Jan '11 PTR-Plane Tickets, Yet No Room Reservation: 1/31 update

[disneydreamingdebby]

Debby, I don't know how I missed this???

Oh well, I'm here now and so excited for you guys!! Cannot wait to hear as everything continues to unfold!!

Welcome over! Your trip report is making me so anxious for our trip!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Ours was terrific. I wanted to share some of the Disney gifts under our tree this year:

My mom wrapped my gifts (and only my gifts) in Disney paper. One of them was in a box marked: For MY baby ...My Minnie teether. I was able to cut the ring off. When you squeeze Minnie, she giggles.

Santa brought pin trading bags for my daughters with an assortment of pins to trade on our trip.

The resort pins they have (not for trading)

Scrapbook kit from SIL

DH bought me a new charm for my Pandora bracelet.

He also bought me a pen set and T-shirt from the Disney Store.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Today's scheduled park is Hollywood Studios for Early magic hour.

Breakfast on this morning might need to be something we bring?! I don't think we can get as much bang for our buck for breakfast from Good's. If I bring a box of cereal, I can pick up milk at Conch Flats General Store.

We will do the Toy Story Mania dash...grab fastpasses and ride the ride.

Then, we can head over to ToT and RnR; maybe ride a couple of times??!!

At lunch time, we have some options. Others really complain about the lack of good food in this park, but I we've enjoyed food here.

I think maybe for lunch we will try Backlot Express. They have some good looking sandwiches for us and a large order of chix nuggets for the girls to share.

Maybe for dinner, we will head over to the Boardwalk Bakery...at some point during this trip, I have to get the peanut butter cake!!!

Our other option is to eat a sit down on this night. Wow; this is a new problem. If you could have one sit down dinner at Disney, where would you eat???

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Debby! I didn't know you were doing a PTR! I am here now!

 

[Queenofallthings]

What beautiful pictures of the girls!! Absolutely gorgeous! Love your Pandora charm....

 

[mgsmom]

None of the parks is open before 9 am. (quick grammar lesson: is/ are -either is correct in the sentence, but I wanted to emphasize that not a one is open...)

Okay, I'm a little rusty here but I did enjoy the grammar portion of English class I thought that "is" would be the only correct option for that sentence since "parks" is the object of the preposition "of the parks" and not eligible to influence the verb tense. Why does "are" work too?

Our other option is to eat a sit down on this night. Wow; this is a new problem. If you could have one sit down dinner at Disney, where would you eat???

I'm a sucker for the San Angel Inn at Mexico for a good sit down - you just can't beat the atmosphere and I have always been pleased with the service and the food.
Or, you could do a character sit-down meal. I've only done one of those (and it was a lunch), so I wouldn't really have an opinion for that.

Your girls look so pretty in the pics!! You must be so proud of them!!!
Love the Disney gifts!! Santa brought a few for DD - including a new Princess flashlight to use when we're out after dark at the campgrounds next year!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What beautiful pictures of the girls!! Absolutely gorgeous! Love your Pandora charm....

Thank you!

Okay, I'm a little rusty here but I did enjoy the grammar portion of English class I thought that "is" would be the only correct option for that sentence since "parks" is the object of the preposition "of the parks" and not eligible to influence the verb tense. Why does "are" work too?



I'm a sucker for the San Angel Inn at Mexico for a good sit down - you just can't beat the atmosphere and I have always been pleased with the service and the food.
Or, you could do a character sit-down meal. I've only done one of those (and it was a lunch), so I wouldn't really have an opinion for that.

Your girls look so pretty in the pics!! You must be so proud of them!!!
Love the Disney gifts!! Santa brought a few for DD - including a new Princess flashlight to use when we're out after dark at the campgrounds next year!

A fellow nerd!!! I am not sure if it changed while I was in school or if my teacher didn't stay current (or maybe was a traditionalist)--it amazes me how many things have changed.

Explanation for none... (and I totally appreciate the object of the prep explanation...) The word is now considered to be either singular or plural...(again, when we were in school it was only singular...) General consensus is to determine if the word it refers to is countable ...then plural or singular is acceptable. (haha notice my use of "is"...) Regardless of the prep phrase (crazy, huh?)

I am waiting for when the rule regarding pronoun/ antecedent changes: Does EVERYONE have HIS/HER book? The general public says this incorrectly all the time (newscasters drive me nuts)...our changes in language occur due to people's speech.


Thanks for the compliment- I love the pics of them, but they never look like that. haha I too love the atmosphere of San Angel!

Princess flashlight - PERFECT. I can't wait to read about her using it in Disney!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I had a very exciting delivery on Tuesday!!!

Then, on Wednesday, I had a stomach bug!!! It was so bad that I couldn't even surf much on the DIS!

Today, I am better, thankfully. I am quite weak, but otherwise, much better. (I am back on the DIS!)

I am currently trying to decide on what kind of dining I should sign up for. I didn't think we wanted to do the reg plan because of not wanting to devote time to dining, but even if we only eat one sit down, the reg plan makes more sense. It is only $110 more for the 5 days; I've found that is what a sit down typically costs us.

