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

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

That place looks amazing! I'm seriously considering BLT for our trip after-next. I wish I could get in to the lounge!

 

[annmarieda]

Love the pics! That lounge is amazing. I have often wondered what the draw to BLT is... now I can see.

 

[khertz]

I think spending the evening at Epcot sounds like a great idea & a great way to kick off the trip.

BLT looks like a beautiful resort! I bet y'all are excited to be staying there. I'd love to be able to walk to MK!

 

[Nermel9]

Did you see they're not doing Haunted Carriage rides this year? There is a whole thread about it on the theme parks section.

 

[Joyciemc]

I've been neglecting my PTR and TR recently, because we've been sooooooo busy! Had a very full, very fun long weekend with absolutely NO free time! But I have tomorrow off work, and that always means updates are coming!

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!

We are thrilled with these arrival say plans! Can you believe my friend Hilde has never been on the monorail (in 5 trips to Disney!!!!)- unheard of!

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.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

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

Oooooh, thanks for that! I haven't made any decisions yet, but have a lot of options to go through

That place looks amazing! I'm seriously considering BLT for our trip after-next. I wish I could get in to the lounge!

I can't believe I never heard about the lounge0 BLT is our home resort, but I know very little about it and this is our first time staying there.

Love the pics! That lounge is amazing. I have often wondered what the draw to BLT is... now I can see.

Yup, awesome lounge. Also doesn't hurt that it is so close to the MK!!

I think spending the evening at Epcot sounds like a great idea & a great way to kick off the trip.

BLT looks like a beautiful resort! I bet y'all are excited to be staying there. I'd love to be able to walk to MK!

Sooooo excited! Technically, we are still on the wait list for Boardwalk, but I really don't see that coming through. And I am ok with that!

Did you see they're not doing Haunted Carriage rides this year? There is a whole thread about it on the theme parks section.

I heard I am sooooooo bummed that both Hoop Dee Do and the Haunted Carriage are a no-go. I was looking forward to checking out Ft. Wilderness more but there's no reason to, now. Though we are still keeping our Artist Point ADR I made for the night we were going to do the Carriage.

 

[Joyciemc]

Holy cannoli (mmmm, cannoli...), May is almost over! I really want my ticker to get under 4 months. Of course, then I'll want it under 3... and well... you get the idea.

If Memorial Day weekend was any indication, this summer is going to be insanely busy and go by rather quickly.
Ben and I spent the weekend bouncing from house to house and BBQ to BBQ. We had folks over here Saturday, and enjoyed the hot weather and good company.

That's me, Charisma and Hilde enjoying some backyard fun times at my house on Saturday. Apparently, I wasn't thrilled with taking the picture
This photo is a pretty good example of why people often think that Hilde and I are sisters (or the same person... this happened more than once when we used to work together. A client would begin talking to me, and later would pick up the conversation with Hilde who had no idea what they were speaking about. It made for some confusing and hilarious times!)

That's my brother- we were taking paparazzi pictures 'cause he's famous. Well, he's a cartoonist for the New York Times and he's been approached by some famous people to do some work with them. He's pretty sensitive about talking too much about this stuff, so we started teasing him about being famous and how nice it was for him to hang out with us.

Lots of fun, but not a lot of sleep. Now that things are back to normal, I can once again go back to obsessing about the trip!

After our amazing arrival day, it's time for
Day 2 Plans for Sunday, October 14.
This was a pretty easy day to plan:
We'll leave BLT sometime before 8am to walk over to the Magic Kingdom. We need to check in for our Keys to The Kingdom Tour at 8:15. The tour lasts about 5 hours, and lunch at Columbia Harbor House is included so we will obviously be eating there.
The tour will be over around 1:30pm, and I think we'll be heading back to BLT for a break. Unless we feel like touring some of the MK on our own for a bit.

After our break, we'll head to Epcot for a dinner that was unanimously voted upon and we are all super excited about: San Angel Inn. I love this place (delicious guacamole!) and am excited to be returning!
Dinner's at 7, and after we will do something Ben and I have never done: watch Illuminations. We usually try to leave the park ahead of the crowd, and neither of us ever wanted to watch it badly enough to invest the time it takes to find a spot. But it's a must-do for Hilde & Sebastian, so we're giving it a try. Sebastian pointed out that I would of course have a drink(s) while waiting, and that is all he had to say to get me to agree.

