Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[eandesmom]

Sounds good to me!!


I'm dying here thinking I won't get back to WDW until February of 2012... I'm actually contemplating a possible trip in August of 2011 but I'm apprehensive about the killer humidity and the increased crowds due to Free Dining...

I'm quite anxious to see how you do in August!

Kathy

That's how I felt when we got back! I'm worried about both those things as well. We survived the dry heat of Arizona and New Mexico in July, it's the humidity that will be hard on the gang, none of them have ever experienced it! But it's either July or August or...forget it. And forgetting it is not an option as far as we are concerned!

It will be a very different trip that's for sure!

Ed has the same issues... I know what you mean... this last trip was the first time I ever got to explore the France pavilion in Epcot because it was just me and the girls...
Kathy

I think he'd explore the pavillion but has no desire to try either restaurant!
I want a crepe on this trip though...and a grey goose slushie! Now that he might try though he's not really a slushie guy.

I guess I am a WORLD Traveller!! Been to France, Belgium. Germany, Austria , Italy Yugoslavia , Switzerland and Spain !!! All many years ago !! England was soooo close I did a day trip to France on the Ferry !!! Now that is an experienceDon't reccomend it for any who ever get seasick !!!I was fine but I saw a lot of "Ralphing ""

I rode a Hovercraft from Dover to Calais...all I really remember was it was LOUD!



I've been to all of those except for Belgium.

 

[jordanyosh]

If you were to go to Flying Fish, to avoid the kids, go to the Bellevue Lounge off the Boardwalk Lobby. Nice and very quiet (if it's open). You could also take a walk around the Boardwalk Inn. I did it once and it made me want to stay there. The grounds are very quiet and beautiful and no one other than people staying there ever know its there. Also you could walk over to the Beach Club and sit on the beach (if they don't have the Outdoor Movie going)

 

[eandesmom]

If you were to go to Flying Fish, to avoid the kids, go to the Bellevue Lounge off the Boardwalk Lobby. Nice and very quiet (if it's open). You could also take a walk around the Boardwalk Inn. I did it once and it made me want to stay there. The grounds are very quiet and beautiful and no one other than people staying there ever know its there. Also you could walk over to the Beach Club and sit on the beach (if they don't have the Outdoor Movie going)

We actually walked around the Boardwalk quite a bit back in '04 when we ate at Big River. It made me want to stay there too, in fact we were briefly booked there for our '08 trip in a 2 bedroom villa until I decided to be fiscally responsible!

Although the clown is a little creepy!

Kids could end up on the beach watching the movie (which reminds me to time their ADR around movie time, I promised them at least one movie night on the beach, we never made it to any of the resort activities like that at the Fort and they really want to do it.

After internal deliberation and all of the great feedback I am going to make 2 ADR's to leave my options open and protect a spot. I'm going to book Cali Grill and Narcoossees. We are eating at the boardwalk already with Kouzzina and at AK and ALL already as well. The interior of the Yachtsman doesn't do all that much for me.

I am personally leaning towards Narcoosees!

I know we would love both Jiko and FF but I'd like to look at the Magic Kingdom for Date night.

I'm also quite sure we will make it to both of them eventually, but on a trip that isn't as Boardwalk and AK heavy on the dining side.

I'm thinking we will do the 6pm La Nouba and then an 8:15 ADR....which should let us see Wishes from either restaurant.

 

[jordanyosh]

wise and well thought out decision as always.

 

[eandesmom]

wise and well thought out decision as always.

Oh I'm sure Jeff's just happy there are only 2 menu's for him to actually look at at this point. He won't be allowed to complain though! That's what he gets for not looking.

I am slightly annoyed. Looks like the movie times are at 7:30 and right now every movie on the list they've seen and we own. With the campfire singalong at 6:30 it would make for a REALLY early dinner for Sandie and the Kids so the E's could go to the campfire and movie. Or at least early for us. I may suggest they split up after dinner, Uncle Doug takes T out just the 2 of them and the rest do the lazy beach thing!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I am not a graphic designer. I have done a little bit of freelance but that's just plain dumb luck. I don't really have a clue what I'm doing but I like to play. The adobe suite products are not at all intuitive though, you are correct in that so it probably takes me twice as long but each time I do soemthing I learn more tricks. I finished my sisters wedding paper, I should post it, I'm really pleased with it! I have considered trying to do something with it, like make digital scrapbook paper to sell but I really need to take some classes and it's hard to see how I could make much money at it. But it's in the back of my mind as it is really fun!

I'm tackling a website for a friend...that should be interesting! I'm completely clueless. Or mostly.

You do too have a clue! Your designs look really professional! Definitely post your sister's wedding paper, I'd love to see it. And I've always wondered how people actually make those digital scrapbook "papers" and "elements." Let me know if you make some!

