Has the DIS taught me nothing? Spring Break at WDW! **Trip Report Link p.12**

[Wonders10]

Hello everyone!

Unfortunately despite what I know about the best and worst times to visit the mouse, I don’t have that much leeway in that matter. I’m a school employee, and aside from taking personal time for vacations (which I refuse to do), summer, school holidays and vacations are my only option. And so it was that I decided to make the 2 hour trek to Orlando during a portion of my spring break.

It started about a month ago. I felt that itch. I tried to scratch it, but it just kept coming back. Finally I realized the only thing that would make it feel better was planning a trip to WDW. I didn’t want to go my entire spring break for a number of reasons. 1) the cost…I am trying to save more $$$ and extra nights at Disney wouldn’t help that and 2) I really like my time at home during school vacations to head off to the beach, clean out closets, staying up late watching bad TV and not have to worry about waking up at 5:30, etc. Last year I went on a 7 day cruise for my spring break. I returned on a Sunday and went back to work on Monday and I hated every second of it. I didn’t even enjoy my last day of cruise bliss because I was so focused on returning to work. So I have vowed to never do that again!

First let me introduce myself and my traveling partner! I am Shannon. I’m 29 plus 12 months and I live in the beautiful, yet boring, treasure coast of Florida. Just north of Palm Beach. I’m originally from the Fort Lauderdale area and moved up here for work 3 years ago. It’s great if you are married with kids or over 75 years old. Neither of which I am. Yep I’m single and the main man in my life is my 2 year old goldendoodle, Winston. I mention him only because I talk about him a lot. He’s my main source of entertainment and drama so I foresee lots of Winston stories and pictures. I am a speech pathologist, and I work in the schools as well as a private practice. Most of my caseload is children with autism, but I see it all. It’s fun and it pays the bills. Here is me (with shorter hair) and Winston:

My traveling companion on this adventure is my mom. She is old enough to be my mom and close to retiring (2 more years!). She still lives down south of me. She is easily convinced to take trips with me, even if she would have never thought of it herself. She has a 7 year old Standard Poodle, Phoebe. I may talk about her a little bit too so I thought I’d mention her.

Yes, we are dog people. Big time. But I love cats too! I had an adorable black and white cat, Penelope, when I was growing up.

So that covers the WHO of this trip!
UP NEXT: The When and Where!

 

[Wonders10]

Since I decided to do this over my spring break, I didn’t have many dates to play with. March 25th is a teacher workday for me and I hate using time for a day when kids aren’t around and I can actually get work done, but I didn’t want to go mid-week or end of week because then I just end up wishing all those other spring break days away. So we are leaving on Saturday March 26 for 3 nights, heading back home on Tuesday the 29th.

Originally we were going to stay at POP. Because it is cheap and its my favorite value resort. But honestly, I wanted something a little more “resort-y” without paying the price of say, the Beach Club or Poly. So I easily convinced my mom to stay at POR. This is probably one of our favorite resorts that we consistently stay at. I’ve got to be coming up on my 10th stay at this resort. I prefer alligator bayou to magnolia bend but I am going to try to just take what they give us, without requesting a certain section. Oh and we got a Florida resident discount on a standard room for this stay.

As far as tickets go, we are getting the special Florida Resident pass that is out right now…the 4 days pass for $119. Actually, we are getting it for $116.99 at AAA. So no hopping for us, but I don’t think that will be a problem.

I've been playing with what days we will do which parks, plus we already have some dining ideas. Gasp! I know. 9 weeks away and we haven't made ADRs yet? I told you I haven't learned anything on the DIS I'm waiting until I officially decide park days so that I can do ADRs since we are wanting to eat at a couple park restaurants. But more on that to come!

