I SWEAR I will not look at flights again...No "Attendance Award" for YOU!"

[tallen429]

Welcome!
Shame on me, I never write reports! (Until now..duh)
I loooooove to read them though! Trip reports, dining reports...I'm a font of other people's knowledge.

So here we are, cuddling with the laptop in front of the pre-Christmas fireplace, making sure not to leave the stockings hanging there over the toasty, homey fire... full of meltable chocolate like someone did two years ago... New stockings for all! Huzzah!!
(is "meltable" a word??)

I'm Tricia.
tallen429. World's most NOT creative Dis name. Really, I have an excuse! Years ago when I first started lurking I wasn't thinking I would be a regular visitor so I registered with my really, really boring nom de plume. If had known then what I know now (a lot of posts and many trips later) I promise I would have dazzled you all with something....less boring.

So, here is the fam. Me, Hubby, DS (almost 18 and graduating!! ), DS 10, and little DD 6.

But for this pre trip report, you only need aquaint yourself with the girlie in the green sweater and the dashing auburn haired fella in the patterned sweater.
(extra points if you "get" my family themed color choices based off said sweater)
We will be you guides...hosts, if you will.
The festivities begin January 25th and will span 8 nights and three (yes, I'm nuts) resorts!

This will be our...hmm....let me get all of my fingers away from the keyboard for counting purposes...8th?? trip in the last four years (I think?) I'm not counting DisneyParis. Which isn't even close to really being Disney. Nope. Not even a little. Not at all. Nuff said. [/B][/B][/B]

 

[tallen429]

I should start by saying that this trip (if you were paying attention to the first post you know this already) will be just me and L.
L is my all time favorite person on the whole planet to go to WDW with!
G (oldest DS) has fun. C (little DD) has about a year before she hits her DisStride...
DH has become a bigger fan than I ever thought he would be and he now not only goes along with trips, he genuinely encourages them and enjoys them SO much!

I could bore you with a whooooole lotta backstory on previous trips, blah blah blah...but I like you, so I won't.

This is L's last year of elementary school and the last year I am comfortable taking him out of class for a vaca (discuss that choice amongst yourselves, we've all heard it). We went in the brutal freeze of December 2010 together and while there was magic, there was also near frostbite...which meant a do over. Jan 2012...L and me and probably the most MAGICAL trip ever. (ok, I had a pretty darn magical trip with G when he was that age, so I can't pick a winner)

We have APs and lots of FF miles (thanks Hubby!) so we travel from our frozen north a couple, maybe three times a year.

This trip we are renting points. I think that is the greatest thing EVER. We have saved SO much doing it that way and we have used the same person with great results. So, here is the itinerary:
Jan 25 Pop (one night...more on that later)
Jan 26-29 AKV Jambo
Jan 29-Feb 1 BLT

Two new resorts for us! I've never been enticed by Contemporary, but now I'm excited to give BLT a try.
Pop has always been one I wanted to experience too, but it general it doesn't fit our needs so this one night only gig will give us a taste!
We often stay at Jambo and it is among our favs.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

I'm in! Tell me more.....

 

[tallen429]

Oh joy, a reply! "They like me! They really like me!" (Am I showing my age or my overall geekiness with that reference?)

So a little bit more backstory on the evolution of this trip. I had intended to take little C on a Mommy and Me trip this time because she is at my favorite age for it (almost 7) and she hasn't had a turn by herself yet. I took G when he was that age and as I've already mentioned, this will be the third M&M trip for L.
At first I was thinking of taking her on a three or four night Dis cruise with just a few days at the parks where we would mostly stick to MK and Epcot. The problem is, she is small for her age. Really small. Like "Oh what an adorable four year old you have have" small. Small= very little stamina. During our family trips every summer DH or G end up having to carry her about half the time (we always go the very last week of August after nearly everyone starts school because we don't start until after Labor Day. We've managed to learn to deal with the heat and it's a good trade off for the very low crowds at that time). I just can't carry her like that and so I ultimately decided to wait another year to do a girl trip.

