Have 527 Days Until Our Vacation, But I Need Some Disney Magic Now!*22 DAYS TO GO!!!!

[DMGeurts]

OMG!!! How scary!! I can't imagine that sight - it's every parent's biggest fear. Thank God he is alright. Many hugs to you and your dd... Please keep us updated if you hear anything else.

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

Thanks everyone for there concerns and prayers. I talked to some teachers and the vice principle today while at parent teacher confrences and they assured me that he was more scared than anything. She also assured me that both of the kids seemed to handling it fine

So great news, Liam is on B honor roll for this quarter. He was been working very hard and recieved 3 b's and 1 A on his report card. He says he is going to work even harded and try to get all A for the final quarter.

Unfortunaltly Mia is having a little problem with her reading and I have already signed her up for summer school in hope to give her a little extra help. I think Grammy is a little mad at me and says she will do better in "Grammy's School" but oh well, I have to do what I think is best for my kids.

So for some Disney related news, I have almost $300 dollars saved (thinking about getting a part time job at Target so I can do what D did a buy a butt load for DGC ). With the kids off for spring break next week to help keep the younger ones busy playing in the back yard, I think I am going to try to get stuff together for a garage sale. It is my plan to put a large portion of the sales aside for Disney next year.

 

[Corrine 1973]

So now that my March trip is over and the Disney Blues are setting in, it is time to start throwing myself into my plans for my trip in 2013. As of right now the plans is to leave on May 26th and go until June 2nd. I have made a spread sheet of all the places I would like to eat, but know there is no way I will be able to do them all so I need all of your help. Feel free to tell me why I should go to one place, why I should skip another, and one that I might have missed.

Magic Kingdom

-Aloha Isle- snack- I can not go another trip with out a Dole Whip
-Cinderella's Royal Table- TS- Princesses +++ Not sure about 2 TS credits
-Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe- QS- Went there last year, good QS
-Crystal Palace- TS- Thinking another pre ropedrop breakfast
-Liberty Tree Taver- TS- the family style dinner sound yummy
-Launching Pad- snack- Now that I found the Cream Cheese Pretzel I must have it
-Peco's Bill Tall Tale- QS- Have heard alot of good things about thier food

Epcot- Future World

-Coral Reef- TS- Enjoyed dinner there last year
-Sunshine Seasons- QS- heard alot about them
-Garden Grill- TS- chipmunks and rotating is a + in my book

Epcot- World Showcase

-Katsura Grill- QS- I thought the food was real good
-La Cantina- QS- enjoyed the food there last year
-Princess Storybood Dinning- TS- good sub. for Princess Dinning
-Teppan Edo- TS -how cool that they cook food right there
-Yorkshire County Fish Shop- QS- Probably skip, but ifant some good fish
- Boulangie Patisserie- snack- I have to try the Napoleon and Creme Brulee

Disney Hollywood Studio's

-50's Prime Time Cafe- TS- one of these days I have to go here
-Back Lot Express- QS- enjoyed it this trip
-Mama Melrose- TS- only if I get the F! package
-Staring Rolls Cafe- snack- am now in love with those cupcakes
-Studio Catering Co- QS- don't know much about it, seems interesting
-Toy Story Pizza Planet- QS- Honestly, good choice for DD
-Hollywood & Vine- TS- Might be to childish, but heard it has good food

Disney Animal Kingdom

-Tusker House- TS- thought food was good, enjoyed characters and CM
-Flame Tree BBQ- QS- Loved it lasts year
-Yak & Yeti- TS- looks worthy to try

DTD

-Earl of Sandwich- QS- heard they have great sandwiches
-Wolfgang Puck Express- QS- the pics in Liddy's TR have me hooked

Resorts

-Boma- TS- I love this place
-Kouzzina- TS- I really want to try this one
-Chef Mickey's- TS- would like to try dinner here
-Peper Market- QS- if I end up staying here
-1900 Park Fare- TS- Might skip it due to some recent reviews
-Kona- TS- Food sounds good here
-Ohana- TS- would love to have breakfast here
-Boatwrights- TS- might try if I stay at POR or POFQ

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Okay, here are my comments...are you ready?

