Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[HeatherLassell]

The kids' first trip is the best! How exciting! Are you feeling overwhelmed? I remember feeling like a fish out of water when planning our first trip. I grew up going to Disneyland. My dad would take me weekly when I was in grade school. But planning for WDW was like planning an ntire vacation if that makes sense. I love the intimacy of Disneyland but the planning of WDW is much more fun as there are just so many more choices from food, parks, resorts, etc....

Overwhelmed mostly because of the 180 ADR thing. I'm like...ok so I have to figure out what park I want to go and what day...in MARCH....(when hours are released) so that I can make my ADRs in April! Ahhhhh

I think I am more excited than the kids (well my daughter is a close 2nd) because I know what to expect.

haha and trip #2 will be starting to be planned shortly after we get trip #1 completed! And trip #2 will be to Disneyland!

 

[rentayenta]

80 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

214 until ADRs!!! ​

294 days until WDW!!! ​

Overwhelmed mostly because of the 180 ADR thing. I'm like...ok so I have to figure out what park I want to go and what day...in MARCH....(when hours are released) so that I can make my ADRs in April! Ahhhhh

I think I am more excited than the kids (well my daughter is a close 2nd) because I know what to expect.

haha and trip #2 will be starting to be planned shortly after we get trip #1 completed! And trip #2 will be to Disneyland!

I agree. Making ADRs at 180 days is challenging. I made a ton of ADRs during our first trip and I think we only missed two. On our second trip I made 5 and we missed one. I think over our ten day trip I'm making 3 for sures: Saana, The Turf Club, and Rose and Crown. What ones are you thinking about.

Disneyland is one of my favorite spots on the planet (not that I've covered the planet )

Its so fun planning with the kids too. My middle loves Disney like I do so she'll pour through my Passporter and give her ideas. What are some must dos that you think their first trip should have?

 

[HeatherLassell]

I agree. Making ADRs at 180 days is challenging. I made a ton of ADRs during our first trip and I think we only missed two. On our second trip I made 5 and we missed one. I think over our ten day trip I'm making 3 for sures: Saana, The Turf Club, and Rose and Crown. What ones are you thinking about.

Disneyland is one of my favorite spots on the planet (not that I've covered the planet )

Its so fun planning with the kids too. My middle loves Disney like I do so she'll pour through my Passporter and give her ideas. What are some must dos that you think their first trip should have?​

Well I have to do a princess meal for my daughter. And my oldest would like to eat at Germany in Epcot. I'd like to eat at a few restaurants at Epcot...Mexico, Canada (on Canadian thanksgiving!) and maybe Italy. Not sure.

I'm hoping fantasyland is open (the Belle and Arial stuff) so that we can eat at the Be Our Guest restaurant.

Now it seems alot harder to book these ADRs so far in advance now that alot of them (character ones especially) have the $10 no show charge.

I LOVE my Passporter!!! It's so much fun. My oldest isn't interested in reading it. I got my 8 year old "Birnbaum Guides: 2012 Guide to Walt Disney World For Kids" for Christmas!

I'm hoping the new planning DVD for 2012 is on the Disney site soon so that I can order it. My 5 year old loves watching the planning video and I think the one for 2011 kinda sucks.

Must dos? Hmmm not sure. I know the rides I like and plan to take them there but I'm pretty much letting them decide where they want to go and what rides they want to go on. With the exception of which park we are in because we have the ADRs...but we do have Park Hoppers. Guess it depends on whether I find a good deal on a rental car as I hear it can take a long time to change parks.​

 

[Native NYer]

I hope you had a great holiday weekend Jenny!

My event planning is coming along slowly. Our event planner is on vacation until after the new year. When he returns, we'll settle on a date and menu for the dessert party.

I'm also trying to get my ADRs in order this week. My plan is to look through menus, etc. I think we're doing one week TiW and one week DDP. The week we're doing the DDP will be the week when everyone is in WDW. It will just make paying easier. Although, I really don't like the dining plan. Maybe I can come up with an alternative solution. Hmmm....

Have you booked airfare? I'm hoping prices drop after the holidays.

 

[rentayenta]

Well I have to do a princess meal for my daughter. And my oldest would like to eat at Germany in Epcot. I'd like to eat at a few restaurants at Epcot...Mexico, Canada (on Canadian thanksgiving!) and maybe Italy. Not sure.

Happy Boxing Day!


