Happy Birthday, Dear Dude - A Sept 2010 PTR - 9/22 Trip Report Started p34

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Susan! I am here!!!

I can't believe Katie is graduating this year! Where did the time go???

So scary about your mom! Lots of prayers headed her way!

You will love, love, love visiting during the Food and Wine Festival. It is my favorite thing that we have ever done at WDW. Charles and I went by ourselves this past October and had an absolute blast -- so many good food and drink choices to sample.

As far as a resort, as much as I love AKL, if you are planning on spending most of your time at Epcot and MK, I would opt for BLT or the Poly. You won't be able to beat the convenience of being on the monorail.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Ok, as for dates: Since we are very flexible for this trip, we might wait and see if free dining comes out again this year, and plan to visit during that time. F&W and MNSSHP are draws for us, but if we have to miss either of those and get free dining in exchange, it might be worth it.

Do any of you know what the historical dates free dining has been offered were?

I'm pretty sure that free dining has been from late August to very early October. I think if you arrive during free dining, you get it for your entire stay, so, you could hit Food and Wine Festival which usually starts the last day or so of September of the first day or two in October. Also, I think they ended up extending the dates last year.

 

[Native NYer]

Ok Jen, you twisted my arm!

 

[Native NYer]

Seriously, I have gotten a bit obsessed and have decided to do this. So much seems to come with the CL at AKL. I'm pretty sure we'll do the Sunrise Safari. I told Chris about it and he said Pizzafari is one of his favorite restaurants, so breakfast there will be awesome!

Also, the reviews I'm reading say that the food in the Concierge Lounge is actually pretty good. Reviews I read of CL at Beach Club in 08 said there was never enough food and it wasn't that great.

It's awesome that every CL room is near the lobby with a guaranteed Savannah view. They say bring your binoculars and a zoom-lens camera. I'm getting so excited!

CL is an fantastic experience. You'll love it!

I had no idea you get binoculars and a zoon lens camera. Hmmm I may have to see if a CL room is available with my PIN for July

Chris saw the Superbowl commercial for the Harry Potter area at Universal Orlando. At the same time, I was checking out their website. It looks pretty exciting. I can't tell for sure when it opens - it says it will be revealed Spring 2010 but I'm confused as to whether it will be open then, or that is when they show us what it will be like.

If it's open when we go (and I think it will be), we have pretty much decided to take a day and either rent a car or take a cab over to Universal. Chris will be excited about the whole experience, rides and all. I will like the rides, but I think I'm more excited about having a pint of Butterbeer at the restaurant!

It opens at Islands of Adventure this spring. I really want to go too!

Three posts at a time!

Ok, as for dates: Since we are very flexible for this trip, we might wait and see if free dining comes out again this year, and plan to visit during that time. F&W and MNSSHP are draws for us, but if we have to miss either of those and get free dining in exchange, it might be worth it.

Do any of you know what the historical dates free dining has been offered were?

Oh yeah, and Chris just mentioned that he might want to add a day to our trip so he can rent a car and visit some motorcycle dealerships around Orlando. He owns a parts distributorship, so this would be awesome for him. And - BONUS - We will be able to deduct a portion of our trip from our taxes!

AND - I'm personally pretty excited about this because it gives me a day on my own. I could go watch the American Idol Experience (which Chris will not want to see with me) to my heart's content. I could do some other things that Chris may not be as interested in, I could drink around the world at Epcot by myself, I could get a massage, or all of the above! Kind of like my own little solo trip within a trip!

Can you tell I'm starting to get really excited?

I've read that some have gotten a free dining PIN for mid August-the beginnigng of October.

If you don't have another offer/PIN, free dining would save you lots of $$$.

How long are you planning on going?

 

[Marshay]

We stayed at both AKL (Savannah room) and AKV in a 1BR Savannah view room (non-CL) and just simply loved it!! We also just came back from BLT 1BR Standard view and surprisingly I loved that too! I didn't think I'd like the "sterility" of the design but in person it really is pretty.

Anyway, unless you are concentrating on just MK and Epcot, esp for a hard-ticket event at MK, I'd choose AK instead. I really loved BLT but the draw is really going to MK and eating at the monorail restaurants and exploring those resorts. Also the monorail(s) to Epcot.

AKL is truly a destination unto itself. We loved exploring the savannahs, wandering the resort, eating breakfast on our balcony while watching the giraffes and wildebeests, etc.

I can't wait to hear about your CL experience. I hadn't tried this yet so don't know anything about what you get for the extra cost.

Free dining is typically late August through early October but I've heard some getting codes in mid-August and last year they extended through December.

