Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog! LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!

[inkedupmomma]

Well, hello. There has been very little to report on the trip planning front as of late, I'm afraid. Resort has been chosen, ADRs have been made (mostly...see question below), flights have been booked (and re-booked!)

I have to admit that I am trying very hard not to focus too much on this trip. I have quite a bit of (positive) change coming my way in the next ten months or so, and I am trying to work on living in the moment, before all of life's little moments pass me by.
I feel you on that! I have taken the time to stop and smell the roses and realy start living again, and I gotta say, I am MUCH more happy!

Needless to say, this weekend was more of a trial as Max was sick with a really bad sore throat and fever, which he was kind enough to pass on to me. Max was fine by Saturday and went off to his grandparent's for the evening, as Mark and I had planned a date night. Well, that didn't quite work out, as I was feeling so lousy and thought a nice dinner out would be wasted on me, so we stayed home and watched a movie (Lymelife w/ Alec Baldwin and Cynthia Nixon, it was pretty good) and I got to rest, which was good.
Any alone time is a positive thing!

On the planning side, I did recently make the change-over from my summer to fall wardrobes and had fun putting aside items for Disney for both Max and I. Mark refused to do the same, insisting he knows where he put his summer clothes away and he'll be fine! We'll see....

So...onto questions... I was thinking about the fact that we're on the DxDDP and only doing one signature and will probably end up with an extra TS credit in the end. We have an ADR for Boma for our second night, but I've heard some not great things about their dinner (not a huge buffet fan as it is, especially for dinner...I find I always eat way too much and don't necessarily love everything I eat). I really want to go over to AKL for dinner ,though. So I asked Mark about meals he remembered from our last trip and surprisingly, be brought up Jiko. He really enjoyed the towel service. So, I looked into an ADR there. Just wondering if its worth it...is Boma that bad? I know I'll have a three year-old, but we're on the DxDDp, so the cost is the same regardless. What do you think?
I have heard good things about Boma dinner, but if you think you will have an extra TS credit then I would def suggest Jiko! Keep in mind though, your tip will be higher because of the added apps/dessert cost! But I have heard fantastic things about Jiko, so it sounds like a great idea! btw, Boma breakfast is AWESOME!

Question two: there are a lot of Disney movies Max has never seen and I haven't seen or I haven't seen since I was a very small child. What movies do you recommend we MUST see before our trip? Just as an FYI, we're mostly caught up on the Pixar movies (except a Bug's Life) and Max did love Beauty and the Beast. Let me know!

Bugs life is super cute and does not get enough press lol! My personal fav is Snow White! I think it is good for a boy as well..well, y son love sit anyway lol

 

[KatMark]

We've never done Boma for dinner (only breakfast) so can't comment on that. Finding Nemo, Peter Pan, Dumbo...those are all great ones for little ones.

I'm glad Max is feeling better, but sorry you missed "date night" because you caught it.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We've done BOMA for dinner several times and we really liked it. I've never been to Jiko though so if I had the TS credits, I'd probably try it.


I suggest Peter Pan, Nemo (although it's a bit depressing at first) and 101 Dalmations.

 

[eandesmom]

As a general rule, I am not a buffet fan. I did enjoy Boma quite a bit for dinner and it was one of Jeff's favorites, possibly his favorite of that trip. He'd have been quite happy to go back this year and it would have been ok with me, there were just other places I wanted to try. From a buffet standpoint (I've now done Biergarten, Boma, 1900 and Tusker for dinners) I would have to rank it as my favorite for the food. 1900 would win for character interaction, Biergarten for dessert. Don't get me wrong I liked Tusker but for the wait? I'd take Boma over it any day of the week and they are a bit similar in food options.

The good thing about buffets with little ones are you can make a quick exit if you need to whereas something like Jiko might take longer?

Here is a link to the mini review I have in my TR from that trip

EE, some EMH, a view of AK at night and a Bombastic dinner!

What I will say is that if you are not an adventuresome eater, it may not be the place for you. If you liked Jiko I think you'd like Boma though. Sure, they have some basics there as all buffets do but it was far more interesting than most and those soups were to die for.

I'd definitely see Aladdin and the Little Mermaid if you haven't already.

 

[tinacaplan]

Bugs life is super cute and does not get enough press lol! My personal fav is Snow White! I think it is good for a boy as well..well, y son love sit anyway lol

Yeah, Snow White is on the definite list. I haven't seen it in years and I loved it for so many reasons. In my mind, it might be the quintessential Disney princess movie. I think Max will like the dwarves and if he liked Beauty and the Beast, I don't think he'll mind Snow White! We've wanted to see A Bug's Life since we saw the show last year, just haven't quite gotten there yet.

