January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part IV !!!

[sarbah77]

Santa got me a new computer!!!!!

Hooray for Santa!

Congratulations - I love it when Santa's early, or late or right on time...I'm not picky!

Sorry about your Dell -- I love mine and have had it for 4[?] years. Now, my DSL connection is quite another story - lots of phone calls to India on that one....

*snip*

I love gadgets - especially ones that I don't have to figure out.

Hee hee. I hear ya! That's what DH is for! I'm on my second Dell laptop, since they're my DH's laptop of choice and he's the computer geek in this house. Of course, he thinks my next laptop will be a Mac. We'll see! (Though I will say he's had waaaaaaaaaaaaay more problems with that than I have with my Dell, other than the fact that the battery went bad!)

Yesterday was one of those kind of frustrating days. My mom emailed me to say she looked at my Amazon wish list and it was nice but what did I want for Christmas? I wrote back and said "everything on my wish list but my DH will email you and coordinate who can get what!" A few hours later, I got an email from my dad, informing me that my mom is not speaking to me because of that answer and because I "told her" I "didn't want to see her for Christmas."

What was really said was more "I take it you didn't invite me over for Christmas because we're seeing each other two weeks later at Disney?" "Yes, Mom." "Well, I think I'm going to come anyway." To which I pointed out that I saw her in early November, had surgery, and have been running around since then and really need the break to recover from everything. She replied with "Okay, I'll keep in mind that it's not that you don't want to see me, but you need to take care of your health." You can see how far THAT went!

So DH emailed my mom about Christmas. My mom refuses to even speak to him and is making my dad deal with it.

Then, to top it off, the GF of my best friend is now writing online about how she's going to marry my BF soon. (I didn't realize her divorce with her husband that she left in August was all set) Obviously, she's not my favorite person, and obviously it's not my job to tell BF what I think of her!

But today's a new day. DH is going to the football game. I'm going to go Christmas shopping when he leaves and hopefully finish everything up. I'm just going to take the opportunity to wander the stores, with my lists, and just tune out the rest of the world.

 

[snykymom]

So I got some mail today.....

We've already decided that my father will get the "Grumpy" one, and my brother will get the Mickey one. So my mother and I have to decide who gets Cinderella and who gets Tinker Bell.

OK, are these park tickets? My mailing said I'd get the tickets at check in. If they're not tickets, what are they? I'd love to get one or more!

 

[distherapy]

I'm hoping that Santa brings me an automatic feeder for our saltwater tank. That way I don't have to have someone come in twice a day for our stinkin' fish! LOL

Ohhhh - do tell! We have a saltwater tank that is DH's new favorite hobby (although our two attempts at bubble tip anemones have not worked out so well ). We'd love an automatic feeder - any recommendations???

 

[crzyred]

OK, are these park tickets? My mailing said I'd get the tickets at check in. If they're not tickets, what are they? I'd love to get one or more!

Yep, those are our park tickets! We ordered them ealier this week through the disney world website. We don't book packages. If you have, then your park tickets will be on with your room key. If you didn't order a package and just ordered your tickets seperately, then I have no idea why you would get them at the hotel, unless that's something you wanted to do.

 

[crzyred]

Well I played hookie from church this morning. I woke up at 4am with lower back pain. So I'm attempting to fix my problem, but it doesn't seem to be working. I'll most likely have to call work today and see if someone else can take my shift tomorrow so that I can get into the chiropractor first thing in the morning. Ugh....a few years ago I knocked some discs out of place in my lower back and since then every once in a while they give me some problems. So I'm home today, currently watching some of the Travel Channels disney shows that were on this week and icing my back! What an exciting day!

 

[TroyE]

How far in advance did you get these tickets?