As I said, this is L's last year of elementary school and I won't take him out once he is in middle school. He is that delightful kind of child who sees magic everywhere, even at an age when most boys are starting to step away from Mom and things thought to be "babyish". My L still loves it all and I told DH a while back that I wanted to soak up as much of that beautiful innocence I could because it will be over all too soon. he said he totally understood how I felt and was on board with one more trip for L. Yippeeee!!!
Have I mentioned I have a wonderful DH who spoils me a little too much??

I absolutely LOVE going to WDW in January. I think it is perfect. It's usually a little too chilly to swim, but other than that it's heaven. Zero crowds, comfortable temps, value pricing...Perfect! Sometimes the closures are a bit of a bummer, but we deal. This will be the second year in a row one of L's and my favorites will be refurbing. Last year it was BTM and of course this year is Splash, which I swear L would go on ten times a day if he could. Another thing about L that makes him a great travel partner is that he still likes a lot of the "little kids" things, like characters and shows, but he also loves all the thrill rides so we can do it all. EE, BTM, and Splash are favorites, but so are classics like POC, Seas w/Nemo and Figment.
I'm not sure he really has one particular favorite character. He isn't much into the Princesses, but that's normal I guess. He likes to try new things and all of my kids are very open minded eaters so that is a bonus too.

 

[shalom]

...I'm a font of other people's knowledge.

I always used to say I was a font of useless information, but I think I'm going to steal your version.

Love the themed sweaters.

Keep saying nice things about going in January. We're going earlier than you are, and I'm getting nervous about the weather!

 

[tallen429]

I always used to say I was a font of useless information, but I think I'm going to steal your version.

Love the themed sweaters.

Keep saying nice things about going in January. We're going earlier than you are, and I'm getting nervous about the weather!

LOL! Normally I DO say I'm a font of useless info, but since I was referencing all the knowledge gleaned from reading other's reports, I felt I should give credit.

I really hope you enjoy January as much as I always do! I don't know what temps you normally like, but most days are in the 70's so we start out (and end up) in light fleeces we tie around our waists when it's warm enough for the t-shirts we wear underneath. There is also very, very little rain normally, so that is a big bonus!

 

[tallen429]

Ok, where were we?
I guess I should explain the report title and give some resort info.
For a couple of trips now we have rented DVC points from a WONDERFUL Disser and we have never had any issue whatsoever. I now think renting is the best thing since beer in cans (as DH would say). I don't think a lot of people realize the amazing savings you get that way. It's paying for a mod and staying in a deluxe villa, basically.
So I contacted the renter and gave her a rough idea of dates and thought I'd do a split stay. L absolutely LOVES staying at AKL but we like other places too so she did some checking and I decided to do half the trip at AKL and then try BLT!
Now, I've never been a fan. I don't think the Contemporary has much "theme", though it does have a lot of good dining. I'm glad to step out of my comfort zone and try it. We have a lake view villa and requested 5th floor for convenience. We'll see how that works out....

Of course, then I had to keep re-checking flights even though we were comfortably booked with FF miles. Fast forward a month or so and I realize if we get up at an unspeakable time, we can go a whole day earlier. Who doesn't want one more full Disney day?? Well DUH! So I thought, ok, I'll try one night at Pop and changed the flights and booked the preferred room.
In a little while I will let you all into the reccesses of my scrambled brain and explain my feelings about different resorts and why we choose, or don't choose to stay at them...
But I need more followers!! Come on, where is the love?

 

[danicaca]

I'm in! I love all the pre-trip fun and planning! Also trying to decide if I want to start one for our trip...not sure I could be as witty and creative as you though!

 

[Xclusive2WDW]

I'm in!!! Sounds wonderful so far.
I am hoping to confirm a trip within the next few months, so yay, plenty of Disney joy to go around !!! Plus the planning stages are the funnest (is that a word? ) part!