We've never done Boma for dinner (only breakfast) so can't comment on that. Finding Nemo, Peter Pan, Dumbo...those are all great ones for little ones.

I'm glad Max is feeling better, but sorry you missed "date night" because you caught it.

Thanks, Kathy. I just needed some rest, I suppose. We have to see Dumbo, Max LOVES Nemo, and we haven't been able to get him to sit through Peter Pan yet, but maybe before we go. His tastes seem evolve all the time! And yet the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse remains a constant.

We had breakfast at Boma last time, too. It was so good. I really do love AKL and hope we get to stay there someday. I would almost say I'd like to go in the summer, when we could stay a bit longer and spend some serious time just hanging out at the resort. It sounds like there's so much to do there.

We've done BOMA for dinner several times and we really liked it. I've never been to Jiko though so if I had the TS credits, I'd probably try it.


I suggest Peter Pan, Nemo (although it's a bit depressing at first) and 101 Dalmations.

Max loves Nemo! It was one of the first movies he saw all the way through. Peter Pan he just can't get into and I've actually never seen 101 Dalmations.

As a general rule, I am not a buffet fan. I did enjoy Boma quite a bit for dinner and it was one of Jeff's favorites, possibly his favorite of that trip. He'd have been quite happy to go back this year and it would have been ok with me, there were just other places I wanted to try. From a buffet standpoint (I've now done Biergarten, Boma, 1900 and Tusker for dinners) I would have to rank it as my favorite for the food. 1900 would win for character interaction, Biergarten for dessert. Don't get me wrong I liked Tusker but for the wait? I'd take Boma over it any day of the week and they are a bit similar in food options.

The good thing about buffets with little ones are you can make a quick exit if you need to whereas something like Jiko might take longer?

Here is a link to the mini review I have in my TR from that trip

EE, some EMH, a view of AK at night and a Bombastic dinner!

What I will say is that if you are not an adventuresome eater, it may not be the place for you. If you liked Jiko I think you'd like Boma though. Sure, they have some basics there as all buffets do but it was far more interesting than most and those soups were to die for.

I'd definitely see Aladdin and the Little Mermaid if you haven't already.

Thanks, Cynthia! I'll be sure to check it out. Max is pretty good in restaurants, but he is three, so there are never any guarantees when it comes to behavior. That said, I can guarantee that Mark and I will take him out of a situation if we have to. We already subjecting him to dinner at the California Grill because I loved it there so much. Not sure two signatures is the best idea. And Jiko is really quiet. And we do like exotic food. I'm a big fan of Ethiopian food, actually and I love Indian, as well, so I know I'd like that. I'd just heard some not so great things about Boma's dinner recently, although, as I mentioned on your TR, it is sometimes hard to tell what people are reacting to when they say they don't like something.

And I've never seen Aladdin, but I bet Max would enjoy it. Loved the Little Mermaid, but haven't seen it in almost twenty years scared1:...I feel old) probably.

 

[tinacaplan]

So, one of the things I was super excited for on this trip is the chance to meet Karin (dizneat) and Tom, as they were planning a trip in February this year, as well. I must confess that I could have met them last year and I know I saw them in the CSR gift shop, where we were ALL staying, but I'm shy in some respects and didn't say anything. I'm also fairly certain Jordan walked by me at EPCOT and I should have said hi to him, too.

Lesson learned.

Since then, I've learned that Karin is also a teacher and I've spent a lot of time reading about her Disney adventures, so we were talking about meeting...and then... for a moment, it looked like her trip might be off because Tom might not have been able to get the time off from work...

But it has all worked out! So, yay, for my very first Dis-meet Dizneet...that rhymes. At least I'm making myself laugh tonight, right?

 

[eandesmom]

And I've never seen Aladdin, but I bet Max would enjoy it. Loved the Little Mermaid, but haven't seen it in almost twenty years scared1:...I feel old) probably.

Never seen Aladdin????????????????

Tina it is just as much for adults as the kids, Robin Williams is HYSTERICAL! You might love it more than he does!

I need to watch it again soon.

Lion King and Jungle Book are good ones to have on the list.

 

[tinacaplan]

Never seen Aladdin????????????????

Tina it is just as much for adults as the kids, Robin Williams is HYSTERICAL! You might love it more than he does!

