I know, I know- this is very belated...Our 2006 Free Dining Experience

[annaaidan99]

Yes, I know- I'm such a procrastinator to put off this trip report for more than six months. I almost didn't do it at all, but with the excitement of this years free dining- I just had to do it. So, here it is- better late than never.

The Cast:
Me- 30
DH- 33
DS-7
DMIL
DFIL
DSIL
DN-18
DN-6

Now this trip was very last minute- booked in June for September. It was a planning nightmare- to say the least. I actually did a pretrip report- so I will spare the details of the horrors of last minute planning. I will pick up now where the pretrip left off.

September 7, 2006
Day Before Departure

I spend the majority of this day in a meeting in a city about an hour from my own. It is difficult to be productive at a meeting when you are sick, as I was that day, but even worse when all you can think about is the fact that your MIL is coming to town, and will beat you home. Did I clean the toilet? What about behind the toilet? I wound up making it home for 7pm. MIL, FIL were at my home with DH and DS. We went out to eat, talked a good bit about the trip, and then called it a night. I still hadn't packed , so I had to get all that together. We were waiting for a call from DSIL and her crew- no sign of them yet.

Packing went pretty quick- September is a lot easier to pack for than February. We actually only had two suitcases, instead of five as on our previous trip. We dropped the dog off with my mother and father, and then tried to sleep.

NEXT: Departure Day- Who says vacations are relaxing?

 

[annaaidan99]

September 8, 2006 Departure Day

We (the whole crew) had a 7:00 am flight out of New Orleans. DMIL and DFIL drove in from Texas the night before, and DSIL drove in from Alexandria the night before. DMIL and DFIL rode with us from BR to NO, we pulled out of our driveway at 5:00am, and met DSIL on the road. I was crabby that morning, as I did not sleep well, and generally do not like waking at 4am. I still didn't feel well, I was coughing a lot. DH is normally a laid back, easy-going type who complements my type A tendencies very well. Normally, he would be a calming influence- but I learned later that DH gets stressed out by his family. So he and I were wound up like a top while we were driving to NO. I realized, about halfway to NO, that I had left my DS's costume for MNSSHP at home! There was no turning back, so I was going to have to figure something out. We made it to the Park N' Fly, which I had prepaid for, and caught a shuttle with DSIL and crew to the airport.

I had everyone's boarding passes, so I doled them out on the shuttle. At this point, we realized that DN(18) forgot her drivers license. I was about to lose my mind- as I really didn't know if she was going to be able to board.
DH and I were really about to kill one another at this point. Miraculously, she got on the plane, after fibbing about her age. Evidently, if you are too young for a drivers license, they don't require one.

While waiting to board, I called my mother and begged her to go to my house and find DS's costume, and mail it to us at Pop. Since MNSSHP was a week away, I figured that would work out fine.

The plane ride was short and sweet- no problems. We landed at MCO, and made our way down to get our bags. I booked a limo to take us to the hotel, and was surprised that we got a stretch Excursion instead!

We felt very cool- and it went a long way in helping to chill everyone out!!

We stopped at the grocery store- feeling like celebrities- and bought some last minute things. Onward to Pop, where we were checked in quickly, although DSIL's room was not ready. Mind you, it was only 12:30, so 2 out of 3 rooms wasn't bad. We dropped our luggage off and went down to the food court to get everyone on the same page with the DDP. Only DH and I had done it before. We were starving, so we all wolfed down some food. I didn't record what we had for lunch in my little diary, but it was good.

We headed to Epcot, made it there by 3:00. We rode Spaceship Earth, Mission Space, and Test Track. All good. We had a 5:30 ADR for Alfredo's.

I had the caeser salad, DH got the lobster bisque, and we split the osso bucco. I got an italian margarita, which I very much needed. The food was good, albeit we were not really that hungry when we got there. I can't really remember what the kids got- but they had a good time.

Next came Soarin, which was a hit for everyone. We watched Illuminations, and then did a few things extra since it was EMH.

Back to the room. I knew DSIL was not happy with the hotel. I explained that we were booking a value resort, as this was our second trip that year. DH's parents were fine with that- and loved the hotel. DSIL, however, was another story. I will skip past the room drama, but it was kind of a downer. What she wanted was the Grand Flo, which Pop is definitely not.

I finished the night with a loong bath. I could have used another Italian Margarita, for sure.