Magic Kingdom
~Aloha Isle- tried Dole Whip for the first time on this last trip. I took note of folks that had commented on here that the straight pineapple was a little too tart or too sherbert textured, etc so, I went for the swirl...loved it!
~I saw that you had put Askersus in Epcot as an princess alternative vs 2 TS credits for CRT: I agree with that thinking. Not sure I would spend the 2 credits for CRT.
~I suggest Columbia Harbor House for CS! It came highly recommended on here, so I tried it for the first time and it was a great hit with the whole family! We even got a table upstairs with a great view of the Haunted Mansion.

Epcot Future World
~Sunshine Seasons- FANTASTIC! We all loved it so much, we went twice! Try the strawberry shortcake!

Epcot WS
~ The Creme Brulee from France is soooooo divine! We had it at Chefs de France and it was truly heavenly. I have not tried the Nepolean yet...
~ I also suggest School Bread from Norway. I picked one up after Illuminations to take back to the room to have for breakfast the next day...so good with a hot cup of coffee!
~Yorkshire County Fish is still on my to-try list!

Hollywood Studios
~50's PT had really good food. We didn't luck out with the service this time. That story will be in my TR.
~I suggest a carrot cake cookie from Writers Stop. I did the same thing with it as I did the school bread...had it for breakfast (it was big enough to have TWICE for breakfast). It is so moist and delicious!
~A cupcake from Starring Rolls is also still on my to-try list!

Animal Kingdom
~Flame Tree BBQ was finger-lickin good with LOTS of food! Also, wander around until you work your way down to the tables with a good Expedition Everest view. I will have a picture on my TR of our view...gorgeous!
~We had Yak & Yeti on our March 2011 trip. The food was delicious. Get a late afternoon ADR and ask for the table in the far right corner by the corner window on the second floor to get a GREAT view of the afternoon parade.
~I suggest getting a jalepeno pretzel from the snack kiosk right beside Kilamanjaro Safaris for a snack....scrumptious!

Resorts
~Sanaa was delicious. We went right around dusk for dinner. Suggest a savannah view table. We got to watch zebras and giraffes graze while we dined. Also, you can go onto the observation deck with your buzzer to wait for a table. They had an outdoor fire blazing and rocking chairs surrounding the fire pit. There was an animal expert there to talk to you about the animals on the savannah. It was just such a nice, relaxing evening that we will never forget.
~Ohanas-mmmmmmmm gooooood! That's all I have to say about THAT!
~I still want to give Boatwright's a try. I had canceled it to do Raglan Road instead....big mistake, I think. More on that in my TR later, LOL!
~I would also like to try the Cape May Clambake at the Beach Club resort in the future. My family loves seafood, so I think this would be a hit.

Well, that was my 50 cents worth...it was a whole lot more than 2 cents, haha!

 

[DMGeurts]

So, here's my opinions...

Magic Kingdom

-Aloha Isle- snack- for sure!!! I love the vanilla icecream with pineapple juice!
-Cinderella's Royal Table- We have never done it, and never regretted not doing it.
-Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe- We have only been here once in 2003... Haven't been back since.
-Crystal Palace- TS- For sure as a RD breakfast - there is no other way!
-Liberty Tree Tavern- this is hands down, the best restaurant we have eaten at on all of our trips, and it's a must do every time! We all had the freedom pasta this time and we all loved it!
-Launching Pad- snack- YES!!!! The cream cheese pretzel is the BEST!
-Peco's Bill Tall Tale- QS We always end up eating here, because it's convenient to our favorite rides... Nothing real special though - burgers and fries.

Epcot- Future World

-Coral Reef- Never been here
-Sunshine Seasons- or here
-Garden Grill- TS- Been here twice... the first time is was awesome - second time was meh... Now that the girls are older - the characters don't treat them the same. For younger kids, it was awesome though. Not sure if we will go back... we think they changed their menu too - it's not as good as last time.

