I think I gained 5 pounds at the Food & Wine Festival - An Oct 2012 TR **NEW 3/18**

[jenny105]

Hi everyone! For those who know me & all about my trip, welcome! For those who don't know me, welcome and click here if you'd like to read my PTR & learn a little bit about me. I just came back from Disney World last Monday night This trip was over a year in the making and I can't believe it's come & gone. Our trip was in celebration of my 30th birthday and we had a great time sans some grumpiness due to heat and crowds. (Wasn't me!) We stayed for 8 nights at AKL Jambo and although that seems like a long time, it flew by! I'm (slowly) getting over my post-Disney blues and am ready to start my TR. So here we go!

Chapter 1 - We're going to Long Island!
Chapter 2 - We've Arrived!
Chapter 3 - It's Really Not So Scary...
Chapter 4 - Jambo!
Chapter 5 - Around the World in 7 Hours
Chapter 6 - Wocka Wocka Wocka!
Chapter 7 - That Cupcake is the Size of My Head
Chapter 8 -Fun in the...Where's the Sun?
Chapter 9 - Asante Sana plus Ohana!
Chapter 10 - Hey, is that Mufasa or Simba?
Chapter 11 - Rain Rain Go Away!
Chapter 12 - Birthday Breakfast!
Chapter 13 - All the Birds Sing Words and the Flowers Croon...
Chapter 14 - People Call Me Forrest Gump...
Chapter 15 - Top of the Mornin To Ya!
Chapter 16 - This is a Standard View??
Chpater 17 - Wasting Away Again at ESPN Zone...
Chapter 18 - Why is Soarin so Popular?
Chapter 19 - Backstage Magic?
Chapter 20 - Now It's Time to Say Goodbye...
Chapter 21 - Photopass Pictures
Chapter 22 - Likes & Dislikes

 

[jenny105]

Long Island? Yes, you read the title of this post correctly. We are from NJ and Newark airport is only a 10 minute drive BUT we had 25,000 Southwest points to use. That meant I could score free flights to Orlando from MacArthur Airport out on the Island of Long. Our flight was Sunday, 9/30, at 11:25 am. Rather than make that trek the morning of the flight we drove out Saturday and stayed in a Courtyard nearby.

We were both off from work that Saturday so it marked the official start of vacation. We slept in and ran a whole bunch of errands. Seriously, we kept leaving and coming back to the house so much, I was starting to get annoyed. I just wanted to GO already! Kris figured out THAT DAY that his luggage was broken and we had to run to Target to get a new suitcase for him. I had spares but they're beat up and he didn't want to use them. So he spent $100 before we even GOT to Disney. At least he has a brand new suitcase for our next trip!

I think we finally left around 2 or 3. We have to cross two bridges - the Goethals and Verrazano - to get to Long Island. The Goethals puts you in Staten Island which can be driven through in oh, about 15 minutes. It's that big. We wanted to check out Big Ang's bar (we love her!) on the way through and we found it but...it looked a little shady so we kept driving! There was a 3 car accident on the Verrazano so we hit some traffic but after that there was no traffic in site. We made it to the Courtyard around 5:30.

We checked in, no problems, got our King room & freshened up. There were two restaurants within walking distance - Red Lobster & Smokey Bones. Kris doesn't like seafood so we picked Smokey Bones. I'd never heard of the place before this trip and I wish they had one in NJ! That place was awesome! There was a little bit of a wait so we sat at the bar until we were called. I got the most delicious beer I've ever had - pumpkin ale with a cinnamon rim and vanilla vodka shot.

Yum! When we were sat we ordered nachos as an appetizer, Kris ordered a burger, and I got sirloin topped with bleu cheese. Everything was great!

After dinner, Kris wanted to watch the Wisconsin/Nebraska football game. He's a Packers fan and he's taken an interest in Wisconsin's team over the past couple years. Yes, he was born and raised in NJ. I don't understand it either. We had a couple drinks from the Courtyard's bar as we watched the game in the lobby/lounge area.

The first official picture of the trip hanging out watching football.

After the game we took a quick dip in the indoor pool and then it was off to bed. We were going to Disney World in the morning!

 

[HeatherLassell]

FIRST!

lol And here I lost 5 lbs during our trip!

Can't wait to read all about your trip! It was awesome to get to meet you even if it was a quick one!

