How is a Disney Trip Like a Writing Desk: A PTR through Wonderland UPDATED: 9/18/10

[ZZUB]

I would definitely NOT use ME! Even for free, it's too expensive.

I'm kidding of course. We haven't decided what we're doing for our trip. I can make a compelling argument for about three different options. I've toyed with a limo b/c my attitude is I better spend it before the gov't spends it for me and I think my girls will get a huge kick out of riding in one. But then Mrs. Z pointed out how much the girls love riding the bus and they might actually be disappointed if they didn't get to ride it. The other downside to a limo is I'd have to install Li'l Z's car seat. That's not an issue with the ME bus.

None of which has anything to do with you. But I thought it would be interesting to discuss our ME dilemma.

Also, I wanted to say "Hi" back to LegoMom and TK. Y'all stop by ZZUBWorld sometime.

 

[LaLa]

Pfft. What's next, LaLa?

Maybe....

Tinkerbellarella, long time, no see! Glad to see you're heading back (hitting double digits soon, no less) and that you were able to talk your man into coming along with you for the ride. I'm going out on a limb here and making a bold prediction that by the end of this thang, Walt will have won him over completely.

Might help if you threw some bacon around at various times though, just in case.

Because apparently he likes that. As do all men. Well, most.

Say, for instance, on Splash Mountain. Right before the drop. Throw him some bacon. During American Adventure. Bust out a pound of Fully Cooked. Drape a piece over Walt's hand right before he walks up to the hub. Tuck a football under Mickey's arm for good measure. He'll leave thinking he was BORN to vacation in Disneyworld.

In all seriousness, I hope yall have an awesome time and I'm looking forward to reading all about it.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I think you're going to be okay when it comes to Magical Express. We did ME during the 4/3 deal last summer, and I learned from others who tried to book during the same week that the Pop was at full capacity. Our flight arrived at 9:30 ish and we waited about 20 min for a bus. (It left 1/2 full...or 1/2 empty if you are so inclined.)

The more I'm hearing stuff like this the better I'm feeling.

If Southwest still uses the same gates as last summer, you will arrive in the main terminal on the Hotel end. If so, go down the left hand corridor all the way to the far left corner, you can take the elevators to level 1 and ME is just to your left when you step off.

That's it, I'm pulling out my colored pencils and drawing a map. You rock.

It's good to have you here, GB!

Both instances, although I was not present for one, will be forever etched in my memory.

And the cosmos.

Scary, huh?

I can make a compelling argument for about three different options.

Something tells me that you can make a compelling argument for just about anything. Including squeeze condiments.

I've toyed with a limo b/c my attitude is I better spend it before the gov't spends it for me and I think my girls will get a huge kick out of riding in one. But then Mrs. Z pointed out how much the girls love riding the bus and they might actually be disappointed if they didn't get to ride it. The other downside to a limo is I'd have to install Li'l Z's car seat. That's not an issue with the ME bus.

None of which has anything to do with you. But I thought it would be interesting to discuss our ME dilemma.

I've never traveled with little ones, so I'm not sure I can offer much in the way of advice, but here's my opinion (and you know how much it's worth):

I booked a limo for my Sept. 08 trip. Just your regular, run-o-the-mill stretch jobber. What I got was a stretch Lincoln Nav that could've fit all the BP executives AND the entire US Senate. Wouldn't THAT be an interesting ride...

Moving on.

In other words, the upgrade was nice. And it made the ride exciting, even for a 28 year old. You could always ask the girls and let them make decision. Show 'em pictures and stuff. Or you could do both - a limo to the resort and ME back to the airport. Just another option for your compelling arguments.

FREE is the biggest draw for me, though. I like FREE. In fact, I love me some FREE. My wallet loves FREE, too. Or so it would tell me if accessories could talk.

Tinkerbellarella, long time, no see!

LAAAAAA!!!! Hi.

I'm going out on a limb here and making a bold prediction that by the end of this thang, Walt will have won him over completely.

Well, in 100 scant days or so we'll know if you should look into a career with the Psychic Network.

Because apparently he likes that. As do all men. Well, most.

And some men prefer liquid margarine. But I'm not judging.

Say, for instance, on Splash Mountain. Right before the drop. Throw him some bacon. During American Adventure. Bust out a pound of Fully Cooked. Drape a piece over Walt's hand right before he walks up to the hub. Tuck a football under Mickey's arm for good measure. He'll leave thinking he was BORN to vacation in Disneyworld.

