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

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

I have a quick question about crocs. I'm thinking about buying the Athens flip flop for my trip. I printed out the sizing chart and according to that, I would wear a women's size 11! I wear a size 7 or 71/2 so I'm a bit confused. If anyone could help me out with crocs sizing, I would really appreciate it! FYI - on the website, the Minnie Janes for girls are half off (they're now $14.99)! I'm buying them for my DD!

I just bought my first ever pair of crocs (the athens), and I checked the size on mine and it says M6 W8, and I usually wear an 8. They fit perfectly. I'm hoping to wear them for the trip. They seem pretty comfy, the only thing I worry about is my toes slide a little around the little in-between-the-toe thingy (is there a name for that??). I hope it doesn't rub a blister. I guess I could body glide it...I wonder if that would work!

 

[jenjolt]

Congrats on all the Magical Mail and on paying off trips...I know it is such a relief!!! I ordered a pair of crocs and I'm going to start wearing them so I can break them in...I did see the Nanooks and now I'm thinking i might want a pair of those.

Well Christmas shopping is done and I even got a few tops for me LOL!!!! Hope you are all having a great evening!

 

[sarbah77]

Congrats Sarah!!!

THANKS!

Remember when I said we weren't getting the snowstorm that we thought we would?
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It's here.

It's snowing like crazy and my outdoor thermometer is rebelling and won't tell me the temperature. I think it got too cold too fast and isn't functioning properly!

We had rain all day. Rain rain rain. But the other option was freezing rain. I'll take regular old rain ANYDAY over freezing rain. I'll take snow over freezing rain! (I'll take freezing rain over black ice!)

I did it on the freezer shelf once. Tried to lick the ice off (it was not frost-free). Left a bit of tongue in the freezer.

Yeah, I left part of my tongue on that pole. It's amazing what first graders think is a good idea. We all thought poles tasted funny. My mom remembers laughing and laughing when they called her to tell her what had happened.

Metallic Rose (aka Pink). That is our gift to her. Santa is bringing everything else. Every year, her big gift has been from Santa. It's about time that we get it for her! We also got her a Littlest Pet Shop game and Carnival Games.

I must say, I enjoy the HECK out of Carnival Games. (So I'm almost 32, so what? )

+++

I think I have a sinus infection, since I now have a sinus headache that won't budge. <--that's me. But tomorrow's our department's holiday party and, apparently (I've only been in this department since Feb 1), the faculty hand out a faculty gift to each staff member. I'll be there!! Ha.

 

[trixiequilts]

We had rain all day. Rain rain rain. But the other option was freezing rain. I'll take regular old rain ANYDAY over freezing rain. I'll take snow over freezing rain! (I'll take freezing rain over black ice!)

Ah...beautiful Michigan.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Does the ME stuff come seperate?

Not sure if your question was answered or not Trixie.... YES, the ME stuff does come seperately, cause that is all I got! Yellow luggage tags and ME vouchers and the little booklet thingy. Still very exciting! so much so in fact that I might need to take pictures of them tomorrow when the girls are at school! YEE HAW!

 

[jenjolt]

Not sure if your question was answered or not Trixie.... YES, the ME stuff does come seperately, cause that is all I got! Yellow luggage tags and ME vouchers and the little booklet thingy. Still very exciting! so much so in fact that I might need to take pictures of them tomorrow when the girls are at school! YEE HAW!

YAY Kim on getting ME mail!!!! Hopefully you had a great day!! We all have been pretty busy these days it would seem!!

Sarah...I hope you headache goes away...sinus infection/headaches NO FUN at all!! Get well soon!

 

[crzyred]

Morning. Happy Wednesday. It's cold.

Hope all is well. Have a good day.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Hey Everyone! I was out of the loop for a while....but i'm back!
Trixie - Are you still granting eye candy wishes?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning Snowbirds!