 

[__disneygirl]

I'm in! We're leaving in 5 days and I absolutely CAN NOT WAIT for the Food & Wine Festival! It's my favorite time to go. Can't wait to read more

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Yay for starting your TR!!!! Can't wait to hear about AKL!!!

 

[pattiken]

joining in

 

[jenny105]

FIRST!

lol And here I lost 5 lbs during our trip!

Can't wait to read all about your trip! It was awesome to get to meet you even if it was a quick one!

We just kept eating! We were always full and hardly every hungry but we just kept shoving it in because we had the dining plan.

It was awesome meeting you too! I still can't believe you found me considering how crowded Main Street was that night.

I'm in! We're leaving in 5 days and I absolutely CAN NOT WAIT for the Food & Wine Festival! It's my favorite time to go. Can't wait to read more

I'm jealous! I wish I were going back. I hope you have a great trip and enjoy the F&W festival! It's fantastic!

Yay for starting your TR!!!! Can't wait to hear about AKL!!!

Hi Amanda!

joining in

Welcome!

 

[Bethislucy]

Sounds like a fun TR

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

its about time, just kidding.

woo hoo made the first page,

okay actually read the update now...

that drink does sound pretty good i bet candi would like it, she loves the fall type drinks.

i like your title and know what you mean about being able to just use a snack credit and get "free" food. was very nice.

looking forward to more and to see what you guys ate.

 

[khertz]

I'm here!! Can't wait to read all about your trip!!

 

[raraavis]

looking forward to your report!

but i do have a question (and please don't take this the wrong way; i am simply curious). why would you go all the way to long island just to use your points? aren't you paying more than you would if you just booked another airline since you have to pay tolls, pay for gas, and pay for a hotel room (not to mention the extra time it all takes)? i use southwest points too, but i always fly out of newark. i would never ever drive all the way to long island just to use airline points. we actually ended up booking jetblue for our upcoming trip and paying out of pocket (only $200 per person!) because southwest doesn't fly nonstop from newark. is that why you booked at an airport in long island, because southwest out of newark would have been a crazy 8 hour flight with layovers? i do hate how southwest doesn't have direct and nonstop flights out of newark. i have 56,000 points to use, but we still chose jetblue. actually, i only have 28,000 left since i just booked christmas trip to vegas.

sorry to go off topic! i am just curious.

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm here! Excited to read more!!

 

[jenny105]

Sounds like a fun TR

It will be! Hope you stick with it

its about time, just kidding.

woo hoo made the first page,

okay actually read the update now...

that drink does sound pretty good i bet candi would like it, she loves the fall type drinks.

i like your title and know what you mean about being able to just use a snack credit and get "free" food. was very nice.

looking forward to more and to see what you guys ate.

It's only been a week! lol

We ate a lot! We probably didn't even need to make ADRs for our Epcot days. I felt like the whole trip revolved around eating.

I'm here!! Can't wait to read all about your trip!!

Yay! Glad you're here!

looking forward to your report!

but i do have a question (and please don't take this the wrong way; i am simply curious). why would you go all the way to long island just to use your points? aren't you paying more than you would if you just booked another airline since you have to pay tolls, pay for gas, and pay for a hotel room (not to mention the extra time it all takes)? i use southwest points too, but i always fly out of newark. i would never ever drive all the way to long island just to use airline points. we actually ended up booking jetblue for our upcoming trip and paying out of pocket (only $200 per person!) because southwest doesn't fly nonstop from newark. is that why you booked at an airport in long island, because southwest out of newark would have been a crazy 8 hour flight with layovers? i do hate how southwest doesn't have direct and nonstop flights out of newark. i have 56,000 points to use, but we still chose jetblue. actually, i only have 28,000 left since i just booked christmas trip to vegas.

sorry to go off topic! i am just curious.

No direct flights on SW out of EWR was one of the reasons, yes. When I was looking at airfare for Newark it was at least $230 each roundtrip. We definitely saved money by flying out of ISP and using our points. One tank of gas and bridge tolls don't break the bank and I'm a TA so I got the hotel room for $50. Plus we didn't have to pay for parking at the airport because our hotel had a free shuttle. I think flying out of ISP and using our SW points cost us around $200-$250 total vs flying out of Newark & spending $450-$500 total. Plus baggage fees if we flew United. I hate United! It definitely worked out in our favor even though it was a bit of a drive.

