Looking for Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere a PTR

[If U Had Wings]

Okay...my picks.

I would go to Akershush only because I've been to the Castle my last two trips and it's really the Castle that is the draw. I can't imagine how chaotic it gets in there with the characters either since I've only been at dinner and I still think it's a bit loud and crazy. I think breakfast at Akershush would be a lot of fun to try!

That seems to be the overall feeling about the castle. I can really do without chaos.

Boma or Raglan Road...I have never been to either so I guess it's really what fits into your schedule better.

Since whichever I chose is on our "shorter" Animal Kingdom day I have plenty of time. I know it's going to come down to the place.

I loved both Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern. I think you could get out of Crystal Palace fairly quickly unless you are set on meeting all of our characters. I liked my dinner from CP but I will say I preferred breakfast but that doesn't mean dinner was bad. I adored LTT, I loved the atmosphere and I loved the characters...have they brought them back yet? The food was basic comfort food but really very good! I think either one you go with will be a good meal and not take a whole lot of time either. Buffet and Family Style...both fairly quick.

No, there are still no characters at Liberty Tree. It's too bad, because that would have really picked it for me. I'd much prefer Mickey and the gang over Pooh.

I think if you stick to the basic food at Sci Fi (burgers & shakes) you will have a good meal. I'm going there in September, so I can fill you in more if you want.

I can't wait to hear about it!

And as for the Signature Meal I am sure you don't have to ask but I will tell you BROWN DERBY.

I know! I just love it too. I'm dying to try the Cobb salad.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hmm...

Let's see... For me I'd say CRT; we were really dissapointed with the characters at Akershus. However, the food was really good! But then again, we actually LIKE fish and lefse. And if you are wanting to meet Belle, she is the one who usually does the welcome picture.

I've eaten at Sci-Fi. Food was great, but unless you have someone who also likes corny old sci-fi clips and likes to laugh along, don't go.

Go with Cali Grill- that way you can get a good review for me! HA!

I'd also have to say HDDR was so totally fun!! I loved it! Again, though, it would be more fun in a group. The food was nice, too.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, here are my pics:

Akerhaus: We loved our breakfast there in 2004 and the princesses took a lot of time at each table.

Boma: You knew I would say that, right?

Liberty Tree Tavern: I haven't eaten there, but I have read lots of good reviews and it seems to fit the Christmas mood.

Sci-Fi or 50's: This is a tough one -- although I have eaten at Sci-Fi and loved it, I really want to eat at 50's someday.

Tusker House: Love that place!

Oh, the last one is really hard! The only one I have eaten at is Brown Derby and it was heavenly!

 

[MyMuse]

I'll try to help with the ones I know...

Akerhaus or CRT
I'm leaning towards Akerhaus, but the lure of eating in the castle is strong. I've read some really great reviews about the breakfast at Akerhaus, and Belle is there in her gold dress greeting most of the time. I've read that Akerhaus is less chaotic than the castle, which would be nice, plus it is less expensive, which is always a bonus. Still - dining in the castle - very tempting, although it should be telling me something that my one argument for CRT is just the setting itself. (Well, that and getting into the MK early for pics).

We did Akerhaus for a 3:10pm lunch and really did like it. The servers were nice, the food good and the princesses very interactive. And you get the picture has part of the package (though our Belle had a bit of an Elvis lip thing going on).
It was slightly chaotic outside checking in, but after that, it was smmoth sailing. The inside of the castle is gorgeous. Stunning. I ran around taking pictures. I just liked everything about it once inside.

Though, my wish list for December is also to dine at The Castle, just for the experience.

Sci Fi Drive in or 50's Prime Time Café
I've never been to the Sci Fi, but would love to check it out. We both really liked the 50's Prime Time on our last visit. I've heard dubious things about the food at the Sci Fi, but is it tolerably good enough? I'm not looking for a 5 star meal, just decent food. I know that the primary draw is the cars and atmosphere.

We did Sci Fi and it was GREAT. I really loved the atomsphere. The food was pretty good; I had a milkshake that was great and my turkey club was very good. I meant to get a burger, but the turkey club sidetracked me. The only downside is that it takes people forever to get out. We had to wait another 30 minutes after our reservation to get in. However, I would go again!

