Giving Santa his Mickey ears! Our toddler's 1st trip!-UPDATE:We're back! Pic inside

[natebenma]

Thanks for the little food porn warm up!

I really want to try Kouzzina!

The ice cream sandwich at EoS sounds great.

 

[tofubeast]

Thanks for the little food porn warm up!

I really want to try Kouzzina!

The ice cream sandwich at EoS sounds great.

You are welcome!! My husband always cracks up when I take pics of food. I say, it is "for the people. They want their food porn!!"

 

[tofubeast]

What would YOU do??

I am torn between MVMCP and the Wishes Dessert Party!! For those following this TR, you know we are going the 2nd week of December. Originally, I was thinking that *if* the weekday schedule is similar to last year, we would do the Wishes dessert party. (Last year, Wishes was at 8pm during the weekday non party nights for same time of year.) Since the show started at 8, I thought that would be great for DD (then 26months old) seeing the fireworks.

Now, I thought I was against the idea of doing MVMCP with her being young, thinking she wouldn't get anything out of it and we would maybe go when she is older. But, of course, with the tickets going on sale yesterday, I started to re-think my decision. The party is all about the holidays and I am sure DD would love the parade. I would also aim to go our last night to soak up the last of the holiday spirit at Disney. I do realize she will probably be asleep in her stroller the rest of the night.

(If it means anything, we will have FL APs. I was just looking at the price difference between MVMCP and Wishes dessert party and seeing if it was worth the difference.)

So what would you do?? Thoughts?

 

[BDL]

What would YOU do??

I am torn between MVMCP and the Wishes Dessert Party!! For those following this TR, you know we are going the 2nd week of December. Originally, I was thinking that *if* the weekday schedule is similar to last year, we would do the Wishes dessert party. (Last year, Wishes was at 8pm during the weekday non party nights for same time of year.) Since the show started at 8, I thought that would be great for DD (then 26months old) seeing the fireworks.

Now, I thought I was against the idea of doing MVMCP with her being young, thinking she wouldn't get anything out of it and we would maybe go when she is older. But, of course, with the tickets going on sale yesterday, I started to re-think my decision. The party is all about the holidays and I am sure DD would love the parade. I would also aim to go our last night to soak up the last of the holiday spirit at Disney. I do realize she will probably be asleep in her stroller the rest of the night.

(If it means anything, we will have FL APs. I was just looking at the price difference between MVMCP and Wishes dessert party and seeing if it was worth the difference.)

So what would you do?? Thoughts?

I say take her to the MVMCP. At 2+ yrs old, she'd love the snow(p), the Stitch, and Toy Story dance parties, the fireworks and the parade. You will enjoy the walking on to any ride you want and not bumping shoulders with anyone (and the snow(p), the Stitch, and Toy Story dance parties, the fireworks and the parade). Plus, lest we forget, the free ho-cho and cookies.

PS: Oh, I almost forgot. Awesome food pics. BDLsgal practically salivated at the picture of the dip in the skillet.

 

[tofubeast]

My Disney Bucket List!

There's an awesome thread going around on the Theme Parks board asking Dis'ers about their Disney related Bucket List items. I had a lot of fun thinking up some of the things I most want to do before I depart this earth in many, many, many, MANY years. I thought I would share them here on my PTR. They are in no particular order, except for the first few items.

Current Bucket List items:
1. Visit Disney Sea in Tokyo (my ultimate bucket list item)
2. Dine at Club 33 (almost tied with #1. Have a good chance next time I head out to CA)
3. Have a tour of Disney Studios and the Archives in Burbank
4. Visit the Walt Disney museum in SF.
5. Eat at the chef's table at Victoria and Albert's
6. Take a Keys to the Kingdom tour of MK
7. Do a tour at DL
8. Stay at Poly
9. See Carsland at DL with my own eyes
10. Stay at Grand Cali
11. Visit DLP
12. Dine with an Imagineer
13. Be the Family of the Day at MK
14. Attend a D23 or online community gathering at DL or WDW for meet up/scavenger hunt etc
15. Disney cruise (when DD is a little older)
16. Be at MK on October 1, 2021.

