"I"m Only Going Because My Teacher Told Me To" Nov. 2016 PTR * update 12/2 TRIP REPORT STARTED! *

[jandlinz]

Hi Ariane. I popped over from your trip report after noticing we'll have a couple of dates in common. We'll be there Nov.12-23. We are new DVC owners and have a couple of nights waitlisted so our exact locations are still hopeful. I'm enjoying reading along. I know how crazy booking at the 7 month window was. I was up at 6:30 many mornings ready to press the book button only to not be quick enough. On our last hopeful day of booking I had four devices set to book and pressed the book button within seconds of each other. I did get success, but stringing together the other reservations and split stays will be challenging. I'm hoping our waitlists come through. Good luck to you as well. Just a thought have you looked at designated reservations for sale? David's has a couple, but you can try looking at mouse owners too.

 

[ariane37]

I like the matching shirt idea but my DH would never wear one

I'm very surprised Steve is willing to wear one! Ricky is saying he won't but I'm hoping to talk (read "guilt" or "bribe") him into it. I also know beyond a shadow of a doubt that neither of my stepsons would EVER wear matching shirts!

In fact, last year for a birthday that ends in "0" I gifted myself an embroidery machine (don't tell anybody I quilt )

LOL! Nothing wrong with quilting! But I won't tell anyone as long as you don't tell anyone that my favorite TV show of all time is "Little House on the Prairie"

I'm so glad you like the skorts!

I love them!

I don't know if the countdown people do shirts but they are at www.etsy.com/shop/The03Bs

Thanks! I'll take a look

I can so relate to the call of Etsy! I haven't ordered anything, but have bookmarked way more things than I care to admit. I've even added things to the cart, then gotten cold feet and not completed the purchase. Some of the stuff is hard for me to justify getting, but it's also so cute!

I've done the same thing! My worry is that I'll buy something personalized and then they won't fit and I'll be out quite a bit of $$....

I was just thinking about doing a post on all of the things I am collecting for my trip

I did however purchase some custom Vera Bradley ears that are supposed be delivered today!

You should definitely do a post about all the thing you're collecting and I'd love to see the VB ears!

Hi Ariane. I popped over from your trip report after noticing we'll have a couple of dates in common. We'll be there Nov.12-23. We are new DVC owners and have a couple of nights waitlisted so our exact locations are still hopeful. I'm enjoying reading along. I know how crazy booking at the 7 month window was. I was up at 6:30 many mornings ready to press the book button only to not be quick enough. On our last hopeful day of booking I had four devices set to book and pressed the book button within seconds of each other. I did get success, but stringing together the other reservations and split stays will be challenging. I'm hoping our waitlists come through. Good luck to you as well. Just a thought have you looked at designated reservations for sale? David's has a couple, but you can try looking at mouse owners too.

Hi there and thanks for coming over Congrats on purchasing DVC! Yikes, you had a crazy time booking Thanks for suggesting David's and Mouse Owners; we've looked into both but David's had nothing except SSR and the responses we're getting on Mouse Owners are either for only a day or two that we need, or people asking if we can switch our days at all I'm trying not to be pessimistic about our waitlist coming through and I wish you luck with yours; let me know if it comes through!
Where did you buy and where are you booked so far?

 

[jandlinz]

I just checked mouse owners. There's someone with AKL 1 bedroom Nov. 23-28. $14 per point 182 points.

 

[ariane37]

I just checked mouse owners. There's someone with AKL 1 bedroom Nov. 23-28. $14 per point 182 points.

Thank you! Steve does the Mouse Owners checking and he's been away all week for work. I'm going to check on it now!!!

 

[ariane37]

Slowly But Surely​

My ADR's are coming along! I'll tell you though, this trip is turning out to be the hardest one yet to plan and it's giving me a headache Not knowing what nights the SW fireworks will be or the times for whatever is going on at night over at AK is throwing me off. And since we'll be at Beach Club for the beginning of the trip I'm trying to get most of our HS/Epcot meals done while we're there......hopefully I'll be posting what I've come up with in the next couple days!

In other news, I mentioned early on in my report that we try to do something new each trip for the boys since we go fairly often. For this trip, I came up with either going to a water park for the first time, seeing La Nouba, or renting some type of water craft one day (my pick ). However I mainly leave this up to the boys to decide. So I asked Ricky tonight which of the 3 was his first choice - and he picked bowling at Splitsville Umm, I'm fine with this but, was it on the list lol? Chris hasn't been home since I asked Ricky but I have a feeling he'll be fine with bowling; they've asked in the past. It's not cheap, though! I've kind of wanted to go there however and the menu looks good, so it just might win out. Ricky said he'd actually like to do bowling AND rent sea raycers but I told him I'm not sure about that. Between 8 day hoppers and all the TS meals we're doing, one "new" thing might be it this trip!