Chef Mickey's or Tusker House
This one I might not even have to worry about. Our last day we'll have some extra time, so we thought we'd do one last nice breakfast before heading home. If we upgrade to 10 day passes, I'll be trying for Chef Mickey's because we won't have any park passes left. However, if we upgrade to annual passes, I started thinking that Tusker House might be a fun choice. Donald's my favorite character and I just love him in his safari garb. It would also put us close to a park for a last spin on Everest.

We did Chef Mickey's for a late dinner and even though it was good, I don't think I need to do it again. Maybe it's different at different times of the day?

I have not been to Raglan Road, but it's definitely on my list to try! I had a reservation there last time, but gave it up when 1900 Park Fare had an opening. I cannot pass up Mary Poppins.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Hmm...

Let's see... For me I'd say CRT; we were really dissapointed with the characters at Akershus. However, the food was really good! But then again, we actually LIKE fish and lefse. And if you are wanting to meet Belle, she is the one who usually does the welcome picture.

I've never had Norweign food, but the breakfast menu looks pretty standard. I'm also a huge fan of fruit, and alot of the reviews rave about the fruit bar. I could eat nothing but that all day long!

I've eaten at Sci-Fi. Food was great, but unless you have someone who also likes corny old sci-fi clips and likes to laugh along, don't go.

No my friend is definitely up for corny. When we went to the 50's Prime Time previously the two of us had a ball, going along with our "cousin" and having a good time.

Go with Cali Grill- that way you can get a good review for me! HA!

You need to try Cali Grill. I went on my last trip and it was fantastic! It was my mother's choice, and we went on our last night. It was the perfect way to wrap up our vacation. I didn't request any kind of special table when we checked in, and we ended up with the best seat in the house purely by chance. (Directly in the corner with a direct view of the castle). The flatbreads were to die for, the filet melted in your mouth and the deserts were pretty good too. (Oh, and we didn't have to move an inch to watch Wishes). I'm just sad that they did away with the flatbreads. They were that good!

I'd also have to say HDDR was so totally fun!! I loved it! Again, though, it would be more fun in a group. The food was nice, too.

I've always enjoyed the show. Lots of corny jokes, and laughs. I'm figuring we could do the Hoop Dee Doo on one of our park-less days. We can catch one of the earlier shows, and then head over to the Boardwalk and hang out at Jelly Rolls for awhile.

Okay, here are my pics:

Akerhaus: We loved our breakfast there in 2004 and the princesses took a lot of time at each table.

This is the breakfast I'm leaning towards. The fact that it's cheaper too doesn't hurt.

Boma: You knew I would say that, right?

I didn't doubt this one at all for you. I just love the soups at Boma!

Liberty Tree Tavern: I haven't eaten there, but I have read lots of good reviews and it seems to fit the Christmas mood.

I hadn't even thought of it that way. Hmmm. It would help put us more in the mood for the holiday festivities.

Sci-Fi or 50's: This is a tough one -- although I have eaten at Sci-Fi and loved it, I really want to eat at 50's someday.

50's is one of my favorite places to eat in all of the world. I heart the pot roast there and love the cheesy 50's decorating scheme. I wasn't able to make it there last year because we ate at Hollywood and Vine instead for the Fantasmic package. (Yuck!) I've been missing it. I really want to try Sci-Fi though. Sigh. This one is really one of the toughest calls for me.

Tusker House: Love that place!

It was your pics that really made me start thinking of it as an option. I'd do it on our AK morning, but thought it might be a bit of overkill with eating that day if we did.

Oh, the last one is really hard! The only one I have eaten at is Brown Derby and it was heavenly!

I know! I wish I could just go around eating at all the signature places. Cali Grill was in the lead until they did away with the flatbreads. I had been wanting to catch Wishes there again. Brown Derby is now the way I'm leaning, but the lure of the other two is strong. I've never tried either of them, and keep thinking that I should try something new this time. Plus I keep thinking of Tink and the quarto-fromaggi potatoes.