 

[LMO429]

Hi! I'm in Can't wait to read more! I'm jealous wish I was going back soon. But I'll be back in October

 

[Wonders10]

Life Update – for those that don’t know me from other threads, I’m a huge dental-phobe. And over the weekend, I was noticing that one of my teeth, which also happened to contain one of my very first, silver fillings (the fact that its silver should tell you how old it is!), began to ache. Not a ton, but enough that I started to get concerned and stressed out about a possible dental visit. When I took a very up close and personal view of that tooth, which was difficult to do since my mouth is the size of a toddler, it looked like part of the filling had fallen out. Great. So on Monday, when the pain still didn’t go away, I called the dentist and am now the proud owner of a temporary crown (my first one!) – the permanent comes in 2 weeks. Apparently, I didn’t actually lose part of my filling, I had 2 small cracks in the tooth – but because of the filling since mercury expands? Who knew. I say all this because that was on Monday and today is Thursday and my tooth still hurts. I think it is because I have very sensitive teeth (major teeth grinder here) and when I get work done, even a cleaning, they hurt for awhile. At least I’m hoping that’s the problem. Anyway, back to more important topics – Disney and Food!

I’m not going to lie. One of the things I love about Disney is the food. Not that its top quality all the time or anything, but it just speaks to me. We don’t typically do a lot of ADRs because we feel like they take a lot of time out of our day, the cost can add up, and we don’t want to feel rushed having to plan our day around a lunch/dinner reservation. But there are places we like to eat and places we want to try. So this time we have 2 ADRs made (so far – I’m contemplating adding a breakfast).

We are doing lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern at MK. We’ve eaten here many times and just LOVE the pot roast. Although the entrée salad also sounds really good. Either way, we’ve always had a really yummy meal here and are excited to return – plus my mom requested it! She is pretty go with the flow and doesn’t usually speak up about things she wants to do, but this she specifically asked about so its in!

We are also doing lunch at Via Napoli in Epcot! This will be a new restaurant for us, but the menu sounds great and we really like that style of pizza. I’m already trying to plan out our meal, but there are too many things we want to try! So far, I’m thinking to get the Frutto Misto Appetizer (to share), 1 individual pizza (also to share - flavor TBD) and splitting a salad. But I feel like that’s a lot of food. We’ll see. Such decisions!

I’m contemplating doing a breakfast ADR on the day we leave just to make the magic last longer, but that’s still up in the air. We did Boma on our last trip and it was okay, but I don’t feel the need to rush back. I think I like more of a traditional breakfast, as opposed to buffets. So Kona Café is top of our list – it was super yummy the last time we tried it!

Another new thing I'm intrigued by is the Wishes Dessert Party. I believe the time we will be there, the cost is $35 pp, which seems like a lot just to be guaranteed a table and some desserts. But it does sound nice and special, especially since it will be during a more crowded time and we don't often take the time to watch the fireworks because of that. So if you are reading and have done it, please share!

For those reading, thank you! I’m sorry it’s a little boring, but I really like the idea of writing about my trip since planning is almost as fun as being there.

 

[DisneyLaura]

Hi Shannon

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hi there, I am joining you in your planning!! We are going to be staying at POR as well, just earlier in the month. We will be there from the 3rd to the 10th. Can't wait to hear more plans!!!

Oh, and BTW...I am TOTALLY with you on the whole dental thing...hate going to the dentist..we have an awesome one who understands and is very good with me..but still..

 

[blessedmom4]

Dog person here, couldn't help subbing in.

I am sorry to read about the tooth, I can so relate (My mouth is small, although there are those who wouldn't believe it ). I hope you feel better soon and the crown will help the pain!

How wonderful your trip wil be here before you know it! Looking forward to the planning!

 

[Wonders10]

Hi Shannon

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Hi! Thanks for stopping by!

Hi there, I am joining you in your planning!! We are going to be staying at POR as well, just earlier in the month. We will be there from the 3rd to the 10th. Can't wait to hear more plans!!!

Oh, and BTW...I am TOTALLY with you on the whole dental thing...hate going to the dentist..we have an awesome one who understands and is very good with me..but still..

I love POR - have you all stayed there before?

I have been seeing this dentist since October and I really like them. The "girls" are super sweet and understand my neurotic behavior! The doc was slow to warm up but now is really nice and explains things really well for me so I know what's going on.

Dog person here, couldn't help subbing in.

I am sorry to read about the tooth, I can so relate (My mouth is small, although there are those who wouldn't believe it ). I hope you feel better soon and the crown will help the pain!