Epcot- World Showcase

-Katsura Grill- QS- I didn't like it - but you said you did - so go for it!
-La Cantina- QS- We ate here for lunch - wasn't very good at all - food was really bland. The best part was the churros, IMO
-Princess Storybood Dinning- TS- Haven't been
-Teppan Edo- TS -haven't been here either
-Yorkshire County Fish Shop- QS- their fish is OK - we thought it was slimey, we have very good fish around home, so we'd rather do that.
- Boulangie Patisserie- snack- I have to try the Napoleon and Creme Brulee <--- For sure!

Disney Hollywood Studio's

-50's Prime Time Cafe- TS- Yes, but wait until you read my review
-Back Lot Express- QS- Never been - meaning to go
-Mama Melrose- TS- haven't been
-Staring Rolls Cafe- snack- We really enjoyed our lunch here - sandwiches were very refreshing after a week of theme park food
-Studio Catering Co- QS- never been
-Toy Story Pizza Planet- QS- never been
-Hollywood & Vine- TS- never been

Disney Animal Kingdom

-Tusker House- TS- Enjoyed breakfast - hated lunch dining options
-Flame Tree BBQ- QS- loved it both times we went - missed it this last trip
-Yak & Yeti- TS- never been

DTD

-Earl of Sandwich- QS- we enjoyed our sandwiches here
-Wolfgang Puck Express- QS- ever been, wanna try

Resorts

-Boma- TS- We really liked this
-Kouzzina- TS- never been
-Chef Mickey's- TS- never been - it's on our must do for our next trip
-Peper Market- QS- never been
-1900 Park Fare- TS- never been
-Kona- TS- never been
-Ohana- TS- breakfast is fabulous - dinner is OK - will review in my TR
-Boatwrights- TS- never been

I don't think I see anything on here that I would over the top recommend... I've been trying to review our food in my TR though - if that helps you any??? LOL

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

Thanks for the advice guys. A plan is be formulated. It will probably be changed several times before the trip, but you got to start somewhere.

 

[Lidian]

I'm guessing you wanted me to fill this out? I saw it, but thought you wrote pretty well about it so left it be. Here goes! My suggestions outside of your list in italics.

Magic Kingdom
-Aloha Isle- snack- I don't like Dole Whips.
-Cinderella's Royal Table- TS- Princesses +++ - Not sure it's worth 2 TS credits.
-Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe- QS- We enjoyed it in previous years, but in May found it to be less than pleasant (taste-wise). The "show" is cute though. I wouldn't recommend.
-Crystal Palace- TS- I recommend. We had a great dinner here!
-Liberty Tree Taver- TS- Didn't appeal to me.
-Launching Pad- snack- Not sure what they have, never been there.
-Peco's Bill Tall Tale- QS- Didn't appeal to me.
Columbia Harbour House: This is my favorite QS place at MK.
Tony's Town Square: We enjoyed our TS meal and would gladly go back
Is the new restaurant in FL going to be open? Perhaps you could consider a meal there!

Epcot- Future World
-Coral Reef- TS- Booked an ADR here once, cancelled it. Seems okay, but I can eat seafood at home.
-Sunshine Seasons- QS- Never eaten here.
-Garden Grill- TS- I have wanted to dine here for years.

Epcot- World Showcase
-Katsura Grill- QS- Not sure what this is.
-La Cantina- QS- Can't do Mexican food.
-Princess Storybood Dinning- TS- I highly recommend, especially FOR a Princess!
-Teppan Edo- TS - It was fun and delicious. We'd go back!
-Yorkshire County Fish Shop- QS- Never tried it, but it's always on my list of potential QS.
- Boulangie Patisserie- snack- We meant to hit this up in March, but time got away from us.

Disney Hollywood Studio's
-50's Prime Time Cafe- TS- A favorite of mine! Not sure if your DD would be all about it or not. My DS doesn't care much for it (he loves the food -- but not the atmosphere).
-Back Lot Express- QS- My favorite QS at DHS!
-Mama Melrose- TS- Not appealing to me.
-Staring Rolls Cafe- snack- A must!
-Studio Catering Co- QS- It looked okay, but I'd prefer Backlot.
-Toy Story Pizza Planet- QS- Food was good, I'd recommend.
-Hollywood & Vine- TS- Yes, it is childish, but she's at a great age! Especially if she's interested in any of the characters. I do recommend a breakfast here pre-park opening. Then you can get in/out before official opening and get you FPs and/or sign up for JTA. It worked well for us!
I am tempted to recommend Sci Fi ... especially over 50s PTC. It might be more entertaining than 50s for a child. But it may also be too dark and creepy for a child. The food is just as good as 50s, IMO.

