Julezdisney's Sept. PTR: Free Dining and my Birthday!

[julezdisney]

We're going to FREE DINING!!!!!!!!!!

Woooooo-Hoooooo!!!!!

And it's my birthday!!!!!!

Woooooo-Hoooooo!!!!!

SO.... let's get the beginning stuff out of the way.

Who: Me- Julia!! 31...turning 32 on Day 2 of our trip!
DH- Jim 29... not 30 until December.

We originally had a super-secret birthday trip planned to surprise him in December, but then DH needed a new work truck so the monthly car payment + insurance negated this. I was so depressed thinking my next trip wasn't until Apr. 2010 w/the Mickey Marcettes for Gnomefest (more on that later).

DD- Rachael 6 @ time of trip (5 now)
DS- Ebin 7-3/4 @ time of trip (7 now)

When: Sept. 23rd we check IN.... Sept. 27th we check OUT.... this might change in the future to 1 day earlier or later.

Where: Epcot & Magic Kingdom

Why: Because DH decided he NEEDED a 1971 Honda 750 "project-bike". I threw a fit and said DD and I would be going to the World then for my birthday in September. He was VERY dismayed at the thought of us going without him and Ebin so...... there we go!!

What: Free dining promotion. My first ever. Pop Century. My first ever time
on property. Epcot. Our first time ever. (not DH's). MNSSHP! (our 2nd!!!)

For more back history on us you can find click HERE and HERE to read our bios from my PTR for last October 2008. For the actual start of the TR for last year you can CLICK HERE!

Now... the Mickey Marcettes. Sometime late last year a group of 10 or so of us who are addicted to trip reports decided we should all go together! We love our friend LL's hubby Marc so we deemed ourselves the Mickey Marcettes. We're going during Flower & Garden @ Epcot so somehow gardens and flowers mean GNOMES! to us. So of course Paula decided we needed our own Gnome. Nobby is of the travelocity family and he travels with us on various vacations until we are all united in Apr 2010.

I don't know if Nobby's going with me or not in Sept. I think I will just miss some girls although I think a few of us will be able to meet up on the 26th. So there willbe a DISmeet to highlight during this trip, I THINK!

So.... who's on first? First Gnomie to post get's a prize!!

All other readers- Welcome along and I look forward to getting to know you through
my planning and pressing questions- for I have many.

*****QUICK LINKS*****
Pop Century Questions
My Dining Punch Card and Dining Ramblings....
Changes ALREADY??!! Teaser....
Sooner rather than later?!
Plans! Plans! I need a date!!!
I got DATES! I GOT DATES! Wait... July?
A little reading material.....
AIRFARE! I GOT AIRFARE!
PTR OVER!

 

[kschafer]

I'm here I'm here

What do I win? Told you I would be a stalker!

 

[julezdisney]

Bwahahahahaha!!! You did it! I knew it!!

 

[kschafer]

OK, now I actually read your first post

I'm not sure if my DH bought himself a toy that I would let him come on my trip. That's part of the reason why Greg isn't coming to gnomefest, he got a guitar...I get to go without him! I guess you are a nicer wife than me

 

[julezdisney]

OK, now I actually read your first post

I'm not sure if my DH bought himself a toy that I would let him come on my trip. That's part of the reason why Greg isn't coming to gnomefest, he got a guitar...I get to go without him! I guess you are a nicer wife than me

Oh.... I couldn't say no to him while he was looking so hopefull!!

PS- PM me your address so I can send your prize!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm here, I'm here!

I am so excited that you are going to partake in Free Dining AND stay at Pop.

 

[julezdisney]

Questions questions questions…..

I have a TON of questions for planning this trip. To help me with this endeavor, I have invested in the 2009 Passporter. Last year, I checked out the 2007/08 Passporter from the library and did so repeatedly, basically keeping it all summer. I also checked out the 2008 Birnbaum’s guide and stole the golf coupon out of the back! I figured no one had taken it over 9 mos, might as well not let it go to waste!!! In the end, my DH decided we needn’t go there. I wish we had!! Instead of doing that after our breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, we headed back to the hotel for a swim. WELL – that only proved to tire out our little ones and they fell asleep on the way to MNSSHP and ripped off their costumes as soon as they could!

So Pop Century questions…. Feel free to tell me the answers to these and I’ll fill ‘em in as I find them out. And I guess these are on-property in general questions, as I have never stayed on property!

