From Certifiably Insane to Shockingly Lucid: 10/20 - TR Link Posted, We're Back!!!

[lovedonaldduck]

Very brave to camp. We stayed in the cabins in April with my parents and it was awesome, but definitely not cost effective for 2 people, with 5 people we felt like we were getting a great deal. My parents and I camped tons when I was little but I must have outgrown it, I know require a 4 star hotel If it were me I would be looking nonstop for great deals at a value resort. I have turned into such a girlie girl.

 

[lurkyloo]

My DH is from Philadelphia and loves each Rocky movie more than the last.

Wait a minute - so your DH thinks that Rocky V - the most reviled episode in the entire franchise - was better than Rocky IV?

C
To keep the trip on the cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeap---I think we might camp!!

For two nights at the FW campground it's under $100, less if I can get a AAA discount! We'll be able to use the ME, we'll be able to use WDW transportation and we'll be able to go for under $600 which was the original plan. We can borrow a tent from my DB, an air matress from my DFIL and check one bag with all of our gear.

You ARE crazy!

OK, I hate camping so I don't know much about it, but I know enough to know that you need more than a tent and an air mattress. I'm pretty sure you also need sleeping bags, pillows, s'more fixings, folding chairs, red flannel stuff, a canoe (there's always one in the SUV ads!), mini fridge, battery-operated hair-straightening iron, generator-powered dehumidifier, Persian rugs, Victrola, and a portable Tiffany chandelier. I'm pretty sure....

 

[annnewjerz]

Wait a minute - so your DH thinks that Rocky V - the most reviled episode in the entire franchise - was better than Rocky IV?

Uh...I think you are forgetting Rocky Balboa, the most recent installment of the Rocky movies.

OK, I hate camping so I don't know much about it, but I know enough to know that you need more than a tent and an air mattress. I'm pretty sure you also need sleeping bags, pillows, s'more fixings, folding chairs, red flannel stuff, a canoe (there's always one in the SUV ads!), mini fridge, battery-operated hair-straightening iron, generator-powered dehumidifier, Persian rugs, Victrola, and a portable Tiffany chandelier. I'm pretty sure....

No way! Tent, air mattress, sheets & pillows and a lantern and you're set! I do the whole "camping" thing fairly often (and by fairly often I mean like 5 times as a child in a RV )---but each time I have conveniently overlooked the portable Tiffany chandelier.....hmmmm....I'll have to add that to my packing list and alert DH of the change in plans.

Seriously, what would all of us lost and confused DISers do without you here for guidance???

 

[annnewjerz]

So---as many (or the three people reading) know, I have been making lots of changes to my October trip, and shocker---I have made some more. These will in no way be the last set of changes, but it's something new to write about!!

Here is the progression of the trip so far:

Original Plan: Drive to WDW, stay at off-site hotel and spend wedding anniversary at MNSSHP on October 9.

Updated Plan: Fly to WDW, stay at on-site hotel and spend wedding anniversary at MNSSHP.

Second Updated Plan: Fly to WDW, stay on-site at campgrounds. Get in for free on my birthday (October 17) and spend October 18 at MNSSHP.

So----as you can see, "Second Updated Plan" is where we left off. Here is the new plan, appropriately called "Third Updated Plan":

Third Updated Plan: Fly to WDW, stay on-site at POP. Get in for free on my birthday and attend MNSSHP on October 18.

No more camping for us!! Right now we are one step away from my ideal weekend. The last thing I am waiting on is an earlier departing flight (right now we get there at 3:45) and switching airports from BWI to PHL. If all goes well, I should be able to make those changes within the next month or so----and then it's time for costume planning!!

Since we are no longer driving just to attend MNSSHP, I think it would be best for me to change the title of my PTR. Now I've just got to think of a new name

 

[MissMet]

Subscribing to my favorite Photography-Diser's PTR!!

...even though she IS a Phillies fan & I AM a Mets fan- who would of thought & on the eve of our 4 game series.

Can't wait to catch up on what I've missed already.

 

[annnewjerz]

So, this weekend was Independence Day and overall we had a really great time. No real trip updates (sorry!!) but I do have some really fun pics from the weekend I thought I would share.

Friday, DH and I both had off of work. We went to a Phillies v. Mets game in Philly and (hooray!) the Phils won. Great seats, perfect weather, a cheesesteak and a win to boot!

Saturday was our annual family picnic. There was BBQ, horseshoes, music, fireworks, friends---it was a great time. We had a fireworks mishap (it shot into the crowd watching instead of the sky and some people got a little burnt) but other than that---tons of fun.