NEXT: Magic Kingdom, and Coral Reef

 

[annaaidan99]

Day 2 September 9,2006

This is our Magic Kingdom day. We got ready and were on our way- only a little bit delayed. We made it to the park for 10:00. We rode Buzz and Space Mountain with no wait- which was awesome. We rode the TTA and Carousel of Progress, and then met DMIL, DFIL for lunch at Cosmic Ray's. Mmmm...burgers! We went on to Fantasyland to see Philharmagic, the various kiddy rides, and then made our way to Haunted Mansion. DS would not ride any roller coasters, but enjoyed everything else. We went on to ride the new Pirate ride, which we all liked very much. DMIL did not like HM, and refused to ride it again as it was in such bad shape.
Outside the Pirate ride, my son enjoyed the Captain Jack Sparrow actor that was performing that day.

He then met his "girlfriend", Stacy, from resort TV. No other character at the park had his attention more than her.

We rode BTMRR, and then hopped back over to Epcot for our ADR at Coral Reef. DSIL does not really like Epcot, (it is DH and my favorite park), there was some scuttle about having to be there every day. I told them they were free to do what they wanted, and they said they wanted to do what we were doing. Oh well.

We went over to Innoventions, which my son adores- but I never give him enough time there, he says. We had a fair amount of time to kill before the 6:00 ADR, so I let him go wild. We played the Pizza game, and did absolutely all the stuff he wanted. It was fun.

Coral Reef was fantastic! Beautiful restaurant- and the FOOD!!

I had the Ahi Tuna

which was divine. I can't remember my appy- maybe the soup? I also had the wine pairing- which was great.

DH had the crab claws

and the steak

The Chocolate Wave was the best dessert of the whole trip.

Our whole party adored the restaurant- and DSIL quit complaining about being at Epcot.

We skipped Illuminations that evening, and headed back to Pop to rest.

All in all a great day.

NEXT: Animal Kingdom

 

[Alyssa88]

Sounds like this is going to be a great report- I'm in!!

Sorry about your SIL. I think POP is great, and I'm sure the kids loved it more than they would have at GF!

 

[annaaidan99]

Day 3- Animal Kingdom

Believe it or not, this was our first time at the AK. We skipped it the first trip because my son wasn't feeling well. We opted to go to the MK instead. So, I was looking forward to this. DH went on a coffee run for everyone while I took a shower and got myself and DS ready to go. We made it to the park for opening this time, and I got some extra coffee at the little stand by the gates. They had espresso!! We decided for the kids sake, we would do the safari first, which was really great. We saw all kinds of animals. It was a good ride for everyone to do. We went on to the Pangani Trail, which I liked very much. We tried to do EE next, but it was broken down. They gave us a fastpass for when it came back up. Sadly for us, it would not be for that day. We did Dinosaur instead, which my son surprised me and rode, too. He was kind of competing with DN, who wasn't afraid to ride anything. We had lunch at Tusker House- which I liked. My son did NOT like the chicken drumstick dinner- I wound up having to feed him a lot of my food. I got a beer there- which I'm sure I needed.

On to Kali River Rapids- where DS and I got soaked. Wet butts for the rest of the day!

However, this was not wet enough for DS- who had to get wetter.

On to the Jungle Trek, which was very neat. DMIL wanted to see ITTBAB, so we stopped to check that out, and then saw Flights of Wonder- which was way better than I expected. I was using it as a way to sit down for a second, but wow- definitely a don't miss.

We hopped over to Epcot (AGAIN?) for our ADR at San Angel. Again, we were a bit early, so we stopped in for Universe of Energy.

I love San Angel, no matter what anyone else says...it was margarita time.

No, not for him- for me. Mmmm. They were good. Our dinner was good as well.

I finished the dinner with the Mexican Coffee- wow! It was strong. Dinner was followed by a El Rio de Tiempo, which is loads of fun while tipsy. We did Maelstrom, and then made our way back to Soarin again, and then Mission:Space- my son still wouldn't ride the Orange.

We headed back again before Illuminations, to kick back at the Pop.

NEXT: MGM/Disney Studios- whatever you want to call it.

 

[LouDisney]

Love your trip report
Can't wait to read more.

 

[annaaidan99]

Day 4: The Reckoning Day

This was one of those days that was a lot of good, and a lot of bad- all mixed together. We were up too late the night before doing laundry and such. DSIL and DMIL were starting to irritate the crap out of each other. DMIL was aggravated at DFIL, who was riding in a wheelchair most of the time due to his very bad knees. DH was trying to mediate between all of this- but I told them this was not going to affect my vacation. That being said, everyone wanted to go to MGM with us that day.