You aren't an idiot at all! What you can do is save the designs and then print them on iron on transfer paper. Which sounds easy in concept but isn't quite as easy as all that and they don't really hold up all that well, sadly. There are actually several threads on how to do that piece of it.

Of course if you aren't using a trademarked image then you could print them through zazzle or something and they'll hold up really well. I made a REALLY cool one for Jeff for Christmas on a t and another one on a mug, very happy with those! But all the Disney ones will get kicked back as they are copyrighted.

Does that help or is it just more confusing?

No, that helps. I guess that's what I was thinking, but I wasn't sure. I've used that iron on paper before - it looked terrible after the first washing! Maybe there is some better quality stuff out there. I think this was by Avery.

So I’m looking at these. Both are privo's, torn between going bronze or a pewter color...

Those are really cute! Are they pretty supportive? The only thing I'd be worried about is whether the narrow leather straps might rub.

Awesome news about the plane! That is so exciting! How does a fractional ownership work on a plane? Is there an agency that acts as an intermediary between the owners, or is it just a group of people that go in together on a plane? Sounds intriguing! How did your DH get into flying, was he in the military?

 

[eandesmom]

You do too have a clue! Your designs look really professional! Definitely post your sister's wedding paper, I'd love to see it. And I've always wondered how people actually make those digital scrapbook "papers" and "elements." Let me know if you make some!

aww, thanks! I will post it. Now I have to find a dress that coordinates with it lol.

No, that helps. I guess that's what I was thinking, but I wasn't sure. I've used that iron on paper before - it looked terrible after the first washing! Maybe there is some better quality stuff out there. I think this was by Avery.

I can't use the Avery stuff, it jams up my printer, the only one that seems to work is the HP paper. The stuff for white shirts seems to hold up better than the ones for dark shirts. There is supposedly some better ones out there that I've seen mentioned on the design thread but given what the Avery did to my printer I am too scared to try it!

Those are really cute! Are they pretty supportive? The only thing I'd be worried about is whether the narrow leather straps might rub.

Awesome news about the plane! That is so exciting! How does a fractional ownership work on a plane? Is there an agency that acts as an intermediary between the owners, or is it just a group of people that go in together on a plane? Sounds intriguing! How did your DH get into flying, was he in the military?

NO idea on the support, the ones I have by them are quite good but I'm worried about the straps rubbing as well. I may order both and see which one I like better. I have to decide what color first though. Good thing I have lots of time!

Jeff's had his license for a long time, he just loves aviation and is an aerospace engineer by trade. There is an agency that handles the whole thing and will rent your hours if you need them to (can't use them all) or will buy back your share. It will save a TON of money versus the rental rates he's been doing and is a 5 year deal. He is still thinking he will build the other one just start a year from now but I won't be surprised if he just gives that up at some point if this goes well, it's just a much more practical way to do it and should give him more than enough air time.

 

[MEK]

Nice update. Nice T-shirt.

Love the ADRS..... let's see...

Cali Grill ....very magical place for a table for two. Great service. Good food. Very extensive wine list and excellent server.

Flying Fish.....ambiance is not my cup of tea. Too fishy/scaly. I think the decor needs an update. But the food .....well, my favorite food of my last trip. Excellent seafood. Good service. Didn't drink wine here.

Narcoosee's.....food was eh. Service was good. Not stellar. Much better at CG and better at FF. Had some super yummy drink here that knocked my socks off. Very pretty view.

Yachtsman....haven't tried...its on the list

Jiko.....consistently gets great review......its on the list.

AP....really loved this for combination of ambiance, food, service, and wine.....but it's off your list.

Good luck deciding! My next signature is definately Jiko.

 

[jordanyosh]

Oh I'm sure Jeff's just happy there are only 2 menu's for him to actually look at at this point. He won't be allowed to complain though! That's what he gets for not looking.

I am slightly annoyed. Looks like the movie times are at 7:30 and right now every movie on the list they've seen and we own. With the campfire singalong at 6:30 it would make for a REALLY early dinner for Sandie and the Kids so the E's could go to the campfire and movie. Or at least early for us. I may suggest they split up after dinner, Uncle Doug takes T out just the 2 of them and the rest do the lazy beach thing!

Where are you finding the movie time info/movie listing info....I'd like to see that myself....

 

[eandesmom]

Nice update. Nice T-shirt.

Love the ADRS..... let's see...

Cali Grill ....very magical place for a table for two. Great service. Good food. Very extensive wine list and excellent server.

Flying Fish.....ambiance is not my cup of tea. Too fishy/scaly. I think the decor needs an update. But the food .....well, my favorite food of my last trip. Excellent seafood. Good service. Didn't drink wine here.

Narcoosee's.....food was eh. Service was good. Not stellar. Much better at CG and better at FF. Had some super yummy drink here that knocked my socks off. Very pretty view.

Yachtsman....haven't tried...its on the list

Jiko.....consistently gets great review......its on the list.

AP....really loved this for combination of ambiance, food, service, and wine.....but it's off your list.