It's a cold yucky rainy morning here in PA. I just have to think warm happy thoughts of where I'll be in just 6 weeks from now!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The latest news under rehabs and closings on All Ears ~

"January 2009

Magic Kingdom

Liberty Tree Tavern - Beginning January 5, 2009, the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Tree Tavern will no longer offer character dining. The last character dinner at the Tavern will be on January 4, 2009.

The Hall of Presidents will be closed for rehab through July 1, 2009.

The Frontierland Fry Cart will be closed September 22, 2008 to January 11, 2009. The cart will be rebuilt into a larger building with seating next to it, with an expanded menu. When it reopens the spot will serve not only McDonald's fries and soda, but also wraps and chicken nuggets. While the Frontierland location is closed, McDonald's fries are still available at the Village Fry Shoppe in Fantasyland.

Splash Mountain will be closed for rehab January 4 - 17, 2009.

Dream Along with Mickey will not be performed January 6 - 20.

Dumbo will be closed for rehab January 7.

Mickey's PhilharMagic will be closed for rehab January 18 - February 6.

Pecos Bills will be closed for rehab January 11 - February 13.

Heritage House shop in Liberty Square will be closed January 4 - 19.

Epcot

Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot's Future World will be closed for refurbishment January 5 - March 22, 2009.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Studio Backlot Tour will be closed for refurbishment January 4 – February 28, 2009.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid will be closed January 27-29, 2009.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon will close for refurbishment October 26, 2008 through March 21, 2009.

Surfing School Changes at Typhoon Lagoon: Surfing classes and private surfing events at Typhoon Lagoon are not available until sometime in 2009. Maintenance needs to be performed on the wave mechanisms during the regularly scheduled winter rehab. The wave pool will continue to operate for guests. It's only the surfing waves that will be offline til 2009.

Animal Kingdom Villas and Lodge

Phase I contruction is now completed. This was the renovation of existing rooms in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, called the Jambo House. Outside construction of the new animal barn is also complete. Disney Vacation Club has announced that the Kidani Village will open on May 1, 2009. Members who call Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas "home" may make reservations starting August 10, 2008.

As the development of Kidani Village continues at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, crews are preparing to complete the new savanna and acclimate the animals to their new habitat. To accommodate this important process, animals are not scheduled to be on Sunset Savanna from January 15-April 15, 2009.

Beach Club Resort

Stormalong Bay will be refurbished from January 5 - April 15, 2009. Sections of the feature pool will be closed. You may continue to use the three leisure pools located throughout the resort. Additionally, the feature pool at Disney's BoardWalk Resort will be available for Yacht and Beach Club guests.

Caribbean Beach Resort

As reported in the Orlando Sentinel, the Pirates of the Caribbean are going to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The new pirate-themed rooms will cost $25 more per night and will be available with both standard and water views. These pirate rooms will be in the Trinidad South section of the resort and are available to book for reservations beginning January 2009. For an artist rendering of the rooms: http://allears.net/acc/cbrartist.jpg

Rooms in the Martinique section of the Caribbean Beach Resort are being themed to the film "Finding Nemo." Buildings 24 and 25 and have been completed; others are in the works. For photos, visit the Caribbean Beach Resort Photo Gallery.


Contemporary Resort

Construction Update: Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort continues towards a Fall 2009 opening date. The Wave restaurant is now open on the first floor. The Outer Rim lounge will close and become a storage area. Tempo Grab and Go and Chef Mickeys will remain open during this time. The Tennis Courts and Playground at the Contemporary, which are currently closed, are scheduled to reopen on August 31, 2009. The new quick service location, Contempo Cafe, and the new entrance to Chef Mickey's should be completed by January 21, 2009.

Concourse Spirits & Sundries will be closed for refurbishment January 5 - April 25, 2009. Sundries will be relocated to either Fantasia or BayView Gifts.


Grand Floridian Resort

The Beach Pool (feature pool) at the Grand Floridian Resort will be closed for refurbishment January 5 – January 23, 2009. The Courtyard Pool (quiet pool) and kiddie pool will be available. Grand Floridian guests can also use the Nanea Volcano Pool and Pool Slide at the Polynesian Resort during this time.