Yep, those are our park tickets! We ordered them ealier this week through the disney world website. We don't book packages. If you have, then your park tickets will be on with your room key. If you didn't order a package and just ordered your tickets seperately, then I have no idea why you would get them at the hotel, unless that's something you wanted to do.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

Hi everybody! I had a great day in NYC yesterday with DD. We walked all over town, up and down Fifth Avenue, saw the tree and the skaters, ate lunch at Grand Central Station...a fun day. I could not BELIEVE the number of people. Masses of crowds shuffling along, lines to get INTO stores!

I go to pick up our documents at our TA tomorrow! That makes everything so official.

 

[crzyred]

How far in advance did you get these tickets?

We ordered them earlier this week, I think Monday evening. Our trip is in 31 days!

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

Now wait a minute - as far as I'm concerned, pictures are most definitely mandatory! We all have to know how these stories come out!

Morning all!

It's set to be a high of 66 today with a low of 51..... sounds like January Disney weather Last night we went for a walk with DS to the duck pond ( DS has been sick and this was a good little outing for him) I had him in the jogging stroller and covered him with a light blanket. Dh and I had our jeans and running shoes on and if "felt" like we could have been walking at Disney. Nice weather and a kiddo in the stroller. It's starting to get close!!!!


As for the big reveal.....
I promise I'll post Christmas afternoon with the unveiling of the surprise. I'm not to sure about photos.

I'm so very leary about someone other than a snowbird seeing my DD and DS. Okay, I admit it I've watched WAY too many episodes of all the Law and Order shows and therefore I'm an internet photo chicken.... DUMMM DUMMM ( the law and order sound)

As for when to tell the kids.....Well DS will just go with the flow...I mean what else can an almost 3 year old do??? I had thought about not telling DD until the day we leave (the 8th of Jan). However, she is such a planner (like her mom) than it would most likely cause some problem/fustrations with friends and school. And....We get to say the trip is a christmas present...Bonus! I figure this way she has from the 25th to the 8th to get excited and help me tweek any last minute ADR or park plans. She watches all the WDW/ Samatha Brown showns so she is something of a little WDW travel expert.

We are so in under the wire this year! DD is 9 and DS will turn 3 two days after we get home. Next time we go to WDW we'll have to pay for DD as an adult and DS will be a child. Although we were wondering if kids are paying adult prices do they get to order adult meals if on the dining plan? Listen to me...We haven't even gone on this trip and I'm already thinking about the next one!

 

[crzyred]

Well I'm 24 and I order off the kids menu! I know I'm not supposed to. The waiters just kinda laugh, but I really don't eat a lot, so I can't justify ordering a full adult meal and leaving more than half of it. I know there are a few places that stated I would probably have to pay a little more than the regular kids price, which is fine with me. But with your child it shouldn't be an issue at all ordering off the kids menu.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello Snowbirds! Happy Sunday! Wow it was cold going to Church this morning. And it's still freezing out there!

Thanks for all the kind words about the new computer. I'm glad to hear that everyone has had such good luck with their Toshiba laptops!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So, I'm a little behind - what's the story about your new camera? Have you gotten it yet? Are you getting it? What are you getting?

I love gadgets - especially ones that I don't have to figure out.

DH got me a pink Sony Cyber Shot camera and gave it to me at the beginning of November so I could have it all figured out and ready to take lots of pictures of the kids getting their big surprise on Christmas morning!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Planet Hollywood

Dinner


Appetizers

Potato Skins - crispy skins with bacon, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, served with sour cream $8.95

Bruschetta - diced Roma tomatoes blended in basil-infused olive oil accompanied by tomato aioli and toasted garlic bread $8.45

Texas Tostadas - five crispy mini tortillas topped with barbeque chicken, sauteed onions, Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo $8.45

World Famous Chicken Crunch - tender strips of chicken breast with a crunchy sweet coating and served with Creole mustard $8.45

Parmesan Spinach Dip - creamy parmesan cheese dip with spinach and mushrooms served with crisp tortilla chips and pico de gallo $7.95

Buffalo Tenders and Wings - golden fried chicken tenders, wings or a combination of both, in a spicy wing sauce. Served with celery, carrot sticks and blue cheese dressing $8.95