I wish we would have done Akershaus for the girls instead of Cinderlla's Royal Table.

I forgot about La Cava in Mexico. They are supposed to make the best margaritas.

We have had 2 ADRs for Le Cellier but both times we ditched it. I'm wanting to try the soup but we can find it at F&W.

I'm hoping fantasyland is open (the Belle and Arial stuff) so that we can eat at the Be Our Guest restaurant.

Ooo....tell me about Be Our Guest. I was hyper focused on our Thanksgiving Disneyland trip so I've been behind in any new places at WDW. When is Fantasyland set to be complete?

Now it seems alot harder to book these ADRs so far in advance now that alot of them (character ones especially) have the $10 no show charge.

I read a little about them charging for some, do you know which ones? Do they charge when you make the ADR? What's their cancelation policy?

I LOVE my Passporter!!! It's so much fun. My oldest isn't interested in reading it. I got my 8 year old "Birnbaum Guides: 2012 Guide to Walt Disney World For Kids" for Christmas!

That's awesome. My middle DD got a nook so I'll have her check and see if Birnbaum's Guidenis an option. I am also a huge Passporter fan.

I'm hoping the new planning DVD for 2012 is on the Disney site soon so that I can order it. My 5 year old loves watching the planning video and I think the one for 2011 kinda sucks.

I agree. I am also curious as to what the new theme will be for 2012? I hope it's similar to a YOAMD. That was the best promo ever!

Must dos? Hmmm not sure. I know the rides I like and plan to take them there but I'm pretty much letting them decide where they want to go and what rides they want to go on. With the exception of which park we are in because we have the ADRs...but we do have Park Hoppers. Guess it depends on whether I find a good deal on a rental car as I hear it can take a long time to change parks.

I think Hoppers are a total must. I really debated not having them our first trip but we found that we'd hit the parks early, break midday, and go back for or after dinner and stay into the night. I didn't find it took too long to move from park to park. The bus line for the POR was the long at the end of the night though. We've never rented a car and won't this time either. I'm hearing some blasphemy about going to Universal but I'll *convince* them otherwise.

I hope you had a great holiday weekend Jenny!

It was amazing. Hope yours was fabulous!

My event planning is coming along slowly. Our event planner is on vacation until after the new year. When he returns, we'll settle on a date and menu for the dessert party.

How exciting! I can't to hear what you decide!!!!

I'm also trying to get my ADRs in order this week. My plan is to look through menus, etc. I think we're doing one week TiW and one week DDP. The week we're doing the DDP will be the week when everyone is in WDW. It will just make paying easier. Although, I really don't like the dining plan. Maybe I can come up with an alternative solution. Hmmm....

I don't like the DDP either. I've done a ton of research and it doesn't fit out dining style. We're doing the TiW card especially now since DVC owners can do without having an AP

Have you booked airfare? I'm hoping prices drop after the holidays.

I wish. Our flights are hovering at $500 per person. Have you?

 

[Native NYer]

$500 pp is high! And you need to buy 5 tickets.
We booked our return flight already. We're leaving August 25th around 7:30 pm on American Airlines. I had miles, so 4 tickets were only $140 one way from MCO to JFK. Our outbound flights are going to run between $800-$900 on JetBlue.

I am debating doing a ptr. Not sure if I can stay commited.

Are you pretty set on SSR & AKV? I have a some BLT photos on FB.

 

[HeatherLassell]

I wish we would have done Akershaus for the girls instead of Cinderlla's Royal Table.

My daughter really really REALLY wants to eat at Cinderella's Castle. I'm thinking maybe we can make our ADR for breakfast? I don't hear a lot of good comments about the food available at lunch or supper.

Ooo....tell me about Be Our Guest. I was hyper focused on our Thanksgiving Disneyland trip so I've been behind in any new places at WDW. When is Fantasyland set to be complete?

Be Our Guest will be a counter service for lunch and transformed to a table service for supper! From the drawing it looks like they will have Lumiere on a cart (like in Chefs de France with Remi the rat) and take him around to the tables.

Complete - Hundred Acre Wood facade for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Early 2012 - Half of Storybook Circus with double Dumbo, Great Goofini coaster, Fantasyland Train Station, Casey Jr.
Late 2012 - Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid ride, Be Our Guest restaurant, Beauty and the Beast village, Belle meet-and-greet, Castle wall *SO HOPING THIS MEANS LATE SUMMER EARLY FALL and be open while we are there!*
Early 2013 - Remaining half of Storybook Circus with Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Late 2013 - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaste

I read a little about them charging for some, do you know which ones? Do they charge when you make the ADR? What's their cancelation policy?