La, I am being 100% honest here, I have not laughed this hard in weeks. WEEKS I tell you. Including watching Sandra Bullock's appearance on the MTV Movie Awards (and I love me some Sandy B).

THANK YOU for allowing me to spend my Thursday morning wiping up my desk after it's thorough spraydown with Aquafina while I did the unthinkable and allowed myself to drink whilst reading your post.



Update today folks!

 

[Normangirls]

Our last trip flying down, it was just me and DD14 (then DD5). Mom and Dad were staying at Fort Wilderness, and DH had found some really great airfare, so he flew us down for a weekend. This was pre-ME, so we used Mears. Since there weren't many people taking a shuttle to the campground, the Mears guy told us to hold on, he'd rustle up something for us.

He ended up putting us in a white stretch limo (say HELLO to the 70's). The only thing missing was a guy in a powder blue tux. DD thought it was the coolest thing ever. I almost didn't let her ride, because she made fun of the guacamole.

But the looks we got, pulling through the campground in that thing, were priceless.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

He ended up putting us in a white stretch limo (say HELLO to the 70's). The only thing missing was a guy in a powder blue tux. DD thought it was the coolest thing ever. I almost didn't let her ride, because she made fun of the guacamole.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

"Someone has stolen three of my tarts!" ~ The Red Queen

Let me begin this chapter by saying a little something…

TODAY IS THE 100 DAY MARK!!!

In a scant 100 days, in a measley 2,400 hours, in a wee 144,000 minutes…

Too much? Too much.

Suffice it to say that double digit dancing may commence on the morrow.

(In only 17 short days, however, we’ll begin the 20 hour drive to visit BF’s family in TN, but that’s another adventure altogether…)

In honor of today’s 100 day celebration (which, unlike Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams lasting for 18 months, will only last through today), I’ve decided this week’s post should be about one of all of our favorite things in Disney:

FOOD

NOM.

I love a lot of things about Disney. I love walking into the parks and being flooded with memories of trips gone by. I love the first glimpse of the castle and “going left”. I love getting “lost” in the World Showcase. I love the feeling of Sunset Blvd. at MGM (NODHS) at sunset. I love finding myself completely alone on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

(I DO NOT LOVE the lack of Jeremy Irons on SE nor this new, Mr. Tom Morrow-less spiel of the PeopleMover (NOTTA). But those are gripes for another time…)

But one of my biggest all-around loves is Disney food. So much so I’m devoting TWO, count ‘em, TWO chapters to it. Today’s post will deal with our table service choices. Next week’s post will deal with our likely counter service and snack choices. I also considered doing a whole separate post about adult beverages in the World but I’ll roll that into next week’s post too, lest you think me a lush.

BF and I discussed (read: I basically told BF about and he nodded with that glassy-eyed stare) the Free Dining promo ages ago and about how much it would save us and how much we could eat. His only question was whether it was anything like the horrid meal plan we had at US/IOA last April (…amateurs) and I responded with an emphatic, “Uh-uh!” I even tried to ply him, lure him even (not with bacon – I hadn’t thought of that) with the Deluxe Dining Plan. Alas, since we are already paying for the upgrade from QS to the DDP as we’re staying at a Value, the additional $360 to move up to the DxDP was a no-go. Especially since we knew we’d be using some of those credits on CS and our current OOP budget is less than $300.

I even tried breaking out the Fuzzy Disney Math. No luck.

So, with DDP, as all you good DISers know, we’ll have 6 TS credits for our 6 night stay. We’ll be visiting one Signature restaurant, 4 others, and paying for one meal OOP. I’ve also taken a gander at the menus and, since BF has the gastrointestinal fortitude of a Belgian (the horse, not the people), have wagered a guess at any appetizers he might want and any drinkypoos that might tickle my fancy.

Without further ado…I present you with our Table Service Meals.

California Grill
I’m not sure we/I will ever again be able to visit the House of Mouse without stopping in for a bite at Cali Grill. I first tried it with BF when we defected from US/IOA on our April trip and have been hooked since. TK and I celebrated our first Disney meal there on our trip last May. And when I asked BF if he had any dining requests, he asked that we return here. He had a duck appetizer last year that he fell in love with.

And yes, I think he would’ve married it.