Completed Bucket List items:
1. Ride Lilly Belle train car at DL
2. Have a picture with Jiminy Cricket
3. Have a Monte Cristo at Blue Bayou
4. Fireworks Wishes cruise
5. Ride in the front of the monorail and get license (sad this is no longer)
6. Experience a ride evac
7. Experience a Magical Moment (got to ride first Safari at AK before Rope Drop)
** I am sure there are other completed items, but I will stop here.**

What's on YOUR bucket list?


So a couple brief things I just wanted to share in this latest update.

1. Not making much progress.

2. I saw these new vintage-style Mouseketeer ears that are now for sale at WDW. I MUST have them. MUST.

3. I'm super excited that the Orange Bird is back in Adventureland. I am a geek for all things vintage Disney. It's just nice to see some MK history re-introduced back to the parks. As a thank you gift from my coworker who recently went to WDW and followed my touring plan, she got me an orange sippy cup. I am so happy I didn't have to wait till December to score one of these cups!

Of course, the reintroduction of the Orange Bird means more merch I would like as seen here on the Disney blog. I sure would love the print for my kitchen and the ears. I've already done some strong hinting for Mother's Day and my upcoming b'day. Who wants flowers and brunches when you can ask (beg?) for Disney stuff.

4. The travel agent's December calendar should be out in the next 10-15 days. That means I will be getting WAY more serious about making our ADR plans and such. I am now leaning more towards going to MVMCP. Ahh so much to decide!

More later folks!

 

[Elleshoodat]

Ooh, I love your bucket list. How fun! My list will be more WDW-specific (with some DCL thrown in for good measure ... ooh, and an Adventure by Disney!), but I'm going to have to think on it awhile.

As for the Wishes Dessert Party/MVMCP thing, my vote is for the Christmas party. I've read mixed reviews on the dessert party, and I think she would get more out of the Christmas party.

 

[tofubeast]

I say take her to the MVMCP. At 2+ yrs old, she'd love the snow(p), the Stitch, and Toy Story dance parties, the fireworks and the parade. You will enjoy the walking on to any ride you want and not bumping shoulders with anyone (and the snow(p), the Stitch, and Toy Story dance parties, the fireworks and the parade). Plus, lest we forget, the free ho-cho and cookies.

PS: Oh, I almost forgot. Awesome food pics. BDLsgal practically salivated at the picture of the dip in the skillet.

I didn't even think about the dance parties. I bet DD would love that by the time she is there. I just have a feeling I will really regret not going. I am 98% sure we are going to do it.

I will be taking pics of way more food porn this time around. It is such a vital part of a Dis TR!!!

Ooh, I love your bucket list. How fun! My list will be more WDW-specific (with some DCL thrown in for good measure ... ooh, and an Adventure by Disney!), but I'm going to have to think on it awhile.

As for the Wishes Dessert Party/MVMCP thing, my vote is for the Christmas party. I've read mixed reviews on the dessert party, and I think she would get more out of the Christmas party.

Yeah, I wanna see your bucket list. An Adventure by Disney would be awesome as well. I need to win the lotto.

Thanks for your feedback about the party. I think you and BDL are on to something. I think we will be going!! eeeeeeep!!!!

 

[tofubeast]

Praise/Bash my Touring Plan & ADRs

I know I am not alone here. Who hasn't had a desktop that looks like this when planning a trip to the World?

Ever since Josh over at EasyWDW posted his December 2012 crowd calendar, I have been staring at my spreadsheet daily. I think I have come up with a good plan for the 6 days/5 nights we are there, but want to hear from YOU! Pretty please with Mickey sprinkles on top.