#1- If we fly (and as of right now-we’re driving) and we EACH do a carry-on + “personal” bag, do we just carry that to Magical Express counter and they are loaded underneath? Or do we have overhead storage in the M.E. busses as well?

#2- If we arrive early in the day- before official “check in” they will hold our bags for us right? Can we swim in the pool upon arrival or only after “check-in”??

#3- Is there a coffee maker in the room or do we have to go downstairs?

#4- Is the refillable mug good for coffee? Because as far as soft drinks- I’m a water kind of gal so it would be useless for me. And as far as the kids- we’ll probably do apple juice boxes to go so I’m def. not investing in such for them.

#5- Is there a Pop Century bus issue? It seems like there was one when I think on trip reports I’ve read or listened to on podcasts. Or is that another value resort?

#6- Is the gift shop good? Or is it the same stuff all over the park?

#7- Which rooms in bldng 5 have the view of the WDW sign? I wanna stay THERE!!! Is bldng five “preferred?”

#8- Is there an ice machine? I’ll probably want one for a cooler to hold juice/water/desserts. I don’t want to bring one if there’s no ice machine. Maybe I’ll just bring my parent’s outlet powered cooler and buy a converter to plug into the wall….. is that even allowed?

Hmmm…. I think that’s all for now. Anyone know any of these answers?

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWERS- THANKS CHRISTINE!!http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31207877&postcount=9http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31207877&postcount=9

 

[julezdisney]

I'm here, I'm here!

I am so excited that you are going to partake in Free Dining AND stay at Pop.

LL! So happy to have you on board! And thanks for being so excited for me!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! So excited for you! And even more excited for me b/c we overlap on a few days. I hope that we'll be able to meet up. But no pressure...

Now to your questions:

Questions questions questions…..


So Pop Century questions…. Feel free to tell me the answers to these and I’ll fill ‘em in as I find them out. And I guess these are on-property in general questions, as I have never stayed on property!

#1- If we fly (and as of right now-we’re driving) and we EACH do a carry-on + “personal” bag, do we just carry that to Magical Express counter and they are loaded underneath? Or do we have overhead storage in the M.E. busses as well?

Yes- you'd carry your carry-on items on down to the Magical Express desk and then you could either have them loaded underneath or just take them on the bus with you depending on the size. There is limited overhead storage in the bus but no as much as on a plane. Backpacks and purses should be fine to take on the bus. Larger stuff I might put down below.

#2- If we arrive early in the day- before official “check in” they will hold our bags for us right? Can we swim in the pool upon arrival or only after “check-in”??

Yep they will hold your carry on items and your checked luggage won't arrive until much later (if flying). So if flying remember to pack bathing suits and other important stuff in your carry-on!

#3- Is there a coffee maker in the room or do we have to go downstairs?

I'm not positive but I do not think there is a coffee maker. I know there are threads on the resort boards for fridge swaps - some of which also come w/ a coffee maker so you might consider checking that out.

#4- Is the refillable mug good for coffee? Because as far as soft drinks- I’m a water kind of gal so it would be useless for me. And as far as the kids- we’ll probably do apple juice boxes to go so I’m def. not investing in such for them.

Yes. And for Coke slushies.

#5- Is there a Pop Century bus issue? It seems like there was one when I think on trip reports I’ve read or listened to on podcasts. Or is that another value resort?

I'm not sure I'd term it an "issue." The buses just tend to be really crowded. At least that was my experience.

#6- Is the gift shop good? Or is it the same stuff all over the park?

I thought it was really good and there was some unusual stuff I didn't see elsewhere.

#7- Which rooms in bldng 5 have the view of the WDW sign? I wanna stay THERE!!! Is bldng five “preferred?”

This I don't know.

#8- Is there an ice machine? I’ll probably want one for a cooler to hold juice/water/desserts. I don’t want to bring one if there’s no ice machine. Maybe I’ll just bring my parent’s outlet powered cooler and buy a converter to plug into the wall….. is that even allowed?

yes to ice machine and I would think that the outlet powered cooler would be allowed. As I said above, think about checking out the fridge swap on the resort boards. From what I hear they work out really well and depending on how long the swap has been going it may be entirely free for you!


So excited for you!!

Oh, BIG question. Where are you going to dinner on your birthday?

Oh and don't forget that you have to register online for your free birthday ticket or whatever you choose IN ADVANCE!

