I said we wouldn't do Disney again. I lied. April Vacation - 4 Days Left! 4/17

[Grumpy4196]

Your plans look great. Another suggestion I would consider is the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card game. If your son is into collecting Pokemon cards he will probably love it. I am currently trying to complete a set for my granddaughter and the game can be a lot of fun as a diversion.

 

[ursalita]

I'm here, I'm here!!! Your family is adorable!

Your plans are so exciting! I love that you're going to have a date night! And your dining choices look so YUM!

Sometimes I wonder if the Dining Plan is the best choice for me, since I'm more into apps than desserts. But the fact is that I just really really LIKE the convenience of it, and being able to plan around it. I always bring a ton of extra money that's earmarked for off-plan apps and snacks and alcoholic beverages. (I spend more money on eating and drinking than I do souvenirs! ) One of these days I'll go big and try the Deluxe Dining Plan, since it includes apps with Table Service meals, and an extra snack credit each day.

Look at that pretty puppy dog! She's beautiful!

Loving the PTR! Can't wait to read more!

Aww, so glad you came by! Thanks for the kinds words about my family and the pup. I like them.

Date night is going to be awesome, I'm so glad we're doing it.

The dining plan is tough. It's a great deal for some especially if it's free. The convenience aspect is huge and if you plan ahead you can really get a great deal. I just wanted to try OOP this trip because we're not huge dessert eaters so dessert with every meal would be a waste for us. We like to split entrees or order apps as our main meals. I also like the flexibility of ordering the boys meals from the regular menu. They love chicken nuggets as much as the next kid but they also enjoy other foods that they couldn't order from the kids menu.

I guess my point is that it works for some people and not for others. The first year we went it was great since we only had the one child and he ate off our plates. We loved the convenience. Maybe after the holidays I could spend some time running the numbers for dining plan vs. OOP to see how it would work out.

Your plans look great. Another suggestion I would consider is the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card game. If your son is into collecting Pokemon cards he will probably love it. I am currently trying to complete a set for my granddaughter and the game can be a lot of fun as a diversion.

The Sorcerer's card game looks like so much fun. My concern was that it would take too much time away from rides and other things we want to accomplish in MK. I know the boys would love it but we only have 2 days in MK. What is your opinion?

I have read about a pirate quest that seems to be fun but not as much of a time commitment. I'm also interested in the Wilderness Explorer thing at AK.

Thank you for reading and for your suggestions.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Hey Colleen! I'm joining in your plans look great, and your trip is just around the corner!

Have you stayed at the YC / Epcot resort area before? We stayed at the BC this year and the location is so perfect!

"I'm really looking forward to Columbia Harbour House for dinner at MK before the evening entertainment."

This makes me miss Disney so much!! My perfect evening right there. The chicken pot pie is too good!

Also, your pup is gorgeous!! They can be so much trouble sometimes though right?! My Weimaraner is 18 months and still acts like a little puppy! We get traditional christmas trees rather than soft pine ones, so if he goes near it with that destructive look in his eye, it just spikes his nose and he runs away

Looking forward to hearing more

 

[ursalita]

Hey Colleen! I'm joining in your plans look great, and your trip is just around the corner!

Have you stayed at the YC / Epcot resort area before? We stayed at the BC this year and the location is so perfect!

"I'm really looking forward to Columbia Harbour House for dinner at MK before the evening entertainment."

This makes me miss Disney so much!! My perfect evening right there. The chicken pot pie is too good!

Also, your pup is gorgeous!! They can be so much trouble sometimes though right?! My Weimaraner is 18 months and still acts like a little puppy! We get traditional christmas trees rather than soft pine ones, so if he goes near it with that destructive look in his eye, it just spikes his nose and he runs away

Looking forward to hearing more

Katie! Thanks for coming by.

We're very excited to try the Epcot resort area since we've only stayed at WL. We love the boat to MK that you can take from WL so we were happy to see that you can get boats from that area to HS and of course the walk to Epcot will be really convenient. I love your TR so much because I know that I will be seeing some of those same sights soon.

Thank you, I think she's really cute. She's pretty much ruined the back yard and almost every day she chews something in the house. Yesterday I came home and she'd destroyed the box that my MIL's Christmas gift had come in. They'll grow out of this puppy stage eventually, right?