How wonderful your trip wil be here before you know it! Looking forward to the planning!

Yay for dog people! I'll have to post some pictures of my doodle-bug (get it? b/c he's a doodle! ). He's an odd duck.

And did I read your siggie right? You lost 102 lbs?!?!?! That's amazing! I have a ticker that is nowhere near that impressive - ultimate goal is about 75 lbs I think. But I'm going to reassess when I get closer. So far, just 7 lbs down.

 

[blessedmom4]

Yay for dog people! I'll have to post some pictures of my doodle-bug (get it? b/c he's a doodle! ). He's an odd duck.

And did I read your siggie right? You lost 102 lbs?!?!?! That's amazing! I have a ticker that is nowhere near that impressive - ultimate goal is about 75 lbs I think. But I'm going to reassess when I get closer. So far, just 7 lbs down.

My Mom called me doodle~bug when I was a very young girl because I liked cheese doodles

Looking forward to pictures!

Yes, I am happy to say I have lost 102 pounds thus far...I want to lose 45 more. It isn't as hard losing them as it is KEEPING them off. I find stress to be my worst enemy and lack of sleep. 7 pounds is AWESOME! For those of us who fight weight, even ONE pound is a victory...keep up the hard work.

 

[Wonders10]

Warning: If you hate dogs, especially odd ones, completely skip this post!

Ask and ye shall receive - I take pictures of Winston constantly. Here are some of my favorites over the past few months. None of these have been staged in anyway. He has actually put himself in these poses/places and remained there at least long enough for me to see him there, laugh and take his picture.

Ready for Dinner:

Resting?

This one especially cracks me up. We had woken up around 3 (both of us) unable to sleep. So I decided to just get up and go out to watch some TV, thanking God I didn't have to work the next day. While I got ready to watch TV, he decided to sit backwards in the chair. I love how he still looks half asleep in this picture too.

I had been sitting, watching TV (again) and couldn't see Winston. Mind you, I live in a 2 bdrm apartment and keep all the doors closed at all times so there aren't that many places for him to go. I looked around, under tables, called his name and finally looked up to see him here, sitting in the corner:

Being nosy, just like his mama:

Peek-a-Boo!

Putting himself in Timeout:

 

[blessedmom4]

Those pictures are too fun, I LOVE them and I am so happy you posted!!

 

[Wonders10]

Some of you readers out there know me from the DISappearing Peeps thread on the W.I.S.H. boards. (Sidenote – if you are at all trying to lose weight, I highly suggest you stop by and introduce yourself! It’s a great source of support). I’m in a constant battle to lose weight, but this time feels different and I’ve lost 7 lbs in just under a month. Slow and steady. Plus I definitely had at least one week in there where I wasn’t even attempting to eat right. So I figure it’s more like 7lbs in 3 weeks. Anyway, on one of my previous visits to the world, I purchased 2 adorable tees in Tren-D at Downtown Disney. I didn’t try them on until I returned home.

They didn’t fit. Unless you like that sausage stuffed in a sausage casing look. In that case, they fit perfectly!

So my goal for this trip is to be able to fit into both of these tops because I really want to wear them, and frankly, I spent a lot of money on them to just let them sit in my closet. I also have tons of shorts that are just a smidge too small for me to wear comfortably, so I’m also hoping I lose enough by the trip that they fit well.

Here are the shirts:

I will have more clothing and accessory updates as the trip gets closer. Sometimes I think I book vacations just so I can go shopping for bags, shoes and clothes. Oooh, and maybe a hat!

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone!

Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was uber-boring, but 2 days off from work and not having to get up to an alarm is wonderful. I did manage to get lots of things done today which always puts me in a good mood so all in all, a good weekend!

I spoke with my mom earlier, and I asked her how she felt about staying an extra night. Reminder - we have 3 nts booked and we arrive early so I feel like we have 3 days. An extra night would give us 4 days and 4 nts. And enough time to hit every park since we don't have hopping privileges. She was a little hesitant simply because of having to pay for an extra night (well half of a night) and the cost of food and everything that an extra day would mean. I told her to just think about it and she could let me know in the next day or so.