Blackened Shrimp - marinated jumbo shrimp, blackened and served with Creole mustard sauce $10.95

Sliders - Mini-sized cheeseburgers topped with Russian dressing a pickle. Served with waffle fries $8.95

VIP Platter - Our Famous Chicken Crunch, Buffalo Wings, Texas Tostadas and Spinach Dip $18.95

Salads

Caesar - Grilled chicken, crisp romaine, Planet Hollywood's own traditional Caesar dressing and aged Parmesan cheese - $12.95; with shrimp $13.95

Cobb Salad - chiffonade of romaine lettuce with tomatoes, Gruyere cheese, smoked turkey breast, hickory smoked bacon, fresh avocado and chopped eggs tossed with a tangy Russian dressing $12.45

Asian Chicken Salad - a refreshing blend of mixed greens with sliced grilled chicken and Asian ginger mustard dressing $13.45

Southwestern Salad – Grilled lime-marinated chicken, black beans, fontina cheese, diced tomatoes, tortilla strips and mixed greens tossed in a lime cilantro and peanut vinaigrette $12.95

Chicken and Ranch Wedge Salad – California romaine hearts with grilled chicken, basil infused plum tomatoes, smoked bacon, bleu cheese and creamy ranch dressing $13.45

Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese - Vine-ripened tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar on mixed greens $11.95

Sandwiches & Burgers

Philly Steak and Cheese Sandwich - Shaved beef, sauteed onions and peppers with Swiss Cheese. Served on a Steak Roll with French fries $13.95

Grilled Tuscan Chicken - grilled marinated chicken breast topped with Italian prosciutto ham, provolone cheese, tomatoes on a French roll, served with French fries $11.95

Turkey Club - smoked turkey breast, hickory-smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on sourdough bread with French fries $11.95

BBQ Pulled Pork - Tender smoked pork in our tangy sweet barbeque sauce. Served on a Homestyle bun with Cole Slaw $12.75

Roast Beef Club - thinly sliced roast beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and horseradish sauce on sourdough bread served with a side of french fries $12.95

Classic Cheeseburger - chargrilled 1/2 lb. USDA choice beef, homestyle bun and choice of cheese with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle $10.95

BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger - our classic burger finished with hickory smoked bacon, tangy sweet barbecue sauce and sharp cheddar cheese $11.95

Mushroom Onion and Swiss Burger - sauteed fresh mushrooms and onion layered on top of our classic burger complete with imported Swiss cheese $11.95

Turkey Burger - Chargrilled and finished with hickory smoked bacon, tangy sweet maple barbeque sauce and sharp cheddar cheese $10.95

Pasta

L.A. Lasagna - A California twist to a classic lasagna! Fresh pasta tubes filled with ricotta cheese and bolognese meat sauce fried to a golden brown and covered with garlic cream sauce and tomato basil sauce $16.95

Homemade Manicotti - Pasta shells filled with chicken, spinach and ricotta on a bed of tomato and garlic cream sauces, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses $14.95

Garlic Shrimp - Shrimp stir-fried with garlic, ginger, onions, red pepper and sugar snap peas tossed in a spicy chilli garlic sauce with chukka soba noodles $18.95

Spaghetti Pomodoro - fresh basil, tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, basil and aged parmesan cheese blended with spaghetti $12.95

Shrimp Alfredo - Jumbo shrimp sauteed with garlic, fresh cream, parmesan, tomatoes and basil served on a bed of spaghetti $18.95; with chicken $15.95

Penne, Chicken and Broccoli - grilled chicken, fresh broccoli and penne pasta blended with roasted garlic basil cream sauce (available without chicken for vegetarian guests) $15.95

Grille Specialties

New York Strip - USDA choice center cut 12 oz. strip steak, char-grilled to order, with baked potato and seasonal vegetables $22.95

Ribeye Steak - USDA choice 14 oz. center cut ribeye chargrilled to order, served with french fries and seasonal vegetables $22.95