I need to watch it again soon.

Lion King and Jungle Book are good ones to have on the list.

I know! And I haven't seen either the Lion King or the Jungle Book. To be fair, I didn't realize I was a lover of all things Disney until we went last year and I missed out on several of the animated movies that came out right when I was in highschool and college. I love all the Pixar movies, though. So, yes, there will be some cozy nights up ahead for Max, Mark and I and some great Disney movies.

 

[eandesmom]

A couple of thoughts on the traveling with the 3.5 year old questions.

I've done Disney with my kids at the ages of 1,2,4 and 5. I skipped 3

When they were 1 and 2? Stroller, of course.

4&5? I brought it. Didn't use it. My SIL borrowed it the whole time for one of her kids. It surprised the HECK out of me that we didn't use it.

I wouldn't recommend risking it though, or renting and if he's not quite potty trained, having something that can hold the diaper bag seems critical to me. When my kids were younger we packed so much more stuff (snacks, changes of clothes, drinks) that if it was on my back I'd have been cranky! Even though I wasn't using the stroller in 04 for a kid, I sure was for storage! So if you have something slightly bigger than an umbrella it is outstanding but that will work fine too. If all you are bringing is an umbrella then why not have it at the airport. Even if he does want to walk it's light and easy to roll through the airport, especially if he gets tired part of the way.

Back then we'd pack a whole suitcase of supplies. Were it me know, I'd be shipping diapers to the resort ahead of time and skipping the extra suitcase. My thinking would be the shipping cost would be about the same as the bag check fee.

 

[dizneeat]

So, one of the things I was super excited for on this trip is the chance to meet Karin (dizneat) and Tom, as they were planning a trip in February this year, as well. I must confess that I could have met them last year and I know I saw them in the CSR gift shop, where we were ALL staying, but I'm shy in some respects and didn't say anything. I'm also fairly certain Jordan walked by me at EPCOT and I should have said hi to him, too.

Lesson learned.

Since then, I've learned that Karin is also a teacher and I've spent a lot of time reading about her Disney adventures, so we were talking about meeting...and then... for a moment, it looked like her trip might be off because Tom might not have been able to get the time off from work...

But it has all worked out! So, yay, for my very first Dis-meet Dizneet...that rhymes. At least I'm making myself laugh tonight, right?

Me too! Off to school in a few more minutes, but I just had to let you know that we are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy we can go to WDW in February, just to meet you and your family!

Hmmmmmm, maybe Mickey too, but just maybe!

Oh, and you SHOULD have said something in the giftshop!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We met Karin and Tom when we were there in September! They are awesome people!!!

 

[KatMark]

I was thrilled when I saw that Tom got his days off and that he and Karin will be there and you guys are all going to meet. Although I've not had the pleasure of meeting Karin (our dates just never work out), I consider her a VERY good friend here on the DIS. Tina, you will love her and Tom.

 

[Mindy5767]

Have you decided on Boma yet? I heard Boma has lots of "kid" choices. I had wanted to go there. We had decided not to do more than our 2 ADR's, Mama Melrose/ Fantasmic package and Thanksgiving dinner at Chef Mickey, and now my BIL and sister say they'd like me to book us some TS meals at least for dinner each day. 30 days out! I know people cancel, and resort ressies are easier to get, so that's what I'm working on. First though, I have to decide on our touring plan and where we'll be so I can figure the logistics for where we can get to and when. I would like to get Boma for a day that we'll be at AK. I have 3 picky eaters coming along, DS18, DN14 and DD8! oy.... I'll also try to get us into Olivia's. YUMMY Key Lime Pie. I am optimistic. This is my work for tomorrow. I might try to do it online, but I can't ask it for options. Its either yes or no with the online booking system.

 

[tinacaplan]

We met Karin and Tom when we were there in September! They are awesome people!!!

I can't wait!

I was thrilled when I saw that Tom got his days off and that he and Karin will be there and you guys are all going to meet. Although I've not had the pleasure of meeting Karin (our dates just never work out), I consider her a VERY good friend here on the DIS. Tina, you will love her and Tom.

Thanks, Kathy! We are looking forward to it.