Then she said, "you know I'm going to say okay". But I'm not jumping up and down just yet because I did know she would say okay, but that doesn't mean she's as excited about it as I am so I'm gonna give her a day or so to think it over and then decide.

Speaking of resort stays, my resort-itis is setting in. You know, that disease when you start second guessing the resort you've chosen, even though you love it and have been there many times? Yeah it hit me hard this weekend.

The resort I'm thinking of is actually POFQ, so not a huge difference from POR. I've been reading lots of TR and many of them stayed at POFQ and it just looks so beautiful and relaxing! Same price and location as POR, but on a much smaller scale. My mom and I had actually walked here one day to get some beignets and explore the resort and its really pretty! Especially since I have a thing for southern style themes (hence my love for POR as well!). Assuming there is availability, my concerns are as follows - smaller food court means more crowds? one pool means a really crowded pool in the afternoon? Anyone have opinions on that? My gut is telling me that since it is so much smaller, its probably no different than what you deal with at POR. Also, I'm also worried that I will regret not being at POR since we do really like it.

Ah, decisions! Hope everyone has an awesome week!

 

[blessedmom4]

Hi everyone!

Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was uber-boring, but 2 days off from work and not having to get up to an alarm is wonderful. I did manage to get lots of things done today which always puts me in a good mood so all in all, a good weekend!

I spoke with my mom earlier, and I asked her how she felt about staying an extra night. Reminder - we have 3 nts booked and we arrive early so I feel like we have 3 days. An extra night would give us 4 days and 4 nts. And enough time to hit every park since we don't have hopping privileges. She was a little hesitant simply because of having to pay for an extra night (well half of a night) and the cost of food and everything that an extra day would mean. I told her to just think about it and she could let me know in the next day or so.

Then she said, "you know I'm going to say okay". But I'm not jumping up and down just yet because I did know she would say okay, but that doesn't mean she's as excited about it as I am so I'm gonna give her a day or so to think it over and then decide.

Speaking of resort stays, my resort-itis is setting in. You know, that disease when you start second guessing the resort you've chosen, even though you love it and have been there many times? Yeah it hit me hard this weekend.

The resort I'm thinking of is actually POFQ, so not a huge difference from POR. I've been reading lots of TR and many of them stayed at POFQ and it just looks so beautiful and relaxing! Same price and location as POR, but on a much smaller scale. My mom and I had actually walked here one day to get some beignets and explore the resort and its really pretty! Especially since I have a thing for southern style themes (hence my love for POR as well!). Assuming there is availability, my concerns are as follows - smaller food court means more crowds? one pool means a really crowded pool in the afternoon? Anyone have opinions on that? My gut is telling me that since it is so much smaller, its probably no different than what you deal with at POR. Also, I'm also worried that I will regret not being at POR since we do really like it.

Ah, decisions! Hope everyone has an awesome week!

This Southern Girl would say ANYTHING Southern has got to be good! Of course, I can't speak from an educated standpoint, because I have never been to either! I would think you really couldn't go wrong. I hope you DO get to stay 4 nights!

 

[lovealldisney]

Speaking of resort stays, my resort-itis is setting in. You know, that disease when you start second guessing the resort you've chosen, even though you love it and have been there many times? Yeah it hit me hard this weekend.

The resort I'm thinking of is actually POFQ, so not a huge difference from POR. I've been reading lots of TR and many of them stayed at POFQ and it just looks so beautiful and relaxing! Same price and location as POR, but on a much smaller scale. My mom and I had actually walked here one day to get some beignets and explore the resort and its really pretty! Especially since I have a thing for southern style themes (hence my love for POR as well!). Assuming there is availability, my concerns are as follows - smaller food court means more crowds? one pool means a really crowded pool in the afternoon? Anyone have opinions on that? My gut is telling me that since it is so much smaller, its probably no different than what you deal with at POR. Also, I'm also worried that I will regret not being at POR since we do really like it.

Ah, decisions! Hope everyone has an awesome week!

I would go for it. POFQ is beautiful, if the food court is busy go over to POR, as far as the pool if POFQ is busy go to POR and use theirs. It really isn't that long of a walk between the two.

