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

[Imagineer5]

Your park days sound really fun and pretty laid back on the plans too which I like! You're going to have a blast. Cant believe your may trip is so close too! How exciting!

 

[amazingact21]

It's nice that you all are taking some time apart to do what you want. Vacations can turn into a stressful situation at times, and it's nice to diffuse that with some alone time. Plus, it'll give you guys a chance to enjoy Epcot on Segways.

 

[smile4stamps]

That day sounds like fun! I'd love to do a Segway tour but unfortunately they have a weight limit

I think a small break from the other couple is a good thing... Sometimes you just need some time to yourselves! But it sounds like you both have fun things planned so it should be a good morning!!

Jellyrolls! Oh were or were do I fit you in?!?! I must find a place for it!

 

[jenny105]

Jellyrolls is so much fun! We went there in 2010 and I think our party managed to eat that entire machine's worth of popcorn.

There are way too many restaurants to choose from in Disney! I was always second guessing what I had picked but I'm happy with how it ended up

 

[Joyciemc]

Um, 28 days till I go to Disney?!?!?!?! How the heck did that happen? Time is crazy!
Hope everyone has a nice Easter, if that's your thing. If it's not your thing, I hope you have a nice day!

I'm at work, and it is creepy quiet. But I have an adorable pit bull named Sammy hanging out in my office to keep me company (he snores, heehee)

I bet you're going to have so much fun at MNSSHP! We can't wait to go this year too! I am really, really excited about the parade. It seems amazing!

I am just so happy that I finally get to see go to MNSSHP!

Your park days sound really fun and pretty laid back on the plans too which I like! You're going to have a blast. Cant believe your may trip is so close too! How exciting!

Yes- I am trying to keep from over scheduling, it makes me feel like the trip is longer when we have more free time in the plan!

It's nice that you all are taking some time apart to do what you want. Vacations can turn into a stressful situation at times, and it's nice to diffuse that with some alone time. Plus, it'll give you guys a chance to enjoy Epcot on Segways.

Exactly- we mostly want the same things out of this trip, but I am completely fine with splitting up when we want different things. Much easier than trying to get everyone to want the same stuff!

That day sounds like fun! I'd love to do a Segway tour but unfortunately they have a weight limit

I think a small break from the other couple is a good thing... Sometimes you just need some time to yourselves! But it sounds like you both have fun things planned so it should be a good morning!!

Jellyrolls! Oh were or were do I fit you in?!?! I must find a place for it!

I love Jellyrolls SO much. Since Adventurer's Club closed , it has become my go-to night spot.

Jellyrolls is so much fun! We went there in 2010 and I think our party managed to eat that entire machine's worth of popcorn.

There are way too many restaurants to choose from in Disney! I was always second guessing what I had picked but I'm happy with how it ended up

Haha, I definitely ate a ton of that popcorn! Holy salty and addicting!

 

[PixieMama]

Less than a month, woohoo!

 

[smile4stamps]

Ahh! To be going to Disney next month! That would be awesome! I guess I will just have to suffer with going to Colorado and Las Vegas!

I hope you have a wonderful trip! It sounds like a wonderful time with your friend!

 

[Joyciemc]

Less than a month, woohoo!

Ahh! To be going to Disney next month! That would be awesome! I guess I will just have to suffer with going to Colorado and Las Vegas!

I hope you have a wonderful trip! It sounds like a wonderful time with your friend!

Every time that I remember how close my trip with Mark is getting, I am surprised! Time is doing that weird thing though, where it went by pretty quick but I still feel like more than 3 weeks is a REALLY long time!

 

[Nermel9]

Time is doing that weird thing though, where it went by pretty quick but I still feel like more than 3 weeks is a REALLY long time!

Ugh that's exactly how I feel! I'm ready, I just want it to be May and for our trips to be here!!!