I'm not sure I'm familiar with traditional Christmas trees. We had a choice between two types of fir trees when we got ours. We rigged up a pretty good fence that's managed to keep her away from the tree so far.

 

[stephm0188]

Your tree is so pretty!

I think your kids will enjoy the childcare. My kiddo went last year while he had a date night at Ohana, and he was a bit miffed to not return this year. They really spoiled him there!

 

[ursalita]

Your tree is so pretty!

I think your kids will enjoy the childcare. My kiddo went last year while he had a date night at Ohana, and he was a bit miffed to not return this year. They really spoiled him there!

Thank you. And it's still standing despite the fact that the boys have moved every ornament at least 110 times.

I am really looking forward to dinner just the two of us. It makes me feel better to know that your son had a good experience.

 

[weeniecat2442]

Hello there from another Colleen in Rhode Island who also has a puppy (8months) and has been watching her Christmas tree carefully! I also agree on your reasons to skip out on the Italian and Japanese restaurants...SO many good ones around here!

I love pre planning! I am doing an "all girls' trip with my mom, aunt and cousin (all adults) march 28th-april 4th. its always been our favorite time of year to go.

I wanted to make a quick breakfast suggestion to you guys since you will be at YC. The Boardwalk Bakery is just a short walk for you guys and they have lots of yummy stuff!

I'll be following along in your planning! Ive been updating my spreadsheet and changing ADR's and plans all week. We are 99 days away and are having our "Disney Planning Party" tonite. We will be watching Malificient and making mickey wine cork ornaments!
Enjoy your planning and your weekend!

 

[ursalita]

Hello there from another Colleen in Rhode Island who also has a puppy (8months) and has been watching her Christmas tree carefully! I also agree on your reasons to skip out on the Italian and Japanese restaurants...SO many good ones around here!

I love pre planning! I am doing an "all girls' trip with my mom, aunt and cousin (all adults) march 28th-april 4th. its always been our favorite time of year to go.

I wanted to make a quick breakfast suggestion to you guys since you will be at YC. The Boardwalk Bakery is just a short walk for you guys and they have lots of yummy stuff!

I'll be following along in your planning! Ive been updating my spreadsheet and changing ADR's and plans all week. We are 99 days away and are having our "Disney Planning Party" tonite. We will be watching Malificient and making mickey wine cork ornaments!
Enjoy your planning and your weekend!

Hi, Colleen!

What a small world! What kind of puppy do you have?

We're doing Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic! package and the fact that I've read some good reviews lately, one of which was written by a fellow RI'er. I was seriously considering dropping our San Angel Inn for Via Napoli since I've read such rave reviews in many a DR. Your comment has me thinking I'll stick to San Angel Inn. I mean, could their pizza be better than the pizza at Al Forno?

I love the idea of Boardwalk Bakery, thanks for the recommendation. We've never been but I've been drooling over the menu. If we have time in the mornings that will be our go-to, I think. I'd also like to have lunch there, maybe on the first day we arrive. How's the coffee?

OMG, your party sounds like so much fun. We watched Malificent a couple weeks ago and I loved it much more than I expected. Have you thought about doing a PTR? I'd love to hear about your plans.

 

[ksl5f123]

Finally all caught up! It looks like you got some great traders in your pin set. My girls often have the problem that they want to keep all of them.

I have never seen the "little farmers of the day" and I LOVE The Wave. That is adorable!

I think your ADR changes look great. I had no idea that Captain's Grille did a breakfast. I think LTT is yummy, but my vegetarian DH isn't as thrilled with his choices there, so we don't get to go often.

I am amused that your DS will do better with food from Yak and Yeti than Flame Tree. I grew up in the midwest and I don't think I ever had Chinese food until I was 25, but plain grilled meats were a daily occurrence.

Hooray for lower crowd numbers!

 

[ursalita]

Finally all caught up! It looks like you got some great traders in your pin set. My girls often have the problem that they want to keep all of them.

I have never seen the "little farmers of the day" and I LOVE The Wave. That is adorable!

I think your ADR changes look great. I had no idea that Captain's Grille did a breakfast. I think LTT is yummy, but my vegetarian DH isn't as thrilled with his choices there, so we don't get to go often.