Have you decided on Boma yet? I heard Boma has lots of "kid" choices. I had wanted to go there. We had decided not to do more than our 2 ADR's, Mama Melrose/ Fantasmic package and Thanksgiving dinner at Chef Mickey, and now my BIL and sister say they'd like me to book us some TS meals at least for dinner each day. 30 days out! I know people cancel, and resort ressies are easier to get, so that's what I'm working on. First though, I have to decide on our touring plan and where we'll be so I can figure the logistics for where we can get to and when. I would like to get Boma for a day that we'll be at AK. I have 3 picky eaters coming along, DS18, DN14 and DD8! oy.... I'll also try to get us into Olivia's. YUMMY Key Lime Pie. I am optimistic. This is my work for tomorrow. I might try to do it online, but I can't ask it for options. Its either yes or no with the online booking system.

Hi, Mindy! I actually think we might go with Jiko. My husband, who can so silly sometimes, LOVED the warm towels they bring to the table to clean your hands and that has made Jiko stand out in his mind among many other places we ate last year.

 

[tinacaplan]

Things have been super crazy at school! A lot of things are coming due around the same time; our six week interim assessments were out this week and I had to score one hundred essays in under twelve hours! We also write out fairly lengthy progress reports for each kid, which takes quite awhile. I have felt just like that little rolling head several times this week. Just reinforces for me why we absolutely NEED a week away in February...and why I will NEVER be a park commando!

I vowed to take today off, which I did (only went into school for a second, with Max, and picked up papers), and we went to the Disney store after a yummy dinner at P.F. Chang's with my parents. Max was so excited about it when we told him where we were going he pretty much started doing this: I cannot wait to see what he does when we get on the DME bus, let alone anything else.

I started looking around briefly considered buying a coffee mug and a water bottle. They had some cute, fun key chains in silver that didn't SCREAM Disney. I checked out the Blu-rays, but they didn't have anything I'm looking for...as you know, we have some movies to watch before we go back.

And then...there it was...I only have three words:

DISNEY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS!!!​

Now I am sure most of you are shaking your heads and wondering how I didn't realize I could get these things before. You'll have to bear with me, as I didn't realize I was so into Disney until our trip last year and then Max started watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and a lot of Pixar movies and now, we're just so into all things Disney... well, I'm sure you all understand!
I also didn't comprehend what an important, comforting part of my childhood Disney had been and this was before all the Princess craziness, when these movies were still being re-released in the theaters.

So, here is what I came home with...my dad, loveable sap that he is, bought a bunch for us, although my would only buy ornaments from classic Disney movies.

Beauty and the Beast...which we all loved!

Woody and Jessy

Chip and Dale

Jiminy Cricket, or as Max says, "Jiminy the Cricket"

We are Siamese if you please...we are Siamese if you don't please!

And, finally, the one that made me a little misty-eyed in the middle of the store:

From the last scene of Lady and the Tramp, which has always been and shall remain forever, my favorite Disney movie ever.

I was so thrilled to find this, especially given how hard it was find to anything "Lady and the Tramp" related when we were actually at Disneyworld. What? Can I possibly be the only one who thinks that's the greatest movie ever?

It was a nice evening and I still can't believe how happy Max gets just walking into the Disney Store!

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend!

 

[dizneeat]

Hi Tina!

I know what it means being busy at school - we deserve that February vacation, don't we?

So glad you got most of it done!

It was fun to read about Max' excitement when he goes to the Disney store. It will be so much fun for you to actually see him interact with the characters and experience the rides!

I love your Christmas ornaments! I wish we had a Disney Store here too! And the Lady and the Tramp ornament is cute - I will have my eyes peeled for something Lady and the Tramp when we visit DLRP next weekend!
Since we have our flights booked I planned a "first" itinerary yesterday and I plan on posting it on my dining review and trip report - let's find out if and when we will be at the same park, restaurant aso. I can still tweak my itinerary, so we can meet!
AND ....... still hoping Disney comes up with a decent AP discount, so we can upgrade to CSR!

Have a magical weekend! Only 118 more days until we leave for Florida and our DISmeet!

 

[pinkxray]

I love your ornaments! I think a drive up to the disneystore is in order. I am over an hour away though and haven't been yet. I am afraid I'll get lost.

I love the Chip and Dale one and the Lady and the Tramp one is too cute. I've never seen anything with the puppies on it.

Hopefully work will slow down for you soon.

 

[annmarieda]

I can't believe I fell so far behind on my subsciptions. Sorry to say your PTR was another that I have neglected. I am caught up now, though!

I am sorry that work has been so crazy for you lately. I can relate.

I love the fall pics. I love fall colors and foliage. I know it is a cooler time of year, so maybe I am crazy...but fall is probably my favorite time of year. I am jelous of the apples. I used to get crates in the fall. I would make everything from apple butter to apple pie to apple crisp. I just never have the time any more. This year I did manage to make an apple spice cake and an apple crisp...but until thanksgiving, I don't think I will b making anything else.