 

[Joyciemc]

Mark and I spent a good part of yesterday texting back and forth about how excited we are for May. It's mostly just a lot of exclamation points and 'can't wait's
I was trying to explain why I am so excited for Old Key West- he's never been there, but Ben and I stayed one night on our last trip and I am so glad to be going back to spend more time there.

This is what I was trying to explain:

Ahhhh... so peaceful!


ADR day is coming up soon for October. I really haven't spent much time worrying about making them for several trips now, so it's kinda weird to be so aware of the 180 day mark this time around! In fact, our last couple of trips were booked inside of 6 months, anyway, so we missed the ADR day. And we never had trouble getting what we wanted. I'll still make them as soon as I can because it's an excuse to do something trip related!!

In that vein, here are the Day 6 plans for October:

This is the day that I've settled on for us to do a resort hop bar crawl of sorts. We'll try to swim at a few places, too (legally- DVCers on points can pool hop, remember!). The places I want to go are based mostly on resorts that either have good bars or are just places I want to visit.
The list (this is not complete, and totally subject to change!):
Yacht Club- Crew's Cup Lounge
Saratoga Springs- Turf Club Bar
Boardwalk- Belle Vue Lounge
Caribbean Beach- Banana Cabana Pool Bar. This is a resort that I just really, really wanna see!
Coronado Springs- Rix Lounge

Those are the ones that I most want to stop at. Of course, relying on Disney transportation will make this an adventure (which alcohol will not make easier! ), so I'm not sure how many places we will end up. No worries, though- even if we relax at just one place it will be an awesome day! Lunch isn't scheduled, I figured we'd get something CS at one of these resorts.

The plan for dinner is to head to DHS for an ADR at Mama Melrose. I have been wanting to try this for a while, and this will be the perfect time! The park itself may be crowded, but since dinner is our main goal, I don't think it'll be a problem. We'll have the park admission, anyway so no big deal!

There you have it- another super laid back day.

 

[annmarieda]

I like the super relaxed day!

If you do end up at CSR and are super hungry, remember that their cs there is a buffet... we ate there in december and I will go back. it was pretty darn good.

Love the pics of OKW, btw! Makes me think it has got to be on my list of places to stay.

 

[AKL LOVER]

I love the idea of a Disney resort bar crawl!

Oh and I cannot wait to try jellyrolls later this week after hearing you talk it up so much!! Woot! BTW, I've been meaning to ask, do they have food there?

 

[Joyciemc]

I like the super relaxed day!

If you do end up at CSR and are super hungry, remember that their cs there is a buffet... we ate there in december and I will go back. it was pretty darn good.

Love the pics of OKW, btw! Makes me think it has got to be on my list of places to stay.

That is very good to know, thank you!

At least take the boat from DtD to visit OKW- the Hospitality House area is incredible!

 

[Joyciemc]

I love the idea of a Disney resort bar crawl!

Oh and I cannot wait to try jellyrolls later this week after hearing you talk it up so much!! Woot! BTW, I've been meaning to ask, do they have food there?

I am 90% sure there is no food at Jellyrolls, unless you count the baskets of popcorn they supply you with. Definitely eat before you go!
And bring small bills so you can request songs- I already have a mental list of songs I want them to play!


Also- ONE DAY til Disney??? SO excited for you!

 

[amazingact21]

A resort bar crawl... That sounds like an awesome idea! I could never do that, because I'd pass out after 2 resorts, but it sounds like it'll make for a great day.


Waiting for that 180 day mark can be distracting if you are preparing on making ADRs immediately. I'm kind of like you and have waited a bit before making reservations, so I'd just want that 180 marker to come and pass so it could be done.

 

[Joyciemc]

A resort bar crawl... That sounds like an awesome idea! I could never do that, because I'd pass out after 2 resorts, but it sounds like it'll make for a great day.


Waiting for that 180 day mark can be distracting if you are preparing on making ADRs immediately. I'm kind of like you and have waited a bit before making reservations, so I'd just want that 180 marker to come and pass so it could be done.