Here are some pictures that I took.

Family.

Hubby (Erik).

Mom (Lois).

Brother (Chris).

Cousin (Carly).

PopPop (Frank).

Now for some fun ones, inspired by a recent thread on the Photo Board.

That's all I've got for right now, hopefully that gives you a little peak into what I might bring back from my trips to The World in October 9and December!)

 

[DisneysRedhead]

I love this idea! I don't think it is crazy at all! I'm almost sad that I can't go for MNSSH but atleast I'll be there when the X-mas decorations are up.

I love your 4th of July pics! They are so awesome!

 

[annnewjerz]

I love this idea! I don't think it is crazy at all! I'm almost sad that I can't go for MNSSH but atleast I'll be there when the X-mas decorations are up.

I love your 4th of July pics! They are so awesome!

Thanks! I'm glad I'm getting the chance to go to MNSSHP since we've never been---but the Christmas decorations are what I'm really looking forward to! Can't wait!

 

[annnewjerz]

So for anyone who may be out there reading this PTR---I'd really appreciate some input. My call-in day for ADRs is July 19th, less than two weeks now!! If I can't get it here, I'll just have to ask the DISers on the Restaurant Board

We'll be arriving in WDW on my birthday for this mini-trip and I'd really like to have one sit-down meal while we're in The World. I figured my birthday would be the best day to take advantage (can we say "free dessert" anyone?? ) and I'm having some trouble deciding where to go.

We will be going to MK that day around 3:00 or so probably, and I would like to make an ADR for dinner. Here are my thoughts, any other opinions would be greatly appreciated though

1. The Plaza Restaurant: We are doing this trip on the cheap and from what I understand---you can get the best burgers, fries and shakes here. Also, I might have a chance at meeting The Mayor which seems like it would be a lot of fun AND it's in the park we will be visiting that day.

2. The Wave: It seems to get great reviews, but I'm worried this will be a little pricey (i.e. filet mignon for dinner). The trip is supposed to be my present, so the food is the icing on the cake and unfortunately for this trip---the icing needs to be spread a littttttle thin.

3. Whispering Canyon Cafe: It's in the Wilderness Lodge, so only a hop, skip and jump from MK. They've got food I know DH would enjoy (ribs, biscuits, etc.) and a never ending milkshake??! How can you go wrong with that?

4. Beaches and Cream: It's a little out of the way and if we went here, we would probably go to the park as soon as we got settled at the hotel and then our "break" would be cabbing it to B&C for dinner. Again, I hear they have great burgers and the No Way Jose looks insaaaaane---but maybe this would be better saved for our trip in December when we'll be staying at BWV.

5. Other: We can't enter another park on this day and we will be going to DTD the day of our departure, so I'd probably prefer not to make a trip over there unless there is a really good reason to. Any other opinions on where to go??

I'm sure this will get zero responses, but I'm really at an impasse here and would like someone else's two cents on the situation.

WWYD??

 

[annnewjerz]

This sure is disappointing. If pictures can't get any comments and talk of food can't get any comments---I think I'm in for a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong 3 more months.

I'm still optimistic that I can get some people on board for my TRs---I'm convinced PTRs are much more boring and much lower in readers than TRs, or at least that's what I'm telling myself

I guess I will have to pose my question to the foodies on the Restaurant Board instead.

To anyone who even considered responding to my cry for help regarding my birthday meal---thanks for the thought!!

 

[scoot241]

I haven't been to any of those places, so I'm not much help.

I considered Beaches and Cream for my trip in Sept., but went with Teppan Edo instead.

I love the light painting pictures though. I must have skipped over that thread in the Photography Board. Something I need to try sometime, but there's lots of things I need to try with my camera.

 

[lurkyloo]

OK, I'm back in town and ready to offer my opinions on things!!!

I figured my birthday would be the best day to take advantage (can we say "free dessert" anyone?? ) and I'm having some trouble deciding where to go.

OK, if free dessert is the objective, I can tell you the only place you're guaranteed to get one is the Plaza, and even then you may have to ask! But they seem to pass out these birthday cupcakes like, well, candy!

As for the Wave - can you guys split a meal? That's our secret to eating at table service restaurants on the cheap. Even if you are a hearty eater, I guarantee that splitting a Disney-sized appetizer, entree and dessert will fill you up!