I'm not entirely sure which ones but it seems like most of the popular ones as well as all of the character dining restaurants.

They make you give your credit card # in order to book the ADR. And only if you don't show up for the reservation are you charged $10 PER person!

That's awesome. My middle DD got a nook so I'll have her check and see if Birnbaum's Guidenis an option. I am also a huge Passporter fan.

It seems like a really fun book. It has a countdown and ideas of what to do each day before the trip. It kinda works like a scrapbook/memory book for the kid. Last few pages are autograph pages too!

I agree. I am also curiousnasmto what the new theme will be for 2012? I hope it's similar to a YOAMD. That was the best promo ever!

2012: Year of More Magic

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/news/2012-planning/

Plus there is some announcement being made on New Years Eve regarding some special promo happening in the Disney parks 2012!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/one-more-disney-day/

 

[rentayenta]

79 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

213 until ADRs!!! ​

293 days until WDW!!! ​

$500 pp is high! And you need to buy 5 tickets.
We booked our return flight already. We're leaving August 25th around 7:30 pm on American Airlines. I had miles, so 4 tickets were only $140 one way from MCO to JFK. Our outbound flights are going to run between $800-$900 on JetBlue.

I am debating doing a ptr. Not sure if I can stay commited.

Are you pretty set on SSR & AKV? I have a some BLT photos on FB.

It's terribly high. The most I've paid pp rt was $250 from SLC to MCO. One of those was a red eye with a stop in Hotlanta. One of the worst decisions I've made in my lifetime.

$800 for how many people? That doesn't sound too bad for 4+ people.

I will follow your ptr if you do one. I'm painfully commited and commitable as you can see.

We are pretty set. DH loves his SSR and one of the reasons we bought. I pinky promised we'd stay there during our next (which will be this) trip to WDW. I cannot negotiate that. I mean, I could but I just can't. He loves it and is so eager to try it. AKV is fairly solid too. Chloe's friend has never been to WDW and Chloe wants them to wake up to the animals.

I'll go find your pics.

My daughter really really REALLY wants to eat at Cinderella's Castle. I'm thinking maybe we can make our ADR for breakfast? I don't hear a lot of good comments about the food available at lunch or supper.

Dinner at CRT was one of our worst of the trip. I know it's blasphemous to say but everything from the food to the service was garbage. I wish we would have done the Epcot one but now they are too old. I agree with trying breakfast if you are going to do it.

Be Our Guest will be a counter service for lunch and transformed to a table service for supper! From the drawing it looks like they will have Lumiere on a cart (like in Chefs de France with Remi the rat) and take him around to the tables.

That sounds fun! Do you know what kind of food they'll be serving? My guess is some sort of family style akin to what Libery Tree Tavern serves with maybe raost beef instead of turkey. I'll search Allears and see if I can find anything. We all love Beauty and the Beast.

Complete - Hundred Acre Wood facade for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Early 2012 - Half of Storybook Circus with double Dumbo, Great Goofini coaster, Fantasyland Train Station, Casey Jr.
Late 2012 - Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid ride, Be Our Guest restaurant, Beauty and the Beast village, Belle meet-and-greet, Castle wall *SO HOPING THIS MEANS LATE SUMMER EARLY FALL and be open while we are there!*
Early 2013 - Remaining half of Storybook Circus with Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Late 2013 - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster

I didn't realize it was going to take so long. I am glad they are doing it though as WDW's FL paled in comparison to Disneyland's. Looks like most of it will be finished by our trips.

I'm not entirely sure which ones but it seems like most of the popular ones as well as all of the character dining restaurants.

They make you give your credit card # in order to book the ADR. And only if you don't show up for the reservation are you charged $10 PER person!

That should be interesting. When does it go into effect? I bet there is an uproar over in the restaurant section. I actually don't blame Disney. I don't double my ADRs and cancel when we aren't going to go but know that is not the norm.

It seems like a really fun book. It has a countdown and ideas of what to do each day before the trip. It kinda works like a scrapbook/memory book for the kid. Last few pages are autograph pages too!

Very cool! Guess it couldn't be an eBook then but might make a nifty Valentine's Day goft for my my middle DD.