In case I don't get back here before Sunday, I want to wish all you moms a very happy Mother's Day

 

[ArielSRL]

If this is Disney's new way of releasing information, I don't like it. Our June trip has been so hard to plan. I hope you get more info soon!

I did La Nouba once (and other Cirque shows here in Atlanta) and loved it. Bowling is fun, too!

Happy Mother's Day to you, as well!

 

[Jfsag123]

Slowly But Surely​

My ADR's are coming along! I'll tell you though, this trip is turning out to be the hardest one yet to plan and it's giving me a headache Not knowing what nights the SW fireworks will be or the times for whatever is going on at night over at AK is throwing me off. And since we'll be at Beach Club for the beginning of the trip I'm trying to get most of our HS/Epcot meals done while we're there......hopefully I'll be posting what I've come up with in the next couple days!

In other news, I mentioned early on in my report that we try to do something new each trip for the boys since we go fairly often. For this trip, I came up with either going to a water park for the first time, seeing La Nouba, or renting some type of water craft one day (my pick ). However I mainly leave this up to the boys to decide. So I asked Ricky tonight which of the 3 was his first choice - and he picked bowling at Splitsville Umm, I'm fine with this but, was it on the list lol? Chris hasn't been home since I asked Ricky but I have a feeling he'll be fine with bowling; they've asked in the past. It's not cheap, though! I've kind of wanted to go there however and the menu looks good, so it just might win out. Ricky said he'd actually like to do bowling AND rent sea raycers but I told him I'm not sure about that. Between 8 day hoppers and all the TS meals we're doing, one "new" thing might be it this trip!

In case I don't get back here before Sunday, I want to wish all you moms a very happy Mother's Day

I genuinely laughed out loud at this. Leave it to kids to always pick secret option #4 that was never actually mentioned. I love the idea about making a point to try something new each trip. We don't have a lot of trips under our belts yet, so it's pretty much a given that we will experience something new each time. However, we plan to continue to go pretty regularly, so eventually we'll get to that point. I think it's nice to have traditions as well as new experiences to look forward to each time.

And I totally hear you about how hard it's been to plan! I hope they are kinder to you about releasing information than they have been to us June folks!

 

[kastoney]

I am either oh so fashionably late or early since your trip isn't until November, but either way you know I wouldn't miss out!

 

[Carathryn]

The struggles of picking restaurants when there are so many you enjoy! Good luck with all of your ADRs. I also love the Lion King shirts, nice way to match without wearing the exact same thing.

​

In other news, I mentioned early on in my report that we try to do something new each trip for the boys since we go fairly often. For this trip, I came up with either going to a water park for the first time, seeing La Nouba, or renting some type of water craft one day (my pick ).

I love that you gave them three great Disney options and Ricky wants to go bowling
I vote for water craft! But I have also heard La Nouba is great. And I enjoy the water parks. So good luck with that

 

[ariane37]

I love the idea about making a point to try something new each trip. We don't have a lot of trips under our belts yet, so it's pretty much a given that we will experience something new each time. However, we plan to continue to go pretty regularly, so eventually we'll get to that point. I think it's nice to have traditions as well as new experiences to look forward to each time

It gets a little tough when they hit their tweens to keep them interested in the same things, so yes trying something new gets them excited. And Steve and I like it, too! I believe we started the "something new each trip" thing when Ricky was 11 or 12. I too love traditions but I'm also so glad there's new things to keep them wanting to go back with us. What I really love is that even with all our trips, there's still SO much we haven't done. So many more reasons to come back

And I totally hear you about how hard it's been to plan! I hope they are kinder to you about releasing information than they have been to us June folks!

We'll see! Last year they didn't list ANY Wishes/MSEP the week of Thanksgiving until late summer so have to wait on that, too And if the rumor going around now about RoL beginning in Sept. ends up being true, I'll be in the boat you escaped, trying to possibly change an ADR to a dining package and maybe even changing FP's........

I am either oh so fashionably late or early since your trip isn't until November, but either way you know I wouldn't miss out!

LOL no worries, I say you're early Since the trip is still a loooooong 6 months away unfortunately. But I was itchin' to start this. I'm glad you're here and, since I forgot to say this when I responded to your latest post on my TR, welcome back! Can't wait to start reading your new, soon to begin I assume DR

 

[Bamfield]

Not knowing what nights the SW fireworks will be or the times for whatever is going on at night over at AK is throwing me off.