I am amused that your DS will do better with food from Yak and Yeti than Flame Tree. I grew up in the midwest and I don't think I ever had Chinese food until I was 25, but plain grilled meats were a daily occurrence.

Hooray for lower crowd numbers!

I was really happy with the pins. They might keep a couple but I think they will find pins to trade for.

Captains Grille has a buffet breakfast and a la carte menu. I don't usually like buffets but they have smoked salmon. YUM! There are a lot of items on the LTT menu that looked good especially that ooey cake.

I also grew up with meat and potatoes, I had a lot to learn after college. We go out for Japanese a lot but the boys still stick to pretty plain stuff - Miso soup, white rice, edamame, chicken teriyaki, etc. My older DS is picky about how chicken is cooked - he only likes breast meat well done- but I know the chicken and rice from Y&Y is a safe bet. Younger DS on the other hand loves grilled chicken legs so he'll do fine at Flame Tree. Me and DH are looking forward to BBQ since it's not something we usually get up here.

 

[weeniecat2442]

Hi Colleen!
Can you believe I have never been to Al Fornos!? Im embarrassed to admit that and its been on my list for years. Theres just so many good restaurants around here! Not a bad problem to have. Have any other favorite restaurants in the area? I love trying new places! We recently tried the new German place in downtown Providence called Feist (I think). Really fun and really yummy food and beer!

My puppy is a mix from a rescue in Tennessee. We think he might be a dachshund/whippet mix. He looks a bit like a Muppet! He's been surprisingly good with the tree. How has yours been?

San Angel is one of my favorite places! Not always for the food but I just love the atmosphere. Been one of my favorite pavilions since I was a little kid. I also love the margaritas in the tequila bar!

I don't think id have the commitment to do a PTR but I do love talking about our plans and would love to chat with you about them! Im the official trip planner in our group.

I will try and post a picture of my little Minnie and mickey ornaments from our party on Friday. Im not crafty at all but they came out cute!

What is on your family's must do list as far as rides go? do you guys do meet and greets?
How often do you do your movie nights?
Im trying to brush up on my fastpass plus knowledge as its brand new to me. Thankfully the thread on these boards has great info!!
~Colleen

 

[SarahDisney]

Hi Colleen! I finally got the time to sit down and read through your PTR.

I think staying at a new hotel for this first time will be fun for your guys - it's another new experience!

I'm pretty suprised at some of the things you haven't done, too, but I think it's really nice to have new things to experience. If you're going to do rope drop at MK, try to be there for the welcome show - it's really cute and a nice way to start the day!

I like Sammy's statement of "no such thing as girl colors." Don't get me wrong, I love me some pink, but I love blue even more, and I know guys who like pink.

In terms of BOG Lunch FP+ - it's separate from the regular system, so it doesn't count as one of your 3. You also can't make it at 60 days out - it usually opens up at 27 days before (that's before the day you want to go, not before you check in - it opens up one day at a time, no matter when you check in).

My parents also got extra luggage tags without asking for them! I haven't gotten my luggage tags for my next trip yet (I just booked my flight, so I haven;t even given that info to DME yet), but I'm wondering if they just send everyone extra tags now...

How cool that the boys were chosen to be little farmers of the day at The Wave! And how funny that the chef went to school right near you! (Although if you live near Johnson & Wales I'm guessing you'd probably meet quite a few chefs who went there, since it is one of the top culinary schools in the country)

I love your Christmas tree, it's beautiful!

Looks like you've got a lot of great plans, and I'm looking forward to reading more!

 

[ursalita]

Hi Colleen!
Can you believe I have never been to Al Fornos!? Im embarrassed to admit that and its been on my list for years. Theres just so many good restaurants around here! Not a bad problem to have. Have any other favorite restaurants in the area? I love trying new places! We recently tried the new German place in downtown Providence called Feist (I think). Really fun and really yummy food and beer!

My puppy is a mix from a rescue in Tennessee. We think he might be a dachshund/whippet mix. He looks a bit like a Muppet! He's been surprisingly good with the tree. How has yours been?

San Angel is one of my favorite places! Not always for the food but I just love the atmosphere. Been one of my favorite pavilions since I was a little kid. I also love the margaritas in the tequila bar!