Good luck deciding! My next signature is definately Jiko.

I actually like the decor at FF but it just seems less romantic than CG or Narcoosees. We will definitely eat at AP at some point in the future, it just feels more like a "fall" restaurant to me plus it is so much like one of our favorites here, I'd rather do something really different.

I just wish I was more excited about the GC menu. Every time I look at it, there really isn't an entree I want.

If we didn't have so much AK/AKL dining already, Jiko would be great, it also seems a little less romantic.

Where are you finding the movie time info/movie listing info....I'd like to see that myself....

no idea how valid this is....but this is about all I could find! I can find listings of titles elsewhere but no times.
http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php#beachclub

 

[Native NYer]

The Privo's are incredibly light, they are called "float" for a reason! I have a pair of Teva Mushes that will definitely be coming along for both rides.

Sandie is not invited on the date night. She's the babysitter

She's very much a foodie, as is her husband and my BIL so I know they will be fine with the list, I'd just love to know if there is something they like "better" that didn't make the cut. It is a great mix of cuisines though so my inclination at this point it to leave it alone.

I REALLY hope FD will be offered. The BB dates start on 8/15 which is our check in date (scheduled accordingly). It will save us quite a bit. We do have a Disney Visa so if it is offered, we shoudl get it. Given that the major % off discount is now available to everyone though June I am guessing it is very very likely. If not I'll have to tweak things a little and move US to the end of the trip, which I really don't want to do, to get that rate down. It would save about $300 so it's worth it. I'd really prefer to to US first and end at WDW.

We have only booked standard rooms, all we can afford! but we have requested a certain view with connecting rooms and a daybed in both (I'd have to go look to see what it is) and it is in as an official grand gathering with the ressies all linked. Hopefully that increases our chances of an upgrade. The FAQ thread indicates it "might". We could be looking at a parking lot though! I have looked HARD at CL. Even with the 40% off it'd still be another $525 for the week and breakfast just doesn't cost that much so I can't justify it at all.

I hope free dining is offered. I wonder when it'll be announced. March?

What does standard view include? Gardens as well as parking lot?
I hope you get an upgrade! But one upgrade to CL will spoil you and it'll be hard to go back. Trust me!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I rode a Hovercraft from Dover to Calais...all I really remember was it was LOUD!

I did, too, when I was ten! I lost my breakfast when I set foot on land Nothing says, "Hello, France!" quite like that!

 

[eandesmom]

I hope free dining is offered. I wonder when it'll be announced. March?

What does standard view include? Gardens as well as parking lot?
I hope you get an upgrade! But one upgrade to CL will spoil you and it'll be hard to go back. Trust me!

I think it might be March for Disney Visa and April to the public? Historically anyway.

Yep, we will have a fabulous view of either the parking area, rooftop or garden. I will be REALLY bummed if our view is not a garden view. I actually am paying for the upgrade at HRH to be guaranteed a garden and then got the All access pass which is supposed to get us the next available upgrade at check in. Which would be a pool view. We'll see if that really works!

CL sounds great but... not $130 a night great! They are the same exact rooms, with the same potential of looking at a parking lot and then the prices just go up from there so...

I'd be happy with an upgrade to a water view but am not counting on anything. I still can't justify another $350 to guarantee the water view.

You are changing room categories again? To what?

 

[eandesmom]

I did, too, when I was ten! I lost my breakfast when I set foot on land Nothing says, "Hello, France!" quite like that!

no, nothing does.

 

[jordanyosh]

Thanks for the link! Great and useful information.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks for the link! Great and useful information.

 

[eandesmom]

I thought I should get started on the items for the Surprise DCA trip in April. here's the plan.

1. Don't tell the boys a thing.
2. Pack for them while they are at school on friday, have the van already loaded. Finish any packing/loading after they are in bed.
3. Tell them we need to be up early as we are going to visit friends
4. Head to airport.
5. Check in. Stick with the visiting friends line.
6. On the plane give them each a box to open with some kind of note.
7. In the box will be the puzzles for them to put together.

Here are the first drafts of the puzzles!

After they put them together there will be a second gift for them to open. I am making workbooks for the plane. The first half is puzzles, word search activity things and the second part will have some fun facts about the main places we are visiting!

Thanks Diamond for the links!

Here is the workbook so far, I still need to make a cover and do all the fun facts. I may add some journal pages at the back, not sure.

All of the word searches have a clue or piece of information/fun fact specific to that day.

I am also thinking I might want to get a few pins for them to be able to trade. Not sure how big trading is in DTD and DCA though but I am planning on packing their lanyards.

 

[jordanyosh]

Wow! So much work, creativity and, I imagine, a little love went into getting the reveal prepared...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Everything is just stunning, Cynthia!!! I love it all!!! I want to come on the trip and put together puzzles on the plane and do word searches!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow...

those are all awesome...

did you make those puzzles?