~How TWO trips became...who knows? ~ It's a TRIP! and an upgrade.... 4/22

[maroo]

I think that cheat sheet was an immense help- at least for me! I think I was thoroughly confused before this, and even got screwed up on one of our phone calls once or twice!

I am so glad this cleared everything up for ya!

Questions... will you guys be using WDW transportation or your own van?? Will you take the boat over to DHS from Epcot?? Just wondering how long you had in mind for hopping.

This is a good question! I think we will use the van that first night, since parking is fairly close for HC at Epcot and DHS has close parking as well.

Not sure about the other days. We will probably use Disney transportation most days, unless it proves to be unreliable. I have never used the Disney transportation...so I am not sure yet.

We do have the van, but it won't hold all of us. So some of us, at least, will have to use Disney transportation and there will be several points when we will all split up so that Rachel can rest, etc.

I didn't even know there WAS a boat to hop from Epcot to DHS...how late can you get BACK? I tend to think we will take the car, because we have the handicapped tag...if not, I would take the boat.

Could someone stop at DHS earlier and pick up TSM fast passes for you all on the way to EPCOT?? That might give you a better chance of riding it?

This is totally dependent on what sort of help Disney will give us in the form of a GAC (Guest Assistance Card). Rachel has extra medical issues, in addition to just using a wheelchair, that will not allow her to wait in a long line. It is possible that Disney will allow her to use a GAC and be able to use the Fastpass line or handicapped entrance for all attractions. We won't know this until we get there.

Sometimes these lines (Toy Story is a GREAT example) are actually a little longer than the regular line. Toy Story, for example, has a Fast Pass line, but then you break off that line and go to the handcapped line where the special cars load. Rachel will have to wait for a special car to come get her, and depending on the number of people requiring the special car, her wait may be longer than someone walking on the ride.

But, if we can get this GAC, then it will allow us a little more freedom to get to a park later or leave earlier and still be able to ride. This will help Rachel to be able to experience the parks and not completely wear herself out in the process.

Soarin' and Toy Story are two rides that Rachel can ride, but won't be able to if we are not able to get the GAC that will allow her to fastpass an attraction.

Rachel can't ride any roller coaster or thrill ride and won't need the GAC for shows. So there are just a few occasions we would even use it.

She probably won't be able to make rope drop at DHS or Epcot, because our one early morning will be the CRT ressie. It will be difficult to get all of her medical stuff done and to the park that early and we certainly won't be able to do that more than one morning (and we will cut the night before VERY short to be able to get up early enough to make it).

Why not tour the monorail resorts on your party day?? After a good sleep in, of course! You could leisurely hit the GF, and the Poly, eat lunch at one of those, see the decorations, etc.. then get over to the MK in plenty of time.

This is so funny! We JUST talked about this last night! We determined that Rachel and Joyce will skip seeing the decorations. They just can't do it all and what we have on the schedule already (including the meetings they will have for their convention) simply will not allow them to do everything. So they are going to skip the decorations.

However, I have offered to take care of Ellie on Friday evening so that her parents can have some time to have a nice dinner or something. Ellie has only met me once and we think she likes me and hopefully will trust me enough by Friday to let me tour her around a little while her parents eat. If this works out, then probably Rosemary and I will take Ellie to the GF and show her the decorations and get a snack while her parents eat a nice meal (maybe at the GF?). Then we may ride the monorail around and see some of the other resorts or even Epcot. We will stay on the monorail system and somewhere close so that Ellie feels comfortable. And spoil her rotten for those few hours!

Then we will head quietly back to the room, because Rachel will be asleep by the time we get back to prepare for an early morning ressie! CRT!!!

I think with the med. issues, you are very wise to limit the ressies! And the 2 you've picked sound great! I think just playing the rest by ear will be good. Maybe you will get to try some CS you haven't before

Shoot...I plan to eat at Casey's every meal!