We have practice: Bar crawls are the go-to way for the four of us to celebrate birthdays and other milestones. I'm not saying they don't sometimes end sloppy, but we usually do okay!
Seriously, though- I'm thinking this will be more about seeing parts of WDW that we've never seen before and soaking up the resorts' atmosphere. With just a drink here or there.

I don't think I have a single ADR that will be hard to get... I am still changing ones for my May trip with no problem, and that's only 3 weeks away. The only thing I am mildly concerned about is getting the tours we want at the right days/times. Mostly I just want the trip to be closer!

 

[Joyciemc]

I forgot a piece of the day 6 plan! We'll be starting off our relaxing day with breakfast at Boma. This is a place that Ben didn't love when we tried it on our first trip, so we haven't been back (though I am going with Mark in May!) But he liked the sound of the breakfast menu, so we'll give it a try! Yum!


We have settled on MNSSHP costumes! Muppets!!! I am so excited- I've already been doing some research and getting ideas for mine. I take costumes very seriously. I think I'll save details for the TR- gotta have some surprises, right?

Our Day 7 plans are pretty simple, but Disney threw a wrench in them...

It's going to be a MK day, hopefully with rope drop. No lunch plans, so we will either get CS in the park (I am addicted to CHH) or eat during a break at our resort.. Side note: can I explain how my brain is not comprehending the fact that we are staying at BLT? In my plans/notes I keep accounting for a ton of time when taking breaks from the MK. Then I remember we are staying right there

Anyway, evening plans were supposed to include HDDR, but that seems to be scheduled to be down during our trip. We are all pretty bummed about this. I haven't really figured out an alternative plan. We still want to to the Haunted Carriage ride, so I want to eat close by-ish.
So that give us:
Contemporary restaurants: I LOVE California Grill, but Ben seems less inclined to return there. Neither of us wants to go back to the Wave. Chef Mickey... hmmm, could be fun?

Wilderness Lodge restaurants: Ben and I ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe twice last year, so we are kinda ready to give that a rest. Artist Point has looked amazing in TRs I've read, but the menu on Allears looks pretty heavy on the seafood options, and our friends don't do seafood.

Ft. Wilderness restaurants: Trails End Buffet. I know most people wouldn't travel to eat here, but if we want to end up over here anyway, it's an option! The food is simple, but by all accounts tasty. And it's reasonable priced. Plus, we'd get to check out more of an area of WDW that we haven't really explored much.

I'm going to give these options to Hilde & Sebastian and see what they think... anyone have opinions/advice?

 

[annmarieda]

Muppets sound fun for costumes! I can't wait to see how those turn out.

As for where to eat... Artist point looked really yummy to me. Our room at Wl was near an alcove we had to pass to get to the lobby...and it overlooked AP. Never ate there...or any of the places that you mentioned... so that is the only input I can give... it looked yummy, oh... and the restaurant itself was pretty.

 

[jenny105]

I'm bummed that HDDR is going to be closed too! I really wanted to go there. We chose WCC as a replacement. We're planning on going to FW afterward to do the Haunted Carriage ride. I've never been to any of the places you're considering so I'm no help there.

 

[Joyciemc]

Muppets sound fun for costumes! I can't wait to see how those turn out.

As for where to eat... Artist point looked really yummy to me. Our room at Wl was near an alcove we had to pass to get to the lobby...and it overlooked AP. Never ate there...or any of the places that you mentioned... so that is the only input I can give... it looked yummy, oh... and the restaurant itself was pretty.

After a round of votes, I think we have a new plan!

I'm bummed that HDDR is going to be closed too! I really wanted to go there. We chose WCC as a replacement. We're planning on going to FW afterward to do the Haunted Carriage ride. I've never been to any of the places you're considering so I'm no help there.

I really like WCC! If we hadn't been there twice in the past year, it definitely would have been a contender!