I’ve explained that the menu is seasonal and that duck may not be on it at that time, but he’d also take any rabbit or venison dish as well. And, given that we’ll be slipping into Fall, I think there’s a decent chance of him seeing one of those three things.

Me? I’m looking forward to the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. AGAIN. While my entrée may finally change (though I do still love you Pork and Polenta), I simply cannot bring myself to order any other appetizer. I’m also looking forward to another glass of their Selbach-Oster Rieseling and am actually considering buying a bottle as well and somehow getting it home.

The desserts seem to change all the time so neither of us is committed to anything in particular.

We’ve budgeted for the apps, wine and tip OOP.

Whispering Canyon Cafe
This will be a new venture for me. We (read: I) chose this because apparently to get an ADR at ‘Ohana you have to be willing to sell both of your kidneys on the black market.

But I’m not bitter.

I liked the look of the regular menu and an all-you-can-eat skillet? With ribs? And corn bread? And corn on the cob? Right up BF’s alley. Granted, just about anything that is all-you-can-eat and not seafood is right up BF’s alley, but I digress. At first I thought we might both get the skillet, but I realized I could order one of the other entrees we might both enjoy and we could pick off each other’s plates.

I’m also curious about the interaction here. One of the other options that was ousted was the 50’s Prime Time Café. On our 2008 trip, Missy and I had a fantastic server – Cousin Byron. But it was very obviously hit or miss. Since I only feel “meh” about the food there, I didn’t want to risk an ADR on the service. With WCC, I’m at least anticipating enjoying the food. Fun interaction would be a bonus.

Again, budgeting for an app and tip OOP here.

Yak & Yeti
Another new one for me. I’ve wanted to try this place since it first opened but we couldn’t fit it in in 08 and TK and I didn’t visit the Animal Kindom last year. The menu is pretty expansive and I think this is the one place where BF may actually have a tough time choosing. There’s a lot on there he’d like. We’re pretty big into Chinese/Japanese/Thai food.

I’ve heard some negative reviews of the place, particularly about any of the poultry dishes, but I’d also heard negative reviews galore about San Angel Inn in 08 and it ended up being one of our favorite meals! I’m willing to give it a shot.

And hopefully not yak on the yeti…

Moving on.

A couple of the specialty drinks sound tasty here, so we’ve budgeted for apps, drinks and a tip OOP.

Sci Fi Dine In
I haven’t eaten here in a blue moon but I LOVE the atmosphere. A lot of people have gripes about the service, but I’ve never had a problem. Perhaps because I like my meal to be more slowly paced out.

The lunch menu was more appetizing than the dinner menu, and, because of our evening plans for the day we’ll be at MGM, we have an oddly-timed ADR – 3:00p.m.

I've got a feeling (wooohooooooo…) that BF will opt either for the ribs or the turkey club. I may get myself a superfantastic, juicy cheeseburger. And a beverage with a glow cube. Because the restaurant is dim and it seems appropriate. Also, because sometimes I’m a 7 year old.

BF is a big B-movie fan, so I really think he’ll get a kick out of the “entertainment”. We also happen to have a drive-in about a 35 minute drive from us, so this will be just as fun, sans mosquitos. (Our drive-in is $20/carload – do you know how many people you can fit into the trunk of a Civic? I do. )

Budgeting drink and tip OOP here.

Tutto Italia
Whenever the subject of Disney meals comes up BF’s first reference is usually to CG. His second question is always, “And we’re eating at the Italian place, right?”

I’d never eaten at Alfredo’s and tried Tutto on the 08 trip. And loved it. My grandmother is Italian. Like ITALIAN-Italian. As in, when we visit for dinner we lapse back to the 1950’s. I must fill BF’s plate and make sure he has everything he needs. I must then remove his plates when he's done. Everything, including the pasta, is made by hand. Sometimes, when we’re in the kitchen and my grandmother is talking to me, she slips into Italian and I have to guess at what we’re talking about.

All this to say that I’m really picky about so-called “authentic” Italian food and "authentic" Italian experiences. It doesn't get much more authentic than having your 70 year old grandmother swear at you in Italian for getting your own Coke from the fridge and not offering it to your boyfriend first.

But Tutto did not disappoint. Food-wise, anyway. I didn't see any little old woman chasing anyone down with a rolling pin. Maybe I missed that part...

