I didn't know the baby's powers so I covered the basics: An Oct. '11/March ‘12 PTR

[teekathepony]

Wowwwwww! Poly! So jealous!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Now, it wasn't a theme night:, just greasy, takeout Chinese food and "The Little Mermaid" (which had arrived yesterday from Netflix).

But it ended up being such a lovely evening. As we were watching the movie, I caught Franklin singing a couple of times.

When I asked him, "I thought you didn't want to watch this movie?" He replied, "I never said that."

Could it be? Could my reluctant Disney lover be becoming a little less reluctant?!?!?

Only the best in Chinese food. YUM! It's been far too long since we've had some greasy Chinese. I might need to change that this weekend.

And on Franklin being slowly converted! How can you not sing to the Little Mermaid?! When my cousin and I were young we pretended we WERE Ariel and even had a synchronized swim to it that we showed off to my Aunt.

First Photopass CD:
We’ve just relied on the photopass photographers taking a photo with our camera on past trips, but this trip, we’ve decided to preorder a Photopass CD! Between the Halloween party (and all the character meet and greets that go along with it) and the fact that we have Kelley’s family to share the cost of the CD with us, it seemed like a no-brainer. For those of you who are Photopass veterans, what are some of your favorite magic shots to try?

First time relying on Disney transportation:
This one worries me a bit. I’ve read so much griping on these boards about the bus system over the years. But in putting together my schedule, I’m trying to cut down on the number of busses we need to take. I’m hoping the boat from WL to MK (and also the one to CR) are pretty good, because that gives us pretty good access to the Monorail, as well as Epcot and MK. Our only real “bus” day would be our DHS day. So readers, what are your thoughts on the Disney busses? Am I filled with trepidation for no reason?

Did you two already order the CD? Do you have the link for the $99.95 price? It's "hidden", but I have it bookmarked. Muahahaha! Let me know and I'll send it to you!

Disney transportation isn't bad at all! Every once in a while you'll have a bit of a wait, but overall, for the size of WDW, it's incredibly efficient. Plus...now that you are on a monorail line-it's BLISS!

Kelley will have a harder time coming from Movies with 2 kids and a double stroller. BUT! I had awesome transportation from Movies in May. The Values really do have great bus service, and we only shared a bus 1 other time with Sports and Music - and even that was very, very quick. Does she have a stroller bag? I should send her a link to the one I have, it's slick and makes bag check a BREEZE! Plus one less thing to carry on the bus!

SOOOOO CUTE!!!!

I love your Mousekeeping Envelopes! I've never done them, but we do always tip. Generally the standard is $1 per person in the room, then $1 on top of that. So, $3/day (or more) for you and Franklin.

 

[dismagiclover]

I followed you over from my trip report, but I have some catching up to do.

 

[natebenma]

Poly? This trip is getting better and better!

 

[Missyrose]

First off, let me apologize to my awesome readers. I have been totally MIA this week on my PTR. Things have been crazy busy at work (NFL previews, NCAA football previews, high school football kickoff), which has made for some long nights and a zombie-like Missy. But I promise I will be back to my chapter-adding self soon enough. (I have big plans coming up for my 30-day countdown! ).

But enough with my sob story, on with the resort madness! As they do on TV shows: Previously on Missy's trip report, she booked Wilderness Lodge using a PIN code about nine weeks before the trip. Then at seven weeks before her trip, she switched her reservation to the Poly (lagoon view) using the AP rate.

Which brings me to this morning...I get an email from Brook (my truly awesome TA and PTR reader!) saying that she ran a search this morning and after weeks of nothing, there was AP rate availability at the Contemporary. We'd have an MK-view, club-level room the first night, followed by three nights in a Bay Lake view room (and this reservation, even including the club level, would save us some money over the Poly).

I called Franklin to get his take and his immediate answer was "we're staying at the Contemporary." Little did I know CR was actually Franklin's resort of choice. It also happened to be my dream Disney resort. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled to be booked at the Poly (the resort looked beautiful and awesomely themed, and you can't beat its transportation options!), but deep down I knew if I got the chance for CR, I'd jump on it. So I did!

I know this is crazy that I'm on my third resort in three weeks, but this time, it's gonna stick. It just feels right.

I am also really excited to try club level (even if just for the one night). It works out well because the second morning of our trip was just supposed to be a CS breakfast, so now we can eat in the Atrium Club instead. And that night we were supposed to watch Wishes from the Poly beach and hour before our 'Ohana ADR, but Franklin likes the view better from CR, so we'll be able to watch it from the Club balcony since our access won't be cut off until midnight!