 

[Queenofallthings]

So sorry you weren't feeling well, stomach bugs are the worst

Nice delivery!!! I love when that arrives, it means we're really going!

I would definitely go for it, like you said it's only $110! I do enjoy a good sit down meal!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

yay for DME!!!!

We enjoy sit-down meals! We've priced out the DDP all the time too! Of course if we were paying OOP, we wouldn't get desserts at every meal or milkshakes to drink at the meals that include them but we still end up paying off what the DDP was. Some of those TS meals cost the price of the day anyways so to us it's always been a value!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Just read the post on the meals at WDW!! I figured I'd put my choices in, one for each park!

MK: Crystal Palace
Epcot: I have 3..sorry! Teppan Edo, Coral Reef, and Chefs De France
DHS: 50s Prime Time Cafe..Mama Melrose is a close second!
AK: Yak and Yeti
Resort: Captains Grille at YC or Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL
DTD: I haven't eaten there on the DDP so I can't say??

Just some of my favs

 

[mgsmom]

Explanation for none... (and I totally appreciate the object of the prep explanation...) The word is now considered to be either singular or plural...(again, when we were in school it was only singular...) General consensus is to determine if the word it refers to is countable ...then plural or singular is acceptable. (haha notice my use of "is"...) Regardless of the prep phrase (crazy, huh?)

I am waiting for when the rule regarding pronoun/ antecedent changes: Does EVERYONE have HIS/HER book? The general public says this incorrectly all the time (newscasters drive me nuts)...our changes in language occur due to people's speech.

Oh I gotcha - the rule had to to with "None" not parks - well, I tried! I am a nerd at heart - I was a seriously unapologetic nerd in high school - thankfully I was also a gymnast (ie: cheerleader) so that saved me from mean kid torture. I'm pretty fierce about protecting my little nerds at school.

You know, this is what makes math better. The math rules never change. Nobody is ever going to say "okay, from now on, 2+2=5" I'm just sayin'

I am currently trying to decide on what kind of dining I should sign up for. I didn't think we wanted to do the reg plan because of not wanting to devote time to dining, but even if we only eat one sit down, the reg plan makes more sense. It is only $110 more for the 5 days; I've found that is what a sit down typically costs us.

I would go with the reg plan if you want to do a sit down - they are expensive and if the money is the same, do it! You can always make some of your sit-downs buffet places or smaller TS like we really enjoyed Plaza in MK. We did Crystal Palace at MK for lunch and our reservation was at 11:30 and I think we were pretty much done about 12:15-12:30.

Will you guys hurry up and go already! I'm ready for a trip report!!!!
Glad you're feeling better!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for ME tags! I love that you photographed them with the Christmas decorations! Very festive!

Hope you continue to feel better -- stomach bugs are no fun at all!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So sorry you weren't feeling well, stomach bugs are the worst

Nice delivery!!! I love when that arrives, it means we're really going!

I would definitely go for it, like you said it's only $110! I do enjoy a good sit down meal!!!

DH and I are talking about which plan. One factor is that although it is only $110 more, we have to also pay for tips. They add up quickly. Not having a sit down is driving me a bit nuts. I think sit downs are part of the Disney experience. I know I am enjoying your pics from your sit downs!

yay for DME!!!!

We enjoy sit-down meals! We've priced out the DDP all the time too! Of course if we were paying OOP, we wouldn't get desserts at every meal or milkshakes to drink at the meals that include them but we still end up paying off what the DDP was. Some of those TS meals cost the price of the day anyways so to us it's always been a value!

I completely agree. If you go to any character meals (buffets) it comes to $100 just for dinner. We wouldn't get all the desserts either (at least not then; the girls would get a treat later.)

Just read the post on the meals at WDW!! I figured I'd put my choices in, one for each park!

MK: Crystal Palace (haven't had dinner there. Loved the breakfast buffet)Epcot: I have 3..sorry! Teppan Edo, (LOVED!!) Coral Reef, (We loved the location, but not the service or meal) and Chefs De France (haven't tried yet, booked last trip and changed due to timing and our exhaustion!)DHS: 50s Prime Time Cafe..Mama Melrose is a close second!(Haven't tried either...)AK: Yak and Yeti (YUMMM!!!)Resort: Captains Grille at YC or Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL (I've heard great things about Capt. Grille; we had a good meal at WCC - dying to go back and ask for ketchup since my one DD HATES it.)DTD: I haven't eaten there on the DDP so I can't say??

Just some of my favs

Oh I gotcha - the rule had to to with "None" not parks - well, I tried! I am a nerd at heart - I was a seriously unapologetic nerd in high school - thankfully I was also a gymnast (ie: cheerleader) so that saved me from mean kid torture. I'm pretty fierce about protecting my little nerds at school.

I was NOT nerdy in school; I think we've had this conversation? I am however totally nerdy now. My AP class got the traditional Team Herman T-shirts. They read "Try and catch us writing nerdy" on the front. (Total reference to the song that is their antithesis "Try and catch me riding dirty" yet describes many of their school mates. ) The back reads: "Herm- amzing"

My daughters are total nerds and I love it. One said about not knowing when our trip was that she "feels like a chapter book that hasn't been read in a long time." I hope to keep them involved in athletics so they can avoid said torture.

