If I say it out loud, will my wish come true.. PTR May 2011(Link to TR pg41)

[crostorfer]

Now that we have the dates decided, it’s time for the important stuff

2. I am on my own when it comes to paying for the trip. Ugh. If it means picking up extra shifts and working weekends I’ll do it. Last year we used the tax return money towards our trip and we agreed that this year we would use the taxes toward putting new siding up. DH will be responsible for paying for Universal tickets though, b/c I could just go without.

I'm in! I am with you girl, worked double shifts between the hospital and an Orthopedic Surgeon's office in order to pay for our last trip all on my own, and I held on to both jobs so that I can do it again. I keep trying to talk people into taking days off so that I can get extra shifts, LOL! We decided on the split stay too, but we're splitting with a Universal hotel for 2 nights to avoid that awful weekend rate.

We can do it! I'm here for moral support if you need me, LOL. Us x-ray techs have to stick together!

 

[crostorfer]

THE BEACH CLUB VILLAS-
Studio

I am so excited! I really love the look of the Boardwalk and can't wait to be close to it but I know DH and DD will love SAB. Plus, I know that DHS gets crazy for SWW so my plans are to just head over there each day for a few hours and once it becomes too much come back and chill out at the pool. BWV will have to wait. I do plan on walking over to the bakery though. I keep seeing pictures and everything looks so good.

Now, Disney just needs to release the May hours and I'll be good to go.

Anyway.... that's my news. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

And we're staying in the same place too! LOL See you at Stormalong Bay!

 

[KatMark]

I had NO idea you had this going. Now I have to go back and read.

 

[pinkxray]

I'm in! I am with you girl, worked double shifts between the hospital and an Orthopedic Surgeon's office in order to pay for our last trip all on my own, and I held on to both jobs so that I can do it again. I keep trying to talk people into taking days off so that I can get extra shifts, LOL! We decided on the split stay too, but we're splitting with a Universal hotel for 2 nights to avoid that awful weekend rate.

We can do it! I'm here for moral support if you need me, LOL. Us x-ray techs have to stick together!

And we're staying in the same place too! LOL See you at Stormalong Bay!

I was doing really good picking up extra shifts but it's been tough lately. One of the girls I work with just got engaged and now that she is looking into getting a house soon she has been stealing all the hours. At the hospital people post weekends and shifts they don't want on a bulletin board. You can just sign up for whatever extra shifts you want. Every time I check the board she has taken everything!

I was picking up the midnight-8am shift on Friday nights which was nice b/c you get both overnight and weekend differential but she even grabs those. Plus it is getting harder and harder to head in at 11:30 when it's so cold.

I hoping people will start taking some time off with the holidays coming up. I'm going to have to start convincing people they need some time off.

I had NO idea you had this going. Now I have to go back and read.

I'm not surprised. You must be so busy over on the CSR thread plus your own TR. I have no idea how you manage to keep up with all the ptr and trs that you do. I always seem to be behind.

 

[crostorfer]

I hoping people will start taking some time off with the holidays coming up. I'm going to have to start convincing people they need some time off.
.

My advice: hockey mask and a baseball bat while hiding in the parking lot. People can't work with broken legs. I kid, I kid, but I threaten it all of the time! LOL

 

[KatMark]

Great start. I think the BC Villas look great (we have only done two deluxes and we only have two more we want to try -- and the Beach Club is one of them). I cannot believe your daughter turned 6. Where does the time go? Looking forward to following along as you update your plans.

 

[Nermel9]

Gee thanks. First you tell me I should do the dining plan and I go ahead and decided you're right. I change our whole schedule and now you tell me not to

Anyway I decided I'll do the dining plan for the first part of our trip. I did have to shuffle around a few things. I was planning on the Fantasmic package for the weekend but moved it up. I'm not going to use a TS on the plaza and pay OOP for that.

I would try to go for the bag. Get like 1 or 2 ornaments. You go back to Disney enough. You can always get other stuff on the next trip.

I think the dining plan is a good idea either way, since it will all be paid for! The only thing that bothers me about using a table credit for a breakfast buffet is you don't get dessert, and it's a flat price. But it's really not that much of a big deal, and I'm sure you end up saving in the end, since you get the CS and snack credits also.

I'll see about the bag when I get there...I might not like the straps on it. I sent that wristlet back yesterday...almost $12 to ship it with UPS!!!

What is Steak and Shake that you keep talking about?

 

[pinkxray]

I think the dining plan is a good idea either way, since it will all be paid for! The only thing that bothers me about using a table credit for a breakfast buffet is you don't get dessert, and it's a flat price. But it's really not that much of a big deal, and I'm sure you end up saving in the end, since you get the CS and snack credits also.

I'll see about the bag when I get there...I might not like the straps on it. I sent that wristlet back yesterday...almost $12 to ship it with UPS!!!

What is Steak and Shake that you keep talking about?

The whole dining plan-where to eat thing is driving me crazy. I'll get to that later though.

$12!!!

MMMMMM. Steak and Shake.