Roasted Half Chicken - roasted with Planet Hollywood spices and served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables $16.95

BBQ Ribs - a full rack of tender hickory-smoked St. Louis style ribs smothered with our tangy sweet barbecue sauce, with french fries and cole slaw $22.95

Sizzling Fajitas - your choice of marinated chargrilled chicken or beef served with sizzling onions, red and green peppers, cheddar and jack cheese and flour tortillas and Mexican fiesta rice $16.95

Blackened Mahi Mahi - lightly blackened 8 oz. filet of Mahi on a bed of jasmine rice and topped with seasonal vegetables and topped with a fresh tropical fruit and cilantro salsa $18.95

Desserts

Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie $6.95
White Chocolate Bread Pudding $6.95
Strawberry Shortcake $6.95
Bananas Foster Cheesecake $7.95
Ice Cream $4.95
Banana Split Creme Brulee $7.95
Strawberry Cheesecake $6.95
Chocolate Cake $6.95
Dessert Sampler $9.95


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kids Menu

Chicken Tenders – Tender strips of chicken breast served with a side of French fries $7.95

Spaghetti & Meatballs – Roma tomato sauce blended with spaghetti and topped with scrumptious meatballs $7.95

Cheese Pizza – Traditional tomato sauce topped with lots of mozzarella cheese $7.95

Turkey & Cheese Sandwich – Sliced turkey and American cheese layered on sourdough bread and served with a side of french fries $7.95

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

That's great! Congrats!

Just in time, too - I've made one more change to my dining reservations. Don't hit me, please! I've decided to get the annual pass and the Tables in Wonderland. Since the discount doesn't work with the Fantasmic! package (which I booked since I was worried about getting seating for Fantasmic with only 2 shows a week), I decided to forego the package and take our chances at seating. I booked Brown Derby for lunch instead. I feel a little better about it since I had a choice of times; maybe Fantasmic! won't be all that busy.

So the change: Monday, 1/6: Brown Derby, 1:05.

Well I couldn't find a "hitting smilie". So how about this one --> I'm throwing something at you instead!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So the change: Monday, 1/6: Brown Derby, 1:05.

Is this supposed to be for the 5th or the 6th? I know it says the 6th, but you had LeCellier for the 6th and Brown Derby for the 5th. And the 6th is Tuesday. . . Just want to make sure I got it all right!

 

[jenjolt]

I made changes to my ADRs a while ago but I'm not posting them due to the fact, I actually think Shelly might take me out LOL!!!

I'm still so excited about all the Christmas surprises!!

I loved looking at Soleil's Magical Mail...my mail didn't quite look like that so I'm wondering if I might not get another surprise mail LOL!! One can only hope.

Well I have decided to take tomorrow off and see if we can't get an electrician to the house. I have no power to my living room or dining room, so I'm going to beg someone to come visit and take care of it. I also go back to the doctor, I'll let you know what he says. Either way I'm going to enjoy the day off and try to relax a bit.

Church was great today and we head back in a couple of hours. We have play practice, I can't believe that it is only a week away...I'm starting to get nervous.

Well I hope you are all having a great Sunday!!! Enjoy your day!

 

[Dancegrl624]

It is FREEZING here today! I think that today's high was supposed to be 25! I watched the Samantha Brown special last night that I had tivoed. I was almost in tears! The parks looked so beautiful, but I was more emotional about the fact that we will be there in 48 days! I just can't wait to surprise my DD. I think I might cry when we tell her!

 

[Fantasmiss]

Hi everyone!

I'm going Jan 7th-21st!!! Wheeeeeeee Wow, there are soooo many DISers going in January...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I made changes to my ADRs a while ago but I'm not posting them due to the fact, I actually think Shelly might take me out LOL!!!

Jen - I'll be glad to change your ADR's!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi everyone!

I'm going Jan 7th-21st!!! Wheeeeeeee Wow, there are soooo many DISers going in January...

to the Snowbirds!