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

[DrMomof3]

Cynthia (posted above) has stayed in the cabins, I'm sure she'll share her insights. If I remember correctly, they enjoyed them. What has you worried?

What a great itinerary. I like that you have 2 days at CC. I've heard CC is reason enough alone to take a Disney Cruise. It looks fabulous. Are you planning any excursions? If I remember correctly, you don't love the beach right? Sorry if I've got the details confused. I can hardly keep my own life straight.

Shabbat shalom! We just got back from services. Kids are zonked. Joshua had a soccer game first and they won.

I'm worried that since we've only stayed deluxe or villa, the Cabins won't be as nice. I'm also worried about double beds since my DH is 6'4". I figure I can share a bed with Zachary and Tom can have a bed to himself.

Totally psyched for our cruise. I'm a little worried that Tom's going to prefer cruising to Disney World and I'll never get to go back!

Hope you had a good Shabbat!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

We also find the dining plan is a poor value. Tom and I rarely order dessert. I much prefer a salad to start. And my kids can often share meals. We have a TIW card which is great for us, especially because we usually like to have a drink with dinner when we're on vacation.

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

I totally agree with you on the DDP vs TIW. I've seen what you guys eat at DL and we do similar but with only two of us we're scaled down. When we eat at a CS we get one meal and maybe an appetizer or supplement to the regular meal and it's plenty for the two of us.

When we do a TS, we'll get a couple appetizers and split an entree and dessert. Obviously you can't do that at places like Ohana and Boma, but I completely understand. For two of us the DDP would be ridiculous, for five it would be multiplied exponentially. I don't know what people on the dining plan do with all that food.

We also make some meals in the room so taking that into account there is no way we would consider the dining plan.

We're the exact same. I priced my comparisons on the high side. After a piece of naan, a Samosa, and a little curry, I'll be full. Add a nice beer and I'll be stuffed. Include a bite of dessert and I'll need a nap.

We did the DDP in 2007 when it included the app and tip and I about half way through the trip we ended up declining all but one dessert. And at the CS we'd stock up on water bottles and share main entrees. We ended up with over 30 snack credits left after trading CS in for 2 snack credits each. That was when you could score some nice goodies with snack credits. We brought a ton home for teachers and friends.

In 2009 we did it for half the trip as we did a split stay. This time the app and tip were discontinued and we still ended up with leftover CS. The options for snack dramatically decreased and then we decided we'd never do it again.

Have you been to Kona Cafe?

I'm worried that since we've only stayed deluxe or villa, the Cabins won't be as nice. I'm also worried about double beds since my DH is 6'4". I figure I can share a bed with Zachary and Tom can have a bed to himself.

Totally psyched for our cruise. I'm a little worried that Tom's going to prefer cruising to Disney World and I'll never get to go back!

Hope you had a good Shabbat!

Amanda

Thanks, you too. We've only got a student rabbi, who is here this weekend, so today will be full of bat mitzvah and rabbinic fun. Today is our second to the last meeting before Chloe's big day. Her d'var Torah is lacking for sure so hopefully we'll get it ironed out today. Invited are michaels deal and at weeks out, they still aren't mailed. I cannot tell you what a heart attack I'm having but am refraining from full on nag mode.






Happy Sunday everyone!

174 days!!! ​

 

[DrMomof3]

I've had dinner at Kona Cafe twice and loved it both times. Once was the night before my 1st half marathon and I had a noodle dish that was delicious. I wouldn't have normally ordered that but it was sure good. The fish is excellent and I've heard good things about the steak. Also the sushi is supposedly great.

I would be flipping out if I didn't have invitation yet! On the other hand do most of the invitees know about the event?
On a much more minor scale we're having issues with Zachary's upcoming birthday party. I have a class list but only addresses and not phone numbers. Only a handful of people have RSVP'ed so I have NO idea how many children are coming. The party is 2 weeks from today so hopefully I'll start hearing back soon!

Amanda

 

[Native NYer]

I'm glad they're done however.........I'm thinking of the Kona over Tony's but how close is the Poly to MK really? We'd have to leave and come back but I think you can take a boat over right?



I'm always considering Disneyland in December. What are your exact dates?

Kona is pretty good. And it is so easy to get to the MK from the Poly: ferry, monorail, or the Poly boat.

Because of the NY Jets schedule, we're leaving on December 24th and will be there for 5 nights. Yes, the Jets are determining the dates of our trip! My brother has season tickets and there's a game on Dec. 23rd.