I love the chistmas ornaments...especially the Lady and the tramp one.

I know you have decided, but I say a stroller is a must even if Max isn't in it
100% of the time. We end up taking so much to the parks (pull ups, wipes,
snacks, change of clothes for dd) that it really makes sense.

It is very cool that you will get to have a dismeet on your trip. You must be excited!

Looks like a lot of good movies were recommended. I agree, you need to watch Aladin. It is one of my favs (as are Mulan and brother bear, but both of those are not really standards for popular Disney movies)

 

[tinacaplan]

Hi Tina!

I know what it means being busy at school - we deserve that February vacation, don't we?

So glad you got most of it done!

It was fun to read about Max' excitement when he goes to the Disney store. It will be so much fun for you to actually see him interact with the characters and experience the rides!

I love your Christmas ornaments! I wish we had a Disney Store here too! And the Lady and the Tramp ornament is cute - I will have my eyes peeled for something Lady and the Tramp when we visit DLRP next weekend!
Since we have our flights booked I planned a "first" itinerary yesterday and I plan on posting it on my dining review and trip report - let's find out if and when we will be at the same park, restaurant aso. I can still tweak my itinerary, so we can meet!
AND ....... still hoping Disney comes up with a decent AP discount, so we can upgrade to CSR!

Have a magical weekend! Only 118 more days until we leave for Florida and our DISmeet!

Wow....pretty soon we'll be at the 90 day mark! That just seems crazy! I'm looking forward to you putting your itinerary together and can't wait to figure out when we're going to meet!

I love your ornaments! I think a drive up to the disneystore is in order. I am over an hour away though and haven't been yet. I am afraid I'll get lost.

I love the Chip and Dale one and the Lady and the Tramp one is too cute. I've never seen anything with the puppies on it.

Hopefully work will slow down for you soon.

Hi! Westfarms is pretty easy to get to and that's the only remaining store in the area, that I'm aware of. Just don't go on Saturday evening, like we did. The mall was crazy!

I can't believe I fell so far behind on my subsciptions. Sorry to say your PTR was another that I have neglected. I am caught up now, though!

I am sorry that work has been so crazy for you lately. I can relate.

I love the fall pics. I love fall colors and foliage. I know it is a cooler time of year, so maybe I am crazy...but fall is probably my favorite time of year. I am jelous of the apples. I used to get crates in the fall. I would make everything from apple butter to apple pie to apple crisp. I just never have the time any more. This year I did manage to make an apple spice cake and an apple crisp...but until thanksgiving, I don't think I will b making anything else.

I love the chistmas ornaments...especially the Lady and the tramp one.

I know you have decided, but I say a stroller is a must even if Max isn't in it
100% of the time. We end up taking so much to the parks (pull ups, wipes,
snacks, change of clothes for dd) that it really makes sense.

It is very cool that you will get to have a dismeet on your trip. You must be excited!

Looks like a lot of good movies were recommended. I agree, you need to watch Aladin. It is one of my favs (as are Mulan and brother bear, but both of those are not really standards for popular Disney movies)

Not to worry! I've been MIA off and on, too, these past few weeks. I often find myself jumping on, reading some threads, and then not even having the energy to comment!

And its crazy to think Halloween is a week from today, which pretty much kicks off the Holiday season...Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, then Christmas scared1 and then we'll be going to Disney!

 

[tinacaplan]

For those of you who have read this from the beginning (and I thank you ), you know that this all started out as a trip for my husband, my son, and my parents, as well as a couple extra additions, possibly! We all quickly realized (and then it was reaffirmed for us over and over again) that my dad just was not up to the trip and everyone else fell away, too, so it was just going to be the three of us.

But.... it now sounds like my mom is going to join us for a few days!!! And I tried to tell Max earlier, but he brushed me off, as he's had a very cranky day today, so I think I won't tell him at all, just let him be surprised when we walk down to El Centro to meet GRAMMY! I think it will only add to the magic. Mark isn't totally thrilled to be sharing a room with my mom, but it does make it pretty cheap for her and I have been assured that we will be able to add her on to our room for only three nights. I really wanted her to be able to take advantage of Magical Express.

She'll also be there for her sixty-sixth birthday, which just happens to coincide with our evening at the California Grill, which I am sure she will love. I'm so excited!!!!!!