Recap for those who don't wish to read page one of this PTR: We arrive on a Sunday and leave on a Friday (afternoon) and are staying at the Beach Club Villas. We will have AP (Florida Resident weekly), so can obviously park hop, but can't go into the parks on weekends. We are not doing the Dining Plan, but will have the Tables in Wonderland discount card. We've been to WDW several times, so it isn't a must to go all commando and see everything. Main focus: 1. To have fun with DD (then 26 months) on her first trip to Disney 2. Enjoy the Christmas decorations etc.

So here is the plan. What do you think?

Notes
Sun: We will head up early this morning for the 3 hour drive. This is the only day I can squeeze in DTD. I only want to go so we can shop at Once Upon a Toy and buy some Mr. Potato Head Disney parts for DD. After a quick lunch at either Earl or Wolfgang, we will drive over to the BCV. If our room isn't ready, and weather permitting, perhaps we will enjoy some time at Stormalong Bay. After checking in and getting settled, we will do dinner at Cape May. We've been there once before and enjoyed it. Buffets are a good option for us because DD likes to eat and that way she can share off our plates. I am open though to perhaps going to Kouzzina. Thoughts? DD does like Greek food. We've never eaten there.

Mon: DHS is the recommended park today. We want to be there for rope drop and stay for a CS lunch somewhere. We will take an afternoon break. I am then torn between Mama Melrose or Kouzzina. MM has gotten some not so great reviews in the past, but there was a recent change in chefs. We want to enjoy Osborne lights (especially when people head over to see Fantasmic at 6:30pm--hoping that lightens the Osborne crowds a bit.)

Tues: As we are staying next door to EPCOT, we will enter at opening and head over to the Character Spot. Perhaps score some FP for Soarin' and TT. We want to focus on Nemo/Crush/Aquarium, Living with Land tour, and Figment. I know it is the least recommended park, but we will only be there in the opening hours. Here's where I need your advice!! Which would you opt for? 1) Have a lunch at noon at Biergarten (been there before), then rest for a bit before heading to MK for MVMCP. 2. Have a light snack, rest, then head to MK and do the latest lunch possible either at Be Our Guest or LTT (never been), then enjoy party and do light CS later on in MK.

Wed: As we will be recovering from the party, we will 'sleep in' (as if DD will let us ) and enjoy the resort during the morning hours. We will do a little World Showcase tour and have a CS lunch there. Then later, head over to Poly for 'Ohana. We've never eaten there. If Wishes remains at 8pm, we will stay to watch from the beach before retiring for the night.

Thurs: MK at rope drop for EMH. Depending on DD, we will head back to room for rest/possible swim. Head to Akershus for dinner in Norway. (I've been and loved it.) Pack up that night.

Fri: Check out and head straight to AK. Do lunch at Tusker House (never been) and then head out for drive back down south. Cry all the way in car that trip is over.

So how does this plan look? Am I missing anything obvious? Feel free to praise or bash. My ADR window opens in a few weeks, so I have some time to tinker with that and read more reviews. As my DH has already reminded me- "You know you are going to change this all several times before December!" haha But isn't that part of the 'fun'?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

And for anyone who remotely cares...here's an antenna update:

 

[natebenma]

I LOVE YOUR PLANS SO FAR!!!

I'm gonna vote Kouzzina over MM for a couple of reasons:

1) I Greek food and I'm dying to try this place!
2) MM could be crazy with Osborne folks- Kouzzina should be more relaxed

We enjoyed the meal we had at MM, though.

On the day of the party, I think it would be cool to have lunch at Be Our Guest. Well, for your family, not mine. I have teen boys.

Love that you have scheduled in the fireworks from the Poly Beach (And EWP, too???)

 

[tofubeast]

I LOVE YOUR PLANS SO FAR!!!

I'm gonna vote Kouzzina over MM for a couple of reasons:

1) I Greek food and I'm dying to try this place!
2) MM could be crazy with Osborne folks- Kouzzina should be more relaxed

We enjoyed the meal we had at MM, though.

On the day of the party, I think it would be cool to have lunch at Be Our Guest. Well, for your family, not mine. I have teen boys.

Love that you have scheduled in the fireworks from the Poly Beach (And EWP, too???)