 

[tallen429]

I'm in! I love all the pre-trip fun and planning! Also trying to decide if I want to start one for our trip...not sure I could be as witty and creative as you though!

Oh come on! Give it a try! All the cool kids are doing it!

I'm in!!! Sounds wonderful so far.
I am hoping to confirm a trip within the next few months, so yay, plenty of Disney joy to go around !!! Plus the planning stages are the funnest (is that a word? ) part!

I have come to the conclusion that here on the Dis, any word one cares to use, or in many cases "make up", is perfectly acceptable!

 

[tallen429]

Welcome to our next chapter "The Resorts According to Tricia (since Garp is unavailable)"!
Come along if you care....come along if you dare....
Ok, now that song will be in my head all day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN2VNFpiGWo
There! Now it's in your head too! I feel better. Mom always taught me to share!

Annnnyhoooo....

We have stayed at quite a few different resorts. If we haven't stayed somewhere yet, there is most likely a reason. See below.

VALUE RESORTS:
We'll do this group first because it's the easiest for me. Never stayed at any of them. Never much wanted to. I know we will never stay at an All Star. I think at some point I will try AoA because little C loves Ariel and a LMR would be nice if it were just the two of us.
Pop interests me...a little. That is why we are doing a one nighter. My Mom always told me to try liver because I might like it even if I think I don't. I like most food, but I still don't like liver. I do, however, still occasionally taste a bit to see if it has grown on me. So in the spirit of liver, I want to try Pop. I may find I like it and if I don't, no harm done.

Our general aversion to Value Resorts isn't because we require Grey Poupon or anything, it's because the rooms are s.m.a.l.l. Also we are not "room and a shower" types. We spend a fair amount of time relaxing at our resort during trips so we opt for resorts with a bit...more. We enjoy a cocktail and prefer and indoor lounge. We like the indoor activities available for the kids if it's rainy...just that sort of thing.
So as you have probably realized, we are more the mod/deluxe type. Ok, mostly Deluxe.

 

[tallen429]

Ok, after a break to let out our maltipoo (isn't she a cutie?)

I'm back!
I tend to get up at O Dark Thirty every morning usually because DH has to and the alarm gets me every time. I like this quiet time to myself before the kids are up. Well, G is already gone, but he's a big boy and doesn't need me in the morning anymore.

So we covered the Value Resorts, lets move on, shall we?

I think the Mods are cool. That said, there is only one we actually ever choose to stay in. *Cue trumpet flair*
Port Orleans Riverside!

POFQ is adorable and quaint, but we prefer the hustle and buslte of POR.
CSR doesn't really do much for me. Too big, not a fan of the convention feel.
CBR always seemed fun and I've come close to booking it in the past but it is sooooooo big!
Remember, we always go as a family around the last week of August. We do enough sweaty walking, I don't need to add that much more. The idea of having to take a bus to get to the bus seems like a big p.i.t.a., but that's just mho.
AUGUST people!
"Hot. Hot and wet. Nice if you're with a woman but it sucks if you're at Disney". Ok, I totally changed the end of that famous movie quote, but I'm not apologizing!

But I digress...So we like POR (Boatwrights is a hidden gem, just an FYI)and we have never found the size to be an issue, that said we have always booked preferred and gotten rooms close to the main buildings. We have been in both the Mansions and Alligator Bayou and they are both great.
Here is where is went south (POR, "South"...I made a funny!)...
Not once, but TWICE we have encountered MAJOR problems with our room. I try not to be too picky, but both times the situation revolved around G's health issues and the fact that I had called, set up, confirmed and re-confirmed VIP cleaning and it was never done. The first year it happened I was in tears by the second day because they kept trying to "fix" it and just didn't. The second time was even worse and that time they were not helpful at all. At least the first time around they offered us a move to a different resort, which we didn't ask for but did end up accepting. The second time bupkus. Again, I didn't demand any compensation or anything but in the end my son came home with a nice case of pneumonia that I KNOW he picked up during the trip. Almost had to take him to an Urgent Care but he made it until just when we got home and we went for treatment here.

