Gas up the car & point it towards Florida! Road Trip, July 2012!...UPDATE 8/5/12

[Leshaface]

I lost the URL for your cruise...can you repost?

Just in case the hurricane Irene sweeps her away , here's the link

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1458826

 

[bangzoom6877]

I lost the URL for your cruise...can you repost?



I would think someplace relaxing would be nice. Sanaa would be cool because you could see the animals and it would sort of feel like you had been to a theme park. Most of the other WDW resort restaurants are not as relaxing, although I would say that the Turf Club at SSR certianly has a nice steak/prime rib.

Leshaface beat me to it and posted the link to my cruise review!

I was thinking the same thing as you, that Animal Kingdom Lodge/Villas would be a great place to go for lunch, since we could see the animals. More relaxing and low-key than rushing to go to a theme park late morning/early afternoon. It's funny, I also thought about Turf Club...it seems like it would be a relaxing place to go, and the menu looks good for lunch. Grand Floridian Cafe seems to have a nice menu too, as does The Wave. We shall see...but, I would like to head to DTD after lunch to do some shopping. So, I am wondering if we should just go to Wolfgang Puck Express or Earl Of Sandwich like last time. But then again...a nice sit-down lunch sounds so much more appealing!

Wow your NYE party sounded amazing! I'm not sure what we're going to be doing this year for NYE. It's usually all over the place, but I'd like to have some type of tradition. Some years we go with my sister-in-laws family to the TDS Hall (a portuguese hall) for a formal dinner with alcoholic drinks included in the price, but I'd really like to do something more low key this year. And have LOTS of yummy food and drinks. So we'll see. I guess I have a while to think about it

Um you MUST give me that recipe when it starts to get cooler please. Sounds easy and yummy!



Yay! Glad it is set in stone now!

Oh goodness, I wonder if you'll even be hungry enough for a late breakfast at Boma if you decide to eat breakfast that morning at your hotel. It sounds like you have a lot of options to play with, which I guess can be good and bad For me personally, I would want to eat as many places at WDW as I could.

AND I must say, i'm quite surprised that you don't have some idea of where your ADR's are going to be at! Or do you, and you're just leaving us in suspense?!

I have a pretty good idea of the restaurants (at least most of them) that we will go to. I will post more on that later, for sure! I think you are right...we should save Boma breakfast for a different day. I think the morning we are heading to SeaWorld would be good, since we will be driving to SeaWorld anyway...so we could just drive to AKL first!

Just in case the hurricane Irene sweeps her away , here's the link

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1458826

Thanks so much for posting this! I am a little nervous about this hurricane, but we are not in a mandatory evacuation zone so that is keeping me calmer. I went to the local (smaller) grocery store today to re-stock on things like fruit, salad, milk, and waffles for the boys. DH made a lot of coffee and put it in the fridge in our iced coffee pitcher...he said that at least if the power goes out, we have coffee! But, we could always light the stove with a match, boil some water, and use the French Press for coffee.

They are shutting down the entire NYC subway system, plus buses won't be running, as of noon tomorrow. Sunday is going to be the worst of it. And here I thought I was better off not living in Florida!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Leshaface...I almost forgot...the recipe for warm chocolate mud cake:

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
6 tbsp. butter (or oil...I use canola oil)
2 oz. semisweet chocolate (or 1/3 cup chocolate chips)
1 cup sugar (separated: 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup)
3 tbsp. plus 1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 cup milk
1 egg yolk
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups hot water
whipped cream or ice cream

Instructions:

1. Coat the inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. (Cake's cooking time and final appearance will vary depending on slow cooker size)
2. Whisk together flour and baking powder in medium bowl and set aside.
3. In large bowl, melt chocolate and butter (or mix with oil, then melt) in the microwave (took 1 minute for my microwave). (Double boiler could also be used.
4. Whisk 2/3 cup sugar, 3 tbsp. cocoa, vanilla extract, salt, milk, and ehh yolk into the melted chocolate. Add flour mixture and stir until thoroughly mixed.
5. Pour batter into slow cooker and spread evenly.
6. In medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, the rest of the cocoa, and the hot water until sugar is dissolved.
7. Pour the mixture over the batter in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your slow cooker. (I have a big slow cooker...6 or 7 quarts...and it takes an hour and a half)
8. Even when done, cake will be very moist and floating on a layer of molten chocolate. You will know it's ready when nearly all of the cake is set and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pot. (As you check, try not to let the condensed steam from the lid drip onto the cake)
9. When it's done, turn off the power and remove the lid. Let it cool for 25 minutes, then serve it in bowls with whipped cream or ice cream. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

This is very addictive, and dangerously easy to make! Enjoy!

 

[franandaj]

Wow your NYE party sounded amazing! I'm not sure what we're going to be doing this year for NYE. It's usually all over the place, but I'd like to have some type of tradition.

We started a tradition of going to a NYE party at DL the year her father passed, this will be the third year we go and I made our reservations at 11 months!

Just in case the hurricane Irene sweeps her away , here's the link

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1458826

Thanks! I'm reading it now!

I am a little nervous about this hurricane, but we are not in a mandatory evacuation zone so that is keeping me calmer. I went to the local (smaller) grocery store today to re-stock on things like fruit, salad, milk, and waffles for the boys. DH made a lot of coffee and put it in the fridge in our iced coffee pitcher...he said that at least if the power goes out, we have coffee! But, we could always light the stove with a match, boil some water, and use the French Press for coffee.

They are shutting down the entire NYC subway system, plus buses won't be running, as of noon tomorrow. Sunday is going to be the worst of it. And here I thought I was better off not living in Florida!

I hope everything goes OK for you, at least you are prepared with the coffee! I'm watching the news footage of North Carolina and it looks pretty ominous.

Leshaface...I almost forgot...the recipe for warm chocolate mud cake:

This is very addictive, and dangerously easy to make! Enjoy!

I copied this recipe and put it in my computer recipe file. I can't even read it right now, I'm trying to lose 30 lbs before the end of September, I'm 28% of the way there, and I can't risk any slip ups!

 

[bangzoom6877]

We started a tradition of going to a NYE party at DL the year her father passed, this will be the third year we go and I made our reservations at 11 months!

I hope everything goes OK for you, at least you are prepared with the coffee! I'm watching the news footage of North Carolina and it looks pretty ominous.

I copied this recipe and put it in my computer recipe file. I can't even read it right now, I'm trying to lose 30 lbs before the end of September, I'm 28% of the way there, and I can't risk any slip ups!

Our NYE tradition began 10 years ago, when my 10-year-old niece was a baby. We went to my sister's house each year, until we had DS6. Since then, my sister and I alternate whose house we go to. This year is our turn!

I am hoping we are OK with this hurricane too. It has rained pretty hard here today, a few times. We got lucky though...we went to the dentist this morning for check-ups, and literally within 5 minutes of coming home, it started coming down in buckets! The worst we were in this morning was a bit more than a light drizzle. Now we will be in the house until Monday.

None of us are in the mandatory evacuation zones. But, a couple of the evacuation areas are very close to us. DH took pics of the inside and outside of the house, all the walls, roof, ceilings, etc...just in case there is damage and we can show before pics.

I completely understand about making an effort to lose weight. I've been a Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers since November 2007 (joined when DS4 was 4 days old!), after losing 45 pounds. But when you see results, as you have been, it motivates you to continue...plus, I remember feeling much better physically after losing weight. I was very happy last night when the whole family completely devoured the cake I made (including myself, but I counted it on WW!). I prefer to make things like that when it will get eaten, you know, when there is at least a small crowd at my house. Of course, I just baked some brownies...but I figured out the WW points, and I am going to cut them up and freeze them in individual portions, because I still have something sweet each evening after dinner!