I'm here! Excited to read more!!

Yay!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I'm in!

Oh, and I'm not typically one to drink beer but that pumpkin ale sounds A-MAZING!

 

[tinawv]

Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

 

[raraavis]

No direct flights on SW out of EWR was one of the reasons, yes. When I was looking at airfare for Newark it was at least $230 each roundtrip. We definitely saved money by flying out of ISP and using our points. One tank of gas and bridge tolls don't break the bank and I'm a TA so I got the hotel room for $50. Plus we didn't have to pay for parking at the airport because our hotel had a free shuttle. I think flying out of ISP and using our SW points cost us around $200-$250 total vs flying out of Newark & spending $450-$500 total. Plus baggage fees if we flew United. I hate United! It definitely worked out in our favor even though it was a bit of a drive.

ah i see. i think the hotel rate was throwing me a bit. so you were allowed to leave your car parked at the hotel in long island even though you weren't staying there?

well there is no way we could pull it off cheaply like you do, so kudos to you!

 

[klacey1]

Here, of course! Sounds like the perfect night before a trip! That beer sounds amazing-- we don't have Smokey Bones near us either, darn.
One of the great things about living in the metro NYC area is the great variety of airports-- I'm glad you were able to get non-stops out of ISP!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hey! I am here too!! Can't wait to read all about your vacation!

 

[jenny105]

I'm in!

Oh, and I'm not typically one to drink beer but that pumpkin ale sounds A-MAZING!

Welcome!

It was delicious!

Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

Looking forward to sharing it with you

ah i see. i think the hotel rate was throwing me a bit. so you were allowed to leave your car parked at the hotel in long island even though you weren't staying there?

well there is no way we could pull it off cheaply like you do, so kudos to you!

Yep, we were allowed to leave our car there, no problem. There are signs all over the lot saying the hotel is not responsible for loss or damage but thankfully we had no issues.

Here, of course! Sounds like the perfect night before a trip! That beer sounds amazing-- we don't have Smokey Bones near us either, darn.
One of the great things about living in the metro NYC area is the great variety of airports-- I'm glad you were able to get non-stops out of ISP!

I know! I feel bad for the people who have to drive 2-3 hours just to get to one airport. There are 6 within a 2 hour drive of my house! Provides plenty of options if airfare is too high at one airport.

Hey! I am here too!! Can't wait to read all about your vacation!

Yay! Glad you're here!

 

[jenny105]

Day 1 - September 30th

Our flight was at 11:25 and we wanted to have breakfast before heading over to the airport so we woke up around 8. We quickly showered, packed up our overnight stuff & went out to the car to put it away. We headed back into the Courtyard to have breakfast at their café. I think we both got sausage, egg, and cheese on a croissant but I barely touched mine. I was too excited to eat. I just wanted to get on the plane already! After we were done eating we went back to the car to get our luggage and settled on a bench outside & waited for the shuttle. It ran every 30 minutes and got there around 9:40. We were the only people on it and it was only a 10 minute ride to the airport. MacArthur airport is TINY. I think there are about 15-20 gates in total. The wonderful thing about that – no lines! We checked our bags curbside – two free with Southwest! – and headed inside. There were only two people ahead of us in line so we were through in about 5 minutes. This was my first time going through a body scanner. I set the thing off! It said there was something in my back pocket. There wasn’t. They stopped me to pat me down and then let me carry on to our gate. Since the airport is so small we found our gate right away and had about 30-40 minutes to kill before boarding began. I forgot to mention we checked in 24 hours before our flight on the dot and ended up with B3 and B5. Not bad! We walked around the airport for a bit and then settled into a couple chairs to wait to be called for boarding.

I think the Southwest boarding experience is chaotic. They called the A group first and then boarded families with small children. It’s a flight to Orlando so you can imagine how many families with small children there were. I thought we would be ok in the low numbered B group but I was beginning to worry. We did manage to find seats together in the very last row of the plane. I’m not saying I hate Southwest or anything but I’d much rather know where my seat is ahead of time especially if I’m traveling with someone. Takes the guesswork out of it! I’m not the only one who feels that way because I heard plenty of complaints from people in line behind us. We were also planning to watch Netflix on the plane since there are no TVs & the flight was WiFi enabled. We paid the $5 fee only to find that Netflix is restricted. ??? We weren’t happy about that. If we’re paying for it, we should be able to go on any site we want. If you’re going to restrict sites, make it free! That reminds me I should write an email to SW and complain about that so maybe I can get my $5 back. Kris had packed Wall-E in his carry on so we watched that on his laptop during the flight. No issues with SW other than that but I’ll be sticking with JetBlue in the future.