 

[rentayenta]

I've had dinner at Kona Cafe twice and loved it both times. Once was the night before my 1st half marathon and I had a noodle dish that was delicious. I wouldn't have normally ordered that but it was sure good. The fish is excellent and I've heard good things about the steak. Also the sushi is supposedly great.

I would be flipping out if I didn't have invitation yet! On the other hand do most of the invitees know about the event?
On a much more minor scale we're having issues with Zachary's upcoming birthday party. I have a class list but only addresses and not phone numbers. Only a handful of people have RSVP'ed so I have NO idea how many children are coming. The party is 2 weeks from today so hopefully I'll start hearing back soon!

Amanda

I can see why you're worried about the cabins having only stayed Deluxe and DVC. Makes sense. Why did you choose the cabins? Have you thought about a THV or the VWL if your looking for a campy feeling but more upscale? I bet your kids will love them though.


Good sushi? I'm in!

Good luck on the party and the RSVPs. What sort of theme is it? And yes, I'm basically losing it. Michael knows they need to be in the mail tomorrow or I may end up my own patient. Seriously. After the rabbi leaves today, he's going to be an envelope addressing fool. Snap that whip.

Kona is pretty good. And it is so easy to get to the MK from the Poly: ferry, monorail, or the Poly boat.

Because of the NY Jets schedule, we're leaving on December 24th and will be there for 5 nights. Yes, the Jets are determining the dates of our trip! My brother has season tickets and there's a game on Dec. 23rd.

Any suggestions close to MK, not Kona? Anything at the GF? I just need easy access.

You're so cute. Michael would totally schedule vacation around a Raiders game. You are a brave soul though friend. Dec 24 to when? I'm really going to see what I can do.

 

[Native NYer]

Any suggestions close to MK, not Kona? Anything at the GF? I just need easy access.

You're so cute. Michael would totally schedule vacation around a Raiders game. You are a brave soul though friend. Dec 24 to when? I'm really going to see what I can do.

What about GF Cafe? Or The Wave at the CR?

I tried to convince my brother that we needed to leave on the 22nd and just give the tickets away. He wasn't hearing it. We're already missing the Jets v. Giants preseason game b/c we'll be in WDW. Maybe I can convince Mark Sanchez to join me, I mean us, in So Cal.

The 24th to the 29th. I know I'm going to need a valium!

 

[rentayenta]

What about GF Cafe? Or The Wave at the CR?

I tried to convince my brother that we needed to leave on the 22nd and just give the tickets away. He wasn't hearing it. We're already missing the Jets v. Giants preseason game b/c we'll be in WDW. Maybe I can convince Mark Sanchez to join me, I mean us, in So Cal.

The 24th to the 29th. I know I'm going to need a valium!

I'm leaning towards Citrico's. Have you been there? Artist Point also looks good as does the GF Cafe. WCC sounds fun but the menu looks mediocre. I just can't decide.


Ahh.....football. Michael is a freak too. He'd totally schedule a vacation around a game. I totally get it. And you'll need a Valium or 5 but it will be so worth self-medicating for. Disneyland is unreal and magical suring the holidays.


Michael brought up Universal again. I told him he best decide because they can't just show up and have fun- I must plan for them. It would just be he and the girls. Joshua would stay at WDW with me.


Oh and on the bat mitzvah front: invites are finally out!

173 days until WDW!!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

I'm worried that since we've only stayed deluxe or villa, the Cabins won't be as nice. I'm also worried about double beds since my DH is 6'4". I figure I can share a bed with Zachary and Tom can have a bed to himself.

I love the cabins but it is going to be uncomfortable for your DH. When we went in 2009, our then 13 year old and I shared the double in the bedroom. It (for me) was a bit of a nightmare as she was probably 5'3 at that point, I'm 5'6 1/2" and she's a flopper. Way too small of a bed for that. DH, 5'10 took the Double Murphy and DS 5'8 at the time then 15 took the couch. My DH wasn't thrilled with the Murphy and DS hung off of that couch. He's a teen and didn't care but DH did.

It is a cabin so I wouldn't compare it to a deluxe or a villa, it's not intended to be like those. It is comparable to any of the moderates but with a full kitchen and a deck, which we loved. We generally skip the moderates for the same issue, double beds but did the cabin as it was the only option for a family of 6 other than a villa or 2 rooms at a value or mod so was the best bang for the buck for us.