I don’t really know how to describe it. I guess like a 50’s diner kind of theme. It’s mostly burgers but they have chicken strips and hot dogs. The shakes are really good too. It is pretty cheap which is nice. It was pretty empty when we went last time and the service was a little weird (not bad though). It is right near the crossroad area, down the street a little.

(The one in Orlando is in a strip of stores though, not a stand alone)

Good food, good prices

The only thing that annoys me is that the fries are too thin but you can solve that by eating more at a time

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

The only thing that annoys me is that the fries are too thin but you can solve that by eating more at a time

And by getting cheese sauce on them!! Mmmmm....

 

[pinkxray]

And by getting cheese sauce on them!! Mmmmm....

That sounds like a good solution too

 

[KatMark]

I love Steak & Shake. We just went on Thursday night.

I agree...fries are small...but SO GOOD! I always ask for an extra side order and make it french fries.

 

[pinkxray]

My ADR date is approaching in a few weeks and every time I think I know what I am going to book I change my mind. One of my big things is character meals. We did CM,CP,CRT,Tuskerhouse, and Ohana breakfast last time. A few weeks ago Caitlin said she wants to do all of them again. Then, she saw pictures of T-rex and chooses to drop Ohana for T-rex. Tuskerhouse is out since we've done in and there is no Pluto (her favorite).

I am trying to make my final plans so I asked her yesterday.


Caitlin, when we go back to Disney do we have to go to Chef Mickey's?

NO, STAR WARS

There is no Star Wars breakfast. Do we have to eat with the princesses again.?

NO, STAR WARS

What about Piglet?


NO, STAR WARS

Caitlin, there is no Star Wars meal. Do you want to do the other character meals or no?

NO

What about your autograph book? Do you just want to see the characters in the parks?

YES

Okay, so we will see the Pooh characters at the parks.

Yes, and the restaurant.
Sigh. What about the princesses? Parks?

And the restaurant.

Chef Mickey's?

No.

So now what? I am going to keep Crystal Palace b/c that was my favorite.

Should I keep Akershus and Chef Mickey's? DH said we should keep CM but doesn't really care either way. I would love to drop them b/c I really want to try Kona and I can't squeeze it in anywhere.

I need 4 TS breakfast.
We are going to do Crystal Palace and one of the ones by BCV. I am going to pick Garden Grove or Cape May. I am thinking Garden Grove b/c Chip and Dale are there.

2 spots open?
Right now I have CM and Akershus
I am thinking keep Akershus just b/c we'll be at EPCOT that day anyway. I'm not feeling CM's for some reason. Esp. since Pluto will be at Garden Grove

should I drop one? both?
I want replace one with Kona but not sure about the other
Maybe just do counter service?

 

[pinkxray]

I love Steak & Shake. We just went on Thursday night.

I agree...fries are small...but SO GOOD! I always ask for an extra side order and make it french fries.

I wish we had one in CT. If we ever win the lotto we will open one in CT.

 

[KatMark]

I would definitely drop Chef Mickey's. You can see them all at Epcot at the Character Spot and I think Caitlin would like the Princesses better. Also, in case you aren't aware (even though I know you are going to CP), you can find Tigger and Pooh (and sometimes Eeyore) in the Toy Store in United Kingdom in World Showcase (we always get a picture here).

 

[pinkxray]

I was just skimming over and realized my post never showed up.

My advice: hockey mask and a baseball bat while hiding in the parking lot. People can't work with broken legs. I kid, I kid, but I threaten it all of the time! LOL

I think I am the only one looking forward to flu season. I'll probably end up being the only one sick and missing days.

Great start. I think the BC Villas look great (we have only done two deluxes and we only have two more we want to try -- and the Beach Club is one of them). I cannot believe your daughter turned 6. Where does the time go? Looking forward to following along as you update your plans.

I can't wait to try BCV. I know that renting points didn't work for you, but I am going into it with a positive attitude. If it ends up not working out we'll still be in Disney and won't try it again.

I am not loving her getting older. I can't believe she is 6 already. Pretty soon she'll be an angry teenage. I am not going to like that at all.

I would definitely drop Chef Mickey's. You can see them all at Epcot at the Character Spot and I think Caitlin would like the Princesses better. Also, in case you aren't aware (even though I know you are going to CP), you can find Tigger and Pooh (and sometimes Eeyore) in the Toy Store in United Kingdom in World Showcase (we always get a picture here).

That is what I am thinking too. The character spot looks great and we would probably end up skipping it if she has already been to CM. Akershus looks cute plus she'll get her picture taken will Belle.

DD isn't into Pooh characters (I Pooh and Eeyore though) but she really likes Piglet. I heard he can be hard to find. Plus, I really liked the food.
MMMM...Puffed french toast.

 

[crostorfer]

I haven't gotten to Chef Mickey's in my dining review yet, but it was by far my least favorite experience, I would drop it.

I also haven't gotten to my Cape May review, but I would ABSOLUTELY book that, especially if you are staying at the BCV. Tusker House had the best food and was therefore my favorite breakfast, but Cape May by far had the best character interaction. They actually sit down and spend time with you. The Minnie Mouse there was the best.