 

[Marshay]

We are going back to WDW in mid-July and I read that there is a big Harry Potter Convention going to Universal the week prior for the HP world. So it should be opening in the next months for Spring (Apr-May?) but definitely by fall.

Pizzafari? I've never eaten here ... can you let me know why Chris likes this? Maybe I need to add it to my list...

 

[swwake]

Hi, Susan! I am here!!!

I can't believe Katie is graduating this year! Where did the time go???

So scary about your mom! Lots of prayers headed her way!

You will love, love, love visiting during the Food and Wine Festival. It is my favorite thing that we have ever done at WDW. Charles and I went by ourselves this past October and had an absolute blast -- so many good food and drink choices to sample.

As far as a resort, as much as I love AKL, if you are planning on spending most of your time at Epcot and MK, I would opt for BLT or the Poly. You won't be able to beat the convenience of being on the monorail.

Hooray! Thanks for joining Jackie! Yeah, it's unbelievable how fast she grew up. Blink your eyes!

Thanks for sending the prayers for Mom

I need to do more research on F&W. The Disney site still has the info from the 2009 event. Chris and I looked over it together, and we really don't want to spend the money on any of the workshops. We would buy a winetasting pass, though, and we're interested in the beer samples.

I think we'll split our time evenly between the 4 parks (even with MNSSHP and F&W) and we're really wanting to do the Sunrise Safari, so I think it's AKL. But thanks for the input. It does help. We want to do a monorail resort sometime in the future.

I'm pretty sure that free dining has been from late August to very early October. I think if you arrive during free dining, you get it for your entire stay, so, you could hit Food and Wine Festival which usually starts the last day or so of September of the first day or two in October. Also, I think they ended up extending the dates last year.

I sure hope we can get in during free dining! Thanks for the info on the date ranges!

CL is an fantastic experience. You'll love it!

I had no idea you get binoculars and a zoon lens camera. Hmmm I may have to see if a CL room is available with my PIN for July

It opens at Islands of Adventure this spring. I really want to go too!

I've read that some have gotten a free dining PIN for mid August-the beginnigng of October.

If you don't have another offer/PIN, free dining would save you lots of $$$.

How long are you planning on going?

No, no. You don't get binoculars and a camera! They recommend that you bring these!

Hooray that Harry Potter will be open when we go! Thanks for that info!

I have read the same about that free dining PIN. I will post more on that in my next update.

We were looking at 6 nights, but now I think we might up it to 7 so Chris will have a day to do his work stuff. (And I will have time for solo park-hopping and/or a massage!)

 

[swwake]

We stayed at both AKL (Savannah room) and AKV in a 1BR Savannah view room (non-CL) and just simply loved it!! We also just came back from BLT 1BR Standard view and surprisingly I loved that too! I didn't think I'd like the "sterility" of the design but in person it really is pretty.

Anyway, unless you are concentrating on just MK and Epcot, esp for a hard-ticket event at MK, I'd choose AK instead. I really loved BLT but the draw is really going to MK and eating at the monorail restaurants and exploring those resorts. Also the monorail(s) to Epcot.

AKL is truly a destination unto itself. We loved exploring the savannahs, wandering the resort, eating breakfast on our balcony while watching the giraffes and wildebeests, etc.

I can't wait to hear about your CL experience. I hadn't tried this yet so don't know anything about what you get for the extra cost.

Free dining is typically late August through early October but I've heard some getting codes in mid-August and last year they extended through December.

I read your trip report on BLT and it really made me want to stay there at first. But I think we've decided on AKL pretty much. Thanks for the input!

It sounds like the bulk of the CL benefits might be from the IPO help before you even get there. I will try to remember to post about my research on that in an upcoming PTR post.

We are going back to WDW in mid-July and I read that there is a big Harry Potter Convention going to Universal the week prior for the HP world. So it should be opening in the next months for Spring (Apr-May?) but definitely by fall.

Pizzafari? I've never eaten here ... can you let me know why Chris likes this? Maybe I need to add it to my list...

Well, I'm glad we aren't gonna try to go to Universal/HP during that convention week! I can't imagine the crowds! I would never get my butterbeer!!

Pizzafari is just a counter service restaurant. I think it was between the character trails and the part with the safari (I can't remember all the areas anymore!). It had pizza and Italian sandwiches, and seemed to have more room that other restaurants for seating. The decor was lots of fun. I wouldn't rank it a must-see, but it was pretty good! It may have just been our experience (short lines, easy to find a table, our moods at the time, etc. )

 

[Native NYer]

No, no. You don't get binoculars and a camera! They recommend that you bring these!

Hooray that Harry Potter will be open when we go! Thanks for that info!

