Hitting the Disney trifecta! a Nov 2013 PTR-and then some!(2/21-Trip #3 return!)

[skier_pete]

That is really cool!

Why can't you book all your ADRS now? I booked all my ADRS on my first reservation (at the Beach Club) even for the part of the trip I'm at Animal Kingdom. In fact, when I called, she even booked PAST the 10 plus days for me as that last Monday we are in Disney was technically 180 + 11.

Well, now that I think about it, I maybe could have. I was thinking that room only reservation wouldn't allow me to book the 180+10, since we aren't on a package, but maybe it did. Doesn't matter, I got my ADRs booked. Details to follow, but couldn't get into Be Our Guest just yet. Yet another Plan B in place.

 

[skier_pete]

ADRs made! I had an awful time with the Disney computer system and never once was able to get a on-line ADR. It helped screw me out of some of the preffered times I wanted, but even for the prime one (Be Our Guest) I am not sure I would’ve had any luck. The automated phone system actually works pretty good, but doesn’t open until an hour after the on-line system.

I’ve completed putting together the ADRs. A lot of this is repeat of previous trip summary, so I’ll try to note changes only.

Saturday, Nov 11th: 1:30 PM Lunch at Tusker House (OOP) which I already discussed in a previous post.

Monday Nov 13th: Trying to get Be Our Guest here for dinner, but was not able to get it. I really couldn’t get it any day. So, I needed to come out with a “Plan B” for the day. I really didn’t have an alternative restaurant in Magic Kingdom, and doing the MVMCP that night, we weren’t really up for leaving the park for dinner. Since we were planning on getting to the park until lunch, I decided to try something different – breakfast @ 1900 Park Fare. This is a character meal with Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter. I think it could be a lot of fun. I went for the latest time available – 11:15 AM. I am hoping we could leave our hotel around 10:15 AM and still get there for this. (Gives us about 40 minutes for the bus and 20 for the monorail.) I am not totally enamored of it, since I was more thinking we could wait until 11 or 12 to leave the hotel, but overall I think it would still be a very laid-back morning, which is what we are looking for with the late night coming.
One thing I found hilarious – after they couldn’t get me this reservation – they said “we have alternate suggestions for you – we recommend – Tusker House!”

Tuesday, Nov 14th: Bongo’s Cuban Café at 6 PM – Our “off” day in which we’ll head to DTD late in the day for dinner and a little shopping. DW picked this one of the DTD choices. This is exactly the time I wanted.

Wednesday, Nov 15th: Lunch at the Sci-Fi @ 12:40 PM – I have actually more TS reservations than I have credits. If we end up keeping them all, we will probably pay for this one OOP, since you can eat here pretty cheap.

Thursday, Nov 16th: Garden Grill with Tinker626 and family @ 7:15 PM.

Friday, Nov 17th: Bibbity Bobbity Boutique at Magic Kingdom – 1 PM. Turns out DW asked DD if she wants to do this. She thought I would object, but I have no problem with the idea. DD has never been interested, but I guess thinks now it would be kind of fun. I thought it better to do this at this point, Today and tomorrow should be no/limited pool days, so at least she’d get a few days of wear out of it. As far as dining goes, I was able to get what I wanted for Ohana @ 6:55 PM.

Saturday, November 18th: We have booked an evening for ourselves. We have a 5:30 PM reservation for DD at the Sandcastle Club at Beach Club. We then have a 6:05 PM ADR at Yatchsman’s Steak House at the Yacht Club. At $11.50 an hour for a babysitter, I am not sure how late we will stay out, but we also want to head to Jellyroll’s for a bit.

Sunday, November 19th: I think we are going to change this one up. We were originally planning on Chefs De France, but then I realized – NO REMY on Sunday! So I suggested to my family we try Tutto Italia. Our ADR is for 6:30 PM.

Monday, November 20th: Here’s where Disney’s on-line system screwed me. I went on-line and tried to book this one first thing. I got 8:05 AM, then they wouldn’t let me book it. Then I got 8:15 AM, then 8:35 AM, then 9:05 AM. UGH! I wanted that first thing. By the time I called, I was stuck with 8:35 AM. This is OK – we don’t really have much time in the park though and I was hoping for a “first thing” situation. Oh well, I may try and get this moved up as we get closer. If not it is not a “dealbreaker”!

One of the things I LOVE about Disney world: We’ve been there ten times now, and out of our nine dining reservations FIVE of them will be brand new experiences (I’m including 1900 Park Fare in there – even though we’ve eaten there it is a new character meal.)