 

[Leshaface]

Thanks so much for posting this! I am a little nervous about this hurricane, but we are not in a mandatory evacuation zone so that is keeping me calmer. I went to the local (smaller) grocery store today to re-stock on things like fruit, salad, milk, and waffles for the boys. DH made a lot of coffee and put it in the fridge in our iced coffee pitcher...he said that at least if the power goes out, we have coffee! But, we could always light the stove with a match, boil some water, and use the French Press for coffee.

They are shutting down the entire NYC subway system, plus buses won't be running, as of noon tomorrow. Sunday is going to be the worst of it. And here I thought I was better off not living in Florida!

Oh wow SMART idea with the coffee. that's one of the first things I would be concerned with too.

Wow, I can't believe the subways will be closed. That's unbelievable. I really hope you and your family will be safe during all this. Are you doing anything else to prepare for it? I was watching on the news how a lot of homes/businesses were putting up boards over windows and blankets on the bottoms of doors to keep water from coming inside.

Leshaface...I almost forgot...the recipe for warm chocolate mud cake:

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
6 tbsp. butter (or oil...I use canola oil)
2 oz. semisweet chocolate (or 1/3 cup chocolate chips)
1 cup sugar (separated: 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup)
3 tbsp. plus 1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 cup milk
1 egg yolk
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups hot water
whipped cream or ice cream

Instructions:

1. Coat the inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. (Cake's cooking time and final appearance will vary depending on slow cooker size)
2. Whisk together flour and baking powder in medium bowl and set aside.
3. In large bowl, melt chocolate and butter (or mix with oil, then melt) in the microwave (took 1 minute for my microwave). (Double boiler could also be used.
4. Whisk 2/3 cup sugar, 3 tbsp. cocoa, vanilla extract, salt, milk, and ehh yolk into the melted chocolate. Add flour mixture and stir until thoroughly mixed.
5. Pour batter into slow cooker and spread evenly.
6. In medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, the rest of the cocoa, and the hot water until sugar is dissolved.
7. Pour the mixture over the batter in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your slow cooker. (I have a big slow cooker...6 or 7 quarts...and it takes an hour and a half)
8. Even when done, cake will be very moist and floating on a layer of molten chocolate. You will know it's ready when nearly all of the cake is set and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pot. (As you check, try not to let the condensed steam from the lid drip onto the cake)
9. When it's done, turn off the power and remove the lid. Let it cool for 25 minutes, then serve it in bowls with whipped cream or ice cream. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

This is very addictive, and dangerously easy to make! Enjoy!

Heavenly. Thank you!

We started a tradition of going to a NYE party at DL the year her father passed, this will be the third year we go and I made our reservations at 11 months!



I copied this recipe and put it in my computer recipe file. I can't even read it right now, I'm trying to lose 30 lbs before the end of September, I'm 28% of the way there, and I can't risk any slip ups!

Ugh, Alison, very jealous of your NYE tradition...can i be apart of your tradition please?!

Alison, I think you look fantastic! You definitely don't need to lose any weight

 

[bangzoom6877]

Oh wow SMART idea with the coffee. that's one of the first things I would be concerned with too.

Wow, I can't believe the subways will be closed. That's unbelievable. I really hope you and your family will be safe during all this. Are you doing anything else to prepare for it? I was watching on the news how a lot of homes/businesses were putting up boards over windows and blankets on the bottoms of doors to keep water from coming inside.

As far as preparations, we have a small backyard (concrete!), with 2 large sheds in the back of it (one for our stuff and the kids' bikes, and one with the rest of the kids' outdoor toys). There is a space between one of the sheds and the fence, enough room to fit the garbage cans, recycling cans, and BBQ grill. In March 2010, we had a very bad rain storm with heavy winds, and our BBQ grill was knocked over and ruined...so this one is barely a year and a half old, and we are hoping that it makes it through the storm! We were thinking of chaining it to the fence, but it could still sway in the wind and get knocked around, so this way at least it is not out in the open.

DH also took down our hanging plants from the front porch. There is nothing else we could do for the rest of the flowers...my rose bush made it through this past winter, and I hope it makes it through this storm too!