I still like POR and if we went to a Mod it would still be there, but it did frustrate me a tiny bit.

 

[shalom]

I don't know what temps you normally like, but most days are in the 70's

According to the website for our resort, the average January high is usually 71.8 and the average low 49.9, which IMHO couldn't be better. But the first year I was paying attention to January temps was the year critters were freezing and falling out of the trees. So I'm really hoping it'll be "average."

We haven't done the WDW parks (except for a couple of us at the MK), but our trips to Orlando have been in May, when the weather is perfect until about eleven, and then too hot until evening. You guys go in August? We ever go in August, it'll be, "forget the parks, we'll just take the car from resort to resort and stick to the lobbies and restaurants and stuff." Even the monorail does not appeal in August.

Now, I've never been a fan. I don't think the Contemporary has much "theme", though it does have a lot of good dining.

The monorail. The monorail through the lobby. Also, Mary Blair mural. The view! And history! It opened with the MK and was the flagship resort for years. It's theme is "We are confused by all the visionary vision of the future stuff now that Walt's gone, but will try to distract you with random bits of coolness. Look! a pool shaped like Mickey!"

Hope you love BLT. The lake view units are supposed to be a tad smaller that the other side (although still bigger than the Epcot ones), but some of the views are stunner!

Our general aversion to Value Resorts isn't because we require Grey Poupon or anything, it's because the rooms are s.m.a.l.l. Also we are not "room and a shower" types. We spend a fair amount of time relaxing at our resort during trips

Ditto, and ditto. The other reason I am unenthused about the Values is the beds. Hubby and I sleep on a queen at home, and think it's the perfect snuggly size, but on a trip we sleep better with a king.

(Boatwrights is a hidden gem, just an FYI)

I love Riverside, and my Squirrelly Inner Psychic is convinced that Boatwright's is the greatest and I should try it out, so I'm adding your comment to my notes for our next trip. Not sure you want to be on the short list of people who agree with my Squirrelly Inner Psychic, but it's too late now.

So sorry you had such bad experiences at Riverside. Glad you still like it, though; it's the first mod on our list as well. Actually, CBR and CSR are the only two WDW resorts we haven't at least wandered a bit -- hoping to visit them both next time, but of course we're also doing all the parks and the kids want to hit some of the resorts we were at last time as well, so have to see how that goes.

 

[tallen429]

Hiiiiii!!! I'm heeerrreeee!

I suppose this brings us to the DELUXE/VILLA section, right? Or did I take a wrong turn somewhere??

I'm listing the deluxes and villas together. I'll go through them and give thoughts if we have stayed there, or if haven't, the reason why.

AKL Kidani~ "Nice place to visit, wouldn't wanna live here". Beautiful resort with just about the most AMAZING pool area and a nice kids area inside where plenty of activities are free and those that aren't are only a small cost.
Other than that though...eh.
The lack of dining options is a big, big downer. Sannaa is amazing but you can't live on awsome bread a dips alone. The pool bar has a couple of quick serve offerings, but how many pre-packaged chicken ceaser salads do you want in a week?
Yes, you can hike it over to Jambo, but not too fun in the heat of summer. Now there is a bus that runs between the two, but there wasn't when we were there.
If we had a car and could buy groceries, it would have been better. I honestly doubt I'd go back to stay since Jambo is right there with much, much more to offer. Which brings me to...

AKL Jambo~ Lordy, what an amazing place! We have stayed in a regular room, club level, and studio villa (aka same as a normal room). I could go on, and on and on and on and on about all this resort has to offer. When you read posts saying you could easily have a full vacation there without the parks, believe it! All the food offerings are wonderful, pools are great, theming is about the best on property. (If you can't tell, we REALLY like it there!)
L absolutely loves the animals and the CMs are so wonderful there! Last time it was just the two of us, he was made a "Junior Savannah Guide"

I will never understand the people who say it is sooooo far from things. Like five more minutes on a bus is the end of the world?? If you think about it, every resort grouping is far from someplace on property.
So to sum up, Jambo is very, very high on our list.