You know, this is what makes math better. The math rules never change. Nobody is ever going to say "okay, from now on, 2+2=5" I'm just sayin'

I agree that math is better for that reason. However, I hate the way it is taught nowto my third graders...round to the nearest ten to add...really, can they please just regroup!

I would go with the reg plan if you want to do a sit down - they are expensive and if the money is the same, do it! You can always make some of your sit-downs buffet places or smaller TS like we really enjoyed Plaza in MK. We did Crystal Palace at MK for lunch and our reservation was at 11:30 and I think we were pretty much done about 12:15-12:30.

Will you guys hurry up and go already! I'm ready for a trip report!!!!
Glad you're feeling better!

The more I think about it, the more I think we might do a split dining option. DVC has started offering it, and I might just do one day with reg dining.

I am anxious to go to. This PTR is difficult without fun pictures!

Hurray for ME tags! I love that you photographed them with the Christmas decorations! Very festive!

Hope you continue to feel better -- stomach bugs are no fun at all!

Thanks Jackie! I am glad you appreciated the backdrop centerpiece.

Unfortunately, my one daughter had it last night; poor thing. It was a long night for both of us. Hopefully, we are finished with it.

Better now than right before Disney or at Disney!!!

 

[mgsmom]

I'm with you on teaching the math weird - sometimes in trying to make something simple they actually make it too hard for the kiddos. I'm old-school as far as all that goes too!!

Good point about the tips. You can't use a TS credit for CS can you? Like trading down?

My sister just asked me to help her plan a trip in July 2012! I'm so excited to play Disney with her!! It will be her and her hubby plus their FOUR girls!! I'm going to need your expert advice on some things! So, how much would they typically need to tip at a TS meal? That would definitely affect which plan I tell them to get. But, I do want them to do at least one character meal so that will be pretty expensive. Okay, I'll shut up now...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

[Charleston Princess]

Happy New Year!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to you!! (hey wait, I posted that on your TR!)

I'm with you on teaching the math weird - sometimes in trying to make something simple they actually make it too hard for the kiddos. I'm old-school as far as all that goes too!!

Good point about the tips. You can't use a TS credit for CS can you? Like trading down?

My sister just asked me to help her plan a trip in July 2012! I'm so excited to play Disney with her!! It will be her and her hubby plus their FOUR girls!! I'm going to need your expert advice on some things! So, how much would they typically need to tip at a TS meal? That would definitely affect which plan I tell them to get. But, I do want them to do at least one character meal so that will be pretty expensive. Okay, I'll shut up now...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

I can trade a TS for CS, but then I am not saving....

I LOVE helping others plan too. I calculated an approximate total of our dinners, buffets are easier, then I stashed cash for each dinner in an envelope so I'd have it. As a rule we tip between 15 - 20% for TS. Buffets get 15%, but some people think they should be less. I think it depends b/c if the server is really good, he/she is running back and forth to our table quite often. Even with the tip, I'd totally recommend the Reg plan. If the kids are under 10, the cost difference between the two plans is very little. Okay, I'll shut up now.

Happy New Year to you! I can't help but add thank you for helping me make it through last year!

Happy New Year!

Jackie - Happy New Year to you (and I know it is with a trip planned for four months away!)

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So today my DD and I ran errands. I have been stuck in the house for days and couldn't hit those great after Christmas sales. (Two days for me to recover from stomach bug and a day for my little one.) In case you are wondering the other DD went to play with a neighbor.

Errands included returning my nifty fifty lense from DH - bless him - he does pay attention, well sort of. I bought one last July before our trip.

Also, I needed to get prizes for next Saturday's baby shower that my mom is throwing for my SIL. (I picked up spring scented candles from Bath and Body - not on sale of course - but too yummy none the less.)

We had to go to the King of Prussia Mall - which is the nearest with a Disney store. YAY! Looked for DDs T-shirts for our trip, but they were "too babyish." I even texted DH to ask other DD what she thought. We left the store without a Disney bag.

Cute if you ask me!

Stopped for lunch, and we went into TJMaxx (never know what you'll see there...) Texted this picture to DH. He didn't say, "BUY IT NOW! WE HAVE TO HAVE IT!" So, we left it for another Disney Dork to drool over.

Then, I had Kohls' cash to blow. I wanted to get a winter hat just in case the weather turns cold in Orlando. (My ears can't stand the cold.)

So, here I am in my new hat. (Even if you think it is dorky...don't tell me. )

Since I am posting, this was the last pic I took with my webcam, so I thought I'd show the blonde hair. hehe

I bribed DD with the lure of candy to manage one more store: Kmart. I wanted to get a weekly pill holder for his vitamins and such. (He packs the big bottles and they take up so much room.) They had exactly what I wanted!

Now, back to the planning...

25 DAYS!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I like the buys!!!

I bought a hat that looks like the one you bought but it's black from Old Navy! I for sure needed mine when we were there a few weeks ago so I'm glad I bought it!