 

[If U Had Wings]

We did Akerhaus for a 3:10pm lunch and really did like it. The servers were nice, the food good and the princesses very interactive. And you get the picture has part of the package (though our Belle had a bit of an Elvis lip thing going on).
It was slightly chaotic outside checking in, but after that, it was smmoth sailing. The inside of the castle is gorgeous. Stunning. I ran around taking pictures. I just liked everything about it once inside.

Though, my wish list for December is also to dine at The Castle, just for the experience.

Thanks for the review of Akerhaus. It's one of those places that I've always wanted to try, but the food has always scared me a bit. I'm thinking breakfast would be a good way to try it out.

I think everyone says the same thing about the castle. I'd rather do an evening meal there, but have heard many dubious things about the food. It's too bad they can't do it right.

We did Sci Fi and it was GREAT. I really loved the atomsphere. The food was pretty good; I had a milkshake that was great and my turkey club was very good. I meant to get a burger, but the turkey club sidetracked me. The only downside is that it takes people forever to get out. We had to wait another 30 minutes after our reservation to get in. However, I would go again!

I'm so glad I'm hearing some good things about Sci Fi. It seems to be one of those places that people love to bash usually. I would definitely be sticking with the basic burgers an shakes when I'm there.

We did Chef Mickey's for a late dinner and even though it was good, I don't think I need to do it again. Maybe it's different at different times of the day?

I've heard from alot of people that Chef Mickey's is pretty chaotic all the time. I guess that's what you get when you mix buffets with character meals. It's too bad that they did away with the characters at Liberty Tavern. I'd think that would be sllightly less chaotic with fewer people getting up and down.

I have not been to Raglan Road, but it's definitely on my list to try! I had a reservation there last time, but gave it up when 1900 Park Fare had an opening. I cannot pass up Mary Poppins.

I would love to try Park Fare one of these days too. I'd love to do a breakfast, but wish that it was the Cinderella/Stepsisters/Lady Tremaine at breakfast too.

 

[MinnieNurse]

Any new plans?

 

[MyMuse]

Oh, fyi, we had Cinderella at Akerhaus! That was great and such a surprise! I guess she is not there often.
I meant the inside of Akerhaus was gorgeous. I have pics in my TR, if you want to check it out. The food was good. There was a buffet for the appetizers and you ordered your meal via a menu with the server. I had the traditional kjotke (or however it's spelled); it filled us up for HOURS.

I was very happy with 1900 Park Fare breakfast. It was absolutely the best. I would do that one again in a heartbeat. The characters were very interactive and if you talk, they stay. They seem to be very happy when people are actually interested in them and they totally stay in character.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I have to share this......

This is my daughter Danica. She is wearing a special sweater that Crissy hand knitted for her. It was a complete surprise to me when it came in the mail. It's so beautiful and soft. Thanks again Wings!

And see the hand-made blanket behind Danica?....that is the handy work of TarzansKat. I my DIS Friends!

 

[princess&her4princes]

I have to share this......

This is my daughter Danica. She is wearing a special sweater that Crissy hand knitted for her. It was a complete surprise to me when it came in the mail. It's so beautiful and soft. Thanks again Wings!

And see the hand-made blanket behind Danica?....that is the handy work of TarzansKat. I my DIS Friends!

How ADORABLE is that!!!? Wish I had a daughter to wear something that cute!! and btw, your baby girl is just beautiful!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Crissy, I just love the Mickey heads on Danica's sweater!

 

[Native NYer]

I came over when I saw the link in your siggie on TK's PTR. Going back to read!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I have to share this......

This is my daughter Danica. She is wearing a special sweater that Crissy hand knitted for her. It was a complete surprise to me when it came in the mail. It's so beautiful and soft. Thanks again Wings!

I'm so glad you like it. It looks adorable on her.

How ADORABLE is that!!!? Wish I had a daughter to wear something that cute!! and btw, your baby girl is just beautiful!!!

You know, you ever have a girl, I'd be happy to knit one for you too! Just sayin!

Crissy, I just love the Mickey heads on Danica's sweater!

Thanks! I've made the sweater before, but with the flowers on the pockets that the pattern called for. This was my first attempt at changing it. I definitely needed Mickey ears for a Dis friend!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Thanks! I've made the sweater before, but with the flowers on the pockets that the pattern called for. This was my first attempt at changing it. I definitely needed Mickey ears for a Dis friend!

