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

[Nermel9]

The bachelorette party sounds like it was fun!

I'm SO excited October hours are out, even though I'm still not 100% sure we're going in October...now I'm thinking I want to go in November or December again!

Aww, that little baby horse is so cute! Horseback riding looks like so much fun! And what's with the chicken on the beach? It's actually a lot cuter than a seagull!

 

[Joyciemc]

Sounds like you were an awesome Matron of Honor! BTW... I love that picture of your DH... he looks cute in a tux. Like a little kid playing dress up, with a grin like that on his face, LOL!

Love that you can plan more now that park hours are out. Super excited to here your day to day plans!

I wish I had more pictures of Ben- the guys were actually wearing kilts! They looked so good!

I am so excited to share my daily plans for October! I think they are just about ready (well, the initial version anyway!)

The bachelorette party sounds like it was fun!

I'm SO excited October hours are out, even though I'm still not 100% sure we're going in October...now I'm thinking I want to go in November or December again!

Aww, that little baby horse is so cute! Horseback riding looks like so much fun! And what's with the chicken on the beach? It's actually a lot cuter than a seagull!

The chicken was super friendly! There are tons of them all over Vieques. Chickens and horses, that about sums it up!

 

[smile4stamps]

Can't wait to see your October plans!

Mine now have 3 different versions since I'm not sure how long my trip will end up being!

 

[Joyciemc]

Can't wait to see your October plans!

Mine now have 3 different versions since I'm not sure how long my trip will end up being!

I keep changing mine! I think I have it pretty well settled now, even with times I want ADRs for. Even though my ADR date is still 18 days away, I want to be prepared for it!

 

[smile4stamps]

I keep changing mine! I think I have it pretty well settled now, even with times I want ADRs for. Even though my ADR date is still 18 days away, I want to be prepared for it!

My ADR date is in 20 days. Tax Day!! I should probably get my taxes done but I prefer planning my Disney trip!!

 

[Joyciemc]

Where did March go?
I seriously feel like this month has flown by! I just did the schedule for April, and the first few days of May are on it, so I officially scheduled my first day off for that trip


I also had an official WDW nightmare last night... In it, Ben and I were traveling with the folks we went to Puerto Rico with. I distinctly remember getting to AK before it opened and formulating this plan: Ben would take all the tickets and get FP for the Safari, the rest of us would head to EE. Pretty detailed dream! But the problem was everyone had bought tickets in a different way and all they had were receipts or vouchers- no actual tickets. And because it was a terrible dream, we all had to go home to get the right documentation. It got pretty complicated from there, involving several boats and perhaps a train... and I woke up feeling all bummed about a waste of a park day.
This is definitely the only place I could share a dream like that!


On a better note, I figured now is as good a time as any to start sharing my October plans!

Let's start with Day 1:

*As a side note, I just realized that our trip starts just 2 days after my birthday. And it's 10/11/12 this year, a pretty cool one, right? What an awesome way to celebrate!*

We're flying out of Providence, so if Hilde and Sebastian haven't moved yet (and finding a house is proving difficult, so they very well might not!), we'll probably stay at their house the night before. I doubt we'll sleep at all and we'll probably play Dutch Blitz all night (google it- an AMAZING game!).

Our flight is crazy early, and lands in Orlando at 9:40am. We'll be taking ME to BLT (unless the wait list comes through and we start our trip at BWV).
Ben and I have always had super-awesome early room readiness mojo (unless you count the un-cleaned room at the Poly we were allowed to check into... but even then, we were in the second, clean room before 11am) so I am optimistic that we'll be able to check into our studio and get ready to head out to AK. I didn't want to start at MK, because it is a Saturday and I have had nothing but terrible luck with the MK on Saturdays! Starting in May, I will be breaking the 'MK has to be the first park rule', and I plan to continue to break it on this October trip.

No ADR plans for lunch- it was supposed to be Tusker House, but since they changed it to a character meal, we scrapped that plan. Most likely we'll hit up Flame Tree Barbecue. There will definitely be an 'on vacation celebratory drink' at the Dawa Bar, though... that place looks wonderful!

If our room is not ready, we'll probably leave our bags with Bell Services and swim/check out the resort, grabbing lunch along the way. AK will still be our eventual destination, though because we'll be having an early dinner at Sanaa. If we don't make it to the park this day, not a big deal- I have another AK day scheduled later in the trip.

After dinner, I think we should head back and try to get the sleep we probably missed the night before. I really want to start the trip out well rested so we can have lots of night-time fun later in the week!

 

[annmarieda]

I am with you... WHERE did March go?

Your dream is totally something I would have... and that feeling you wake with? You just do feel sorta bummed, yes?

Your arrival day plans look fun. When did TH go to character? I need to start thinking about our plans for fall...since ADR day is literally days away. TH wasn't so much on my list, but it is good to know that it is now a character meal.

 

[Joyciemc]

I am with you... WHERE did March go?

Your dream is totally something I would have... and that feeling you wake with? You just do feel sorta bummed, yes?