Boardwalk~ Cool place, love the area. Lots of food, but no convenience. Haven't stayed there because I don't want to run out in my pajamas to stand in a thirty minute line in the morning for coffee from the bakery. With kids I wouldn't ever consider staying there. Maybe just DH and I though. I'd be open to trying it.

Beach Club~ And the choirs of angels sing!!! My favorite. It even squeaks Jambo out of first place by a little. I have stayed twice, once was club level. Every moment is a joy. We spend a lot of evenings in the WS and the location can't be beat. It's also great because the rooms sleep 5. G doesn't come every summer trip, but when he does we max out the four person rooms.
Kids + Stormalong Bay AND Beaches and Cream. Need I say more??
If I had one itty bitty negative critique, it would be that the bus service to MK and AK is really a pain when you stop at Swan, Dolphin (which is NOT a dolphin!!)BW, YC and THEN finally BC. Too many stops for a deluxe resort, sorry.

Yacht Club~ Haven't slept there, obviously have spent time there. Nice place. Wouldn't choose it over BC.

Contemporary/BLT~ Basically had no interest in ever staying there. Waaay down on my list. However I decided to try it this upcoming trip. To be honest I don't really think the monorail is all that great (I know, ) It's almost always crowded, there is always a wait, it stops every three seconds, it breaks down too often, and I could probably get somewhere faster by bus. It's still fun to ride sometimes though, and during our stay at BLT I'll use it.

Grand Floridian~ Never have, WANT to...will wait until after construction. It is on my list for when little C and I have a trip together. She loves it there. Last time, we had tea. She is such a little lady! LOL!

Old Key West/Saratoga Springs~ Haven't stayed at either one, but if we ever had a car I would like to try OKW. They are both really pretty resorts but too big for my taste.

Wilderness Lodge~ Years ago when I took G on a Mommy and Me trip (he was about 7) WL was unbelievable! After all this time I hadn't been back and couldn't wait for a good time to try it again. We spent some time in a villa studio this past summer. I wasn't impressed. I mean, it was ok, but the heaven's didn't part like they had all those years ago. WL is the same price point as AKL, but AKL just has soooooooo much more to offer!
Our room was fine. We had a nice meal at WCC and spent time in the lounge to have a cocktail which we enjoyed. The CMs at WL were all really lovely.
All that said, I'm not in a rush to return. I'm sure we will at some point, but not for a while.

And...
Polynesian~ I'm not going to win any friends with this, but I think the place is horrid. Awful. Outdated and smelly. Stayed there once after dreaaaaming about trying it for several years. Rudest CMs EVER and the room was like a musty, stinky brown cave with a broken remote control that took two days to get repaired and a sink that leaked the whole time we were there. Water stained carpet...oh, and did I mention the STINK? Or the rude CM I mentioned it to at the front desk who curtly told me she was busy and there was nothing she could do about it anyway!
I have never liked the food there. 'Ohana tops my "Most over rated craptastic food in WDW" list. (Tied with Chef Mickey. Yuck.)
Here is the only caveat I will throw in is that the weather during our Poly stay was really nasty. Cold and dark. Maaaaybe, and it's a small maybe, I would like it better in the summer. Not racing back any time soon...or probably ever.

 

[Xclusive2WDW]

Hiiiiii!!! I'm heeerrreeee!

AKL Jambo~
I will never understand the people who say it is sooooo far from things. Like five more minutes on a bus is the end of the world?? If you think about it, every resort grouping is far from someplace on property.

I could not agree with you more! I love this resort and the fact that it offers so much is just awesome I don't get the whole distance argument either Perhaps that is because most of my past WDW trips were Aug as well and to me, busy is busy. A wait is a wait, what are you going to do? And it truly is NOT as major as some people complain about.