 

[MEK]

julez-

Congrats on your free dining trip! My DH and I will be at POP from 9/20 - 9/24 for a quick trip to partake in free dining. We can only stay 4 nights because we are leaving the kids at home, alone. They are teenagers now (will be in 9th and 11th grade). I don't feel comfortable leaving them any longer than that and I will not leave them alone on a weekend. I figure they can't get into too much trouble during the school week when they have soccer every night!

I really wanted to go a few days later, but it is not to be. Anyway, perhaps our paths will cross on your first day. My DH reminded me that it will be our 20th anniversay (in October), so I think we'll go for the anniversary buttons. Close enough to 20!

So, I am looking forward to following along with your preTR!

 

[MEK]

I'm not sure which building is 5, but I have stayed at POP twice (actually 3 times if you count a one nighter). I like to request the 50's or the 70's buildings overlooking the lake. 50's is my fav because of the lovely view of Spaceship earth from the upper floors.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Julez started a PTR! Julez started a PTR!

Do you know how exciting it was for me to click the subscribe button on this!?!?! I am so thrilled for you!

Looks like Christine had most of the Pop Century answers that I know.

If you want any of the coupons out of this year's Birnbaum's let me know -- we never use them and would love to pass them along to you if you want them.

 

[ILuvCrush]

OK I'm here!! present and accounted for!!

POP is cool...food court is yummy and gift shop well stocked no worries!

Don't know nothing about building #5... but the computer pool is the 'warmest' according to my kiddos....I don't swimm, so I don't care how warm/cold the water is LOL!!

We had no problems with the busses at POP...asside from they are busy and full...but we always got where we needed to go!

paula

 

[julezdisney]

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! So excited for you! And even more excited for me b/c we overlap on a few days. I hope that we'll be able to meet up. But no pressure...

Now to your questions:

Yes- you'd carry your carry-on items on down to the Magical Express desk and then you could either have them loaded underneath or just take them on the bus with you depending on the size. There is limited overhead storage in the bus but no as much as on a plane. Backpacks and purses should be fine to take on the bus. Larger stuff I might put down below.

Yep they will hold your carry on items and your checked luggage won't arrive until much later (if flying). So if flying remember to pack bathing suits and other important stuff in your carry-on!

I'm not positive but I do not think there is a coffee maker. I know there are threads on the resort boards for fridge swaps - some of which also come w/ a coffee maker so you might consider checking that out.

Yes. And for Coke slushies.

I'm not sure I'd term it an "issue." The buses just tend to be really crowded. At least that was my experience.

I thought it was really good and there was some unusual stuff I didn't see elsewhere.

This I don't know.

yes to ice machine and I would think that the outlet powered cooler would be allowed. As I said above, think about checking out the fridge swap on the resort boards. From what I hear they work out really well and depending on how long the swap has been going it may be entirely free for you!

So excited for you!!

Oh, BIG question. Where are you going to dinner on your birthday?

Oh and don't forget that you have to register online for your free birthday ticket or whatever you choose IN ADVANCE!

Christine you are the QUEEN! Thank you!!

And my birthday dinner.... hmmm......very excellent question indeed.....

julez-

Congrats on your free dining trip! My DH and I will be at POP from 9/20 - 9/24 for a quick trip to partake in free dining. We can only stay 4 nights because we are leaving the kids at home, alone. They are teenagers now (will be in 9th and 11th grade). I don't feel comfortable leaving them any longer than that and I will not leave them alone on a weekend. I figure they can't get into too much trouble during the school week when they have soccer every night!

I really wanted to go a few days later, but it is not to be. Anyway, perhaps our paths will cross on your first day. My DH reminded me that it will be our 20th anniversay (in October), so I think we'll go for the anniversary buttons. Close enough to 20!

So, I am looking forward to following along with your preTR!

AWESOME, MEK! We will def. have so try to score a meetup! How could we not when we are staying at the same resort?!

I'm not sure which building is 5, but I have stayed at POP twice (actually 3 times if you count a one nighter). I like to request the 50's or the 70's buildings overlooking the lake. 50's is my fav because of the lovely view of Spaceship earth from the upper floors.

Excellent tip! Thank you!

Julez started a PTR! Julez started a PTR!

Do you know how exciting it was for me to click the subscribe button on this!?!?! I am so thrilled for you!

Looks like Christine had most of the Pop Century answers that I know.