Overall, pretty happy about our ADRs. No “Be Our Guest” is a real disappointment, but not a surprise, and I’m not giving up on it yet. The rest worked out pretty well.

This is probably the last update for Trip #2 for a while. With most everything booked, and our flights and everything set, there's not much else to say at this stage.

Look forward to a few updates over the next two weeks regarding our Backstage Magic trip. And if you want updates DURING the trip? Well, there's now a DIS webpage for that!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/beyondtheparks/#california

How cool is that! The DIS podcast team will be updating our trip as we go! It sounds like they might even do a podcast during the trip! Maybe I'll actually USE my Twitter account! #beyondtheparks

 

[Tinker326]

Great job on the ADRS!!! I was wondering if you would get BOG as I heard reports on the facebook group that noone could get them for that timeframe. But maybe something will open up- right up to the day you can keep trying. I have a friend at work that walked up on whim two weeks ago & managed to snag one.

Also, very funny about BBB. I am doing this for Minnie and was going to ask my older two if they wanted it too. Figured my middle would say no (she's a big tomboy) and she suprised me with a yes. I just havn't gotten around to actually MAKING the ressies yet. I think I'm still going to try convince Miss Middle to go to Pirates Leauge instead. It's really more her style.

Very exciting you are so close to your ABD!!! Fun times!!!

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome job!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great job on the ADRs. Love that you've got a mix of new vs old favourites.

I'm thinking of going to BoG for lunch and queueing up instead of booking in for dinner. We'll see how it goes.

 

[skier_pete]

Great job on the ADRS!!! I was wondering if you would get BOG as I heard reports on the facebook group that noone could get them for that timeframe. But maybe something will open up- right up to the day you can keep trying. I have a friend at work that walked up on whim two weeks ago & managed to snag one.

I will keep trying. With the new cancellation policies, I think there are more turnover of reservations. One key time is right around 45 day out point, when people have to pay for their packages.

Also, very funny about BBB. I am doing this for Minnie and was going to ask my older two if they wanted it too. Figured my middle would say no (she's a big tomboy) and she suprised me with a yes. I just havn't gotten around to actually MAKING the ressies yet. I think I'm still going to try convince Miss Middle to go to Pirates Leauge instead. It's really more her style.

Are you going DTD or MK for BBB? I was told getting the MK BBB is very difficult. If you are thinking of doing it there, I would recommend you booking it. They take a $10 CC hold, but don't charge you unless you don't show up.

I am not one of those that will book 3-4 meals a day and wait until the last minute to decide, but I HAVE booked things to have them set, only to cancel them within a few weeks of the trip. This trip I didn't really do that, with the exception of the 1900 Park Fare, and even that there's a good chance we'll use it unless BOG comes through.

Awesome job!

Thanks! I miss the On-line system being functional, though.

Great job on the ADRs. Love that you've got a mix of new vs old favourites.

I'm thinking of going to BoG for lunch and queueing up instead of booking in for dinner. We'll see how it goes.

Good way to think of it. I was listening to Kevin's review of OHana on the podcast, and thinking "maybe we SHOULDN'T try there" but really I do want to try some of these newer things - even at the expense of some old favorites. (I WILL bump OHana if I can get BOG on Friday evening.)

I am concerned about BoG for lunch. Unless they DO let you book a time using FP+, I really don't want to have to wait hours for a QS meal. We also have BBB at 1 PM on our only MK day we could do it, so the question is whether or not we try for an EARLY lunch, or a really LATE lunch if we do that.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I think people are queuing from about 10.30 am in the morning to get an early lunch at BoG. If you have O'hana's for dinner and BBB at 1 pm, I'd be tempted to go see what the queue is like and grab an early lunch. That leaves you with time to grab a snack after BBB.

 

[khertz]

Congrats on getting most of the ADR's you wanted (Darn you BoG!). But really, what a shame that a company as huge and diverse as the Disney company can't get a website that works better!

I'm getting excited about your ABD trip too! I'll have to make sure I follow along with the live updates. I follow them all on Instagram, but I don't have a twitter so hopefully I'll remember to check the page on their website for updates. Looks like we might be joining the podcast team for a trip next year ourselves!

 

[skier_pete]

I think people are queuing from about 10.30 am in the morning to get an early lunch at BoG. If you have O'hana's for dinner and BBB at 1 pm, I'd be tempted to go see what the queue is like and grab an early lunch. That leaves you with time to grab a snack after BBB.

I am definitely thinking along the same lines. Great minds think alike. I still think I'm gonna get that ADR. Persistance is everything!

Congrats on getting most of the ADR's you wanted (Darn you BoG!). But really, what a shame that a company as huge and diverse as the Disney company can't get a website that works better!

