LINK TO MY TR POSTED 10/30 - I'm Ali & I'm Addicted to Disney Planning - Oct '10 PTR

[Overexcited]

I have a younger brother who has the natural tendencies of tumbleweed. Our families met up in WDW in May, with our parents. I researched and planned and tried to get him to commit to a couple of ADRs. He just thought we would work it out when we got to the World. So, I gave up on him and booked a couple for my family.

On the first day that we met up, we headed to Epcot. At 6 pm....he thought it would be a good idea to head to Le Cellier and see if we could get a table for dinner. There were 9 of us!!
I guess re-adjusted his thinking real quick after that!

It surprises me all the time that people try to not make ADR on the dining plan. I can see if you may try one night for a table. Our last trip I was a planning mad woman, our travel agent I booked through told me not to worry about making ADR too far out. I did anyways!!

 

[ILMICKEY]

Hi Ali! I wish you had told me you had started a report! I might not have time to work on mine, but I would have joined yours.

I still have to go back and read everything, but I'm excited for you. I hope your brother still gets to go. Maybe he will enjoy himself this time around. I will go back and catch up.

 

[Simba22]

I have a younger brother who has the natural tendencies of tumbleweed. Our families met up in WDW in May, with our parents. I researched and planned and tried to get him to commit to a couple of ADRs. He just thought we would work it out when we got to the World. So, I gave up on him and booked a couple for my family.

On the first day that we met up, we headed to Epcot. At 6 pm....he thought it would be a good idea to head to Le Cellier and see if we could get a table for dinner. There were 9 of us!!
I guess re-adjusted his thinking real quick after that!

The first time I went to WDW was in 2002 and we stayed off site. It was just us three kids and my mom (right after her and my dad split up). We were only a few blocks from DTD and there was an Uno's across the street so we pretty much ate QS and Uno's for the entire week of our trip.

When we went back on 2004, we stayed at CBR, but again had NO plans for food and it was the middle of July We tried to walk in to Coral Reef (there were 6 of us) and there were no openings. We ate QS for every meal that trip.

In 2005, me and Lumar went on our first trip by ourselves. It was the middle of May and we tried to walk in to Le Cellier and couldn't get a table with only the 2 of us. I STILL didn't learn my lesson, however, so when we went back in May 2006 we ended up eating pizza from room service and QS the whole week. It was after my brother puked up Casey's, Cosmic Rays, and room service pizza (three of his 4 meals that day) that I decided things had to change.

I finally started making ADRs on our Dec 2006 trip and I haven't looked back. To me, planning it all out is half the fun!

It surprises me all the time that people try to not make ADR on the dining plan. I can see if you may try one night for a table. Our last trip I was a planning mad woman, our travel agent I booked through told me not to worry about making ADR too far out. I did anyways!!

You would not believe how many people were trying to walk up to The Plaza when we were there in October. We had our ADR, thankfully, but while we were standing there waiting to be seated, probably 5 or 6 families were turned away.

Hi Ali! I wish you had told me you had started a report! I might not have time to work on mine, but I would have joined yours.

I still have to go back and read everything, but I'm excited for you. I hope your brother still gets to go. Maybe he will enjoy himself this time around. I will go back and catch up.

Well I posted on your PTR so I figured you would see the link! I'm not the type to pimp my trip reports on other people's threads Welcome back! (even if it's sporadically!)

I did finally talk to my brother this morning. I said "if you enroll in classes, how are you going to take 2 weeks off to go to Florida (assuming you can afford it)?" There was silence for a moment then he said "ummm...I'll just take two weeks off to go to Florida??"

OK then!

I guess since the military is paying for it, he really isn't concerned about falling behind or being kicked out of the class. He did finally at least get his travel reimbursement from the military on Friday so he was able to pay the rent this month. However he informed me he is still waiting on the $2000 they owe him for his actual PAY, and he is 2 months behind on his car payment....