The only reason I thought MM was because 1. We've never been there (vs. picking Prime Time) 2. we would already be at DHS. But, Kouzzina sounds great too and we could always either take boat or drive to DHS. Hmmm. But if MM is more crowded due to Osborne, you may have a good point.

And yeah EWP would be fun to see from the Poly Beach! I kinda forgot about that one! Thanks!

 

[tofubeast]

Allow me to get excited for a second-

199 Days to Go!!!!!

 

[khertz]

I can't really offer advice on your restaurant choice since I've never been to either one, but hopefully you can decide on something.

I think for the party night, I would lean towards doing something in MK. That way you will have nice full bellies and shouldn't have to worry about stopping the party activities to eat something (except for maybe those sugar cookies & hot chocolate!). Plus, eating at BoG sounds awesome! I'm so disappointed it won't be open for our trip.

 

[tofubeast]

I can't really offer advice on your restaurant choice since I've never been to either one, but hopefully you can decide on something.

I think for the party night, I would lean towards doing something in MK. That way you will have nice full bellies and shouldn't have to worry about stopping the party activities to eat something (except for maybe those sugar cookies & hot chocolate!). Plus, eating at BoG sounds awesome! I'm so disappointed it won't be open for our trip.

That's a good point. That is why I was thinking maybe a late (big) lunch at MK. That way we can enjoy what is left of the emptying park before the party officially starts. I am hoping we hear more about BoG soon. I am soooo excited!

 

[tofubeast]

Day trip suggestion outside the World - Mt. Dora

Since I have about 6+ months to kill on this PTR, I thought I would share a little bit about a nice opportunity for those who seek a break from rope drops and crowds. I didn't do a TR with my visits to WDW a couple years ago, otherwise I would have certainly written about it back then. So now's my chance!

So when I talk about taking a day trip, I don't mean visiting the outlets in Orlando or hanging out with Harry at Universal. I mean a true, true getaway! Mt. Dora is a lovely little village for you daytrippers out there. This little town, nestled on an actual hill (in Florida!), is about an hour drive from Disney (or 25 miles north of Orlando). After sleeping in, we enjoyed a quiet ride with little traffic up to MD.

Per the MD web site:
Mount Dora evokes that quiet and comfortable “Southern” charm and hospitality of a lakefront community nestled amongst the gentle hills and orange groves of Central Florida. At an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, Mount Dora is Florida’s equivalent of a mountain top town. Whether you are looking for a respite from the pressures of life and seek solitude overlooking our beautiful vistas, or you desire active shopping and recreation to compliment our many festivals and community events, you can find it all in Mount Dora.

MD is definitely different, and a breath of fresh air, from Orlando. It's small, quaint, and has lots of historic building from the turn of the century. (Hey, that's old for us Florida folks.) If you love shopping, antique'ing, good dining than this spot is for you. We visited in April, but I would love to go back again for one of their many festivals. From the pictures I have seen (see below for link), they decorate the town beautifully for Christmas. Looks like they are trying to give Osborne lights a run for its money.

Special Events in MD:

-Craft Fair (October)
-Christmas Lights Display
-Art Festival (February)
-Festivals and more festivals!

More activities/events listed here.

And this wouldn't be a proper posting without some pictures to share!

Here I am in front of a pretty water fountain in town:

That's my crazy DH. This is the main street in town, full of neat shops and restaurants (that don't require ADRs 180 days in advance!!)

It's all about the "Husband's Bench"

Here we are outside the Lakeside Inn. This is a historic hotel, built in 1882, where even US Presidents have stayed. The grounds are beautiful. It is a must to buy a cold glass of lemonade and sit in the rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the lake. Such a nice way to rest your tired feet from those days at Disney.

The inn is on the lake, with a nice little pier. Here is a view looking back at the hotel.

There are lots of nice restaurants with outside seating in the heart of town. We had a lovely lunch at Cecile's French Corner. It was delicious. These salads made a perfect lunch!