I don't think id have the commitment to do a PTR but I do love talking about our plans and would love to chat with you about them! Im the official trip planner in our group.

I will try and post a picture of my little Minnie and mickey ornaments from our party on Friday. Im not crafty at all but they came out cute!

What is on your family's must do list as far as rides go? do you guys do meet and greets?
How often do you do your movie nights?
Im trying to brush up on my fastpass plus knowledge as its brand new to me. Thankfully the thread on these boards has great info!!
~Colleen

I haven't been to Al Forno's either. It is also on my list but every time we have a chance to go out there is always some other place we want to try. I realize that my comment probably sounded like I had been. I was referring to their reputation for pizza. Also I think they were the first restaurant to really put Providence on the map for food.

That German place sounds really good. Biergarten at Disney is DH's favorite so we'll have to try it. We went to Sushi Yama on Saturday night and it was amazing. Chef Hiyama who owned New Japan years ago is cooking again. If you like Japanese it's a great place.

I'd love to see a pic of the pup if you get a chance to post it. It's amazing how many rescues from the southern states make their way up here. Our girl is from Arkansas. The tree is still standing because I gated off the room it's in. I'll relax after Christmas and see how she does.

We're really excited to try San Angel Inn. I heard the avocado margarita is worth trying.

I'm looking forward to seeing the ornaments, I might steal your idea. Every year I want to do a craft with the boys and make some ornaments but we never do.

For rides must do's are (boys won't do coasters but I want to this year):
MK - 7DMT, Peter Pan, Pirates, Speedway, People Mover (my fave), Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain (just me); Epcot - Soarin', Test Track, Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth; AK - Dinosaur, Safari, River Rapids, Everest (just me); HS - TSMM, Tower of Terror (me)

We do the characters but sometimes I think I'm more interested than they are. I'm going to try to get the Anna Elsa FP+ but I don't know it they care. I can do my FP+ in February so I feel like I don't have much more to add to this report til then. But I really enjoy chatting with others that are into planning as much as I am.

Our movie nights are usually weekly but we've been doing Christmas specials lately. I hope to start back up after the new year.

Thank you so much for following along and commenting.

 

[ursalita]

Hi Colleen! I finally got the time to sit down and read through your PTR.

I think staying at a new hotel for this first time will be fun for your guys - it's another new experience!

I'm pretty suprised at some of the things you haven't done, too, but I think it's really nice to have new things to experience. If you're going to do rope drop at MK, try to be there for the welcome show - it's really cute and a nice way to start the day!

I like Sammy's statement of "no such thing as girl colors." Don't get me wrong, I love me some pink, but I love blue even more, and I know guys who like pink.

In terms of BOG Lunch FP+ - it's separate from the regular system, so it doesn't count as one of your 3. You also can't make it at 60 days out - it usually opens up at 27 days before (that's before the day you want to go, not before you check in - it opens up one day at a time, no matter when you check in).

My parents also got extra luggage tags without asking for them! I haven't gotten my luggage tags for my next trip yet (I just booked my flight, so I haven;t even given that info to DME yet), but I'm wondering if they just send everyone extra tags now...

How cool that the boys were chosen to be little farmers of the day at The Wave! And how funny that the chef went to school right near you! (Although if you live near Johnson & Wales I'm guessing you'd probably meet quite a few chefs who went there, since it is one of the top culinary schools in the country)

I love your Christmas tree, it's beautiful!

Looks like you've got a lot of great plans, and I'm looking forward to reading more!

Thanks for stopping by!

I am definitely going to do rope drop. I hope to make it for all the parks but we'll see. It's hard to get the boys moving in the AM.

I think I've decided I'm not going to try for a BOG FP+. While the restaurant looks beautiful there are many other foods/restaurants I'd like to try in and around MK. I'll leave it for others to enjoy.

Maybe they do it for everyone now. There is no way we'd be checking more than one bag per person (if that) but I guess for some people it would be helpful. It's a nice thought and Disney is all about the service.

That's true, I guess I shouldn't be that impressed to meet a chef who went to J&W.

Thank you for the kind words re: the tree. Happy Hanukkah!