 

[MRNsMommy]

Thanks for the "cheat sheet"! That definitely helps!
I don't think I can offer up anymore suggestions on MVMCP than have already been given! But I just wanted to say that MVMCP was by far the most fun we've had at Disney! I know there are some people who don't enjoy it, but we had the best time and no problem with heavy crowds. We went on a Tuesday night and went to the 2nd parade! If you can't make it to the 2nd one then do like the others have said and just get a seat as early as possible!

 

[maroo]

He he!! I think I was answering half of these while you were typing them!

I will put my .02 in.

Wednesday------I have to agree with All7OfUs with having someone be the runner to TSM on the first day before you get to Epcot. By the time you get to DHS the FP will all be gone... but you might get lucky with a shorter standby wait. If this is going to be your only Epcot day I would make a list ranking the top rides and try to see how many you can hit.

Unfortunately, we would all have to actually BE in DHS in order to do this. We would all have to go through the turnstiles to have one person go get the FP. It will be fairly late in the day before we are even able to get out. And they may not even have any more Toy Story fastpasses.

It is so hard to explain what it takes to get us out the door, loaded on a bus or van, and back off...it isn't as simple as just "running in" or something like a family would that is not using a power chair. I didn't really understand it until I was living with Lauren...how long everything takes. Just getting buckled in a car takes minutes...not seconds like a "regular" family.

We would not have the time. And if we did, the energy it would take for us to do all the hopping back and forth would wear Rachel out and now allow her to experience the rest.

We will literally skip Toy Story and Soarin' if we are not able to get a GAC. Rachel can't ride Test Track, Mission Space or Spaceship Earth. She actually COULD ride Spaceship Earth...but have you ever seen the stairs in that thing?!?!? And it breaks often...to often for my taste. She would need the fire department to get her out of there and it is not worth the risk for her. Too dark and too high up. If she could walk a little or even stand up on her own, it would be different. If she was as small as Lauren and I could carry her down the stairs, it would also be different. But she has opted to skip that ride! (And I think she rode it when she was younger and could walk...so she has experienced it!)

Thursday----- Once again I will double what All7OfUs (Liesa?? I think??) said..... Sleep in. Have a late breakfast then head over to the monorail. You can stroll through CR, Poly, & GF. Have a late lunch 2-3ish. Then head to MK for the party. I'm pretty sure you can get in with your ticket at 4pm. As what to wear... I'm a guy, I just put on whatever is clean! LOL I'm sure you ladies will have some cute christmas attire. I would keep a jacket with you though... it might get cool once the sun goes down.


I think we are going to wear matching longsleeved shirts! Cute!! See my answer above about the decorations. I can't wait to see them, though!!


Friday----- You said you wanted to sleep in. When you get up maybe AK would be an option. You can get there late and leave early. Hit a few rides or a show and you can be back early to AKL for dinner. Or just go back and get ready to go to DTD or somewhere??

This is highly possible!! We plan to focus on AK and MK because there are lots of things at both that everyone is interested in. Epcot will be only that first day, as they don't really care for it as much. And we will try to see Beauty and the Beast and ride Toy Story at DHS...but that will basically be it there. They are either not interested or can't ride the rest at DHS.


Saturday----- With the early ressie you can stay at MK till the early afternoon then go back later to catch Wishes. I don't know if this is a good option though with the wheelchair.?.?.?

This is actually the plan... Not sure at this point in the trip how much more Rachel can take? And not sure if they will be showing Spectro. One consideration is that it will be VERY crowded, because the past 2 nights will be MVMCP...so everyone will have that same goal...so see Wishes and probably Spectro, but I do want them to see it. I will have seen it about 5 times by then...but I would like for them to get to experience it!

Sunday----- After you check out goto Kona for breakfast and get your last 'taste' of Disney ie: Tonga Toast. You can see the castle from here and say your goodbyes.

Ah.... What a GREAT idea!!!!