On our way back to Disney, we just drove down 441, rather than taking the highway. We chuckled at the differences from MD vs. the more industrial side of Orlando. DH and I had fun taking pictures of the old hotel signs.

I actually really like the retro sign of the Parliament House. Plus, it's famous for some dance. Hmm.

You must stay here. After all, it's Yourotel!

Not to be confused with the famous hotel in Las Vegas. I imagine this place hosts 'character' meals as well.

We continued our drive and headed through International Drive before making our way back to the World. Our visit to MD gave us a chance to relax and recharge our guns before diving back into touring plans etc. I just wanted to share this visit with you because there are neat things to see in the area if you have a car.

 

[Valgoof]

Just came over from the Dec Roll Call thread. Not sure what took me so long!! Couple of comments from old posts. 1--Definitely less antennas out there. I have a Minnie Mouse one on my car. We drove DH's car to WDW last December and I was crushed when I realized it doesnt have an antenna. 2---The world cannot end on 12/12/12 because I dont get to WDW until 12/15/12. 3---Anyone thinking about doing the CP package, you should!!! We got in the stand-by line at 2:30 for the 5:00 show when Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator. It started raining about 4:30 and continued throughout the show. The dinner package people were under the cover. We were not. 4---Also interested in Kouzzina. Need a TS for the day we are at DHS and none of them appeal to me. If I can convince DH that Greek lasagna tastes like regular, we should be good. 5---I vote BOG for your MK day!!!! I cannot wait for that restaurant. Hoping to get a dinner ADR, but if not we will be having one or two lunches there.

 

[BDL]

I like the pictures. Looks like you guys are having a good time just going at your own pace.

And I know that this was an off_disney day, but, also when I look at the pics, I see Radiator Springs.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Apparently I am an underachiever, because I never created a spreadsheet like that. It looks so fun, though!

If you're going to take a break on your DHS day anyway, I'd say try Kouzzina. I love Greek food, though, and the reviews I've read on Mama Melrose's have been "meh."

On your Epcot day... I don't know how your OK your DD is with being off her normal schedule, but what worked best for us was keeping DS' routine as intact as possible. That meant lunch at noon-ish, then rest (sometimes in the stroller, sometimes back at the resort).

Yay for 'Ohana. I am dying to try that one, too. Next time!

 

[tofubeast]

Just came over from the Dec Roll Call thread. Not sure what took me so long!! Couple of comments from old posts. 1--Definitely less antennas out there. I have a Minnie Mouse one on my car. We drove DH's car to WDW last December and I was crushed when I realized it doesnt have an antenna. 2---The world cannot end on 12/12/12 because I dont get to WDW until 12/15/12. 3---Anyone thinking about doing the CP package, you should!!! We got in the stand-by line at 2:30 for the 5:00 show when Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator. It started raining about 4:30 and continued throughout the show. The dinner package people were under the cover. We were not. 4---Also interested in Kouzzina. Need a TS for the day we are at DHS and none of them appeal to me. If I can convince DH that Greek lasagna tastes like regular, we should be good. 5---I vote BOG for your MK day!!!! I cannot wait for that restaurant. Hoping to get a dinner ADR, but if not we will be having one or two lunches there.

Welcome!!! 1. I am so glad you agree with me! By now, I would have been over 200 easily. Wah. 2. I am pretty sure we will be safe from the world ending before, during, or at least shortly after our WDW trips! 3. I hear you about the CP package. When DD is older, this will definitely be something we do. I am sure we will cruise around WS and stop for a little bit during a performance. 4. I am leaning towards Kouzzina too. I have read nightmares of people waiting forever for their tables at MM. 5. I think I am going to make an ADR somewhere, and then see what happens once BoG opens. So much to decide!! Thanks for your input!

 

[Alexander]

If the Mayans are right, I am going to be seriously PO'd! We are scheduled to arrive in WDW on December 21st!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for the info on Mount Dora. I have never heard of it before but I love your pictures and descriptions.

But now "Back Pack, Back Pack" is running through my head and won't leave!!!