Us on the plane

Before take off

In the air

Our flight landed 20 minutes early and Kris & I split up for a bit after that. He went over to baggage claim while I went over to pick up the car. We had a really great deal on a midsize for the week at $114. The rep added on all of the coverage without even asking me and it was closer to $250 at that point. I explained I was covered under my own insurance and my credit card & to please remove it. I stuck with the pre-paid gas option so I wouldn’t have to worry about filling it up before I returned it so it came out to around $160 with that. We ended up with a Chevy Cruze which I thought was pretty funny because it was the rental I had driven for two weeks after the accident so I was already comfortable with it.

I met Kris back at baggage claim where he was getting the last of our luggage. We proceeded across the street to pick up the actual car which took no time at all and were on our way to Orlando! Before we knew it, we saw the most wonderful sign in the World.

You’ll notice the two dots and line in almost every picture I take. I have no idea what that’s from. The line disappeared over the course of the trip but the dots were always there! I need a new camera.

Kris new we had a kitchenette in the room and wanted to stop for snacks & beer. I knew AKL was at the edge of the property so I turned left before the hotel entrance and that brought us to a highway. We stopped at a grocery store & got cookies, chips, a case of beer for him, and a bottle of wine for me. It’s weird to me they sell liquor in the grocery stores in FL. Not here in NJ! The road leading to that highway from AKL is like a back entrance. Definitely not a way Disney wants you coming on to their property. You’ll see the Animal Kingdom casting & costume center and deserted motels. It’s kind of creepy really!

Anyway after buying our groceries we headed back toward Disney to see our home for the next 8 nights.

We had used online check-in so we got in line for that but the woman in front of us was asking 137 questions. Way to hold up the line lady! So someone from the check-in desk called us over. Check-in was pretty quick. We had asked if we could stay in the same room for the last night (we had added one on and since we were renting DVC points they ran out of the original room type) but since they were separate room types, they told us no. Oh well. Didn’t hurt to ask! He explained the rules of the balcony to us – no hanging anything over the edge, if you drop something call the front desk immediately, and NO BALLOONS! We had a room on the Ostrich trail with a view of the Savanna. Score! We had a value studio booked and had put in a request for a savanna view but it was a crapshoot as to what we’d end up with. We made our way up to our room on the 5th floor to drop our luggage off and freshen up. I’m a bad DISer and didn’t take any pictures of the room! I have pictures of our second room so you’ll have to wait til the end of the TR to see those LOL. Sorry! I did take a picture of our towel Mickey head though!

It was about 3:45-4 at this point and we were getting hungry. Kris wanted to watch his beloved Packers and being the nice girlfriend that I am I agreed to go to ESPN Zone to grab something to eat. But first I made him take a picture on the suspension bridge that crosses the lobby before we left!

I’m not sure what he was doing. Something Indiana Jones related I think.
View of the lobby from the bridge.

We drove over to the Boardwalk and headed over to ESPN Zone. I absolutely love this area of Disney. So pretty! I think the next time Kris and I go we’ll try to stay over here. He always wants to stay somewhere I’ve never stayed so the Beach Club is out. It’ll have to be Yacht or Boardwalk. If we can rent points at Boardwalk, great, just keep me away from that clown pool!

Yacht Club

Beach Club and the super cool water slide

The Boardwalk

Atlantic Dance Hall and the Fish. It’s not the dolphin. That there is a fish! It became a very familiar site as we passed it nearly every time we drove to a park.

ESPN Zone was packed with football fans but we managed to snag two seats at the bar. We lucked out and happened to be passing two people who were ready to leave so they gave us their seats. The TV in front of us was showing the Packer game so Kris was in heaven. I swear I never see him happier than when he’s watching football. I wish he was like that when he wasn’t watching football! We both ordered Blue Moons and he had the Chicago meets Pittsburgh sandwich (roast beef topped with cole slaw) and I got the Red Wings. Hockey related food is my calling.

We only stayed until half time because we had something very important to do that night. We had to say hi to Mickey at MNSSHP!

Stay tuned….