If you want any of the coupons out of this year's Birnbaum's let me know -- we never use them and would love to pass them along to you if you want them.

Thank you! I love that my Gnomies are sharing in my happiness!!!

OK I'm here!! present and accounted for!!

POP is cool...food court is yummy and gift shop well stocked no worries!

Don't know nothing about building #5... but the computer pool is the 'warmest' according to my kiddos....I don't swimm, so I don't care how warm/cold the water is LOL!!

We had no problems with the busses at POP...asside from they are busy and full...but we always got where we needed to go!

paula

Hi Paula! Computer pool is "warmest"... good to know! And if I don't get rid of these extra 25 lbs this summer I will not be swimming either!


Thanks everyone for the bus comments, I was worried about this one. But I can handle crowded much better than non-existant!

So up next....... DINING PLAN QUESTIONS and a rough
itinerary!!!
___________
Julia

 

[Lady Lallie]

Julez...let me chime in on Pop.

There was not a coffee maker in the room, I am almost 100% sure on that because when Marc & I switched over to the WL he was tickled pink that WL did have a coffee pot in the room.

We never had any problems with the buses at Pop. Yes, they got crowded and sometimes we had to stand but they were reliable and pretty quick. The only time we had to stay in line and didn't make the first bus that pulled up was at DHS on an EMH's night, luckily a bus pulled right up before the first one pulled out.

We arrived around 11ish I think, and our room was even ready for us but if it hadn't been they would have checked our luggage for us until it was.

The Pop Food Court has a lot of variety and you must have a slushie coke! So very yummy. It does get loud & crowded at peak times. Marc & I would split up, one of us would get the food and pay, the other would stake out a table, it worked well for us.

I thought the gift shop had a lot of stuff, I was actually impressed with it. Now as far as content, it generally had the same stuff as the parks and Downtown Disney.

 

[kschafer]

Boy everyone sure is full of it aren't they......






















Answers to your questions of course! I think I want to stay at Pop for the coke slushies alone, there isn't a lot that I like more than those (at least among items not containing chocolate)

 

[MEK]

Hey fellow POPPER:

Looking forward to your itinerary and dining plans. I've been trying to work on my dining plans, too. I almost want to do deluxe dining, but since I am only there for 4 nights, I don't want to spend too much time in restaurants. Not that there's anything wrong with that!(Cause I love to eat) I just don't want to be tied down too much.

Really wish I could be there for Paula's arrival so we could all get together, but we will definately need to meet up on your arrival day!

I don't have much time now, but when I can sit down uninterrupted for a few minutes, I'll post some POP pics!

 

[julezdisney]

Thanks for the input, LL!

And MEK, I would LOOOVE some Pop pix- thank you!! Yes, we are DEFINITELY meeting up, that would be super awesome to have a DISmeet my very first day!

 

[MEK]

The views are from the 70's building. I payed for a non perferred room, but I'm pretty sure that was a preferred room cause it was so close to everything! sorry, I don't have any 50's view pics!

 

[julezdisney]

Wooo hoooo! Amy from DISigns made this for me:

I am SOOOO excited for this silly little punch card but mostly because I never thought we would be dining and if it wasn't for the free dining promotion, I'm not sure we would! But when I think about how last year, Sci-Fi and 1900 Park Fare both averaged in the neighborhood of $90...... and Backlot Express was near $30... I'm so thankful and thrilled. We'll be eating better... we won't be going hungry.... and another colorful printout to play with.

SO.. dining... So far I've been thinking def. using TS at character dining for O'hana for breakfast on morning of MNSSHP and Akershus ( I admit I don't know how to spell this ) for an Epcot late breakfast. I don't think we'll be using any credits on arrival day, as I was struck with an amazing idea that will not be revealed until a later date about our scheduled departure day, Sept. 27th.

Other dining options include Cosmic Ray's at MK for a quick lunch and followed by TS dinner latest possible at LTT IF they brought back the Character Dining. Anyone know this yet? I know there was buzz about it coming back so I'm eager to find out if it's true.

That would leave us with one more TS and I'm honestly unsure where that will be. I WANT to do San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavillion because last year when we were going to be in DisneyLAND originally we were had dessert ressies at The Blue Bayou inside POTC and this is a similar concept....

I have a question for anyone willing to answer: The appetizers are NO LONGER incl. in DDP and NEITHER is tip/gratiuties, right? Trying to figure out a budget for tips....

OK, lurkers- come out of hiding!!!