I have read the same about that free dining PIN. I will post more on that in my next update.

We were looking at 6 nights, but now I think we might up it to 7 so Chris will have a day to do his work stuff. (And I will have time for solo park-hopping and/or a massage!)

I was going to say that's a great perk

I hope you get a free dining PIN

A solo park day and/or massage sounds fantatic!

 

[swwake]

Well, I have been doing some research lately, just haven't had time to post.

One thing I did was post a question on the adults/solo thread about places with live music. Just in case any of you have any ideas, here is what I posted: "When we travel, in evenings, my husband and I like to "wind down" the evening with cocktails and listening to live music (original or cover bands). Can you think of anywhere that this would be available? I remember Raglan Road has live performers at night. Other ideas?"

Someone said Paridiso 37 at DTD and another recommended Scat Cats at POFQ. We've been wanting to check out POFQ, since we got married in New Orleans and would like to see the comparison. We can't imagine a French Quarter that is Disney-clean!

I searched for free dining and figured out that it was offered late August through early October the past two years, then extended to December last year (as someone here mentioned). I also saw posts about these cherished PINs for free dining in August - Oct this year.

Today, I called Disney and asked if there were any PINs or codes associated with my account. They told me there aren't any and that the only ones that are out right now only go through June. She recommended that I check back in a couple months. She also mentioned that any code I have would be emailed to my AOL account.

Wait a minute. My AOL account? I haven't used that account in years! In fact, when I was going through all the Q&A to get a live castmember on the phone, they had verified my CURRENT email address. So I asked her to change my email address just in case, and I think she did.

On a whim, I logged in to my old AOL account (surprised I could remember the password). Over 650 messages! But I used the handy search feature to look up "Disney" and got 3 emails. One of which was received on January 20th. And that email included a PIN for freaking free dining August 15 - Oct 2, 2010!! In addition, it expired Feb 3, 2010. Thankyouverymuch.

So I was distraught. These PINs are supposedly so hard to come by and I had one and didn't know it!

But, I got over it. I had already budgeted for us to go without the dining plan, so free dining would have been a bonus. But I'm also reading about these 40% off Deluxe codes now. So I think I'll wait (if I can be patient) until close to the 190-day mark and book then. I'll keep checking with the Disney reservations for new PINs, and hopefully my email address has been changed.

Something else I have done this week is to research dates. Katie has narrowed her college choices down to three. I researched to find out the orientation, rush, move-in, first day of class, Fall breaks, and Family Weekends for each school and put them on a spreadsheet (you know me!). So now I can determine nice little blocks of time where we can take our Disney trip in Sept/Oct.

I originally wanted to go the weekend of Oct 15th, but that happens to be Family Weekend for 2 of the colleges. The third is Sept 25th-ish. So now I am looking at the first week of October (I have another friend who wil be going that week and would love to connect with her.), or maybe we can go for Chris's birthday around September 16th! We both think that would be great, so we are leaning toward that. We would miss F&W but not MNSSHP, since that starts August 30th this year.

So what do y'all think? Is F&W worth it to schedule early October? And if free dining comes out, it may end by that first week of October. So many choices.

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a bummer that you missed the code, Susan!!!

In my opinion, Food and Wine is worth it! Check out my TR "Shaken, Not Stirred" in my signature. It was our adults-only four-day weekend trip to Food and Wine. You might get some ideas from there.

 

[Native NYer]

So sorry about the PIN. That really stinks.

Since you're doing an adults-only trip, F&W would be perfect!

MNSSHP starts August 30th? I didn't know it was announced. If that's the case, we may HAVE to switch our trip dates.

 

[swwake]

Since you're doing an adults-only trip, F&W would be perfect!

MNSSHP starts August 30th? I didn't know it was announced. If that's the case, we may HAVE to switch our trip dates.

I'm gonna check out Jackie's TR today, since I have a little time. Maybe that will convince us whether to go in Sept or Oct.

I got that 8/30 date from Touring Plans. Not sure if it's set in stone.

 

[Native NYer]

I'm gonna check out Jackie's TR today, since I have a little time. Maybe that will convince us whether to go in Sept or Oct.

I got that 8/30 date from Touring Plans. Not sure if it's set in stone.

Jackie's TR will make you definitely want to go for F&W.

I'm hoping there will be a party on 8/30. That would be fantastic

 

[swwake]

OK I read Jackie's TR and it sounds amazing. It's like tapas-style dining around the world.

But...I was looking at dates again. If we went Sept 29-early Oct, we could catch MNSSHP and F&W and possibly free dining if it is offered.