We absolutely loved it...but it was tight. And not for everyone, if you want the "resort" experience, you won't get it the same way in a cabin in the woods. It has it's own charm and cool things but it is very different from a deluxe.

I'm leaning towards Citrico's. Have you been there? Artist Point also looks good as does the GF Cafe. WCC sounds fun but the menu looks mediocre. I just can't decide.

Ahh.....football. Michael is a freak too. He'd totally schedule a vacation around a game. I totally get it. And you'll need a Valium or 5 but it will be so worth self-medicating for. Disneyland is unreal and magical suring the holidays.


Michael brought up Universal again. I told him he best decide because they can't just show up and have fun- I must plan for them. It would just be he and the girls. Joshua would stay at WDW with me.


Oh and on the bat mitzvah front: invites are finally out!

Yeah for invites being mailed! Citrico's is on our ADR list

 

[rentayenta]

Yeah for invites being mailed! Citrico's is on our ADR list

I knew you'd be full of good cabin info.



Yes, having them mailed is a huge relief. It's literally in 4 weeks and over Mem Day weekend. I suspect the attendees will be less than at Gabby's but Chloe is fine with that. She's far less showy.


Citrico's looks so good. I love Tony's atmosphere but there so many places we haven't been. Kona was at the top of the list but since we'll be at the Poly for 'Ohana, I'd really like to try something at the GF.

 

[Native NYer]

I'm leaning towards Citrico's. Have you been there? Artist Point also looks good as does the GF Cafe. WCC sounds fun but the menu looks mediocre. I just can't decide.


Ahh.....football. Michael is a freak too. He'd totally schedule a vacation around a game. I totally get it. And you'll need a Valium or 5 but it will be so worth self-medicating for. Disneyland is unreal and magical suring the holidays.


Michael brought up Universal again. I told him he best decide because they can't just show up and have fun- I must plan for them. It would just be he and the girls. Joshua would stay at WDW with me.


Oh and on the bat mitzvah front: invites are finally out!

173 days until WDW!!!! ​

Yay on the invites!!! How many weeks away are you?

I haven't tried Citrico's. It's med. food, right?
WCC is great comfort food. It's fun and the milkshakes are great.

I'm sure the magic of Disney at the holidays will beat having to deal with the crowds. I can't wait!

Are you going to book transfers from your resort to Universal? We haven't decided yet either. It's so hard to tear myself away from WDW.

 

[rentayenta]

Yay on the invites!!! How many weeks away are you?

I haven't tried Citrico's. It's med. food, right?
WCC is great comfort food. It's fun and the milkshakes are great.

I'm sure the magic of Disney at the holidays will beat having to deal with the crowds. I can't wait!

Are you going to book transfers from your resort to Universal? We haven't decided yet either. It's so hard to tear myself away from WDW.

Four! It's seriously insanely close and we should be done with all of it by now but our Chloe doesn't take to the schooling like Gab did so the process has been totally different. We've learned a lot. The most important is that we all do things our own way. Chloe is awesome and she'll do great.


I booked Kona. I know I didn't want Tony's for sure although I love it, I really want new places. I booked Kona and will most likely change.

I can't get Michael to decide on Universal but yes, I'll book transfers. But he needs to decide. It will be a $500 day if he takes the girls. At least. I'm not going so I get not wanting to tear yourself away.

 

[DrMomof3]

I can see why you're worried about the cabins having only stayed Deluxe and DVC. Makes sense. Why did you choose the cabins? Have you thought about a THV or the VWL if your looking for a campy feeling but more upscale? I bet your kids will love them though.


Good sushi? I'm in!

Good luck on the party and the RSVPs. What sort of theme is it? And yes, I'm basically losing it. Michael knows they need to be in the mail tomorrow or I may end up my own patient. Seriously. After the rabbi leaves today, he's going to be an envelope addressing fool. Snap that whip.


Any suggestions close to MK, not Kona? Anything at the GF? I just need easy access.

We're only going to be at Disney for 2 nights and it's the weekend before 4th of July. I know the parks will be insanely crowded and I've heard there's tons to do at the Fort. We go enough that I'm excited to try some non-park stuff (the advantage of APs!). Plus, I've always wanted to do Hoop-dee-doo and I knew I'd never, ever get DH there if we're not staying there. And, since the cruise is wildly expensive, I figured we could save a little on the post-cruise stay.