After, we'll head out through the International Gateway and walk to the Boardwalk to visit Jellyrolls. This is a place all four of us love and I have a feeling we may end up here quite a bit... I used to visit the Adventurer's Club several times a trip and Jellyrolls has sort of taken up the spot left by AC going away.

I think I'm going to print out each day's plans and give them to the others, so it's not all just in my head. That'll probably give us a better chance of sticking to the plans. It will also give everyone a chance to make fun of me for being a super Disney nerd.

 

[smile4stamps]

Holy cannoli (mmmm, cannoli...), May is almost over! I really want my ticker to get under 4 months. Of course, then I'll want it under 3... and well... you get the idea.

If Memorial Day weekend was any indication, this summer is going to be insanely busy and go by rather quickly.
Ben and I spent the weekend bouncing from house to house and BBQ to BBQ. We had folks over here Saturday, and enjoyed the hot weather and good company.

That's me, Charisma and Hilde enjoying some backyard fun times at my house on Saturday. Apparently, I wasn't thrilled with taking the picture
This photo is a pretty good example of why people often think that Hilde and I are sisters (or the same person... this happened more than once when we used to work together. A client would begin talking to me, and later would pick up the conversation with Hilde who had no idea what they were speaking about. It made for some confusing and hilarious times!)

That's my brother- we were taking paparazzi pictures 'cause he's famous. Well, he's a cartoonist for the New York Times and he's been approached by some famous people to do some work with them. He's pretty sensitive about talking too much about this stuff, so we started teasing him about being famous and how nice it was for him to hang out with us.

Lots of fun, but not a lot of sleep. Now that things are back to normal, I can once again go back to obsessing about the trip!

After our amazing arrival day, it's time for
Day 2 Plans for Sunday, October 14.
This was a pretty easy day to plan:
We'll leave BLT sometime before 8am to walk over to the Magic Kingdom. We need to check in for our Keys to The Kingdom Tour at 8:15. The tour lasts about 5 hours, and lunch at Columbia Harbor House is included so we will obviously be eating there.
The tour will be over around 1:30pm, and I think we'll be heading back to BLT for a break. Unless we feel like touring some of the MK on our own for a bit.

After our break, we'll head to Epcot for a dinner that was unanimously voted upon and we are all super excited about: San Angel Inn. I love this place (delicious guacamole!) and am excited to be returning!
Dinner's at 7, and after we will do something Ben and I have never done: watch Illuminations. We usually try to leave the park ahead of the crowd, and neither of us ever wanted to watch it badly enough to invest the time it takes to find a spot. But it's a must-do for Hilde & Sebastian, so we're giving it a try. Sebastian pointed out that I would of course have a drink(s) while waiting, and that is all he had to say to get me to agree.

After, we'll head out through the International Gateway and walk to the Boardwalk to visit Jellyrolls. This is a place all four of us love and I have a feeling we may end up here quite a bit... I used to visit the Adventurer's Club several times a trip and Jellyrolls has sort of taken up the spot left by AC going away.

I think I'm going to print out each day's plans and give them to the others, so it's not all just in my head. That'll probably give us a better chance of sticking to the plans. It will also give everyone a chance to make fun of me for being a super Disney nerd.

We will be at MK that day but no tour!! And I just looked at my wall and went hmmm... I could have one of my Epcot Resort dinners that night and go to Jellyrolls too! (Currently have a Citrico's ADR but that could easily be switched to another day...) I've been trying to figure out where to fit Jellyrolls in!

 

[jenny105]

Having drinks while waiting for Illuminations? GREAT IDEA! I'm with you on that.

We went to Jellyrolls during our 2010 trip and had a blast! I can't tell you how many baskets of popcorn we must have consumed.

Glad you had a fun weekend!

 

[Nermel9]

Looks like a fun Memorial Day weekend! Brandon and I actually went to Boston on Memorial Day for the Red Sox game, it was a lot of fun, it's been a while since we've been to a game! (We usually go to a couple every year, but for some reason, we didn't go to any last year! )

Your Day 2 plans look good! I can't believe you have never seen Illuminations! It's like, my favorite thing ever, I think I like it better than Wishes now! The pre-Illuminations music is the best Disney music ever! I just love everything about Illuminations!

I'm waiting for my ticker to finally get under 5 months, it's taking forever!!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Looks like you guys had a great Memorial Day weekend!!!

Yay for your trip coming up so soon!!! One of these days, I HAVE to get to Jellyrolls! It sounds like so much fun!

 

[Imagineer5]

Yay that day is going to be SO much fun!!