Your arrival day plans look fun. When did TH go to character? I need to start thinking about our plans for fall...since ADR day is literally days away. TH wasn't so much on my list, but it is good to know that it is now a character meal.

Character lunch started in December:
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/09/08/news-tusker-house-announces-new-character-lunch-starting-december-4/

I think the menu stayed mostly the same, but the price went up. Though thinking about it, maybe a character meal wouldn't be terrible...

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I always have completely ridiculous trip nightmares. One time I think I dreamed that all of the resorts moved around and switched places, and I was all "But where did the Polynesian go?? And why is Caribbean Beach right here??"

I agree, March did fly by!

Your day 1 plans sound great! I've never done AK as a first day park, but it's fun to mix it up sometimes!

 

[smile4stamps]

Character lunch started in December:
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/09/08/news-tusker-house-announces-new-character-lunch-starting-december-4/

I think the menu stayed mostly the same, but the price went up. Though thinking about it, maybe a character meal wouldn't be terrible...

I'm planning on Tusker House Breakfast on our first AK day and lunch on the second! Not a lot of dinning choices in AK so I figured why not!!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

I've been known to have "how many things can go wrong" pre-trip nightmares, too. It's so nice to wake up and realize that it was only a dream!

Your Day 1 plans sound great. We tend to push AK off to the middle of our stay, like it's Disney's red-headed step-park, so it's nice that you guys are gonna show it some love!

 

[klacey1]

Seriously, right?! Where has 2012 gone?? New Years feels like it was yesterday! Thrilled for the weather to warm up, though, honestly. (Even though this winter really wasn't bad at all!)
I love super early flights! You know you won't be sleeping late anyway, so why not start as early as possible??
Haha, love your Disney dream. I would also be upset about a wasted park day lol.

 

[jenny105]

Day 1 sounds great! I'm with you on where did March go? I can't believe it's almost April already. Almost time for me to make my ADRs!

Disney dreams are the worst. I had one a few weeks ago. I can't remember exactly what happened but we weren't able to leave the hotel for some reason. I really wanted to get to a park and it just wasn't happening & I was really upset! LOL

 

[Joyciemc]

I always have completely ridiculous trip nightmares. One time I think I dreamed that all of the resorts moved around and switched places, and I was all "But where did the Polynesian go?? And why is Caribbean Beach right here??"

I agree, March did fly by!

Your day 1 plans sound great! I've never done AK as a first day park, but it's fun to mix it up sometimes!

I have had the occaisonal dream where I actually get to a park, but they are normaly ridiculous and frustrating nightmares!

AK on the first day is a new concept for me.... but I got to thinking how so many people just spend the morning there, and that I've never seen it in the afternoon, and I bet it wouldn't be so crowded... figured I'd give it a shot!

I'm planning on Tusker House Breakfast on our first AK day and lunch on the second! Not a lot of dinning choices in AK so I figured why not!!

It's true- I really did not like Yak & Yeti counter service, so I've been hesitant to try the TS restaurant. I LOVE Flame Tree BBQ, but it gets a bit repetitive after a while!

I've been known to have "how many things can go wrong" pre-trip nightmares, too. It's so nice to wake up and realize that it was only a dream!

Your Day 1 plans sound great. We tend to push AK off to the middle of our stay, like it's Disney's red-headed step-park, so it's nice that you guys are gonna show it some love!

I really do like AK a lot... and I LOVE doing things opposite of how normal people do them So this is perfect!

Seriously, right?! Where has 2012 gone?? New Years feels like it was yesterday! Thrilled for the weather to warm up, though, honestly. (Even though this winter really wasn't bad at all!)
I love super early flights! You know you won't be sleeping late anyway, so why not start as early as possible??
Haha, love your Disney dream. I would also be upset about a wasted park day lol.

Between my friend's wedding and work, every single day of my life has been accounted for since the new year! Now I have a little time to myself, but the May trip is quickly approaching. I just hope summer goes by quickly- I canNOT wait for the October!!

Day 1 sounds great! I'm with you on where did March go? I can't believe it's almost April already. Almost time for me to make my ADRs!

Disney dreams are the worst. I had one a few weeks ago. I can't remember exactly what happened but we weren't able to leave the hotel for some reason. I really wanted to get to a park and it just wasn't happening & I was really upset! LOL

Your ADR day is so close!! Not to mention Scotland, then your cruise! Lucky!

Isn't it funny how we all have those terrible dreams? No real trip could ever be as bad as what my brain comes up with while I am sleeping!!

 

[Nermel9]

Haha, OMG your Disney nightmare sounds awful, but kind of funny at the same time!

I feel like March is taking forever! It's my least favorite month, though, so I guess that's why. I'm glad it's over in a few days, then it's April and we can both start thinking "I'm going to Disney next month!"

Wow, I can't believe it's almost ADR time for October! This is awful! Not for you, of course, but for me! We're supposed to be going in October, but I don't know what dates, and I was planning to book a bounceback trip when we're there in May, but how am I supposed to do ADR's when I have no dates AND no trip booked? I'm going to just have to book some day by day I guess. What a pain!