Old Key West

Old Key West Village Pools Slide will be closed from January 5-23, 2009. The pool will remain open.

Polynesian

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner show will be closed January 13-19, 2009.

Yacht Club Resort

Stormalong Bay will be refurbished from January 5 – April 15, 2009. Sections of the feature pool will be closed. You may continue to use the three leisure pools located throughout the resort. Additionally, the feature pool at Disney's BoardWalk Resort will be available for Yacht and Beach Club guests. "

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

I agree, Shelly! Awful morning here in PA. I keep thinking sunny thoughts.

DS keeps asking when he is allowed to wear shorts and I tell him "in just a few weeks when we are in Disney!" Hopefully the weather will cooperate a little while we are down there.

Pulling out the suitcases today!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Portobello Yacht Club

Dinner

APPETIZERS

Sambuca Shrimp - wood oven baked shrimp, thin sliced red bliss potatoes, garlic and olive oil, flamed tableside with Sambuca $13.95

Fried Calamari - milk-marinated tender rings of crispy fried calamari with traditional homemade marinara sauce $10.95

Portobello Mushroom - wood roasted portobello mushroom with gorgonzola cheese, warm creamy soft polenta and rosemary wine sauce $9.95

Suppli Alla Telefono - crispy risotto croquettes stuffed with fresh mozzarella cheese served with marinara sauce $9.95

Brick Oven Tuscan Cheese - melted mozzarella and provolone cheese, garlic chips and grilled crostini $8.95


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PIZZA

Mercato Pizza - market fresh offerings change weekly $12.95

Margherita Pizza - Plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil $8.95; with lowfat cheese add $.95

Four Cheese Pizza - White pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmigiano and fontina cheeses topped with sun-dried tomatoes $9.95


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SOUP AND SALAD

Rustica - our signature salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, capers, calamata olives, provolone cheese and salami tossed with a red wine vinaigrette $7.95

Classic Caesar - Romaine lettuce with homemade traditional Caesar dressing, garlic croutons and parmigiano cheese $6.95

Insalata Portobello - locally grown organic baby greens, roasted plum tomatoes, marinated bell peppers and balsamic dressing $5.95

Minestrone alla Genovese - a traditional specialty. Seasonal vegetables in a hearty vegetable broth garnished with shaved parmesan cheese and pesto $4.95


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ENTREES
Weekly Feature - such as Bucatini all'Amatriciana - ripe tomatoes with guanciale, garlic, chile flake and olive oil $23.95

Filet Portobello - grilled center cut of Angus beef, topped with gorgonzola cheese, caramelized red onions, served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and tomato oreganata $39.95

New York Strip Steak - grilled Angus beef, with wood oven roasted wild mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil and chopped rosemary $37.95

Grilled Pork Tenderloin - pork tenderloin over creamy polenta, with a Marsala sauce and Tuscan vegetables $27.95

Grilled Salmon with garlic spinach, grilled lemon and extra virgin olive oil $31.95

Wood-Roasted Trout - Artichokes, roasted potatoes, kalamata olives, capers in a lemon butter sauce $28.95

Grilled Chicken - tender herb marinated with caramelized shallots and roasted potatoes $22.95


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SIDES

Sauteed spinach with garlic $5.95
Seasonal Vegetables $4.95
Roasted garlic whipped potatoes $4.95


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PASTA

Spaghettini di Frutti di Mare -The House Specialty - Scallops, shrimp, clams and calamari tossed with spaghettini and a tomato basil sauce $33.95

Lobster and Shrimp Ravioli - Lobster-filled ravioli, sauteed jumbo shrimp and pine nuts with a sage brown butter sauce 33.95

Rigatoni Calabrese - Rigatoni pasta with Italian sausage, cremini mushrooms, plum tomatoes, black olives and escarole $19.95