Really. It makes me wonder what a mess trying to use FP+ and mobile access at Disney is going to be.

I'm getting excited about your ABD trip too! I'll have to make sure I follow along with the live updates. I follow them all on Instagram, but I don't have a twitter so hopefully I'll remember to check the page on their website for updates. Looks like we might be joining the podcast team for a trip next year ourselves!

I am not yet on Instagram. I am on twitter (not surprisingly @skier_pete) but I don't really tweet hardly at all since I only have two followers. I have a lot more facebook friends - like 50 - so that's probably where most of my personal updates will go. If you want to "friend" me there, send me a PM -I'll send you my info.

Which podcast trip are you thinking of joining? I didn't think they were going to Italy next year.

 

[khertz]

Which podcast trip are you thinking of joining? I didn't think they were going to Italy next year.

I had convinced DH to email Kevin a couple weeks before the ABD 2014 dates were announced to start a rapport with him before booking anything, and Kevin told us then that they were going to Italy in the fall. They mentioned on the podcast that they can't really say much until contracts are finalized, but Kevin did pretty much let the cat out of the bag on that when he said, "If you're interested in a trip to Europe in the fall, email me. Ciao!" So on the boards it is just "a trip to Europe."

 

[skier_pete]

I had convinced DH to email Kevin a couple weeks before the ABD 2014 dates were announced to start a rapport with him before booking anything, and Kevin told us then that they were going to Italy in the fall. They mentioned on the podcast that they can't really say much until contracts are finalized, but Kevin did pretty much let the cat out of the bag on that when he said, "If you're interested in a trip to Europe in the fall, email me. Ciao!" So on the boards it is just "a trip to Europe."

I know Kevin totally loves that Italy trip. I assumed they were going to do the new one (Salzburg/Vienna/Prague I think?). I think that would be very cool if you could do that! You know you will be amongst the hard-core DISers!

I actually was really bummed that Kevin, John & Walter won't be going on our trip because I was really looking forward to meeting them. But, we get to meet a lot of the younger crew instead, which is nice too!

 

[skier_pete]

Monday we had a family get-together for DD birthday. A near-perfect weather day. There's lots that people can complain about the weather in Buffalo, but the fact that we can get some absolutely perfect late spring/ summer weather...and the fact I absolutely can't stand temperatures above about 85 degrees makes it the perfect place for me to live. (Buffalo rarely reaches 90 degrees in the heat of the summer.) Our great lake is a moderating force for temperatures, keeping the winter temperatures warmer and summer temperatures cooler (relative to most of the Northeast). I say all this because Monday was absolutely perfect, maybe about 72degrees and low humidity, a great day for a backyard BBQ. We had about 12 adults and 15 kids running around and it was lots of fun and I am glad it's over.

At the end, I turned to DW and said - "You realize this is our absolute last commitment before our trip!" Yes, focus turns from our daughter to US for a change.

It was only last week that we finally told DD that we are going on this trip. What we told her is that we are going on a tour out to California to Hollywood to see how backstage how they make movies, TV shows, and even build amusement park rides. No mention of Disney. (Is it lying to omit details.) The trip is for adults only (a half-truth - kids are allowed, however there are no kids on this trip) and there will be lots of walking and much of it would be boring for her (all true).

We told her that she gets to stay home and her Grandma would come to stay with us since she still has school. (School here doesn't wrap until the 21st of June.) To her this means "no rules" so she loved the idea. Her only questions: "Will you send me a postcard of the Hollywood sign?" and "Will you buy me a present like a stuffed animal?"

Overall it went way better than I thought it might, so at least that was good.

We've also started with our packing. The plan was we each get one suitcase (DW gets the bigger one of course) and then we bring an extra empty suitcase (which we can "nest") for any purchases. However, someone on the BSM thread pointed out we should mix our suitcase contents in case one gets lost. I never thought of that, but it was a good idea, so we will split our stuff up and then mix the suitcases.

Finally, I signed up for tickets on Monday, June 10th to see Jimmy Kimmel live. We are so far "waitlisted" but apparently it takes a week or so for them to give you the official "you've got tickets!" word, so still hoping we will get in. I was looking at the schedule thinking we would see "Superman" or "This is the end" stars since those are the movies coming out on the 14th. I was really rooting for Amy Adams (Lois Lane in Superman) but I just came across this list for the week before we're out there:

Mo 6/3: Mark Ruffalo, Scrabble Champions, Reggie Watts (R 5/23/13)
Tu 6/4: Amy Adams, Dave Franco, Lady Antebellum
We 6/5: Seth Rogen, Chris Messina, the Lonely Island
Th 6/6: Jonah Hill, Spelling Bee Champions


So, I'm still probably right - a good chance of still getting someone from those two movies on the 10th, but not Amy Adams. Henry Cavill and Russel Crowe are both on Leno that week, so perhaps one of them show up on the 10th. I would think it would be a little too early to get the folks from June 21st movies, which would be World War Z (so basically Brad Pitt) and Monsters U (????).