Contemporary/BLT~ Basically had no interest in ever staying there. Waaay down on my list. However I decided to try it this upcoming trip. To be honest I don't really think the monorail is all that great (I know, ) It's almost always crowded, there is always a wait, it stops every three seconds, it breaks down too often, and I could probably get somewhere faster by bus. It's still fun to ride sometimes though, and during our stay at BLT I'll use it.

I loved the Contemporary when we stayed, It's not really a lack of themeing IMHO, just a lot more subtle. I also love the monorail, its tradition! Although here at home we have a people mover, which is nothing to write home about. I think you will appreciate it for what it is if nothing else.



Wilderness Lodge~ Years ago when I took G on a Mommy and Me trip (he was about 7) WL was unbelievable! After all this time I hadn't been back and couldn't wait for a good time to try it again. We spent some time in a villa studio this past summer. I wasn't impressed. I mean, it was ok, but the heaven's didn't part like they had all those years ago. WL is the same price point as AKL, but AKL just has soooooooo much more to offer!
Our room was fine. We had a nice meal at WCC and spent time in the lounge have a cocktail which we enjoyed. The CMs at WL were all really lovely.
All that said, I'm not in a rush to return. I'm sure we will at some point, but not for a while.

It's camping and a farm. . . I just don't get the BIG draw. Nice to see, look at, experience. . . and then right back to some other resort with more exciting/ non-typical themeing.

Also, I don't know how it disappeared when I quoted you, but I really had to comment on the "dolphin" at the so-called Swan and "Dolphin" hotel. That thing is a FISH! A big, fat, ugly, tarp/ catfish-without-whiskers looking FISH! Thank you thank you thank you for mentioning this because for years I thought it was just me and my Dad. Every time we go to WDW, I would mention it. How could they mess up such a simple and beautiful creature? I have no idea. (If Disney had done it, it would be a real, true-to-form Dolphin ). Sorry for the rant, lol, that's one of those very small, yet irritating, peeves I have.

 

[shalom]

Dolphin (which is NOT a dolphin!!)

If you'll pardon the pedantism... the Dolphins are based on Bernini's dolphins, which in turn are based on the stylized ones of ancient Greece that (presumably) artists came up with having only heard verbal descriptions from sailors. Link to a picture of a Bernini statue with dolphins:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/RomaBerniniFontanaTritone.JPG

The fountain with the statue of Neptune in Italy, the fish-looking guys are also based on Bernini dolphins.

To be honest I don't really think the monorail is all that great (I know, ) It's almost always crowded, there is always a wait, it stops every three seconds, it breaks down too often, and I could probably get somewhere faster by bus. It's still fun to ride sometimes though, and during our stay at BLT I'll use it.

As a form of transportation, you make a lot of valid points, IMHO. But for some reason I love getting a snack at the Contempo Cafe and just watching the monorails go by. Also, watching The Wonderful World of Walt Disney (or whatever it was called back then), and following the building of Walt Disney World (what is now the Magic Kingdom), I thought the Contemporary was the coolest -- part of me has never outgrown that, and my middle daughter loves it for itself, so that's part of it I'm sure.

Grand Floridian~ Never have, WANT to...will wait until after construction. It is on my list for when little C and I have a trip together. She loves it there. Last time, we had tea. She is such a little lady! LOL!

Such a cutie! You guys are going to have the best time once you get to go!

Wilderness Lodge~ Years ago when I took G on a Mommy and Me trip (he was about 7) WL was unbelievable!

I thought they did a great job of picking up the "feel" of the National Park Lodges they were copying. Feels kind of odd to walk out into the Florida flatland, though, when all the National Park ones of that style are in areas where you either can see mountains or your right in them!

Just from visiting the both of them, the AKL has a higher energy level, IMHO. Which it sounds like you prefer.

Polynesian~ I'm not going to win any friends with this, but I think the place is horrid. Awful. Outdated and smelly.

It's cursed. That's where John Lennon signed the papers that broke the Beatles up.

Kidding about the curse. Although that would explain your stay there. Yikes! I don't think a nicer time of year would help when it comes to leaks that have been around long enough to result in mold and mildew.