DISCLAIMER: these are only suggestions. YMMV

These are GREAT suggestions!!! Thank you so, so much for making them all!!

Tim

 

[maroo]

Thanks for the "cheat sheet"! That definitely helps!
I don't think I can offer up anymore suggestions on MVMCP than have already been given! But I just wanted to say that MVMCP was by far the most fun we've had at Disney! I know there are some people who don't enjoy it, but we had the best time and no problem with heavy crowds. We went on a Tuesday night and went to the 2nd parade! If you can't make it to the 2nd one then do like the others have said and just get a seat as early as possible!

Hello, Mississippi friend! How are ya?

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I am the MOST excited about the MVMCP for this trip and really hope we are able to sleep in and nap so that we can experience the whole thing! The second parade would be a GREAT goal!!

I need to talk to Gina (Ellie's mom) and see how late she can stay up (theoretically)...it will be the first full day in Disney...so that should help!

 

[KathyRN137]

We are definitely going to get there early! Our only object during the Christmas party will be to do the Christmas stuff...if we get to ride anything else, it will be a bonus!

That's exactly my attitude toward the after-hours parties... special stuff first, then rides if you can fit them in!


I absolutely love your idea of taking Ellie around to see all the resorts done up for Christmas... she'll love the huge gingerbread house at the GF!! And what kid doesn't love the monorail?? How sweet of you to offer to take care of her while her Mommy and Daddy have a quiet dinner alone! I'm sure that's something they would appreciate more than any wrapped present!


Kathy

 

[jenb1023]

Hey Maroo!

Thanks for the cheat sheet!

My two cents on MVMCP is that we were a little disappointed. Not in the shows, parades or decorations (which were amazing!) but it was extremely crowded and this was in mid November. Plus, the timing of shows, parades, fireworks etc and the amount of time you have to wait to get into them makes it very hard to do it all.

I have two suggestions. . .find out which things are everyone's top priority for the party and secondly, some of the special Christmas things done at the party are also held during a regular MK day as it gets close to Christmas. I would find out if that is the case when you are there and for any of the things you are interested in and postpone those to another time at the MK.

Also, Ellie is a wild card. My DD can stay up until 11pm when needed but party night she crashed out in her stroller before the first parade even started. Just be prepared with a back-up plan just in case.

We arrived at MK in the afternoon on our party day and rode rides etc. and got our party wristbands. Then we went to the first Twas the Night Before Christmas. This worked out well because it was at 7pm and not everyone was there and planned yet. We went in about 30 minutes prior and had no issues getting seats. We were going to attempt the castle show afterward but it was insane in front of the castle so we went to grab a spot for the parade. We went to Liberty Square and got a great front row spot (there is an area in LS for wheelchairs etc too) for the parade.

hope this helps!

 

[maroo]

That's exactly my attitude toward the after-hours parties... special stuff first, then rides if you can fit them in!


I absolutely love your idea of taking Ellie around to see all the resorts done up for Christmas... she'll love the huge gingerbread house at the GF!! And what kid doesn't love the monorail?? How sweet of you to offer to take care of her while her Mommy and Daddy have a quiet dinner alone! I'm sure that's something they would appreciate more than any wrapped present!


Kathy

You are so sweet! I would enjoy it as much as them! It is one of the cool things about kids that aren't yours...you can spoil them, have fun and then give them back.

And spoiling a child in Disney...how cool is that?!?!

Hey Maroo!

Thanks for the cheat sheet!

My two cents on MVMCP is that we were a little disappointed. Not in the shows, parades or decorations (which were amazing!) but it was extremely crowded and this was in mid November. Plus, the timing of shows, parades, fireworks etc and the amount of time you have to wait to get into them makes it very hard to do it all.

I have two suggestions. . .find out which things are everyone's top priority for the party and secondly, some of the special Christmas things done at the party are also held during a regular MK day as it gets close to Christmas. I would find out if that is the case when you are there and for any of the things you are interested in and postpone those to another time at the MK.