I think my jaw hit the floor when I saw the Mickey heads. My DH was confused as to how you did those....I told him with a lot of pixie dust!

 

[If U Had Wings]

It wasn't too hard. I found a larger pattern for them on a knit/crochet site I visit and adapted it. Those pockets needed Mickey ears.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I came over when I saw the link in your siggie on TK's PTR. Going back to read!

Welcome!!!!

 

[Flossbolna]

The sweater is lovely!

Have you noticed that AP rates are out for December? Looks like some great deals are available!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I have to share this......

This is my daughter Danica. She is wearing a special sweater that Crissy hand knitted for her. It was a complete surprise to me when it came in the mail. It's so beautiful and soft. Thanks again Wings!

And see the hand-made blanket behind Danica?....that is the handy work of TarzansKat. I my DIS Friends!

Oh my goodness! That is adorable! Good job Wings!! Good job TK!

 

[If U Had Wings]

The sweater is lovely!

Have you noticed that AP rates are out for December? Looks like some great deals are available!

Thank you!

I did see the AP rates. Unfortunately since I won't be upgrading to AP until Dec. I'm out of luck now. Hopefully there will be a Disney Visa offer soon!

Oh my goodness! That is adorable! Good job Wings!! Good job TK!

Thanks. I had alot of fun knitting it up.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Can I be honest with everyone reading along at home?

My trip is beginning to stress me, and I'm not enjoying it. It's just not bringing out any feelings of peace, love, or pixie dust within me. I keep reading other threads and ptr's and have been feeling a bit jealous for everyone who is having things work out nicely for them - discount codes and upgrades abound. I'm jealous, but happy for them at the same time. My stress is even making me have doubts about inviting my friend along. I know this will pass, but right now I'm kind of hitting my limit on Disney planning. You know that point? The worrying about things completely out of your control that begins to take over your every thought.

I'm just feeling agitated and paranoid about my trip 24/7 lately.

I had been hoping that a nice room discount would fall my way on this trip. When I booked last September, I was able to utilize an AAA discount, so I have at least some kind of a deal. Once this became a trip for two instead of just me, I was really hoping for a code that would let us stay at one place for the week for less than what I'm paying for my split stay. My hopes began to rise when I saw the AP codes released earlier this week, and people were saying that the Disney Visa discount usually gets released a few days later and is the same thing.

No such luck.

Sure enough a Disney Visa deal came out today, but not the discount code that I was hoping for, a free dining code.

Now, don't get me wrong the free dining is a great deal. I was thrilled to be able to get it last year for my trip, but this year I wanted a room code for a few reasons. One, we already have tickets. I know that I could get just a one day ticket, but still I'm thinking of upgrading my 5 day passes to an AP. I hate to spend the money on a ticket right now that I won't need. It just feels useless. Second, I really didn't want to face all that food this trip. Yes, it's a great deal, but the past two years I've done it I've found myself eating more than I would normally. Especially with the dessert with lunch and dinner. I definitely don't usually eat desert with lunch normally, and even at dinner I'd rather have the option of getting an appetizer and then just pick up a sweet snack later on in the evening if I'm so inclined.

I'm also getting paranoid now about getting my ADRs. I've researched here on the Dis boards, and on a few other boards as well about what the current policy is for booking ADRs with a split stay. There seems to be no consistency among the CM's when it comes to this. Some people are saying they are able to book all their ADRs 90 days out of their first check in date. Other people are being cut off, and have to call a second time. I wasn't overly worried about this (well, maybe a little worried), until free dining had to show it's ugly face. Now I'm worried that I'm not going to be able to get the ADRs that I want since the restaurants are going to be crazy. I was really hoping I wasn't going to have to deal with free dining stuff this trip! ADRs are all I have on my mind lately, and the parnanoia is making me a bit crazy.

I'm actually considering adding on additional days to my POP reservation so that I can make my ADRs, and then just cancel the extra days later. I've also considered making a new reservation for the full trip, and then just cancelling it afterwards. I'm just afraid that once I cancel the reservation, they will cancel the ADRs too.

I'm just not up for dealing with trip stress!