We got an early start- made it for rope drop. We made a beeline for Rock N' Roller Coaster, which had no wait. Got to ride it twice, without getting off. DFIL actually rode it with us, much to my surprise. He is in his 70's, and has had several heart attacks. He loved it! DS said no way, so he stayed with DMIL outside. We then went on to ToT, which DFIL bowed out of, along with DS. It was a first for me- I don't like those droppy rides. It was ok- but made me a little green afterwards. We went as a group to Great Movie Ride, which my inlaws had never seen- it was a big hit with them. It was about 10:00, so we went to the ABC Commissary for lunch- I had a 4:00 reservation at Sci Fi for dinner. So, we had an early lunch. I suggested, since DN and DSIL wanted to do a lot of stuff that DS and I did not, maybe we could split up and meet again in a few hours. This was a good idea- DH, DS, and I went to the Narnia exhibit, The Backlot Tour, and Star Tours- where we got a really good spot for the parade. I even got to see my very favorite character!

We met up for our ressie at 4:00- this is when it went to hell.

See, DSIL was not very sure if she was going to come on this trip at all. I love her to death, but she can drive you nutty. I decided, for my own sanity, to make seperate ADRs for me, DH, DMIL, DFIL, and DS- and then DSIL, DN, and DN. I wasn't sure what would happen if you checked in without your full party, so I figured this was the safest. I told her if she wanted to do anything else, she was welcome to, but if she wanted, these were her ADRs. Every other place we had come to let us sit together. We checked in together and were seated as a party of 8. Except this one. DSIL was already mad at me for wanting to split up, which I desperately needed. Then she was mad that we had to eat so early. Now we can't sit together. She made a bit of a scene, accusing me of not asking for us to sit together, that sort of thing. In any case, we sat down for dinner in our car with my inlaws.

We liked Sci Fi a lot, our food was good- but DSIL didn't like it at all. After dinner, we took the kids to the HISTK playground to burn off some of that energy. We stayed there for about a half hour, and went on to get a seat for Fantasmic. I love Fantasmic, and this time was the best yet. A CM saw my son had a lightsaber he had purchased at the Tatooine Traders. He got my son to come have a duel with him and his crowd control glowing stick. Then he let my son help him direct traffic, which my son took very seriously.

He's a funny kid- terrified of roller coasters and the like- but totally and completely self confident. Will talk to anyone about anything. DN, the rollercoaster junkie, was shy. He "worked" with the CM, closing off the rows that were full, shooing people out of the handicap section, until it was time for the show. Fantasmic was great as usual, and we wandered home after the show.

NEXT: MK revisited, Wishes

 

[annaaidan99]

Day 5: Magic Kingdom, Revisited
September 12, 2006
We slept late today. I was tired. Everyone still wanted to go with us today, so my plans were to go back to the MK that day. We made it there for 10. It was pretty crowded that day- but still nothing too bad. We went to ride the Jungle Cruise, but it had a very long line. We skipped it, and did the Carpets, which the kids always like for some reason. The camel spit on me this time, which was cute. On to the Tiki Birds, which the kids also like- I liked it better as a kid, too. Onward to Pirates, again- can't do that one enough. Then BTMRR again- my son still won't ride it. We took the railroad from Frontierland to Main Street, where we headed for the monorail to the Contemporary. We had a lunch ADR today at the Concourse Steakhouse. This was a really good idea! It was a really pleasant meal- good all around- I had the onion soup and a steak. No pictures from this meal, except DS...

My husband and I explored the contemporary- where he found even more of those blasted pins

We monorailed back to the MK for some Fantasyland- rode Snow White, and the Carousel-

We did IASW, which stopped unexpectedly- and we sat for about five minutes at one scene. We rode the Liberty Belle, which I haven't ridden in two decades. Then Splash Mountain, BTMRR- my son stayed with DMIL while we did that. We went back and did Jungle Cruise- we had a very funny guide. I talked DMIL into riding Buzz with us- I rode with her and we did terrible together. DS and DH are really good at it- but I'll admit that I suck. She did too, but we had a good time. We rode TTA again, which I love for some reason, and then did Space Mountain again- last ride before Wishes.

We staked out a spot in front of the castle, and waited.

Everyone was pretty happy, nobody was mad at each other. It was really hot that night. Wishes was beautiful as usual.

Back to the hotel....

NEXT- My park, Epcot, all day long!

 

[annaaidan99]

Day 6 Sept 13, 2006

I told ya'll that Epcot is my park, right? I love this park and could spend the whole trip there and not get tired of it. We got another late start- drama, again, and were at the parks for 11. We rode Spaceship Earth, and went over to Living Seas. My son loves Turtle Talk, so that was first- he got to talk to Crush, which he was very happy about. On to the tanks. My husband is a fish nut, so although he took about 1000 pictures of the fish, I'll spare you the fish pics. I will show you just one, which was my son's fave- the cuttlefish, and he was being fed while we were there.