The hotel looks absolutely beautiful in all the pictures I've seen, and it'll be so cool to leisurely walk back to our resort after MNSSHP!

I did have to change my ticker (again!), so this time I made it non-resort specific.

So there you have it, CR, and that's our final answer. What do you guys think? Have any of you stayed there? I'll be back to answer all your posts when I have another break tonight at work!

 

[Missyrose]

Wowwwwww! Poly! So jealous!

I know! I was swooning for the past week about the Poly. But now I'm shifting my excitement a few stops over on the monorail loop.

Only the best in Chinese food. YUM! It's been far too long since we've had some greasy Chinese. I might need to change that this weekend.

And on Franklin being slowly converted! How can you not sing to the Little Mermaid?! When my cousin and I were young we pretended we WERE Ariel and even had a synchronized swim to it that we showed off to my Aunt.

Franklin totally is converting, he's even excited about our move to CR. I LOVE the Little Mermaid soundtrack. I have an iPod playlist that has songs from LM, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Lion King that is my go-to music for when I'm cruising home from work at 3 a.m.!

Did you two already order the CD? Do you have the link for the $99.95 price? It's "hidden", but I have it bookmarked. Muahahaha! Let me know and I'll send it to you!

That link would be awesome, I haven't ordered it yet. I bought a new bed for our bedroom last week, so between that and the room deposits, I'm trying to spread out the hits on my credit card.

Disney transportation isn't bad at all! Every once in a while you'll have a bit of a wait, but overall, for the size of WDW, it's incredibly efficient. Plus...now that you are on a monorail line-it's BLISS!

Kelley will have a harder time coming from Movies with 2 kids and a double stroller. BUT! I had awesome transportation from Movies in May. The Values really do have great bus service, and we only shared a bus 1 other time with Sports and Music - and even that was very, very quick. Does she have a stroller bag? I should send her a link to the one I have, it's slick and makes bag check a BREEZE! Plus one less thing to carry on the bus!

I'll find out if she ordered her stroller bag, I know she was planning to at some point. I'm glad to hear your buses from Movies were good. I'm sending plenty of transportation their way as our trips approach!

SOOOOO CUTE!!!!

I love your Mousekeeping Envelopes! I've never done them, but we do always tip. Generally the standard is $1 per person in the room, then $1 on top of that. So, $3/day (or more) for you and Franklin.

Thanks for the tipping tips!

I followed you over from my trip report, but I have some catching up to do.

to the PTR that has more twists than a bag of pretzels.

Poly? This trip is getting better and better!

I hope you think my trip is continuing to follow that upward trend after the latest change-up.

 

[teekathepony]

Hahaha ok so...

Wowwww, Contemporary! So jealous! lmao,

I'm glad this one feels right, I hope it sticks for you! Club level, monorail, good fireworks view, this sounds awesome

 

[Missyrose]

Hahaha ok so...

Wowwww, Contemporary! So jealous! lmao,

I'm glad this one feels right, I hope it sticks for you! Club level, monorail, good fireworks view, this sounds awesome

Hahahaha Thanks! I was a little worried that after reading this last change all you guys might be like, "That's it, I'm done reading about this crazy girl who can't make up her mind!"

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Have not stayed at CR but have stayed at BLT and loved the location! We adore the fireworks from there and transportation is awesome! You will totally appreciate that short walk back after your party! Congrats on your switch!!!

 

[natebenma]

I am also really excited to try club level (even if just for the one night). It works out well because the second morning of our trip was just supposed to be a CS breakfast, so now we can eat in the Atrium Club instead. And that night we were supposed to watch Wishes from the Poly beach and hour before our 'Ohana ADR, but Franklin likes the view better from CR, so we'll be able to watch it from the Club balcony since our access won't be cut off until midnight!

So there you have it, CR, and that's our final answer. What do you guys think? Have any of you stayed there? I'll be back to answer all your posts when I have another break tonight at work!

So cool!!! I have never stayed at CR but the MK view sounds amazing!!! Sounds like you will be making the very best of your one-day club level stay. Breakfast is my favorite part of cl, and being able to watch wishes from the lounge will be awesome!!!

But if you come back and tell us that Brook was able to book you in the Cinderella Suite in the castle at a savings of $1,000 from your current rate, I am out of here!

I know another poster mentioned the CD preorder link- here it is:

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitoffer.aspx

 

[Missyrose]

Have not stayed at CR but have stayed at BLT and loved the location! We adore the fireworks from there and transportation is awesome! You will totally appreciate that short walk back after your party! Congrats on your switch!!!