Winston is so cute! This picture is hilarious! Was he sleeping?? That doesn't look to comfy! Dogs are so much fun arent they!

And a shout out to the PEEPS thread! Please come and join us!!

 

[Wonders10]

Those pictures are too fun, I LOVE them and I am so happy you posted!!

Glad you liked them!

Winston is so cute! This picture is hilarious! Was he sleeping?? That doesn't look to comfy! Dogs are so much fun arent they!

And a shout out to the PEEPS thread! Please come and join us!!

I think he was actually laying on the ottoman and was in the process of getting up, but stopped halfway and rested his head. He stayed like that for about 10 minutes. What a nut!

 

[Wonders10]

My persuasion skills are still at its finest, ladies and gentlemen. Today my mom gave me the go ahead for an extra night in Disney. So now we are staying for a whopping 4 nights! I know that still doesn't sound like all that much, especially when I am reading trip reports by people who have gone for 2 weeks! (jealous ). But, I don't think I have stayed at Disney for that many nights in a few years. With my work schedule and other (gasp) non disney vacations, we have typically gone 1-2x a year for 2, maybe 3 nights. Just enough to get our fix. 4 nights is just outrageous!

And if that wasn't enough fabulous news, my mom was completely and totally fine with switching to POFQ. So now not just 4 nts but staying a new resort to boot! If only I could have convinced her to switch our ressie to the Poly or BC that easily .

The first thing my mom said when I suggested POFQ - "we could get beignets" Told you we like our food.

So now, I need to completely revamp the tentative schedule I've made and I may need to adjust my dining reservations as well. Yay more planning!

Thanks to those of you reading and extra thanks to those that have replied! I really do appreciate it!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

My persuasion skills are still at its finest, ladies and gentlemen. Today my mom gave me the go ahead for an extra night in Disney. So now we are staying for a whopping 4 nights! I know that still doesn't sound like all that much, especially when I am reading trip reports by people who have gone for 2 weeks! (jealous ). But, I don't think I have stayed at Disney for that many nights in a few years. With my work schedule and other (gasp) non disney vacations, we have typically gone 1-2x a year for 2, maybe 3 nights. Just enough to get our fix. 4 nights is just outrageous!

And if that wasn't enough fabulous news, my mom was completely and totally fine with switching to POFQ. So now not just 4 nts but staying a new resort to boot! If only I could have convinced her to switch our ressie to the Poly or BC that easily .

The first thing my mom said when I suggested POFQ - "we could get beignets" Told you we like our food.

So now, I need to completely revamp the tentative schedule I've made and I may need to adjust my dining reservations as well. Yay more planning!

Thanks to those of you reading and extra thanks to those that have replied! I really do appreciate it!

Love the added time!! That's gonna be awesome!! Good luck with your ADR's!!

 

[Iheartdis]

My Nana has a golden doodle. Her name is Sophie and she is the sweetest dog ever! I love the pic where Winston is staring at at wall. Maybe he did something naughty and was feeling a little guilty!

 

[lovealldisney]

My persuasion skills are still at its finest, ladies and gentlemen. Today my mom gave me the go ahead for an extra night in Disney. So now we are staying for a whopping 4 nights! I know that still doesn't sound like all that much, especially when I am reading trip reports by people who have gone for 2 weeks! (jealous ). But, I don't think I have stayed at Disney for that many nights in a few years. With my work schedule and other (gasp) non disney vacations, we have typically gone 1-2x a year for 2, maybe 3 nights. Just enough to get our fix. 4 nights is just outrageous!

And if that wasn't enough fabulous news, my mom was completely and totally fine with switching to POFQ. So now not just 4 nts but staying a new resort to boot! If only I could have convinced her to switch our ressie to the Poly or BC that easily .

The first thing my mom said when I suggested POFQ - "we could get beignets" Told you we like our food.

So now, I need to completely revamp the tentative schedule I've made and I may need to adjust my dining reservations as well. Yay more planning!

Thanks to those of you reading and extra thanks to those that have replied! I really do appreciate it!

Yeah for and extra night!
You'll really like POFQ I think!