 

[Overexcited]

I agree planning is half the fun, I even enjoy helping other people plan!
As far as your brother, he sounds like he might be causing a little stress on your magic. As much as you want him to go maybe he needs help with reality! Maybe he should skip this trip, and go next time. A final answer either way would give you some much needed closure and end to worrying. (then he can pick you up at the airport as well).
frustrating when you want to share the magic with others on your trip.
We went back and forth with my parents on whether they were going or not.
They said yes then backed out, I was crushed (my DH was happy). Then we said let us go over the trip and prices with you, and they decided to go.
Yeah they just paid most of the trip off, airfare booked. I think it is for sure now!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Well, I'm planning a trip that I'm NOT going on right now. It's all possibly and potential....that's how much I LOVE planning. And who knows? If I wish it hard enough and plan it out, it may actually happen

It sounds like you are going to end up planning for a trip with brother and a trip without!

 

[Simba22]

Well, I'm planning a trip that I'm NOT going on right now. It's all possibly and potential....that's how much I LOVE planning. And who knows? If I wish it hard enough and plan it out, it may actually happen

It sounds like you are going to end up planning for a trip with brother and a trip without!

I think this is what Mike is doing...Just planning for it and somehow he will make it work. If I can say anything about my brother, it's that he has dumb luck! So I'm sure it will work out for him at the last minute!

 

[Overexcited]

Dumb luck for a solider may not be a bad quality to have, if it keeps him safe! Maybe it will work out for him, hope so!

 

[Simba22]

Dumb luck for a solider may not be a bad quality to have, if it keeps him safe! Maybe it will work out for him, hope so!

Never thought about it that way! I guess dumb luck is better than bad luck!

 

[Simba22]

I'm extremely bored at work so I decided to compile a list of the top 10 things I am most looking forward to on our trip:

10) Trying a new airline.
Delta's fees just got out of control. I hated not being able to pick my own seat on SW. I've heard good things about Jet Blue and they seem to have combined the two things I wanted most: cheap fares/no fees, and I can pick our seats.

9) Getting on the DME bus.
Nothing says "Welcome to Disney World" like stepping out of MCO for the first time into the Florida heat and right onto a Disney-fied bus that will take me right to my home away from home...for free

8) Going back to CSR, but staying in a new location.
CSR and POFQ are my two favorite resorts (of the ones I've had the opportunity to stay at, which is not many). But CSR was the first moderate resort that Lumar and I could afford on our own (we stayed at CBR in 2004 with my parents). I love that it doesn't share a bus with any other resort, and I love that you can use the bus system to get around the resort if you need to. The Dig Site is amazing (hello hot tub!), the grounds are absolutely stunning, and all the rooms have been renovated and now contain queen size or king size beds. In 2007 we stayed in the Casitas section but for this year I requested the Ranchos section. It's supposed to be pretty secluded and I'm looking forward to peace and quiet.

7) A day off.
I've never had a non-park day while on a Disney trip. But after coming home from our trip last year and having to wash two weeks worth of laundry all at once, I decided it was a necessity for this trip. It also gives some time for Lumar and Mike to sleep in a bit if they want to, time to explore the resort a little, and also gives us the option of playing mini-golf which we've always wanted to do and never had time for.

6) Lots of new dining experiences.
A huge chunk of our dining choices for this trip are new, starting with arrival day: Paradiso 37, Captain's Grill, The Grand Floridian Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, Jiko, Cape May Cafe, Biergarten, The Wave, and Tusker House...Plus we'll be trying two places we've been to, but for a different meal: Ohana for dinner, and Kona for lunch.

5) Lots of old dining experience.
Nine Dragons, San Angel Inn, The Plaza, Yak & Yeti, Mama Melrose's, T-Rex, and Kona Cafe (for breakfast) are our favorites from past trips. And of course, we have the F & W Festival to look forward to, as well! I hope they have that Dragonberry Colada again!

4) Illuminations, Fantasmic, and Jammin' in the Jungle.
My two favorite night time shows and my (tied for) favorite parade.

3) MNSSHP...TWICE
I think the Halloween party is the highlight for me. Just a great time, all around. And it comes complete with my other favorite parade, Boo to You, and Hallowishes! Oh and FREE CANDY!

2) Getting to ride Space Mountain again.
It was closed when we were there in 2009. Plus getting to ride all my other favorite rides again...which is pretty much everything except the Teacups

1) Not going back to work until November!
My official last day before vacation is Friday October 15. I have Monday the 18th off, then we leave on the 19th and don't fly back until Friday the 29th. Which means we don't go back til November 1!