Can't believe you've never seen Illuminations! It's a good show. Wishes is my favorite, but I still love Illuminations.

Glad to hear your Memorial Day was fun!!

Nermel - if you see this, where are you from? Do we have more MA ppl here?

 

[Joyciemc]

We will be at MK that day but no tour!! And I just looked at my wall and went hmmm... I could have one of my Epcot Resort dinners that night and go to Jellyrolls too! (Currently have a Citrico's ADR but that could easily be switched to another day...) I've been trying to figure out where to fit Jellyrolls in!

Maybe I'll see you as we make our way around the MK! And let me know if you do decide to go to Jellyrolls that night- I'll keep my eye out!

Having drinks while waiting for Illuminations? GREAT IDEA! I'm with you on that.

We went to Jellyrolls during our 2010 trip and had a blast! I can't tell you how many baskets of popcorn we must have consumed.

Glad you had a fun weekend!

The whole claiming a spot for Illuminations thing so early is what made us not want to do it. But relaxing with a drink- I can handle that!

Looks like a fun Memorial Day weekend! Brandon and I actually went to Boston on Memorial Day for the Red Sox game, it was a lot of fun, it's been a while since we've been to a game! (We usually go to a couple every year, but for some reason, we didn't go to any last year! )

Your Day 2 plans look good! I can't believe you have never seen Illuminations! It's like, my favorite thing ever, I think I like it better than Wishes now! The pre-Illuminations music is the best Disney music ever! I just love everything about Illuminations!

I'm waiting for my ticker to finally get under 5 months, it's taking forever!!!

Ben and I haven't been to Fenway yet this year- we usually go a couple times a season, too. We go in and get day-of tickets, since we live so close to Boston.

I am happy to finally be seeing Illuminations- so many people love it, I need to see what I have been missing!

Looks like you guys had a great Memorial Day weekend!!!

Yay for your trip coming up so soon!!! One of these days, I HAVE to get to Jellyrolls! It sounds like so much fun!

It really is- the piano players are hysterical!

Yay that day is going to be SO much fun!!

Can't believe you've never seen Illuminations! It's a good show. Wishes is my favorite, but I still love Illuminations.

Glad to hear your Memorial Day was fun!!

Nermel - if you see this, where are you from? Do we have more MA ppl here?

Jen (Nermel) is in CT, I believe- correct me if I am wrong!

I'm really looking forward to this day! Well, the whole trip... but you know what I mean

 

[annmarieda]

Illuminations is one of my favorite things about Epcot. I really hope you enjoy and do watch it this time

 

[jenny105]

The whole claiming a spot for Illuminations thing so early is what made us not want to do it. But relaxing with a drink- I can handle that!

I don't believe in the whole claiming a spot 30 minutes prior thing. Especially for Illuminations. The lagoon is so massive and you can watch it from anywhere. Unless you want to be right up against the railing, I don't see much point in staking out a spot. I know other DISers do it but it's not my thing!

 

[ziggystardust]

I don't believe in the whole claiming a spot 30 minutes prior thing. Especially for Illuminations. The lagoon is so massive and you can watch it from anywhere. Unless you want to be right up against the railing, I don't see much point in staking out a spot. I know other DISers do it but it's not my thing!

agreed. The only "staking" out of spots that I do is while I'm standing in line for a beverage.

 

[jkclark68]

Another MA resident here and I'm joining in very late but I've been enjoying your TR's and PTR all weekend! But, reading them is making me really wish I had been as "into" Disney before DH and I had kids as I am now. We had a good 6 years that we could have been hanging out in Epcot, trying out new drinks and having a great time. Back then, everyone I knew told me the World was "SO boring!" I really wish I hadn't listened. You've really opened my eyes to new possibilities. But, the youngest is getting up there so I'm sure we can fit in some adult only trips in just few years. We'll just tell them we're going someplace else!

Thanks for a great read the past few days

 

[Joyciemc]

Illuminations is one of my favorite things about Epcot. I really hope you enjoy and do watch it this time

I'm sure I will- I have heard the music and think it is great, so can only imagine watching the show will be wonderful!

I don't believe in the whole claiming a spot 30 minutes prior thing. Especially for Illuminations. The lagoon is so massive and you can watch it from anywhere. Unless you want to be right up against the railing, I don't see much point in staking out a spot. I know other DISers do it but it's not my thing!

Good to know claiming a spot isn't necessary to enjoy the show! I can handle just stopping to watch when it starts!

agreed. The only "staking" out of spots that I do is while I'm standing in line for a beverage.