We moved on to World Showcase to have lunch at the Cantina.

DH and DS

Pal Mickey in his new getup

I got a margarita, which was necessary at the time- as DMIL and DSIL were going to kill each other. I went shopping in China, and went on over to Germany- we saw the drawbridge go up to let the big globe in for Illuminations. My son hung out at the little African woodcarving place for at least a half hour- we always buy something from that place.

Saw the Chinese Acrobats, then my son and I watched Reflections of China. On to Sergio, who picked me (and picked on me)

Yes I was the one who couldn't make the basket. My son was incredulous.
Mom! Even the baby can do it!

By the time we made it to England, it was time for our ADR at the Rose and Crown.

We were seated and they gave DMIL and DFIL a crown.

DH and I ordered a half yard of beer for dinner.

And for dinner

It was yummy, yummy!
Post dinner, DH, DS and I stayed on for EMH- it was really empty in the park, It really did feel like my park.

Don't ask why I was suddenly wearing the crown.
We watched the American Adventure, which was really good.

It was a great Epcot day- and my son got to find all the Hidden Mickeys he had been looking for.

NEXT: Animal Kingdom, again

 

[annaaidan99]

Day 7- September 14

Due to the fact that we had yet to ride EE, we had to return to the Animal Kingdom. I would have wanted to anyway, as I really did like that park. It speaks to me in a way that is similar to Epcot, but different. Can't explain it. So, we went back- all of us. Made a beeline for EE, all of us except DMIL and DS. They watched. I loved that ride. So much, we had to do it again.

This time, we went on to the Conservation Station, where my son had the highlight of his trip. He made friends with the talking recycling bin.

Such good friends, that the two of them went off looking for hidden mickeys.
This was a good one they found:

We went through the whole place- it was really neat. The kids went out to the petting zoo to check it out.

We made our way back to do the safari and rapids again. After that, we got caught in an unbelievable downpour. That was our cue to go back to the hotel for a nap.

Waking up refreshed and dry, we made our way back to Epcot- again- for our ADR at the Garden Grill. This was our only character dinner- did it mostly for DN, who does love the characters.

However, DMIL got in on the excitement as well....

And, I did too....

I thought the food was good, but others in our party did not. DH said the turkey was dry. We headed back to the hotel right after dinner, so we could get some pool time in. I had another margarita at the pool, while DS went swimming. I definitely enjoyed that. Pop has a very nice pool. DMIL came by to visit me in Margaritaville, and to tell me how good a trip it had been, even with DSIL's fits.

I felt better.

NEXT: Dammit! I'm going back to Epcot!

 

[annaaidan99]

Friday, Sept 15
Day 8

Since we were going to be at MNSSHP that evening, DH suggested to the group that we split up for our outing that day, and meet back up at LeCellier at 4:00 for our ADR. I was shocked that he wanted to go back to Epcot again- but I later realized he did this for me. DSIL, DMIL, and DFIL went together with the N's to Downtown Disney. We set off- had breakfast at POP, and then got to Epcot around ten. My son had a mission of his own. As there were no rollercoasters to claim to have ridden, he wanted to ride Mission:Space Orange. So, this was our first stop- before he changed his mind! He walked up to the CM who was giving out "tickets" and said very bravely, "Orange, please." He rode it, and liked it very much. So far DN6 had not ridden that one, so he was one up on her in his mind. After that, we took our time through World Showcase.

We made our way through all the countries- stopping for a margarita, of course! My son hung out with the woodcarving man, and got his autograph.
Then we found characters!

We met up with the rest of the gang at LeCellier. DMIL and DSIL were not speaking. DSIL told DH that we were going to have to take DMIL the next day, because she couldn't deal with her. Then DMIL says she wants to go with us instead tomorrow, because she can't take anymore of DSIL. So dinner was interesting.

On our February trip, LeCellier was so good, my DH chastised me for only making one ADR there. So, we were understandably excited about eating there again. To my dismay, our server was kind of snooty . I ordered the cheese soup and the mushroom filet. They overcooked my filet- medium well instead of medium rare. I had to send it back. DH had the mussels and the filet, which were fine.

After dinner, we ran back to the hotel to get ready for MNSSHP. DMIL and DFIL told us in advance they did not want to go, so they went back to rest.

The fireworks were fantastic:

As was the parade:

All in all, I enjoyed MNSSHP. It was hot, raining, and my costume was bothering me, but other than that it was great.