Braised Duck Pappardalle - Slow-cooked duck and roasted tomatoes tossed with fresh pasta ribbons $26.95


Linguini alla vongole tossed with tender clams, garlic,white wine, lemon and butter 23.95
Farfalle with Chicken - Bowtie pasta with wood-roasted chicken, asparagus, snow peas in a parmesan cheese sauce $21.95



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DESSERTS

White Chocolate Custard - classic white chocolate custard caramelized with a crispy candy glaze $6.95

Chocolate Paradiso - rich chocolate layer cake with chocolate granache and toffee crunch $7.95

Tiramisu - Authentic Italian espresso and rum soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and dusted with fine cocoa powder $7.95

Authentic Italian Gelato - allow your server to describe today's selections $6.95

Cappucino Gelato - chocolate coffee ice cream with toffee crunch $5.95

Fresh Berries - Balsamic marinated strawberries with lemon sorbet $6.95

Sorbet - allow your server to describe today's selections $5.95
Affogato Espresso Float - cappuccino gelato with biscotti and a shot of espresso $8.95


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Kids Menu

Whole Wheat Cheese Pizza $6.95; add sausage or pepperoni $0.95; substitute low fat cheese $0.95

Spaghetti with meat sauce $5.95

Entrees
Entrees accompanied with your choice of apple sauce,
fresh fruit, seasonal vegetables or roasted potatoes
Filet Mignon $12.95
Fresh Fish $10.95
Grilled Chicken $8.95
Hot Dog $4.95
Hamburger with whole wheat bun $5.95

Desserts

Build Your Own Sundae $4.95
Vanilla ice cream, chocolate or strawberry syrup, sprinkles and whipped cream

Fresh Fruit $2.95

Sugarless Cookie $1.95

Beverages

Bibita Modo Tuo (your choice of frozen peach, coconut or strawberry beverage) $3.95


Frozen Lemonade $2.95; add Strawberry, Peach or Raspberry $0.49

Juice: Apple, orange, grape or cranberry $1.95

Milk: Whole Strawberry or low fat chocolate $1.95

IBC Root Beer $2.95

Soft Drink $1.95

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I agree, Shelly! Awful morning here in PA. I keep thinking sunny thoughts.

DS keeps asking when he is allowed to wear shorts and I tell him "in just a few weeks when we are in Disney!" Hopefully the weather will cooperate a little while we are down there.

Pulling out the suitcases today!!

I am packing a little bit here and there in secret. Normally 6 weeks out I would have suitcases spread across my bedroom and be 90% packed!

I can't wait for Christmas so the kids will finally know and we can talk about it everyday and I can get packed!!

 

[dklam]

It's 60 degrees here today. Very windy and a little rainy, but it feels like spring. It won't last - back down to the 30s by the weekend.

I had to take 1/2 of a sick day for an emergency trip to the dentist in a little while - I cracked one of my crowns while eating the other night and a huge piece of it broke off.

Of course, things like this always happen when finances are tight - with Christmas/Hannukkah and our trip coming up - there is not much extra $$ lying around - LOL! And, my H informs me that he has been having a problem with one of his teeth, which will probably require both a root canal and a crown. It never ends...........................

DISNEY - TAKE ME AWAY!!!!!!!

 

[sarbah77]

Ah...beautiful Michigan.

Of course, it turned to freezing rain overnight... and those of us in a township had untreated roads to drive on this morning! Apparently the highways were okay, so at least someone was maintaining SOMETHING!

Sarah...I hope you headache goes away...sinus infection/headaches NO FUN at all!! Get well soon!

Thank you!! i'm actually feeling a bit better today and everyone says I sound MUCH better (I can't hear myself that well!). I think the day off might have been exactly what I needed!

In one month, I'll be waking UP in POR. (woohoo!!!!!!!)