Also, Ellie is a wild card. My DD can stay up until 11pm when needed but party night she crashed out in her stroller before the first parade even started. Just be prepared with a back-up plan just in case.

We arrived at MK in the afternoon on our party day and rode rides etc. and got our party wristbands. Then we went to the first Twas the Night Before Christmas. This worked out well because it was at 7pm and not everyone was there and planned yet. We went in about 30 minutes prior and had no issues getting seats. We were going to attempt the castle show afterward but it was insane in front of the castle so we went to grab a spot for the parade. We went to Liberty Square and got a great front row spot (there is an area in LS for wheelchairs etc too) for the parade.

hope this helps!

Yeah...I am afraid this party will be crowded as well. Although it is on a Thursday night, it is one of the last parties and is set as a premium party.

We definitely plan to hit the first show of Twas the Night Before Christmas. I just hope I can get the group on the same page to do that first.

That is a great idea...to find out what things will be offered already at MK without the party. We will be there another full day, probably, so we should be able to get to all of the Must Dos on their list!

I am so looking forward to this trip!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Oops! I had forgotten that everyone needs to enter with their ticket before you can get FPs. Bummer!

So how about this??

Enter through DHS, get all your FPs, maybe even do it! Then, since you are going over to EPCOT next anyway, head over there by boat (yes, there is a boat, and I think it's about a 30 minute ride and very nice!) and do Soarin' and take a stroll around WS while you wait for your Le Cellier ressie. Then, go back to DHS via boat and finish up your day over there. I know it will be extra travelling, but I don't think it would be too labor intensive since she could stay in the chair on the boat both ways.

Just a thought...

Liesa

 

[maroo]

Oops! I had forgotten that everyone needs to enter with their ticket before you can get FPs. Bummer!

So how about this??

Enter through DHS, get all your FPs, maybe even do it! Then, since you are going over to EPCOT next anyway, head over there by boat (yes, there is a boat, and I think it's about a 30 minute ride and very nice!) and do Soarin' and take a stroll around WS while you wait for your Le Cellier ressie. Then, go back to DHS via boat and finish up your day over there. I know it will be extra travelling, but I don't think it would be too labor intensive since she could stay in the chair on the boat both ways.

Just a thought...

Liesa

This is a good idea!

I just need to find out from the gang how bad they want to ride Toy Story. You know, Lauren actually watched the loading and unloading and decided she couldn't take the jerkyness...(I know, I am making up words!)...so it is possible that Rachel will not even want to ride it?

Crazy, huh! Since it is the big favorite of many people!!

 

[maroo]

Ok...we are shifting gears again...

Back to the September trip.

Confused? Check the CHEAT SHEET!


As far as meals...I am still trying to plan our ADR's. My call in date is coming up soon!!! June 6! Can you believe it?! We are almost 3 months out!!

Think with me, if you will...DHS...

We are going to have an evening at DHS and we want to eat at a Table Service restaurant. I have ruled out 50's because we went there last year and I think Sharon would like more healthy choices (we would be so tempted by the fried Southern cookin!). I have also ruled out Sci Fi because the atmosphere is not what I am looking for in this meal.

Sharon is interested in eating at "different" places...places with character and good food.

I am thinking between Brown Derby, Mama Melrose and Hollywood and Vine. I know Brown Derby is 2 credits...so I am not sure if it is worth it?

Have you guys eaten at these three places? Help me decide this one!

 

[kdzbear]

I have never eaten at the Brown Derby. I enjoyed Mama Melrose for the atmosphere and the food. The only time that I have done Hollywood and Vine was at lunch with the characters: JoJo, Goliath, and the Little Einsteins. I am assuming it is still a buffet for dinner and it is not too fancy. I hope this helps!