Unfortunately the sacchetti dish that I fell in love with no longer seems to be on the menu, so I’m not sure what I’ll order. My guess is BF will order chicken parm. I do know for sure that we’ll have the prosciutto and melon appetizer because there is only one thing BF loves more than bacon. And chocolate. And me.

Prosciutto.

We’re budgeting for the app and tip OOP here.

Kona Café
We’ll be visiting Kona for breakfast as our one OOP TS meal expense. Originally this wasn’t part of our plans. I figured if I couldn’t get ‘Ohana’s and if I couldn’t actually stay at my beloved Poly, then I needed to steer clear. This also meant giving up imbibing a Lapu Lapu, but I was (grudgingly) willing to make that sacrifice.

When talk turned to breakfasts BF shot down the buffets because he’s not “into” character meals (I was totally down but as BF isn’t even big on “normal” strangers, I’m not sure how he’d react if a 6’ rodent showed up to hug him while he was eating). Then he asked me about that place, “You know, the one with the French toast you’re always crying over?”

I replied, “It’s Tonga Toast and I DO NOT cry over it!”

I then turned away and surreptitiously wiped away a tear. It was my allergies.

I love me Tonga Toast…with a caveat. It MUST be eaten with the strawberry compote it is served with at Kona. It is the dish’s very balance. At Capt. Cook’s it’s served with syrup. Here, have some sweet to pour over your already extra sweet sweetness. The compote, instead, is a little tangy and is practically perfect in every way.

So, the man wants to get his Tonga on. I may do so as well, though I’ll admit, the macadamia nut pancakes are whispering in my ear. There may be a Tonga mutiny on Tinkerbellarella’s breakfast plate.

I also love the Lilikoi juice and it’s the only place on property where I’ve had proper coffee.

So, there you have it. And now I’m starving and it’s only 10:30a.m. I hope you’re proud of yourself!

UP NEXT: Bring on the TUMS! Part Two or How Many Dole Whip Floats Can One Eat in 7 Days?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my.

I know have to suffer another hour before lunch.

All of your ADRs sound delicious. Mmmmm.

Did I mention I'm hungry?

 

[MRYPPNS]

I think I need to get my eyes checked.....

FOOD

NOM.

I love a lot of things about Disney. I love walking into the parks and being flooded with memories of trips gone by.

I thought you wrote "I love walking into the parks and feeling bloated......

At least it fit with the food theme.

 

[Pollito916]

Mmmm, so hungry. Is it bad that I am now wanting to plan a trip to WDW just to eat? I saw the free dining commercial, and if it wasn't centered around my due date, I would be all over it!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Oh my.

I know have to suffer another hour before lunch.

All of your ADRs sound delicious. Mmmmm.

Did I mention I'm hungry?

I finished the post and ate something myself, so I totally get it.

Matter of fact, I've been eating all darn day!

I thought you wrote "I love walking into the parks and feeling bloated......

I'm definitely NOT a fan of air or water retention.

Mmmm, so hungry. Is it bad that I am now wanting to plan a trip to WDW just to eat?

NO. I've planned hypothetical trips around that very thing.

I saw the free dining commercial, and if it wasn't centered around my due date, I would be all over it!

How's the princess doing?

 

[If U Had Wings]

All of your choices look really good. I've never tried Whispering Canyon or Yak so I'll be curious to hear what you think about them.

I love me some Cali Grill though. I made sure to fit it in to my schedule for October. So good! I've never tried any of the appetizers as I can't get myself to pass on the flatbreads. Yumm!

And for not missing out on the Tonga Toast. Your right the strawberry compote makes all the difference. I can't imagine eating it with syrup. I think it would be sweetness overload.

 

[GaRain]

UP NEXT: Bring on the TUMS! Part Two or How Many Dole Whip Floats Can One Eat in 7 Days?[/COLOR]

Minimum 7, but at least up to 14 each!!!

 

[Pollito916]

How's the princess doing?

Doing great - practicing her tae kwon do and causing lot of heartburn for her mom!

 

[ZZUB]

But my blog is strangely silent.

And I saw this was about food. Which might as well be my middle name.