We've stayed at SSR before. This was before the Treehouse Villas were up and running. The pool was fun for the kids but there weren't enough resort activities to make this a resort-stay type place. At least in my mind. And the cost difference between a Cabin and a 2-bedroom villa is quite a lot!

The party will be at his Tae Kwon Do place. I think he's finally settled on a Spiderman theme but it changes daily. Or hourly. Backyardigans. Mickey Mouse. Spiderman. Batman. We did get a few RSVPs this weekend but have many more to go!

As for other dining near MK... I've had breakfast at GF Cafe which is fine. It seems like lunch and dinner are very pricey and I haven't heard great things. Food-wise, you'll be better at Kona. We liked The Wave when we ate there last summer. We had breakfast and lunch. It's sustainable dining so more organic and natural than most Disney restaurants. We've eaten at Narcoosee's and loved it but never at Citricos.

I'm leaning towards Citrico's. Have you been there? Artist Point also looks good as does the GF Cafe. WCC sounds fun but the menu looks mediocre. I just can't decide.

Michael brought up Universal again. I told him he best decide because they can't just show up and have fun- I must plan for them. It would just be he and the girls. Joshua would stay at WDW with me.


Oh and on the bat mitzvah front: invites are finally out!

CONGRATS on the invites being done!!!
We thought about WCC but the food just seems so mediocre.
I spent a weekend at Universal with my eldest but we stayed at Hard Rock so we had Front of the Line Access. I'm not sure I would do Universal without the Express Pass...

173 days until WDW!!!! ​

I love the cabins but it is going to be uncomfortable for your DH. When we went in 2009, our then 13 year old and I shared the double in the bedroom. It (for me) was a bit of a nightmare as she was probably 5'3 at that point, I'm 5'6 1/2" and she's a flopper. Way too small of a bed for that. DH, 5'10 took the Double Murphy and DS 5'8 at the time then 15 took the couch. My DH wasn't thrilled with the Murphy and DS hung off of that couch. He's a teen and didn't care but DH did.

It is a cabin so I wouldn't compare it to a deluxe or a villa, it's not intended to be like those. It is comparable to any of the moderates but with a full kitchen and a deck, which we loved. We generally skip the moderates for the same issue, double beds but did the cabin as it was the only option for a family of 6 other than a villa or 2 rooms at a value or mod so was the best bang for the buck for us.

We absolutely loved it...but it was tight. And not for everyone, if you want the "resort" experience, you won't get it the same way in a cabin in the woods. It has it's own charm and cool things but it is very different from a deluxe.




Yeah for invites being mailed! Citrico's is on our ADR list

Thank you for the info on the Cabins! We are a family of 5 so it should be a little easier. I'm thinking Nathaniel (age 8) on the top bunk, Jessica (age 6) on the bottom, and Zachary in the Double Bed in the Bedroom. I can either share with him or with Tom on the Murphy. Zachary usually crawls into bed with me at 3am regardless so I might be better off in the bedroom.

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

I just realized Kona's menu and 'Ohana's menu are eerily similar. Do they share a kitchen? Back to the drawing board. Everything we'd order from Kona is almost exactly what we'd be served at 'Ohana.....

 

[franandaj]

I just realized Kona's menu and 'Ohana's menu are eerily similar. Do they share a kitchen? Back to the drawing board. Everything we'd order from Kona is almost exactly what we'd be served at 'Ohana.....

I realized that same thing yesterday when I was looking for a lunch reservation for the day we leave in two weeks. We'll be at 'Ohana Monday night and everything on the Kona lunch menu was all the things I love at 'Ohana, wings and potstickers!

 

[Native NYer]

Four! It's seriously insanely close and we should be done with all of it by now but our Chloe doesn't take to the schooling like Gab did so the process has been totally different. We've learned a lot. The most important is that we all do things our own way. Chloe is awesome and she'll do great.


I booked Kona. I know I didn't want Tony's for sure although I love it, I really want new places. I booked Kona and will most likely change.

I can't get Michael to decide on Universal but yes, I'll book transfers. But he needs to decide. It will be a $500 day if he takes the girls. At least. I'm not going so I get not wanting to tear yourself away.

Oh it'll be here very soon! I'm sure it'll be fabulous.

Kona is good. Their desserts are good too I'm with you on the changes. I'm thinking of making some changes as well.