We didn't board up any windows or put anything under the doors. We are not in a low lying area, and we should be OK. We have a few flashlights...one is VERY strong and lights up the whole downstairs! We have plenty of batteries, and a case of water (already had that). I have 2 pantries full of food already, so we will be OK if the power goes out (which I expect it to). It will just be very hot and humid! We also have plenty of wine! And we will just have to *force* ourselves to drink the rest of the Killian's Red if the power goes out!

This reminds me...in the blackout of 2003 (also in August), my sister was 8 months pregnant with her youngest. I remember her sitting in the kiddie pool in the backyard to cool off, she couldn't take it. It was also one of the hottest days that summer. When the power went out, my mom had just finished putting away her groceries...our cousins were supposed to come over the following day for dinner and my mom had bought all this meat to make sauce. So, there she was that day...cooking meatballs and sauce for everyone, so the meat didn't go to waste! She lit the burners on the stove with a match and everything was fine...a homecooked meal! When it got dark, one of the local pizzerias set up his car on the sidewalk with the headlights on, and sold pizza until very late at night...the line was down the block!

Hmm...this gives me an idea...in 2003 after we had the blackout, when it was the first day of school, I did an ice-breaker with my classes...the question was, "Where were you when the lights went out?" I can do another one when classes resume in a week and a half..."Where were you during Hurricane Irene?"

I have to have a sense of humor about this, or I will drive myself crazy...all day on TV, nothing but hurricane talk. DH and DS6 just finished watching Fantasia to escape hurricane talk!

 

[Leshaface]

As far as preparations, we have a small backyard (concrete!), with 2 large sheds in the back of it (one for our stuff and the kids' bikes, and one with the rest of the kids' outdoor toys). There is a space between one of the sheds and the fence, enough room to fit the garbage cans, recycling cans, and BBQ grill. In March 2010, we had a very bad rain storm with heavy winds, and our BBQ grill was knocked over and ruined...so this one is barely a year and a half old, and we are hoping that it makes it through the storm! We were thinking of chaining it to the fence, but it could still sway in the wind and get knocked around, so this way at least it is not out in the open.

DH also took down our hanging plants from the front porch. There is nothing else we could do for the rest of the flowers...my rose bush made it through this past winter, and I hope it makes it through this storm too!

We didn't board up any windows or put anything under the doors. We are not in a low lying area, and we should be OK. We have a few flashlights...one is VERY strong and lights up the whole downstairs! We have plenty of batteries, and a case of water (already had that). I have 2 pantries full of food already, so we will be OK if the power goes out (which I expect it to). It will just be very hot and humid! We also have plenty of wine! And we will just have to *force* ourselves to drink the rest of the Killian's Red if the power goes out!

This reminds me...in the blackout of 2003 (also in August), my sister was 8 months pregnant with her youngest. I remember her sitting in the kiddie pool in the backyard to cool off, she couldn't take it. It was also one of the hottest days that summer. When the power went out, my mom had just finished putting away her groceries...our cousins were supposed to come over the following day for dinner and my mom had bought all this meat to make sauce. So, there she was that day...cooking meatballs and sauce for everyone, so the meat didn't go to waste! She lit the burners on the stove with a match and everything was fine...a homecooked meal! When it got dark, one of the local pizzerias set up his car on the sidewalk with the headlights on, and sold pizza until very late at night...the line was down the block!

Hmm...this gives me an idea...in 2003 after we had the blackout, when it was the first day of school, I did an ice-breaker with my classes...the question was, "Where were you when the lights went out?" I can do another one when classes resume in a week and a half..."Where were you during Hurricane Irene?"

I have to have a sense of humor about this, or I will drive myself crazy...all day on TV, nothing but hurricane talk. DH and DS6 just finished watching Fantasia to escape hurricane talk!

I was just reading over on the Budget board how some folks are cooking a lot of their meats right now so that when the power goes out, they're pretty prepared, as far as meals go. Gosh, I think I would go insane if the power was out for 24 hours. I couldn't IMAGINE being 8 months pregnant, in the heat and humidity, AND no power.