I've already given you sage advice how to get into 'Ohana (which means family), so I won't belabor the point. But I am here to strongly caution you NOT to eat at Whispering Canyon. You WILL be disappointed. In the worst way imaginable. The atmosphere is fine if you like being embarassed. The food is decidely marginal. I would recommend Trails End at Ft. Wilderness instead. It's much better grub. I can't remember if you're on the dining plan, and I'm not going back to look. But if you're not, then Trails End is cheaper. And the corn bread is good. The corn bread at Whispering Canyon tastes like C R A P.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I love me some Cali Grill though. I made sure to fit it in to my schedule for October. So good! I've never tried any of the appetizers as I can't get myself to pass on the flatbreads. Yumm!

The flatbreads were off the menu for my first trip, so they weren't even an option. And then by the second trip I was already engaged to be married to the raviolis.

And for not missing out on the Tonga Toast. Your right the strawberry compote makes all the difference. I can't imagine eating it with syrup. I think it would be sweetness overload.

Poor KittyKat has only had it with the syrup when we tried it at Cap'n Cook's in May. I thought her face would implode from the level of sweetness.

Minimum 7, but at least up to 14 each!!!

LOL!

Doing great - practicing her tae kwon do and causing lot of heartburn for her mom!

Reasons 145 and 98 why being pregnant is NOT for Tink.

But my blog is strangely silent.

::crickets chirping::

Which might as well be my middle name.

Funny, I thought your middle name was CAKE.

As I'm part of the party that pronounces it "ZeeZub" and not "ZuBB", I was under the impression I was speaking with:

Z. Cake Zubb, Esq., BGPC, R.I.P.

But I am here to strongly caution you NOT to eat at Whispering Canyon. You WILL be disappointed. In the worst way imaginable.

Kind of like when our last president "pronounced" anything with more than two syllables?

I can't remember if you're on the dining plan

and I'm not going back to look.

You need one of these:

The corn bread at Whispering Canyon tastes like C R A P.

Well, S H O O T. And I know how knowledgeable you are about the world of baked goods. I am now frightened.

However, Z, you'll be pleased to know that if I can score the 'Ohana (which means family) ressie, WCC will go the way of the dodo...and BP's 2010 net profit.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

I've already given you sage advice how to get into 'Ohana (which means family), so I won't belabor the point. But I am here to strongly caution you NOT to eat at Whispering Canyon. You WILL be disappointed. In the worst way imaginable. The atmosphere is fine if you like being embarassed. The food is decidely marginal. I would recommend Trails End at Ft. Wilderness instead. It's much better grub. I can't remember if you're on the dining plan, and I'm not going back to look. But if you're not, then Trails End is cheaper. And the corn bread is good. The corn bread at Whispering Canyon tastes like C R A P.

I agree with Zzub, except for when I don't. WCC seems to suffer from inconsistency. Sometimes reports are that they have done really poorly, sometimes they manage to pull one out. When we went last summer, we were the first family to check in for dinner. Food was hot, came out in about 10 min, our server was corny but not obnoxious and it all tasted fairly good. Not as good as what we can get here, but not too bad. In May, my mom was there about an hour before they closed and the food was cold, seasoning was bland, the food took over an hour to arrive and when it was finally served, it was with an "I don't care" attitude.

It seems like the dining reviews are back and forth like that. I don't know if they just have so high of a turnover rate there by the time they get a crew properly trained, its time for the next batch of seasonal staff OR if they have some chefs who just don't care and on their night to run the kitchen, you get what you get.

I say all that to say this. I don’t know that you for sure WILL be disappointed, but you definitely COULD be disappointed. Which actually may not be much more uplifting. I will say that on the night we went, the Apple Pie was fantastic. So if your entrée sucks and the cornbread is cold, then at least there’s that to look forward to…unless they screw that up too. But we’re thinking positive here! You’ll get in at ‘Ohana and none of this mindless drivel will matter.

Hopefully that wasn't too depressing. If so, let me try to make it up to you. If Southwest still uses gates 120-129 at MCO like they did last summer (according to the MCO website shows they still do), then you will enter the terminal the same way we did. Map to ME for your notebook is attached.

Adios Tink!

 

[AshClan]

Long story, but since there was a mention of GB's blog mention in his signature on the blog (how's that for a sentence?!), I meandered over to the PTR board for the FIRST TIME EVAH and to what do my wondering eyes appear but a Tinkerbellarella Pre-Trip Report! I am majorly impressed that you are managing to convert the previously Disney-hating (or at least Disney-indifferent) BF into a fellow Disney lover! Can't wait to hear all about it.