Disney Animal Kingdom
-Tusker House- TS- A must do for us!!! We loved lunch here!
-Flame Tree BBQ- QS- Our favorite QS!
-Yak & Yeti- TS- We considered it for TS, but I'd recommend TH over Y&Y. Plus, you can see characters if you go for breakfast/lunch!

DTD
-Earl of Sandwich- QS- A favorite! Very refreshing and delicious sandwiches! Even the kids love it!
-Wolfgang Puck Express- QS- A favorite! Delicious, fresh food and a HUGE value when using the DDP. It was over $100 for us for QS, so we definitely got our money's worth.

Resorts
-Boma- TS- Never been.
-Kouzzina- TS- A favorite of ours, but honestly, if you're going for your DD, you may want to consider something more geared towards her!
-Chef Mickey's- TS- I highly recommend! We enjoyed the food. We did have a semi-good/bad experience, but we'd go back in a heartbeat!
-Peper Market- QS- We enjoyed the food, but wouldn't make a special trip here ... so if you aren't staying at CSR, I'd pass it.
-1900 Park Fare- TS- I wouldn't recommend this to my worst enemy.
-Kona- TS- Great food, but not as kid-friendly as other places!
-Ohana- TS- Never been, but would totally consider it.
-Boatwrights- TS- Didn't look appealing to me.
WCC has gotten decent reviews and seems to be super kid-friendly! I'd love to eat there one day.
And depending on your resort (if you stay at a mod or better), you may want to consider a night in and dine there.

Here's what I typically do for QS places ... I compile a list of possibilities and then decide what sounds good that day, or let the kids pick! I never list anything that wouldn't be appealing to me as well, since I'm in charge.

And if you want to do Norway and you're unsure of the menu, order off the kid's menu. They'll bring you an adult sized portion of whatever is on the kid's menu (but they won't tell you this up front). It's a great value for the DDP and it's a ton of food -- especially since they have the cold buffet and desserts are served family style. Plus, you're guaranteed Princesses without standing in line! (Well, outside of getting in and meeting with whoever is at the door.)

I haven't heard much about the new restaurant(s) in FL, so not sure what they have to offer and/or when they'll be open. But definitely something to look forward to!

 

[Corrine 1973]

OK, Liddy it kind of makes me laugh that you don't know what Katsura Grill is since that is where we had lunch at Epcot together.

Great recommendations for other things. I was kind of thinking some of the same things, but it really helps when someone else agree with me.

 

[Lidian]

OK, Liddy it kind of makes me laugh that you don't know what Katsura Grill is since that is where we had lunch at Epcot together.

Great recommendations for other things. I was kind of thinking some of the same things, but it really helps when someone else agree with me.

I didn't realize it got a name change. It was always Yakitori House the past two times we dined there.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Oh where oh where oh where is Corri? Oh where oh where oh where is Corri? Oh where oh where oh where is Corri? Where could Corri be? (remember the where is shadow song from Bear and the Big Blue House? ) Anyhow~ where are you Corri???

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Thinking about you and praying for you and your brother and your family, Corrie!!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Just wanted to stop by and say that I am still around, things have been really difficult these last couple of weeks. Unfortunatly my brother was hospitalized the day after Easter. When the ambulance got there they had to restart his heart and didn't know how long his heart had not been beating. They were able to get his heart going again, but unfortunatly the only brainsteam activity he had was breathing. We decided to take him off of life support on Friday the 13th, and a little over 24 hours later he took his last breath and gently drifted from this world.

There is a whole in my heart that I don't know how to fill, and have decided that the trip I take next year will be in memory of my younger brother.