I can totally relate to you on this. I haven't even figured out how to fit in the SW fireworks. Like you thinking that we will be close at BC that it might be easy to swing over there. I have also read that several folks and watched from the path but you don't hear the music. I think at least for the first time you see this you would want to hear the music? If you are interested we can let you know how it goes?

In other news, I mentioned early on in my report that we try to do something new each trip for the boys since we go fairly often. For this trip, I came up with either going to a water park for the first time, seeing La Nouba, or renting some type of water craft one day (my pick ).

We try to do that too. I liked all your picks! The teenagers typically like the WPs, especially TL as it has that great wave pool. La Nouba is dark when we are there, I was really hoping to go this time but found out this is something they are doing on the band trip so we will probably tag along. We saw show in Vegas similar to this so I am really looking forward to it. Isn't like kids to go off the board? I am sure you will all fun choosing what you will do. Also, they might change their mind between now and when your trip is scheduled?

Happy Mother's Day!

 

[ariane37]

I did La Nouba once (and other Cirque shows here in Atlanta) and loved it. Bowling is fun, too!

I've never been to a Le Cirque show so one of these days I'd like to get there. But that was like, the last thing Ricky wanted to do of all my choices so I'll probably have to save that for an adults-only trip!

I love that you gave them three great Disney options and Ricky wants to go bowling
I vote for water craft! But I have also heard La Nouba is great. And I enjoy the water parks. So good luck with that

LOL you'd be no help! I've actually mentioned water craft before on previous trips but it's just never happened. Then after reading about your pontoon ride with mom, I decided to bring it up again. I even showed Ricky the pictures in your TR; I think that's what made it his 2nd choice

 

[ariane37]

I can totally relate to you on this. I haven't even figured out how to fit in the SW fireworks. Like you thinking that we will be close at BC that it might be easy to swing over there. I have also read that several folks and watched from the path but you don't hear the music. I think at least for the first time you see this you would want to hear the music? If you are interested we can let you know how it goes?

I bet you can see them from the path, but, and we're not SW fans, when Steve and I saw the Symphony in the Stars fireworks in January the music really added to them so I agree you'd want to hear the music the first time. If you watch from the path though, definitely let me know!

The teenagers typically like the WPs, especially TL as it has that great wave pool

I hear such good things about both waterparks. We have a fairly big waterpark 5 minutes from our house that we get season passes to every summer, which is part of the reason we've never done a Disney one. I really thought that would be Ricky's first choice of my 3 - of course, I wasn't thinking about the bowling

I am sure you will all fun choosing what you will do. Also, they might change their mind between now and when your trip is scheduled?

Oh, no doubt they could change their mind! I'm going to just plan a day/time to do whatever it is we end up picking. Unless it ends up being La Nouba it really doesn't have to be decided way ahead of time.

Happy Mother's Day!

And the same to you

 

[ariane37]

Yes, We're Going to Eat!​

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day! We finally saw the Jungle Book - I've been dying to see it since it came out but we couldn't all manage to be free at the same time until Sunday! We went with some friends, then met my mom for dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant. Here's mom and the boys:


And here is Chris with his 16oz steak that he finished all by himself Yup, the boy loves his steak! Granted all he ate otherwise was a little bit of fried calamari, but still.........


Finally, before I get to my ADR picks I have to share a picture of one of my Mother's Day gifts:


How awesome is this dress??! Villains! It's not as easy to find clothes with villains as it is to find other characters so I was very excited to get this. Steve found it at Hot Topic, pretty much my favorite place to find Disney clothes/accessories. He told me there was another dress but he couldn't see what character was on it (it's Alice/Chesire cat BTW) so I ran in yesterday - and promptly spent some $$ I couldn't help it! Just an Alice tank and some character hair bows so I won't bore you with those pictures, but it's so hard to go in there and leave empty-handed........

Alright, here's the important stuff: I finally figured out our ADR's (I think)! I get to make them in 13 days so I cut it kind of close as far as I'm concerned. Here goes!

Sat. 11/19, Cape May Café dinner
Sun. 11/20, Mama Melrose lunch, Tokyo Dining dinner during Illuminations
Mon. 11/21, PPO Garden Grill breakfast, Restaurant Marrakesh dinner
Tue. 11/22, WCC dinner. I decided I want to see the WL decorated since I never have and I think it should work this day. I also wanted to try Artist's Point, so I showed Ricky both menus and, well, WCC won!
Wed. 11/23, Capt. Grille breakfast - not sure I actually have to make an ADR here. Then Tusker House dinner even though I'd really like to try Tiffins. Have to take a better look at the menu once the whole thing is published.
Thur. 11/24, Thanksgiving! OK so this day isn't totally figured out yet. I had the Wave for brunch/lunch and that's still a maybe, but now I'm considering doing Grand Floridian Café instead. I read some reviews from the last 2 years that the Thanksgiving offerings they add to their menu are really good; plus they'll have their regular menu which I like, plus we've never been there. So whether it's there or the Wave we'll get to try a new restaurant
Fri. 11/25, Narcoossee's dinner. Again, showed Ricky Citricos menu but Narc's won out. He wants his mussels and lobster mac n cheese! Guess we'll have to save AP and another Citricos visit for our next kids-free trip.
Sat. 11/26, Liberty Tree Tavern lunch so I can get me some Ooey Gooey Toffee cake before we leave on a plane We don't fly out until 9pm which means ME won't get us until roughly pm. so we have a nice bit of touring time that day and definitely time for a TS lunch.