We made it back to the room completely exhausted.
NEXT: Last Day.

 

[cincy]

Great report so far. Waiting for more.

 

[annaaidan99]

Saturday September 16
Day 9

The last day at the parks is always kind of sad for me...

We picked Epcot again for our last day, as it is our favorite park, and because DMIL and DFIL wanted to come with us here, alone. DSIL sort of rushed through most of it, as it was boring to her. Her group went back to MGM for the first half of the day. So, we headed out to Epcot for a leisurely morning, sticking only to WS. More margaritas!

DMIL missed all the street performers at Epcot, so we set out specifically for that.

We saw:
The Chinese Acrobats
The Woodcarving Man
World Showcase Players
Sergio- was probably the sixth time for me, I'm sure he thought I was stalking him- got picked every time!

Server Amusant

We met up with DSIL and crew for dinner at Chefs. I really liked this place- beautiful restaurant, and the food was really good. There was a snafu with the TS credits for DSIL and her group- was all resolved. Turns out LeCellier had charged twice for the meal the night previously.

For some reason, we only photoed dessert.

DMIL, DFIL and my crew stayed behind for Illuminations. We watched it in front of the margarita stand- lucky me! It was a good spot, better than our usual spot by England.

Back to the hotel for a packing frenzy. So sad.

 

[annaaidan99]

Sunday September 17
Day 10- Going home

I lucked out with our SW tickets before the trip- I was originally only able to get a return flight at 6:00am , but was able to change it to 11:45 right before we left.

So, we had some time at the resort that morning to chill before we left. After breakfast, I went out with DS taking some pics.

The pool is so peaceful in the morning.

Aidan outside by the pool

Inside the lobby

We were all kind of quiet that morning- leaving can be a downer. Our limo came to get us right on time... this time it was normal.

The kids said their goodbyes- and we were on our way.

DH and I are going back for more this September, so we sort of made a running list of "What We Learned" for the next trip.

1. DSIL is staying at home. No offense intended. That was just crazy.

2. We are making full park days out of Animal Kingdom. Even going for two partial days, we missed a bunch of stuff.

3. I made much later ADR's, since we had to work really hard to be hungry that early.

4. This year, there will be no pressure to get to the park for opening. We had plenty of time to see everything, and for some reason the rush to get ready and out the door caused all kinds of drama in the morning.

5. DH is going to ease up on DS on the roller coaster thing. If he doesn't want to ride, so be it. He doesn't go to Disney for that- he goes for the other stuff- the street performers, the talking trashcans, the CM's, and the water fountains. Did I mention that there was not one single day that he didn't get drenched? Which brings me to...

6. Pack more clothes for Aidan. He got soaking wet everyday, and I ran out of clothes quickly. Would have been nice to have a change of clothes for when we got to our ADR's.

7. Hidden Mickeys- didn't get started with those till the fourth day. DS was obsessed. We will do that from the beginning.

8. Pins- Didn't do that till day 4 as well, DH is obsessed. We will have to establish a pin budget, because I know DH spent $200 on those damn things.

So that was it folks. It was a great trip- I think that length of time was perfect. The heat was killer, but maybe I should have gotten drenched like DS. Free dining was great- the crowds were way lower than in February, the food was awesome. I didn't keep super accurate tabs on what we spent OOP, but I know we only bought one meal OOP- it was the departure breakfast. We bought a lot of bottled water OOP- probably spent about $50. Then alcohol- about $175- $200. If anyone has any questions- I know it has been awhile, but I'd be happy to answer them.

 

[lamagique]

Thanks for this! I really enjoyed it and I'm glad you had a good time. BTW, you look SOOOOO young. I was trying to figure out if you were the mom or not for the first few posts, until you finally said "I" with a picture.

 

[annaaidan99]

Thanks!

I definitely have to bring my ID with me if I plan to have those margaritas.

Glad you liked it- can't wait to tell you about Episode 2, this time, with DMIL and DFIL only- and we're trying ASMu this year.

 

[AuroraBelleCindy]

Great report - I'm glad you mentioned San Angel Inn as we will be going there in August - I love mexican food!!!

 

[annaaidan99]

Even with all the mixed reviews, I have always enjoyed San Angel, and will continue to go every time. The atmosphere is so great- probably the best at Epcot. The margaritas are fantastic- and I have not had a bad meal there so far. Be careful with that Mexican Coffee- it will put you on the floor. I can't wait to go back in September.

 

[OhMari]

Great pictures. I had to laugh at your husband, I had to convince my dh that he couldn't wear hiking boots to WDW. Thanks for sharing your tr with us.