Oh and I also noticed today that my Disney count down calander is officially under 400 days. 399 days and counting down.

 

[DMGeurts]

Corri!!! I am so glad you see you here again! (((BIG HUGS))) I just can't imagine what you are going through. I think it is a wonderful tribute to your brother to take this trip in his honor, something fun and memorable to make you smile and think of him - I am sure he would love that.

I wish I could do or say something to bring you comfort during this time - just know you have been in my thoughts and prayers very often over these last several weeks.

Much love to you and your family.

D~

 

[Lidian]

Corri!!! I am so glad you see you here again! (((BIG HUGS))) I just can't imagine what you are going through. I think it is a wonderful tribute to your brother to take this trip in his honor, something fun and memorable to make you smile and think of him - I am sure he would love that.

I wish I could do or say something to bring you comfort during this time - just know you have been in my thoughts and prayers very often over these last several weeks.

Much love to you and your family.

D~

D said it all. We love you and we're here if you need us!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Corri!!! I am so glad you see you here again! (((BIG HUGS))) I just can't imagine what you are going through. I think it is a wonderful tribute to your brother to take this trip in his honor, something fun and memorable to make you smile and think of him - I am sure he would love that.

I wish I could do or say something to bring you comfort during this time - just know you have been in my thoughts and prayers very often over these last several weeks.

Much love to you and your family.

D~

D said it all. We love you and we're here if you need us!

Thanks guys. I must admite that this trip is helping me keep my mind off things at least a little bit. A little bit of good news is that I have inherited my brother's laptop computer. It took me about an hour to crack his password, but when I did I found all the pictures of the MaW trip in 2009 that he took with us. These are the same pics that I have not been able to get off of my old laptop so I am super excited to be able to have access to them again. I hope to soon share some more of these pictures from this trip and give an update to my trip plans soon. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

 

[Terkina]

Corri!!! I am so glad you see you here again! (((BIG HUGS))) I just can't imagine what you are going through. I think it is a wonderful tribute to your brother to take this trip in his honor, something fun and memorable to make you smile and think of him - I am sure he would love that.

I wish I could do or say something to bring you comfort during this time - just know you have been in my thoughts and prayers very often over these last several weeks.

Much love to you and your family.

D~

D said it well. I'm here ready to talk about anything it doesn't matter if it's memories of your borther or Disney stuff to keep your mind busy

 

[Corrine 1973]

So my original plan was to go on my trip from May 26-June 2. For all of the three years that my kids have been going to their elementry school their last day of school has been on the friday before Memorial day. Last year it got pushed to two days after Memorial Day and this year it got pushed to the day after Memorial day because of snow days, but the planned last day has always been the friday before Memorial Day.

Well the school schedule for next year has come out and the last day of school is now scheduled for the Wednesday after Memorial day, and that is if there isn't any snow days used.

So now I need to make a decision. Do I want to pull my DD out of her last two days of school (last day of school is actually only 2 hours long) so that my plans remain the same? Do I want to wait until the next week when things will probably be busier? Do I want to take her during her spring break which I am sure is going to be very busy?

I guess I have a lot of thinking to do before the packages come out in August.

 

[cindermomma]

Hi! Just joining this - this thread from your siggy in the May 2013 code watch thread.

So sorry to hear about your brother. How wonderful that you are dedicating the trip to him.

Hoping that we can all keep each other company until next year! I am thinking of starting my own PTR - never done one and it might be fun! I have enjoyed reading your thread. Talk to you soon!

 

[DMGeurts]

Corri... What grade will your dd be in when you go?

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

Hi! Just joining this - this thread from your siggy in the May 2013 code watch thread.

So sorry to hear about your brother. How wonderful that you are dedicating the trip to him.

Hoping that we can all keep each other company until next year! I am thinking of starting my own PTR - never done one and it might be fun! I have enjoyed reading your thread. Talk to you soon!

Thanks for joining cindermomma. I definalty think you should start a PTR. It's a great way to talk all the Disney related things on your trip with out people rolling there eyes at you.

Corri... What grade will your dd be in when you go?


D~

She is in 1st grade right now, so she will be just ending second grade next year.