There you have it! I'm sure I'll change it before I make my ADR's on the 23rd. And you may have noticed BOG dinner is missing from that list-still considering that

In other not so interesting news, Steve gave our flight info. to the person we rented points from so it can be added to our reservation and, not surprisingly, our waitlist at BC hasn't come through. She checked availability again to see if there were any changes and still nothing available the 3 nights we need. We did look into the tip @jandlinz gave me about the 1 bdrm at AKL the 23-28th on Mouse Owners, but they didn't want to cut off the last 2 nights which is what we find with a lot of owners. I don't blame them, I'm sure since it's still 6 months out they want to try and rent their whole time.
I wonder, if it's getting real close and these owners still haven't rented out their week/nights, would they be more willing to split it up? We'll keep checking........

 

[Jfsag123]

Sounds like you have a great ADR plan. I have heard a lot about that Ooey Gooey Toffee cake - really want to try that on a future trip! I love that finalizing plans for dining that won't happen for another 6 months with two weeks to spare is cutting it close for us Disney planners! The outside world just wouldn't understand. Love that dress, BTW!

 

[fallonkendra]

I'm late, but I'm here! I still haven't finished reading your other trip reports, but I have been enjoying them, so I know I have to jump into this one too! It sounds like you guys are going to have another great family trip! I wish the flight time for me to get to WDW was only 3 hours... I think for our next trip we're actually in the air for over 6 hours, and that doesn't include layovers.

I always see so many cute things on Etsy, but they charge an arm and a leg for shipping to Canada! No thanks to buying a $20 shirt, and spending an additional $15 for shipping. The city I live in finally got a Hot Topic last fall, which has saved me so much money - I was ordering online, and again the international shipping cost was outrageous! Shopping is so much better in the States, I'm jealous of you all.

That dress you got for Mother's Day is super cute!

Looking forward to reading which ADR's you actually end up booking!

 

[Carathryn]

How awesome is this dress??! Villains!

I was browsing Hot Topic's website today and almost ordered that same dress!!! I love that the villains add a pop of color to it.

It sounds like you had a great Mother's day! I saw the Jungle Book last weekend. I loved it! I originally thought it would be too much CGI effects and not enough of a story but I really enjoyed it and loved the music. I hope you liked it as well!

All of your ADRs sound great! I do not know if I could skip BOG though, but I'm sure you will get enough delicious food in the rest of your ADRS. You have a lot of places that I want to try on your list.

not surprisingly, our waitlist at BC hasn't come through

Bummer! Im crossing my fingers that eventually you get your BC nights!

 

[jandlinz]

Looks like you had a great Mother's Day! I love the dress. What a great surprise! Your ADRs look great. I can't wait to see what you get. We make ours in 6 days! Eep. I better get on that. I'm sorry the owners wouldn't take off the last two days. You could always just add on the two days! I know, I know, your kids have school, but it's nice to dream, right? Good luck.

 

[ArielSRL]

OMG that dress! I may need to check that out. I always order Hot Topic online bc with a full time job and 2 young kids, I buy as much online as I can! So in a lot if ways, it keeps me from buying here and there bc I hate paying shipping!

Love all the ADRs. I'm hoping for a PPO Garden Grill June 2017.

Kmfx that your wait list comes through!

Keep us updated on the ADR choices/changes!

 

[Whit64130]

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day! We finally saw the Jungle Book

Hope you had a fantastic Mother's Day!

How awesome is this dress??! Villains!

Oh I love it!!

WCC dinner. I decided I want to see the WL decorated since I never have and I think it should work this day

Oh how I love Whispering Canyon! Seeing this made me realize we might get to see it decorated too! I sure hope they have the big tree up at least!

And you may have noticed BOG dinner is missing from that list-still considering that

I was wondering where this fell on you list! After such great reviews and convincing me to try it solo I'm starting to doubt it since it didn't even make the cut! Lol Just kidding, I can't wait to try it!


Your ADR list looks good and hoping something opens up for you DVC wise!