 

[Dancegrl624]

Good morning all! It's snowing here today, which is much better than the icky rain yesterday. At the bus stop, my DD and I were catching snowflakes on our gloves. They were so pretty! I've got a bit of a sinus headache today, so I'm taking it easy. Back to bed for a bit and then I have to do some .

I think I ordered them on Monday and had them on Saturday. It was really fast!

That's awesome! I'll probably order mine in early January then.

 

[jenjolt]

Well I know for sure I won't be packing until like a week out LOL!! Maybe the last day before we head back to school for awhile!!!

WOW that is a lot going on at Disney in January! BTW what exactly is the Heritage House in Liberty Square??? I'm not all that familar with the shops in the area...guess I'll go google it LOL!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Well I know for sure I won't be packing until like a week out LOL!! Maybe the last day before we head back to school for awhile!!!

WOW that is a lot going on at Disney in January! BTW what exactly is the Heritage House in Liberty Square??? I'm not all that familar with the shops in the area...guess I'll go google it LOL!!!

I'm with you on the packing Jen. I usually pack a day or two before we leave. Some may call that procrastinating, but it really isn't. The majority of the stuff that needs to be packed, I use on a daily basis! Even though it's now winter, I still wear a tank top every single day (under sweaters, etc). I also have nowhere to put suitcases to pack in hiding!

 

[snykymom]

Mine always has. . . All the documents come and then the ME stuff a week or 2 later.

I got my ME stuff first. But luckily, it all came!

I would be willing to pay that much for a once in a blue moon experience. I would just need a real foodie there to talk me through the experience. You up for the job? You explain, I pay.

We will have to wait for me to win the lottery, of course, but as soon as I do. It's my treat!

ME TOO! I'd have to have someone there to help me pronounce some of the things and explain a little of what it was so I don't end up eating like fried cockroaches hidden in some fancy name!!

Anyone want to do a Snowbirds meeting at Chef's Table?? Can't you just see it?

Hello Snowbirds.
I am excited to say we called Disney Dining tonight to change some ADR's. I was stressed because I realized we had too much going on and picked some park days wrong according to EMH. We stick with the avoid parks with EMH philosophy, the evening hours are fine, but I want my Winnie the Pooh breakfast on a day with no AM EMH!!!!

Well surprise surprise they had all our changes available. Got Crystal Palace 8:05 am, Tusker House breakfast 8:00 am. I am thinking the parks must be slow the week we are there, because I truly thought it wasn't going to happen.

We also added Whispering Canyon Cafe Breakfast, Spoodles!

I did ask about our following ressies... Restaurant marrakesh, Teppan Edo and Yak and Yeti if the dining plan had been confirmed. Still a No on all three.

Does anyone know how long before a ressie you can cancel without penalty? If we provide them 24 hrs notice is this good enough?

Once I finalize my dining I'll post the changes.

The ones you mentioned have no penalty for no-shows or for cancellation. While you don't have to cancel an ADR, it's only polite to do so for anyone who wants a walk in.

We only got our ME vouchers and tags the other day from UPS.
We booked a package- will anything else arrive or do we have to wait until check in?

It'll come (mine did). Everything came within 2 weeks of paying off the package. Be patient (difficult, I know!)

Good morning Snowbirds!

It's a cold yucky rainy morning here in PA. I just have to think warm happy thoughts of where I'll be in just 6 weeks from now!

I've got the 60 degree & raining weather too. So of course, I'm overdressed! I wish it would just make up its darned mind! It's making me !!

 

[coffeehousemom]

survived the snow day with no major meltdowns or time outs!! woo hoo!!! kids were very good & got along great. We watched movies & they played in the snow.

only issue I totally forgot that no one was at the shop so the sidewalks didn't get done. So I was out there attempting to shovel this am. hmm bad idea!! first its solid ice under the snow second my "guts" arent up to that kind of movement yet

good news the insurance company gave us the check to fix my car. Dh is now 2 for 2 on hitting deer w/ my new Subarus! Oh well it will only cost us $100.