 

[ursalita]

Whew! I can't believe Christmas is over. It was nice to have something besides our upcoming Disney trip to focus on.

The boys are having a great holiday. For them it's not really over since they have all these new toys to play with and another week out of school. They look pretty happy don't they?



Santa was really good to me this year. I finally got a new laptop to replace my old one. Hopefully it will make it easier for me to post updates and pictures. I also got a bunch of Alex & Ani bracelets.



Alex and Ani is based in the city I live in but I've never owned any bracelets. My MIL got me one for my birthday in the spring that I've been wearing so this Christmas between my MIL and my mom I now have this collection.

I was excited to learn that A&A has a Disney collection so I am going to have to get at least one as a souvenir at the parks. Anyone else collect Alex and Ani?

Our movie nights have been pretty erratic with the holiday. The boys have wanted to watch primarily holiday movies like Elf and Christmas Vacation. I did manage to squeeze in some Disney holiday movies: Mickey's Chrismas Carol, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, and Muppet's Christmas Carol. The boys were not very familiar with the Muppets but now they love them which should make HS fun. As if we need anything else to make HS fun.

There really isn't much left to plan until my FP+ window opens in February. Luckily January should go by fast since the boys' birthdays are both in January and we're doing a joint party mid-month.

Hope everyone has a happy and safe new year!!

 

[SarahDisney]

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

I love those Alex and Ani bangles! I keep meaning to look for them at Disney but never get around to it. From what I've seen online, it looks like they have some really nice ones, so hopefully you can get some great ones while you're there!

 

[Sisa]

I see the gate to keep puppy out, lol!

Yay for squeezing in a couple Disney holiday movies!

I've heard a lot about the Alex & Ani bracelets only from the DIS. Sure looks like you scored!

Glad you all had a great Christmas!

 

[ashw100]

Glad you had a good Christmas, the boys look happy. I have never heard of Alex & Ani until I saw the Disney ones. I am hoping to pick one up for myself for Mother's Day when we are there.

 

[ursalita]

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

I love those Alex and Ani bangles! I keep meaning to look for them at Disney but never get around to it. From what I've seen online, it looks like they have some really nice ones, so hopefully you can get some great ones while you're there!

Thank you! I really like them. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have at Disney when we're there.

Glad you had a good Christmas, the boys look happy. I have never heard of Alex & Ani until I saw the Disney ones. I am hoping to pick one up for myself for Mother's Day when we are there.

I knew about A&A probably because they are a local company but I had no idea they had a Disney collection. I saw some really nice charms for Mother's Day at the store, I hope you find something you like. What a nice gift for yourself!

I see the gate to keep puppy out, lol!

Yay for squeezing in a couple Disney holiday movies!

I've heard a lot about the Alex & Ani bracelets only from the DIS. Sure looks like you scored!

Glad you all had a great Christmas!

LOL! Yeah, the gate worked a little too well. Since it gated off that whole small room I find myself throwing shoes and stuffed animals and other things she likes to chew on over the fence. I'm going to be sad to see it go.

I guess A&A is more popular here because they are local. I sure did, I was lucky.

 

[ursalita]

I have some trip related news to report! I saw last night on the DIS that the spring discounts came out. I wasn't expecting to see anything until after the first of the year so I was pretty excited. According to the website it looked like I was going to be eligible for a 35% room discount at YC for our dates as well as one day free ticket.

First thing this morning I called Disney and got a new price at about $1200 less than our original package price. When I booked the trip I thought best case scenario I could save about $1000 so I am very happy.

I know this is probably going to sound nit picky but when I called the representative just gave me a new price but didn't break down exactly what I was saving by item like tickets, room, etc. She didn't even verify what percentage I was saving, just gave me the total after everything compared to what the original package price was. She assured me that I would see the changes on MDE.

So I went to MDE and I was expecting to see the new price minus the $200 deposit. This is because when she quoted the original price to compare to our new price she used the cost before our deposit. Does that make sense? So when I checked MDE it was the new price minus $51. I can't figure that out. The only thing I can think of is Memory Maker since $200-$51 is the $149 for the MM. I'm thinking about calling Disney back but I really don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, I just don't understand how they are coming up with these numbers and it's bothering me.

I am just so happy we ended up with such a great discount!!