I like the Poly, but when the WDW resort first opened, I was All About the Contemporary and had forgotten there were any other resorts around at the time until a few years ago. Love visiting, but I'm not sure I'd ever want to stay there although the pool tempts me a bit -- if it weren't full every time I've wandered by, it would tempt me a lot more!

 

[tallen429]

If you'll pardon the pedantism... the Dolphins are based on Bernini's dolphins, which in turn are based on the stylized ones of ancient Greece that (presumably) artists came up with having only heard verbal descriptions from sailors. Link to a picture of a Bernini statue with dolphins:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/RomaBerniniFontanaTritone.JPG

The fountain with the statue of Neptune in Italy, the fish-looking guys are also based on Bernini dolphins.

I know, I know...but it still irritates me. Besides, I don't think "The Swan and Ugly Fish" has quite the same ring to it, eh?

 

[tallen429]

Well, I'm here again...though it seems almost noone else is.
Thanks so much to the select few who have kindly commented!
Gooooo you!

At this point I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to continue writing this PTR due to lack of interest, but for the moment...."heeeeere weee goooo!!!"

Dining.
That will be the subject of this post.
I have a conundrum. I'm trying to make this trip about L, but when it comes to food I have to say that the choices he would make aren't exactly the choices I would make.
L is an adventurous eater, make no mistake, but he does still love him some characters.
I can totally get behind Tusker House. The African food rocks. It's really my only character must do.
...but he wants Chef Mickey too.
Ugh. Yuck. Nasty. Shoot me now. Rather have bamboo shoots...you get the idea.
I'll chin it for him this one last time. Keep a stomach pump nearby.

So far I have lots of reservations and in the next week or so I will cancel some...even if I'm not happy about it.

At the moment, the list (R for repeat, N for new to us) includes:

LTT (N)
The Plaza (N)
Tusker House (R)
Chefs de France (R)
Yachtsman(N)
Sci Fi (R)
Garden Grill (R for me, N for L)
Crystal Palace (R)
Chef Mickey (R)
Narcoosee's (N)

As I said, some will be deleted. Not the ones *I* would delete, but...So as of this moment, LTT, GG, and Yachtsman might be on the chopping block. *sigh*
Ok, we all know what's happening with DisFood. It's getting crappier yet more expensive all the time. I try to ignore that. There are some meals I love too much to admit they are stupidly overpriced.
When in the bubble, enjoy the bubble. That's how I feel.

Oh, and one important piece of info about us. I have virtually no sweet tooth. L is the type to eat a few bites of sweet and call it good. You probably won't see us induldging in cupcakes the size of our heads for breakfast. I think everything LOOKS so pretty...two bites in I could gag.
That's just me...and apparently genetics passed it on to L.
We do like a bit here and there though, so who knows!!

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

can't wait to read more

 

[tallen429]

This is a detour from your regularly scheduled PTR for a quick ride down passive-aggressive-undecided-flip-flopper alley...

My MOM.
I love my Mom. She rocks. She is the Queen. However somewhere between the ages of 65 and 75 she made a turn from sweetness and light to the dark side.
No, really, she is still wonderful...but she has developed this passive/aggressive habit.

I am one of seven children. My Father passed away (almost) 12 years ago. (December 19th, 2000)

We dote on my Mom. We spoil her. She is full of vim and vigor.
She is quite shy and has always been afraid to fly...until several of her Grandbabies were "inconveniently" born in other countries. Two of my sister's kids were born outside London (BIL is a Brit), and my little C was born in Germany.
So, she got over the fear to hold the little ones. Ok, not really, she still hates flying but at least she will suck it up.
Long story short, DH and I brought Mom to Europe several times during our years there and she has now done some travelling for the first time in her life.
In December 2010 I took her with L and I to WDW! It was really lovely....but freezing.
She still got around pretty darn well at that time, and really she still does now...except not so much. Not nearly bad enough to use (or WANT to use)and EVC.

TBC...I will get to the point. I promise!