Wow that pizzeria must have made a good amount of money that day! Smart man!

Absolutely @ the bolded. Do the boys have a portable DVD player that they can watch movies on for when the power goes out?

 

[franandaj]

None of us are in the mandatory evacuation zones. But, a couple of the evacuation areas are very close to us. DH took pics of the inside and outside of the house, all the walls, roof, ceilings, etc...just in case there is damage and we can show before pics.

That's really smart with the pictures. I hope you guys continue to be safe.

Ugh, Alison, very jealous of your NYE tradition...can i be apart of your tradition please?!

Alison, I think you look fantastic! You definitely don't need to lose any weight

You could certainly be a part of our NYE party, they allow us to bring guests, it just costs a lot!

That's sweet of you to say, but I have this German Dress that I want to wear to the Oktoberfest. It arrived about three weeks ago, there is a zipper in the front of the dress. I got it zipped up to a certain point and then I hit an anotomical barrier. I figure 30 pounds should do it. I'm almost 30% there and have another 32 days to get there!

 

[Leshaface]

You could certainly be a part of our NYE party, they allow us to bring guests, it just costs a lot!

That's sweet of you to say, but I have this German Dress that I want to wear to the Oktoberfest. It arrived about three weeks ago, there is a zipper in the front of the dress. I got it zipped up to a certain point and then I hit an anotomical barrier. I figure 30 pounds should do it. I'm almost 30% there and have another 32 days to get there!

Oh my goodness, you're going to get all dressed up!!?? HOW FUN! I bet you're going to look awesome in that dress! Does everyone get dressed up? Is Fran?

 

[bangzoom6877]

I was just reading over on the Budget board how some folks are cooking a lot of their meats right now so that when the power goes out, they're pretty prepared, as far as meals go. Gosh, I think I would go insane if the power was out for 24 hours. I couldn't IMAGINE being 8 months pregnant, in the heat and humidity, AND no power.

Wow that pizzeria must have made a good amount of money that day! Smart man!

Absolutely @ the bolded. Do the boys have a portable DVD player that they can watch movies on for when the power goes out?

Yes, we have a portable DVD player, which we use for the drives down to Florida! I can't believe I didn't think of that! I'm going to charge it tonight for sure! Thanks for reminding me!

That's really smart with the pictures. I hope you guys continue to be safe.

Thank you so much! My mom and I keep hoping that we can laugh at the media Monday morning for overhyping this storm...we keep praying it takes a turn out to sea and out of the way! They do keep saying on the local news that there is a HIGH level of unpredictability with these things, but that it is wise to expect the worst and that is why they evacuated low lying areas. Then, on Monday morning the mayor will hold another conference, stating how many hundreds of millions of dollars this storm cost the city...and we will wait even longer for another teachers' contract.

 

[franandaj]

Hey Bonnie!

Could you put the batter in the crock pot and transport it somewhere, then put the 2nd part in there once you arrive at your destination before turning on the crock pot?

I'm making dinner for a bunch of people after rehearsal tomorrow and that would be a really cool thing for dessert since the rehearsal is about 2 hours long.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hey Bonnie!

Could you put the batter in the crock pot and transport it somewhere, then put the 2nd part in there once you arrive at your destination before turning on the crock pot?

I'm making dinner for a bunch of people after rehearsal tomorrow and that would be a really cool thing for dessert since the rehearsal is about 2 hours long.

As long as the batter is not sitting out all day, I don't see why you couldn't do this. If it is just a matter of bringing it somewhere, then pouring on the liquid right before turning on the crock pot, then sure, go for it! 2 hour rehearsal...sounds like the perfect thing for you to throw together!

Let me know how it turns out!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hi!! Well, Hurricane Irene (now actually downgraded to a tropical storm) has passed us, and I am grateful to say that everyone here is safe, and our houses are fine! No flooding for me, my parents, or my sister.

Even my BBQ grill made it through!