Whispering Canyon will be fun if you're in the mood for rowdy and raucous, and Beaches and Cream's burgers are good, but they aren't, like, amazing, so don't go out of your way if you'll be much closer in December.

Other: Well, California Grill can't be beat, but if you're worried about the Wave being too spendy, then it's definitely out. Still, you could split stuff, and you'd have a better shot at that free dessert! In other spendy restaurant news, I don't really recommend Narcoossee's, and Citricos was just "meh" in my book.

... Sez I!!!

 

[annnewjerz]

OK, I'm back in town and ready to offer my opinions on things!!!




OK, if free dessert is the objective, I can tell you the only place you're guaranteed to get one is the Plaza, and even then you may have to ask! But they seem to pass out these birthday cupcakes like, well, candy!

As for the Wave - can you guys split a meal? That's our secret to eating at table service restaurants on the cheap. Even if you are a hearty eater, I guarantee that splitting a Disney-sized appetizer, entree and dessert will fill you up!

Whispering Canyon will be fun if you're in the mood for rowdy and raucous, and Beaches and Cream's burgers are good, but they aren't, like, amazing, so don't go out of your way if you'll be much closer in December.

Other: Well, California Grill can't be beat, but if you're worried about the Wave being too spendy, then it's definitely out. Still, you could split stuff, and you'd have a better shot at that free dessert! In other spendy restaurant news, I don't really recommend Narcoossee's, and Citricos was just "meh" in my book.

... Sez I!!!

As always, thank you for the Lurkyloo review on where the best eats would be.

In your very expert opinion, how was the cupcake or wasn't it yours to eat? I'll have to take a peek back at your TR to get an official review. You are one of the reasons I'm considering The Plaza. We like the typical burgers and shakes meal in Disney and the Mayor seems like a hoot (if he graced us with his presence).

As for The Wave---we could most definitely split all of our stuff, didn't really think of that to be honest. At home, we're typically meal splitters and sometimes even same siders (when it comes to sitting in a booth, pathetic I know ). Seeing that our last trip was in 07, I didn't remember too much about WDW portion sizes other than when we went with Free Dining back when they had the app, the entree AND the dessert we were stuffed to capacity. I had attributed it to the fact that you got three courses each, but most of the time we couldn't even make it to dessert---it was an insane amount of food to be expected to eat.

Luckily in December, we'll be able to have some pricier meals. Still trying to decide between Jiko, Flying Fish or California Grill. We aren't big on sushi, so I didn't know if CG seemed like a good place to pick. It seems that all I hear about is how great their sushi is.

Edited to add: Okay so I just looked through the first 20 or so pages of your TR for May and found your birthday cupcake review. (1) I completely forgot it was noone's birthday--hilarious; (2) everything looks so yummy, probably b/c of the Roots but who cares; and (3) NOW I REMEMBER! "Almost too sweet" was what you said about the b-day cupcake. Hmmmm. I'm thinking that the taste of free would overpower the sweetness, but we'll see

 

[annnewjerz]

I haven't been to any of those places, so I'm not much help.

I considered Beaches and Cream for my trip in Sept., but went with Teppan Edo instead.

I love the light painting pictures though. I must have skipped over that thread in the Photography Board. Something I need to try sometime, but there's lots of things I need to try with my camera.

Sorry Scoot---missed your reply! Yeah the thread on the Photo Board with the light painting is pretty cool, if you ever need inspiration---look to Jeff (Gdad) , it seems that every day he is coming up with something new and creative.

It was really simple and incredibly fun. Next time, I'm going to try to get a little more intricate with what I "paint"---who knows, maybe in a few months I'll be posting a replica of the Mona Lisa

 

[scoot241]

Sorry Scoot---missed your reply! Yeah the thread on the Photo Board with the light painting is pretty cool, if you ever need inspiration---look to Jeff (Gdad) , it seems that every day he is coming up with something new and creative.

It was really simple and incredibly fun. Next time, I'm going to try to get a little more intricate with what I "paint"---who knows, maybe in a few months I'll be posting a replica of the Mona Lisa

Yeah, Jeff and Mark are always pushing the limit. I've only had my XSi for a couple of months, so I still have a ton to learn.

 

[lurkyloo]

Luckily in December, we'll be able to have some pricier meals. Still trying to decide between Jiko, Flying Fish or California Grill. We aren't big on sushi, so I didn't know if CG seemed like a good place to pick. It seems that all I hear about is how great their sushi is.

Oh no - do you have to choose?