I haven't, per se, read any of this report yet, mind you, but I'm here to mark my spot and add you to my favorites and I'm looking forward to some lunchtime reading in an hour or so

See you soon, Tink....either here or there!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

But we’re thinking positive here! You’ll get in at ‘Ohana and none of this mindless drivel will matter.

Yes, still thinking positively on the 'Ohana thing. I'm also pricing out my kidneys on the black market in case it comes to that.

But even if we end up at WCC AND it's less than stellar, I'm not worried. BF and I can make a good time out of just about anything.

Hey, GB...

Can we be BFFs now?

Let me say, you rock!

Long story, but since there was a mention of GB's blog mention in his signature on the blog (how's that for a sentence?!)

I'm not sure. I'm still rereading it to figure it out...

I meandered over to the PTR board for the FIRST TIME EVAH and to what do my wondering eyes appear but a Tinkerbellarella Pre-Trip Report!

Seriously woman?! First EVAH? And on MY PTR too! Wicked awesome.



I owe y'all an update. TWO, actually. Sorry for the delay. Work was crazy last week. But good crazy. As in promotion, salary increase and trying to adjust crazy. Catching up this week. Hoping to have something up tomorrow and the day after.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey there...stumbled over here via another thread (my good DISr friend "If U Had Wings"...and enjoying your PTR. Hope you can get BF to like it, there's plenty of us guys that love Disney too.

A couple of answers/opinions to early questions:

We did on-line check-in at POP twice in December 2009 and April 2010. Both times it was great. The first time there was a HUGE line at the regular desk. We walked up to the on-line check-in desk and waited less than 2 minutes, were handed a packet, our room was ready. (This was at about 11:30 AM in one case, about 1 PM in the other.) Fantastic. However...we did NOT get the Building that I requested in EITHER case. The first trip we stayed preferred, and I asked for '70s, and got '50s. I turned out to be a great room - very close to classics hall but away from the buses. The second time was NOT preferred and we asked for BUilding 10 (80s I think?), again trying to get closer to the bus stop. We ended up in Building 6 in the '70s. Again, it ended up being a great room right at the center of the building by the stairs and ice machine (and the *** of a giant Mickey phone), a short walk to classic hall and to the buses as well...but NOT what I had requested. I don't know if this had anything to do with the on-line check in. We had requested rooms our two previous trips to POFQ before on-line check-in, and got the requests both times - in fact the second time had probably the single greatest non-preffered room location in history. I don't know for sure if on-line related to "not my request" but there you have it.

What i was told later is if you have a room request in the system, do NOT check ANY of the room preferences for on-line check-in, as they will override your room request...perhaps that is where I went wrong. That said, I would STILL do the on-line check-in in the future, and if I really hated the room location - I would ask to be switched at the time.

OK, on to my second comment - regarding flying SWA. This is something most people don't realize. You do NOT need to be at your resort (or any resort) to check in to your return flight. Simply bring your ID and your SWA Confirm # to your park of choice that day, and at 24 hours and 2 minutes before your flight head for the guest services office at the front of the park. They will check you in and print your boarding passes right there and then! We have done this at both AK and MK. And usually you get fantastic boaring positions, because all the other passengers are in the parks, and don't know to do this. Just don't tell anyone the secret! Now that SWA also lets you ship your bags back through ME, the whole thing is just easy as pie.

OK - I'll shut up now.
SkierPete

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Hey, GB...



Can we be BFFs now?

I owe y'all an update. TWO, actually. Sorry for the delay. Work was crazy last week. But good crazy. As in promotion, salary increase and trying to adjust crazy. Catching up this week. Hoping to have something up tomorrow and the day after.

Looking forward to more musings!

OK, on to my second comment - regarding flying SWA. This is something most people don't realize. You do NOT need to be at your resort (or any resort) to check in to your return flight. Simply bring your ID and your SWA Confirm # to your park of choice that day, and at 24 hours and 2 minutes before your flight head for the guest services office at the front of the park. They will check you in and print your boarding passes right there and then! We have done this at both AK and MK. And usually you get fantastic boaring positions, because all the other passengers are in the parks, and don't know to do this. Just don't tell anyone the secret! Now that SWA also lets you ship your bags back through ME, the whole thing is just easy as pie.

OK - I'll shut up now.
SkierPete

That's an AWESOME tip! Were they able to print your ME boarding pass as well or did you have to do that part back at the resort?