I will have more lists coming up! Yep....I'm REALLY bored!

 

[Overexcited]

Love it! In fact I may borrow your idea on my PTR!

 

[Simba22]

Love it! In fact I may borrow your idea on my PTR!

Borrow away! I love comparing my top 10 favorites (of anything, really) to other people's lists. It's funny because I actually frequent the Restaurant boards and it kills me to see how many people absolutely downright despise the restaurants we can't live without! Planet Hollywood and Nine Dragons being just two of them.... But everyone seems to be infatuated with The Brown Derby and we hated it. Everything about it with the exception of the cheesecake dessert was just not pleasant.

 

[Overexcited]

Borrow away! I love comparing my top 10 favorites (of anything, really) to other people's lists. It's funny because I actually frequent the Restaurant boards and it kills me to see how many people absolutely downright despise the restaurants we can't live without! Planet Hollywood and Nine Dragons being just two of them.... But everyone seems to be infatuated with The Brown Derby and we hated it. Everything about it with the exception of the cheesecake dessert was just not pleasant.

Yup we have the same. We love Liberty Tree, Coral Reef and Hoop de doo and all get slammed! Looking forward to Ohana on our trip but that gets slammed alot as well!

 

[Simba22]

Yup we have the same. We love Liberty Tree, Coral Reef and Hoop de doo and all get slammed! Looking forward to Ohana on our trip but that gets slammed alot as well!

We really liked LTT when we went in 2007. Just haven't had a chance to go back yet since we're trying to do "new things" on each trip.

Are you doing Ohana for breakfast or dinner? I am in love with their breakfast. We've done it 4 times and I have a feeling I'm really going to miss it this year....

 

[Forever Red]

Hello everyone,its me Lumar and I am happy to make my official disboards debut, though technically I have had an account for a year now. I am ashamed to say I have not been as active with it as I should be. I have been through a lot since November and I think I needed time to heal. I think that now its as good a time as any to join Ali on this site and I look forward to interacting with all of you. I decided to start of with a list of my top ten things I am most looking forward to on this upcoming trip.

1.Haunted Mansion.
Not sure if Ali has elaborated on my love for this ride, but it is definitely my favorite and we listen to Grim Grinning Ghost son a daily basis.

2.Steak and eggs at Kona Cafe
This is what I had the first time we went to Kona and I have not stopped thinking about it since. Needless to say my mouth is watering as I type this.

3.The tower of terror
Another one of my favorites. I actually like waiting in line for this one. It is my favorite queue. From entering the gates, to waiting in the court yard, then waiting in the lobby for "check in", watching the classic intro in the library, and then finally waiting in the boiler room for the "service elevator". Just cant be beat.

4.RNRC
Since I will be just a few steps away from this awesome thrill ride while I am recovering from the tower of terror, what better way to speed that recovery up than by going from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds?

5. Pizza Planet
This one is a staple. We have done it every trip. Not just the food but spending some quarters at the arcade.

6. Hall of presidents
A great attraction that just makes me proud to be an American.

7. Kali River Rapids
We havent done this one in a few trips, so I am looking forward to getting soaked in the way that only this ride can provide.

8. World Showcase
What can I say? I love to eat and I love to learn about diffrent cultures around the world. Plus I love to speak with people that have accents. There is no other place to do this all in one day than the world showcase.

9. MNSSHP x2
An experience so nice we are doing it twice.

10. Returning to Coronado Springs
I cant decide between this or French Quarter as my favorite resort, but I sure am happy to return and check out the Ranchos portion.

So what do you all think? Did I do good in my first official outing? Please let me know. Im really excited to hear some feed back. I know this is Ali's thread but I'm hijacking it.

 

[Overexcited]

We really liked LTT when we went in 2007. Just haven't had a chance to go back yet since we're trying to do "new things" on each trip.

Are you doing Ohana for breakfast or dinner? I am in love with their breakfast. We've done it 4 times and I have a feeling I'm really going to miss it this year....

Dinner at Ohana this year. I am hoping LTT is still as fun without characters.
We picked a few favs and then everyone picked one new place to try! Have to try new ones> Too bad about Brown Derby, it is 2 meals as well on DDP.