I have a feeling this hotel may spoil me with its location. It's just so easy to get everywhere! Sigh, I cannot wait (37 days!!!!).

So cool!!! I have never stayed at CR but the MK view sounds amazing!!! Sounds like you will be making the very best of your one-day club level stay. Breakfast is my favorite part of cl, and being able to watch wishes from the lounge will be awesome!!!

But if you come back and tell us that Brook was able to book you in the Cinderella Suite in the castle at a savings of $1,000 from your current rate, I am out of here!

I know another poster mentioned the CD preorder link- here it is:

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitoffer.aspx

Brook has been A-MA-ZING, without her I'd probably be staying in a cardboard box off I-4. Hmmmm, I'll have to look into the Cinderella Suite. Just kidding, we're definitely staying at CR.

Thanks for the photopass link, it's much appreciated!

 

[Missyrose]

In all this planning for October, it's easy to forget that there is another trip that deserves my attention...my March trip!

I am exactly 181 days out from our arrival date, which means I can start making our ADRs starting tomorrow. But before I do, I wanted to get your take on my proposed ADRs. Almost all the breakfasts will be quick ones at our townhouse. One thing to keep in mind for the rest of the meals is that we wanted to do a mix of Disney dining and offsite dining. It's mainly a money thing, lots of the Disney restaurants are fun, but very, very expensive. So by mixing in a few offsite places, we'll keep our food budget from spiraling out of control.

Arrival day (MK for the afternoon):
Lunch -- CS
Dinner -- Offsite

Day 2 (MK all day):
Lunch -- The Plaza
Dinner -- Offsite

Day 3 (Epcot all day):
Lunch -- CS in World Showcase
Dinner -- Cape May Clambake

Day 4 (DHS all day):
Lunch -- Sci-Fi Dine-In
Dinner -- 'Ohana

Day 5 (MK before 7:30 p.m. departure):
Breakfast -- Chef Mickey's
Lunch -- CS

What do you guys think? Have you eaten at any of these places? Where are your favorite places to eat in the World?

 

[dismagiclover]

Your plans look great! The Plaza is my favorite place to eat in the Magic Kingdom. Hopefully you'll get a table with a great view of the castle.

 

[natebenma]

Arrival day (MK for the afternoon):
Lunch -- CS
Dinner -- Offsite

Day 2 (MK all day):
Lunch -- The Plaza
Dinner -- Offsite

Day 3 (Epcot all day):
Lunch -- CS in World Showcase
Dinner -- Cape May Clambake

Day 4 (DHS all day):
Lunch -- Sci-Fi Dine-In
Dinner -- 'Ohana

Day 5 (MK before 7:30 p.m. departure):
Breakfast -- Chef Mickey's
Lunch -- CS

What do you guys think? Have you eaten at any of these places? Where are your favorite places to eat in the World?

Food- NOW you are talking my language!

MK CS- our favorite is Columbia Harbor House. The atmosphere is more TS than CS, especially the upstairs dining room. Some interesting selections like a yummy tuna sandwich, hummus sandwich, fried shrimp and fish, clam chowder and the good ole standbys of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets.

Plaza- have not been there, but I think it is very sandwich-centric and one of the least expensive of the TS restaurants, so that sounds like a great choice.

CS in EPCOT- I love Tangierine Cafe, but there are many great choices. Don't discount Sunshine Seasons in the Land, either. There are some really spectacular, interesting selections there. Something for everyone. And the dessert selections from the bakery...

Cape May Clambake: Mmmmmmmmmm!!!

Sci Fi- Two Words: HotFudge Sundae
Stick with the burgers or pastrami sandwich. Under no circumstances are you to order the shrimp pasta. Nastiest thing I have ever eaten at Disney. Did I tell you that already?

Ohana- you won't leave hungry!

Chef Mickey's- worth it for the character interaction. I enjoyed the food. The boys loved gummy bears for breakfast.

If you want to know more about any of these places, I have mini reviews with lots of pictures in my TR from last year. There are chapter links that should help you find the posts.

Good luck with your dining reservations. Online or are you phoning it in?

 

[Missyrose]

While we're on a food kick today...I have a little news about the October trip.

My new DIS rabbit hole has been the Dining TR's, I tend to fall down into those threads for hours. While reading a TR last night of a family who did 17 days of DxDP, it got me to thinking. I went through the ADRs I'd already made for October and in dining plan terms, we had 8 TS credits.