I've been meaning to tell you, your kids are just darling in your avatar.

2012: Year of More Magic

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/news/2012-planning/

But what does that mean?

Plus there is some announcement being made on New Years Eve regarding some special promo happening in the Disney parks 2012!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/one-more-disney-day/

Now this I'm excited for. What's your best guess? I have read that it might be an AvatarLand whoch holds zero appeal to me or my family so I am super hoping it's not that.

 

[rentayenta]

Heather, it looks similar to CRT thus far:

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/12/13/disney-worlds-be-our-guest-restaurant-to-open-in-late-2012

Also:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2815915

 

[HeatherLassell]

Dinner at CRT was one of our worst of the trip. I know it's blasphemous to say but everything from the food to the service was garbage. I wish we would have done the Epcot one but now they are too old. I agree with trying breakfast if you are going to do it.

I've heard that more than once for sure. We ate there when we went on our first trip but that was well over 20 years ago and I don't remember anything about it. lol I think we will try for breakfast.

We all love Beauty and the Beast.

I LOVE Beauty and the Beast! It is my favorite with Little Mermaid and Rapunzel coming in 2nd and 3rd.

I didn't realize it was going to take so long. I am glad they are doing it though as WDW's FL paled in comparison to Disneyland's. Looks like most of it will be finished by our trips.

I really really hope so. I read a rumor the other day that Little Mermaid will be open by Summer (as it's "apparently" already finished on the inside!) but that Arial and Belles areas not ready until November . I'm clearly hoping that's incorrect and that it will be open in September!

That should be interesting. When does it go into effect? I bet there is an uproar over in the restaurant section. I actually don't blame Disney. I don't double my ADRs and cancel when we aren't going to go but know that is not the norm.

I see in your next post you found the thread. lol DON'T POST IN IT! Just don't do it! lol It's better to just read

Very cool! Guess it couldn't be an eBook then but might make a nifty Valentine's Day gift for my my middle DD.

Yes I think it would only be good in hard form. I've been reading it and it's very cute!

I've been meaning to tell you, your kids are just darling in your avatar.

Awwww thank you so much! I made them!

But what does that mean?

Watch Ryan Seacrest presents Dick Clarks Rockin New Years Eve and hopefully the answer is BETTER than we could imagine and not something lame (like Disney being open 24 hours on Feb 29 *yawn*!)

Now this I'm excited for. What's your best guess? I have read that it might be an AvatarLand whoch holds zero appeal to me or my family so I am super hoping it's not that.

Well it's year of MORE magic and the new link is one MORE Disney day. So It's revolving around "MORE"...I'm thinking an extra day added on to your package...or park hoppers added free? I really am not sure at all!

 

[rentayenta]

I've heard that more than once for sure. We ate there when we went on our first trip but that was well over 20 years ago and I don't remember anything about it. lol I think we will try for breakfast.

Ask for a table in the center of the room. We were up top and felt very far away from the action. I think we had the sucky-server-section. I worked as a server/bartender for years and those sections do exist.

I LOVE Beauty and the Beast! It is my favorite with Little Mermaid and Rapunzel coming in 2nd and 3rd.

I think Rapunzel is fantastic too! My girls have sing offs to the soundtrack. Mandy Moore should be on Broadway.

I really really hope so. I read a rumor the other day that Little Mermaid will be open by Summer (as it's "apparently" already finished on the inside!) but that Arial and Belles areas not ready until November . I'm clearly hoping that's incorrect and that it will be open in September!

Will the Little Mermaid ride be the same one that's at Cal Adventure?

I see in your next post you found the thread. lol DON'T POST IN IT! Just don't do it! lol It's better to just read

I posted but not that I read this after posting. It's quite interesting how worked up some folks are.

Yes I think it would only be good in hard form. I've been reading it and it's very cute!

Today she bought: The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World for her Nook.

Awwww thank you so much! I made them!

Watch Ryan Seacrest presents Dick Clarks Rockin New Years Eve and hopefully the answer is BETTER than we could imagine and not something lame (like Disney being open 24 hours on Feb 29 *yawn*!)

Total yawn if it's something ridiculous about Leap Year.

Well it's year of MORE magic and the new link is one MORE Disney day. So It's revolving around "MORE"...I'm thinking an extra day added on to your package...or park hoppers added free? I really am not sure at all!

I could see them adding a 6th or 7th day free when it's only $5 to add a day. I hope it's something great too! They're hyping it up so hopefully it will be something worthy.