 

[Overexcited]

Hello everyone,its me Lumar and I am happy to make my official disboards debut, though technically I have had an account for a year now. I am ashamed to say I have not been as active with it as I should be. I have been through a lot since November and I think I needed time to heal. I think that now its as good a time as any to join Ali on this site and I look forward to interacting with all of you. I decided to start of with a list of my top ten things I am most looking forward to on this upcoming trip.

1.Haunted Mansion.
Not sure if Ali has elaborated on my love for this ride, but it is definitely my favorite and we listen to Grim Grinning Ghost son a daily basis.

2.Steak and eggs at Kona Cafe
This is what I had the first time we went to Kona and I have not stopped thinking about it since. Needless to say my mouth is watering as I type this.

3.The tower of terror
Another one of my favorites. I actually like waiting in line for this one. It is my favorite queue. From entering the gates, to waiting in the court yard, then waiting in the lobby for "check in", watching the classic intro in the library, and then finally waiting in the boiler room for the "service elevator". Just cant be beat.

4.RNRC
Since I will be just a few steps away from this awesome thrill ride while I am recovering from the tower of terror, what better way to speed that recovery up than by going from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds?

5. Pizza Planet
This one is a staple. We have done it every trip. Not just the food but spending some quarters at the arcade.

6. Hall of presidents
A great attraction that just makes me proud to be an American.

7. Kali River Rapids
We havent done this one in a few trips, so I am looking forward to getting soaked in the way that only this ride can provide.

8. World Showcase
What can I say? I love to eat and I love to learn about diffrent cultures around the world. Plus I love to speak with people that have accents. There is no other place to do this all in one day than the world showcase.

9. MNSSHP x2
An experience so nice we are doing it twice.

10. Returning to Coronado Springs
I cant decide between this or French Quarter as my favorite resort, but I sure am happy to return and check out the Ranchos portion.

So what do you all think? Did I do good in my first official outing? Please let me know. Im really excited to hear some feed back. I know this is Ali's thread but I'm hijacking it.

Great list, lots of my favs on there! We are returning in Sept for 2 reasons, MNSSHP and free dining. We loved the MNSSHP last time can't be beat. The parade was probably the best I have seen at Disney. TOT can't be beat. I have to try RnRC again, it has been years but I was not overly impressed last time. That being said, it was in 2000 and we did Universal as well and may have been on roller coaster overload.
Sorry about your Mom! My DH lost his last year as well.

 

[Forever Red]

Great list, lots of my favs on there! We are returning in Sept for 2 reasons, MNSSHP and free dining. We loved the MNSSHP last time can't be beat. The parade was probably the best I have seen at Disney. TOT can't be beat. I have to try RnRC again, it has been years but I was not overly impressed last time. That being said, it was in 2000 and we did Universal as well and may have been on roller coaster overload.
Sorry about your Mom! My DH lost his last year as well.

Sorry for your DH's loss. It is truly one of the hardest things a person could go through, but on to happier thoughts. I think that if your not on a coaster overdose RnRC is one of the best out there. Great deal on the free dinning. We are still debating on what our costumes are going to be for this years MNSSHP. Really exciting stuff, I can see why you're overexcited Sorry, Ali will tell you. I love a good pun. Now if I could only get her to stop trying to change the plans for our trip. I think we are currently on version 5.0 of this vacation. She is probably changing something as I type this.

 

[annmarieda]

Love it! In fact I may borrow your idea on my PTR!

Me too, me too! I love your list. When I get a chance, I will have to make one of my own for my PTR. As for your list...I can see why they made your top ten. Your number 3 spot has me quite jealous!

 

[Simba22]

Sorry, Ali will tell you. I love a good pun. Now if I could only get her to stop trying to change the plans for our trip. I think we are currently on version 5.0 of this vacation. She is probably changing something as I type this.

It's true...he kills me with puns

I wish I had something to PLAN!!

 

[TinkerbelleAbbysMom]

We will be there the same time frame (well the 21st to the 28th). We will be doing the mama Melrose on the 21st but is is a 3pm for F!. What time will you be there? Oh and Ali.. I know it can be tough to live with a guy who loves puns so much!! My DH is constantly trying to come up with them and he really thinks he is so punny!!