Anyways, We had originally decided against getting the tickets, but decided to give it a try. DW has never seen a late-night show taping, and it's been a long time for me. (I've seen Letterman way back when.) It's on our "free" time and right across the street from the hotel.

 

[Tinker326]

Very exciting!!

Happy 10th to your DD! I'm still recovering from my DD's 11th last Friday! Can't believe my baby is 11.

Glad she took the news well. And that the plans are full on for the trip.

How exciting if you get tickets to Jimmy Kimmel. He's so funny- love him! I've never seen a live taping and would love to see one too someday.

Everything is panning out & you'll be on the plane jet settin' to Hollywood in no time! Woo Hoo. Are you posting pictures on here while you are there? Or do we have to wait for the TR?

 

[skier_pete]

Very exciting!!

Happy 10th to your DD! I'm still recovering from my DD's 11th last Friday! Can't believe my baby is 11.

Glad she took the news well. And that the plans are full on for the trip.

How exciting if you get tickets to Jimmy Kimmel. He's so funny- love him! I've never seen a live taping and would love to see one too someday.

Everything is panning out & you'll be on the plane jet settin' to Hollywood in no time! Woo Hoo. Are you posting pictures on here while you are there? Or do we have to wait for the TR?

I may try and get a picture or two up during the trip...

 

[YodasMom]

Really looking forward to hearing about your trip!

How far ahead can you order tickets for Jimmy Kimmel and where did you order them?

I just made my plane reservation yesterday for my October BSM trip. Getting excited!!!

I hope you have an awesome trip!

 

[skier_pete]

Really looking forward to hearing about your trip!

How far ahead can you order tickets for Jimmy Kimmel and where did you order them?

I just made my plane reservation yesterday for my October BSM trip. Getting excited!!!

I hope you have an awesome trip!

I still think you should NOT listen to anything about my trip. I really think the less you know, the better.

As far as Jimmy Kimmel goes, check out www.1iota.com . They post the days up a few weeks in advance. There are other shows you can get tickets for, such as The Late, Late Show and The Voice, but those would be much harder to do at the same time as the BSM tour. The only day you can really do JK is a Monday. They used to give tickets with the tour, but I guess they don't anymore.

 

[PrincessInOz]

DD took the news well. Looks like you're all set to go soon; and I hope you get tix.


Sounds like perfect weather in Buffalo.

 

[YodasMom]

I still think you should NOT listen to anything about my trip. I really think the less you know, the better.

As far as Jimmy Kimmel goes, check out www.1iota.com . They post the days up a few weeks in advance. There are other shows you can get tickets for, such as The Late, Late Show and The Voice, but those would be much harder to do at the same time as the BSM tour. The only day you can really do JK is a Monday. They used to give tickets with the tour, but I guess they don't anymore.

I'm going to be careful about reading too much about the tour itself. I do need to plan the rest of the trip and make plans for the half a day before the tour (Saturday day of arrival) and the daytime activities before the tour starts (Sunday); as well as the few days after the tour concludes, though.

Thanks for the Jimmy Kimmel and TV show ticket info. I will look into that. And, yes, they did used to provide tickets for the show for tour members who wanted them. It's a lot to do, though, during such a busy tour so I'm not sure if I will do that or not.

Again, I hope you have a fabulous time! I'm sure you will!

 

[khertz]

I'm glad DD took the news well.

I hope the JK tickets come through. Going to a show taping sounds like fun! Hopefully you get to see some interesting guests if you go, too.

Your trip is getting SO close!!

 

[skier_pete]

With 4 days to go before we leave, there is not much left to post.

Packing is mostly done.
We've prepared a list of items for DMIL so she knows what thing DD has to do each day for school (field trips / swim class /etc.).
Work I am still getting into shape - we had some downtime training and repair yesterday and today, so we start-up tonight. Hopefully we can get things running smooth through Friday and then it becomes S.E.P. (Somebody else's problem.)
Tomorrow is actually our 14th wedding anniversary, though we're going out to dinner as a family, we won't be doing anything special since this trip is the "special".

What else - I can't think of what else?

I am so ready to be gone on this trip!