Akershus was good for breakfast but way, way crowded. Belle in her yellow dress was beautiful. If you go there I would recommend either booking the very first or very last breakfast setting. 9:30am was a zoo. We left around 10:30 and the place was clearing out quickly and it was much easier to get around.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

This sounds EXACTLY like the conversations Juju and I hve been having lately ...except for instead of "Star Wars, " she says, "Mom, we're not talking about that right now." I give her deadlines to decide, then she'll tell me her decision and change it the next day!! I'm at the point that I'm going to make the decisions and she can just deal with it!!! (She does insist on Akershus, CRT, and CP, but is up in the air on every single other choice.)

I'm w/ you on CP--I love it! And luckily, my kids are currently obsessed with the Pooh gang! That's the only place we are going to do breakfast, I think. We're just not big breakfast people, I've decided. So if you ask me if you should just switch to CS, I'd say yes, but only because it's a waste for my family to have breakfast somewhere. I've never had CM (trying for dinner this time, I think), and only had Cape May for dinner, but it was delish!

 

[Nermel9]

I wouldn't bother with Chef Mickey's, especially for breakfast, it's not that good...you went there for dinner last time, right? I probably won't go back there again, unless I have a kid and they want to go. I like Crystal Palace much better! I would do Akershus, that would be cute! I want to go but I'm afraid of talking to the princesses. I want to do Kona for breakfast too, but I can't squeeze it in, unless we do it Tuesday morning and pay OOP. Maybe I'll go make an ADR for that...

It's too bad they don't have Star Wars meals during the SWW. They would make so much money!

 

[pinkxray]

I haven't gotten to Chef Mickey's in my dining review yet, but it was by far my least favorite experience, I would drop it.

I also haven't gotten to my Cape May review, but I would ABSOLUTELY book that, especially if you are staying at the BCV. Tusker House had the best food and was therefore my favorite breakfast, but Cape May by far had the best character interaction. They actually sit down and spend time with you. The Minnie Mouse there was the best.

Akershus was good for breakfast but way, way crowded. Belle in her yellow dress was beautiful. If you go there I would recommend either booking the very first or very last breakfast setting. 9:30am was a zoo. We left around 10:30 and the place was clearing out quickly and it was much easier to get around.

I am going to try to get the 8:05 time for Akershus.

Glad to hear Cape May was good. I just wish the characters were different or Chip and Dale were still there. I am going to have to pick between Garden Grove and Cape May. I'll probably end up with Cape May just b/c it opens at 7:30 and GG opens at 8. If it is Star Wars day I want to be at DHS at Rope drop.

This sounds EXACTLY like the conversations Juju and I hve been having lately ...except for instead of "Star Wars, " she says, "Mom, we're not talking about that right now." I give her deadlines to decide, then she'll tell me her decision and change it the next day!! I'm at the point that I'm going to make the decisions and she can just deal with it!!! (She does insist on Akershus, CRT, and CP, but is up in the air on every single other choice.)

I'm w/ you on CP--I love it! And luckily, my kids are currently obsessed with the Pooh gang! That's the only place we are going to do breakfast, I think. We're just not big breakfast people, I've decided. So if you ask me if you should just switch to CS, I'd say yes, but only because it's a waste for my family to have breakfast somewhere. I've never had CM (trying for dinner this time, I think), and only had Cape May for dinner, but it was delish!

She is driving me insane. Every time I ask I get a difference answer. I just want to tell her "Listen kid, I have to make my ADRs in a few weeks. Don't you know I have to book them 180 days out"

I tried to ask her again today and she was like "I don't even want to go to Disney, just EPCOT and Universal" Where did this child come from

We did Chef Mickey's for dinner last trip and it was fine. I don't think we have high expectations for character interactions. DD just wants them to sign her book, pose for a picture and move on.

I wouldn't bother with Chef Mickey's, especially for breakfast, it's not that good...you went there for dinner last time, right? I probably won't go back there again, unless I have a kid and they want to go. I like Crystal Palace much better! I would do Akershus, that would be cute! I want to go but I'm afraid of talking to the princesses. I want to do Kona for breakfast too, but I can't squeeze it in, unless we do it Tuesday morning and pay OOP. Maybe I'll go make an ADR for that...

It's too bad they don't have Star Wars meals during the SWW. They would make so much money!

My life would be so much easier if they had a SW meal.

I think we'll end up skipping CM. We would have to go one day before Universal and it will be annoying to head to CR and then to US.

I really want to try Kona. The Big Kahuna is calling my name.

 

[pinkxray]

Okay.
I think I have my breakfast ideas figured out.

Now onto lunches and dinner.

Lunch
Sci-fi is Caitlin's pick

I would like to try Beaches and Cream
and the Plaza. Now that I have been shuffling my days around I am having a hard time squeezing in the Plaza.

Is it too many cheeseburger/fries places. DH is a burger kind of guy though.

Dinner
My top pick is Via Napoli
I am going to try for Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package

That leaves me with 1 more. Right now I have Ohana dinner. I loved it last time but am wondering if I should try something new. But what?

I really think that if I end up dropping Ohana dinner and CM no dining plans would be the way to go.