OK, if you do, my experience has been that Jiko is consistently the best. We've eaten there... three or four times now, and it's always top-notch. We've done CA Grill twice. The first time it was good but I wasn't sure what the hype was about. The second time it was REALLY good, so maybe I shouldn't have ordered a boring old filet that first time.

As for Flying Fish, we've eaten there twice and were underwhelmed both times - even by the ever-popular potato-wrapped red snapper. I'd definitely take bluezoo over Flying Fish any day...

Also, re: the deal with CA Grill and sushi, all I can think is that the people who rave about it come from places where sushi is not readily available. As I like to say, in L.A., you can practically get sushi at the laundromat, so it was not a must-try at CA Grill. There is *plenty* of other stuff on the menu to eat....

People also rave about CA Grill's flatbread, which is similarly confounding to me - what is the deal with Orlando and flatbread? All the restaurants offer it like it's, I dunno, the second coming of Wolfgang Puck's gourmet pizza!

Edited to add: Okay so I just looked through the first 20 or so pages of your TR for May and found your birthday cupcake review. (1) I completely forgot it was noone's birthday--hilarious; (2) everything looks so yummy, probably b/c of the Roots but who cares; and (3) NOW I REMEMBER! "Almost too sweet" was what you said about the b-day cupcake. Hmmmm. I'm thinking that the taste of free would overpower the sweetness, but we'll see

Hey, it's free - I say go for it!

 

[annnewjerz]

Oh no - do you have to choose?

Unfortunately, I do I might be able to convince DH to do two Signature dinners---but it's doubtful.

OK, if you do, my experience has been that Jiko is consistently the best. We've eaten there... three or four times now, and it's always top-notch. We've done CA Grill twice. The first time it was good but I wasn't sure what the hype was about. The second time it was REALLY good, so maybe I shouldn't have ordered a boring old filet that first time.

As for Flying Fish, we've eaten there twice and were underwhelmed both times - even by the ever-popular potato-wrapped red snapper. I'd definitely take bluezoo over Flying Fish any day...

Also, re: the deal with CA Grill and sushi, all I can think is that the people who rave about it come from places where sushi is not readily available. As I like to say, in L.A., you can practically get sushi at the laundromat, so it was not a must-try at CA Grill. There is *plenty* of other stuff on the menu to eat....

People also rave about CA Grill's flatbread, which is similarly confounding to me - what is the deal with Orlando and flatbread? All the restaurants offer it like it's, I dunno, the second coming of Wolfgang Puck's gourmet pizza!

I'm glad Jiko gets your since that was the one I was leaning towards. We went to FF in 2007 and had a really great meal (I had the red snapper and it was gooooood). I was thinking of going back because we loved it so much last time, but I guess when there are so many other great places to try---why do one a second time in two years? PLUS, we don't really have any other dinners in the plan that would really serve a great steak, so we may just end up with Jiko when all is said and done.

Hey, it's free - I say go for it!

I'm going to milk my birthday/anniversary for all it's worth. I won't be wearing the special ears---but I'll be displaying my buttons with enthusiasm in the most prominent place I can think of!! Whatever I can get for free, I'll take it!

 

[annnewjerz]

So, I'd like to take a moment to do something that I have been itching to do for quite a few months now...it's time for...


THE DOUBLE-DIGIT DANCE

That's right, folks. In a mere 99 days not only will it be my birthday, but we will be arriving in WDW to celebrate and attend MNSSHP on the 18th.

9 more days until ADR time, it's time to get serious!

 

[Villainess]

Coming over from the Photography board - great PTR so far.

I am going to recommend The Plaza for your bday since you will be in the MK, good food, and I think in the 2 times I ate there during my 19 day still in Apr/May there was about 10 minutes where the servers were NOT singing Happy Birthday, anniversary, etc and bringing out cupcakes!

 

[annnewjerz]

Coming over from the Photography board - great PTR so far.

I am going to recommend The Plaza for your bday since you will be in the MK, good food, and I think in the 2 times I ate there during my 19 day still in Apr/May there was about 10 minutes where the servers were NOT singing Happy Birthday, anniversary, etc and bringing out cupcakes!

Woohoo! Welcome to my very very sad and somewhat neglected PTR.

Glad to hear good things about the Plaza---I can't imagine a much better birthday than being in WDW and getting a free cupcake, it's got to be only one step below winning the MegaMillions

Anywho, stay tuned. The PTR portion of this is sadly going to be less than exciting, but I'm looking forward to doing a mini-photo TR when I get back.