 

[kimmylaj]

i did the hollywood and vine buffet for lunch, pretty decent.
mama melrose i gave it two chances, couldnt stand it. but in fairness i am from ny and am pretty picky about my italian food.

 

[that's nice]

I think we might try Mama Melrose in October. There are so many Italian restaurants in CT... probably second behind NYC. These are real Italian restaurants not the 'Olive Garden' ones either. I've researched (via DIS) Mama Melrose and as every restaurant review on here, people have a love/hate feeling about it. I would hope that the food would be good but I also realize that I'm not eating Italian on Mulberry St. in NYC. I feel like there aren't too many choices for TS in DHS.

On a side note.... I don't think I put this in my TR but when we were waiting to be seated at Tony's in MK, I was standing near a guy that was complaining to a CM about something food related. I couldn't hear the conversation fully but when the manager came over the guy was like... I know what Italian food is and this isn't Italian food. You don't know what real Italian food is.....I know because I'm from New Jersey!

I don't know what his problem was but I thought is was funny. People have to realize that Tony's isn't 5 star Italian dining. LOL

 

[TarzansKat]

Brown Derby, hands down. I have to get ready for work right now, but PM me if you want more details. Why oh why don't I have more time to DIS???

 

[If U Had Wings]

I think we might try Mama Melrose in October. There are so many Italian restaurants in CT... probably second behind NYC. These are real Italian restaurants not the 'Olive Garden' ones either. I've researched (via DIS) Mama Melrose and as every restaurant review on here, people have a love/hate feeling about it. I would hope that the food would be good but I also realize that I'm not eating Italian on Mulberry St. in NYC. I feel like there aren't too many choices for TS in DHS.

On a side note.... I don't think I put this in my TR but when we were waiting to be seated at Tony's in MK, I was standing near a guy that was complaining to a CM about something food related. I couldn't hear the conversation fully but when the manager came over the guy was like... I know what Italian food is and this isn't Italian food. You don't know what real Italian food is.....I know because I'm from New Jersey!

I don't know what his problem was but I thought is was funny. People have to realize that Tony's isn't 5 star Italian dining. LOL

I'm so picky about my Italian food. Besides being 1/2 italian, like you, I'm surrounded by fantastic Italian restaurants all over the place. Have to love CT for it's Italian restaurants. I can't even remember the last time I've gone to the Olive Garden. Why bother? Your local mom and pop place is so much better.

I've never done Momma Melrose's, but have always been a bit iffy on trying. I used to love Alfredos, but haven't been to the new place in Epcot. The last time I went to Tony's it was awful. Seriously, one of the worst meals of my trip. Second only to a CS lunch at the ABC Commisary. My appetizer tasted like it had been nuked in a microwave too long, the main course was passable, but nothing special at all, and my dessert tasted like it had freezer burn. The friend I went with had picked different things from me, and had loved hers, but for me it was just yucky.

 

[maroo]

I have never eaten at the Brown Derby. I enjoyed Mama Melrose for the atmosphere and the food. The only time that I have done Hollywood and Vine was at lunch with the characters: JoJo, Goliath, and the Little Einsteins. I am assuming it is still a buffet for dinner and it is not too fancy. I hope this helps!

Thanks for the input!!! I think we will skip the character part...I am not too keen on meeting the Playhouse Disney people...I am not even sure who they are?

i did the hollywood and vine buffet for lunch, pretty decent.
mama melrose i gave it two chances, couldnt stand it. but in fairness i am from ny and am pretty picky about my italian food.

Fair enough! I am from Mississippi and we don't have much Italian food. The one place that was really good was taken over my new management and has never been the same since.

I think we might try Mama Melrose in October. There are so many Italian restaurants in CT... probably second behind NYC. These are real Italian restaurants not the 'Olive Garden' ones either. I've researched (via DIS) Mama Melrose and as every restaurant review on here, people have a love/hate feeling about it. I would hope that the food would be good but I also realize that I'm not eating Italian on Mulberry St. in NYC. I feel like there aren't too many choices for TS in DHS.