Universal is expensive day, that's for sure. We'll drive over IF we go. I'm having a hard time deciding.

 

[rentayenta]

We're only going to be at Disney for 2 nights and it's the weekend before 4th of July. I know the parks will be insanely crowded and I've heard there's tons to do at the Fort. We go enough that I'm excited to try some non-park stuff (the advantage of APs!). Plus, I've always wanted to do Hoop-dee-doo and I knew I'd never, ever get DH there if we're not staying there. And, since the cruise is wildly expensive, I figured we could save a little on the post-cruise stay.

We've stayed at SSR before. This was before the Treehouse Villas were up and running. The pool was fun for the kids but there weren't enough resort activities to make this a resort-stay type place. At least in my mind. And the cost difference between a Cabin and a 2-bedroom villa is quite a lot!

The party will be at his Tae Kwon Do place. I think he's finally settled on a Spiderman theme but it changes daily. Or hourly. Backyardigans. Mickey Mouse. Spiderman. Batman. We did get a few RSVPs this weekend but have many more to go!

As for other dining near MK... I've had breakfast at GF Cafe which is fine. It seems like lunch and dinner are very pricey and I haven't heard great things. Food-wise, you'll be better at Kona. We liked The Wave when we ate there last summer. We had breakfast and lunch. It's sustainable dining so more organic and natural than most Disney restaurants. We've eaten at Narcoosee's and loved it but never at Citricos.







Amanda

Sorry Amanda, I missed this earlier. We must have posted at the same time.


We haven't stayed at either THV or SSR but it's our home and I'm so excited. My kids are older and are really looking forward to it. It definitely doesn't have a little kid feel.

I think the cabins look like fun. They remind me of a KOA we stayed in in Yellowstone a few years ago. I bet your kids will have a blast! The campfire with Chip n Dale looks like a lot of fun. They even sell S'more kits.


I'm sure the party will be a success. What are they going to do at the Tae Kwon Doe place? I'm guessing teach them moves? I've lost all creativity when it comes to kids parties. Joshua's is the easiest because it's in the summer and we've got a boat. The girls are both in winter and much harder to plan.


I'm stuck on this last ADR. I think we'll want one being at MK but I truly can't decide. The kids aren't picky at all it's just the food gets so old to me after a week. Hmmm....I'll keep searching. The Wave did catch my eye. I've read very mixed reviews. Bet I'll end up back at Tony's since we've really got no other Italian nights aside from anything at F&W and the pasta Michael makes in the villa one night.

I realized that same thing yesterday when I was looking for a lunch reservation for the day we leave in two weeks. We'll be at 'Ohana Monday night and everything on the Kona lunch menu was all the things I love at 'Ohana, wings and potstickers!

Exactly! As I started to post what we'd order I realized it was wings, pot stickers, the Asian noodles, and a steak. Duh!!! I need another option aside from Kona. They've got to share a kitchen.

Oh it'll be here very soon! I'm sure it'll be fabulous.

Kona is good. Their desserts are good too I'm with you on the changes. I'm thinking of making some changes as well.

Universal is expensive day, that's for sure. We'll drive over IF we go. I'm having a hard time deciding.

What changes are you making? Maybe I can steal one of your ideas. Here's my ADR list. It feels like something is missing but I can't figure it out:

The Turf Club
Boma
Saana
Rose and Crown
'Ohana
Raglan Road at least for a beer, not sure if we'll eat
Kona for now........

I seem to lacking in variety and Epcot eateries but with F&W, I'm not sure we'll want ADRs on our Epcot days ya know?

Michael said he's glad I'm so worried about this.



Universal is NUTS! Seems like those one dayers just kill the wallet. He's determined to go. Couldn't drag me kicking and screaming. If josh would go, I'd get my spa morning but he's not a huge thrill seeker. Lucky you'll have a car.


Thanks for the bat mitzvah wishes. Michael and I leave for Vegas this weekend so they've got tomorrow night to hit her d'var Torah really hard.........

 

[rentayenta]

172 days!!! ​

 

[rentayenta]

Just booked Via Napoli for our last night. Then we'll end with Illuminations What do you think? I needed something Italian.

 

[franandaj]

Just booked Via Napoli for our last night. Then we'll end with Illuminations What do you think? I needed something Italian.

Sounds great! We should be having lunch there in 10 days! I'll let you know what I think!