So now, I feel much better about all this. I didn't sleep very well last night...was not sure how terrible this storm would actually be (they kept saying it could be extreme but it is unpredictable at the same time), and my nieces are in Maryland this week with their dad, so I was also worried about them. But I heard from my niece Sarah today on email and they are doing OK.

Now, I want to focus on happier things...and what better thing than continuing with the planning of our WDW trip? I had a major breakthrough the other day, and I am 99% sure I am going to do this...

I'm taking a big risk here, but DH really never comes onto here, and he won't if I tell him I mentioned his gift. I figured out what I am getting him for his 35th birthday! And, this is the funny part...his birthday is in May!

The other day, I went onto the DVC member site, to double check that everything is in place for our account...everything is fine by the way! All their calculations and mine are the same, and we have the correct amount of points left for 2013 (we borrowed some for this trip). Anyway, I was looking at the member perks, and one of them is 20% off of the Richard Petty Driving Experience! And then it clicked...

DH would LOVE to do a ride-along in one of those race cars! The ride-along costs either $100 or $109, and with 20% off that would be even better! If the perk goes away by the time I buy it, I will still do this for him...it's such a wonderful experience for him! So, I figured we would have him do this on the day we arrive. I have to find out what time it would be, but I'm pretty sure they do this daily in the afternoon, so that would work. We only have about an hour and a half drive to WDW from Tampa anyway. If this takes place mid-afternoon, we could go to lunch at one of the MK area resort restaurants, maybe do a little shopping, then head over to the WDW Speedway! I think it would be a great way to spend our arrival day! The boys would also enjoy it. We take them to Raceway Park for the race cars and monster truck show, and they absolutely love it!

So, now, it looks like we will be doing lunch at an MK area resort restaurant. Definitely not Whispering Canyon...we went there for dinner last year and although it was OK, we don't want to go back any time soon. And not Kona, because we are already going to go there once for breakfast and once for dinner. So, it's going to be a toss-up between Grand Floridian Cafe and The Wave. Right now, I'm liking GF Cafe's menu better, but we'll see.

 

[franandaj]

As long as the batter is not sitting out all day, I don't see why you couldn't do this. If it is just a matter of bringing it somewhere, then pouring on the liquid right before turning on the crock pot, then sure, go for it! 2 hour rehearsal...sounds like the perfect thing for you to throw together!

Let me know how it turns out!

I didn't end up doing it because Fran always says I spend too much time on these dinners. Now, she always wants me to just order KFC (and it was her idea in the first place to have dinner after the Sunday evening rehearsals!) She has to know that I have standards! I made a chilled melon soup, some teriyaki meatball kebabs with Aidells chicken Teriyaki meatballs, rice and then just bought cookies at Ralphs. I'll have to try that recipe once it gets colder!

Hi!! Well, Hurricane Irene (now actually downgraded to a tropical storm) has passed us, and I am grateful to say that everyone here is safe, and our houses are fine! No flooding for me, my parents, or my sister.

DH would LOVE to do a ride-along in one of those race cars! The ride-along costs either $100 or $109, and with 20% off that would be even better!

So, now, it looks like we will be doing lunch at an MK area resort restaurant. Definitely not Whispering Canyon...we went there for dinner last year and although it was OK, we don't want to go back any time soon. And not Kona, because we are already going to go there once for breakfast and once for dinner. So, it's going to be a toss-up between Grand Floridian Cafe and The Wave. Right now, I'm liking GF Cafe's menu better, but we'll see.

I'm glad that you and your family made it through safely!

Would he like the ride along or the actual driving experience? I would imagine that most guys would rather drive, but I could be wrong. I don't know your DH Also I just learned this last year that there are actually two different experiences, there is the Richard Petty and the Nascar. I don't know enough about racing but evidently they have two different kinds of cars. One is more of a stock car thing, where the other is more formula one race cars. I don't know which is which.

I've never been to the Wave, but a long time ago, the GF Cafe had an awesome menu, but I think that was pre dining plan. I'm sure they have cut it down now to 5 appetizers and 7 entrees that can all be made from the same ingredients that all the other hotel restaurants use. Good luck on your choices, I like Sanaa better, but it is kind of far from the MK and the Driving Experience.