 

[Joyciemc]

Holy smokes, it's less than 40 days till my May trip!! And while I do have a plan, I pretty much would be happy just sitting at Old Key West poolside, with a drink, for the whole time. But don't worry- I'm sure we'll make it to the parks so the trip report won't be too boring!

But, moving on to what I came here to write:
Day 2 plans for October! Sunday, 10/14
We'll be up bright and early for our first full day. Since buying DVC, Ben and I have developed a traditional in-studio breakfast: bagels and coffee. Sometimes we mix it up with English muffins because we like to live on the wild side.
We plan to continue this tradition, to save a little money and time (both of which will be spent on food and alcohol later in the day, I am sure!!)

Off to the Magic Kingdom we'll go, because we're doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour!! After doing the Backstage Magic tour last year, Ben and I really wanted to do another one. Hilde and Sebastian were on board for KTTK, so the decision was made.
It's about 5 hours, so it'll end around 1:30. I've left it up in the air as to whether we'll hang out in MK after or head back to our resort for a break. As I type this, I am so tired that the idea of a break sounds heavenly. But once we are there in the park, it may be a totally different story- the Magic Kingdom has been super crowded every Sunday I've gone, so that alone may be enough to drive us out of the park.

At some point in the evening though, we will make our way to Epcot. I'm planning on dinner at San Angel Inn. We may sample a Food & Wine booth or two before or after dinner, since the temptation will be so strong!

All four of us are obsessed with Jellrolls, so that might be where we go after dinner, especially if we took a break earlier. It's a ridiculous amount of fun- expect to see this be a place we plan to visit more than once this trip!

And so ends Day 2. Can you handle all that awesomeness???? I know I can't!

 

[ronnmel]

Oh, the Keys to the Kingdom tour! Awesome! This one is definitely in my plans for a future trip, though it will be many years before we try it.

 

[Joyciemc]

Haha, OMG your Disney nightmare sounds awful, but kind of funny at the same time!

I feel like March is taking forever! It's my least favorite month, though, so I guess that's why. I'm glad it's over in a few days, then it's April and we can both start thinking "I'm going to Disney next month!"

Wow, I can't believe it's almost ADR time for October! This is awful! Not for you, of course, but for me! We're supposed to be going in October, but I don't know what dates, and I was planning to book a bounceback trip when we're there in May, but how am I supposed to do ADR's when I have no dates AND no trip booked? I'm going to just have to book some day by day I guess. What a pain!

You must've posted at the same time as me!

I don't like March either- it's not really winter, but not really spring... just lame. But I've been busy so it has flown by!

I love the last month before a WDW trip... doing things to get ready for the trip, anticipating it without getting depressed by how far away it is... I just love it!

Oh no! ADR planning does sound very difficult without a trip booked! I've had good luck booking late ADRs, but I've never gone in October, so I don't know if that will make it harder to get things...

 

[annmarieda]

Holy smokes, it's less than 40 days till my May trip!! And while I do have a plan, I pretty much would be happy just sitting at Old Key West poolside, with a drink, for the whole time. But don't worry- I'm sure we'll make it to the parks so the trip report won't be too boring!

But, moving on to what I came here to write:
Day 2 plans for October! Sunday, 10/14
We'll be up bright and early for our first full day. Since buying DVC, Ben and I have developed a traditional in-studio breakfast: bagels and coffee. Sometimes we mix it up with English muffins because we like to live on the wild side.
We plan to continue this tradition, to save a little money and time (both of which will be spent on food and alcohol later in the day, I am sure!!)

Off to the Magic Kingdom we'll go, because we're doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour!! After doing the Backstage Magic tour last year, Ben and I really wanted to do another one. Hilde and Sebastian were on board for KTTK, so the decision was made.
It's about 5 hours, so it'll end around 1:30. I've left it up in the air as to whether we'll hang out in MK after or head back to our resort for a break. As I type this, I am so tired that the idea of a break sounds heavenly. But once we are there in the park, it may be a totally different story- the Magic Kingdom has been super crowded every Sunday I've gone, so that alone may be enough to drive us out of the park.

At some point in the evening though, we will make our way to Epcot. I'm planning on dinner at San Angel Inn. We may sample a Food & Wine booth or two before or after dinner, since the temptation will be so strong!

All four of us are obsessed with Jellrolls, so that might be where we go after dinner, especially if we took a break earlier. It's a ridiculous amount of fun- expect to see this be a place we plan to visit more than once this trip!

And so ends Day 2. Can you handle all that awesomeness???? I know I can't!

The awesomeness is too much

Seriously though, looks like a great day...especially the tour!

 

[sophie832]

We went tour crazy on our first trip to WDW and did Around the World on a Segway, Behind the Seeds, and the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains. Then the second time we went we did the Wild Africa Trek. KTTK was another one we wanted to do, but didn't get the chance. I hear great things about it!

Never been to Jellyrolls...I know It's scary.