Yes! You get it!

Another MA resident here and I'm joining in very late but I've been enjoying your TR's and PTR all weekend! But, reading them is making me really wish I had been as "into" Disney before DH and I had kids as I am now. We had a good 6 years that we could have been hanging out in Epcot, trying out new drinks and having a great time. Back then, everyone I knew told me the World was "SO boring!" I really wish I hadn't listened. You've really opened my eyes to new possibilities. But, the youngest is getting up there so I'm sure we can fit in some adult only trips in just few years. We'll just tell them we're going someplace else!

Thanks for a great read the past few days

Welcome and thank you for reading- I'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying my TRs (there's no way to know if they are remotely entertaining to anyone while writing them)

Sorry that you missed out on adult-only years at Epcot!
Though I am a little embarrassed by how much it seems like we drink... I swear that drinking isn't all that we do- it's just a big part of our vacations!

 

[Joyciemc]

It's a new week, and we are that much closer to October.
It's always been my favorite month (what with my Birthday and Halloween and all...) but this year really takes the cake. I don't think I'll be able to sleep for weeks before this trip because of the excitement.

Hilde & Sebastian put an offer in on a house (they've been looking for a year now, to move back up here from RI) and hopefully this one will be accepted- fingers crossed!

In trip news, we all have park tickets now! I already had my AP from May, but Ben just bought his Saturday to get it done before the prices went up. We bought through DVC, so we'll have to pick it up when we get there (and remember to bring his Member Card, to avoid the stress I endured in purchasing mine!)
We got Hilde & Sebastian's 8 day hoppers, too. Though we will probably add a day on while we are there, cause I just don't see us taking an entire day off from the parks. The only thing left to buy will be the TIW card, but that's not a huge amount. And will hopefully take some of the sting out of settling up our room charges at the end of the trip. With all of our food & beverage purchases, I know that will not be a small amount!

Last night, after going out to dinner, we all came back here and tackled a project for our trip... we needed a photoshoot for our trip shirts! I can't wait to share them with you, but for now... here's just a fairly normal photo we got that will not be used for the shirt:

We decided to wear the shirts our first day, meaning we'll be sitting in the Providence airport wearing ridiculous matching t-shirts. It'll be amazing. I also love that my friends have not only agreed to wear matching shirts, but were so amped up to create them. They are the BEST!

And lucky that they are, because I am more and more becoming aware of how teeny tiny the studios are at BLT. But we just are not going to spend the points to upgrade to a one bedroom, especially since we'd still have to use a pull-out. We'll get cozy and we'll like it, gosh darnnit!
We have a weekend trip to CT planned for the end of the month- to re-visit Lake Compounce and take advantage of a Groupon for a brewery tour that Hilde purchased. Maybe I'll suggest that we get the smallest hotel room possible to help us practice

And, since I'm already writing an update, let's take a look at plans for
Day 3, Monday Oct 15:

This morning, schedule will be important, because I am insisting we get to Hollywood Studios before opening to ensure that we can ride Toy Story with no wait. Ben still hates the ride (because of the line I made him wait in), but I am much more agreeable to it since experiencing it without waiting in May. Hilde & Sebastian have never ridden it, so it's a non-negotiable must do. And that means pre-rope drop arrival.

Throughout the trip, breakfast is usually going to be bagels or something similar in our room. Early lunches will be the norm, and this day is no exception. We're scheduled to eat at Sci Fi Drive In for 11:30. I really like this place, and think it will be a hit with our friends, as well.

We've all vetoed the stunt shows, and have a fairly short list of must-dos for DHS, so I think we'll head out a little after lunch for a break at the resort. Then it will be off to DtD for dinner at Raglan Road! I loooooove this place, and can't wait to go back!

After dinner, we're going to try to make it to MK in time for Magic Memories & You (new for Hilde & Sebastian) and Wishes. Then it will be back to BLT to get ready for another day of fun!

 

[jenny105]

Tell me more about Raglan Road. My birthday dinner will be there and I've never been!

You have great friends. I could maybe talk my best friend into matching t-shirts but there's not a chance her BF would agree to it LOL.

I love TSM but agree it's not worth the crazy wait times! We're planning on getting there for rope drop too.

 

[jkclark68]

Though I am a little embarrassed by how much it seems like we drink... I swear that drinking isn't all that we do- it's just a big part of our vacations!

Would it make you feel better if I admit that after reading about some of your different drinks, I looked up the recipes and plan to bring the ingredients on my Cape vacation this summer???