 

[bangzoom6877]

I didn't end up doing it because Fran always says I spend too much time on these dinners. Now, she always wants me to just order KFC (and it was her idea in the first place to have dinner after the Sunday evening rehearsals!) She has to know that I have standards! I made a chilled melon soup, some teriyaki meatball kebabs with Aidells chicken Teriyaki meatballs, rice and then just bought cookies at Ralphs. I'll have to try that recipe once it gets colder!



I'm glad that you and your family made it through safely!

Would he like the ride along or the actual driving experience? I would imagine that most guys would rather drive, but I could be wrong. I don't know your DH Also I just learned this last year that there are actually two different experiences, there is the Richard Petty and the Nascar. I don't know enough about racing but evidently they have two different kinds of cars. One is more of a stock car thing, where the other is more formula one race cars. I don't know which is which.

I've never been to the Wave, but a long time ago, the GF Cafe had an awesome menu, but I think that was pre dining plan. I'm sure they have cut it down now to 5 appetizers and 7 entrees that can all be made from the same ingredients that all the other hotel restaurants use. Good luck on your choices, I like Sanaa better, but it is kind of far from the MK and the Driving Experience.

Oh, definitely make the slow cooker cake when the weather gets colder...it is such a nice warm treat in cold weather! I love to have comfort foods when we have snowstorms here...in fact, a lot of times when there is a huge storm, that is when I make puffed french toast (from CP) for breakfast!

I wasn't aware of the different types of cars for the ride-along. I will have to check that out. As far as the actual driving experience, it looks like all of them are out of my price range, and I know DH would enjoy a ride-along, and appreciate that very much, & think it's an awesome gift! Do you know what time they usually have it? Somehow, I remember reading some time a while ago that it was around 4pm each day.

The GF Cafe has an interesting menu for lunch. They have this burger which is topped with lobster, asparagus and hollandaise...looks great and unique! They also have a tiramisu dessert, and that is DH's favorite dessert! We will probably end up going there...I also like to use any excuse just to walk into the Grand Floridian, it's so beautiful!

 

[Leshaface]

Hi!! Well, Hurricane Irene (now actually downgraded to a tropical storm) has passed us, and I am grateful to say that everyone here is safe, and our houses are fine! No flooding for me, my parents, or my sister.

Even my BBQ grill made it through!

So now, I feel much better about all this. I didn't sleep very well last night...was not sure how terrible this storm would actually be (they kept saying it could be extreme but it is unpredictable at the same time), and my nieces are in Maryland this week with their dad, so I was also worried about them. But I heard from my niece Sarah today on email and they are doing OK.

Now, I want to focus on happier things...and what better thing than continuing with the planning of our WDW trip? I had a major breakthrough the other day, and I am 99% sure I am going to do this...

I'm taking a big risk here, but DH really never comes onto here, and he won't if I tell him I mentioned his gift. I figured out what I am getting him for his 35th birthday! And, this is the funny part...his birthday is in May!

The other day, I went onto the DVC member site, to double check that everything is in place for our account...everything is fine by the way! All their calculations and mine are the same, and we have the correct amount of points left for 2013 (we borrowed some for this trip). Anyway, I was looking at the member perks, and one of them is 20% off of the Richard Petty Driving Experience! And then it clicked...

DH would LOVE to do a ride-along in one of those race cars! The ride-along costs either $100 or $109, and with 20% off that would be even better! If the perk goes away by the time I buy it, I will still do this for him...it's such a wonderful experience for him! So, I figured we would have him do this on the day we arrive. I have to find out what time it would be, but I'm pretty sure they do this daily in the afternoon, so that would work. We only have about an hour and a half drive to WDW from Tampa anyway. If this takes place mid-afternoon, we could go to lunch at one of the MK area resort restaurants, maybe do a little shopping, then head over to the WDW Speedway! I think it would be a great way to spend our arrival day! The boys would also enjoy it. We take them to Raceway Park for the race cars and monster truck show, and they absolutely love it!