I looked up the price for the DxDP and did some simple math using the numbers I had crunched when figuring out DDP vs. OOP and it turns out we'd save almost $60 on the meals alone on the DxDP -- throw in the refillable mugs and the 12 snack credits for us to use at the Food and Wine Festival, it became a total no brainer. It also worked out that we had a split reservation, the first night with CL and MNSSHP we wouldn't need the dining plan, so we added it just to the second reservation.

Oh! And remember how we'd already accounted for 8 TS credits? Well I figured out what to do with that last credit. Instead of dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe on our MK day, we're now eating at Citricos! Giving us two Signature dinners on our trip.

Your plans look great! The Plaza is my favorite place to eat in the Magic Kingdom. Hopefully you'll get a table with a great view of the castle.

Thanks! I figure it will be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the park.

Food- NOW you are talking my language!

MK CS- our favorite is Columbia Harbor House. The atmosphere is more TS than CS, especially the upstairs dining room. Some interesting selections like a yummy tuna sandwich, hummus sandwich, fried shrimp and fish, clam chowder and the good ole standbys of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets.

Plaza- have not been there, but I think it is very sandwich-centric and one of the least expensive of the TS restaurants, so that sounds like a great choice.

CS in EPCOT- I love Tangierine Cafe, but there are many great choices. Don't discount Sunshine Seasons in the Land, either. There are some really spectacular, interesting selections there. Something for everyone. And the dessert selections from the bakery...

Cape May Clambake: Mmmmmmmmmm!!!

Sci Fi- Two Words: HotFudge Sundae
Stick with the burgers or pastrami sandwich. Under no circumstances are you to order the shrimp pasta. Nastiest thing I have ever eaten at Disney. Did I tell you that already?

Ohana- you won't leave hungry!

Chef Mickey's- worth it for the character interaction. I enjoyed the food. The boys loved gummy bears for breakfast.

If you want to know more about any of these places, I have mini reviews with lots of pictures in my TR from last year. There are chapter links that should help you find the posts.

Good luck with your dining reservations. Online or are you phoning it in?

Okay I just read through some of the food posts in your TR:

Sci-Fi: That sundae looks MAJOR, I'm drooling over the picture. Luckily we made an 11:00 ADR so we'll have PLENTY of time before Lights, Action, Motor...no leaving any hot fudge behind!

Cape May: The food looks amazing, and if you New Englanders give it your seal of approval, then I know it's good seafood.

'Ohana: You're right, there's lots of food. I just wish you guys had been able to enjoy it a bit more!

As for making the ADRs, I think I'm going to try to do them online. I work in the evenings (usually 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.) so waking up at 6 each morning is not going to be a lot of fun. ..ah, the things we do for Disney!

 

[natebenma]

I am exactly 181 days out from our arrival date, which means I can start making our ADRs starting tomorrow.

As for making the ADRs, I think I'm going to try to do them online. I work in the evenings (usually 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.) so waking up at 6 each morning is not going to be a lot of fun. ..ah, the things we do for Disney!

Did ya get 'em? Did ya get 'em?

 

[Missyrose]

Did ya get 'em? Did ya get 'em?

After writing yesterday's post, it dawned on me that I didn't have any ADRs planned for my arrival day (just CS lunch and offsite dinner). So my first ADR will be made tomorrow. It's the Plaza, so I'm not too terribly worried about that one. Now making 'Ohana on Saturday morning has me a little .

 

[natebenma]

After writing yesterday's post, it dawned on me that I didn't have any ADRs planned for my arrival day (just CS lunch and offsite dinner). So my first ADR will be made tomorrow. It's the Plaza, so I'm not too terribly worried about that one. Now making 'Ohana on Saturday morning has me a little .

You should be able to make all of your reservations for the entire stay on day 180 (today?). You can make your reservations for check-in day plus the next 10 days on Day 180, so even if you don't need a reservation for checkin day, you should be able to make all of the rest of them at that time.

Does that make sense or have I confused you? Get on line or call now to see if you can make the ADRs you want.

 

[Missyrose]

You should be able to make all of your reservations for the entire stay on day 180 (today?). You can make your reservations for check-in day plus the next 10 days on Day 180, so even if you don't need a reservation for checkin day, you should be able to make all of the rest of them at that time.

Does that make sense or have I confused you? Get on line or call now to see if you can make the ADRs you want.

The March trip is still offsite, so I'm stuck making the ADRs one day at a time. Boo!

 

[natebenma]

The March trip is still offsite, so I'm stuck making the ADRs one day at a time. Boo!

DOH!!! Forgot that! Should have known that you knew what you were talking about!