 

[kaoden39]

I love Rapunzel and Tiana. I will always love the classic Princesses but there is something special about those too.

 

[rentayenta]

I love Rapunzel and Tiana. I will always love the classic Princesses but there is something special about those too.

Love Princess and the Frog too. It's such a great movie with a little bit of everything.

How was Christmas? How's the puppy?

 

[kaoden39]

Love Princess and the Frog too. It's such a great movie with a little bit of everything.

How was Christmas? How's the puppy?

Christmas was quiet. Scotty had to work all weekend. Annabel is spoiled rotten. She has gained 5 lbs. in the 5 days that we have had her. The only thing we are really having a problem with is her wanting to bite like puppies do.

 

[rentayenta]

Christmas was quiet. Scotty had to work all weekend. Annabel is spoiled rotten. She has gained 5 lbs. in the 5 days that we have had her. The only thing we are really having a problem with is her wanting to bite like puppies do.

I'll take chewing and nipping over peeing any day.

I'm sorry Scotty had to work. This was the first year in 5 that DH was home from the FD both Eve and Day.

 

[kaoden39]

I'll take chewing and nipping over peeing any day.

I'm sorry Scotty had to work. This was the first year in 5 that DH was home from the FD both Eve and Day.

Me too. She has been really good about going outside to go to the bathroom. I couldn't be happier.


Thank you. He worked last year too. The paycheck is real nice. What ticked me off is that he had forced days off in the beginning of November, our paycheck was really short. I know that they could have planned it so that they worked that weekend and were off this one.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Ask for a table in the center of the room. We were up top and felt very far away from the action. I think we had the sucky-server-section. I worked as a server/bartender for years and those sections do exist.

lol I've seen a few Youtube videos so I agree middle looks like a good choice.

I think Rapunzel is fantastic too! My girls have sing offs to the soundtrack. Mandy Moore should be on Broadway.

She has such a beautiful voice. I had to show my daughter a picture of Mandy Moore to show them what I meant when I said the girl who is the voice looks JUST like Rapunzel when her hair is cut short!

http://www.latesthairstyle.net/img/celebrity_hairstyle1.jpg

Will the Little Mermaid ride be the same one that's at Cal Adventure?

I've heard it's pretty much identical.

Total yawn if it's something ridiculous about Leap Year.

I agree. It would be lame. I also do NOT think that is what it will be!

I could see them adding a 6th or 7th day free when it's only $5 to add a day. I hope it's something great too! They're hyping it up so hopefully it will be something worthy.

Speculation is that it would be an extra park AND hotel stay DAY! I already have free dining so I assume I might not able to get the promotion anyways.

 

[rentayenta]

Me too. She has been really good about going outside to go to the bathroom. I couldn't be happier.


Thank you. He worked last year too. The paycheck is real nice. What ticked me off is that he had forced days off in the beginning of November, our paycheck was really short. I know that they could have planned it so that they worked that weekend and were off this one.

OT checks are always nice!

That's great! I vowed to never get another puppy puppy after having to replace some carpet after Guinness.

lol I've seen a few Youtube videos so I agree middle looks like a good choice.



She has such a beautiful voice. I had to show my daughter a picture of Mandy Moore to show them what I meant when I said the girl who is the voice looks JUST like Rapunzel when her hair is cut short!

http://www.latesthairstyle.net/img/celebrity_hairstyle1.jpg




I've heard it's pretty much identical.





I agree. It would be lame. I also do NOT think that is what it will be!






Speculation is that it would be an extra park AND hotel stay DAY! I already have free dining so I assume I might not able to get the promotion anyways.

I hope they offer different options like they did with volunteer promo. AP holders could get something instead of a free day. I'm guessing they'll have options for those who don't do packages or are doing other promos. We own DVC so an extra night at a hotel wouldn't apply. Now I'd totally take an extra hopper day.

We just rode the Little Mermaid ride at Disneyland and its cute but geared for younger kids, 8 and under in my opinion. I'm super old school and prefer the old dark rides like Snow White and Pinocchio.

Mandy Moore really does look like her. She's darling.

 

[rentayenta]

78 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

212 until ADRs!!! ​

292 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[Native NYer]

I've read a rumor that the one more Disney day has to do with leap day. The rumor is that US Disney parks will be open for 24 hours on leap day. I hope the announcement is much better than that.