So, now, it looks like we will be doing lunch at an MK area resort restaurant. Definitely not Whispering Canyon...we went there for dinner last year and although it was OK, we don't want to go back any time soon. And not Kona, because we are already going to go there once for breakfast and once for dinner. So, it's going to be a toss-up between Grand Floridian Cafe and The Wave. Right now, I'm liking GF Cafe's menu better, but we'll see.

I'm SO glad to hear you guys are safe and sound! And that you didn't lose electricity

I subscribe to Yelp and Groupon, and I was given a deal on yelp, I believe, and they offered the RPE for 50% off! The only thing is, you only have so many hours to purchase it, and boy was I bummed. I've ALWAYS wanted to do this, and at $50! That's a steal! So if you're subscribed to any of those, keep a look out for a better deal or if I see it come up again, i'll let you know.

 

[bangzoom6877]

I'm SO glad to hear you guys are safe and sound! And that you didn't lose electricity

I subscribe to Yelp and Groupon, and I was given a deal on yelp, I believe, and they offered the RPE for 50% off! The only thing is, you only have so many hours to purchase it, and boy was I bummed. I've ALWAYS wanted to do this, and at $50! That's a steal! So if you're subscribed to any of those, keep a look out for a better deal or if I see it come up again, i'll let you know.

Thanks for the tip about the RPE! I called them this morning, and they will have the 2012 availability beginning some time at the end of November. I also asked the lady on the phone how the credit card is billed, and it is billed as RPE, so I will be sending them a check for payment (she said I can do that) so that DH doesn't know what it is! I will just put in the book that the check is for "Eric's birthday gift".

Unfortunately, the actual driving experiences are out of our price range, even with the discount. But the ride-along is right in the price range, and he will love it!! Plus, the lady on the phone told me that they do ride-alongs every single day from 9am-4pm...and it is walk-in. She said there is never more than a 15-20 minute wait for it. So, I figure if I make a noon lunch ADR at the GF Cafe, we will have plenty of time, plus we won't be so rushed in the morning when leaving Tampa!

I think this will be a great way to spend our arrival day, and I know that DH will LOVE it! He has never done anything like this before, and it is so awesome!

 

[Leshaface]

Thanks for the tip about the RPE! I called them this morning, and they will have the 2012 availability beginning some time at the end of November. I also asked the lady on the phone how the credit card is billed, and it is billed as RPE, so I will be sending them a check for payment (she said I can do that) so that DH doesn't know what it is! I will just put in the book that the check is for "Eric's birthday gift".

Unfortunately, the actual driving experiences are out of our price range, even with the discount. But the ride-along is right in the price range, and he will love it!! Plus, the lady on the phone told me that they do ride-alongs every single day from 9am-4pm...and it is walk-in. She said there is never more than a 15-20 minute wait for it. So, I figure if I make a noon lunch ADR at the GF Cafe, we will have plenty of time, plus we won't be so rushed in the morning when leaving Tampa!

I think this will be a great way to spend our arrival day, and I know that DH will LOVE it! He has never done anything like this before, and it is so awesome!

He will DEFINITELY love it! I've read some great reviews about the ride-alongs. When will you tell him about it? On your way there?

 

[bangzoom6877]

He will DEFINITELY love it! I've read some great reviews about the ride-alongs. When will you tell him about it? On your way there?

I will have to check out those reviews and see the specific comments! I'm glad there are some great reviews though!

DH's birthday is May 6th, so I will tell him about it then. So, he will know about it 2 and a half months before he does it, but that's fine! And I know he will be fine with that...for Mother's Day this year, he gave me tickets to see "Rock of Ages" on Broadway, and we went to the show on July 23rd!

The only thing is...I guess I can't tell him about lunch at the GF Cafe, because he will wonder why I want to go there...maybe I can make up something like "I really want to try that burger with the lobster on it!" He would believe that (and it's true anyway )...he knows what a lunatic I am when it comes to planning the dining!