK the next day, I'd go with Epcot. Beer tasting plus the food & wine festival is an unbeatable combo.

You make a great point- after having a bit of beer, we will probably want something else to drink (cause I know us, and that is how we do.)

I had no idea the Contemporary had a beer tasting! Sounds fun!

I'd definitely do Epcot that night, you should go there as much as possible to experience as many things at Food and Wine as you can! I was there for 10 days last October and I still felt I didn't have enough time!

I think the beer tasting is just for guests at the Contemporary... but I could be wrong...

I'm caught up here! Still need to make it over to your TR.

I vote MK. But thats because I have to do the MK first. Even if its just a trip down Main Street, a picture at the hub and back down Main Street to the exit to catch the monorail to Epcot....

Paula, you're a genius! We'll get to see how the walk to MK is so we are prepared the next morning, then ride the monorail on our first trip to a park. I love this plan!

Given this I say go to EPCOT. Do F&W kiosks for dinner and make it a leisurely evening. Maybe even hit up Boardwalk for some entertainment later before calling it a night.

Another FANTASTIC idea!

 

[Joyciemc]

So... Epcot has won! But we will walk to MK and peek in to make sure all is well there. But we won't get sucked in too far, so we can turn around and take a couple monorails to Epcot. We will try not to stay too late, and be back in time to check this place out:


(These pictures are from baylaketower.net They are also huge- for that I apologize!)

That's the Top of The World Lounge at BLT. It's only open to DVC member staying at BLT on points. I had no idea it existed until today.

It has a ginormous area outside from which you can watch Wishes, or just enjoy the amazing views in general. It's open till midnight, but I doubt we'll stay that long. Just want to at least poke my head in and see it!

 

[AKL LOVER]

That will be a great place to hang out!

 

[jenny105]

Can I stay at BLT with you? LOL It looks gorgeous!

 

[klacey1]

Fun perk of staying at BLT! That view must be amazing!!

 

[drlaurafsu]

That looks awesome!! Watching Hallowishes from there will be spectacular.

 

[Imagineer5]

Great choice for day 1 if I may say so LOL. (I chimed in on FB for EPCOT too!).

I had totally forgotten about the beer tasting! Definitely going to look into that, DH would love it!

I'm secretly hoping to get into the Top of the World Lounge. I know, I know, we are renting points. But I've heard it could be possible, so don't flame me...

 

[Joyciemc]

That will be a great place to hang out!

Right? I might just send them out to the parks, and set up shop right there every night

Can I stay at BLT with you? LOL It looks gorgeous!

Sure! The more pictures I see, the more excited I am about BLT. Even though the beds in the studio (well, bed and pull out) are reeeeeeally close together. Good thing we're close friends!

Fun perk of staying at BLT! That view must be amazing!!

It looks unbelievable!

That looks awesome!! Watching Hallowishes from there will be spectacular.

They play the music, too! Can't wait!

Great choice for day 1 if I may say so LOL. (I chimed in on FB for EPCOT too!).

I had totally forgotten about the beer tasting! Definitely going to look into that, DH would love it!

I'm secretly hoping to get into the Top of the World Lounge. I know, I know, we are renting points. But I've heard it could be possible, so don't flame me...

Beer tasting is from 3-4 on Saturdays in the Wave Lounge.

No flames from me! If they let you up, GO!!!! In my research about it last night, I read that TOW actually could use more business. I guess there aren't enough customers who qualify to use it (or know about it!). I wouldn't be surprised if they change the policy about it being for DVC members only

 

[Nermel9]

Your plans for that night sound great, I love taking the monorail over to Epcot!

Those pictures are beautiful, that looks like a fun place to hang out!

 

[Imagineer5]

Beer tasting is from 3-4 on Saturdays in the Wave Lounge.

No flames from me! If they let you up, GO!!!! In my research about it last night, I read that TOW actually could use more business. I guess there aren't enough customers who qualify to use it (or know about it!). I wouldn't be surprised if they change the policy about it being for DVC members only

That's awesome, we will definitely try to make that Saturday one. It'll be time for an afternoon break anyway!

I've also heard that the lounge is very quiet - it would be nice if they opened up the policy! I do really hope we can get up there but haven't even told DH about it because I don't want him to get his hopes up. I think it'd be the absolute perfect way to start our vacation though, so I'm hoping to eat up there & watch fireworks on the first evening.

 

[PixieMama]

Not sure if someone already mentioned this, but I'm looking at the Passport Sling by Lowepro for my DSLR:

http://www.lowepro.com/passportsling