On a side note.... I don't think I put this in my TR but when we were waiting to be seated at Tony's in MK, I was standing near a guy that was complaining to a CM about something food related. I couldn't hear the conversation fully but when the manager came over the guy was like... I know what Italian food is and this isn't Italian food. You don't know what real Italian food is.....I know because I'm from New Jersey!

I don't know what his problem was but I thought is was funny. People have to realize that Tony's isn't 5 star Italian dining. LOL

I think I may eat a Mama Melrose on one of the concert days...IF I have any table service credits left! Just to try it. And I can let you guys know what a non-Italian food person thinks!

Brown Derby, hands down. I have to get ready for work right now, but PM me if you want more details. Why oh why don't I have more time to DIS???

Wow...that is quite a recommendation!! I definitely want more details!!!!

I'm so picky about my Italian food. Besides being 1/2 italian, like you, I'm surrounded by fantastic Italian restaurants all over the place. Have to love CT for it's Italian restaurants. I can't even remember the last time I've gone to the Olive Garden. Why bother? Your local mom and pop place is so much better.

I've never done Momma Melrose's, but have always been a bit iffy on trying. I used to love Alfredos, but haven't been to the new place in Epcot. The last time I went to Tony's it was awful. Seriously, one of the worst meals of my trip. Second only to a CS lunch at the ABC Commisary. My appetizer tasted like it had been nuked in a microwave too long, the main course was passable, but nothing special at all, and my dessert tasted like it had freezer burn. The friend I went with had picked different things from me, and had loved hers, but for me it was just yucky.

Olive Garden is not my idea of Italian!! Is Olive Garden like Mama Melrose??!

 

[that's nice]

I'm so picky about my Italian food. Besides being 1/2 italian, like you, I'm surrounded by fantastic Italian restaurants all over the place. Have to love CT for it's Italian restaurants. I can't even remember the last time I've gone to the Olive Garden. Why bother? Your local mom and pop place is so much better.

I've never done Momma Melrose's, but have always been a bit iffy on trying. I used to love Alfredos, but haven't been to the new place in Epcot. The last time I went to Tony's it was awful. Seriously, one of the worst meals of my trip. Second only to a CS lunch at the ABC Commisary. My appetizer tasted like it had been nuked in a microwave too long, the main course was passable, but nothing special at all, and my dessert tasted like it had freezer burn. The friend I went with had picked different things from me, and had loved hers, but for me it was just yucky.

When we went to Tony's DD had the kids ziti with a meatball. The sauce was OK and the meatball wasn't good. DW had the Zuppa de Seafood (or whatever its called.. LOL and she said she liked it... She's the Italian one!) I had the NY Strip so no Italian for me. The NY Strip was awesome!!

Where are you from in CT?????

Sorry Maroo for the thread hi-jack!!!! LOLOLOL

 

[that's nice]

Maroo,
I know you are on vacation (if you can call it that LOL) but I found a thread with someone asking about TS meals in DHS. As of now there isn't anything too telling in it, but you might get some random opinions. Check it out when you have time.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2183705

Tim

 

[KathyRN137]

I can offer no help at all.

I'm just posting so you'll know I'm here!

Haven't eaten at Brown Derby or Mama's. Only Play 'n Dine at Hollywood and Vine for both breakfast and lunch. The buffet selections at lunch were very good; can't imagine they'd be much different for dinner.

The atmosphere is very retro-Hollywood... art deco... chrome trimmed tables... pretty murals on the walls. We liked it!


Kathy

 

[eyor44]

We ate at Brown Derby in November and the food was great. We ate at Hollywood and Vine, but for breakfast and that food was good also. We would be willing to go back to either restaurant.

Note: The characters are only at Hollywood and Vine for breakfast and I think lunch.