If we went over Chris's birthday in mid-September, the CL at AKL is $65 less per night (for Value Season). For a 6-night trip that's substantial savings. We were talking a few minutes ago about how it would be cool to go for Chris's birthday. And neither of us is hung up on F&W this time, but we do want to do a MNSSHP, so we're looking at the mid-Sept dates.

AND..I'm getting "the bug" and getting nervous about whether there won't be CL rooms available at AKL if we wait too long. So I am <this close> to booking today! I'm going to check out the discount codes board and see if there is any info on how the 40% off codes are offered.

Questions for y'all, who may know:
1 - if we book now and get a code for 40% off later, can we cancel and re-book with the code, or would we possibly lose the CL room?
2 - if we book now and free dining is later offered, same thing?
3 - Do the CL rooms go quickly? Am I worrying myself over nothing?

 

[Native NYer]

For AKL CL, I'd book now. However, if you do get a 40% off code, you may not be able to use it. We had AKL CL booked for August. But when I got the 20/30/40 PIN, I was unable to use if for CL. That's how we ended up switching to the Poly garden view room and then to the GF RPC. I've tried to get AKL CL with the PIN for July, but it isn't available. From what I've read on the resort board, using a PIN for CL can be difficult since all of the CL rooms with discounts tend to go. I read somewhere that it has to do with how CL at AKL is not much more than a savannah view room.

So, I'd book today. You can always change dates.

 

[swwake]

For AKL CL, I'd book now. However, if you do get a 40% off code, you may not be able to use it. We had AKL CL booked for August. But when I got the 20/30/40 PIN, I was unable to use if for CL. That's how we ended up switching to the Poly garden view room and then to the GF RPC. I've tried to get AKL CL with the PIN for July, but it isn't available. From what I've read on the resort board, using a PIN for CL can be difficult since all of the CL rooms with discounts tend to go. I read somewhere that it has to do with how CL at AKL is not much more than a savannah view room.

So, I'd book today. You can always change dates.

Good advice and info. I think there's just a $200 deposit if I book today, and it's fully refundable, so we could change dates, resorts, etc. if we want to. I am anxious and gun-shy at the same time. I don't know why. I feel like I'm just waiting for a signal to just do it! I was going to wait until about 190 days out, but for September 15, that would only be 3 weeks from now.

I'm so excited about the IPO too. I'm being a little stuffy (but I really try not to), but since it's just the two of us and we can afford it in the budget, we want to get the full experience. That's why I'm not going through AAA or looking for other discounts, etc. (The last AAA experience in Aug 08 was a disappointment.) So I am thinking of booking through Disney on their website and paying "rack rate". Am I crazy?

What is RPC?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am glad you liked the Food and Wine TR!

Sadly, I don't know the answers to any of your questions. I am a DIS-board failure.

 

[swwake]

I am glad you liked the Food and Wine TR!

Sadly, I don't know the answers to any of your questions. I am a DIS-board failure.

I really did enjoy the TR. I just used the links to hit each entry (didn't have time to read all the responses, though I would love to!

I think we'll want to do F&W sometime in the future. It just might not be this year. We figured out that we have a very busy October already, and Sept 16 is Chris's birthday, so it will be a better time for us to get away - plus it's less expensive!

I want one of those coladas you had!!

 

[Native NYer]

Good advice and info. I think there's just a $200 deposit if I book today, and it's fully refundable, so we could change dates, resorts, etc. if we want to. I am anxious and gun-shy at the same time. I don't know why. I feel like I'm just waiting for a signal to just do it! I was going to wait until about 190 days out, but for September 15, that would only be 3 weeks from now.

I'm so excited about the IPO too. I'm being a little stuffy (but I really try not to), but since it's just the two of us and we can afford it in the budget, we want to get the full experience. That's why I'm not going through AAA or looking for other discounts, etc. (The last AAA experience in Aug 08 was a disappointment.) So I am thinking of booking through Disney on their website and paying "rack rate". Am I crazy?

What is RPC?

Don't be gun-shy. Like you said, you can always get a refund if something comes up.

RPC is the Royal Palm Club at the Grand Floridian, which is just a name for the CL in the main building. The outer lodge club level is called Sugar Loaf. I believe at AKL it's the Kilimanjaro Club.

You will LOVE working with the IPO. As soon as you book and pay your deposit, you can email the IPO. They'll send you info about the lounge and other club level events, like the sunrise and sunset safaris. They'll also send you a Personal Itinerary Plan to fill out and email or fax to them. I'm getting mine ready. It's so nice to not have to make ADRs or any other arrangements yourself. It's definitely not a necessity, but a nice way to pamper yourself